cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemical regulation of vegetative growth

Abstract Our review gives a comprehensive overview of the chemical restriction of plant growth. The first portion of the article gives a brief history of plant growth retardants followed by an update on current usage. Following this, the biochemical and physiological aspects of plant growth restriction are covered. The remaining portion of the review deals with current and potential uses of plant growth retardants on amenity plants, fruit trees, cereals and grains, and vegetables. The concluding section emphasizes future directions for growth retardant research.
Evidence for a Causal Relationship between Allergic Sensitization and Rhinovirus Wheezing in Early Life

Rationale: Aeroallergen sensitization and virus-induced wheezing are risk factors for asthma development during early childhood, but the temporal developmental sequence between them is incompletely understood.Objective: To define the developmental relationship between aeroallergen sensitization and virus-induced wheezing.Methods: A total of 285 children at high risk for allergic disease and asthma were followed prospectively from birth. The timing and etiology of viral respiratory wheezing illnesses were determined, and aeroallergen sensitization was assessed annually for the first 6 years of life. The relationships between these events were assessed using a longitudinal multistate Markov model.Measurements and Main Results: Children who were sensitized to aeroallergens had greater risk of developing viral wheeze than nonsensitized children (hazard ratio [HR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–3.1). Allergic sensitization led to an increased risk of wheezing illnesses caused by human rhinovirus (HRV)...
Gender and Depression in Men: Extending Beyond Depression and Extending Beyond Gender

The study of gender issues in men is an interesting, relatively new, area of focus in depression research. It is exciting to anticipate the continued development of the gender frameworks described by Addis (2008), as they are more thoroughly investigated. Given the high comorbidity rates in depression and the wealth of research on risk factors for depression, it is important that researchers who enter this arena remember (a) not to limit their exploration of gender in men to only depression nor (b) to focus their study of risk factors for depression in men too exclusively on gender issues.
Defect density measurements in shocked single crystal ammonium perchlorate by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

The linewidths of x-ray photoelectron spectra have been correlated with dislocation densities in a shock-damaged crystal of ammonium perchlorate (AP). A centimeter-size AP crystal was loaded at several sites with a diamond pyramid (Vickers) indenter, creating localized strain centers. The crystal was nonuniformly damaged by a rapidly decaying shock (peak pressure of 24.4 kbar at the entry surface), recovered intact, and cleaved through the indentations. The cleaved planes permitted interior analysis of the crystal by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) over a pattern of 1 mm by 1 mm areas. The linewidth of the Cl(2p3/2) spectra ranged from 1.70 eV for the region of greatest visible damage to 1.22 eV for the region of no visible damage, the same linewidth as that obtained for unshocked AP (control). The observed damage was compared to photographs in the literature of gamma-ray irradiated AP crystals, for which dislocation densities were reported. This provided an approximate correlation of dislocation density versus XPS linewidth. The correlation was refined by chemically etching and determining densities on another cleaved plane in the recovered crystal. By this technique, a ∼100X increase in dislocation density was determined for the region of greatest shock damage relative to an unshocked crystal. The strain fields associated with the impressions were found to enhance perchlorate decomposition when driven by shock. Distortion of the molecular lattice in the vicinity of a dislocation is the physical mechanism responsible for the broadening of the photoelectron lines. Ab initio calculations of the Cl(2p) energy level in the perchlorate anion predicted variations of 0.1 to 0.46 eV. Variations of this magnitude are sufficient to produce the observed linewidth broadening.
The weak effect of static, externally imposed, helical fields on fusion product confinement in the DIII-D tokamak

Stationary helical fields with toroidal mode numbers n = 1 and n = 3 are applied to beam heated DIII-D plasmas. Measurements of the 14 MeV neutron emission monitor the confinement of the 1 MeV tritium fusion product. To within ~15% uncertainty, static magnetic fields with vacuum amplitudes of δB/B ~ O(10-3) have no impact on fusion product confinement.
Collision-induced and infrared multiphoton dissociation studies on M(acetone)2 (+) (M=Al, Fe, Co, Cu, ScO) in the gas phase.

In this paper we report an extension of our earlier study on the structure of Alfacetone)2 + Collision-induced dissociation (CID) on MfacetoneXacetone-d6)+ for M = Al, Fe, Co, and Cu yields primarily, if not exclusively, nearly equal amounts of acetone and acetone-d6. Likewise, infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) at 10.6 μm yields, exclusively, nearly equal losses of the labeled and unlabeled acetones. These results suggest that the two acetone ligands bind in an equivalent fashion. Sc+ was also studied, which proved to be the most interesting. Sc+ reacts with acetone to form primarily ScO+, which undergoes higher order reactions leading to several products including ScO(acetone)2 +. IRMPD on this ion produces ScO(acetone-d6)(CD2CO)+, while its perdeuterated analog also produces ScO(acetone-d6)+ in addition to ScO(acetone-d6(CD2CO)+. The IRMPD results are supplemented by studying the primary and higher order reactions of Sc+ with acetone, as well as the CID of ScO(acetone)2 +. Finally, a qualitative assessment of the infrared photodissociation cross sections is given. It is found that the relative photodissociation cross sections follow the orders Co(acetone-d6)2 + > Co(acetone)(acetone-d6) > Co(acetone)2 + and Co(acetone-d6)+ > Co(acetone)+.
EFFECTS OF AIR TRAFFIC CONGESTION DELAYS UNDER SEVERAL FLOW-MANAGEMENT POLICIES

Air traffic delays occur when demand for airports or airspace exceeds available capacity. Consequently, these delay effects can be lessened by increasing capacity or by modifying the air traffic demand. Increasing capacity is an important solution, but it is a long-range option involving major changes such as facility construction, fundamental procedural changes, and improvements in navigational equipment. For short-term decision making a tactical-optimization model can suggest alternative flight plans to reduce delays. However, a tactical-optimization model is extremely complex because of the uncertainty in airport-capacity forecasts, which primarily depend on weather. A practical implementation of a tactical-optimization model must therefore make approximations so that a solution may be computed quickly and be of good quality. A practical model framework for the congestion-delay problem is given; this model framework is a generalization of several other flow-management models. Congested situations are simulated, to compare the practical performance of this model to other air traffic management tactics.
An Overview of Statistical Pattern Recognition Techniques for Speaker Verification

Even though the subject of speaker verification has been investigated for several decades, numerous challenges and new opportunities in robust recognition techniques are still being explored. In this overview paper we first provide a brief introduction to statistical pattern recognition techniques that are commonly used for speaker verification. The second part of the paper presents traditional and modern techniques which make real-world speaker verification systems robust in degradation due to the presence of ambient noise; channel variations, aging effects, and availability of limited training samples. The paper concludes with discussions on future trends and research opportunities in this area.
B-spline Breit?Pauli R-matrix calculations for electron collisions with argon atoms

We have applied the Breit–Pauli B-spline R-matrix method described earlier (J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 37 (2004) 2173) to the treatment of e–Ar collisions. An individually optimized, term-dependent set of non-orthogonal valence orbitals is used to account for the strong term dependence in the one-electron orbitals. Concentrating on the near-threshold regime for excitation of the 3p54s manifold, we obtain excellent agreement with benchmark experimental data for the production of metastable atoms and for excitation of the VUV-emitting J = 1 levels. A detailed partial-wave resolved resonance analysis shows that many of the structures listed by Buckman and Clark (Rev. Mod. Phys. 66 (1994) 539) are composed of overlapping resonances. These, together with their principal components and decay channels, are identified and, in some cases, alternative classifications are suggested.
Modification of Surface Forces by Metal Ion Adsorption

Abstract Sorption of ions may lead to variations in interparticle forces and, thus, changes in the stability of colloidal particles. Chemical interactions between metal ions and colloidal particles modify the molecular structure of the surface, the surface charge, and the electrical potential between colloidal particles. These modifications to the surface and to the electrical double layer due to metal ion sorption are reflected in the interaction force between a particle and another surface, which is measured in this study by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Specifically, AFM is used to investigate the sorption of copper ions from aqueous solutions by silica particles. The influence of metal ion concentration and solution ionic strength on surface forces is studied under transient conditions. Results show that as the metal ion concentration is decreased, charge reversal occurs and a longer period of time is required for the system to reach equilibrium. The ionic strength has no significant effect on sorpti...
Effect of unilateral testicular torsion on blood flow and histology of contralateral testes.

Abstract Background/Purpose : Infertility occurs in 25% of patients after unilateral testicular torsion; hence, the authors examined hemodynamic and histological changes in both testes after acute testicular torsion in neonatal piglets. Methods : The animals were anesthetized, intubated, ventilated, catheterized, and assigned randomly to a sham group or one of three experimental groups undergoing 720° torsion of the left testis for 8 hours after which it was untwisted in group I and removed in group II. In group III, both testes were removed. Data were collected at baseline (T = 0), 4 hours (T = 4), and 8 hours of torsion (T = 8) and at the ninth hour of the experiment (T = 9). Testicular blood flow was determined by using radiolabeled microspheres. The testes also were examined blindly with routine and electron microscopy. Results : In group I, testicular blood flow decreased in the affected testis during torsion and increased significantly after detorsion, whereas blood flow to the contralateral testis increased significantly after detorsion. Sham-operated animals showed no histological abnormality in either testis. In all torsion groups, the affected testis showed extensive changes caused by hemorrhagic necrosis. The contralateral testis only showed changes in group I. Conclusion : Unilateral testicular torsion resulted in ipsilateral damage caused by a decrease and subsequent increase in blood flow while in the contralateral testis; damage was the result of a significant increase in blood flow after detorsion.
The Role of Kinetics in Engine Emission of Nitric Oxide

Abstract The use of chemical kinetic calculations to predict the formation of nitric oxide in spark ignition engines and gas turbine combustors is reviewed. Although the basic chemical kinetic mechanism is the same in both cases, differences in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics account for different NO emission levels. In spark ignition engines it is necessary to account for temperature gradients in the engine. In gas turbines the NO kinetics are frozen before the NO is formed in equilibrium amounts.
Alterations in L-glutamate binding in Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases.

Brain sections from patients who had died with senile dementia of the Alzheimer9s type (SDAT), Huntington9s disease (HD), or no neurologic disease were studied by autoradiography to measure sodium-independent L-[3H]glutamate binding. In brain sections from SDAT patients, glutamate binding was normal in the caudate, putamen, and claustrum but was lower than normal in the cortex. The decreased cortical binding represented a reduction in numbers of binding sites, not a change in binding affinity, and appeared to be the result of a specific decrease in numbers of the low-affinity quisqualate binding site. No significant changes in cortical binding of other ligands were observed. In brains from Huntington9s disease patients, glutamate binding was lower in the caudate and putamen than in the same regions of brains from control and SDAT patients but was normal in the cortex. It is possible that development of positron-emitting probes for glutamate receptors may permit diagnosis of SDAT in vivo by means of positron emission tomographic scanning.
CT and MR for brain tumor implant therapy using CF-252 neutrons

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain allows very effective localization of tumor in brain, visualization of brain reaction to tumor, peritumoral edema, as well as destruction of normal anatomy and spread of tumor. MR readily imaged the brain in multiple views allowing three dimensional (3D) evaluation and more precise localization of tumor in the depths of the brain. It also assessed the extent of tumor infiltration away from the primary site. In an ongoing study of Cf-252 neutron brachytherapy of hemispheric malignant gliomas of the brain, we have found that the extent of tumor and the planning of the placement of multiple applicators in the brain for implant therapy was facilitated by both CT and MR scanning, but MR allowed better 3D localization, assessment of response and follow-up of tumor response. MR gave additional and different types of information about the tumor than CT scanning based upon proton distribution which greatly aided planning of tumor implant therapy and understanding of patterns of tumor response and recurrence after therapy.
POLY(p-PHENYLENE SULFIDE)—AN OVERVIEW OF AN IMPORTANT ENGINEERING THERMOPLASTIC

Abstract Among the various high temperature polymers, those based on aromatic units, such as poly(2, 6-dimethylphenylene oxide) (PPO), poly(pheny1ene sulfide) (PPS), poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK), and poly(ether sulfone) (PES), have attracted much attention in the last few years due to their good thermal and chemical resistance. One of these polymers, PPS, is also an important high strength/high temperature engineering thermoplastic that is finding increasing use in technological applications such as molding resins, fibers, and matrices for thermoplastic composites. PPS consists of para-phenylene units alternating with sulfide linkages. The first known report of its synthesis was by Grenvesse in 1898 [1]. However, interest in the synthesis of PPS only began in 1948 when Macallum 121 described the preparation of phenylene sulfide polymers by the melt reaction of p-dichlorobenzene with sodium carbonate and sulfur. Further investigation on the synthesis of PPS by Lenz and coworkers [3–5], and later by Edmo...
Hydroxyurea treatment of sickle cell anemia in hospital-based practices.

In a published randomized clinical trial, hydroxyurea (HU) improved clinical outcomes in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). The mean treatment duration of that trial was 21 months. Here we attempt to determine whether the benefits associated with HU therapy of SCA have led also to successful patient acceptance of HU treatment in community practices, and whether successful clinical outcomes persist beyond 2 years. This is an observational retrospective chart study of the computerized medical records of 60 men and women with SCA who had HU treatment for at least 3 months and who were treated at teaching hospital subspecialty clinics in Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Thirty had remained on therapy for at least 24 months. Admissions declined in this group by 30% (P = 0.04). Declines were seen also in transfusion requirements (-58%, P = 0.07). In 17 of these 30 patients, at least 48 months of follow-up records were available. Fourteen of these remained on therapy the entire period, with similar and sustained reductions in admissions and transfusions. We conclude that hydroxyurea therapy of SCA applied in community settings leads to declining admissions and transfusion rates in many individuals for 4 years or more.
A Photometric and [S II] Survey of the Young Cluster Roslund 4

Optical B- and V-band CCD data have been obtained for the young cluster Roslund 4 in conjunction with a large-scale photometric survey of open clusters. In addition, [S II] and off-line continuum CCD emission-line imaging data have also been obtained, revealing three regions in the cluster field where shock-excited gas is present. Two Herbig-Haro–like emission features are found, while a more extended emission feature, along an apparent cloud boundary, may be a result of stellar winds encountering the edge of a molecular cloud. The emission-line features are located near IRAS sources with properties consistent with star-forming regions. A previously published age for Roslund 4 (~10 Myr) would seemingly suggest that shocked gas features should not be present in the cluster region, but an upper limit on the age (less than 4 Myr) derived from the new photometry is more consistent with their presence. Finally, the distance to Roslund 4 is found to be 1700–2000 pc, considerably closer than the previous published estimate.
Evidence for the occurrence of prismatic glide during ball indentation of large-grained alpha brass

Abstract A study of the crystallography of slip traces made on large grains of annealed alpha brass by indentation with a ball furnishes evidence of prismatic glide. Inteference photographs confirm that the glide units are prisms and not cylinders. A simple relationship is proposed for comparing resolved indentation stresses along different slip directions. The downhill glide prisms under the indenter appear to be associated with uphill glide prisms outside the indentation crater.
The challenge of curbing counterfeit prescription drug growth: Preventing the perfect storm

The recent case of fake Avastin® brought the problem of counterfeit pharmaceuticals to the forefront of illicit trade. Drug counterfeiters are opportunistic criminals motivated by the windfall profits that are realized from selling fake pharmaceuticals with limited legal penalties. This article describes the interrelated trends that may trigger a catastrophic situation of counterfeit drugs infiltrating the global pharmaceutical supply chain—a ‘perfect storm.’ We discuss the failure of policymakers to note the early warning signs and the ease of penetrating the pharmaceutical supply chain—both physically and virtually—by an array of illicit traders, ranging from small cottage operations to full-scale manufacturing facilities; the recent U.S. legislation enacted to curb growth in counterfeit pharmaceuticals; and the proliferation of national, multilateral, and industry-led agencies to protect the prescription drug supply chain. Finally, we conclude with an analysis of anti-counterfeiting tactics (e.g., consumer education campaigns, authentication technology) developed by various stakeholders.
Three-way ROCs

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis traditionally has dealt with dichoto mous diagnostic tasks (e.g., determining whether a disorder is present or absent). Often, however, medical problems involve distinguishing among more than two diag nostic alternatives. This article extends ROC concepts to diagnostic enterprises with three possible outcomes. For a trichotomous decision task, one can plot a ROC surface on three-dimensional coordinates; the volume under the ROC surface (VUS) equals the probability that test values will allow a decision maker to correctly sort a trio of items containing a randomly-selected member from each of three populations. Thus, the VUS summarizes global diagnostic accuracy for trichotomous tests, just as the area under a ROC curve does for a two-alternative diagnostic task. Information gain at points on the surface can be calculated just as is done for two-dimensional ROC curves, and investigators can thus compare three-way ROCs by comparing maximum information gain on...
Performance of steel moment resisting frames with RBS connections under fire loading

Understanding the behavior of steel frames under fire loading is critical since many recent events have demonstrated the vulnerability of steel frames to such hazard. Extensive numerical and experimental studies have been performed to investigate the behavior of various types of individual steel structural members, connections, and frames under fire conditions. However, the response of steel moment resisting frames with Reduced Beam Section (RBS) connection has not been previously studied under fire conditions. In this paper, a set of numerical models are developed and analyzed to assess the performance of low-, medium-, and high-rise moment resisting frames with RBS connection under single bay fire exposure. Global system response and local behavior of the heated beams, columns, and RBS connections are considered. The analyses demonstrate that global stability of the steel frames is not affected by single bay fire exposure. However, large axial force and deflection in the beams, yielding in the RBS connections, and buckling in the columns are observed at elevated temperatures. The results of the analyses can aid engineers in understanding the local and global response of steel moment resisting frames with RBS connection under fire loading.
From Theory of Work Adjustment to Person-Environment Correspondence Counseling: Vocational Psychology as Positive Psychology.

This article argues that vocational psychology is, and has been, positive psychology. It provides an overview of the theory of work adjustment (TWA), one of the most robust and best validated theories in vocational psychology. It also provides an introduction to person-environment-correspondence (PEC) counseling, an extension of the TWA concepts and dynamics into the realm of general counseling. Linkages are made between the extensive TWA literature and current conceptualizations regarding well-being. In particular, TWA is related to the work of Moos, Ryan and Deci, and Walsh. Although PEC has yet to generate the research base of TWA, it is argued that, given the similarities between TWA and PEC, one might reasonably expect that many of the connections between TWA and well-being would also generalize to PEC. In addition, it is argued that PEC offers a counseling model that is in keeping with the broader philosophical orientation of positive psychology.
Mechanical Support After Cardiac Surgery

The need for mechanical circulatory support after car diac surgery is uncommon despite an older and increas ingly sicker patient population. From September 1992 through January 1997, surgeons performed 21,000 car diac operations at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and mechanical support postcardiotomy was required in only 75 patients (0.3%). Aggressive management of cardiac and pulmonary dysfunction usually results in successful weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. How ever, when mechanical support is needed, it can tax the resources of the institution and requires integrated patient management from the entire health care team. Management of postcardiotomy circulatory failure will be discussed in detail, along with the devices commer cially available for both short- and long-term support. Copyrighr© 1998 by W. B. Saunders Company.
A peer-to-peer network architecture for emerging applications

There has been a noticeable rise in machine-to-machine (M2M) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications during the past decade. This has been mostly prompted by the increase in the number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and research in autonomous cars. Additionally, information security and privacy issues are becoming more critical with the rapid growth and complexity of network attached devices. As we depend more on the Internet, we become more vulnerable to security breaches. The rise in communication is also placing a huge toll on the Internet because most of these applications use the traditional client-server network infrastructure where the clients are served by the central server(s). This network model is also vulnerable to single point of failure, not ensuring high availability that is critical for sensitive applications. This paper presents a novel network architecture that leverages peer-to-peer (P2P) systems, which communicate via overlay networks to ensure high availability and efficient Internet bandwidth usage.
"The Single-Parent Family," Child Poverty, and Welfare Reform

Although more than one-fifth of America's children are living in poverty, the current public and political dialogue is not focusing on underlying causes of poverty, but on reforming the welfare system and reducing welfare costs. In this context, "the single-parent family" has been identified as the problem and the target of reform. Fieldwork among low-income families in upstate New York provides data that challenge the politically popular paradigm of "the single-parent family," and questions the appropriateness of this focus in current welfare reform planning. Unstructured interviews, focus groups, and residential history questionnaires exposed dimensions of temporality, process, and values often ignored in studies of poor families. The research found important variation among low-income families with a single resident parent, and showed that the monolithic concept of "the single-parent family" is inadequate and misleading. These points were further explored in reconnaissance research conducted in high-po...
Molecular markers and concepts of plant evolutionary relationships: progress, promise, and future prospects.

In just the past 20 years systematics has progressed from the sequencing of individual genes for a few taxa to routine sequencing of complete plastid and even nuclear genomes. Recent technological advances have made it possible to compile very large data sets, the analyses of which have in turn provided unprecedented insights into phylogeny and evolution. Indeed, this narrow window of a few decades will likely be viewed as a golden era in systematics. Relationships have been resolved at all taxonomic levels across all groups of photosynthetic life. In the angiosperms, problematic deep-level relationships have either been largely resolved, or will be resolved within the next several years. The same large data sets have also provided new insights into the many rapid radiations that have characterized angiosperm evolution. For example, all of the major lineages of angiosperms likely arose within a narrow window of just a few million years. At the population level, the ease of DNA sequencing has given new lif...
Matched nonlinearities for frame synchronisation in presence of frequency offsets

In communication systems data are transmitted in frames. The frame boundaries are indicated by transmitting a number of a priori known symbols. The process of detecting the frame boundaries is essential to correct data reception at the receiver. Frame synchronisation also frequently needs to be achieved prior to carrier frequency synchronisation. A number of techniques that achieve frame synchronisation prior to carrier synchronisation have been described in the technical literature. It is shown that matched nonlinearities can be used to improve the performance of the best performing, maximum-likelihood based frame synchroniser known in the literature, by about 1 dB in required signal-to-noise ratio, for the same accuracy in frame synchronisation, with essentially the same implementation complexity.
CO2 Retention in Anesthetized Dogs after Inhibition of Carbonic Anhydrase.

SummaryCO2 elimination of anesthetized dogs was temporarily reduced after injection of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Reduction was greater for dogs in which ventilation was held constant than for dogs ventilating spontaneously. Results indicate that increased gradient for Pco2 from tissues to the alveolar gas is essential for reestablishing a steady state of CO2 elimination when carbonic anhydrase is inhibited. The required increase in this gradient can be produced by means of augmented ventilation, by increased tissue Pco2, or by combination of these 2 factors.
DETERMINATION AND EVALUATION OF AN OPTIMAL DOSAGE OF CARFENTANIL AND XYLAZINE FOR THE IMMOBILIZATION OF WHITE-TAILED DEER (ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS)

Using an iteration method, optimal hand-injected immobilization dosages of carfentanil/xylazine (CAR/XYL) were determined for 13 adult white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Deer were temporarily restrained in a squeeze chute and were repeatedly immobilized one to four times at 2–5-wk intervals from December 2002 to March 2003. A fixed ratio of 1 mg CAR:10 mg XYL intramuscularly was used, increasing or decreasing the dosage until the optimal dosage (defined by an induction time<3 min and PaCO2<60 mmHg) was reached for each animal. Inductions were videorecorded and reviewed by observers blinded to drugs and dosages, who rated qualitative aspects of each induction. There were significant (P<0.05) dosage-dependent decreases in induction time, time to first effect, PaO2, SaO2, and arterial pH, and significant dosage-dependent increases in PaCO2 and quality ratings. The median optimal dosage (mOD) was 0.03 (range, 0.015–0.06) mg/kg CAR + 0.3 (range, 0.15–0.6) mg/kg XYL. Induction times using the mOD were ...
Suppression of rat mammary cancer with estradiol in relation to later tumor response to oophorectomy.

Abstract The effects of estradiol-17-n-valerate on 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) carcinogenesis in the rat were studied in relation to later tumor response to oophorectomy. Mammary tumors were induced with two oral doses of 3-MC. The control group, which received only the carcinogen, had a 65% incidence of mammary tumors, while the experimental group, which received estradiol (100 μg.) with each dose of 3-MC, had a 28% incidence. Measurements of 3-MC in mammary tissue revealed that concurrent administration of estradiol did not appreciably alter the concentrations of 3-MC obtained in the mammary glands after feeding. Five months following administration of carcinogen adenocarcinoma-bearing rats from each group were oophorectomized. There was an essentially identical percentage of tumor regressions in both groups: 76% in the control group and 73% in the estradiol-treated group.
Threshold current reduction in spin-polarized lasers: Role of strain and valence-band mixing

We show that valence-band mixing (VBM) plays a dominant role in determining the current threshold ${I}_{\mathrm{th}}$ of spin-pumped lasers. The degree of VBM is controlled by tuning the strain through the selection of alloy composition and layer structure. In a well-designed In${}_{x}$Ga${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$As structure, VBM can lead to a nearly a fourfold decrease in ${I}_{\mathrm{th}}$. However, it can also lead to a 25-fold increase for a different composition, in marked contrast to common expectations. In certain cases, larger threshold reductions are achieved for smaller injected spin polarization, a counterintuitive result.
A comparison of solution, solid state and theoretical conformations of morphine.

Summary Using very high frequency 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance, nitrogen inversion in the N-substituted piperidine ring of a fused polycyclic molecule is demonstrated for the first time. The molecule discussed is the potent opiate agonist morphine where the piperidine ring is known to be of vital importance in receptor mediated pharmacological action. Previously, it has been accepted that the conformation of the piperidine ring was solely N-R, equatorial, on the basis of solid state and theoretical conformation studies. The present work demonstrates a relatively slow rate of interchange between the axial and equatorial forms and therefore requires a reappraisal of the previous literature as applied to the receptor active conformation of morphine.
Effect of Contact Time and Force on Monocyte Adhesion to Vascular Endothelium

In this study we examined whether monocytic cell attachment to vascular endothelium was affected by elevating shear stress at a constant shear rate. Contact time, which is inversely related to the shear rate, was fixed and viscosity elevated with dextran to increase the shear stress (and hence the net force on the cell) independently of shear rate. At a fixed contact time, tethering frequencies increased, rolling velocities decreased, and median arrest durations increased with increasing shear stress. Rolling and short arrests (< 0.2 s) were well fit by a single exponential consistent with adhesion via the formation of a single additional bond. The cell dissociation constant, k(off), increased when the shear stress was elevated at constant shear rate. Firmly adherent cells arresting for at least 0.2 s were well fit by a stochastic model involving dissociation from multiple bonds. Therefore, at a fixed contact time and increasing shear stress, bonds formed more frequently for rolling cells resulting in more short arrests, and more bonds formed for firmly arresting cells resulting in longer arrest durations. Possible mechanisms for this increased adhesion include greater monocyte deformation and/or more frequent penetration of microvilli through steric and charge barriers.
Productivity of Onions Using Subsurface Drip Irrigation versus Furrow Irrigation Systems with an Internet Based Irrigation Scheduling Program

Selection of the proper irrigation method will be advantageous to manage limited water supplies and increase crop profitability. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) and furrow irrigation on onion yield and irrigation use efficiency. This study was conducted in two locations, a commercial field and a field located at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center in Weslaco, TX. This study was conducted as a split-plot design for both sites with two treatments (SDI and furrow irrigation) and three replications per treatment. The total onion yield obtained with the SDI systems was more than 93% higher than the yield obtained with furrow irrigation systems. The large onion size was 181% higher for the SDI system than the furrow system in both sites. The colossal size yield was also higher. At one site colossal yield was 206% higher than furrow, while at another site furrow yielded no colossal onions and SDI had some production. It was concluded that drip irrigation systems more than double yields and increased onion size while using almost half of the water. This was due to SDI allowing for more frequent and smaller irrigation depths with higher irrigation efficiency than furrow irrigation systems.
Are there morally acceptable alternatives to blastocyst derived ESC

ESC derivation, use and SCNT have raised many moral and ethical issues. In this opinion piece I have focused on the argument that morally less ambiguous alternatives to ESC derived from the ICM of blastocysts exist. These possibilities range from using multiple adult stem cell populations each of which is uniquely suited for a particular disease target or identifying adult ESC-like populations, using transdifferentiated ESC-like cells or alternate methods of deriving ESC. I suggest that while it is important to support such efforts, current results do not provide sufficient compelling data to allow one to stop the use of ESC and perhaps adult cells will never be a reliable alternative. All options need to be fully explored and decisions need to be made with scientific rigor and respect for each individual's moral compass.
Anabolic Steroid: Effects on Strength Development

Twelve matched pairs of subjects, fed a high protein diet, were trained with weights for 6 weeks. In the final 3 weeks twelve subjects received 5 milligrams of methandrostenolone (Dianabol) twice daily. Maximum weight lifting, thickness of skin folds, oxygen uptake, blood chemistry profile, and concentration of blood lipids were determined. Also used were cable tensiometry and anthropometric measurements. The strength of treated subjects increased significantly; their mean weight gain was 2.48 kilograms with no significant change in skin fold thickness. Several anthropometric measurements increased significantly, as did oxygen uptake ability and nitrogen retention by the blood.
Inference of missing SNPs and information quantity measurements for haplotype blocks

Motivation: Missing data in genotyping single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) spots are common. High-throughput genotyping methods usually have a high rate of missing data. For example, the published human chromosome 21 data by Patil et al. contains about 20% missing SNPs. Inferring missing SNPs using the haplotype block structure is promising but difficult because the haplotype block boundaries are not well defined. Here we propose a global algorithm to overcome this difficulty. Results: First, we propose to use entropy as a measure of haplotype diversity. We show that the entropy measure combined with a dynamic programming algorithm produces better haplotype block partitions than other measures. Second, based on the entropy measure, we propose a two-step iterative partition-inference algorithm for the inference of missing SNPs. At the first step, we apply the dynamic programming algorithm to partition haplotypes into blocks. At the second step, we use an iterative process similar to the expectation-maximization algorithm to infer missing SNPs in each haplotype block so as to minimize the block entropy. The algorithm iterates these two steps until the total block entropy is minimized. We test our algorithm in several experimental data sets. The results show that the global approach significantly improves the accuracy of the inference. Availability: Upon request. Contact: tingchen@usc.edu
CONFLICTING AGENTS IN DISTRIBUTED SEARCH

We extend here the work on interleaved distributed graph based backjumping, IDIBT/GBJ7,6,5 by considering conflicting agents.13 The resulting method IDIBT/CBJ-DkC for Conflict-directed Back-Jumbing and Directed k-Consistency combines distributed and parallel explorations of search spaces with more efficient backtrack steps. We take advantage of the asynchronous framework to implement a more refined and efficient update of conflicts. A fine analysis of these conflicts allows to some extent the detection of k-inconsistent values. Our experiments show a large improvement over graph based distributed/interleaved search.
Detecting and defending against third-party tracking on the web

While third-party tracking on the web has garnered much attention, its workings remain poorly understood. Our goal is to dissect how mainstream web tracking occurs in the wild. We develop a client-side method for detecting and classifying five kinds of third-party trackers based on how they manipulate browser state. We run our detection system while browsing the web and observe a rich ecosystem, with over 500 unique trackers in our measurements alone. We find that most commercial pages are tracked by multiple parties, trackers vary widely in their coverage with a small number being widely deployed, and many trackers exhibit a combination of tracking behaviors. Based on web search traces taken from AOL data, we estimate that several trackers can each capture more than 20% of a user's browsing behavior. We further assess the impact of defenses on tracking and find that no existing browser mechanisms prevent tracking by social media sites via widgets while still allowing those widgets to achieve their utility goals, which leads us to develop a new defense. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the most complete study of web tracking to date.
Differential equation design of finite-conjugate reflective systems.

Based on the conditions of aplanatism, a differential equation design method has been applied to the optimization of finite-conjugate, multimirror systems for soft x-ray applications. The shapes of two surfaces in a multimirror system are determined by numerically solving differential equations for the mirror surfaces. The shapes of other mirrors in the system are used to control the remaining aberrations of those systems, such as astigmatism, field curvature, and distortion. Applications include a three-minor projection-lithography system, which has been optimized by this method and compared with results obtained by conventional optical design, and a two-mirror soft x-ray imaging microscopy system, which is predicted to yield a diffraction-limited performance for a large N.A.
Knowledge-based enterprise logistics risk early warning system

Enterprise logistics risk is the business risk faced by the logistics system uncertainty on the impact of corporate targets. It's affected by many factors, such as demand, supply, environment, operation and many other factors. Knowledge management is a useful tool for business management. Its concept and analysis method are used in many areas. This paper analyzed the risk posed by the logistic company and put forward the logistics risk warning system based on the analytical framework of knowledge management. The system specifies the path of enterprise logistics risk warning. During the logistics risk warning management, information collection, assessment, prediction and warning must be taken seriously. Then the paper gave the three-dimensional graph of knowledge needs. The graph shows the sources of knowledge in logistics warning system. Finally, the article on the business logistics risk warning measures was discussed. So far, few research studies the logistics risk from the perspective of knowledge management. The building of the early warning system of logistics risk discussed in the paper was with a larger reference value and practical significance to the practice of early warning of the logistics risk management.
Improving the Predictive Capability of Turbulence Models Using Evidence Theory

*† ‡ When turbulence models are used in the simulation of a flow for which experimental results do not exist, there is as yet no reliable procedure for choosing a model or for quantifying the uncertainty of the results. The present study develops an approach based on evidence theory for the resolution of these issues. The results of turbulence-model validations and of predictions of those models are fused to determine the intervals in which a flow quantity is likely to fall and a measure of confidence for each interval. The approach is tested in a subsonic flow around the RAE 2822 airfoil. Nomenclature ,, ij ij ij ab c = matrix elements c = airfoil chord k = turbulent kinetic energy m = basic probability assignment M = Mach number P = proposition probability S = proposition support U = mean velocity e U = experimental mean velocity or error boundaries, if an experimental error range is available m
Increasing participation in prevention research: strategies for youths, parents, and schools.

TOPIC: Subject participation is a critical concern for clinicians and researchers involved in prevention programs, especially for intensive interventions that require randomized assignment and lengthy youth and parent involvement. PURPOSE: This article describes details of an integrated approach used to recruit and retain at-risk high school youths, their parents, and high schools to two different comprehensive, “indicated” prevention programs. SOURCES USED: Parent and youth recruitment and retention data for the two studies is provided in support of the approach described. A coordinated, multilevel approach, organized around cross-cutting issues, is described in detail as a response to the challenges of including vulnerable populations in intervention research. CONCLUSION: Methods are relevant to nurse clinicians who deliver prevention programs, and are important to clinical research that relies upon adequate participation in research programs.
The Use Of Statistical Sampling And A Single-Point Estimator To Establish Punitive Fines In Compliance Auditing: A Cautionary Note

This paper describes current practices relating to statistical sampling used by auditors performing compliance audits. An example audit case is presented where a compliance audit is performed using statistical sampling. Fines for non-compliance are based upon the sample results. While the practice is quite common and generally accepted, there are significant ramifications associated with the use of a single-point estimator. Approximately half of the time, an auditee will be charged more than is actually deserved. We explore the shortcomings associated with the use of a single-point estimator and the appropriateness of the use of a one-tailed confidence interval to provide greater assurance that fines are appropriate and reasonable.
Maximizing Throughput Multicast Routing forWireless Networks

Multicast routing for wireless networks has been widely studied in the literature. In this paper, we design efficient algorithm for maximizing multicast throughput in wireless networks. We assume that we are given a set of wireless devices. All wireless devices are assumed to have the uniform (or quasi-uniform) transmission ranges and have the uniform interference range (or quasi-uniform interference range). We further assume that each wireless node Vi will have a capacity Wi when no interference occurred during its transmission and it can transmit continuously. We present an efficient routing and node scheduling algorithms such that the achieved multicast capacity is within a constant factor of the optimum. Our theoretical throughput performance guarantees are proved under a various number interference models.
Regulation of Sertoli-Germ Cell Adhesion and Sperm Release by FSH and Nonclassical Testosterone Signaling

Testosterone and FSH act in synergy to produce the factors required to maximize the production of spermatozoa and male fertility. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these hormones support spermatogenesis are not well established. Recently, we identified a nonclassical mechanism of testosterone signaling in cultured rat Sertoli cells. We found that testosterone binding to the androgen receptor recruits and activates Src tyrosine kinase. Src then causes the activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor, which results in the phosphorylation and activation of the ERK MAPK and the cAMP response element-binding protein transcription factor. In this report, we find that FSH inhibits testosterone-mediated activation of ERK and the MAPK pathway in Sertoli cells via the protein kinase A-mediated inhibition of Raf kinase. In addition, FSH, as well as inhibitors of Src and ERK kinase activity, reduced germ cell attachment to Sertoli cells in culture. Using pathway-specific androgen receptor mutants we found that the nonclassical pathway is required for testosterone-mediated increases in germ cell attachment to Sertoli cells. Studies of seminiferous tubule explants determined that Src kinase, but not ERK kinase, activity is required for the release of sperm from seminiferous tubule explants. These findings suggest the nonclassical testosterone-signaling pathway acts via Src and ERK kinases to facilitate the adhesion of immature germ cells to Sertoli cells and through Src to permit the release of mature spermatozoa. In contrast, FSH acts to limit testosterone-mediated ERK kinase activity and germ cell attachment.