cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Managing hydropower dam releases for water users and imperiled fishes with contrasting thermal habitat requirements

The construction of dams on large rivers has negative impacts on native species. Environmental flows have been proposed as a tool to mitigate these impacts, but in order for these strategies to be effective they must account for disparate temperature and flow needs of different species. We applied a multi‐objective approach to identify trade‐offs in dam release discharge and temperature for imperiled fishes with contrasting habitat requirements, while simultaneously meeting the needs of human water users. Using the Sacramento River (California, USA) as a case study, our model suggests that current management aimed at providing high discharge for downstream water users and cold water for endangered winter‐run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) has detrimental impacts on threatened green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris), which require warm water for juvenile growth. We developed an optimal dam release scenario that can be used to meet the needs of salmon, sturgeon and human water users. Our results show that dam releases can be managed to successfully achieve these multiple objectives in all but the most severe drought years. Synthesis and applications. This study shows that managing dam releases to meet the needs of a single species can have detrimental effects on other native species with different flow and temperature requirements. We applied a multi‐objective approach to balance environmental requirements of multiple species with the needs of human water users. Our findings can be used to guide management of Shasta Dam and our approach can be applied to achieve multi‐object management goals in other impounded rivers.
Strain-rate sensitivity of Hall-Petch strengthening in Au(Cu) electrodeposits

Abstract A triboindentation test method is used to reveal a strain-rate sensitivity in the Hall-Petch hardening coefficient that’s representative of grain size effects. For electrodeposited gold-copper alloys, the strain-rate dependent hardening coefficient kH ( e ) equals kHo⋅ e m where kHo equals 1.28 ± 0.02 GPa⋅nm0.5 and the strain-rate sensitivity exponent m equals 0.267 ± 0.014, for those samples with a 5-34 nm grain size as scratch tested in cross-section over a 0.4–150 s−1 strain-rate range e .
Characterisation of rheological properties of sulfur-extended asphalt with/without crumb rubber

This study is to characterise rheological properties of sulfur-extended asphalts with/without crumb rubber at high, intermediate, and low temperatures using standard asphalt binder tests. Four dosa...
Discrepancies in child and parent reporting of concussion symptoms.

Objective: To assess discrepancies between child and parent symptom reports following concussion.Methods: Prospective cohort study involving 61 patients, age 7–21 years, diagnosed with a concussion...
Autonomous and cooperative robotic behavior based on fuzzy logic and genetic programming

Advances in a fuzzy decision theory that allow automatic cooperation between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are discussed. The algorithms determine points the UAVs are to sample, flight paths, and the optimal UAVs for the task and related changes during the mission. Human intervention is not required after the mission begins. The algorithms take into account what is known before and during the mission about UAV reliability, fuel, and kinematics as well as the measurement space's meteorological states, terrain, air traffic, threats and related uncertainties. The fuzzy decision tree for path assignment is a significant advance over an older fuzzy decision rule that was previously introduced. Simulations show the ability of the control algorithm to allow UAVs to effectively cooperate to increase the UAV team's likelihood of successfully measuring the atmospheric index of refraction over a large volume. A genetic program (GP) based data mining procedure is discussed for automatically evolving fuzzy decision trees. The GP is used to automatically create the fuzzy decision tree for real-time UAV path assignments. The GP based procedure offers several significant advances over previously introduced GP based data mining procedures. These advances help produce mathematically concise fuzzy decision trees that are consistent with human intuition.
Role of prophylactic ureteric stents in colorectal surgery

Ureteric injury is a feared complication in colorectal surgery, with a reported incidence of 0.2%-7.6%. Prophylactic ureteric catheter placement has the advantage of facilitating intraoperative ureter identification and assisting in immediate injury recognition and repair. However, its use has been controversial because of fear of ureteric damage during catheter insertion and postoperative urinary complications such as obstructive oliguria and urinary tract infection. Although the exact indications for prophylactic catheter placement are not clearly defined, it is generally used for reoperative cases, large tumors, previous radiation therapy, diverticulitis, fistulas, Crohn's disease and obesity. Herein, we review the incidence and risk factors for ureteric injury, the role of prophylactic ureteric stents and the complications and costs associated with its use in both open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
PTEN/MMAC1 Mutations and EGFR Amplification in Glioblastomas

Abstract Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) from chromosome 10 is a hallmark of glioblastoma, the most malignant (grade IV) form of glioma. A candidate tumor suppressor gene, PTEN/MMAC1 , that may be targeted for deletion in association with chromosome 10 LOH has recently been identified. Here we have investigated 63 glioblastomas for PTEN/MMAC1 alterations and identified DNA sequence changes that would affect the encoded protein in 17 (27%) tumors. Microsatellite analyses of normal-tumor DNA pairs were performed on 14 of these cases and revealed LOH at locations flanking and/or near PTEN/MMAC1 in all but 1 instance, suggesting that deletion of the remaining wild-type allele had occurred in the large majority of tumors with PTEN/MMAC1 mutations. Competitive PCR assays were developed to address the possible occurrence of PTEN/MMAC1 homozygous deletions in glioblastomas, and this analysis identified three samples having loss of both PTEN/MMAC1 alleles. EGFR amplification was determined to occur at similar frequencies among cases with or without PTEN/MMAC1 homozygous deletions or mutations, suggesting that a growth-promoting effect resulting from amplification-associated increases in epidermal growth factor receptor signaling is not necessarily dependent on the inactivation of PTEN/MMAC1 .
Mechanical and physical properties of several advanced metal-matrix composite materials

The objective of this investigation was to determine some of the mechanical and physical properties of several advanced metal-matrix composite materials at room, cryogenic, and elevated temperatures. Composite materials tested were of various combinations of boron, aluminum, and stainless steel. Mechanical property tests included longitudinal and transverse tensile, longitudinal compression, short-beam interlaminar shear, and pin bearing. Tests were performed at room temperature and at 77, 200, and 450 K. Physical property tests consisted of thermal expansion and specific heat measurements made from 77 to 644 K.
Programming with Alice V2.0: tutorial presentation

This tutorial gives an introduction to the Alice integrated development environment. Alice is an alternative that many universities are using to introduce both computer science majors and non-majors to object oriented programming concepts. The material presented will include a demonstration of the drag-and-drop language used to develop programs - which are 3-D graphical worlds, discussion of the documentation available, information on obtaining the software, demonstration of student projects, and hands-on activities.
The Knot That Binds Mitral Valve Prolapse and Sudden Cardiac Death

Solving the puzzle that ties mitral valve prolapse (MVP) to sudden cardiac death necessarily means overcoming 2 central challenges: establishing a mechanistic association between a very common disorder (MVP) and a rare outcome (sudden cardiac death) and discerning the cause and effect of an increasing array of associated structural, electrocardiographic, and now pathological findings. Article see p 556 In this issue of Circulation , Basso et al1 demonstrate an important and possibly critical piece of this association: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of an underlying arrhythmogenic substrate. Studying 2 distinct and complementary populations (young patients who died suddenly with MVP as the sole structural cardiac abnormality and a group of patients with MVP and complex ventricular arrhythmia) and suitable control groups, they report pathological and MRI findings that strongly suggest pathology in the region of the mitral valve apparatus that may explain a hitherto missing link between MVP and sudden cardiac death.1 A tenable assumption, given the widespread prevalence of MVP, is that, when sudden death occurs, the typically innocent valvular abnormality is a bystander with no pathogenic significance. However, researchers in this field have cyclically readdressed a putative link with a series of anecdotes and retrospective analyses. This would appear as futile an endeavor as trying to link gray hair to the risk of developing atypical atrial flutter! Except for the fact that the population of interest, as is the one studied by Basso et al,1 is young and otherwise healthy and should not be dying suddenly. Given that MVP is so common, it seems likely that patients who develop malignant arrhythmia have a second, unrelated proarrhythmic factor …
Membrane Fusion Peptide-Membrane Interactions: Comparing Simulations to Experimental Depth Measurements

Enveloped viruses infect cells via a process of membrane fusion. The insertion of portions of the viral fusion protein into target membrane is critical to this process, and mutations that impair viral entry also appear to affect the depth or extent of peptide insertion. We have performed simulations of influenza and other class I fusion peptides interacting with lipid bilayers under conditions modeled closely on spectropic experiments on insertion depth. The simulations suggest substantial insertional variability, reflective of a flexible or dynamic process. Because peptide-membrane insertion simulations converge slowly, we have also explored a number of analytic techniques to improve sampling and convergence. Here, we explore ways in which both simple multi-scaling techniques and post-hoc analysis of many unbiased atomistic simulations can improve convergence and sampling.
Sino-Australian Relations: A Triangular Perspective

Since the 1990s, Australia has become increasingly concerned about a perceived incongruence between its booming economic relationship with China and its security alliance with the US. There have been dire warnings that the future will be marked by an inevitable increase in tensions between China and the US as the former threatens to overtake and surpass the latter in aggregate GDP and in military force projection capability. This combination of bilateral tensions and concomitant pressures from each side for Australia’s support could force Canberra into a difficult choice: renounce its economic relationship with China to side with an economically moribund West, or betray old alliance commitments in pursuit of a lucrative relationship with a rising but ideologically alien new hegemon. What should Australia do? That is not a question that can be answered scientifically, but the framework provided here can perhaps elucidate the stakes.
Discrete-to-continuum bridging based on multigrid principles

Abstract The paper presents a new concurrent multiscale approach based on multigrid principles with intent of solving large molecular statics and molecular dynamics systems. We show that the coarse model effective stiffness matrix obtained by variational restriction of the atomistic model effective stiffness matrix coincides with the effective stiffness matrix of the equivalent continuum scale model. The equivalent continuum model is defined for both molecular statics and molecular dynamics cases and theoretical estimates of the rate of convergence for the proposed concurrent multiscale approach are obtained.
SNAP-25 traffics to the plasma membrane by a syntaxin-independent mechanism.

Abstract SNAREs (soluble N -ethylmaleimide-sensitive factorattachment protein receptors) are essential for vesicle docking and fusion. SNAP-25, syntaxin 1A, and synaptobrevin/vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) are SNARE proteins that mediate fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane. It has been proposed that interactions of SNAP-25 with syntaxin 1A are required for initial membrane attachment of SNAP-25 (Vogel, K., Cabaniols, J.-P., and Roche, P. (2000)J. Biol. Chem. 275, 2959–2965). However, we have shown previously that residues 85–120 of the SNAP-25 interhelical domain, which do not interact with syntaxin, are necessary and sufficient for palmitoylation and plasma membrane localization of a green fluorescent protein reporter molecule (Gonzalo, S., Greentree, W. K., and Linder, M. E. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 21313–21318). To clarify the role of syntaxin in membrane targeting of SNAP-25, we studied a SNAP-25 point mutant (G43D) that does not interact with syntaxin. SNAP-25 G43D/green fluorescent protein was palmitoylated and localized at the plasma membrane. Newly synthesized SNAP-25 G43D had the same kinetics of membrane association as the wild-type protein. Furthermore, expression of a cytosolic mutant syntaxin 1A did not interfere with SNAP-25 membrane interactions or palmitoylation in the neuronal cell line NG108-15. Exogenously expressed SNAP-25 targets efficiently to the plasma membrane in cells of neuronal origin but only partially in HeLa cells, a neurosecretion-incompetent line. This phenotype was not rescued when syntaxin 1A was co-expressed with SNAP-25. Our data support a syntaxin-independent mechanism of membrane targeting for SNAP-25.
Ionic conductivities, sintering temperatures and microstructures of bulk ceramic CeO2 doped with Y2O3

Abstract Ionic conductivities of CeO 2 :Y 2 O 3 bulk ceramic were investigated with different sintering temperatures and correlated with the resulted microstructure. Lower sintering temperatures ( T ≤1400°C) were found to give much higher overall DC conductivities (e.g., σ DC ∼7×10 −3 S/cm at 700°C for a 4% Y 2 O 3 -doped sample sintered at 1400°C). The samples sintered at lower temperatures showed higher grain boundary conductivities than those sintered at the traditional sintering temperature, 1500°C. The model involving non-resistive grain boundaries can be employed to explain the lower grain boundary resistivities in our samples of low sintering temperatures. These samples were examined by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Most of the boundaries (>90%) were found precipitate-free in the small grain samples, and a higher Y/O ratio was observed at all these boundaries examined. The lower sintering temperatures suppress grain growth giving rise to small grain size (below 1 μm). The finer grain size provides large grain boundary areas for impurities to precipitate and solutes to segregate. Under such condition, there are insufficient impurities to form continuous precipitate layers at all boundaries, such as ion transport blocking layers at boundaries are not fully formed. At the same time, there are insufficient Y Ce ′ ions for all the boundaries in the fine grain samples while the mobility of the Y Ce ′ ions is low at low sintering temperatures to form well developed space charged regions at these boundaries to abate transboundary ionic transport. These three combined effects have abated some of most resistive mechanisms for ionic transport across boundaries.
In vivo evaluation of 99mTc/188Re-labeled linear alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analogs for specific melanoma targeting

Abstract Radiolabeled alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) analogs were examined in melanoma-bearing mice to determine the effects of peptide length, structure, and radiometal chelation chemistry on tumor targeting and in vivo biodistribution. The linear α-MSH analogs [Nle 4 , D-Phe 7 ]α-MSH (NDPMSH) and [D-Phe 7 ]α-MSH 5-10 (DPMSH) were radiolabeled with 99m Tc and 188 Re via the addition of tetrafluorophenyl mercapto-acetylglycylglycyl-gamma-aminobutyrate (MAG 2 ) or tetrapeptide Ac-Cys-Gly-Cys-Gly (CGCG) chelation moieties. 125 I-Tyr 2 -NDPMSH was obtained by direct iodination of the Tyr 2 residue. Tumor uptake of 99m Tc-labeled CGCG- and MAG 2 -NDPMSH analogs at 30 min postinjection were 6.52 ± 1.11 %ID/g and 4.17 ± 1.34 %ID/g, respectively, resulting in a significantly higher tumor-to-blood uptake ratio than that of 125 I-NDPMSH or a shorter α-MSH analog, 99m Tc-CGCG-DPMSH. The combination of radiolabeling efficacy and in vivo tumor uptake highlights the potential of 99m Tc-CGCG-NDPMSH as a melanoma imaging agent.
Textuality and Imagination: The Refracted Image of Hegelian Dialectic

Examinant la dimension non-discursive et le role de l'imagination dans la mediation dialectique, l'A. souligne le hiatus entre le travail de la pensee dans la nomenclature hegelienne et l'oeuvre de deconstruction qui s'effectue a travers sa textualite. A travers la lecture systematique de Hegel par Adorno, l'A. definit la dialectique comme une image reflechie par l'imagination et le jeu du texte, distinguant la diversite de l'experience du champ rationnel de la science
The use of chemically doped polystyrene as a polarized proton target material

Abstract Dynamic proton polarization of 22% in DPPH — doped polystyrene was obtained at 25 kG and 1.2°K, giving 30% polarization when extrapolated to 1°K. Target capabilities of this material are discussed.
Ion-selective field effect transistors with heterogeneous membranes

Abstract Polyfluorinated polyphosphazene can be used as an elastomer for the preparation of heterogeneous membranes which can be applied to the ISFETs by solvent casting. The performance characteristics of such devices prepared with AgCl, AgCl-Ag2S and AgI-Ag2S membranes are very similar to those found for heterogeneous membranes based on silicone rubber, which have been used in the corresponding ion-selective electrodes. The sensor is suitable for direct determinations of chloride in sweat.
Electroretinogram components of the ocellus of the adult cabbage looper moth Trichoplusia ni

Abstract The electroretinogram (ERG) of the adult cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni) ocellus has been studied by extracellular recording methods. Using white light stimulation, the ERG was found to have four components, two of which differ from those of ocelli previously studied. Here component 3 is an excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP) and component 4 is an excitatory spike discharge from the ocellar second-order neurons. The excitatory nature of these components has been verified by two experiments. In a light adaptation experiment decreased stimulus intervals caused a reduction in the number of excitatory spikes. In an experiment with the anticholinesterase tetraethylpyrophosphate (TEPP), treatment of the preparation abolished the excitatory spike discharge and reduced the magnitude of the EPSP.
Understanding transportation energy and technical metabolism of construction waste recycling

Abstract Energy and resource efficiencies are both critical to achieve building design and construction sustainability. Embodied energy is a measure of the energy required to produce, install, and maintain materials, while technical metabolism enhances building design recyclability. Nearly all types of materials can be recycled. However, the technical metabolism of the materials depends on the existence of a market for these recycled materials, the regional recycling capacities, the total energy used to recycle, and the knowledge of the workers and designers about material recycling on a construction project. Although the concepts of embodied energy and technical metabolism have been around for many years, the concepts have not been extensively applied to construction projects. This research examines the transportation energy use for recycling construction wastes and the actual rate of recycling of these projects. The study concluded that the recyclability of construction wastes and the energy required for transporting the wastes are affected by regional variables, such as the distances between project sites and recycling facilities; social variables, such as regional purchasing habits; and design variables, such as the ease of deconstruction and recycling of construction materials. These variables affect the transportation need of shipping the wastes for recycling, and the percentage of materials that can be “metabolized.” These variables have to be developed into models that would help designers produce better estimates of the embodied energy of recycling and the recyclability of construction materials.
Black Beauty: Skin Color and Body Images among African- American College Women'

Skin color has played an historically influential role in the lives of African Americans. The present study examined the role of skin color (i. e., its lightness-darkness) as it pertained to various body-image measures among 66 light-, medium-, and darkskinned Black college females. A Skin Color Assessment Procedure was developed to assess various perceptual dimensions of skin color. Although subjects were generally satisfied with their skin tone, the idealization of lightness was apparent in several respects. Those who desired a different skin tone favored being lighter more than being darker. Unlike light- and dark-skinned Black females, medium-toned Black females' held personal ideals that were significantly lighter than their self-perceived color. The majority of subjects believed that Black men found light skin most attractive. Although actual skin color did not predict various facets of body image satisfaction, skin color satisfaction was positively related to satisfaction with overall appearance and with the face. Future research should address the possible mediating role of racial identity vis-a-vis the effects of skin color and racial physiognomy on body image.
Corporate governance and accountability in multinational enterprises: Concepts and agenda

Abstract The objective of this editorial article is twofold: (1) to develop a conceptual foundation that defines corporate governance and accountability in MNEs and (2) to present issues for future research on the ground of this conceptual foundation. Despite recent attention and greater efforts to understand MNE corporate governance and accountability using multiple disciplines, a cohesive and integrated foundation to define them and their interrelationships is still lacking. Even among submissions to this special issue, there is no one article that conceptualizes all of these issues. To fill this void, this article explains what constitutes corporate governance and accountability in an MNE; we address what elements the concepts entail, how they differ from domestic firms and in what ways governance and accountability are mutually facilitative. This article also discusses several major research issues that have strong implications for MNE governance and accountability design.
Skin and soft tissue abscess: 1 year's experience.

Background:The incidence of skin and soft tissue abscesses (SSTAs) has increased owing to the emergence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). Some of these patients are treated as outpatients (OPs) and some as inpatients (IPs).Objective:To review the microbiology and clinical features of SSTAs and the clinical parameters that may have influenced clinicians to treat patients as IPs.Methods:The study was conducted in a 673-bed teaching hospital between January and December 2005. A retrospective chart review of patients identified from a microbiology culture log was conducted. Data were collected for demographics, underlying disease, SSTA number and site, recurrence rates, and clinical presentation.Results:One hundred thirty-eight patients were identified; 76 (55%) were female, with a mean age of 42 years (range 18–80 years); 76 (55.5%) had no underlying disease, 27 (19.6%) had diabetes, 20 (14.5%) had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and 13 (9.4%) were int...
Assimilatory sulfur metabolism in marine microorganisms: Sulfur metabolism, protein synthesis, and growth of Pseudomonas halodurans and Alteromonas luteo-violaceus during unperturbed batch growth

Analysis of the distribution of 35S-sulfate and 14C-glutamate in major biochemical components of the two marine bacteria, Pseudomonas halodurans and Alteromonas luteo-violaceus, was compared with cell density and total cellular protein during exponential growth in batch culture. For both organisms, the sulfur distribution was restricted principally to the low molecular weight organic and protein fractions, which together accounted for over 90% of the total sulfur. Carbon was more widely distributed, with these two fractions containing only 70% of the total label. Growth rate constants calculated from increases in cell numbers, protein, and 35S and 14C in the various fractions indicated nearly balanced growth in A. luteo-violaceus, with constants derived from all biosynthetic parameters agreeing within 5% during the exponential phase. In contrast, protein synthesis and 35S incorporation into residue protein constants were 30% higher than constants derived from cell counts and incorporation of 14C in P. halodurans. Therefore the cellular protein content P. halodurans varied over a two-fold range, with maximum protein per cell in the late exponential phase. A distinct reduction in the rate constants for total protein and 35S incorporation into residue protein foreshadowed entry into the stationary phase more than one generation before other parameters. Incorporation of 35S-sulfate into residue protein paralleled protein synthesis in both bacteria. The weight percent S in protein agreed well with the composition of an “average protein” derived from the literature. Sulfur incorporation into protein may be a useful measurement of marine bacterial protein synthesis.
Some aspects of carbohydrate metabolism of Endamoeba histolytica.

Abstract Metabolism of E. histolytica was followed by appearance of radioactivity products in different fractions when the cells were supplied with C14-labeled sugars. It has been demonstrated that the activity of amebae in the presence of bacteria is not the same as the activity of amebae alone. It is shown here that amebae suspensions washed free of accompanying organisms as reported in this paper demonstrate fermentation which is exclusively amebal. Some general features of glucose and maltose utilization have been shown, and some properties of the products have been reported. Further work is in progress directed toward identification of compounds and mechanisms of metabolic activity of the amebae.
Long-Lasting Changes in Regional Brain Amino Acids and Monoamines in Recovered Pyrithiamine Treated Rats

Rats were subjected to a severe bout of thiamine deficiency induced by daily pyrithiamine + a thiamine deficient diet, reversed by thiamine administration and allowed to recover. Pyrithiamine treated animals demonstrated impaired retention of a 24 h recall of passive avoidance. Regional brain concentration of norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, GABA, glutamate, aspartate, glutamine, and glycine were determined after 2 and 9 weeks of nutritional recovery. A significant increase in NE content of cerebellum from the pyrithiamine treated animals was observed at both 2 and 9 week recovery periods. The concentrations of serotonin and its metabolite were significantly elevated in midbrain-thalamus and striatum. Significant reductions of GABA and glutamate were also observed in midbrain-thalamus. Amino acid levels in all other brain areas were unchanged from pair-fed controls. These results suggest regionally specific, chronic alterations in GABA, glutamate, serotonin, and norepinephrine activity following recovery from an acute bout of pyrithiamine-induced thiamine deficiency. The absence of a permanent reduction of cortical norepinephrine similar to that observed in an earlier study is discussed.
Incomplete-penetration hysteresis losses in transmission line cables

At 77 K, the resistivity of ceramic, high-temperature superconductors grows gradually rather than sharply with increasing current. The critical-state theory of hysteresis losses therefore needs to be modified. This has been done for slab conductors whose resistivity can be taken proportional to a power of the current density. Simple formulas have been derived in the limiting cases of incomplete penetration and full penetration when the losses are driven either by a sinusoidal transport current or a sinusoidal external magnetic field. These formulas can be applied to multilayer transmission line cables once the current distribution within and among the layers has been determined. This distribution has been calculated (in the incomplete penetration limit) by solving Maxwell's field equations. A formula is presented for the dependence of the hysteresis loss on winding angle. The formula is used to determine the optimum winding angle.
Incidental Stimuli: Some Effects of Color and Magnitude in a Conceptual Situation

(1965). Incidental Stimuli: Some Effects of Color and Magnitude in a Conceptual Situation. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 60, No. 1, pp. 51-54.
Energetics of base pair opening in a DNA dodecamer containing an A3T3 tract

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been used to characterize the kinetics and energetics of opening of base pairs in the DNA dodecamer [d(CGCAAATTTGCG)]2. The dodecamer contains an A3T3 tract that induces intrinsic curvature of the helix axis. Previous studies from this and other laboratories have shown that the kinetics of base pair opening in AnTn tracts is unique: the opening rates of the A.T base pairs in the interior of the tract are much lower than that of the A.T base pair at the 5'-end of the tract. In the present work, we have investigated the energetics of the pathways for opening of the A.T base pairs in the A3T3 tract. The energetic parameters of the activated state(s) are obtained from the temperature dependence of the opening rate constants. The lower opening rates for the A.T base pairs situated in the interior of the tract are shown to originate from higher activation enthalpies which are compensated, in part, by increases in the activation entropies. We have also obtained an energetic characterization of the open state(s) of the A.T base pairs in the dodecamer by measuring the equilibrium constants for base pair opening and their temperature dependence. The results suggest that the transitions from closed to open state(s) in the A.T base pairs of the A3T3 tract are energetically similar.
Approximate Solution for Rocket Flight With Linear-Tangent Thrust Attitude Control

Abstract : This note presents an approximate solution to the equations of motion written with linear-tangent thrust attitude control. The usefullness of this solution is evaluated by comparison with accurate numerical integration. This comparison shows that the solution gives accuracies sufficient for preliminary calculations for satellite boost vehicles and has a four speed advantage over numerical integration of the same accuracy level.
Seasonality in the San Diego economy

The Union-Tribune Index, a basic source of economic data for San Diego County, is seasonally adjusted using the X-11 Variant of the Census Method II Seasonal Adjustment Program. In this study, the resulting description of seasonal patterns was evaluated using additional statistical techniques. Specifically, the X-11 Program's Test for Stable Seasonality (an analysis of variance) was extended through use of the Newman-Keuls Multiple Range Test. Also, a check was made to see if one of the necessary assumptions of the Test for Stable Seasonality was satisfied.
Method for analyzing students’ utilization of prior physics learning in new contexts

In prior research, the classification of concepts into three types—descriptive, hypothetical and theoretical— has allowed for the association of students’ use of different concept types with their level of understanding. Previous studies have also examined the ways in which students link concepts to determine whether students have a meaningful understanding of principles of evolution. In this study, we build on our previous work that seeks to examine how students use prior knowledge in new situations and context, as well as present an adaptation of concept and concept-link categorization previously used in biology education research. In this adaptation, concepts are categorized on the basis of the observability of the concept exemplars and are shown to be dependent upon the knowledge level of the student. We use this categorization method to examine how students use prior knowledge when presented with an opportunity to apply physics in a new context, namely, wavefront aberrometry. Results indicate that students primarily utilize lower-level concepts, which is in agreement with previous research findings. We also found that students are able to create links between different levels of concepts, and that the type of links created can give insight to how deeply they understood the physics of the new context.
Confidence intervals for nonparametric regression

In nonparametric function estimation, providing a confidence interval with the right coverage is a challenging problem. This is especially the case when the underlying function has a wide range of ...
Brownian Motion, Bridge, Excursion, and Meander Characterized by Sampling at Independent Uniform Times

For a random process $X$ consider the random vector defined by the values of $X$ at times $0 < U_{n,1} < ... < U_{n,n} < 1$ and the minimal values of $X$ on each of the intervals between consecutive pairs of these times, where the $U_{n,i}$ are the order statistics of $n$ independent uniform $(0,1)$ variables, independent of $X$. The joint law of this random vector is explicitly described when $X$ is a Brownian motion. Corresponding results for Brownian bridge, excursion, and meander are deduced by appropriate conditioning. These descriptions yield numerous new identities involving the laws of these processes, and simplified proofs of various known results, including Aldous's characterization of the random tree constructed by sampling the excursion at $n$ independent uniform times, Vervaat's transformation of Brownian bridge into Brownian excursion, and Denisov's decomposition of the Brownian motion at the time of its minimum into two independent Brownian meanders. Other consequences of the sampling formulae are Brownian representions of various special functions, including Bessel polynomials, some hypergeometric polynomials, and the Hermite function. Various combinatorial identities involving random partitions and generalized Stirling numbers are also obtained.
Sequential inoculation as an adjunct in enteric virus plaque enumeration

Abstract The potential utility of sequentially inoculating a virus sample onto two different cultures of similar vs dissimilar cell lines was evaluated in conjunction with IDU (5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine) treatment of the cells as a potential adjunct in viral plaque formation assays. This evaluation was done using laboratory grown human echovirus 7, human enterovirus 69 and human poliovirus 1, plus an environmental concentrate derived from sewage that contained indigenous untyped enteroviruses. The cell lines employed were BGM, RD, L-132 and HEL-299. Sequential inoculation generally yielded higher viral assay titers when compared with the more traditional method of simply introducing viral inoculum onto a culture of the first (initial) cell line and then completing the assay without removing that inoculum. When a permissive cell line (BGM or RD) was used for both the initial and final cultures in a sequential inoculation technique, the total plaque count titer from both the initial plus final cultures represented an average 35% improvement over the traditional method.
Optical characterization of a four-medium thin film structure by real time spectroscopic ellipsometry: amorphous carbon on tantalum

A real time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE) investigation is reported for comprehensive optical characterization of a thin film/substrate system, vacuum-deposited hydrogenated amorphous (diamondlike) carbon on tantalum. Precision RTSE measurements were carried out from 1.6 to 4.0 eV with a time resolution of 3 s and a repetition period of 15 s. Spectra collected during substrate exposure to an Ar+ beam identify processing conditions for optimum precleaning and provide the bulk dielectric function of the Ta. Spectra collected during a-C:H growth to ~1700 A by ion beam deposition are best interpreted with a four-medium model (Ta/interface/a-C:H/ambient). From the analysis, we deduce the bulk dielectric function for a-C:H and an approximate dielectric function for the interface layer, interpreted as a carbide. The time evolution of the bulk and interface layer thicknesses is also determined. The dielectric functions of a-C:H deduced assuming a four-medium model and a three-medium model which neglects the interface layer differ by as much as 5%. The capabilities of measurement and analysis reported here represent a major new advance in the optical characterization of thin films.
Inhibition of epidermal growth factor binding by prostaglandin A's.

Summary Prostaglandins (PG) A 1 and A 2 inhibited epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding to cell lines MRC-5, HeLa, XP, WI38, and 10Tl/2. The inhibition was dose related and rapid. The 50% binding-inhibition dose in HeLa cells was 7μg/ml, for PGA 1 and 17μg/ml for PGA 2 when tested with [ 125 I]EGF at 0. 5 ng/10 6 cells. Prostaglandins PGE 1 , PGE 2 , PGF 1α , PGB 2 or F 2α -tromathamine at 33 μg/ml had little effect on EGF binding. PGA 1 , or PGA 2 were ineffective in inhibiting the binding of insulin, MSA (multiplication-stimulating-activity), human growth hormone, concanavalin A, or phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate. Our results suggest that high doses of PGA's can be used as a probe for investigating the EGF receptor system which is involved in cellular regulation and tumor promotion.
Multifunctional Covalent Nanoconjugate for Near-Infrared Imaging and Hyperthermia

The design of novel multifunctional probes in the nanorange has the potential to improve cancer management by combining diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. Nearinfrared (NIR) dyes, such as IR820, are good candidates for use as theranostic probes based on their optical and thermal generation properties. We prepared a covalent nanoconjugate of IR820 and PEG-diamine (IRPDcov), studied its optical imaging and hyperthermia applications in cancer cells, and performed biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies in mice. The nanoconjugate particles had 150-nm diameter per SEM, zeta potential -0.4±0.3 mV, and their fluorescence stability was significantly higher compared to free dye after 72 hours. Cancer cells incubated with IRPDcov versus the same content of free IR820 showed an increased fluorescent signal as well as significantly decreased cell viability after laser exposure. In mice, IRPDcov had significantly longer (p<;0.05) distribution half-life, elimination half-life, and area-under-the-curve exposure compared to IR820. IRPDcov also showed reduced accumulation in the kidneys and significantly lower (p<;0.05) accumulation in the lungs compared to IR820. Some potential advantages of IRPDcov may include passive targeting of tumor tissue through the enhanced permeability and retention effect, prolonged circulation times resulting in increased windows for combined diagnosis and therapy, and further opportunities for functionalization and targeting.
Probe beam amplification via two- and four-wave mixings in a nematic liquid crystal film

We have observed very large probe beam gain (up to 600 percent) in a thin film (100 μm) of nematic liquid crystal for a low pump beam intensity on the order of 2 W/cm2. The effect is nonlinearly dependent on the pump intensity and the wave mixing angle.
Dynamic studies of multi-machine power systems integrated with large Photovoltaic power plants

This paper presents dynamic analysis of multi-machine power systems with large penetration of Photovoltaic (PV) units. The actual non-linear characteristics of the PV-units is included in the modeling of the overall power system and the influence of this non-linear dynamics is studied through various simulations. These simulations (performed in MATLAB Simulink software package) are applied on a modified IEEE 30-bus system, where one of the major generators is replaced by a large PV power plant. Three case studies are considered. From these studies it is concluded that large penetration of PV-units deteriorates the dynamics of the overall system.
A Computation of the Gamma Matrix of a Family of p-Adic Zeta Integrals

Abstract Igusa has discussed the general form for the functional equation of the family of p-adic zeta integrals associated to a certain class of prehomogeneous vector spaces. The gamma matrix which occurs in this functional equation is known in only a small number of cases. We compute the gamma matrix for the zeta integrals associated to the prehomogeneous vector space of n × n symmetric matrices over a p-adic field k, with the action of GLn(k) given by x ↦ gxtg. The computation is carried out by finding the γ-factors for a family of intermediate functional equations. This last has applications so computing the points of reducibility of certain families of degenerate principal series representations of classical groups, to the study of Eisenstein series on these same groups, and to non-vanishing of theta lifts.
Bearded saki socioecology: affiliative male–male interactions in large, free-ranging primate groups in Suriname

Bearded sakis (Chiropotes spp.) are among the least known primates in the world, particularly with regard to their social organization. However, extremely large and variable group size and growing evidence for affiliative relationships among males, make them a fascinating subject for studies of male–male tolerance and the evolution of large groups. During a 13-month study of free ranging Guianan bearded sakis (Chiropotes sagulatus) in continuous forest in Suriname, we documented variation in group size seasonally and social behaviour, particularly among males. We found that group size was smaller and more variable in the long dry season than the short wet season, perhaps in response to changes in resource availability. We found clear evidence of affiliative male–male relationships, with males being more social than females (89.2% of events involved one male versus 15.6% that involved one female) and typically socializing with other males (68.7% of events involved 2 or more males). We also found no evidence of hierarchical relationships between males (complete absence of agonistic interactions), and we documented unique male-affiliative behaviours and temporary all-male subgroups for the first time. To investigate potential explanations of male tolerance, we compared bearded saki social patterns to other multi-male group living primates (Ateline and Pan spp.). We found similarities with Brachyteles that suggest high intergroup mating competition and scramble competition for mates within groups.
Early photoluminescence decay in a-Si:H

Photoluminescence (PL) decay in a-Si:H has been measured in the time regime of 0.5--40 nsec, and the dependence upon temperature, emission energy, and excitation energy has been systematically investigated. The subnanosecond time resolution was achieved by using a single-photon--counting detection system in conjunction with synchrotron radiation as the light source. We present an analysis method for quantitatively characterizing the PL decay in terms of a model function, with which the experimental broadening is removed by deconvolution. Deconvoluted PL decay measured at different emission energies is rearranged to yield the time-resolved PL emission spectrum. The behavior of the PL emission spectrum, and the variations of the decay with temperature, emission energy, and excitation energy, provide much insight into the recombination kinetics of photogenerated electron-hole pairs on the nanosecond time scale. The experimental results are interpreted in terms of specific physical processes.
Study of Pure and Doped Cobaltous and Nickelous Oxide

We give results for a number of "critical" tests intended to eliminate some of the structural models which have been proposed for nickelous and cobaltous oxide prepared at temperatures of order 300 to 400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. For the case of cobaltous oxide we are able to eliminate all of the proposed models, leaving us with no completely satisfactory explanation of the striking properties of this material. The importance of the semiconducting properties of these oxides is demonstrated by measurements of the ratio of ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$/${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ observed in the M\"ossbauer patterns as a function of the $p$-type dopant lithium and the $n$-type dopants chromium and gallium. When the Li doping is raised sufficiently, it is possible to completely suppress the ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$ resonance at room temperature.
Magmatically Triggered Slow Slip at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

We demonstrate that a recent dike intrusion probably triggered a slow fault-slip event (SSE) on Kilauea volcano9s mobile south flank. Our analysis combined models of Advanced Land Observing Satellite interferometric dike-intrusion displacement maps with continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) displacement vectors to show that deformation nearly identical to four previous SSEs at Kilauea occurred at far-field sites shortly after the intrusion. We model stress changes because of both secular deformation and the intrusion and find that both would increase the Coulomb failure stress on possible SSE slip surfaces by roughly the same amount. These results, in concert with the observation that none of the previous SSEs at Kilauea was directly preceded by intrusions but rather occurred during times of normal background deformation, suggest that both extrinsic (intrusion-triggering) and intrinsic (secular fault creep) fault processes can lead to SSEs.
Six Syllabi from the Early Years of American Geological Education, 1817-1838

Between 1817 and 1838 professors at the University of Pennsylvania, South Carolina College, Yale College, and Columbia College published six syllabi for earth science courses. All stressed geology. These syllabi give unique insight into classrooms of almost 200 years ago. The greatest difference between the six syllabi involved historical geology. Some pioneer professors viewed observation as the only basis for interpreting geological history. Others viewed Biblical revelation as the dominant, or at least an important, guide to deciphering the history of Planet Earth. Eventually differing approaches to historical interpretation led to a well-documented religion-geology confrontation. It culminated in a much-publicized attempt to impeach a college president who taught an observation-based geology course. After 1832, the year of this failed impeachment, known syllabi continued to emphasize observation. By 1834 the once exonerated college president and his entire faculty were fired. By 1840 research in the A...