cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flexure and thickening of the lithosphere at the East Pacific Rise

We have formulated a new class of plate-bending equations which simulates the flexure of the lithosphere at mid-ocean ridges. The stress-accumulation effect in a growing (moving and thickening) lithosphere significantly changes the flexural behavior. It is shown that the growing plate flexes more easily than the conventional static plate due to the fact that the bending stress vanishes on the base of the plate. We apply this new plate model to the East Pacific Rise. Compared with Madsen et al. (1984), the fits to the gravity and topography observations are improved. Assuming the thickness varies in proportion to the square-root of distance from the ridge crest, the best fitting thickening rate for the growing plate model is 0.7 (km1/2), or 5.5 km/(m.y.)1/2, which further implies that the 600 or 700°C isotherm marks the bottom boundary of the effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere.
Soldier caste influences on candidate primer pheromone levels and juvenile hormone-dependent caste differentiation in workers of the termite Reticulitermes flavipes

Caste systems and the division of labor they make possible are common underlying features of all social insects. Multiple extrinsic factors have been shown to impact caste composition in social insect colonies. Primer pheromones are one type of extrinsic caste-regulatory factor; they are chemical signaling molecules produced by certain colony members to impact developmental physiology of recipient nestmates. However, only limited evidence exists regarding primer pheromones and their actions in eusocial termites. In previous research we identified two soldier-produced terpenes, γ-cadinene (CAD) and γ-cadinenal (ALD), as candidate primer pheromones of the lower termite Reticulitermes flavipes. In the present study we tested hypotheses related to CAD and ALD action in recipient individuals. We examined the influences of terminally developed soldier termites on (1) CAD and ALD levels and (2) caste differentiation in developmentally totipotent workers. Our findings show CAD and ALD (respectively) are caste stimulatory and inhibitory components of chemical blends present in soldier heads, ALD levels increase significantly (10.9×) in workers only in the presence of soldiers, and soldiers can reduce developmental-hormone response thresholds of workers, presumably via ALD action. These findings provide novel evidence supporting that CAD and ALD are authentic caste-regulatory primer pheromones in Reticulitermes.
A multi-dimensional analysis of cue-elicited craving in heavy smokers and tobacco chippers.

Aims. This research examined the performance of a broad range of measures posited to relate to smoking craving. Design. Heavy smokers and tobacco chippers, who were either deprived of smoking or not for 7 hours, were exposed to both smoking (a lit cigarette) and control cues. Participants. Smokers not currently interested in trying to quit smoking ( n = 127) were recruited. Heavy smokers ( n = 67) averaged smoking at least 21 cigarettes/day and tobacco chippers ( n = 60) averaged 1-5 cigarettes on at least 2 days/week. Measurements. Measures included urge rating scales and magnitude estimations, a rating of affective valence, a behavioral choice task that assessed perceived reinforcement value of smoking, several smoking-related judgement tasks and a measure of cognitive resource allocation. Findings. Results indicated that both deprivation state and smoker type tended to affect responses across these measurement domains. Conclusions. Findings support the use of several novel measures of craving-related processes in smokers.
Defect production considerations for gamma ray irradiation of reactor pressure vessel steels

Abstract Motivated by the recent interest in gamma ray embrittlement of nuclear reactor pressure vessels (RPVs), calculations were performed to evaluate aspects of defect production by gammas in iron and steel. In addition to determining displacement damage cross-sections, the atomic recoil energy dependence of gamma-induced defect production was described by integral recoil damage spectra, W(T), and their associated median recoil damage energies, T1/2. These latter characterizations, should be particularly useful in evaluating the contribution of gamma ray generated defects to microstructural changes causing radiation embrittlement. The results for monoenergetic gammas, as well as for gamma rays with a spectrum of energies characteristic of a RPV, reveal T1/2 values of
Development of a localized probabilistic sensitivity method to determine random variable regional importance

Abstract There are many methods to identify the important variable out of a set of random variables, i.e., “inter-variable” importance; however, to date there are no comparable methods to identify the “region” of importance within a random variable, i.e., “intra-variable” importance. Knowledge of the critical region of an input random variable (tail, near-tail, and central region) can provide valuable information towards characterizing, understanding, and improving a model through additional modeling or testing. As a result, an intra-variable probabilistic sensitivity method was developed and demonstrated for independent random variables that computes the partial derivative of a probabilistic response with respect to a localized perturbation in the CDF values of each random variable. These sensitivities are then normalized in absolute value with respect to the largest sensitivity within a distribution to indicate the region of importance. The methodology is implemented using the Score Function kernel-based method such that existing samples can be used to compute sensitivities for negligible cost. Numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy of the method through comparisons with finite difference and numerical integration quadrature estimates.
Robust nonlinear predictive control for semiautonomous ground vehicles

This paper presents a robust control framework for lane-keeping and obstacle avoidance of semiautonomous ground vehicles. It presents a systematic way of enforcing robustness during the MPC design stage. A robust nonlinear Model Predictive Controller (RNMPC) is used to help the driver avoid obstacles and track the road center line. A force-input nonlinear bicycle vehicle model is developed for the RNMPC control design. A robust invariant set is used in the RNMPC design to ensure robust satisfaction of state and input constraints in the presence of disturbances and model errors. Simulations and experiments on testing vehicles show the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Efficient electrophosphorescence using a doped ambipolar conductive molecular organic thin film

Abstract We demonstrate a high efficiency organic electrophosphorescent device comprised of a 4,4′,4′′-tris(3-methylphenylphenylamino)triphenylamine (m-MTDATA) hole transport layer and a 4,4′-N,N′-dicarbazole-biphenyl (CBP) host doped with the metallorganic phosphor, fac-tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium (Ir(ppy)3) as the green light-emitting layer. The device exhibits peak external quantum and power efficiencies of (12.0±0.6)% and (45±2) lm/W, respectively, corresponding to ∼60% internal quantum efficiency. A luminance of 1850 cd/m2 is observed at a current density of 10 mA/cm2. The device operating properties are controlled by electron injection into, and transport by the CBP layer along with hole injection from m-MTDATA directly into the Ir(ppy)3 highest occupied molecular level, leading to direct carrier recombination and exciton formation on the phosphor dopant. Ambipolar conduction properties of the Ir(ppy)3:CBP layer are established by analysis of triplet–triplet annihilation, exciton formation and the luminance–current–voltage characteristics.
Matter-wave clocks

Summary form only given. It is a key principle of quantum mechanics that plane matter waves are proportional to exp(-ipμxμ/ħ)=exp(-iω0τ), where pμ and xμ are respectively 4-momentum and position, and τ is the proper time measured along the particle's tra-jectory. Thus, the quantum state of a free particle of mass m accumulates the same phase as a clock ticking at the particle's Compton frequency of ω0=mc2/ħ travelling along the particle's trajectory. This equality, if it is not just an artifact of the theory, implies that a single particle can be a reference for a clock. In principle, such a clock could be built by annihilating particle-antiparticle pairs and counting the frequencies of the generated photons. This would provide a frequency reference with virtually infinite quality factor Q and unsurpassed stability against systematic influences. The frequency (ω0/2π=3×1025 Hz for a Cesium atom), however, is far beyond modern counting techniques. A method to divide it into a technically accessible range is thus required.We demonstrate a “Compton clock,” a clock referenced to ω0, using an optical frequency comb to selfreference a Ramsey-Borde atom interferometer and synchronize an oscillator at a subharmonic of ω0 (Fig. 1) [1]. The clock has an accuracy and stability of 4×10-9 (Fig. 2). It highlights the intimate connection between frequency and mass: The Compton frequency can serve as a frequency reference directly, without requiring the particle to beannihilated - an explicit illustration of a key principle of quantum mechanics. It allows measurement of microscopic masses with 4×10-9 accuracy in the proposed revision to SI units. Together with the Avogadro project, it yields calibrated kilograms. We will survey other applications, such as testing relativity [2,3] and verifying the gravitational Aharonov-Bohm effect [4].
Electrochemical Characterization of Globotriose-Containing Self-Assembled Monolayers on Nanoporous Gold and their Binding of Soybean Agglutinin

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of α-D-Gal-(1→4)-β-D-Gal-(1→4)-β-D-Glc-mercaptooctane (globotriose, Gb3-C8-SH) were prepared both as single-component SAMs and as mixed SAMs with either octanethiol (OCT) or 8-mercapto-3,6-dioxaoctanol (HO-PEG2-SH), on flat gold and on nanoporous gold (NPG) electrodes. The binding of soybean agglutinin (SBA) to the globotriose (Gb3) unit in the SAMs was then studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which is a label free method found to be quite sensitive to SAM composition and to the differences in SAM structure on NPG versus on flat Au. The affinity of SBA to the mixed SAM of HO-PEG2-SH and Gb3-C8-SH on NPG is found to be greater on NPG than on flat gold, and indicates a potential advantage for NPG as a substrate. The SAMs of HO-PEG2-SH were found to resist protein adsorption on either NPG or flat gold. The non-specific adsorption of SBA to OCT SAMs on flat Au was observed in EIS by the increase in charge transfer resistance; whereas, the increase seen on the NPG surface was smaller, and suggests that EIS measurements on NPG are less affected by non-specific protein adsorption. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of the SBA binding to mixed SAM of HO-PEG2-SH and Gb3-C8-SH on NPG showed a greater number of proteins on top of the OCT containing SAMs.
American Board of Clinical Pharmacology Fellowship Training and Certification in Clinical Pharmacology: Educational Value and Future Needs for the Discipline

Currently, the training and education of young clinical pharmacologist who represent the future of our discipline rest almost entirely on institutions/organizations with established and productive fellowship training programs. Here, we discuss the role of the American Board of Clinical Pharmacology (ABCP) in accrediting fellowship training programs and certifying individual clinical pharmacologists. We also explore how ABCP certification adds value to both individual trainees and the discipline in the evolving world of clinical therapeutics and research in human pharmacology.
PowerPoint-Based Lectures in Business Education: An Empirical Investigation of Student-Perceived Novelty and Effectiveness

The use of PowerPoint (PPT)-based lectures in business classes is prevalent, yet it remains empirically understudied in business education research. The authors investigate whether students in the ...
Improvement in the mechanical efficiency of walking: An explanation for the “placebo effect” seen during repeated exercise testing of patients with heart failure☆☆☆★

Abstract To determine the mechanism responsible for the “placebo effect” seen during serial exercise testing of patients with heart failure, we examined metabolic variables for 81 patients who underwent five baseline exercise tests as part of a multicenter drug trial. The patients were 50 men and 31 women with a mean ejection fraction of 30.1% and a mean age of 69 years. From test 1 to 2, the exercise time increased from 419 ± 140 to 462 ± 130 seconds before it reached a plateau over the next three tests. Metabolic measurements at test 1 and test 3 revealed no change in peak oxygen consumption (1119 ± 376 to 1105 ± 346 ml/min). Maximum heart rate, systolic blood pressure, ventilation, and respiratory exchange ratio also were unchanged. The onset of the anaerobic threshold was delayed from 211 ± 81 to 238 ± 93 seconds, but there was no change in oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold (810 ± 222 to 795 ± 220 ml/min). At a predetermined submaximal level, oxygen consumption, ventilation, and respiratory exchange ratio all decreased to a statistically significant degree. These results indicate that a rapid increase in the mechanical efficiency of walking contributes to the placebo effect among patients with heart failure during serial exercise testing and is independent of changes in conditioning or motivation. (Am Heart J 1998;135:107-14.)
Crystallography of Fatigue Crack Propagation in Precipitation-Hardened Al-Cu-Mg/Li

A combined electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)/stereology method successfully quantifies the orientation of fatigue crack surfaces for Al-Li-Cu and Al-Cu-Mg alloys stressed at low ΔK, in which deformation is localized in slip bands and cracking is highly faceted. The method orients features as small as ∼1 μm in complex microstructures. Vacuum fatigue facets align within 15 deg of up to four variants of {111} slip planes, governed by the distribution of crack tip resolved shear stress. The small fraction of precisely oriented {111} facets suggests that cracking involves complex intraband and multiple-band interface paths. Water vapor and NaCl solution affect a similar dramatic change in the crack path; near-{111} facets are never observed, at odds with mechanisms for H-enhanced slip localization and associated slip band cracking. Rather, two environmental crack facet morphologies, broad flat and repeating step, exhibit a wide range of orientations between {001} and {110}, as governed by crack tip resolved normal stresses. The repetitive stepped facets appear to contain areas parallel to {100}/{110} on the ∼1-μm scale, coupled with surface curvature consistent with a mechanism of discontinuous fatigue crack growth involving H-enhanced {100}/{110} cleavage and intermingled crack tip plasticity. Broad-flat faceted regions are parallel to a variety of planes, consistent with a mechanism combining high crack tip tensile stresses and H trapped at the dislocation structure from cyclic deformation, within 1 μm of the crack tip.
Phosphorylase and Q-enzyme in developing maize kernels.

Abstract Changes in phosphorylase and Q-enzyme activities of starchy and waxy varieties of maize were followed during the period when starches are being formed in the kernels. There was no marked difference between the starchy and waxy varieties in respect to the ratio throughout the period tested (12–25 days after pollination). Yet the waxy variety produced only a trace of permanent amylose, while the starchy variety laid down a considerable fraction thereof (about 30%).
Model of Implementing Advanced Power Plant Cooling Technologies to Mitigate Water Management Challenges in Texas River Basins

Texas is a large state whose water resources vary from relatively abundant in the eastern half of the state to relatively scarce in the western half. In addition, Texas is one of five states nationwide that allocates surface water through a system that merges riparian rights and prior appropriation rights. In some locations and climatic conditions, water rights have been over-allocated, creating a predicament where the legal availability of water exceeds the physical availability. Complicating matters, in 2001, the Texas Legislature established an Instream Flow Program, which conducts studies to identify appropriate flow regimes to maintain an ecologically sound environment. The findings of these instream flow studies could create challenging streamflow requirements that might cause problems for water allocation planning and management. This case study analyzes the full execution of water rights in eleven of twenty-three total river basins in Texas and the corresponding relationship to water availability. Under the full execution scenario, each water rights holder diverts the full volume allocated by a water permit with zero return flow. While this full execution scenario is not necessarily practical since most water rights holders return a portion of the diverted water after use, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality uses the full execution water availability model to evaluate new water rights applications. Using the full execution as a baseline, we created a model to estimate the potential decrease in total water diversions in Texas river basins through the implementation of three alternative cooling scenarios at thermoelectric power plants: 1) converting current open-loop cooling technologies to closed-loop cooling towers, 2) converting all current cooling technologies to hybrid wet-dry cooling, and 3) converting all current cooling technologies to dry cooling using air-cooled condensers. Total annual diversion savings for the three alternative cooling scenarios were determined and translated into human equivalence to show the significance of implementing these cooling technology changes. By implementing these alternative cooling technologies at the plants in all eleven of the river basins considered in this analysis, water diversion could be reduced by as much as 247 to 703 million m3 annually. These diversions can supply enough water for 1.3 to 3.7 million people for one year (each using 0.53 m3 per day). Improvement in volume reliability, the percentage of total demand that is actually supplied over a time period of interest, was also examined to determine the effectiveness of converting existing thermoelectric cooling technologies to alternative cooling technologies that reduce total water diversions. Our results suggest that implementation of alternative cooling technologies at Texas thermoelectric power plants do not translate into significant improvements in volume reliability but can dramatically reduce total water diversion volumes.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Somatostatin can locally inhibit proliferation and differentiation of cartilage and bone precursor cells

The influence of somatostatin on discrete stages of collagenous-matrix-induced endochondral bone formation has been investigated. Local injection of somatostatin, i.e., without any measurable systemic effect, resulted in a 75% reduction of cell proliferation as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation and ornithine decarboxylase activities. The minimum effective inhibitory dose of somatostatin was 0.25 µg/day. Twice daily local injections of the hormone during cartilage formation also resulted in an inhibition, but this was shown to be due to impaired cell proliferation rather than to a direct effect of somatostatin on differentiation. Injection of somatostatin into developing bone tissue after the cartilage stage impaired osteogenesis, assessed by45Ca incorporation and alkaline phosphatase activity. Concurrent injections of insulin and somatostatin obliterated the inhibitory effect of the latter on cell proliferation. Somatostatin can locally regulate the proliferation and differentiation of chondroprogenitor and osteoprogenitor cells in vivo and may directly contribute to the regulation of bone growth by its ability to counteract the stimulatory effect of insulin.
Efficient and Reliable Homoepitaxially-Grown InGaN-Based Light-Emitting Diodes

InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with peak emission at ~405 nm were grown on bulk GaN and sapphire substrates using MOCVD. Tunneling current was found to be dominant in the LED on sapphire over a wide range of applied bias, but was substantially suppressed in the homoepitaxial LED. Nanoscale electrical characterization using conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) revealed highly localized leakage current at V-defects in the LED structure on sapphire, indicating that the associated threading dislocations were electrically active and behaved as leakage current pathways connected across the p-n junction. Compared to the lateral LED on sapphire, the vertically-structured LED on GaN had a reduced series resistance of 7 Ω and greatly improved power conversion efficiencies. The homoepitaxial LED was subjected to stress test at 400 mA for 24 h and showed minimal optical degradation, whereas the same stress resulted in the destruction of the LED on sapphire due to increased current crowding and self-heating.
Composition and partial protein characterization of swimbladder foam from deep-sea fish Coryphaenoides acrolepis and Antimora rostrata.

Abstract 1. 1. Swimbladder foam from Coryphaenoides acrolepis as estimated by different methods was approximately one-third protein, slightly less than two-thirds lipid and 4% carbohydrate. Antimora rostrata foam was higher in protein (over 40%) and lower in lipid. Delipidated foam protein was used as the standard for quantitating foam protein by the method of Lowry because bovine serum albumin yielded a significantly different standard curve. 2. 2. Electron microscopy confirmed that the foam structure of Antimora rostrata was similar to that of Coryphaenoides acrolepis having a bilayered membrane configuration. 3. 3. A pH 7·0 phosphate buffer containing sodium dodecyl sulfate, β-mercaptoethanol, and urea solubilized up to 70% of the swimbladder foam protein. Solubilized foam protein was partially characterized by Sephadex and Sepharose gel filtration and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as being heterogeneous with several minor protein species between 18,000 and 150,000 in molecular weight and a major amount of protein having apparent molecular weights in the millions.
Accuracy of Noninvasive and Continuous Hemoglobin Measurement by Pulse Co-Oximetry During Preoperative Phlebotomy

Background:In recent years, the continuous noninvasive hemoglobin measurement has been offered by devices using advanced pulse oximetry technology. Accuracy has been established in healthy adults as well as in surgical and intensive care unit patients but not in the setting of acute hemorrhage. In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of such a device in the clinical setting of preoperative phlebotomy thereby mimicking a scenario of acute blood loss. Methods:This prospective study included patients undergoing surgical repair of congenital heart disease (CHD) for whom preoperative phlebotomy was planned. Blood was removed after the induction of anesthesia and prior to the start of the surgical procedure. Replacement with crystalloid was guided by hemodynamic variables and cerebral oxygenation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. Hemoglobin was measured by bedside whole blood analysis (total hemoglobin [tHb]) before and after phlebotomy, and concurrent measurements from the pulse co-oximeter (noninvasive...
Microvisual investigation of polymer retention on the homogeneous pore network of a micromodel

Abstract A new experimental technique is reported for visualization of polymer retention on the solid surfaces of porous media. Etched silicon micromodels with well-characterized pore networks were used during single-phase flow to examine the retention of 0.2 wt% partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) solution. Image analysis included an image subtraction and an RGB-based global thresholding technique for quantification of polymer retention/adsorption. Results are reported as the percentage of porosity occupied by immobile polymer. Three factors were investigated including the salinity of displacing water, the change of wettability of the micromodel surface, and mechanical degradation of polymer. With respect to salinity in displacing water, the experiment confirmed that 5 wt% NaCl results in less polymer retention (6.3±0.3%) than without NaCl (7.5±0.3%). The increase in Na + concentration was sufficient to induce contraction of the size of the flexible HPAM molecules and, therefore, decrease the thickness of polymer adsorption on the grain. Two methods were used to alter the initially strongly water-wet surface of the micromodel. Wettability was changed by the deposition of crude oil and CTAB (cetyl trimethylammonium bromide) in aqueous solution. The micromodels treated using crude oil and CTAB showed polymer retention of 15.0±0.3%% and 5.0±0.3%%, respectively. Oil-wet micromodels aged by crude oil showed larger polymer retention than the polymer retention on water-wet micromodels (7.5±0.3%). Otherwise, the polymer retention on the CTAB treated micromodel was lower than the polymer retention on the water-wet micromodel. Finally, polymer solution flowed through a 7 µm filter was tested. Average polymer retention was 4.3±0.3% and this is 3.2±0.3% point lower than the value of unfiltered polymer solution. Further investigation of microgels within pore networks provided a chance to demonstrate that a size and structural flexibility of microgel leading to a transition from mobile to immobile conditions.
Chemical composition of boulder-2 rocks and soils, Apollo 17, station 2

The bulk and trace element composition of five small samples from four rocks is remarkably similar. This result indicates that the metaclastic rocks studied are relatively uniform in their chemical composition. The elemental abundances found in the study are presented in two tables and the implications of the data are considered, giving attention to siderophiles, atmophile elements, and questions of element correlations. The 'dark mantle' valley soil 75081 at Camelot Crater is low in siderophiles. Since the soil is low in alkalis, a derivation from low-alkali mare basalt is suggested. The identical volatile contents in the surface soil 72461 and the 4 cm depth soil 72441 under a 0.7 m boulder argue against any surficial volatization by galactic and solar particles.
Laser manipulation and cooling of (anti)hydrogen

This paper is a summary of a talk presented at the Antihydrogen Workshop in Munich, July 1992. We discuss the possibilities of laser cooling antihydrogen and the compatibility of laser cooling with the experimental environment needed for the production and trapping of antihydrogen. Most envisioned experiments will require or be enhanced by the production of very cold antihydrogen.
Leukocyte adhesion: Two selectins converge on sulphate

Abstract Selectins mediate the attachment of leukocytes to endothelial cells and to platelets under conditions of blood flow. Sulphation of the ligands for two of the selectins is required for optimal cell–cell interactions.
Measuring Person–Environment Fit: A further validation of the perceived fit scale

Perceived job fit typically encompasses an employee's suitability for the requirements of the job or the culture and values of the organization. This view of job fit overlooks another suitability judgment made by employees in which contribution to the organization is compared with the rewards received in return. Cable and DeRue referred to this type of fit as needs–supplies fit in their 2002 study. To distinguish needs–supply fit from the two more commonly examined types of fit, person–organization fit and person–job fit, the researchers developed the Perceived Fit Scale (PFS). The purpose of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the PFS by evaluating its reliability, concurrent validity, and factor structure via confirmatory factor analysis. Three hundred and seventeen certified public accountants participated in the study. The factor analysis results showed that the final model in this study was similar to the factor structure of the PFS reported by the developers, thus providing further support for need–supply fit as a viable dimension of perceived job fit.
Différences des résultats précoces du traitement endovasculaire pour anévrysme en fonction de la configuration de l’endoprothèse utilisée

Introduction Aux Etats-Unis, la majeure partie du traitement endovasculaire (EVAR) des anevrysmes de l’aorte abdominale (AAA) est realise via une endoprothese bifurquee. Le but de cette etude etait d’examiner l’effet de differentes configurations endoprothetiques sur les resultats precoces d’EVAR. Methodes Les patients du programme national pour l’amelioration de la qualite chirurgicale ( National Surgical Quality Improvement Program ; NSQIP) traites electivement par EVAR pour un AAA entre 2005 et 2007 etaient stratifies suivant la configuration utilisee en utilisant les codes CPT. Les configurations bifurquees (CPT 34802, 34803, 34804) etaient comparees aux configurations droites comme les tubes aortiques et les endoprotheses aorto-uni-iliaques (CPT 34800, 34805). Les facteurs de risque preoperatoires, les variables per-operatoires, les resultats a 30 jours, et les durees de sejour etaient compares entre les deux groupes. La morbidite composite incluait les patients ayant eu au moins une des 21 complications definies par le protocole NSQIP. Un test t de Student et une analyse de variances etaient utilises pour comparer les variables. Resultats Au total, 3264 patients etaient traites par EVAR. Il y avait 2864 endoprotheses bifurquees et 400 endoprotheses droites. La morbidite composite etait plus elevee chez les patients recevant une configuration droite en comparaison a la configuration bifurquee (15,2% vs. 9,3%, p p p = 0,054). Apres controle des 11 premiers facteurs predictifs de mortalite des patients vasculaires du NSQIP, la configuration de l’endoprothese utilisee restait significative en analyse multivariee pour la morbidite (odds ratio [OR] = 1,55, intervalle de confiance [IC] a 95% 1,13-2,12, p = 0,006) et la duree de sejour mais pas pour la mortalite (OR = 1,63, IC 95% 0,70-3,80, p = 0,263). Conclusion Le traitement par EVAR utilisant une configuration droite est associe a une augmentation des complications et des durees de sejour. Ces resultats pejoratifs pourraient etre lies aux facteurs conduisant les chirurgiens a choisir ces configurations.
Quinn Guyot (GA-3) not tilted toward Aleutian Trench

Abstract A recent survey of Quinn Guyot (GA-3) in the Gulf of Alaska using modern equipment shows that the guyot is not tilted toward the Aleutian Trench as previously thought. Its morphology, therefore, may reflect the vertical movements of the East Pacific Rise, but the guyot no longer should be noted as an example of downflexing of the sea floor during subsidence of the trench.
Vessel Dilator Enhances Sodium and Water Excretion and Has Beneficial Hemodynamic Effects in Persons With Congestive Heart Failure

Background—Vessel dilator, a 37–amino acid peptide hormone synthesized in the heart, enhances urine flow 4- to 12-fold and sodium excretion 3- to 6-fold in healthy humans. The present investigation was designed to determine whether vessel dilator might have similar beneficial effects in persons with congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods and Results—Vessel dilator (100 ng/kg body weight per minute) given intravenously for 60 minutes to NYHA class III CHF subjects increased urine flow 2- to 13-fold, which was still increased (P<0.001) 3 hours after its infusion was stopped. Vessel dilator enhanced sodium excretion 3- to 4-fold in CHF subjects (P<0.01), which was still significantly (P<0.01) elevated 3 hours after infusion. Vessel dilator decreased systemic vascular resistance 24%, pulmonary vascular resistance 25%, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure 33%, and central venous pressure 27% while increasing cardiac output 34%, cardiac index 35%, and stroke volume index 24% without significantly affecting heart...
Assumption of the status of women in Africa

No Abstract. International Journal of Development and Policy Studies Vol. 2 (1) 2002: pp. 383-499
Tactile stimulation of the swimmeret alters motor programs for abdominal posture in the lobster Homarus americanus.

1. The influence of mechanosensory stimulation of a second segment swimmeret upon the abdominal postural program was examined in an isolated abdominal nerve cord-swimmeret preparation. The swimmeret was stimulated in several different ways to assess the extent of influence exerted on abdominal positioning. 2. Localized tactile stimulation of the swimmeret surface with a mechanical probe usually generated flexion inhibition where the flexor inhibitor (f5) was activated while the small and medium flexor excitors were inhibited (Figs. 4, 5). Flexion inhibition was much stronger in females than males. In 50% of the animals a weak flexion excitation was seen (Fig. 6). After 3–6 hours the response of one-third of these preparations changed to flexion inhibition. 3. Strong manual stimulation of the swimmeret surface inhibited all of the flexor excitors (f1, f2, f3, f4, and f6) while exciting the inhibitor f5 and increasing extensor activity (Fig. 11). Similar extension responses were observed in both sexes. 4. Repeated tactile stimulation of the swimmeret surface elicited a response similar to that evoked during manual stimulation. The strongest extension response was produced at 2 Hz which falls within the normal range of swimmeret beating in intact lobsters (Figs. 8, 9). Similar extension responses were also obtained during spontaneous swimmeret beating and rhythmic manual movement of the swimmeret (Fig. 10A, C). 5. The interganglionic spread of postural responses and their long latencies imply the involvement of a population of interneurons that are affected by tactile stimulation of the swimmeret and which in turn form part of the integrative network that controls abdominal posture.
So Rugged and Mountainous: Blazing the Trails to Oregon and California, 1812–1848

So Rugged and Mountainous: Blazing the Trails to Oregon and California, 1812–1848 WILL BAGLEY Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2010 Pp. 480, $45.00 (hbk), $150.00 (Arthur H. Clark Special Edit...
Analysis of multiple-bus interconnection networks

The performance of multiple-bus interconnection networks for multiprocessor systems is analyzed, taking into account conflict arising from memory and bus interference. A discrete stochastic model of bandwidth is presented for systems in which each memory is connected either to all the buses or to a subset of the available buses. The effects of the assumptions made concerning independence among requests for different memories (spatial independence) and resubmission of blocked requests (temporal independence) are investigated systematically. The basic bandwidth model is extended to account for spatial dependence, and compared to previously proposed models. Finally, the various analytic models are shown to be in close agreement with
Scaling behavior of an Anderson impurity close to the Mott-Anderson transition

The scaling behavior of Anderson impurity models each of which with a different site energy ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{i}$ is examined close to the Mott-Anderson transition. Depending on its impurity energy ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{i}$, in the critical regime a site turns into a local magnetic moment, as indicated by a vanishing quasiparticle weight $Z\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$, or remains nearly doubly occupied or nearly empty, corresponding to $Z\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1$. In this paper, we present the scaling behavior of $Z$ as a function of the on-site energy ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{i}$ and the distance $t$ to the transition, and interpret our result in terms of an appropriate beta function $\ensuremath{\beta}(Z)$.
Molecular Dynamics Studies of Tau Monomer and Dimer Conformations

The microtubule associated protein tau is important in nucleating and maintain microtubule spacing and structure in neuronal axons. Over-phosphorylated tau is implicated in Alzheimer's disease, where it is found in plaques. Tau likely forms dimers as there is only one microtubule binding domain per tau. Because tau in an intrinsically disordered protein, conventional modeling techniques are not sufficient to accurately describe its structure. In order to simulate tau, we therefore must generate many starting structures in order to form a more complete ensemble. We present preliminary molecular dynamics studies for the n-terminal half of the tau monomer and dimer models (residues 1-241) for tau's normal function as a microtubule spacer and adduce the distributions of end-to-end separations. Because normal tau has several phosphorylation sites, we also investigate how varying phosphorylation locations on the n-terminal half of tau affect its structure.Supported by US NSF Grant DMR 1207624.
Information Capacity of Binary Weights Associative Memories

Abstract We study the amount of information stored in the fixed points of random instances of two binary weights associative memory models: the Willshaw model (WM) and the inverted neural network (INN). For these models, we show divergences between the information capacity (IC) as defined by Abu-Mostafa and Jacques, and information calculated from the standard notion of storage capacity by Palm and Grossman, respectively. We prove that the WM has asymptotically optimal IC for nearly the full range of threshold values, the INN likewise for constant threshold values, and both over all degrees of sparseness of the stored vectors. This is contrasted with the result by Palm, which required stored random vectors to be logarithmically sparse to achieve good storage capacity for the WM, and with that of Grossman, which showed that the INN has poor storage capacity for random vectors. We propose Q -state versions of the WM and the INN, and show that they retain asymptotically optimal IC while guaranteeing stable storage. By contrast, we show that the Q -state INN has poor storage capacity for random vectors. Our results indicate that it might be useful to ask analogous questions for other associative memory models. Our techniques are not limited to working with binary weights memories.
Divertor materials evaluation system (DiMES)

The mission of the Divertor Materials Evaluation System (DiMES) in DIII-D is to establish an integrated data base from measurements in the divertor of a tokamak in order to address some of the ITER and fusion power reactor plasma material interaction issues. Carbon and metal coatings of Be, W, V, and Mo were exposed to the steady-state outer strike point on DIII-D for 4--18 s. These short exposure times ensure controlled exposure conditions, and the extensive arrays of DIII-D divertor diagnostics provide a well-characterized plasma for modeling efforts. Post-exposure analysis provides a direct measure of surface material erosion rates and the amount of retained deuterium. For carbon, these results match closely with the results of accumulated carbon deposition and erosion, and the corresponding deuterium retention of long term exposure tiles in DIII-D. Under the carbon-contaminated background plasma of DIII-D, metal coatings of Be, V, Mo, and W were exposed to the steady-state outer strike point under ELMing and ELM-free H-mode discharges. The rate of material erosion and deuterium retention were measured. As expected, W shows the lowest erosion rate at 0.1 mm/s and the lowest deuterium uptake of 2 {times} 10{sup 20}/m{sup 2}.
X box-binding protein 1 regulates angiogenesis in human pancreatic adenocarcinomas.

PURPOSE: Tumors encounter endoplasmic reticulum stress during tumor growth and activate an adaptive pathway known as the unfolded protein response (UPR). Because this pathway is induced by the tumor microenvironment, it is a promising target for cancer therapy. We have previously demonstrated that X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1), a key regulator of the UPR, was required for survival under hypoxia and critical for tumor growth in tumor xenografts. In this study, we investigated the role of XBP-1 in regulating tumor angiogenesis. METHODS: We used an intradermal angiogenesis model to quantify the effect of XBP-1 on angiogenesis. We also used a human tumor xenograft model to assay for tumor growth delay. We determined vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA. Finally, we stained human pancreatic adenocarcinoma specimens for XBP-1 expression and correlated the expression pattern of XBP-1 with CD31 (endothelial cell marker) expression. RESULTS: We demonstrated that XBP-1 is essential for angiogenesis during early tumor growth. Inhibiting XBP-1 expression by short-hairpin RNA sequence specific for XBP-1 reduced blood vessel formation in tumors from mouse embryonic fibroblast cells and human fibrosarcoma tumor cells (HT1080). Expressing a dominant-negative form of IRE1α also reduced blood vessel formation in tumors. Moreover, expression of spliced XBP-1 (XBP-1s) restored angiogenesis in IRE1α dominant-negative expressing cells. We further demonstrated that XBP-1-mediated angiogenesis does not depend on VEGF. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that the IRE1α-XBP-1 branch of the UPR modulates a complex proangiogenic, VEGF-independent response that depends on signals received from the tumor microenvironment.
New distribution and species records of Trichoptera from Southern and Southeastern Brazil

We provide here a list of new species records of Trichoptera (Insecta) collected in Southern and Southeastern Brazil. We report 21 new distribution records for the country of Brazil. We also provide new distribution records for 92 species of Trichoptera for the states of Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Parana and Santa Catarina.
A method for determining rewetting velocity under generalized boiling conditions

Abstract A method is presented for the solution of the quasi-steady state two-dimensional rewetting conduction problem. Using the method of separation of variables, a solution is presented for the case of an arbitrary heat transfer coefficient profile. Numerical results are also presented for the particular case in which a sputting region exists immediately behind the wet front. These results show that value of the heat transfer coefficient in the sputtering region determines the rewetting temperature if the sputtering region length exceeds one quarter of the class thickness. The numerical results in general show that the rewetting phenomenon is very localized with respect to the wet front. Results are compared favorably with experimental data in the low to moderate flow rate range.
Grounding Effectiveness at Grand Coulee 230-Kv Switchyards Verified by Staged Fault Tests

Very little has been published in the past regarding the hazard to the integrity of long control circuits due to possible excessive rise in ground potential at one end of the circuits during station faults; and the verification of the safety of such control circuits through actual tests. This paper describes the rather unique arrangement at Grand Coulee power plant wherein the plant is located at the bottom of the Columbia River Channel and one of the associated 230-kv switching stations is located on a rocky plateau approximately 600 feet higher in elevation, thus requiring control cables over 4,000 feet in length. By means of several fault tests staged specifically for this purpose, and as a by-product of subsequent high-interrupting capacity circuit breaker tests, the actual rise in ground potential was determined and the safety of the control circuits positively verified, under 60-cycle fault conditions.
Surface phase transformation in monoclinic ZrO2

TEM study of monoclinic m-ZrO2 in several ZrO2-base ceramics reveals the presence of a surface phase on some m-ZrO2 regions. This phase is crystallographically well-defined and oriented with respect to m-ZrO2. TEM-Untersuchungen von monoklinen m-ZrO2 in einigen ZrO2-Keramiken zeigen die Anwesenheit einer Oberflachenphase in einigen m-ZrO2-Bereichen. Diese Phase ist kristallographisch wohldefiniert und bezuglich m-ZrO2 orientiert.
A Mononuclear Manganese(II) Complex Demonstrates a Strategy To Simultaneously Image and Treat Oxidative Stress

A manganese(II) complex with a ligand containing an oxidizable quinol group serves as a turn-on sensor for H2O2. Upon oxidation, the relaxivity of the complex in buffered water increases by 0.8 mM–1 s–1, providing a signal that can be detected and quantified by magnetic resonance imaging. The complex also serves as a potent antioxidant, suggesting that this and related complexes have the potential to concurrently visualize and alleviate oxidative stress.
Constrained standing: Evaluating the foot/floor interface

A methodological study was conducted to provide a multivariate evaluation of the foot/floor interface in constrained standing. Measures of body movement (from force platform and video recording), leg muscle EMGs, reported exertion/discomfort and task performance were taken during a two-hour task. Factor Analysis showed four major factors named Body Movement, Muscle Contraction, Perceived Fatigue and Task Errors. Most measures showed strong effects of time on task (Period Effect), indicating cumulative fatigue. Hard-soled shoes where marginally worse than soft soled shoes on a number of measures. Mat thickness had little effect. To test the methodology a commercial mat was evaluated in a separate experiment. Strong period effects were again obtained, but again the mat had little effect on any measures. Implications for a measurement methodology are discussed
A Multivariate Analysis of Selected Psychosocial Variables on the Development of Subsequent Youth Smoking Behavior

The purpose of this study was to determine if interaction effects of selected psychosocial variables could be utilized as indicators of subsequent smoking behavior among youth who had originally identified themselves on a survey as having never smoked. Interaction effects of several psychosocial variables selected for study were found to be indicative of subsequent smoking behavior.
Linear equalization via factor graphs

This paper apply the factor graph framework to the techniques of linear equalization and decision feedback equalization to obtain a new class of low complexity equalization algorithms. The estimation of Gaussian processes has been studied in previous work, and the application of factor graphs to this problem is a recent extension. Here it uses a factor graph model for the specific estimation problem of equalization and use the sum-product algorithm to obtain the desired estimate. The reduced complexity message passing update equations are derived and detail the complexity of the resulting algorithms.