cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STRESSES IN UNBONDED PRESTRESSING TENDONS AT ULTIMATE: RECOMMENDATION

In this research, equations to predict the stress in unbonded tendons at nominal bending resistance of flexural members are given in various codes. They are based on past experience with steel tendons and do not account for a number of key parameters, such as use of fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) tendons, partial prestressing, span-depth ratio, loading conditions, and loading patterns in continuous beams. The methodology and prediction equation proposed herein attempt to provide a rational solution to the problem and give a recommendation for code implementation.
Exogenous Peptides and Schizophrenia

The discovery that a group of systemic peptide hormones belonging to the hypothalamic-pituitary system is distributed in other parts of the central nervous system (CNS) and have neuronal functions in addition to their hormonal duties, and that another group of neuroactive peptides is distributed both in the brain and in the digestive tract and related structures, has been a development of major importance in neuroendocrinology and the neurosciences (Krieger and Martin, 1981a,b). The neuronal and hormonal activities of the neurohumoral peptides, though coordinated in some cases, are often served by different components of the peptide molecules (Marx, 1975a,b; de Kloet and de Wied, 1980). The brain and gut functions of the brain-gut peptides may also be independent, although the observation of prompt increase in gastric secretion by intrahypothalamic injection of gastrin in rats suggests that the two may, in some cases, be connected (Tepperman and Evered, 1980). The possibility of the latter is also suggested by the finding that cholecystokinins (CCKs) in the gut may come from the brain along the vagus (Dockray, 1979). However, CCKs are unusual among neuropeptides with both CNS and peripheral distributions, in that their CNS concentrations are much greater than those in the periphery (Emson et al., 1980; Krieger and Martin, 1981a).
Judicial Activism in a Violent Context: The Origin, Role, and Impact of the Colombian Constitutional Court

REVIEW DECISIONS Unconstitutionality 27% Constitutionality 57% OTHER(*) 16% TUTELA DECISIONS Granted
Three-dimensional echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular mass: comparison with magnetic resonance imaging and two-dimensional echocardiographic determinations in man.

This study was performed to compare a novel three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) system to clinical two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for determination of left ventricular mass (LVM) in humans. LVM is an independent predictor of cardiac morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography is the most widely used clinical method for assessment of LVM, as it is non-invasive, portable and relatively inexpensive. However, when measuring LVM, 2DE is limited by assumptions about ventricular shape which do not affect 3D echo. Methods: A total of 25 unselected patients underwent 3DE, 2DE and MRI. Three-dimensional echo used a magnetic scanhead tracker allowing unrestricted selection and combination of images from multiple acoustic windows. Mass by quantitative 2DE was assessed using seven different geometric formulas. Results: LVM by MRI ranged from 91 to 316 g. There was excellent agreement between 3DE and MRI (r = 0.99, SEE = 6.9 g). Quantitative 2D methods correlated well with but underestimated MRI (r = 0.84–0.92) with SEEs over threefold greater (22.5–30.8 g). Interobserver variation was 7.6% for 3DE vs. 17.7% for 2DE. Conclusions: LVM in humans can be measured accurately, relative to MRI, by transthoracic 3D echo using magnetic tracking. Compared to 2D echo, 3D echocardiography significantly improves accuracy and reproducibility.
ReFormat: automatic reverse engineering of encrypted messages

Automatic protocol reverse engineering has recently received significant attention due to its importance to many security applications. However, previous methods are all limited in analyzing only plaintext communications wherein the exchanged messages are not encrypted. In this paper, we propose ReFormat, a system that aims at deriving the message format even when the message is encrypted. Our approach is based on the observation that an encrypted input message will typically go through two phases: message decryption and normal protocol processing. These two phases can be differentiated because the corresponding instructions are significantly different. Further, with the help of data lifetime analysis of run-time buffers, we can pinpoint the memory locations that contain the decrypted message generated from the first phase and are later accessed in the second phase. We have developed a prototype and evaluated it with several real-world protocols. Our experiments show that ReFormat can accurately identify decrypted message buffers and then reveal the associated message structure.
The Importance of Credible Commitments in Marriage: The Effect of Recognizing Homemakersâ€™ Contribution in Property Division at Divorce in Law on Marital Formation and Dissolution

The unilateral divorce reform in the 1970's has been accompanied by a secular decline in marriage. This paper investigates how the homemaking provision in divorce law that gives recognition to homemakers' contribution during marriage in divorce property division affects marital formation and dissolution. Hypothetically the provision enhances the commitment to homemakers in marriage, which would increase the incentives to form marriage as it encourages spousal co-operation in time-allocation and marriage-specific investment. I find evidence that the homemaking provision stimulates marriage using both state and individual level data. The law also lowers divorce risk for individuals married prior to the reform by at least 9.7 percent.
The Proteolytic Enzymes of the K-1 Strain of Streptomyces griseus Obtained from a Commercial Preparation (Pronase) I. PURIFICATION OF FOUR SERINE ENDOPEPTIDASES

Abstract The commercial protease mixture, Pronase, which is obtained from the K-1 strain of Streptomyces griseus, contains many exo- and endopeptidases. Among the latter enzymes are several which are inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP). Three of these DFP-reacting components, being of low molecular weight, were partially separated by filtration through Sephadex G-75. Chromatography through CM-cellulose of the filtration fractions with the smaller proteins yielded two well separated peaks (A and B) after the start of a sodium chloride gradient. Peak B consisted of a single enzyme which hydrolyzed N-α-acetyll-tyrosine ethyl ester (Ac-Tyr-OEt). It was homogeneous by gel electrophoresis and its approximate molecular weight was 17,500 as determined by gel filtration. The material in Peak A was heterogeneous with activities against both AcTyr-OEt and N-α-benzoyl-l-arginine ethyl ester (Bz-Arg-OEt). The component which hydrolyzes Bz-Arg-OEt was previously shown to be homologous with mammalian trypsin. Because of reports of the binding of alkylamines by trypsin, rechromatography of components in the earlier peak was carried out in the presence of n-butylamine. Slight retardation of the trypsin-like component was achieved. When a diamine, cadaverine, was substituted for the monoamine, further selective retardation was noted with almost complete resolution of the components in Peak A into two peaks (A1 and A2). These resolutions were thought to be due to the formation of an amine-enzyme complex at the active site; for, if the protein corresponding to Peak A was first reacted with DFP, no retardation was noted. Material from Peak A1 was homogeneous by gel electrophoresis and had an approximate molecular weight of 15,500. It hydrolyzed Ac-Tyr-OEt selectively. As expected the protein corresponding to Peak A2 hydrolyzed Bz-Arg-OEt selectively; its approximate molecular weight was 20,500. This enzyme demonstrated two bands by gel electrophoresis; this heterogeneity was tentatively attributed to the presence of both native enzyme and a partially autolyzed product. A larger DFP-reacting protein which hydrolyzed Ac-Tyr-OEt was partially purified by chromatography through CM-cellulose. Its approximate molecular weight was 27,000. An analysis was made of the partially hydrolyzed [32P]diisopropylphosphoryl (DIP) derivative of this protein. Electrophoretic studies of the migration of the radioactive peptides revealed a significant difference from the pattern of the radioactive peptides of [32P]DIP-α-chymotrypsin. This was in marked contrast to the results obtained with the three smaller enzymes. When a comparative electrophoretic analysis was made with the radioactive peptides of both the new enzyme and the [32P]DIP subtilisins excellent correspondence of patterns was noted. Therefore, the larger enzyme probably contains the sequence Thr-Ser-Met around the reactive seryl residue in contrast to the Asp-Ser-Gly sequences of the smaller enzymes.
High transconductance 0.1 /spl mu/m Ge/Si/sub 0.4/Ge/sub 0.6/ Schottky-gated p-MODFETs

Summary form only given. In recent years, the enhanced electron and hole mobilities demonstrated in strained-layer Si/SiGe heterostructures have led to dramatic improvements in the dc and rf performance of modulation-doped field-effect transistors (MODFETs). The most dramatic advances have occurred in p-MODFETs, where high-speed, low-power devices have been fabricated that rival the performance of n-type devices. In the present work, we report the fabrication and characterization of self-aligned Ge-channel p-MODFETs that exhibit superior dc performance compared to previous alloy-channel and pure Ge-channel results reported to date.
Comparison of the protective effects of desferrioxamine and ICRF-187 against doxorubicin-induced toxicity in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Since the iron-mediated formation of free radicals is considered to be a critical factor in the pathogenesis of the toxicity of doxorubicin (DXR), comparisons were made of the protective effects of two iron chelators, ICRF-187 and desferrioxamine (DFO), against the chronic cardiac and renal toxicity induced by DXR in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Two preparations of DFO were studied: DFO mesylate (DFO-M) and a polymeric form (DFO-P) in which DFO is conjugated to hydroxyethyl starch. Groups of 5 SHR each were given 12 weekly i.v. injections of 1 mg/kg DXR either alone or 30 min after the i.p. injection of 25 mg/kg ICRF-187, 50 mg/kg DFO-M, 50 mg/kg DFO-P, or 100 mg/kg DFO-P. A semiquantitative assessment was made of the cardiomyopathy (Billingham scale) and nephropathy. Renal protection was minimal with DFO-M and moderate with ICRF-187 and both doses of DFO-P. There was no cardiac protection with DFO-M. Both doses of DFO-P provided similar but modest degrees of cardiac protection. DXR-induced mortality was not prevented by either preparation of DFO. ICRF-187 provided a higher degree of protection against the cardiotoxicity and the mortality induced by DXR. Since both DFO and ICRF-187 are highly efficient chelators of iron in vitro, the differences in their in vivo protective effects are thought to be related to their cellular uptake and intracellular distribution and to the relative availability of different intracellular iron pools to these agents.
Cytotoxic effect of a T-strain mycoplasma (Ureaplasma urealyticum) on cultured normal human cells (wi-38).

Abstract Normal human embryonic lung fibroblasts (WI-38) were infected with Ureaplasma urealyticum , a urea hydrolysing mycoplasma. It was possible to observe reduced rates of multiplication of infected cells and reduced plating efficiency as well as the morphological changes usually associated with mycoplasma infection of animal cells in vitro. The cytotoxic effect on multiplication was sensitive to aureomycin but not penicillin. It was not related to depletion of amino acids or nucleic acid precursors from the cell culture medium but appeared to require that the host cells be growing. Ureaplasmas could not be recovered from cell culture medium after 4 days post infection and their characteristic urease activity could not be demonstrated either in cell culture medium or associated with the cells after the first cell subcultivation. [ 3 H]TdR was incorporated into the nuclei of infected cells and the percent labelled nuclei was reduced compared with uninfected cells. Nuclear labelling indices of infected cells increased as the cells were subcultivated by trypsinization suggesting that the ureaplasmas were removed from the host cell surface by this treatment. In general, the effects of ureaplasmas on WI-38 cells do not appear to be as pronounced as effects of other mycoplasmas on animal cells in culture. It is clear, nonetheless, that the urea hydrolysing mycoplasmas can infect cells in culture and cause discernible effects on the growth and metabolism of these cells.
Hybridization and evolution in Picradeniopsis (Compositae)

The predominantly allopatric species of the genusPicradeniopsis, P. oppositifolia andP. woodhousei, are distinct in morphological, in phenolic and terpeniod chemical, and in cytological aspects (n = 24 andn = 12, respectively). In an area of sympatry in northeastern New Mexico, interbreeding occurs frequently with the production of morphologically intermediate hybrids. Morphological and phenolic chemical data from 191 plants in 40 isolated parental populations and from 91 plants in four hybrid populations are of limited value in determining the nature of this hybridization, but meiotic configurations of 12II and 12I and low pollen viabilities of 1–11% in the hybrids indicate that they are all of the F1 generation (with one possible backcross). The absence of observed introgression, and therefore the absence of gene flow between the two taxa, strengthens the case for taxonomic recognition of two species in the genus. Comparisons of the morphology, phenolic and terpenoid chemistry, and cytology of parents and F1 hybrids suggest that the tetraploid,P. oppositifolia, has arisen by allopolyploidy from a cross betweenP. woodhousei and an unknown diploid species. An extrapolated morphological and chemical reconstruction of this putative diploid parent is advanced.
A Preliminary Test for the Validation of the Adult Male‐Child Bond as a Species‐Characteristic Trait

relatively unencumbered access to children, e.g. sabbaths, festival days, after working hours.2 As discussed and defined by Mackey (1976, 1979, 1981a,b) association data and interaction data were gathered. The following nine patterns of man-child interaction are presented as candidates for species-characteristic behavior. These nine patterns are argued to result from three properties of the man-child bond: (1) parenting (or the more arcane "epimeletic") behavioral tendencies are inherent in men as
Degradation of polymer coating systems studied by positron annihilation spectroscopy. II. Correlation with free radical formation

The photo-degradation of polymer coating systems due to irradiation by UV and Xenon light sources is studied using positron annihilation spectroscopy and electron spin resonance (ESR). Doppler broadened spectra of positron annihilation, as a function of slow positron implantation energy and ESR spectra, are measured in two types of polyurethane which were exposed, ex situ, to UV irradiation for up to 800 h. The UV irradiation systematically decreases the S parameter as a function of exposure duration and increases the ESR signals. Thus, significant S parameter decrease is correlated with the ESR signal increase resulting from photo-degradation of polymers due to UV irradiation. Parallel in situ positron annihilation and ESR experiments are performed as a function of Xenon light exposure for up to 100 min. These results show that the photo-degradation of the polyurethane coatings involves initial free-radical formation, which is correlated with the subnanometer defects detected by positron annihilation spectroscopy. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 1289–1305, 1999
A Novel Method to Capture Methylated Human DNA from Stool: Implications for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Background: Assay of methylated DNA markers in stool is a promising approach for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. A method to capture hypermethylated CpG islands from stool would enrich target analyte and allow optimal assay sensitivity. Methods: Methyl-binding domain (MBD) protein was produced using a pET6HMBD plasmid with MBD DNA sequence cloned from rat MeCP2 gene and bound to a column of nickel-agarose resin. We first established the feasibility of using the MBD column to extract methylated human DNA in a high background of fecal bacterial DNA. To explore the impact of MBD enrichment on detection sensitivity, the tumor-associated methylated vimentin gene was assayed with methylation-specific PCR from stools to which low amounts of cancer cell DNA (0–50 ng) were added and from stools from CRC patients and healthy individuals. Stools from cancer patients were selected with low amounts of human DNA (median 7 ng, range 0.5–832 ng). Results: With MBD enrichment, methylated vimentin was detected in stools enriched with ≥10 ng of cancer cell DNA and in CRC stool with a range of native human DNA amounts from 4 to 832 ng. Without MBD enrichment, methylated vimentin was not detected in the enriched stools and was detected in only 1 cancer stool with high human DNA (832 ng). In stools from healthy individuals methylated vimentin was not detected, with or without MBD enrichment. Conclusions: MBD capture increases assay sensitivity for detecting methylated DNA markers in stool. Applied clinical studies for stool cancer screening are indicated.
Influence of cold-work and aging heat treatment on strength and ductility of MP35N

Abstract MP35N (35% Co, 35% Ni, 20% Cr, and 10% Mo) is a superalloy that exhibits a remarkable combination of high strength and high fracture toughness. This alloy derives its strength mainly from two processes — cold work and a subsequent aging heat treatment. This study examines the influence of the amount of cold-work, imposed in the drawing and the rolling processes, and the subsequent aging heat treatment on the strength and ductility (which is also an indicator of toughness) of this alloy. It was found that high levels of cold-work followed by the aging heat treatments resulted in a drastic drop in the ductility of the alloy. This drastic loss of ductility was correlated with appearance of macro-scale shear bands in the samples. The physical origin of these localized shear bands is investigated in this paper. Furthermore, this study established a processing window for MP35N (in cold-drawing and cold-rolling processes) where the aging heat treatment provides the desired increase in the strength without adversely influencing the ductility of the alloy.
Restructuring Land Use Governance

Current restructuring of multi-tier (state, regional, local) land use governance in the United States invites discussion and reexamination of the origins, diversity, and effects of intergovernmental planning. This article surveysfour major aspects of the literature on land use governance reform: the rationales and political motivations underlying reform attempts since the 1960s, citizen support and constituencies for changes in land use governance, the institutional forms and techniques of restructured land use control, and the procedural outputs and development outcomes of multi-tier growth management. These studies and evaluations help to illuminate both the potential benefits and the possible conflicts of current state-level reform.
A one-dimensional theory of wave-propagation in elastic rods based on the „method of internal constraints“

The results obtained in this paper in the particular case of lateral vibrations of bars show an encouraging agreement between the values ofc/c0 andcg/c0 given by the approximate theory based on the assumption of internal constraints and the exact theory derived from the use of the equations of the Mathematical Theory of Elasticity.
INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING: GENUINE AND SPURIOUS

1972, an evening television newsman commented on the Venice Film Festival in which the exhibitors from Peking received much attention. They received so much attention, he said, not because of the quality of their films, but because this was their first time around. He wryly noted that the general level of the Chinese films shown at this festival was not particularly good anyhow. The station then showed an excerpt from a Chinese film, a kind of operatic ballet, entitled Red Detachment of Women. It featured many body gyrations not dissimilar to traditional Western ballet, but the men and women wore uniforms and acted and danced to a theme replete with patriotism, anti-imperialism, defeat of Kuomintang forces, and class struggle efforts. Not without obvious sarcasm, the reporter concluded that the Chinese were offering exchange programs with the Americans and, with luck, we would be able to see Chinese films in our neighborhood theaters.
(Mn, Sb)-doped PZT thin films with (La, Sr)CoO3 electrodes for uncooled infrared detectors

(Mn, Sb) doped-PZT (PMSZT) thin films have been grown on La0.5Sr0.5CoO3-(delta )/Si and La0.5Sr0.5CoO3- (delta )/LaAlO3 substrates for pyroelectric detector arrays. The La0.5Sr0.5CoO3(delta ) thin films, acting as a bottom electrode and as an atomic template for epitaxial growth of PMSZT, were deposited below 550 degrees Celsius thus allowing for integration with silicon technology. The epitaxial PMSZT thin films was designed to achieve high infrared responsivity using (100) oriented LSCO electrodes. The Ni-Cr/PMSZT/LSCO/Si capacitor-like structures show good ferroelectric properties with a large remnant polarization Pr of 40 (mu) C/cm2, a spontaneous polarization Ps of 74 (mu) C/cm2, and a coercive field Ec of 115 kV/cm under an electric field of 650 kV/cm. The PMSZT films have an electrical field breakdown strength in excess of 467 kV/cm, which is much higher than the coercive field. Voltage responsivity Rv of 4062 V/W at 2 Hz and current responsivity Ri of 281 (mu) A/W at 25 Hz was achieved under black body illumination. With CO2 laser illumination at a wavelength equals 10.6 micrometer, an Rv of 4140 V/W at 2 Hz and an Ri of 441 (mu) A/W at 25 Hz was achieved.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Vocational Training for Indian Migrants: Correlates of "Success" in a Federal Program

Ten hypotheses were tested concerning their relationship to successful completion of a Bureau of Indian Affairs sponsored adult vocational training program. The data were collected from the case records of all participants in the Adult Vocational Training Program (AVT) in the Portland Area Office (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington) for the period 1964-1966. "Success," the dependent variable, was defined in two ways: first, as completion of training program versus noncompletion, and second as the percent of training completed (number of months of training completed divided by the total number of months required for completion of that training program). This second definition of success permitted the utilization of fairly powerful statistics, including multiple regression analysis. The records of these 316 participants revealed that males were significantly more likely to complete training than were females. After controlling for sex, the results for males revealed that employment experience was the sing...
Effects of mutations in the N terminal region of the yeast G protein α-subunit Gpa1p on signaling by pheromone receptors

The sites and modes of interaction between G protein-coupled receptors and their cognate heterotrimeric G proteins remain poorly defined. The C-terminus of the Galpha subunit is the best established site of contact of G proteins with receptors, but structural analyses and crosslinking studies suggest the possibility of interactions at the N-terminus of Galpha as well. We screened for mutations in the N-terminal region of the Galpha subunit encoded by the yeast GPA1 gene that specifically affect the ability of the G protein to be activated by the yeast alpha-mating factor receptor. The screen led to identification of substitutions of glutamine or proline for Leu18 of Gpa1p that reduce the response to the pheromones alpha-factor and a-factor without affecting cellular levels of the subunit or its ability to interact with beta and gamma subunits. The mutations do not appear to affect the intrinsic ability of the G protein to be converted to the activated state. The low yield of different mutations with this phenotype indicates either that the N-terminal segment of the yeast Galpha subunit does not undergo extensive interactions with the alpha-factor receptor, or that this region can not be altered without detrimental effects upon the formation of G protein trimers.
Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Complexes: Molecular Multitasking Revealed

The accurate synthesis of proteins, dictated by the corresponding nucleotide sequence encoded in mRNA, is essential for cell growth and survival. Central to this process are the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), which provide amino acid substrates for the growing polypeptide chain in the form of aminoacyl-tRNAs. The aaRSs are essential for coupling the correct amino acid and tRNA molecules, but are also known to associate in higher order complexes with proteins involved in processes beyond translation. Multiprotein complexes containing aaRSs are found in all three domains of life playing roles in splicing, apoptosis, viral assembly, and regulation of transcription and translation. An overview of the complexes aaRSs form in all domains of life is presented, demonstrating the extensive network of connections between the translational machinery and cellular components involved in a myriad of essential processes beyond protein synthesis.
Ultrasonic imaging of hidden defects using dry-coupled ultrasonic probes

Safety criteria of aircraft industry require careful inspection of aircraft components for structural integrity since airworthiness of aging aircraft can be significantly affected by combination of corrosion and fatigue damage. Surface defects can be efficiently detected by visual or other surface inspection techniques. Detection of hidden defects, on the other hand, is still a challenging task. Therefore, it is essential to develop non-destructive methods that can inspect different layers of the aircraft structures for internal defects before they become a safety concern. Ultrasonic probes with the dry-coupled substrates are highly efficient for all modalities of ultrasonic techniques including pulse-echo, pitch-catch, or through-transmission modes. The probes can be deployed in conjunction with portable ultrasonic instruments for B- and C-scanning. The dry-coupled probes have already been tested on a number of aircraft for rapid inspections of the aircraft structures from the outside without any disassembly. However, adequate inspection for small pitting corrosion and incipient fatigue cracks in metallic structures or delaminations in composite panels may require superior sensitivity and resolution of the applied ultrasonic technique. Several novel configurations of the dry-coupled probes with increased sensitivity and resolution will be presented. Ultrasonic imaging with single- or double-element dry-coupled probes will be demonstrated on the specimens with heavy pitting corrosion, machined planar and volumetric defects, and embedded internal flaws.
Nitrogen Requirements of Broccoli in Cover Crop Mulches and Clean Cultivation

ABSTRACT 'Emperor' broccoli (Brassica oleraceae L. var. italica) was grown in the fall of 1996 at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, MD and at the Kentland Agricultural Research Farm, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA. The objective was to determine the N requirements of broccoli grown in a no-till production system in which mulches from cover crops provided part of the N. The mulch treatments included cover crops of forage soybean (Glycine max L.), foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.P. Beauv), and a combination of soybean and millet, as compared with the conventional clean cultivation production system. Supplemental N (ammonium nitrate from commercial fertilizer) was applied to all mulch treatments at 0, 112, and 224 kg.ha−1. Cover crop biomass ranged from 3.6 to 5.2 t.ha−1 with N content of 10 kg.t−1 for millet to 28 kg.t−1 for soybean. The cover crops provided only part of the N required by the broccoli crop. Yield and head mass increased with additional N app...
Steered Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Kinesin Detachment from the Microtubule Surface and the Effect of 1,3-Dinitrobenzene

Experimental evidence has shown that kinesin transport of organelles involves distinct attachment / detachment events from the microtubule (MT) surface. Steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations were employed to investigate kinesin detachment from the MT surface. Simulation results show that reducing the pulling speed, or using a softer pulling spring constant, yields better agreement between SMD simulations and experimental detachment force measurements. Different detachment pathways were observed, depending upon the parametric conditions at which SMD simulation is performed. Detachment of kinesin from a MT surface in which the tubulin dimer is kept rigid required higher detachment force at all pulling conditions, compared with the force when only the two ends of dimer were fixed. Kinesin detachment from the tubulin dimer with fixed ends involves rearrangement of the switch II region, the main kinesin-microtubule binding element, in a rotational direction opposite the rest of the kinesin head. This result agrees with experimental evidence showing that rearrangement of the switch II region is required for detachment of kinesin from the MT surface.Preliminary data suggest astrocytes are more vulnerable to attack by neurotoxicants such as 1,3-dinitrobenzene (DNB) than their neuronal counterparts, suggesting that short-term loss of astrocytes in affected regions may be a neuroprotective rather than pathologic response. Despite advances in determination of selective cellular vulnerability to DNB, the mechanisms governing interplay between astrocytes and neurons remain unclear. Increasing damage to astrocyte mitochondria may contribute to decreased neuroprotection during aging. Molecular modeling was used to investigate the possible intervention of DNB on kinesin-MT detachment. DNB was found to bind within the interface between kinesin and the tubulin dimer. SMD simulations of kinesin detachment from the kinesin-MT complex in the presence of DNB binding are presented and discussed.
A simply obtained asymptotic expansion for the probability that a random mapping is connected

Abstract We use Watson's lemma to obtain an asymptotic expansion for the probability that a random mapping is connected.
Low-Temperature Thermal Conductivity of Boron

The thermal conductivity of a single crystal of boron has been measured between 4 and 300°K. The crystal structure is beta-rhombohedral; the Debye temperature 1200°K. An exponential temperature dependence, exp Θ/aT, was observed in the neighborhood of 150°K; the value of a was 2.4. This temperature dependence is characteristic of umklapp processes. The maximum conductivity is approximately 3 W/cm-deg near 50°K. At low temperatures, the conductivity obeys a T 1•8 law and has a magnitude one-tenth that expected for boundary scattering. The latter effect may be associated with the presence of dislocations. The data are analyzed by the phenomeno-logical model of Callaway.
The Attorney General's Commission on Pornography: The Gaps Between “Findings” and Facts

social behavior [and to explore] possible roles and initiatives that the Department of Justice and agencies of local, State, and federal government could pursue in controlling, consistent with constitutional guarantees, the production and distribution of pornography" (at 216). The Commission undertook this review during several public meetings held across the country in 1986 and, as a result of the review, concluded that there is a causal relationship between exposure to many forms of pornography and several harmful effects including increased levels of violence against women. The Commission called for stricter enforcement of existing obscenity laws and serious consideration of additional legal measures. These measures include amending the federal obscenity laws to prohibit the transmission of obscene material through the telephone and eliminating the "utterly without redeeming value" clause found in some state obscenity statutes. In all, the Commission made 92 recommendations involving changes in existing federal, state, and local obscenity laws. Without exception, the recommendations for legal changes call for greater restrictions on sexually explicit material and more stringent enforcement of current obscenity law. In this essay, we ask whether the social science data upon which the Commission relied justify either the conclusions about harm or the call for more stringent law enforcement. We maintain that while several of the Commission's findings appear to be sound extrapolations from the empirical studies conducted by social scientists, many of its recommendations are incongruent with the research findings. As we explain below, the recommendations are incongruent for two reasons. First, much of the research has demonstrated that it is sexually violent material, rather than sexually explicit material, that results in harmful effects. Given these findings, the Commission's focus on harsher legal restrictions on all forms of pornography is misguided. Second, while labora
The Need for Two‐Dimensional Gas Chromatography: Extent of Overlap in One‐Dimensional Gas Chromatograms

The need for two-dimensional gas chromatography is justified by the extent of peak overlap in one-dimensional gas chromatograms (GCs) of complex mixtures. Such overlap was predicted long ago by statistical-overlap theory (SOT). In this paper, SOT is conceptually reviewed and its predictions are shown to be quantitatively accurate. GCs of complex mixtures of polychlorinated biphenyls, pyridine- and nitrogen-containing polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, fatty acid methyl esters, flavors and fragrances, and naphtha were simulated by commercial GC software on DB-1, DB-5, and Stabilwax stationary phases. The numbers of peak maxima in the GCs agreed with predictions of SOT, when the interval of time between successive peaks of pure compounds was described by Poisson statistics. This agreement was realized even though the time intervals actually are deterministic, not statistical. In addition, the numbers of mixture components were predicted with accuracy by regression of peak numbers against SOT. Similar regressions have been reported before, but the theory used here is more sophisticated and its predictions consequently are more accurate. Future directions for finalizing SOT are suggested.
Fates of Orphans: Poor Children in Antebellum Charleston

The circumstances of children upon leaving the Charleston Orphan House were strongly influenced by their circumstances upon arriving. Most of these children were bound out as apprentices after a fe...
Representation of visual response to neural firing

In this note, we give examples of the use of linear combinations of impulse response functions to represent visual images. We also derive expressions for estimating the parameters of these functions using the Fourier transform of stimuli.
Laparoscopic hill repair in patients with abnormal motility

Background Gastroesophageal reflux is frequently associated with abnormal motility in the body of the esophagus. Concern for dysphagia has led surgeons to perform less competent procedures in this group, or to avoid surgery altogether. The current study was undertaken to evaluate our experience with the laparoscopic Hill repair in patients with reflux-associated abnormal motility. Methods A retrospective review of 338 laparoscopic Hill repairs was performed; 253 patients had adequate information for analysis, and 8 patients were excluded because of hypertensive motility. The remaining 245 patients were divided into group I (175) with normal esophageal body peristalsis, group MA (37) with moderate dysmotility, and group IIB (33) with severe dysmotility. All patients underwent standard laparoscopic Hill repair. Follow-up included postoperative manometry and 24-hour pH studies and interview by an independent physician. Dilation for dysphagia was performed when necessary. Statistical analysis was performed using the F test. Results Mean follow-up was 11.0 months (range 1 to 41). Early dysphagia (3 months) occurred in 4.0% of group I patients and 12.9% of group II patients. Late dysphagia (>3 months) occurred in 1.1% of group I patients and 1.4% of group II patients. Postoperative motility returned to normal in 43% of group IIB patients studied. Twenty-four hour pH evaluation showed fractional pH 4 an average of 4.8% in group I (median 2.1%) and 6.4% in group II (median 4.0%; P = 0.57). Patient rating of results was good to excellent in 91.0% with no statistical difference between the two groups. No patient required reoperation for dysphagia. Conclusion The laparoscopic Hill repair can be safely performed in patients with reflux-associated dysmotility, with excellent results. Even severely disordered motility will return to normal in a high percentage of cases. Manometric control of the repair and secure distal fixation of the gastroesophageal junction are advantages. Abnormal motility may be an indication for, rather than a contraindication to, laparoscopic Hill repair.
Ubiquilin 1 Modulates Amyloid Precursor Protein Trafficking and Aβ Secretion

Abstract Ubiquilin 1 (UBQLN1) is a ubiquitin-like protein, which has been shown to play a central role in regulating the proteasomal degradation of various proteins, including the presenilins. We recently reported that DNA variants in UBQLN1 increase the risk for Alzheimer disease, by influencing expression of this gene in brain. Here we present the first assessment of the effects of UBQLN1 on the metabolism of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). For this purpose, we employed RNA interference to down-regulate UBQLN1 in a variety of neuronal and non-neuronal cell lines. We demonstrate that down-regulation of UBQLN1 accelerates the maturation and intracellular trafficking of APP, while not interfering with α-, β-, or γ-secretase levels or activity. UBQLN1 knockdown increased the ratio of APP mature/immature, increased levels of full-length APP on the cell surface, and enhanced the secretion of sAPP (α- and β-forms). Moreover, UBQLN1 knockdown increased levels of secreted Aβ40 and Aβ42. Finally, employing a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based assay, we show that UBQLN1 and APP come into close proximity in intact cells, independently of the presence of the presenilins. Collectively, our findings suggest that UBQLN1 may normally serve as a cytoplasmic “gatekeeper” that may control APP trafficking from intracellular compartments to the cell surface. These findings suggest that changes in UBQLN1 steady-state levels affect APP trafficking and processing, thereby influencing the generation of Aβ.
Hierarchical model reduction at multiple scales

A hierarchical model reduction approach aimed at reducing computational complexity of non-linear homogenization at multiple scales is developed. The method consists of the following salient features: (1) formulation of non-linear unit cell problems at multiple scales in terms of eigendeformation modes that a priori satisfy equilibrium equations at multiple scales and thus eliminating the need for costly solution of discretized non-linear equilibrium, (2) the ability to control the discretization of the eigendeformation modes at multiple scales to maintain desired accuracy, and (3) hierarchical solution strategy that requires sequential solution of single-scale problems. A two-scale formulation is verified against an one-dimensional model problem for which an analytical solution can be obtained and a three-scale formulation is validated against tube crash experiments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Storm Water Recharge Practices on Boston Groundwater Elevations

Over the past century, the City of Boston has periodically experienced a decline in groundwater elevations and the associated deterioration of untreated wood piles, which support building foundations. To combat declining water tables, Boston enacted a groundwater conservation overlay district enforced by city zoning boards to require storm water recharge practices for any activity that triggers the zoning bylaw. In Boston, recharge to the water table results from the infiltration of rainfall and snowmelt, leakage from water mains, and recharge from artificial systems. Increased mitigation activities to reduce unaccounted-for water have reduced leakage from water mains in the city. Given the high percentage of impervious cover in Boston, the remaining sources of recharge are primarily artificial systems, including pump and infiltrate systems and storm water recharge best management practices (BMPs). The primary objective of this research was to exploit existing information on groundwater elevations and recharge practices to quantify the effect of the required recharge BMPs on the behavior of groundwater elevations in the Back Bay region of Boston. Regional multivariate regression models were developed to determine the potential effects of recharge BMPs on observed groundwater elevations. The literature review revealed several analogous multivariate linear regression studies, none of which focused on behavior of stormwater BMPs. The model reveals that the installation of recharge BMPs has a small but highly statistically significant positive effect on groundwater elevations in the Back Bay with the effect being proportional to their capacity and inversely proportional to their distance from the location of interest. The resulting model can be used to predict the effect on average groundwater elevations at a particular location resulting from the installation of a recharge BMP or a set of such BMPs of a particular capacity at a particular distance from the location of interest.
On-Board Generation of a Highly Volatile Starting Fuel to Reduce Automobile Cold-Start Emissions

The on-board distillation system (OBDS) was developed to extract, from gasoline, a high-volatility fuel for exclusive use during the starting and warm-up periods. The use of OBDS distillate fuel results in much improved mixture preparation, allowing combinations of air/fuel ratio and ignition timing that are not possible with gasoline, even with a fully warm engine. The volatility of the distillate is a function of the parent fuel volatility; however, the variability in distillate quality can be diminished via manipulation of the OBDS operating conditions. Thus, it is possible to develop aggressive starting calibrations that are relatively immune to variations in pump gasoline volatility. The key benefits provided bythe OBDS fuel relative to standard gasoline were found to be (1) improved mixture preparation allowing a 70% reduction of cranking fuel requirements, elimination of air-fuel mixture enrichment during the warm-up period, and significant extension of warm-up ignition timing retard; (2) a 57% decrease in catalyst light-off time, (3) emissions reductions over the FTP drive cycle of 81% for regulated hydrocarbons (NMOG); (4) emissions index (NMOG) approaching that of SULEV/PZEV vehicles; and (5) an apparent 1% increase in fuel economy over the FTP drive cycle. Language: en
Is Socialism Possible? Elliott, Marx and Mankind's Future

Focuses on Elliott′s writings on Marx through the prism of a contemporary question of pressing urgency for those committed to human progress: is socialism possible? Concentrates on a subset of Elliott′s writings on Marx and sketches out his version of Marx′s views on the ideal character of socialism. The humane, decentralized, and emancipatory vision of socialism which emerges would seem to be the most meaningful legacy to be drawn from Marx′s life and work. Contrasts this vision with the historical experience of the Communist world, and attempts to reach some conclusions to its central question.
Epidemiology of asthma and allergic rhinitis in a total community, Tecumseh, Michigan: IV. Natural history

Abstract The incidence and remission of allergic rhinitis and asthma were studied in 6,563 residents of Tecumseh, Michigan, who were examined on two occasions separated by an average interval of 4 years. The 4 year incidence of probable allergic rhinitis was 2 per cent for males and females, and the 4 year incidence of probable asthma was 1 per cent for both sexes. During this time interval the incidence of allergic rhinitis among males and females who previously had asthma was 3 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively. The incidence of asthma in persons who previously had allergic rhinitis was 1 per cent in males and 3 per cent in females. Remission occured in approximately 20 per cent of persons with asthma and 8 per cent with allergic rhinitis over a 2 year period. Either disease was as likely to remit if the other disease was present or not. Allergic rhinitis was more likely to remit when the duration was shorter than 5 years, while asthma remissions were not clearly influenced by duration. Persons with perennial allergic rhinitis were less likely to remit than those with seasonal symptoms.
The pros and cons of Microsoft Academic Search from a bibliometric perspective

Purpose – This paper aims to look at the pros and cons of Microsoft Academic Search (MAS) from a bibliometric perspective.Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes the major content and software features of MAS, and its shortcomings.Findings – The paper recommends some further enhancements, and the use of care and caution when interpreting the metrics produced by cited reference enhanced databases, especially those created on the basis of the idea of autonomous citation indexing.Originality/value – The paper reveals pros and cons of MAS. A free bibliometric service is a project of great interest to those interested in metrics‐based research performance evaluation.
Business conditions and nonrandom walk behaviour of US stocks and bonds returns

If security returns are predictable due to rational variations in expected returns, as been argued by Fama and French (1989), then abnormal returns should follow a random walk process. This article investigates whether monthly abnormal returns on four US securities – high-grade corporate bonds, low-grade corporate bonds, large-cap stocks and small-cap stocks - exhibit a random walk pattern. Abnormal returns on these securities are derived from regressing excess security returns on three proxies of business condition (term premium (TRISK), default premium (DRISK) and dividend yield (DIVYLD)) and federal funds rate (FedFund). Four alternative test procedures - variance ratio test, nonparametric runs test, Markov chain test and time reversibility tests – are employed. This study finds that abnormal returns on all securities, with the exception of high-grade corporate bonds, exhibit nonrandom pattern between 1973 and 2002, suggesting that these four common risk factors cannot capture the time-varying returns ...