cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical Interpretation of the Pulse Dynamics

The effects of dispersion and absorption on the evolution of an electromagnetic pulse as it propagates through a homogeneous linear dielectric, developed originally by Sommerfeld [10.1] and Brillouin [10.2,3] have been described in detail by the mathematical description presented in the preceeding chapters of this monograph. The results show that after the pulse has propagated sufficiently far in the material, its dynamics settle into a relatively simple regime (known as “mature dispersion”) for the rest of the propagation. In this regime, the field becomes locally quasi-monochromatic with fixed local frequency and wave number in small regions of space which move with their own characteristic constant velocity. The theory provides approximate analytic expressions for the local wave properties to be expected at a given space-time point of observation. The expressions are very complicated, however, and neither the results nor their derivations have provided insight into the physical reasons for the field having the particular local properties it does in the various subregions of space moving with specific velocities.
Carbon and Hydrogen Isotopic Effects in Microbial, Methane from Terrestrial Environments

An important functional relationship of low temperature geochemistry is that there are coincidental shifts in the δ 13 C and δ D of methane isotopic composition relative to the methane production pathway and/or to the effects of microbially mediated methane oxidation. This chapter aims to illustrate these shifts as they occur in terrestrial environments and to consider the factors that influence this relationship, including anthropogenic impacts (e.g., landfills). It shows that changes in 13 CH 4 alone are ambiguous, forced either by methane oxidation or variation in the methane production mechanism. Information on variation in δ D of CH 4 should strengthen any interpretation of 13 C data. While C and H isotope systematics can be useful for diagnosing a wide variety of processes leading to methane production, this chapter focuses only on microbial methane produced or consumed in low temperature settings.
Enzymic release of ferulic acid from sugar beet pulp using a specific esterase from Aspergillus niger

Abstract We have purified and characterised a novel esterase (CinnAE) from Aspergillus niger. The enzyme demonstrated activity towards various soluble feruloylated oligosaccharides derived from sugar beet pulp (SBP) but, when acting alone, the esterase release only 0.9% of the alkali-extractable ferulic acid from SBP. However, when incubated with a mixture of endo-arabinanase and α-L-arabinofuranosidase, there was a 14-fold increase in ferulic acid release, demonstrating a strong synergy between these three enzymes. No increase in ferulic acid release was observed when SBP was incubated with CinnAE plus endo-(1,4)-β-D-galactanase and β-D-galactosidase. Hence, feruloylated arabinans in SBP are readily available for hydrolysis by arabinan-degrading enzymes, whereas feruloylated galactans are not available for hydrolysis by galactan-degrading enzymes.
Elevated growth factor levels in transformed mouse embryo cells treated with N,N-dimethylformamide.

The transformed mouse mebryo fibroblast cell line AKR-MCA, produces several transforming growth factor (TGF) activities which can be identified in cell extracts and serum-free conditioned medium. Treatment of these transformed cells with 1% N,N -dimethylformamide resulted in a more normal phenotype and an increased level of TGFs in cell extracts and conditioned medium. In addition, an 11-fold increase in an epidermal growth factor receptor-competing activity was observed in cell extracts and conditioned medium compared to control untreated cells. Fractionation of the conditioned medium on Bio-Gel P-100 showed that the same size classes of TGFs were present in N,N -dimethylformamide-treated as well as untreated cells. The increased EGF-receptor-competing activity was eluted in two peaks at M , 6500 and M , 4000. The M , 6500 peak did not coelute with a TGF peak in the N,N -dimethylformamide-treated cells.
Application of weighted least squares to OSL vector error correction

The use of least squares has been beneficial in providing more accurate one-port calibrations. Commercially available ECAL units have taken advantage of this method. A more generalized application of a least squares method, the weighted least squares method provides benefit when the models for the calibration standards are not all trusted equally. The use of the weighted least squares provides a method of discounting the effect of calibration standards as the model accuracy degrades instead of abruptly dropping the use of the standard outside of a specified frequency range avoiding discontinuities in subsequent measurements. A detailed view a 1.85 μm calibration kit demonstrates the improved results possible using a weighted least squares method. The paper includes the description of a proximity function that enhances the results when the response of two or more standards begin to cluster. Additional enhancements due to databased models over traditional polynomial models is also presented.
Endoscopic craniosynostosis repair.

Introduction: Craniosynostosis is a rare condition that affects approximately one child in every 2,000 live births, and involves pathological fusion of two or more skull bones. Consequences of craniosynostosis include possible limitation of brain growth and cosmetic effects on the appearance of the child. Traditional repairs for these conditions over the past 3-4 decades have involved an open operation with a large skin incision and major manipulations of the skull bones. More recently, minimally invasive endoscopic techniques have been developed to release the skull bones, followed by postoperative treatment with either an external orthosis or internal springs and distractors to achieve the desired correction. Methods: In this review minimally invasive endoscopic repair will be reviewed. A general overview of the condition and techniques for correction will be discussed, followed by specific application of these surgeries for different craniosynostosis diagnoses. Attention to the subtleties of each specific condition will be highlighted. Summary: Over the past two decades clinical experience and a large number of publications have substantiated the benefits of minimally invasive endoscopic techniques for the treatment of craniosynostosis. These techniques have clear benefits for selected patients, and should be part of the standard of care for this condition at craniofacial centers.
A block segmentation method for document images with complicated column structures

Presents a novel block segmentation method for document images which can be applied to various document formats. Some documents have complicated column structures, in which some figure areas have no surrounding rectangles and others cut across text areas. In the approach presented, in order to segment documents into text and figure areas, the text areas are analyzed first, and the figure areas are then detected by analyzing information on the text areas. The overall process is as follows. First, character strings are merged into text groups by analyzing regularity in the text areas. Next, border lines of columns are detected by linking the edges of the text groups. After that, the whole page is segmented into small blocks according to the border lines. The blocks are then unified by using the column information, and some unified blocks are detected. Finally, a projection profile method is applied to the unified blocks in order to detect text areas and figure areas. This method was applied to 61 pages of Japanese technical papers and magazines, and 93.3% of the text areas and 93.2% of the figure areas were detected correctly. >
A hierarchical conditional autoregressive model for colorectal cancer survival data

In this article, we propose a Bayesian hierarchical linear mixed model to cancer data with geographical characteristics. The spatial effects are captured via a conditional autoregressive CAR model. The survival model is introduced to analyze the survival pattern of colorectal cancer based on geographical factors and patients' disease conditions. We propose a special case of the classic Cox model with Weibull hazard as well as a cure rate model. A CAR prior is used to capture the spatial effects, which are determined based on counties the survival subjects belong to. The computation is done via Gibbs sampling. The ratio-of-uniforms method is used to sample from a nonstandard conditional posterior density, and the adaptive rejection method is used to sample from log-concave densities. The model is applied to the Colon & Rectum Cancer incidences in Iowa from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results SEER database. Computation is implemented in Intel Fortran on Linux platform. WIREs Comput Stat 2014, 6:37-44. doi: 10.1002/wics.1283
Bottle beam generation from fiber-based Bessel beams

We demonstrate an all-fiber method to generate a 28um × 6.5um optical bottle using coherent superpositions of fiber-grating-based Bessel beams. Our method enables precise beam control by tuning the relative modal weight and phase of the two beams.
Extracellular potassium accumulation may contribute to long-term potentiation induced with long 100 Hz stimulus trains

Long-term potentiation is often induced by high-frequency stimulation (100 Hz) for 1 second. However, in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells we observe that EPSPs quickly become depressed in such trains and it is rare to see action potentials in the pyramidal cell after 200 ms into the train. Because LTP induction depends on postsynaptic depolarization and there appeared to be little depolarization after 200 ms, we predicted that lengthening the train from 200 ms to 1600 ms should produce little additional LTP. However we found that LTP magnitude progressively increased with train length. Further investigation revealed that fiber volley amplitude decreased and latency increased during a long train and that these changes could be reproduced by raising extracellular potassium concentration in the bath. In addition NMDA receptor mediated field EPSPs were increased with elevated extracellular potassium. These experimental findings strongly suggest that decreased afferent excitability and decreased glutamate release during a train are more than compensated by increases in extracellular potassium which enhances the NMDA receptor response and allows long trains to produce additional LTP. We have constructed computational models to test this idea and gain insight into how elevated extracellular potassium might be produced by long high-frequency trains and how this might affect LTP. If extracellular potassium concentration is raised from 3.4 mM to 13 mM, we note that: i) the NMDA reversal potential changes only 1.5 mV, ii) the potassium reversal potential depolarizes by 35 mV, and iii) resting potential depolarizes by 20 mV. The effect of these changes is to double the amount of calcium coming into a dendritic spine through NMDA receptor channels, but these changes also make the neuron fire action potentials even when input is depressed, in contradiction to the experimental results. This suggests that changes in extracellular potassium are likely to be restricted to regions around the afferent axons and the sites of synaptic contact. We are currently investigating this hypothesis and are seeking parameter conditions that reproduce the experimental findings.
Families learn what it's like to be a geoscientist astronaut

Astronaut and AGU member Andrew Feustel delivered the 2011 Public Lecture on Sunday, 4 December. Feustel gave a fun and engaging talk full of amazing photos about his two space missions: STS-125, during which he and his fellow crew members extended the life of the Hubble Space Telescope, and STS-134, the space shuttleEndeavour's final mission, which delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) to the International Space Station (ISS). AMS is a state-of- the-art instrument designed to study matter and the origin and structure of the universe. RegularEos readers will remember a July 2011 article aboutEos in space, complete with a photo of an issue of Eos floating in front of the ISS window (Eos, 92(28), 236, doi:10.1029/2011EO2800 08). As the enthusiastic AGU member who took that issue into space, Feustel spoke from the unique perspective of someone who was trained in the geosciences before becoming an astronaut. Thus, he discussed the role of astronauts as explorers of Earth from space as well as the importance of geological observations on the Moon and the exploration of the cosmos. To thank him for his dedication, AGU president Mike McPhaden joined more than 160 other attendees at the Public Lecture and presented Feustel with a framed picture of the article featuring Eos in space.
Structural and high temperature magnetic studies of the systems PrMn2GdMn2 and PrMn2TbMn2

Abstract Induction melted and annealed specimens crystallize with a cubic face centered structure isotypical with Th6Mn23 (G phase) from PrMn2 to Pr0.178Gd0.155Mn0.667 and Pr0.173Tb0.16Mn0.667. C15 GdMn2 and TbMn2 dissolve about 2 mole% PrMn2. The G-phase compounds are ferrimagnets at room temperature with saturation moments of about 1 μB per mole. Curie temperatures in the order of 450 K are followed by complex magnetic behavior up to 1000 K.
Effect of enzymatic methylation of proteins on their isoelectric points

Enzymatic methylation of arginine and lysine residues of several cytochromec and lysine residue of calmodulin always resulted in lowering of their respective isoelectric points (pI). Employing cytochromesc derived from various sources, we examined a possible relationship between the degree of amino acid sequence degeneracy and the magnitude of change in the pI values by enzymatic methylation, and found that there was no correlation between these two parameters. By constructing space-filling models of oligopeptide fragments adjacent to the potential methylation sites, we have noted that not all the methylatable residues are able to form hydrogen bonds prior to the methylation. Two preparations of yeast apocytochromec, one chemically prepared by removing heme from holocytochromec and the other by translating yeast iso-1-cytochromec mRNAin vitro, exhibited slightly higher Stokes radii than the homologous holocytochromec, indicating relatively “relaxed or open” conformation of the protein. However, when thein vitro synthesized methylated apocytochromec was compared with the unmethylated counter-part, the Stokes radius of the latter was found to be larger.
Intercultural journeys: from study to residence abroad

Intercultural journeys: from study to residence abroad, by Jane Jackson, New York, Palgrave Macmillan, 2010, 251 pp., £50.00 (hardback), ISBN 978-0-230-52721-8 As globalisation trends create the op...
Diffusion on grain boundary networks: Percolation theory and effective medium approximations

Abstract Grain boundary networks in polycrystalline materials are heterogeneous and comprise a spectrum of local boundary diffusivities. Although it is desirable to ascribe a single “effective” grain boundary diffusivity to a polycrystal, this quantity is a complex average over the grain boundary character distribution, in view of the network topology and connectivity among boundaries of different character. Here we evaluate the macroscopic diffusivity of grain boundary networks with both randomly distributed and crystallographically correlated grain boundary character. In high-contrast networks, where the local diffusivity varies by more than four orders of magnitude between grain boundaries of different character, the macroscopic diffusivity is governed by the development of a percolating path of high-diffusivity boundaries. In low-contrast systems, the effective network diffusivity is less sensitive to topology and can be described by composite averaging schemes. We quantitatively delineate high- and low-contrast regimes, and discuss a generalized effective medium approximation that quantitatively links the network structure to effective macroscopic transport properties at all levels of contrast. We also illustrate how effective medium theory can be adapted to capture crystallographic correlations among boundary types, and expanded to include a broader spectrum of boundary character.
The Relationship between Writing Knowledge and Writing Performance among More and Less Skilled Writers

One ingredient that may serve as a catalyst for writing development is changes in writing knowledge. This study assessed the veracity of two tenets underlying this proposal: that skilled writers ar...
Uptake of ANG1005, A Novel Paclitaxel Derivative, Through the Blood-Brain Barrier into Brain and Experimental Brain Metastases of Breast Cancer

Purpose We evaluated the uptake of angiopep-2 paclitaxel conjugate, ANG1005, into brain and brain metastases of breast cancer in rodents. Most anticancer drugs show poor delivery to brain tumors due to limited transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To overcome this, a 19-amino acid peptide (angiopep-2) was developed that binds to low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) receptors at the BBB and has the potential to deliver drugs to brain by receptor-mediated transport.
Dielectric Relaxation of Rochelle Salt

The complex dielectric constant of Rochelle salt has been measured at frequencies from 2.5 to 13 GHz, and at 155 MHz. The measurements were made in a temperature range from -50 to 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C which includes the ferroelectric region and significant parts of both paraelectric regions. Measurements were made both with and without dc biases. The dielectric constant is found to undergo a relaxation of a strictly Debye character. Over the entire temperature range, the relaxation time is found to be proportional to ${T}^{1.25}$ times the difference between the low-frequency, clamped, differential dielectric constant and its limiting high-frequency value. This result is shown to be consistent with a model of the high-frequency dielectric behavior based on the Kubo susceptibility formalism. Following Mitsui, it is assumed that the ferroelectric properties of Rochelle salt arise from the rotation of hydroxyl groups within the tartrate molecules. The basic relaxation process probably involves phonon-induced transitions between the lowest states of these hydroxyl ions. However, the cooperative dipolar interaction between ions reduces the over-all relaxation rate of the coupled system. An approximate model Hamiltonian of the coupled hydroxyl system is constructed in terms of the Pauli matrices and is used to calculate an explicit expression for the relaxation rate.
The Increasing Use of Property Tax Abatement as a Means of Promoting Sub-National Economic Activity in the United States

The swift increase in stand-alone property tax abatement programs (SAPTAPS) allowed within the United States (from 30 percent of the states allowing them in 1964 to 70 percent in 2004), the nationwide erosion in property tax base they likely generate, and the wide variety of arguments given both pro and con for the continued existence of these programs are the reasons their use is explored in this paper. The paper first offers evidence on the increasing use of property tax abatement in the United States, and the arguments previously put forth in favor and against the use of this form of economic development incentive. Next, the economic theory indicating why abatement may promote sub-national economic development is summarized. This is followed by a description of the types and prevalence of SAPTAPs currently in the United States, and a summary of the best empirical evidence that exists on the effects of property tax abatements. The conclusion offers my own recommendations in regard to how sub-national decision makers should view the offering of SAPTAPs and policy suggestions for the future of property tax abatement in the United States.
A role for nucleosome assembly protein 1 in the nuclear transport of histones H2A and H2B

Import of core histones into the nucleus is a prerequisite for their deposition onto DNA and the assembly of chromatin. Here we demonstrate that nucleosome assembly protein 1 (Nap1p), a protein previously implicated in the deposition of histones H2A and H2B, is also involved in the transport of these two histones. We demonstrate that Nap1p can bind directly to Kap114p, the primary karyopherin/importin responsible for the nuclear import of H2A and H2B. Nap1p also serves as a bridge between Kap114p and the histone nuclear localization sequence (NLS). Nap1p acts cooperatively to increase the affinity of Kap114p for these NLSs. Nuclear accumulation of histone NLS–green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporters was decreased in Δnap1 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Nap1p promotes the association of the H2A and H2B NLSs specifically with the karyopherin Kap114p. Localization studies demonstrate that Nap1p is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein, and genetic experiments suggest that its shuttling is important for maintaining chromatin structure in vivo. We propose a model in which Nap1p links the nuclear transport of H2A and H2B to chromatin assembly.
High and low dietary potassium effects on rat vascular sodium pump activity.

Studies of renal and other tissues suggest that chronic elevation or reduction of dietary potassium intake could affect vascular smooth muscle sodium pump (Na-pump) activ- ity. To examine this possibility, the effects of 3 weeks of low (LK; 4 mmole KCl/kg chow), normal (NK; 162 mmole/kg), and high (HK; 1350 mmole/kg) dietary potassium intake on Na-pump activity, the Na-pump activity response to changes in extracellular potassium con- centration, and Na-pump site density were determined in tail arteries of rats. Plasma potassium concentration was elevated by 2 1 % in HK rats and reduced by 45% in LK rats. When incubated in autologous plasma, compared to arteries from NK rats, Na-pump activity was decreased in the tail arteries from LK rats but not altered in those from HK rats. When arteries from NK and LK rats were incubated in autologous plasma with the potassium concentration increased to equal that of the HK rats, Na-pump activity exceeded that of HK rat arteries; Na-pump activity of arteries incubated in autologous plasma did not differ from that of arteries incubated in Krebs-Henseleit buffer with the potassium concentration adjusted to equal that of the plasma. Tail artery Na-pump activity for all three dietary potassium groups increased as potassium concentration of the incubation medium was increased from 1 to 12 mM; Na-pump activity was similar for the NK and LK rats at all potassium concentrations, but Na-pump activity of HK rat arteries was less than that of NK arteries at high extracellular potassium concentrations. Na-pump site density was not altered by either HK or LK diet. It is concluded that in tail arteries of rats fed the LK diet, chronically decreased extracellular potassium results in chroni- cally decreased Na-pump activity. In contrast, an adaptive change occurs in tail arteries of rats fed HK diet, such that Na-pump activity remains at normal levels despite elevated extracellular potassium; this adaptive response to chronically increased dietary potassium does not appear to be the result of decreased Na-pump site density. o 1987 Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.
Hydrogen peroxide ingestion and the growth of rats.

SEVERAL recent communications have dealt with the capacity of ingested hydrogen peroxide to affect the regression of implanted tumours in rats. Holman1 has claimed that a 0.45 per cent solution of hydrogen peroxide given to rats in lieu of tap-water caused regression of certain tumours ; the opposite conclusion has been stated by Green and Westrop2 and by Ghadially and Wiseman3. Accordingly, it seemed important to determine the effect of hydrogen peroxide on normal rats.
Spectrophotometric determination of vanadium and iron with β-isopropyltropolone

Abstract A spectrophotometric procedure is described for the determination of vanadium and for the simultaneous determination of iron and vanadium by means of two wavelength measurements, at 470 and 540 nm or 418 and 470 nm. It is based on the formation of chelate complexes with β-isopropyltropolone. The complex is extracted with chloroform and in the presence of alcohol the color develops rapidly and is stable for at least 24 h. The precision of the calibration curve is 1 % relative standard deviation. The application to the analysis of NBS Standard Reference Material steel samples is presented.
Observation of Electromagnetic Radiation from Deexcitation of the 229 Th Isomer

Experimental measurements of ultraviolet and visible emission from two samples containing {sup 233}U suggest the deexcitation of a reported 3.5eV isomeric level in {sup 229}Th. The unique phenomenon of ultraviolet {gamma} -ray emission was observed from this level. Results are consistent with theoretical arguments suggesting that the nucleus can also deexcite via an inelastic electronic bridge mechanism. These observations indicate the exotic phenomenon of nuclear emission in the optical band, and open new areas of physics related to nuclear-atomic interaction. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
EPRI Guidelines for Fabrication of Components Manufactured From Grade 91 Steel

Over the last 10 years EPRI has been researching critical information on the factors affecting the performance of creep strength enhanced ferritic steels in general and Grade 91 steel in particular. This work has resulted in a major new report which provides recommended guidelines for fabrication and the associated quality assurance to ensure that component properties meet or exceed the minimum expectations of ASME design approaches. The present paper outlines the recommendations in the report and provides technical background for specific aspects of the guide.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Relationship between 6-mercaptopurine dose and 6-thioguanine nucleotide levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background 6-Thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN) are active metabolites of azathioprine (AZA) and 6-mercaptopurine (6MP). Higher remission rates have been observed in patients with higher 6-TGN levels. However, many physicians prescribe AZA/6MP using milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) dosing regimens without measuring 6-TGN levels. The aim of this study was to examine the association between 6MP dose and 6-TGN levels. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients treated for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with AZA or 6MP, whose 6-TGN levels were measured. Patients with low or intermediate thiopurine methyl transferase (TPMT) activity were excluded. AZA dose was converted to 6MP equivalents. The relationship between dose and 6-TGN levels was assessed with the Spearman correlation coefficient. We used logistic regression to assess the relationship between dose and 6-TGN levels of >230 pmol/8 x 10(8). Results In this study, 155 patients met our inclusion criteria (median dose, 1.01 +/- 0.40; range, 0.61-1.41 mg/kg). There was a weak correlation between 6-TGN levels and the absolute dose (rho = 0.18, P = 0.04) and the dose in mg/kg (rho = 0.19, P = 0.03). The correlation between mg/kg dosage and 6-TGN levels was slightly stronger in those using concomitant 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) medications (rho = 0.24, P = 0.02). Compared with or =1.5 mg/kg per day were strongly associated with 6-TGN levels of >230 pmol/8 x 10(8) RBC (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-11.8). However, only 37% of patients receiving > or =1.0 mg/kg per day had 6-TGN levels of >230 pmol/8 x 10(8) RBC. Conclusions 6MP dose is weakly associated with 6-TGN levels. The use of standard mg/kg dosing regimens will result in low 6-TGN levels in most patients.
Extrapolation of physical properties of sediments from a localized area in the Gulf of Mexico, based on a conceptual geological model

Abstract Conceptual models of depositional systems may permit extensive extrapolation of physical properties for a relatively small amount of detailed correlation among physical, sedimentological and acoustic properties. For example, in a 9-m midslope core (IG19-39, lat. 28°51.2′N, long. 87°14.0′W, depth 1006 m) in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico there are two approximately 60-cm zones (at the core top and from 750 to 810 cm) which have distinctly higher foraminiferal sand and clay contents than the rest of the core. In the foram-rich zones, the relative increase in both clay- and sand-sized particles leads to poorer sorting, lower silt/clay ratios, more negative skewness, less platykurtosis, and higher fine-clay/total-clay ratios than in the silty clay which comprises the rest of the core. Within the silty clay, bulk densities and in situ acoustic velocities increase with depth from 100 to 425 cm, remain at or near peak values to 700 cm, and then drop sharply into the lower foram-rich zone. Although high impedence contrasts within this sequence do not correlate well with the 3.5-kHz reflection pattern, the pattern is distinctive, and its extent suggests that the core's sedimentary pattern extends over about 4000 km2 on the northeastern continental slope of the Gulf of Mexico. The foram-rich zones have a predominance of warm-water species and correlate closely with higher carbonate content (in the mud as well as in the sand fraction) and more positive δ13C values (for organic carbon), which are typical of marine-derived organic matter. On the other hand, the silty clay has few if any warm water indicating forams and much less carbonate. It has organic carbon with more negative δ13C values, indicative of a terrestrial origin. Several investigators have concluded that, in the Gulf of Mexico, the foram-rich zones represent warm, interglacial or interstadial periods dominated by pelagic sedimentation in the deep-sea, whereas the siltier zones represent glacial periods of low sea-level stands during which more terrigenous sediment was delivered to the continental margins and transported to adjacent ocean basins by various gravity flow mechanisms. Since the causes of the changes in depositional processes are glacio-eustatic, the change in sediment types should be widespread with good lithostratigraphic correlations. Published data exist for over 100 cores from the deep Gulf of Mexico wherein only one or a few sediment properties are reported. In a large number of these cores the reported property correlates well with the pattern in the core studied and is explained by the glacio-eustatic model. This suggests that the relationships between physical, chemical, textural, and acoustic properties in core IG19-39 may be used to predict similar relationships over a widespread area. The model seems to apply to the abyssal plains of the Gulf of Mexico, the margins of the Mississippi Fan, and various parts of the northern continental slope.
Phylogenetic Analysis of TCE-Dechlorinating Consortia Enriched on a Variety of Electron Donors

Two rapidly fermented electron donors, lactate and methanol, and two slowly fermented electron donors, propionate and butyrate, were selected for enrichment studies to evaluate the characteristics ...
Congenital triangular bones in the hand.

From the literature we found reports of 105 patients whom we judged had a triangular deformity of one of the bones of the hand or foot. We found 49 patients of our own with 84 delta-shaped phalanges limited strictly to the hand. This represents an incidence of 3.5 percent of our congenital abnormalities of the upper extremity. The deformity is associated with many abnormalities; syndactyly, Polydactyly, symphalangism, triphalangeal thumb, cleft hand, and hypoplastic hand are the most frequent. Triangular deformity of the bone of the index finger usually is associated with Apert's syndrome. Triangular deformity of the proximal phalanx of the ring finger often is found with central Polydactyly. Our average follow-up time on these 49 patients was 14 years, giving us a chance to establish some guidelines and general rules about the natural history and treatment of the delta bone.
Spatial variability of the Caribbean mid‐summer drought and relation to north Atlantic high circulation

Annual rainfall in the Caribbean exhibits a bimodal structure with two rainfall maxima (May–June and September–October) separated by what has been termed a mid-summer drought (MSD) (July–August). Despite general acceptance of the intensification and expansion of the North Atlantic High Pressure (NAHP) as the cause of the Caribbean MSD, it has been noted in several studies that the influence of the NAHP may not be consistent across the region. The purpose of this research is to better understand the Caribbean MSD by mapping the spatial co-variability of the Caribbean MSD and then determining the association between these spatial patterns and NAHP circulation. The spatial variability of the Caribbean MSD is identified through mapping of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) loadings of Caribbean MSD season rainfall time series. A correlation analysis was completed between monthly MSD region rainfall time series and measures of the NAHP to assess the degree of association between the spatial variability in the Caribbean MSD and NAHP circulation. The PCA identified six MSD regions, the northwestern Caribbean, the interior Caribbean, the eastern rim Caribbean, Coro Venezuela, Grantley Barbados, and a transition zone. The spatial pattern of the MSD regions suggests that the NAHP impacts the eastern Caribbean first and then progresses westward as the summer develops. In regard to the association between NAHP circulation and MSD region precipitation time series, correlation analysis indicates that overall, a modified Bermuda High Index (BHI) is a more effective tool in evaluating the association between the NAHP and Caribbean MSD as compared to the traditional indices, NAO EOF and BHI. Lagged correlations support previous findings that the winter preceding a particularly dry summer in the Caribbean is characterized by a strong pressure gradient on the southeastern flank of the NAHP; implying stronger Trade Winds, cooler sea surface temperatures, and reduced convective rainfall. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
3-D motion tracking using stereo camera and range radar

The problem of estimating the position of and tracking an object undergoing 3-D translational and rotational motion using passive and active sensors is considered. The passive sensor used in this study is a stereo camera, whereas the active is a range radar. Three different estimation approaches are considered. The first involves estimation of the object position by direct registration of stereo images. In the second approach, the Extended Kalman Filter is used for estimation with measurements the stereo images. In the third approach, an integral filter based on stereo images and range radar measurements is used for tracking. The three different approaches are compared via simulation in the tracking of an object undergoing a 3-D motion with random translational and angular accelaration.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
High day-to-day reliability in lower leg volume measured by water displacement

The day-to-day reliability of lower leg volume is poorly documented. This investigation determined the day-to-day reliability of lower leg volume (soleus and gastrocnemius) measured using water displacement. Thirty young adults (15 men and 15 women) had their right lower leg volume measured by water displacement on five separate occasions. The participants performed normal activities of daily living and were measured at the same time of day after being seated for 30 min. The results revealed a high day-to-day reliability for lower leg volume. The mean percentage change in lower leg volume across days compared to day 1 ranged between 0 and 0.37%. The mean within subjects coefficient of variation in lower leg volume was 0.72% and the coefficient of variation for the entire sample across days ranged from 5.66 to 6.32%. A two way mixed model intraclass correlation (30 subjects x 5 days) showed that the lower leg volume measurement was highly reliable (ICC = 0.972). Foot and total lower leg volumes showed similarly high reliability. Water displacement offers a cost effective and reliable solution for the measurement of lower leg edema across days.
Development of compact phase shifters on silicon for monolithic integration of voltage controllers

A ferroelectric thin film RF phase shifter on silicon has been designed and developed with the implementation of polysilicon and BST thin film layers on small device area (8 mm 2 ) and fabrication processes fully compatible with current silicon IC technology. The design of a bilateral interdigital coplanar waveguide (BI-CPW) phase shifter is analyzed. This new design has shown a phase shift of 180° at 25 GHz with efficient use of a (Ba,Sr)TiO 3 thin film in the bilateral interdigital finger section. Inherent insertion loss and DC current leakage caused by conductivity of silicon substrate have been investigated. Due to the implementation of polysilicon thin film on silicon, insertion loss was controlled below 6.7 dB and signal dissipation with bias increase was not observed. It is shown that the polysilicon trap layer helped to reduce surface charge accumulation on the silicon surface.
The Public’s Conditional Response to Supreme Court Decisions

To investigate the effect of the Supreme Court on public opinion, we offer the conditional response hypothesis based on a theory of Supreme Court legitimacy and a microlevel social-psychological theory of attitude formation. Together these theories predict that the Court may affect public opinion when it initially rules on a salient issue, but that subsequent decisions on the same issue will have little influence on opinion. To test our predictions, we analyze public opinion data before and after the Supreme Court ruled in a highly visible abortion case (Webster v. Reproductive Health Services [1989]) and before and after three key capital punishment rulings (Furman v. Georgia [1972], Gregg v. Georgia [1976], and McCleskey v. Kemp [1987]). The results suggest that our theory is not issue bound but is generally applicable to how the Supreme Court affects public opinion when it rules in highly salient cases.
Evidence for a Pion-Pion Resonance from Photoproduction of Pion Pairs

In the reaction gamma + p yields pi /sup +/ + pi /sup -/ =p, it is expected that the cross section behavior is influenced by interactions between particles in the final state. Measurements of this cross section, designcd to give evidence concerning pi interactions, were ndade. Letting E/sup p pi /+,E/ sub p pi -, and E pi pi be the total energies of the indicated pairs in the respective center-of-mass systems, the parameters were varied such that E/sub p pi and E/sub p pi - were held constant while E/sub pi pi / was varied. Data were recorded and are rcpresented graphically. Due to the lack of a reliable theory relating resonance parameters to measurements and to the large uncertainty in the maximum Err, resonance parameters are somewhat uncertain. (L.N.N.)
Comparison of three accelerated partial breast irradiation techniques: treatment effectiveness based upon biological models.

Abstract Background and purpose Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is being studied in a phase III randomized trial as an alternative to whole breast irradiation (WBI) for early stage breast cancer patients. There are three methods for APBI: multi-catheter brachytherapy (MCT), MammoSite ® brachytherapy (MST), or 3D conformal (3DCRT). There is a paucity of data comparing among methods. Using a linear–quadratic (LQ) model, we evaluated the anticipated efficacy among the APBI methods for equivalent uniform dose (EUD), Tumor Control Probability (TCP), and Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP). Materials and methods Treatment plans from five patients treated by each APBI modality were retrospectively selected. Dose-volume-histograms (DVH) for planning target volume (PTV), breast, and lung were generated. The LQ parameters α =0.3Gy −1 and α / β =10Gy were used for calculations. The values of EUD, TCP, and NTCP were calculated based on DVHs. Results The average EUD (normalized to 3.4Gy BID) for the MCT, MST, and 3DCRT APBI was 35, 37.2, and 37.6Gy. When normalized to 2Gy fractionation these become, 42.2, 46.4, and 46.9Gy. Average TCP for MCT, MST, and 3DCRT PBI was 94.8%, 99.1%, and 99.2%. The NTCP values for breast and lung were low for all three methods. Conclusions The EUD for PTV and TCP were most similar in MST and 3DCRT APBI and were lower in MCT APBI. This questions the equivalence of the three APBI modalities that are currently being evaluated in the NSABP-B39/RTOG 0413 protocol.
Allosteric and multifunctional properties of Neurospora mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase.

Abstract 1. 1. The overall forward reactions catalyzed by mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase ( l -malate: NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.37) and aspartate aminotransferase ( l -aspartate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.1) of Neurospora apparently proceeds in a concerted mechanism without exchange of the intermediate, oxaloacetate, at equilibrium when glutamate is present in excess. 2. 2. Cofactors of the aminotransferase, pyridoxal phosphate and pyridoxamine phosphate, are non-competitive reversible inhibitors of malate dehydrogenase. l -Aspartate at low concentrations activates malate dehydrogenase and releases pyridoxal phosphate inhibition and at high concentrations serves as a substrate with oxaloacetate as product. Mutation of the structural gene encoding one of the subunits of malate dehydrogenase also causes decrease in specific activity of aspartate dehydrogenase. 3. 3. These and previous studies are discussed in terms of a model of allosteric regulation of a potentially bifunctional enzyme of malate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase and possible metabolic shunts in aspartate and glutamate synthesis.
Optimal estimation of tidal open boundary conditions using predicted tides and adjoint data assimilation technique

Abstract Lateral tidal open boundary conditions which force tides in the internal region are estimated by an adjoint data assimilation system which assimilates predicted coastal tidal elevations into a two-dimensional Princeton Ocean Model for the East Coast of the United States. Control variables are the harmonic constants (amplitude and phase) of tidal constituents (M 2 , S 2 , N 2 , K 1 , O 1 ) along the open boundary. The cost function is defined by the difference between predicted and model-simulated tidal elevations at coastal tide gauge locations. The limited memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno quasi-Newton method for large-scale optimization is implemented to minimize the cost function. Identical twin experiments are performed to verify the adjoint model and to examine sensitivity of model results to the number and spatial distribution of tide gauge stations. The results from the predicted tidal elevation assimilation experiments show that the simulated tidal elevations forced by the optimal open boundary conditions are more accurate than those forced by the open boundary conditions derived from Schwiderski's global tidal model. For M2 constituent, the maximum RMS error at tide gauge stations with data assimilation is generally 14 cm and the minimum correlation coefficient is 0.96. For the nine open coastal stations, the RMS errors are less than 5 cm . The results from the experiment in which five tidal constituents are considered together show that the RMS errors at the nine open coastal stations are less than 7 cm , and the correlation coefficients are greater than 0.99.
Informed Consent: Cultural and Religious Issues Associated with the Use of Allogeneic and Xenogeneic Mesh Products

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to investigate the views of major religions and cultural groups regarding the use of allogeneic and xenogeneic mesh for soft tissue repair. STUDY DESIGN: We contacted representatives from Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Scientology, and Christianity (Baptists, Methodists, Seventh-Day Adventists, Catholics, Lutherans, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Evangelical, and Jehovah's Witnesses). We also contacted American Vegan and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Standardized questionnaires were distributed to the religious and cultural authorities. Questions solicited views on the consumption of beef and pork products and the acceptability of human-, bovine-, or porcine-derived acellular grafts. RESULTS: Dietary restrictions among Jews and Muslims do not translate to tissue implantation restriction. Approximately 50% of Seventh-day Adventists and 40% of Buddhists practice vegetarianism, which may translate into a refusal of the use of xenogeneic tissue. Some Hindus categorically prohibit the use of human tissue and animal products; others allow the donation and receipt of human organs and tissues. PETA is opposed to all uses of animals, but not to human acellular grafts or organ transplantation. Some vegans prefer allogeneic to xenogeneic tissue. Allogeneic and xenogeneic acellular grafts are acceptable among Scientologists, Baptists, Lutherans, Evangelicals, and Catholics. Methodists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints leave the decision up to the individual. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of religious and cultural preferences regarding biologic mesh assists the surgeon in obtaining a culturally sensitive informed consent for procedures involving acellular allogeneic or xenogeneic grafts.
Concentrated albumin infusion as an aid to postoperative recovery after pelvic exenteration

Twenty-eight patients underwent pelvic exenterations for gynecologic malignancies between June 1986 and June 1989. The postoperative fluid and electrolytes were managed by one of two regimens. One group of 10 patients was given concentrated 25% albumin infusion for the first 16 hr after surgery in addition to maintenance intravenous crystalloid solution according to ideal body weight. The second group of 18 patients received only a standard crystalloid solution. The albumin infusion group was found to have a more stable postoperative course as evidenced by less fluid boluses (P less than 0.01), fewer electrolyte bolus requirements (P less than 0.01), and easier management of blood pressure and urine output. There was a 50% decrease in total fluid requirement, a higher mean right atrial pressure (P less than 0.05), and a lower maintenance intravenous fluid rate (P less than 0.01). As a consequence, central hyperalimentation was started earlier (P less than 0.01) and the albumin infusion group left the Intensive Care Unit sooner than the non-albumin infusion group. There was not a single instance of clinical fluid overload with this slow infusion technique. Thus, concentrated albumin infusion was beneficial in the acute fluid management of these difficult patients.
Exotic Molluscs in the Great Lakes Host Epizootically Important Trematodes

ABSTRACT One of the most significant ecological and economic impacts of exotic species is associated with their role as vectors for the introduction of parasites into invaded areas. Exotic parasites may have devastating impacts on invaded ecosystems; moreover, invaders may also become hosts for aboriginal parasites, promoting native diseases that otherwise would not have emerged. During 2009 and 2010, exotic molluscs were collected from 27 sites in the Lower Great Lakes and their tributaries, the Finger Lakes, and Lake Oneida. Seven species of exotic molluscs were examined for the presence of trematodes, including the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), faucet snail (Bithynla tentaculata), European stream valvata (Valvata piscinalis), Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea), Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis), and the New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). Most of the examined molluscs were infected with trematode larvae that may be harmfu...