cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arithmetic manipulation of coupling constants to obtain torsional angles

Various arithmetic combinations of Jtrans and Jcis from the AA′BB′ analysis of CH2—CH2– fragments in 6-membered rings have been examined for their relationship to the internal torsional angle Ψ. The simple ratio R (Jtrans/Jcis) appears to offer the most complete removal of substituent electronegativity effects and hence the best values of Ψ. The Karplus equation is very inaccurate when the substituents are highly polar. The simple difference D (Jtrans–Jcis) overcompensates for electronegativity effects and thus also gives relatively inaccurate torsional angles. An alternative, artificial linear combination of the coupling constants, such as D′ (Jtrans–2Jcis), appears to be able to provide torsional angles that are almost as good as those from the R value, although the Karplus A value must be evaluated. Adjustment of the simple difference D for electronegativity is possible by including a function of the AA′ and BB′ chemical shifts. These results are fairly good, and the parameter A need not be evaluated. This approach may fail, however, with particularly anisotropic substituents, since the chemical shift may depend on factors other than electronegativity. Although all five methods give reasonably good results, the R value appears to offer the most reliable results for the full range of substituents.
Optical fiber fatigue behavior over very extended periods at low stress levels in the field and in laboratory tests

The reliability of optical fiber exposed to relatively high static strains (> 2%) has been extensively modelled and investigated by experiment. Fatigue `knees' have been demonstrated predicting the premature fracture of fiber particularly where elevated temperatures and relatively large volumes of water have been used to soak the samples. The cause has been attributed to simultaneous stress- assisted and stress-free corrosion of the fiber surface. In this paper we show that, a t more moderate strains (1 to 2%) and using a limited volume of water, there is evidence of a strength recovery caused either by a healing process or the observance of some form of lower strain threshold. The expected strength reduction of the fiber, from contemporary models is contrasted to that observed. The unusually high strength retention shown by the test fiber in water is shown to have important implications for optical cable design and for the bending of fiber within joint housings.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Distortion-aware MIMO link adaptation for enhanced multimedia communications

In wireless multimedia communications, optimizing the quality of user experience is a major design goal, which is often quantified by the end-to-end distortion between the actual multimedia source at the encoder and its reconstructed version at the decoder. Joint source-channel coding (JSCC) techniques aim to optimize codec and radio system parameters in order to minimize end-to-end distortion and yield enhanced quality of user experience when compared with separate source-channel coding techniques. With the motivation of applying JSCC-based cross-layer optimizations to PHY/MAC layer design for practical wireless systems, this paper proposes new techniques for MIMO link adaptation toward enhanced multimedia communications. In particular, we propose new distortion-aware MIMO link adaptation techniques toward the selection of modulation and coding schemes (MCS) and MIMO space-time modulation (including MIMO diversity and spatial multiplexing) schemes with the objective of minimizing end-to-end distortion, different from classical approaches that aimed for other optimizations such as maximizing spectral efficiency or goodput. Furthermore, we investigate the performance of distortion-aware MIMO link adaptation in realistic link-level simulation (LLS) and system-level simulation (SLS) environments based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) under broadband frequency-selective fading with special focus on multicast broadcast services (MBS), and demonstrate their advantages over goodput-maximizing MIMO link adaptation techniques in terms of reduced end-to-end distortion and higher peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR).
Long and happy living: Trends and patterns of happy life expectancy in the U.S., 1970–2000

This study assesses the trends and differentials in length of quality life in the U.S. population as measured by happy life expectancy in 1970, 1980, 1990, and 2000. The analysis combines age-specific prevalence rates of subjective well-being from a large nationally representative survey and life table estimates of mortality in decennial Census years. Employing the period prevalence-rate life table method—Sullivan method, the analysis finds evidence for improvement in quality of life in the U.S. Happy life expectancy largely increased in both absolute terms (number of years) and relative terms (proportion of life) over time at all adult ages examined. And increases in total life expectancy were mainly contributed by increases in expectancy in happy years rather than unhappy years. Happy life expectancy is longer than active life expectancy. And there has been greater compression of unhappiness than compression of morbidity. There are substantial differentials in happy life expectancy by sex and race because of differential prevalence rates of happiness. Women and whites had longer years of total and happy life expectancies at most ages and dates, while men and blacks had greater proportions of happy life expectancies across the three decades. Although race differentials generally decreased at older ages and with time, relative disadvantages of blacks persisted.
Democratizing the cloud

Programming distributed data-intensive web and mobile applications is gratuitously hard. As the world is moving more and more toward the software as services model, we have to come up with practical solutions to build distributed systems that are approachable for normal programmers. Just like Visual Basic democratized programming Windows by removing much of the boilerplate, such as message pumps and window handles, that contributed more to the problem than to the solution, we propose a toolkit of language extensions, APIs, and tools that do the same for web programming. As a result, ordinary programmers can concentrate on the essential aspects of building distributed and mobile applications such as partitioning and flowing code and data across tiers, deployment, security, etc. without getting bogged down in low level details.
Marine- and plant-derived ω-3 fatty acids differentially regulate prostate cancer cell proliferation

Fish oil contains the marine ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The consumption of diets rich in these fatty acids is associated with a decreased incidence of prostate cancer. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the non-marine ω-3 PUFA α-linolenic acid (ALA). To study which ω-3 PUFAs are more effective in prostate cancer prevention, and whether the mechanisms of action are conserved between them, we investigated the effect of DHA, EPA and ALA on the human prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and LNCaP. Different trends of inhibition of PC-3 cell proliferation were observed for the three ω-3 PUFA, with DHA having the most pronounced effects on cell proliferation, while ALA had the minimum effects of the three ω-3 PUFAs. All the ω-3 PUFAs decreased fatty acid synthase (FASN) mRNA. Concerning genes involved in inflammation, cell cycle and apoptosis, DHA regulated the most genes in all categories, followed by EPA and then ALA. In addition, DHA and EPA increased the gene expression of the pro-apoptotic protein activating transcription factor 3 mRNA. Moreover, these two fatty acids significantly induced apoptosis. In conclusion, while some mechanisms of cancer cell inhibition are conserved among ω-3 PUFA, the extent, magnitude, and duration of transcriptional changes vary for each individual fatty acid.
Standards in biothermodynamics

Abstract The field of biothermodynamics encompasses physical property measurements on biochemical and biological systems. This chapter reviews the status of standards documents that are pertinent to biothermodynamics as well as recommendations that have been made for the reporting of experimental results. The importance of standards in nomenclature, symbols, units, and uncertainties is discussed and a summary of sources of data for biochemical substances and reactions is given.
ROLE OF CYCLIC 3′,5′-ADENOSINE MONOPHOSPHATE (cAMP) IN SURFACTANT RELEASE FROM TYPE II EPITHELIAL CELLS

Beta-adrenergic agonists enhance surfactant release, presumably by increasing synthesis of cAMP and activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The present study compares the effect of terbutaline and forskolin on cAMP levels, protein kinase activation ratios, and surfactant release in isolated rat lung Type II epithelial cells in primary culture. Cytosolic cAMP levels rose significantly by 1 minute following exposure and persisted past 20 minutes: p<.05 by analysis of variance for all groups compared to control; mean±SEM of three experiments; fmols/100 ul. T plus F had a synergistic effect on cAMP levels. Protein kinase activation ratio increased in the presence of T+F from .45±.03 for C to 0.85±.05 for T+F. The effect of T and F on surfactant release was additive:C=0±21%, T=187±8%, F=258±45%, T+F=412±74% (mean±SEM). Dose response curves resulted in EC50 values of 1 uM and 0.5 uM for T and F, respectively. Our results demonstrate a rise in cytosolic cAMP levels, increased protein kinase activation ratios, and subsequent surfactant release from isolated Type II cells, supporting a role for cAMP as a second messenger for stimulated surfactant release.
The nucleon structure functions from deep-inelastic scattering with electroweak currents☆

In deeply inelastic lepton-nucleon scattering in the standard model, we define 14 nucleon structure functions. We explain the physics content of these structure functions and study their Bjorken scaling and Regge behavior. We then systematically discuss twist-two, twist-three, and twist-four parton distributions of the nucleon defined through light-cone correlations. Using these, we calculate all the nucleon structure functions in perturbative QCD. Finally, we discuss some useful implications of our results.
BASIC for numerical quadrature

Although I have been involved in the development of programs for numerical evaluation of integrals for a number of years, it was only recently that I became aware of the importance of providing such tools in BASIC. I admit to having had a built-in predjudice against people using BASIC. To me it seemed that these people were either solving trivial problems, or were too lazy to learn FORTRAN. But in the last year or so, I have been made aware that BASIC is very much an alive language with sophisticated scientific users. The growth in popularity of the microcomputer is partly responsible for this. At NBS I also see many more scientists who are not as computer oriented as those I met at Los Alamos and this has some effect too. In this talk I would like to describe a few important quadrature techniques that are essential to have and how they can be best implemented in BASIC. This seems to me a rather neglected area. There may be a few odd bits of software around in BASIC, but most are not what I would call state-of-the-art. If I am wrong about this I would be happy to be corrected. We could publish a bibliography of such programs here in the SIGNUM Newsletter. In the first section, as a convenience to those of us who are not very familiar with the language, I outline several of the differences with FORTRAN.
Staying healthy during surgery residency

“Resident health” may seem like an oxymoron to the typical surgery resident, whose idea of a good night’s sleep is 5 or 6 hours; whose usual meal is a slice of cafeteria pizza, bag of chips, and diet Coke wolfed down in the elevator between cases; and whose grayish, sun-deprived complexion looks especially stunning under fluorescent hospital lights. Nevertheless, personal health is not something to be ignored or put on hold during residency; the surgery resident needs to remember that meeting the demands of a lengthy and rigorous training program requires keeping in the best physical, mental, and emotional shape possible.
‘YOU CAN'T BE TWO PLACES AT ONCE’: RETHINKING TRANSNATIONALISM THROUGH JAMAICAN RETURN MIGRATION

This article examines transnational social fields among returned migrants in Jamaica. Comparing the experience of return to Jamaica by individuals who migrated to England and the United States, I explore how migration dynamics shaped the possibilities and predicaments of life upon return. Despite sharing an identity as ‘returning residents,’ I argue that post-World War II Jamaican migrants in England who returned to Jamaica in the 1990s reestablish themselves in Jamaica by expressing a commitment to the community, such as through involvement with formal returning resident associations, whereas United States returnees continue to travel between Jamaica and the United States. These two very distinct forms of fashioning a return highlight the importance of understanding the dynamic relationship between transnational social fields and return migration and demonstrate the salience of categories such as ‘return’ and ‘traveling’ for understanding the meaning and motivation behind different forms of movement.
Analysis of reactive power and power factor correction in the presence of harmonics and distortion

Abstract A new time domain definition is proposed and the reactive power component in the presence of harmonics and distortion analyzed. The proposed time domain definition clearly demonstrates advantages over previous time domain techniques. First, the proposed definitions accommodate the presence of uncommon harmonics between voltage and current, second, the orthogonality relationship between the power components is clearly established and proved, third, physical meaning is attributed to each of the power components; these are tasks unaccomplished by previous time domain techniques. The power factor in the presence of harmonic distortion and the conventional method of design of capacitors for power factor correction, which is based on the fundamental components of power, are examined. It is shown that the conventional method of design of capacitor banks for power factor correction does not yield the desired power factor. Physically observable facts are then reviewed in the light of the developed theory and cogent explanations sought to explain the facts. It is also shown that designing capacitors for power factor correction should be based on an accurate method for calculating the reactive power in the presence of harmonics and distortion.
Clinical Experience with the Mentor Inflatable Penile Prosthesis in 301 Patients

AbstractThe Mentor inflatable penile prosthesis* has been implanted in 301 patients during the last 60 months, of whom 3 died of unrelated causes and 13 have been lost to followup. Of the remaining 285 patients 96.8 per cent are presently using the device. A life table analysis of 253 implantations performed since 1983 shows that 97 per cent of the prostheses presently being implanted will survive 48 months without mechanical failure. There have been no wear-induced leaks or aneurysms in the 602 cylinders implanted. Complications that resulted in permanent device loss or necessitated a second operation were owing to mechanical problems in 3 per cent, infection in 2.3 per cent and surgeon error in 1.7 per cent of the cases. This clinical study demonstrates the 5-year reliability of cylinders constructed from polyurethane, the reliability of the Mentor snap-on connector system and the increased durability of nylon-reinforced silicone tubing.
Postreward delays and systematic biases in measures of animal temporal discounting

Intertemporal choice tasks, which pit smaller/sooner rewards against larger/later ones, are frequently used to study time preferences and, by extension, impulsivity and self-control. When used in animals, many trials are strung together in sequence and an adjusting buffer is added after the smaller/sooner option to hold the total duration of each trial constant. Choices of the smaller/sooner option are not reward maximizing and so are taken to indicate that the animal is discounting future rewards. However, if animals fail to correctly factor in the duration of the postreward buffers, putative discounting behavior may instead reflect constrained reward maximization. Here, we report three results consistent with this discounting-free hypothesis. We find that (i) monkeys are insensitive to the association between the duration of postreward delays and their choices; (ii) they are sensitive to the length of postreward delays, although they greatly underestimate them; and (iii) increasing the salience of the postreward delay biases monkeys toward the larger/later option, reducing measured discounting rates. These results are incompatible with standard discounting-based accounts but are compatible with an alternative heuristic model. Our data suggest that measured intertemporal preferences in animals may not reflect impulsivity, or even mental discounting of future options, and that standard human and animal intertemporal choice tasks measure unrelated mental processes.
Different base per unit length ratios exist in single-stranded RNA and single-stranded DNA

A significant difference was found to exist in the number of bases per unit length of single-stranded RNA as compared to single-stranded DNA when single-stranded RNA or DNA molecules of known nucleotide sequence were measured by electron microscopy using a cytochrome spreading technique. Using this technique, single-stranded RNA was found to have 17.5% more bases per unit of length than single-stranded DNA. These ratios were verified using four different denaturing conditions for the RNA: 80% formamide, 80% formamide plus glyoxal, 80% formamide/4M urea and 80% formamide/4M urea plus glyoxal. Molecules ranging in size from 1541 to 5386 nucleotides were examined and the number of bases per unit length was found to vary inversely with micrometer was consistent when RNA and DNA molecules of the same length were compared.
5-thio-D-glucose: o-diphenoloxidase inhibition as its mechanism of action.

5-Thio-d-glucose completely inhibitedo-diphenoloxidase from animal as well as plant sources. It has been reported that thioglucose suppresses spermatogenesis in mice and also insect metamorphosis, probably through inhibition of glucose transport. Inhibition ofo-diphenoloxidase (which is active in spermatozoa and insect larvae) is suggested as an alternative mechanism of action of thioglucose.
Responsiveness-to-Intervention and School-Wide Positive Behavior Supports: Integration of Multi-Tiered System Approaches

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and No Child Left Behind emphasize the use of scientifically based research to improve outcomes for students. From this emphasis, response-to-intervention has evolved. We present one perspective on the defining features of response-to-intervention and application of those features to school-wide positive behavior supports (SWPBS). We suggest that the initial purpose of response-to-intervention has expanded from a focus on screening and improved outcomes for students with learning disabilities to a general approach for improving instructional and intervention decision making for all students. We describe a similar evolution of SWPBS, only with a focus on the (a) social culture within the whole school and (b) behavior supports for those students with problem behavior. We conclude by suggesting that the response-to-intervention approach offers an excellent umbrella of guiding principles for improved assessment and intervention decision making, and that SWPBS is...
Chimeric flap in clinical use

With the development of modern microsurgical reconstruction, there are several alternative methods for the complicated head and neck defect or injured extremity. The double-paddled flap, double flaps, and double flap with vascular flow-through linkage are good tools for extensive wide, composite, and three-dimensional defects. When faced with a difficult reconstruction, the expense, morbidity of the donor site, and operative time must be taken into consideration. Compared with other combined composite flaps and other methods, the chimeric flap has many advantages including: easy three-dimensional insetting, acceptable aesthetic appearance, reduced donor site morbidity, design with the least effort and operation time, and one pair of recipient vessel. The disadvantages of the chimeric flaps include: the variation of perforators, the requirement of a learning curve, and, sometimes, the need for a second venous drainage or shifting to double flaps. Overall, in selected cases, the chimeric flap is a good option for the reconstruction of extensive, composite, and three-dimensional defects.
Non-stationary analysis of extracellular neural activity

Abstract Activity in many neural signals is often non-stationary and has a broad frequency spectrum. We present a discrete wavelet transform based method for determining the energy profile in such neural signals. The method can be used to examine changes in the energy profile of the signal in response to perturbations and for extraction of different rhythmic components of the neural signal. We test the efficacy of our method by using synthesized signals with additive white noise. Application of the method is illustrated by determining the energy profile and extracting the locomotor burst in neural signals generated by spinal motor networks of the neonatal rat.
Lipase Activity during Making and Ripening of Cheddar Cheese

Summary 1. The stability and pH activity characteristics of milk lipase are such that this enzyme can play no continuing role in the ripening of Cheddar cheese after making. 2. Analyses made at intervals during the making and ripening of raw milk Cheddar cheese show that milk lipase disappears during the making and is completely absent in the young cheese. 3. The addition of rennet extract during Cheddar cheesemaking causes an increase in lipolytic activity. This increase in lipolytic activity disappears within a period of approximately 30 minutes. 4. After 5 to 20 days, lipases which are considered bacterial begin to make their appearance in the young Cheddar cheese. 5. Most of the lipase active at pH 5 is set free between the fifth and hundredth day of ripening. Lipolytic activity in pasteurized milk Cheddar cheese can be detected in larger amounts between the fifth and twenty-fifth day of the ripening period than in corresponding raw milk Cheddar cheese. At any time after the cheese is 30 days of age, however, the total lipolytic activity of pasteurized milk cheese is less than half that of corresponding raw milk cheese. 6. Bacterial lipases are believed to be at least in part responsible for more rapid flavor development in raw milk Cheddar cheese as compared to Cheddar cheese made from identical milk after pasteurization.
Easing Reintegration: Telephone Support Groups for Spouses of Returning Iraq and Afghanistan Service Members

Spouses of returning Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom, OIF) and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom, OEF) military service members report increased depression and anxiety post deployment as they w...
Reconstitution of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase proteoliposomes having the same turnover rate as the membranous enzyme.

Abstract Membranous (Na+ + K+)-ATPase from the electric eel was solubilized with 3-((3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio)-1-propanesulfonate (Chaps). 50 to 70% of the solubilized enzyme was reconstituted in egg phospholipid liposomes containing cholesterol by using Chaps. The obtained proteoliposomes consisted of large vesicles with a diameter of 134 ± 24 nm as the major component, and their protein / lipid ratio was 1.25 ± 0.07 g protein / mol phospholipid. The intravesicular volume of these proteoliposomes is too small to consistently sustain the intravesicular concentrations of ligands, especially K+, during the assay. The decrease in K+ concentration was cancelled by the addition of 20 μM valinomycin in the assay medium. The low value of the protein / lipid ratio suggests that these proteoliposomes contain one Na+ / K+-pump particle with a molecular mass of 280 kDa per one vesicle as the major component. In these proteoliposomes, the specific activity of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase reaction was 10 μmol Pi / mg protein per min, and the turnover rate of the ATP-hydrolysis was 3500 min−1, the same as the original enzyme under the same assay condition. The ratio of transported Na+ to hydrolyzed ATP was 3, the same as that in the red cell. The proteoliposomes could be disintegrated by 40–50 mM Chaps without any significant inactivation. This disintegration of proteoliposomes nearly tripled the ATPase activity compared to the original ones and doubled the specific ATPase activity compared to the membranous enzyme, but the turnover rate was the same as the original proteoliposomes and the membranous enzyme. This disintegration of proteoliposomes by Chaps suggests the selective incorporation of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase particle into the liposomes and the asymmetric orientation of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase particle in the vesicle.
Visualization of the binding site for the transcript cleavage factor GreB on Escherichia coli RNA polymerase

The structure of Escherichia coli core RNA polymerase (RNAP) complexed with the transcript cleavage factor GreB was determined from electron micrographs of negatively stained, flattened helical crystals. A binding assay was developed to establish that GreB was incorporated into the RNA polymerase crystals with high occupancy through interactions between the globular C-terminal domain and the RNA polymerase. Comparison of the core RNAP:GreB structure with the previously determined structure of core RNAP located the GreB binding site on one face of the RNA polymerase, next to but not in the 25 A-diameter channel of RNA polymerase.
Posterior calcaneal displacement osteotomy for adult acquired flatfoot

The authors retrospectively reviewed 24 patients who underwent posterior calcaneal displacement osteotomy (PCDO) for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and adult acquired flatfoot deformity from 1991 to 1996. The average follow-up was 27 months. Analysis consisted of preoperative and postoperative evaluation of radiographs, as well as postoperative subjective results. Ancillary procedures included flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer (n = 19), tendo Achlles lengthening (n = 21), tibialis anterior tendon transfer (n = 5), naviculocuneiform joint arthrodesis (n = 4), and first metatarsocunieform joint arthrodesis (n = 1). The talo-first metatarsal angle on the lateral view decreased from a preoperative average of 22.13° to a postoperative average of 8.50°. The talo-first metatarsal angle on the anteroposterior view decreased from an average preoperative value of 22.96° to a postoperative average of 11.04°. In all cases, talar head coverage at the talonavicular joint improved. Subjective results were categorized as good (n = 17), satisfactory (n = 5), and poor (n = 2). Complications included sural neuritis (n = 6), Achilles tendon rupture (n = 2), difficulty with fixation (n = 2), and undercorrection of deformity (n = 2). Patients who had higher preoperative and postoperative talo-first metatarsal angles on either the anteroposterior or lateral radiographs had significantly poorer outcomes (p = .0403, p = .002, p = .009, p = .001, respectively). In addition, those patients who had medial column fusions had statistically significant poorer subjective results (p = .015). Patients who had flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfers did significantly better than those patients who did not have FDL transfer (p = .004). The authors conclude that the posterior calcaneal displacement osteotomy is a reasonable option for management of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction in the adult acquired flatfoot.
Periodic solutions of degenerate linear systems of differential equations

We propose a method for finding periodic solutions of degenerate linear systems of differential equations in the case where the zero eigenvalues of the matrix coefficients of the derivatives are simple. We also consider the solution of boundary-value problems for such systems.
Some Introductory Concepts of Human Growth: an Overview

. Growth study methodology is described with emphasis upon cross-sectional versus longitudinal methods. The uses and advantages of velocity growth data are presented. Catch-up growth is defined and measurement ratios-indices discussed. The methodology necessary for the measurement of key indicators of human growth is described. These are body weight, recumbent length, head circumference.
Feedforward and feedback linearization of non-linear systems with disturbances

The problem of transforming non-linear systems with input disturbances to their linear equivalents is investigated. A characterization of the class of non-linear systems with disturbances that are equivalent to controllable quasi-linear systems with disturbances, z = Az + bv + ξ(z) d, is given. The necessary transformations (state-space coordinate changes and control input-space coordinate changes by non-linear feedforward and feedback) are presented and their implications for control system synthesis are discussed. Finally a numerical example is given,
Probabilistic models and simulation methods for seismic ground acceleration

Probabilistic models of seismic ground acceleration are reviewed. The review includes uniformly modulated, oscillatory, amplitude and phase modulated, ARMA, and other processes. Moreover, a novel and general nonstationary Gaussian model is presented. The model consists of a superposition of harmonics with correlated Gaussian amplitudes. The harmonic frequencies and the amplitude probabilistic characteristics depend on the duration and the correlation of the target seismic ground motion, respectively. The model can be generalized to represent the seismic ground motion at two or more sites. Methods are also presented for generating realizations of the probabilistic models in the paper. The methods are applied to demonstrate the generation of artificial seismic ground motions and to evaluate the usefulness of various probabilistic models in earthquake engineering.
Manufacturing Technology for Apparel Automation – Layup Module Part II: The Impact of Fabric Properties on the Gap Length between Two Slats

Applies a sound theory to predict in‐plane bending deformation of flexible beams under large overall motions to predict the locus of the trailing end of the ply during wiping off the conveyor surface of the layup machine. A computerized numerical solution was used to estimate the locus of the trailing end of the ply for seven woven fabrics of wide range of thickness, weight, and bending rigidity. The least square method was employed to obtain regression relationship between the horizontal and vertical displacement of the trailing end of the ply for each of the seven fabrics. The regression equations and the slat height were used to calculate the minimum gap between two slats of the stacking conveyor so that the fabric trailing end does not touch the top or the side surfaces of a slat during the layup process.
Morphological causes for the retention of precipitation in the crowns of alpine plants

Studies were conducted on 27 species of alpine plants to test the hypothesis that structural characteristics of leaves have a predictable influence on the amount of moisture retained by a plant crown following a simulated rain event. The retention of precipitation in crowns has been previously demonstrated as one factor potentially contributing to the direct effects of acid rain on alpine plants. The results of this study demonstrate that a significant share of the amount of water retained could be explained by general structural features of leaves and flowers common to all the diverse taxa studied. Water retained per unit leaf area was best explained by pubescence rank, number of leaves, petiole base width, flower mass, flower wettability and petiole base angle. Water retained per unit mass was best explained by pubescence ranking, number of leaves, petiole base width, leaf area, flower wettability, flower mass and number of flowers.
The polygyny-fertility hypothesis: a re-evaluation.

Previous studies of the relationship between polygynous marriages and fertility have produced mixed results, although on balance evidence suggests that fertility levels are lower in polygynous than in monogamous marriages. It is argued that the inconsistent results stem from the aggregation of fertility data among all wives in polygynous unions, and that major differences are due to variations in fertility by wife-order and number of wives in polygynous unions. Data for 2534 polygynists with 7378 marriages are analysed and contrasted with fertility data from once married women, using information covering population of Utah during the nineteenth century. Our data indicate significant variations in fertility levels by wife-order; these fertility differences are largely due to variations in length of exposure to the risk of conception and birth intervals.
Atrazine Affects Phosphoprotein and Protein Expression in MCF-10A Human Breast Epithelial Cells

Atrazine, a member of the 2-chloro-s-triazine family of herbicides, is the most widely used pesticide in the world and often detected in agriculture watersheds. Although it was generally considered as an endocrine disruptor, posing a potential threat to human health, the molecular mechanisms of atrazine effects remain unclear. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, we identified a panel of differentially expressed phosphoproteins and total proteins in human breast epithelial MCF-10A cells after being exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of atrazine. Atrazine treatments for 6 h resulted in differential expression of 4 phosphoproteins and 8 total-proteins as compared to the control cells (>1.5-fold, p < 0.05). MALDI-TOF MS/MS analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins belong to various cellular compartments (nucleus, cytosol, membrane) and varied in function, including those regulating the stress response such as peroxiredoxin I, HSP70 and HSP27; structural proteins such as tropomyosin and profilin 1; and oncogenesis proteins such as ANP32A. Six of the 12 identified proteins were verified by quantitative PCR for their transcript levels. The most up-regulated phosphoprotein by atrazine treatment, ANP32A, was further analyzed for its expression, distribution and cellular localization using Western blot and immunocytochemical approaches. The results revealed that ANP32 expression after atrazine treatment increased dose and time dependently and was primarily located in the nucleus. This study may provide new evidence on the potential toxicity of atrazine in human cells.
Structural characteristics of lysophosphatidic acid biological targets

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA; 1-acyl-3-phosphoglycerol) exerts its biological activity through both extracellular and intracellular targets. Receptor targets include the cell-surface G-protein-coupled receptors LPA(1-4) and the nuclear PPAR-gamma (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma). Enzyme targets include the secreted cancer cell motility factor, autotaxin, and the transmembrane phosphatases, LPP1-3 (where LPP stands for lipid phosphate phosphatase). Ion channel targets include the two pore domain ion channels in the TREK family, TREK-1, TREK-2 and TRAAK. Structural features of these targets and their interactions with LPA are reviewed.
Establishment of Big Bluestem and Sand Bluestem Cultivars with Metolachlor and Atrazine

Weeds interfere with big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman var. gerardii Vitman) and sand bluestem [Andropogon gerardii vat. paucipilus (Nash) Fern.] establishment on rangeland and cropland in the central, Great Plains of North America. A study was conducted to determine if metolachlor [2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylpbenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide] and atrazine [6-chloro-N-ethyI-N′-(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine] applied preemergence could improve stablishment of big bluestem and sand bluestem cultivars. ‘Bonilla’, ‘Pawnee’, ‘Kaw’, and ‘Rountree’ big bluestem and ‘Goldstrike’ sand bluestem were planted in late May to early June 1989 and 1990 near Clay Center [Sharpsburg silty clay loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argiudoll)] and Mead [Hastings silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Udic Argiustoll)] in Nebraska. Metolachlor at 2.2 or 3.3 kg a.i. ha⁻¹ and atrazine at 2 kg a.i. ha⁻¹ were applied alone or in combination before weeds or seeded grass cultivars emerged. Stand frequency (the number of times the planted grasses occurred within sampling grids and expressed as a percentage of the total number of grids evaluated) and yield of the grass cuitivars were measured the year after planting to determine establishment success. Grass stand frequencies were usually >50%, with or without herbicide treatment. Yield of big bluestem and sand bluestem cultivars was increased by at least 30% when herbicides were applied preemergence the year of planting compared with yield without herbicide. For each cultivar, yield and stand frequency were similar when metolachlor or atrazine at 2.2 kg a.i. ha⁻¹ were applied. Therefore, metolachlor is a suitable replacement for atrazine to improve establishment of big bluestem and sand bluestem cultivars. However, yield and stand frequency of most grass cultivars were maximized when metolachlor and atrazine were applied in combination. Joint contribution of the USDA-ARS and the Nebraska Agric. Res. Div., Journal Series no. 10654. Mention of pesticides in this paper does not imply registration under FIFRA nor does it constitute a recommendation by the USDA-ARS or the Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The road least taken.

Decisions between two alternatives have been extensively studied and modeled. A study now reports that during choices among several options, the responses of neurons in the lateral intraparietal area are still well described by the integration-to-bound model, supporting the general applicability of this computational framework.
Maternal cocaine use: Impact onchild health and development*

Introduction Children exposed to cocaine prenatally, so-called crack kids, have been portrayed in the popular media as inevitably and permanently damaged. 1 As we have recently summarized, 2,3 the public outcry for the punishment of substance-using mothers and the disenfranchisement of their children as an unsalvageable, almost demonic "biologic underclass "4 rests not on scientific findings but upon media hysteria fueled by selected anecdotes. For example, a university president recently quoted in the Boston Globe suggested that health care resources were being squandered by "spending immense amounts on crack babies who won' t ever achieve the intellectual development to have consciousness of God. "5 Some clamor for substantially segregated educational programs to be established for children exposed to illicit drugs prenatally. 6 The scientific data in which such drastic public policy proposals are based warrant the most meticulous methodologic evaluation and critical review. This chapter will first review the methodologic issues that transcend any one study of in utero cocaine effects. A transactional model of development 7'8 provides the context for understanding the complex inter-
Prevention of heart failure.

Abstract The prevention of heart failure is discussed in terms of (1) the prevention of the basic forms of heart disease; (2) prophylaxis against heart failure in subjects with compensated heart disease; and (3) avoidance of recurrent heart failure after compensation has been restored following a period of heart failure.
Isolated n-heptane droplet combustion in microgravity: “Cool Flames” – Two-stage combustion

Abstract Recent experimentally observed two stage combustion of n-heptane droplets in microgravity is numerically studied. The simulations are conducted with detailed chemistry and transport in order to obtain insight into the features controlling the low temperature second stage burn. Predictions show that the second stage combustion occurs as a result of chemical kinetics associated with classical premixed “Cool Flame” phenomena. In contrast to the kinetic interactions responsible for premixed cool flame properties, those important to cool flame droplet burning are characteristically associated with the temperature range between the turnover temperature and the hot ignition. Initiation of and continuing second stage combustion involves a dynamic balance of heat generation from diffusively controlled chemical reaction and heat loss from radiation and diffusion. Within the noted temperature range, increasing reaction temperature leads to decreased chemical reaction rate and vice versa. As a result, changes of heat loss rate are dynamically balanced by heat release from chemical reaction rate as the droplet continues to burn and regress in size. At reaction temperatures below the turnover, heat loss over takes the heat release rate and extinction occurs. Should heat release exceed heat loss as the temperature increases to that for hot ignition, initiation of a high temperature burning phase may be possible. Parametric study on factors leading to initiation of the second stage burning phenomena are studied. Results show that both carbon dioxide and helium diluents can promote initiation of low temperature burning at smaller initial drop diameters than found with nitrogen as diluent. Small amounts of carbon dioxide and helium in the ambient is sufficient to activate the phenomena. The chemical kinetics dictating the second stage combustion and extinction process is also discussed.
Base pairing within the psi32,psi39-modified anticodon arm of Escherichia coli tRNA(Phe).

The base−base hydrogen bond interactions of the ψ32,ψ39-modified anticodon arm of Escherichia coli tRNAPhe have been investigated using heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. ψ32 and ψ39 were enzymatically introduced into a [13C,15N]-isotopically enriched RNA sequence corresponding to the tRNAPhe anticodon arm. Both the ψ32−A38 and A31−ψ39 nucleotide pairs form Watson−Crick base pairing schemes and the anticodon nucleotides adopt a triloop conformation. Similar effects were observed previously with D2-isopentenyl modification of the A37 N6 that also is native to the tRNAPhe anticodon arm. These results demonstrate that the individual modifications are not sufficient to produce the 32−38 bifurcated hydrogen bond or the U-turn motifs that are observed in crystal structures of tRNAs and tRNA-protein complexes. Thus the formation of these conserved structural features in solution likely require the synergistic interaction of multiple modifications.
Strengthening Environmental Protection through European Criminal Law

Environmental crime has been a topic discussed in international fora for many years. In February 2007, the European Commission presented a proposal for a Directive on Environmental Crime. This is not the first legislative instrument in the area at the level of the European Union. But for reasons that go far beyond the environmental content of this proposal, its discussion in the Council, which was taken up in March 2007 under the German Presidency, will be most controversial and of particular interest not only to environmental lawyers.' The following article aims at providing some background on the fight against environmental crime at the international and European level by giving an overview over the content of the draft directive (I) with a focus on particularly controversial aspects (II) and finally looking at the institutional setting in which discussion of the proposal will take place in the Council and in the European Parliament (III).
Comprehension of Explicit and Implicit Warning Information in Younger and Older Adults

Successful comprehension of warning text necessitates an ability to understand both explicitly stated safety information, as well as information about hazards and safe product usage that may be implied. Comprehension level for this type of text may vary across age groups as a function of normal age-related changes that may be experienced in memory and text comprehension in general. To date, there has been no comprehensive investigation of how well younger and older adults understand explicit and implicit information associated with actual product warnings. In the current study, 43 older and 42 younger adults read text from consumer product warnings and then rated the truth/falsity of statements containing information that was either explicitly stated or implied by the warnings. The results suggest both older and younger adults are able to recognize information that is explicitly associated with an actual product warning. However, they are less able to recognize information that can be inferred from warnin...
Estimation of protein secondary structure content directly from NMR spectra using an improved empirical correlation with averaged chemical shift

We have recently shown that the averaged chemical shift (ACS) of a nucleus in the protein backbone correlates well empirically to its secondary structure content (SSC). This allows the estimation of SSC directly from the NMR spectrum without the time intensive process of chemical shift assignment. Here, we present an empirical correlation that accounts both for contributions to the relevant protein and chemical shift databases made subsequent to the original analysis, and for missing or inconsistently referenced resonances. Our results affirm that this method provides a significant tool for initial structural prediction from NMR data prior to complete chemical shift assignment.
Identification of a new σB-controlled gene, csbX, in Bacillus subtilis

We have identified a new member, csbX, of the general stress regulon controlled by sigmaB in Bacillus subtilis. As with other members of the sigmaB regulon csbX is expressed during the stationary phase of cell growth and inactivation of this gene produces no obvious phenotype during cell growth or early development. csbX lies uspstream from the sporulation gene bofC which is co-transcribed during stationary phase.
Land prices, land rents, and technological change: evidence from Pakistan

Abstract The intertemporal behavior of land prices and land rents in two production environments of Pakistan is investigated. Empirical analyses indicate that: (a) agricultural technology adoption has had a strong positive impact on real land rents over the past 30 years in both irrigated and rainfed areas; (b) capitalization of rents into land prices has accounted for approximately 70% of observed increases in land prices during this period; (c) expected capital gains have been an important additional factor driving up land prices; and (d) neither expected inflation nor inflows of remittance income from abroad have had a significant effect on land prices.
A Content Analysis of Jesus Merchandise

Despite the growing popularity of Jesus merchandise in Christian retailing, little attention has been given to nontraditional religious media such as Jesus merchandise. The present study examined the persuasive appeals associated with various forms of Jesus merchandise and the primary communication functions that such merchandise fit. A content analysis of 982 pieces of Jesus merchandise revealed that informational and “good times” appeals are the two most common appeals used to promote Christianity. Jesus' name is used in logical or rational appeals designed to change beliefs and promote positive attitudes toward the Christian faith, while Jesus' image is used in emotional appeals. Edification is the most common communication function that fit Jesus merchandise analyzed in this study, with evangelism and public relations finishing a distant second and third, respectively. Implications of using certain persuasive strategies and associating particular values with Jesus merchandise were considered.