cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moving meshes by the deformation method

In this paper, we describe the deformation method for generation of moving meshes and its applications in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and potential applications for image representation, segmentation, and landmark matching for image registration. We demonstrate that the deformation method can generate meshes of prescribed cell area. Numerical examples are presented to confirm that.
Endogenous digitalis-like compounds: putative regulators of the sodium pump

The quest for endogenous digitalis-like factors has been given new impetus by the finding that the plasma activity of these putative factors may participate in the renal control of fluid and electrolyte metabolism, and may play a role in the etiology of hypertension. The brain may be intimately involved in controlling the activity of these factors.
Flow Separation at 90-Degree Junctions With Opposing Flows

Sumps located on the side of cooling tower basins, or any other type of hydraulic structure where opposing flows combine and turn 90-degrees can result in a significant amount of flow separation and energy dissipation at the junction. These separation zones can result in localized regions of higher velocity. If the separation zone is large enough, the flow can approach critical depth. A theoretical method of predicting the size of these separation zones is presented based on the conservation of energy and momentum. To validate the model, the results of an ongoing experimental study are compared to the theoretical predictions. A physical model was constructed and an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter was used to collect 3-dimensional velocity data within each leg of the junction.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of gastrointestinal malformations

Prenatal ultrasonography is commonly used to detect fetal structural abnormalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of fetal sonography in the detection of congenital gastrointestinal malformations (GIM). From a prospective database of all major structural fetal anomalies detected by ultrasound over 3 years in a region with a population of 3.5 million and an annual birth rate of 52,000, 294 reports of GIM were identified and reviewed. There were 220 confirmed cases of GIM, of which only 35 (16%) had been correctly identified prenatally. Of 84 prenatal diagnoses of GIM, only 35 (42%) were confirmed postnatally. Prenatal ultrasound was most reliable in the detection of duodenal obstruction (55% confirmed cases identified prenatally) and least reliable in malformations of the hindgut. Of 44 cases of nonspecific sonographic bowel abnormality (eg, echogenic bowel) with adequate follow-up, only 12 (27%) had a confirmed GIM after delivery. This study demonstrates that the prenatal ultrasound scan is still unreliable in the detection or exclusion of fetal GIM, and consequently clinicians involved in prenatal sonography or counselling should exercise caution in making such diagnoses.
MAGNETIC TRANSITIONS OF SUPERCONDUCTING THIN FILMS AND FOILS. III. Pb, Sn, AND In.

New measurements are reported for the superconducting-to-normal transition of Pb films to reduced temperatures ($\frac{T}{{T}_{c}}$) as high as 0.995. A comparison is made of the Ginzburg-Landau parameter, $\ensuremath{\kappa}$, for Pb, Sn, and In, derived from thin-film measurements (${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{F}$) and values of $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ derived from supercooling and superheating studies (${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\mathrm{sc}}$) by Smith, Baratoff, and Cardona. The comparison reveals large discrepancies between ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{F}$ and ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\mathrm{sc}}$, which is supported by similar measurements on Al by Maloney and de la Cruz. The discrepancy can be associated with a unique sensitivity of the thin-film transitions to nonlocality, but there is at present no rigorous theory.
Moisture-curing alkoxysilane-functionalized isocyanurate coatings

An amilnosilane functionalzed isocyanurate of 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI isocyanurate) was used to formulate coatings. The coatings were formulated using a mixture of the silane-functionalized isocyanurate and the unfunctionalized HDI isocyanurate. The general coating properties and tensile properties were evaluated as a function of alkoxysilane modified isocyanurate. In addition, the thermo-machanical and rheological properties of the films were also investigated. The moisture-curing process was investigated using FT-IR and NMR. The results indicates that alkoxysilane-functionalized isocyanurate dramatically enhances the adhesion and increases the crosslink density.
The influence of avian pancreatic polypeptide on gastric secretion and motility in laying hens.

The effects of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) on digestive functions have been studied extensively in mammals. The only two previous studies on the effects of PP on avian (aPP) gastrointestinal function employed bolus injections (i.v.) of the hormone, which may have resulted in nonphysiological plasma levels of aPP. The present study was to determine the effect of aPP infused (iv) at levels simulating postprandial plasma concentrations. Young laying hens were prepared with chronic proventricular and jugular cannulas and with strain gauge transducers sutured to the serosa of the gizzard. In each experiment, a control saline infusion was followed by infusion sufficient to achieve either 7.5 or 15 ng aPP/ml of plasma. Volume, pH, and pepsin content of gastric secretions and frequency and amplitude of gastric contractions were determined. At 15 ng aPP/ml of plasma, secretory volume (P less than .01) and contractile frequency (P less than .001) were significantly depressed as compared to similar data during the saline infusion. At 7.5 ng aPP/ml of plasma, only contractile frequency (P less than .01) was depressed.
Preliminary study of air augmentation of rocket thrust

A one-dimensional-flow analysis of an air-augmented solid rocket using supersonic afterburning indicates that significant gains in Jsp should be possible. Various hypothetical fuelrich propellants are compared at a Mach 3, 40,000-ft flight condition. Net Isp near 400 sec is typical for all propellants at wa/wp between 1.0 and 1.5; /sp increases with wa/wp. Density impulses are even higher for grains with high Al or Zr content; however the Zr grains require high temperatures to keep the unburned fuel species volatile for afterburning, and both Al and Zr lead to high condensed phase contents in the nozzle flow. Effects of air injection and mixing parameters are examined for a 45% Al propellant. Results at wa/wp — 1.3 are as follows: 1) complete mixing is not necessary, because if half of the rocket flow remains unmixed, the /sp gain (120 sec) is reduced by only 10 sec; 2) for sonic air injection, there is a 1% loss in net I8p for each 1% loss in diffuser kinetic energy efficiency; 3) near-sonic air injection is better than supersonic air injection; and 4) weak oblique shocks in the rocket gas due to moderate pressure mismatch hardly affect performance. Analytical and experimental studies of nonequilibrium flow effects, inlet-afterburner matching problems, and effects of mission and trajectory constraints are needed.
Children's Rights in Assessment and School Placement

Litigation and legislation have redefined the role of the school relative to placement of children and the educational services provided them. The focus of this review is on three previously disenfranchised groups, the young, the handicapped, and the culturally different. Court cases as well as state and federal legislation which were instrumental in changing the decision-making role of the schools are reviewed. Developments in children's rights relative to education are considered under three major issues: the right to education, including the right to appropriate education; nondiscriminatory testing and evaluation; and procedural protections. Implications of recent federal legislation, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (PL94–142), are outlined. The authors note that while PL94–142 is comprehensive, the manner of implementation is uncertain. The complexity of children's rights in assessment and placement is emphasized.
Teenage childbearing as an alternative life-course strategy in multigeneration black families

This paper summarizes the findings of a three-year exploratory qualitative study of teenage childbearing in 20 low-income multigeneration black families. Teenage childbearing in these families is part of an alternative life-course strategy created in response to socioenvironmental constraints. This alternative life-course strategy is characterized by an accelerated family timetable; the separation of reproduction and marriage; an age-condensed generational family structure; and a grandparental child-rearing system. The implications of these patterns for intergenerational family roles are discussed.
1.5 Gbit/s/channel operation of multiple-wavelength vertical-cavity photonic integrated emitter arrays for low-cost multimode WDM local-area networks

The authors demonstrate 1.5 Gbit/s/channel error-free (bit error rate < 10–13) on-chip operation of unpackaged multiple-wavelength photonic integrated emitter arrays for short-haul (≤ 300 m) multimode fibre wavelength-division multiplexing applications. The observed performance has been mainly limited by our simple coaxial probe and receiver bandwidth.
A laser anemometer seeding technique for combustion flows with multiple stream injection

Abstract In nonpremixed combustion systems, fuel and oxidant are injected into the reaction chamber via two or more separate streams. Velocity measurements by laser anemometry within the chamber may be biased by individual streams unless the seeding concentrations of both streams are uniform and constant. In order to meet this requirement, a seeding technique has been developed to disperse 1-μm metal oxide particles at a controllable rate. Evaluations of the steadiness of particle generation indicate rms fluctuations are within 1.5% of the particle generation rate. Demonstration of the technique has been conducted in both nonreacting and reacting flows.
Application of Ecological Classification to Environmental Effects Analysis

The Northern Region of the USDA-FS has developed an efficient and consistent method for assessing environmental effects of management practices on the soil and vegetation resources it administrates. Ecological classification and analysis constitute the basis of this method. Because many of the management activities in the region alter the present vegetation of a site (and consequently its values for a variety of resource uses) an understanding of plant succession relationships is critical to proper effects analysis. The ecological approach to effects analysis presented in this paper has proven effective in the Northern Region and is applicable to other wildland areas.
Guillain‐Barré and Miller Fisher syndromes occurring with tumor necrosis factor α antagonist therapy

Objective Diverse neurologic syndromes have been described in association with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) antagonist therapy for inflammatory arthritides and Crohn's disease. The objective of this study was to review the occurrence and clinical features of Guillain-Barre syndrome and its variant, the Miller Fisher syndrome, during TNFα antagonist therapy. Methods The postmarketing database of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was searched, following our experience with a patient with rheumatoid arthritis in whom the Miller Fisher syndrome variant of the Guillain-Barre syndrome developed while he was receiving infliximab therapy. Results Our index patient had a neurologic illness defined initially by ataxia and dysarthria, which fluctuated in relation to each subsequent infliximab infusion and, after 6 months, culminated in areflexic flaccid quadriplegia. In addition, 15 patients in whom Guillain-Barre syndrome developed following TNFα antagonist therapy were identified from the FDA database. Guillain-Barre syndrome developed following infliximab therapy in 9 patients, following etanercept therapy in 5 patients, and following adalimumab therapy in 1 patient. Among the 13 patients for whom followup data were available, 1 patient experienced no resolution, 9 patients had partial resolution, and 3 patients had complete resolution of Guillain-Barre syndrome following therapy. Conclusion An association of Guillain-Barre syndrome with TNFα antagonist therapy is supported by the worsening of neurologic symptoms that occurred in our index patient following each infusion of infliximab, and by the temporal association of this syndrome with TNFα antagonist therapy in 15 other patients. An acute or subacute demyelinating polyneuropathy should be considered a potential adverse effect of TNFα antagonist therapy.
Comments, with reply, on "Point source nerve bundle stimulation: effects of fiber diameter and depth on simulated excitation" by K.W. Altman and R. Plonsey

The commenter questions some assertions made in the above-mentioned work by K.W. Altman and R. Plansey (see ibid., vol.37, p.688-98, 1990), which describes a simulation study relating the electrical excitability of nerve axons to their diameter and depth in the bundle. The commenter also points out the lack of experimental validation of their simulation work as well as their ignoring the membrane capacitance and strength/duration relationship. In their reply, the authors make clear that in the paper they evaluated a strength/diameter relationship that describes a measure of the relative propensity for activation and they examined how this relationship changes as a function of depth within the nerve bundle. >
Introduction: Robert A. Good Immunology Conference 2007

‘‘Perspectives in Immunology 2006,’’ the first Symposium of the Robert A Good Immunology Society (RAGIS), founded in 2005, was held June 9–12th, 2006, in the Tampa Bay area at St. Pete Beach, Florida, Tradewinds Island Grand Beach Resort and Convention Center. The initiative to found the Robert A. Good Immunology Society was first discussed by Chris Platsoucas, Ph.D, who became the first President of RAGIS and some of Bob’s former students and enthusiastic colleagues, at a scientific conference held at the Rockefeller University, following Bob’s memorial service at All Souls Church, New York City. The conference was organized and generously hosted by long time friends of Bob’s and mine, Vicki and Fred Modell, co-founders of the Jeffery Modell Foundation, New York. The Robert A. Good Immunology Society is incorporated in Pennsylvania as a nonprofit educational and scientific organization and later approved as a 501 (3) tax exempt Foundation. The stated mission of the Society is to continue the legacy of Robert A. Good by (1) Promoting and fostering the field of Immunology and related areas including developmental and molecular immunology, nutrition, and immunologic reconstitution by ‘cellular engineering’ e.g., bone marrow transplantation and to (2) encourage the generation and interchange of ideas and information among (i) immunology and related disciplines (ii) basic and clinical investigators in immunology, molecular genetics, and bone marrow transplantation, and (iii) students, young scientists, and physicians in the field of immunology, and related disciplines and fostering their development into accomplished clinicians and scientific investigators. Bob was one of the very first ‘translational’ scientists taking the patient’s problems to the bench and bringing answers back to the bedside. It is important to understand both worlds, and Bob was a master in both. My association with Bob began when I was a young graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. I came to Bob’s incredible, flourishing, highly productive laboratory
Inhibition of [3H]dopamine uptake into rat striatal slices by quaternary N-methylated nicotine metabolites.

The effects of quaternary N-methylated nicotine derivatives were examined on in vitro uptake of ({sup 3}H)dopamine (({sup 3}H)DA) in rat striatal slices. Striatal slices were incubated with a 10 {mu}M concentration of the following compounds: N-methylnicotinium, N-methylnornicotinium, N-methylcotininium, N,N{prime}-dimethylnicotinium and N{prime}-methylnicotinium salts. The results clearly indicated that significant inhibition of ({sup 3}H)DA uptake occurred with those compounds possessing a N-methylpyridinium group; whereas, compounds that were methylated at the N{prime}-pyrrolidinium position were less effective or exhibited no inhibition of ({sup 3}H)DA uptake. The results suggest that high concentrations of quaternary N-methylated nicotine metabolites which are structurally related to the neurotoxin MPP{sup +}, and which may be formed in the CNS, may protect against Parkinson's Disease and explain the inverse relationship between smoking and Parkinsonism reported in epidemiologic studies.
Asymmetric Pentacene Derivatives for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

Two aryl-substituted red emitting pentacenes, 5,6,13,14-tetraphenylpentacene (asym-TPP) and 5,14-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-6,13-diphenylpentacene (DMPDPP), have been prepared and spectroscopically characterized. Guest−host films of pentacene derivatives dispersed in tris(quinolin-8-olato)aluminum(III) (Alq3) exhibit narrow red emission (λmax = 663−680 nm), indicative of efficient Forster energy transfer from the Alq3 host to the guest molecules. Solid-state absolute photoluminescence quantum yields of the films were measured as a function of guest molecule concentration (ΦPL ∼20% at 0.20−0.50 mol %). Red light-emitting diodes based on the fluorescent DMPDPP yield external electroluminescence quantum efficiency (ηEL ∼1%) close to the theoretical limit.
Behavioural factors associated with symptom outcomes in a primary care-based depression prevention intervention trial.

Background. A randomized trial of a primary care-based intervention to prevent depression relapse resulted in improved adherence to long-term antidepressant medication and depression outcomes. We evaluated the effects of this intervention on behavioural processes and identified process predictors of improved depressive symptoms. Method. Patients at high risk for depression recurrence or relapse following successful acute phase treatment (N=386) were randomly assigned to receive a low intensity 12-month intervention or continued usual care. The intervention combined education about depression, shared decision-making regarding use of maintenance pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioural strategies to promote self-management. Baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12-month interviews assessed patients' self-care practices, self-efficacy for managing depression and depressive symptoms. Results. Intervention patients had significantly greater self-efficacy for managing depression (P<0.01) and were more likely to keep track of depressive symptoms (P<0.0001), monitor early warning signs (P<0.0001), and plan for coping with high risk situations (P<0.0001) at all time points compared to usual care control patients. Self-efficacy for managing depression (P<0.0001), keeping track of depressive symptoms (P=005), monitoring for early warning signs (P=0.01), engaging in pleasant activities (P<0.0001) and engaging in social activities (P<0.0001) positively predicted improvements in depression symptom scores. Conclusions. A brief intervention designed to target cognitive-behavioural factors and promote adherence to pharmacotherapy in order to prevent depression relapse was highly successful in changing several behaviours related to controlling depression. Improvements in self-efficacy and several self-management behaviours that were targets of the intervention were significantly related to improvements in depression outcome.
The Third Wave: Muslim Migration to Europe

In this age of confrontation, the secular Turkish model has been seen as a bridge between Islam and the West as well as the link between Europe and Asia. Now that model faces the most severe test in its history. How the current crisis is settled will frame future relations between Islam and the West no less than the events of 9/11.
Toll-like receptors and tolerance to ischaemic injury in the brain

Ischaemic tolerance in the brain is a powerful adaptive defence that involves an endogenous programme of neuroprotection culminating in marked protection against brain injury from ischaemia. A range of preconditioning stimuli exist that differ in ligand and target characteristics but share the common feature of causing mild stress or insult without inducing overt injury. The protective phenotype that emerges confers tolerance to subsequent exposure to injurious insults. Tolerance to injury is the result of genomic reprogramming, an adaptation comprising regulatory processes that countermand injurious effectors and invoke novel neuroprotective pathways. TLRs (Toll-like receptors) play important roles in sensing potential danger/insult in the form of pathogens as well as endogenous stress molecules that occur in response to mild injury (e.g. heat-shock proteins). Recent studies suggest that TLRs are novel and potent preconditioning targets that offer substantial promise to protect the brain from ischaemic injury.
Laboratory composting of extruded starch acetate and poly lactic acid blended foams

Composting of extruded foams made of starch acetate and poly lactic acid (PLA) with pre-conditioned yard waste was studied using a laboratory composting system. Extruded foams of high amylose starch were used as the control. Degradation was measured by analyzing the exhaust gases for carbon dioxide. There were significant differences in the amounts of carbon dioxide produced in the vessels containing foams of high amylose starch and foams of starch acetate blended with 20% or 30% PLA. The high amylose starch foams completely degraded within 15 days. The starch acetate foams with 0% PLA took longer, with evolution of carbon dioxide still measurable after 55 days. The rate of degradation was faster for foams with higher PLA contents. The starch acetate foams took even longer to degrade. The maximum time was found to be 130 days for the starch acetate foams.
Effect of marrow on the high frequency ultrasonic properties of cancellous bone

A number of investigators have performed in vitro measurements of cancellous bone to determine how various ultrasonic parameters depend on bone density and trabecular orientation. To facilitate handling and storage of bone specimens, the marrow is often removed prior to ultrasonic measurements. However, the assumption that marrow does not affect ultrasonic measurements at high frequencies (>1 MHz) has not been tested. The goal of this study is to determine the effect of marrow on the ultrasonic properties of bovine cancellous bone at frequencies greater than 1 MHz. Twelve specimens of cancellous bone were obtained from the proximal end of four bovine tibia. Ultrasonic measurements consisting of normalized broadband ultrasonic attenuation (nBUA), speed of sound (SOS) and apparent integrated backscatter (AIB) were measured in each specimen using 2.25 MHz (centre frequency) broadband ultrasonic pulses. These measurements were performed before and after marrow removal either along the superoinferior (SI) or mediolateral (ML) direction. SOS and nBUA showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) for either direction of propagation after marrow removal. AIB showed no significant difference in the SI direction. For the ML direction, a small but statistically significant difference (p = 0.044) was observed after marrow removal.
Circulating anti-DNA-rheumatoid factor complexes in MRL1 mice

Abstract MRL 1 mice are a newly developed strain that spontaneously develops systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, and arthritis characterized by high levels of anti-DNA antibodies and rheumatoid factors (RF). The majority of serum samples from 4- to 5-month-old MRL 1 mice contained IgG anti-DNA antibody complexes sedimenting in the intermediate position between 7 and 19 S markers as well as in the 7 S position. The intermediate anti-DNA antibody complexes were fully dissociated into 7 S IgG anti-DNA antibodies when serum samples were centrifuged in dissociating buffer (0.5 M acetate buffer, pH 4.0). Excess amounts of normal murine IgG inhibited reformation of the previously dissociated anti-DNA antibody complexes, and columns coated with the murine IgG selectively absorbed the intermediate anti-DNA antibody complexes. Furthermore, the intermediate anti-DNA antibody complexes were dissociable by the treatment with pepsin but not with DNase. Therefore, it was concluded that the anti-DNA antibodies sedimenting in the intermediate position were complexed with IgG RF without the involvement of DNase-sensitive materials. Although, in one group of sera, the concentration of anti-DNA-RF complexes in gradient fractions correlated well with those of all the IgG subclasses, in another group, only the IgG2a subclass was distributed in gradients proportionally to the anti-DNA-RF complexes, indicating the preferential reaction of IgG-RF with this particular subclass, Since most serum anti-DNA antibodies in MRL 1 mice belonged to the IgG2a subclass, IgG RF formed the complexes rather selectively with anti-DNA antibodies in the latter group of mice. Such complexes were rarely found in serum samples from other SLE-prone strains (NZB, NZB × W, and male BXSB). Consequently, these IgG anti-DNA-RF complexes, either by themselves and/or after the interaction of their anti-DNA antibodies with DNA antigens or their RF with diverse immune complexes, may be at least partially responsible for the spontaneously forming lesions in kidneys and other tissues of MRL 1 mice.
First-principles high-pressure unreacted equation of state and heat of formation of crystal 2,6-diamino-3, 5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide (LLM-105)

We report dispersion-corrected density functional theoretical calculations of the unreacted equation of state (EOS) of crystal 2,6-diamino-3, 5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide (LLM-105) under hydrostatic compression of up to 45 GPa. Convergence tests for k-points sampling in the Brillouin zone show that a 3 × 1 × 2 mesh is required to reproduce the X-ray crystal structure at ambient conditions, and we confirm our finding with a separate supercell calculation. Our high-pressure EOS yields a bulk modulus of 19.2 GPa, and indicates a tendency towards anisotropic compression along the b lattice vector due to molecular orientations within the lattice. We find that the electronic energy band gap decreases from a semiconductor type of 1.3 eV at 0 GPa to quasi-metallic type of 0.6 eV at 45 GPa. The extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving the oxide (–NO) and dioxide (–NO2) interactions with the amine (–NH2) group showed enhanced interactions with increasing pressure that should be discernible in the mid IR spectral region. We do not find evidence for structural phase transitions or chemically induced transformations within the pressure range of our study. The gas phase heat of formation is calculated at the G4 level of theory to be 22.48 kcal/mol, while we obtain 25.92 kcal/mol using the ccCA-PS3 method. Density functional theory calculations of the crystal and the gas phases provided an estimate for the heat of sublimation of 32.4 kcal/mol. We thus determine the room-temperature solid heat of formation of LLM-105 to be −9.9 or −6.5 kcal/mol based on the G4 or ccCA-PS3 methods, respectively.
Epizootiology of Erynia phytonomi (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) and Beauveria bassiana (Deuteromycetes: Moniliales) Parasitizing the Egyptian Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Southern California

The incidence of Erynia phytonomi (Arthur) and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) in southern-California populations of the Egyptian alfalfa weevil, Hypera brunneipennis (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was determined during 1979 and 1980. E. phytonomi infection normally occurred as a single epizootic in March or April after latewinter rains, and was typified by the results in the 1979 survey. Although incidence was relatively high, the epizootic occurred too late to prevent damage to the crop by feeding larvae. Abnormally heavy rainfall early in the year, such as occurred in 1980, initiated an earlier, longer epizootic, and seemed correlated with lower larval densities. E. phytonomi survived temporary dry periods occurring during the epizootic in dried host larvae, called resting larvae, on which the fungus sporulated when suitable conditions resumed. B. bassiana incidence was less affected by rainfall. Harvesting of the field, resulting in exposure of surviving larvae to soil-borne inoculum, increased the incidence of B. bassiana . Complete harvesting of the field seemed to have an immediate adverse effect on incidence of E. phytonomi , but levels of the fungus later reached new peaks.
Alcohol measures and terms: a perfect storm for chronic confusion

Abstract Members in the prevention and treatment fields continue to examine how to most effectively assess and label high volume alcohol consumption. Terms such as “binge” drinking have resulted in considerable controversy and debate. Conventionally the criteria for assessing high-risk drinking includes: five or drinks for men and four or more drinks for women during a sitting/event/occasion within the previous two weeks. Several standardized instruments simply use the cut off for high-risk drinking as five or more drinks and do not include the gender variable when defining this behavior. Both of these measures have undergone criticism for not including a more specific time element. Yet asking respondents to recall specific time frames from a night of heavy drinking may also compromise validity. Further the 5+/4+ or 5+ drinking criterion does not adequately assess intoxication levels or more extreme levels of alcohol consumption. A variety of special measures and terms have been created to capture heavy d...
Gonadotropin-regulated testicular helicase (DDX25), an essential regulator of spermatogenesis, prevents testicular germ cell apoptosis.

Gonadotropin-regulated testicular helicase (GRTH)/DDX25 is an essential post-transcriptional regulator of spermatogenesis. In GRTH null mice severe apoptosis was observed in spermatocytes entering the metaphase of meiosis. Pro- and anti-apoptotic factors were found to be under GRTH regulation in comparative studies of spermatocytes from wild type and GRTH–/– knock-out (KO) mice. KO mice displayed decreased levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL (anti-apoptotic factors), an increase in Bid, Bak, and Bad (pro-apoptotic), reduced phospho-Bad, and release of cytochrome c. Also, an increase on Smac, a competitor of inhibitor apoptotic proteins that release caspases, was observed. These changes caused an increase in cleavage of caspases 9 and 3, activation of caspase 3 and increases in cleavage products of PARP. The half-life of caspase 3 transcripts was markedly increased in KO, indicating that GRTH had a negative role on its mRNA stability. IκBα, which sequesters NF-κB from its transcriptional activation of pro-apoptotic genes, was highly elevated in KO, and its phospho-form, which promotes its dissociation, was reduced. The increase of HDAC1 and abolition of p300 expression in KO indicated a nuclear action of GRTH on the NF-κB-mediated transcription of anti-apoptotic genes. It also regulates the associated death domain pathway and caspase 8-mediated events. GRTH-mediated apoptotic regulation was further indicated by its selective binding to pro- and anti-apoptotic mRNAs. These studies have demonstrated that GRTH, as a component of mRNP particles, acts as a negative regulator of the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and caspase pathways and promotes NF-κB function to control apoptosis in spermatocytes of adult mice.
A bound on the phase transition region for Ising models on closed cayley trees

Abstract We investigate further the general Ising model on closed Cayley trees and obtain an inner bound for the phase transition region parametrized by the intensity of pair interactions on the upper and lower trees. This bound implies the exact critical value for the symmetric Ising model that we have solved implicitly in our previous work. Another interesting special case, the antisymmetric Ising model in which the pair interactions on the upper and lower trees have opposite signs, is also treated.
Analyst's Workspace: An embodied sensemaking environment for large, high-resolution displays

Distributed cognition and embodiment provide compelling models for how humans think and interact with the environment. Our examination of the use of large, high-resolution displays from an embodied perspective has lead directly to the development of a new sensemaking environment called Analyst's Workspace (AW). AW leverages the embodied resources made more accessible through the physical nature of the display to create a spatial workspace. By combining spatial layout of documents and other artifacts with an entity-centric, explorative investigative approach, AW aims to allow the analyst to externalize elements of the sensemaking process as a part of the investigation, integrated into the visual representations of the data itself. In this paper, we describe the various capabilities of AW and discuss the key principles and concepts underlying its design, emphasizing unique design principles for designing visual analytic tools for large, high-resolution displays.
Control of low-density gypsy moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) populations by mating disruption with pheromone.

This four-year study demonstrated that low-density populations of the gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar (L.), were effectively suppressed by annual aerial application of 75 g of racemic disparlure per hectare formulated in plastic laminate flakes. These tests also showed that, when plots were treated with 150 g of pheromone per hectare in 1990 only and left untreated for the following three years, populations continued to be suppressed in 1991–1993 as compared with the controls. Although none of the plots were treated in 1994, population assessment continued and showed that the gypsy moth population density remained low in the plots that had been treated annually for the preceding four years. The laminate flakes released an average of 0.48 g disparlure per day per hectare from each of the two applications in 1990, and 0.72 g per day per hectare from the single application in each of the following three years (1991–1993). Only 27–40% of the applied pheromone dose was emitted during male moth flight.
Organic–inorganic hybrid coatings prepared from glycidyl carbamate resins and amino-functional silanes

Abstract Organic–inorganic hybrid coatings were prepared from glycidyl carbamate (GC) functional oligomers and different amino-functional trimethoxysilanes via a systematic three-step reaction process. Initially, glycidyl carbamate functional oligomers isocyanurate glycidyl carbamate (IGC) and biuret glycidyl carbamate (BGC) were synthesized from the reaction of the polyisocyanurate of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDT) with glycidol and the biuret adduct of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDB) with glycidol, respectively. Then, the GC resins were mixed with 3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APTMES), N -(2-aminoethyl) 3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (AEAPTMES) and p -aminocyclohexyl methane (PACM) at different stoichiometric ratios. In order to form the hybrid organic–inorganic networks, the materials were cured either at room temperature and humidity for more than 20 days or with an additional heat treatment at 80 °C for 1 h and then keeping the coatings at room temperature and humidity for more than 10 days. The observable change in the structure during network formation was monitored by FTIR spectroscopy. The cured coatings were characterized by thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to characterize the surface properties of the hybrid systems. AFM observation suggests the phase separation behavior. Coating properties such as Konig pendulum hardness, crosshatch adhesion, MEK double rub resistance and water contact angle of the coatings were also evaluated. Finally, structure–property relationships are given based on the variable parameters used.
Agroforestry: a viable land use of alkali soils.

A system of land use of alkaline wastelands of the Indo-Gangetic plain has been proposed consisting of planting Prosopis juliflora, a multi-purpose tree species, with the objectives of economic return as well as soil amelioration. Tree farming onalkaline wastelands provides not only fuel, fodder, timber and income to the rural population but also shows good effects in improving the soil characteristics. The detailed costs of such an agroforestry system on alkali soils have been worked out and the mean annual production of Prosopis juliflora on soils of different pH have been analysed. In spite of the high cost of establishing a plantation, an economic analysis of the system yields a 9.5% internal rate of return which is reasonably high for degraded lands of strongly alkali soils and also viable within the economic structure of the region.
Big Brother as a Contract Monitor: An Assessment of the Use of Contract Staff to Monitor Offender Communications

The privatization of prison services is a growing trend in the field of corrections; however, this growth has not been matched by evaluative research. This study examines the use of contract staff to supplement state intelligence investigators’ efforts to monitor outgoing offender telephone communications for evidence of illicit activity at 18 adult institutions in a Midwestern department of corrections. Percent-change models and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) modeling are used to examine aggregates of intelligence reports documenting drug, expressive, instrumental, and administrative violations. Our findings indicate that the introduction of contract services was associated with substantial increases in the number of intelligence reports filed within each of these categories. Furthermore, these results suggest that the use of privatized services that supplement rather than replace public efforts appear to be an ethical, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to comprehensive privatization.
Incorporating interface affected zones into crystal plasticity

Abstract This work presents a crystal plasticity modeling framework that accounts for the influence of material interfaces on the plastic behavior of the two crystals on either side of the interface. Within an interface-affected zone (IAZ) extending from both sides of the interface, slip system activity is presumed to be biased towards systems that permit slip transfer across the interface. The preferred slip transfer pathways are determined from the geometric alignment of the slip systems and the stress state within each crystal. The IAZ model is applied to study the plastic stability of Cu–Nb bicrystals under plane strain compression. Our results show that the additional constraints imposed through the enforcement of slip continuity across the interface leads to reduced plastic stability as compared to the case without an IAZ for several of the interfaces studied.
A note on micro- and mesopores in the walls of SBA-15 and hysteresis of adsorption isotherms

Abstract The hysteresis of adsorption/desorption of condensable vapors in porous materials is a highly debated area of research. The adsorption isotherms is useful for getting important structural parameters such as pore size distribution and surface area. Earlier, hysteresis was attributed to the networking of the pores. Since the discovery of cylindrical pore MCM-41 materials, it has been attributed mainly to the adsorption temperature, pore diameter and heterogeneity of surface. Recently, Esparza et al. [J.M. Esparza, M.L. Ojeda, A. Campero, G. Hernandez, C. Felipe, M. Asomoza, S. Cordero, I. Kornhauser, F. Rosa, J. Mol. Catal. A: Chem. 228 (2005) 97] presented extremely valuable experimental data related to characterization of SBA-15 and other micro- and mesoporous materials. They found that adsorption on a 7.6 nm pore diameter SBA-15 sample shows hysteresis and attributed it to the presence of bulges and necks along the pore channel due to the U-shaped pores or sinuosity. In our opinion, the results open up a debate regarding the accurate structure of SBA-15 as well as the reasons behind hysteresis. The t-plot analysis of the nitrogen isotherm of their SBA-15 found that it consists of micropores (8% of total volume). These micropores are absent in MCM-41 and although not related to hysteresis, it is an important characteristics of SBA-15 not addressed during the discussion. The experimental as well as theoretical investigations of adsorption hysteresis of MCM-41/SBA-15 or cylindrical nanotubes leads us to conclude that these ordered porous materials (MCM-41, SBA-15) will always show hysteresis for nitrogen adsorption at 77 K if the pore diameter is above ∼4 nm. The hysteresis criticality (i.e. absence of hysteresis beyond a certain diameter or temperature) is a fundamental property of adsorbed fluids inside cylindrical pores and it may depend upon the temperature, pore diameter, shape of meniscus or surface heterogeneity. However, the presence of a bulge/neck (U-shaped pores/sinuosity) may not be responsible for hysteresis in SBA-15. The present note represents our arguments in an ongoing debate in the area of hysteresis of adsorption and the structure of SBA-15.
Ratio of electric quadrupole to magnetic dipole amplitudes in the nucleon-delta transition

We have analyzed available data on magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole amplitudes for the photoproduction of pions around the delta region, in the framework of a phenomenological ..gamma..N..delta.. interaction and background. The unitarity constraint via Watson's theorem limits severely the range of allowed gauge couplings in the ..gamma..N..delta.. vertex. We obtain (-1.5 +- 0.2)% as the ratio of the electric quadrupole to magnetic dipole resonant amplitudes, a value of the same order of magnitude as predicted in the skyrmion model of baryons. This ratio suggests a deformed structure of the nucleon and the delta isobar.
Reproducing the vertical-lateral defect space in obturator construction

A method of incorporating vertical and horizontal tissues in an obturator impression using an open palate impression tray is presented. The laboratory technique of obturator construction from this impression allows for a definitive (heat-cured) or interim (cold-cured) prosthesis for an edentulous or dentulous patient.
Interference in Delayed Free Recall

-116 research participants learned a series of three lists and recalled two of them following the delayed free-recall procedure of Shiffrin (1970). Each list was either short (8-items) or long (24-items). Unlike Shiffrin (1970) observed interference effects in recall ( p < .01) were attributable to the length of interfering lists. The explanation offered for the difference in results for the two experiments was that, with a series of only three lists, interference was less likely to reach asymptote whereas with the long series of lists (20) used by Shiffrin interference reached asymptote and was not observed. As in Shiffrin's study, probability of recall from a list varied inversely with length of list ( p < .01).
The Guatemalan Military Project: A Violence Called Democracy

The Guatemalan Military Project. Violence Called Democracy. Jennifer Schirmer. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1998. xvii. 345 pp., maps, charts, appendixes, bibliography, index.
Thermolysis of free-radical initiators: tert-butylazocumene and its 1,3- and 1,4-bisazo and 1,3,5-trisazo analogues.

Four tert-butylazocumenes (4−7) were prepared from the corresponding cyanobenzenes, and their nitrogen evolution kinetics and products were analyzed. In combination with TEMPO, the simplest compound, tert-butylazocumene (4), shows promise as a “one-radical” initiator of styrene polymerization. The ABNO-trapped cumyl radical 29 is a particularly stable trialkylhydroxylamine, whose thermolysis half-life is 2.1 h at 150 °C. Taking advantage of this stability, we trapped the cumyl radical centers from 7 to afford tris adduct 32a. While the behavior of the meta bisazoalkane 6 can be mostly predicted from that of 4, the para isomer 5 exhibits both unusual products and kinetics, attributed to the formation of quinodimethane 33 via azo-containing radical 34. In fact, flash vacuum pyrolysis of 5 allowed observation of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of 33, whose persistence even at ambient temperature showed that this quinodimethane is far more stable than the parent 36. Finally, evidence is presented that 7 is an init...
Duration and severity of primary sclerosing cholangitis is not associated with risk of neoplastic changes in the colon in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Background Annual surveillance colonoscopy to detect colon cancer is recommended for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Limited data currently support these recommendations. Objective To study whether a relationship exists between the severity and duration of PSC and the risk of colon cancer and dysplasia (colon neoplasia). Design Retrospective, longitudinal study. Setting Tertiary-care referral center. Patients Information pertaining to duration of PSC, UC, requirement for orthotopic liver transplantation, and time to diagnosis of colon neoplasia was obtained for patients with PSC and UC. Patients were evaluated and followed-up from 1985 to 2011 at a single institution. Main Outcome Measurements Association between the severity and duration of PSC-UC and the time of occurrence of colon neoplasia. Results Of 167 patients with a combined diagnosis of PSC-UC, 55 had colonic neoplasia on colonoscopy. Colonic neoplasia occurred more frequently within 2 years of a combined diagnosis of PSC-UC (6.6/100 patient-years of follow-up) than after 8 years from PSC-UC (2.7/100 patient-years of follow-up). On proportional hazards analysis, older age at PSC diagnosis (hazard ratio 1.23 for every 5 years; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.34; P = .014) increased the risk of colon neoplasia. Limitations Retrospective study. Conclusion In this study, the severity of PSC was not significantly associated with the risk of colon neoplasia. Patients with PSC and UC have a high risk of colon neoplasia soon after the coexistence of the two diseases is discovered. Older age at PSC diagnosis increases this risk.
Solving sequencing problems in spreadsheets

Suppose that we wish to solve such sequencing problems as the flow shop scheduling problem or the travelling salesperson problem. We may wish to explore the use of stateoftheart algorithms, but a more accessible alternative may exist. This paper reports computational experiments that shed light on how large a problem we might be able to solve, assuming that our work is done using a spreadsheetbased approach with the hardware and software available to today's students and practitioners: a laptop and Risk Solver Platform (RSP). The results include both optimal and heuristic solutions generated by the software.
Bis(triphenylphosphine)copper(I) Complexes of Orotate and L-Dihydroorotate.

Novel complexes of orotic acid and dihydroorotic acid with Cu(I) bis(triphenylphosphine) have been synthesized. These complexes are the first examples of orotic acid derivatives bound to copper in ...
Bubbles, Bubbles: Integrated Investigations with Floating Spheres

In this article, the author describes integrated science and mathematics activities developed for fourthgrade students to explore and investigate three-dimensional geometric shapes, Bernoulli's principle, estimation, and art with and through bubbles. Students were engaged in thinking and reflection on the questions their teachers asked and were also encouraged to use prior knowledge to make conjectures about what they believed would happen at each center with the materials provided and to record their ideas, conjectures, and findings in a journal.