cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 17. Non-steroidal Hormones and Their Antagonists

Publisher Summary A hormone is generally considered to be a discrete chemical substance that is produced in a gland and secreted into the body fluids. It produces a specific effect on the activities of other organs. The glandular hormones belong to this class. Recent advances are based on the structural variations of known hormones, structural elucidation of new hormones, and efforts of the initial syntheses of hormones whose structures have been proposed on the basis of degradation studies. The non-steroidal hormones reviewed in this chapter are composed primarily of amino acid derivatives and are limited to those whose structures are known, or have been proposed, and in which significant recent progress has been made in the synthesis of the hormone or of its analogs. In the structural elucidation of new hormones, recently, a number of peptides with intense pharmacological activities have been found to be generated by specific enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of plasma proteins; these have been called “tissue hormones.” The importance of active peptides, for full biological activity, has been emphasized. Variations in the nature and configuration of the peptide chain have led to less active or inactive analogs. Partial syntheses of the linear peptide, which contains 29 amino acids, have been reported by researchers, but biological activities have not yet been reported.
Applied Virtual Reality Research and Applications at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center

A Virtual Reality (VR) applications program has been under development at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) since 1989. The objectives of the MSFC VR Applications Program are to develop, assess, validate, and utilize VR in hardware development, operations development and support, mission operations training and science training. Before this technology can be utilized with confidence in these applications, it must be validated for each particular class of application. That is, the precision and reliability with which it maps onto real settings and scenarios, representative of a class, must be calculated and assessed. The approach of the MSFC VR Applications Program is to develop and validate appropriate virtual environments and associated object kinematic and behavior attributes for specific classes of applications. These application-specific environments and associated simulations will be validated, where possible, through empirical comparisons with existing, accepted tools and methodologies. These validated VR analytical tools will then be available for use in the design and development of space systems and operations and in training and mission support systems. Specific validation studies for selected classes of applications have been completed or are currently underway. These include macro-ergonomic "control-room class" design analysis, Spacelab stowage reconfiguration training, a full-body micro-gravity functional reach simulator, and a gross anatomy teaching simulator. This paper describes the MSFC VR Applications Program and the validation studies.
Production and purification of the thermophilic bacteriophage TP-84.

A new procedure for production and purification of the thermophilic bacteriophage TP-84 in high yields is described. Cultures of Bacillus stearothermophilus strain 10, enriched with nutrients to obtain heavy growth and to prevent sporulation and maintained at a pH of 6.5, were infected with the phage in a 100-liter fermentor. Addition of magnesium chloride (0.01 M) and a temperature of 58 C were essential for maximal phage production. Phage (5 × 1011 infective particles/ml) was precipitated with polyethylene glycol (molecular weight 6,000) in the presence of sodium chloride and was further purified by cesium chloride density centrifugation.
Structure and function of a bacterial mRNA stabilizer: analysis of the 5' untranslated region of ompA mRNA.

Abstract The 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the Escherichia coli ompA transcript functions in vivo as a growth rate-regulated mRNA stabilizer. The secondary structure of this mRNA segment has been determined by a combination of three methods: phylogenetic analysis, in vitro probing with a structure-specific RNase, and methylation by dimethylsulfate in vivo and in vitro. These studies reveal that despite extensive sequence differences, the 5' UTRs of the ompA transcripts of E. coli, Serratia marcescens, and Enterobacter aerogenes can fold in a remarkably similar fashion. Furthermore, the Serratia and Enterobacter ompA 5' UTRs function as effective mRNA stabilizers in E. coli. Stabilization of mRNA by the Serratia ompA 5' UTR is growth rate dependent. These findings indicate that the features of the ompA 5' UTR responsible for its ability to stabilize mRNA in a growth rate-regulated manner are to be found among the structural similarities shared by these diverse evolutionary variants.
The Slave Trade and Culture in the Bight of Biafra: An African Society in the Atlantic World

G. Ugo Nwokeji, New York, Cambridge University Press, 2010, xxiv +279 pp. The Journal of African History's 2011 publication of Richard Reid's article “Past and Presentism: The ‘Precolonial’ and the...
Comparison of Maitland and Kaltenborn mobilization techniques for improving shoulder pain and range of motion in frozen shoulders

[Purpose] This study compared the use of the Maitland mobilization and Kaltenborn mobilization techniques for improving pain and range of motion in patients with frozen shoulders. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 20 patients with frozen shoulder who visited Hospital H, Ulsan, Korea. The subjects were divided randomly into two groups to receive Maitland or Kaltenborn mobilization to the affected shoulder. Grade III anteroposterior oscillation and posterior translation were used for the Maitland and Kaltenborn mobilization groups, respectively. Pain and range of motion of external and internal rotation were evaluated pre- and post-intervention in both groups. Paired t-tests were used to compare the pre- and post-intervention results in both groups, and independent t-tests were used to compare groups. [Results] Both groups exhibited significant decreases in pain post-intervention. Moreover, the range of motion of internal and external rotation increased significantly post-intervention in both groups. However, there was no significant difference between groups with respect to pain improvement or range of motion. [Conclusion] The posterior Maitland and Kaltenborn mobilization techniques are effective for improving pain and range of motion in frozen shoulder patients. Therefore, we recommend both techniques for such patients.
Successful treatment algorithm for evaluation of early pregnancy after in vitro fertilization

Objective To evaluate a prospectively implemented clinical algorithm for early identification of ectopic pregnancy (EP) and heterotopic pregnancy (HP) after assisted reproductive technology (ART). Design Analysis of prospectively collected data. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) All ART-conceived pregnancies between January 1995 and June 2013. Intervention(s) Early pregnancy monitoring via clinical algorithm with all pregnancies screened using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels and reported symptoms, with subsequent early ultrasound evaluation if hCG levels were abnormal or if the patient reported pain or vaginal bleeding. Main Outcome Measure(s) Algorithmic efficiency for diagnosis of EP and HP and their subsequent clinical outcomes using a binary forward stepwise logistic regression model built to determine predictors of early pregnancy failure. Result(s) Of the 3,904 pregnancies included, the incidence of EP and HP was 0.77% and 0.46%, respectively. The algorithm selected 96.7% and 83.3% of pregnancies diagnosed with EP and HP, respectively, for early ultrasound evaluation, leading to earlier treatment and resolution. Logistic regression revealed that first hCG, second hCG, hCG slope, age, pain, and vaginal bleeding were all independent predictors of early pregnancy failure after ART. Conclusion(s) Our clinical algorithm for early pregnancy evaluation after ART is effective for identification and prompt intervention of EP and HP without significant over- or misdiagnosis, and avoids the potential catastrophic morbidity associated with delayed diagnosis.
Consequences of Stereotype Suppression: Stereotypes on AND Not on the Rebound☆☆☆★

Abstract Past findings suggest that attempts to control stereotypic thinking result in a “rebound effect” (i.e., a paradoxical increase in stereotypic thoughts and responses following stereotype suppression attempts). The present research examined boundary conditions to stereotype rebound effects in the context of stereotypes of social groups for which there were personal and social concerns over the use of stereotypes. Two experiments revealed that participants (Ps) with low-prejudice attitudes toward gays were not prone to the rebound effect when it was assessed using an overt measure of stereotype use (Experiment 1) or in terms of stereotype accessibility (Experiment 2). High-prejudice Ps also did not show rebound when it was measured in terms of stereotype application, presumably due to salient social norms censuring stereotype use. However, stereotype suppression did result in a subsequent hyperaccessibility of stereotypes among the high-prejudice Ps.
Valuing environmental goods and services using benefit transfer: The state-of-the art and science

Abstract The purpose of this special issue of Ecological Economics is to elucidate the state-of-the-art and science of environmental benefit transfer and to assist in the design and reporting of future benefit estimation research. Compiling the insights of thirty-two international experts from seven countries, the special issue reviews the latest developments in transfer techniques, as well as ongoing efforts to standardize and validate them. Taken together, the papers in this special issue provide fresh answers to some long-standing questions, offer original research insights on state-of-the-art issues and identify fruitful areas for future research. This introductory paper provides background and context for the issues addressed by the contributing authors. Its purpose is to place the interdisciplinary thinking contained here in a comparative context, highlighting the need for integration and collaboration to maintain the momentum that has propelled environmental benefit transfer into a widely used approach for estimating the economic value of environmental goods and services worldwide.
Short-term and long-term effects of methamphetamine on biogenic amine metabolism in extra-striatal dopaminergic nuclei.

Abstract The effects of multiple toxic doses of methamphetamine on catecholaminergic, serotonergic and cholinergic metabolism in the neostriatum, nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle and median eminence area of the rat brain have been investigated. Methamphetamine (15 mg/kg s.c.) was administered every 6 hr for 5 doses. Thirty-six hours after the first of 5 doses, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity, as well as dopamine and norepinephrine levels, were significantly decreased in the neostriatum and olfactory tubercle but were not altered in the nucleus accumbens or median eminence area. Prior to the 36-hr time point, drug treatment significantly decreased TH activity in the neostriatum and olfactory tubercle, but did not change the enzyme activity in the nucleus accumbens. Neostriatal TH activity in the neostriatum and olfactory tubercle was significantly decreased up to 30 days after methamphetamine. However, only a slight change in TH activity occurred in the nucleus accumbens at 30 days after drug treatment. In contrast, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) activity was significantly decreased from 3 hr after the first dose up to 30 days after the fifth dose in all brain regions investigated. Methamphetamine caused a slight decrease in choline acetyltransferase activity only in the olfactory tubercle at the 36-hr time point. This evidence suggests that the serotonergic neurons are more sensitive to the toxic effects of methamphetamine than the dopaminergic neurons, whereas, the cholinergic neurons seem to be essentially unaffected.
Factors That Predict Drug Court Completion and Drop Out: Findings From an Evaluation of Salt Lake County's Adult Felony Drug Court

This study examined program outcomes for 133 graduates (46.2%) and 155 terminated clients (53.8%) of an adult felony drug court in Salt Lake City, Utah, in an effort to identify factors that predict program completion and drop out. Logistic regression analyses identified three factors related to drop out: depression, cocaine/stimulants as most troubling substance, and additional charges prior to drug court intake. Two factors were found to be related to completion: spending free time with family rather than with friends or alone and older age at intake. The model correctly predicted 65% of graduates and 73% of dropouts. These findings are discussed with respect to their implications for policy, practice, and future research.
Host Immune Responses after Administration of Inactivated Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus Vaccines. I. Description and Characterization of Adoptive Transfer by Immune Spleen Cells

Cellular immune responses after immunization with a number of inactivated Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus vaccines were evaluated in mice by means of an adoptive transfer system. Formalin-inactivated, TC-83 strain VEE virus vaccine was immunogenic and highly effective in protecting recipient mice against challenge with virulent VEE virus. In contrast to immunization with live TC-83 VEE virus vaccine, however, immunization with inactivated VEE vaccine did not provide donor mice with the capacity to transfer adoptive immunity readily. Only when mice were immunized with inactivated VEE vaccine combined with specific adjuvants (particularly complete Freund's adjuvant or Bordetella pertussis) were donors capable of consistently transferring adoptive immunity. The total dose of inactivated VEE vaccine did not appear to influence the capacity to transfer adoptive immunity. On the other hand, weekly boosters of VEE vaccine and/or administration of vaccine with specific adjuvants did markedly influence donor immune responses.
Phosphatidylinositol metabolism during fertilization in the sea urchin egg

Fertilization of the sea urchin egg results in a transient decline in the amount of phosphatidylinositol (PI) to a level equal to about 50% of that present in the unfertilized egg. This response begins as early as 15 seconds after insemination. The level of PI reaches a minimum at 30 seconds post-insemination, and returns to the original value between 2 and 5 min later. Pulse labelling studies with 32PO4 and [3H]-inositol showed that the incorporation of these two isotopes into 1-(3-sn-phosphatidyl)-L-myo-inositol 4,5-biphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2] increased as much as 50% within one minute after insemination. This suggests that at least part of the reduction in PI levels represents the phosphorylation of PI to form PtdIns(4,5)P2. We also found that the production of [3H]-labelled 1D-myoinositol 1,4,5 triphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] present in the trichloroacetic acid (TCA) soluble fraction of eggs increased over five-fold during the first 10 min post insemination. The temporal correlation between the early burst of PtdIns(4,5)P2 and Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation and the transient increase in intracellular free calcium known to occur in the fertilized egg suggest that the production of PtdIns(4,5)P2 and ultimately Ins(1,4,5)P3 may be associated with calcium mobilization within the egg.
Asbestos fiber concentrations in the lungs of brake repair workers: commercial amphiboles levels are predictive of chrysotile levels

Objectives: To investigate the impact of extreme data points in Finkelstein’s 2009 findings of no association between lung levels of commercial and non-commercial amphiboles (principally tremolite as a marker for chrysotile asbestos) in brake repair workers with mesothelioma.Methods: We first identified potential outliers, high leverage points, and influential points among lung levels of commercial amphiboles and tremolite among 15 persons whose only known exposure to asbestos was through brake repair work. We used sensitivity analysis and quantile regression to account for extreme data points and model commercial amphibole levels as a predictor of tremolite levels. We also used quantile regression to evaluate whether case-reported duration of employment as a brake repair worker predicted lung levels of commercial amphiboles or tremolite.Results: We found lung levels of commercial amphiboles are a statistically significant predictor of tremolite levels via sensitivity analysis (r = 0.82, slope estimate P-...
Multigroup calculations of low-energy neutral transport in tokamak plasmas

Multigroup discrete ordinates methods avoid many of the approximations that have been used in previous neutral transport analyses. Of particular interest are the neutral profiles generatedas an integral part of larger plasma system simulation codes. To determine the appropriateness of utilizing a particular multigroup code, ANISN, for this purpose, results are compared with the neutral transport module of the Duchs code. For a typical TFTR plasma, predicted neutral densities differ by a maximum factor of three on axis and outfluxes at the plasma boundary by ~ 40%. This is found to be significant for a neutral transport module. Possible sources of the observed discrepancies are indicated from an analysis of the approximations used in the Duchs model. Recommendations are made concerning the future application of the multigroup method.
The Role of Aging and Chronic Disease in Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is so highly prevalent in elderly males that it is often considered an inevitable consequence of "normal aging." To determine if other factors are related to an age-associated decline in sexual function, we surveyed two groups of elderly male veterans in a geriatric ambulatory care clinic: aged 65 to 75 years ("young-old") and aged over 75 ("old-old"). We compared their survey responses with responses from a general medical clinic for unstable medical patients, aged under 65 ("old-young"). Of 347 subjects surveyed, 225 completed a health and sexual function questionnaire (response rate = 65%). Absent libido was reported by 30% of old-young, 31% of young-old, and 47% of old-old. Erectile dysfunction was reported in 26% of old-young, 27% of young-old, and 50% of old-old (P less than .01). We used ordinal logistic regression and found overall sexual dysfunction to be significantly related to subjective poor health, diabetes mellitus, and incontinence (P less than .05), while controlling for age. These data suggest that, although sexual dysfunction is more common in the aged, it is often related more to comorbid illness than aging alone.
Modeling the effects of applied stress and wafer orientation in silicon devices: from long channel mobility physics to short channel performance

We review our novel simulation approach to model the effects of applied stress and wafer orientation by mapping detailed dependencies of long channel physics onto short channel device conditions in Silicon NMOS and PMOS. We use kp and Monte Carlo methods to show the long channel dependencies of these effects on gate fields, doping levels, extrinsic charges, and homogeneous driving fields. Our model predicts the reduced effect of wafer orientation on short channel linear and saturation current drives due to weak gate confinement, high carrier density, high stress, and high driving field prevalent in scaled devices. This reduces NMOS (110) wafer orientation loss compared to (100), while keeping PMOS (110) gains over (100) surface orientation in current drives in 〈110〉 channels, consistent with data.
Coatings for protecting nickel-base TaC eutectics against oxidation

Abstract A class of very high strength eutectic superalloys consisting of TaC fibers in a γ- Ni/γ'-Ni 3 Al matrix is being critically evaluated as a potential turbine blade material. However, the strongest alloys in this system lack the inherent oxidation resistance needed for extended use at 1100°C and above. The present study describes a program aimed at improving oxidation resistance and coating-substrate compatibility for a substrate of a γ/γ'-TaC which has been designated NiTaC- 13. A preliminary study considered seven different electron beam vapor-deposited coating systems of the MCrAlY type (M≡Ni, Co or Fe). The most promising coating was a NiCrAlY composition which showed excellent oxidation resistance; however, during high temperature exposure of all of these coated materials, a region with complete absence of carbide fibers developed in the substrate at the coating-substrate interface. The mechanism of carbide denudation was investigated using samples coated with Ni-20Cr-10Al-lY. It was concluded that a primary cause of fiber denudation was diffusion and dissolution of C in the C-free coating rather than carbon diffusion through the coating with resulting oxidation at the coating-atmosphere interface. NiCrAlY coatings containing C were deposited by several techniques to determine whether C additions would be useful in improving coating-substrate compatibility. The most promising coating was a duplex coating; the first layer of Ni-20Cr-5Al-0.1Y-0.1C was deposited by flame spraying and this was subsequently overcoated with Al. This coating withstood 2000 h of cyclic oxidation with little loss of coating thickness and absence of fiber denudation. Sequential metallographic examinations were made through the 2000 h of testing to show the development of the coating-substrate interactions. Microstructural and phase changes are described and are compared with macrostructural changes and the change in sample weight indicative of oxidation and spallation.
A cholinergic inhibitory system in the frog optic tectum: Its role in visual electrical responses and feeding behavior

Abstract In a study of processing of visual information in the frog optic tectum, it was found that application of either curare or strychnine to the tectum greatly enlarged both the size and horizontal extent of responses to various visual stimuli. These drugs also released synchronous spontaneous bursting of tectal cells and aspects of the frog's normal feeding behavior. Either acetylcholine or nicotine reduced the normal light response and also the above mentioned drug-induced electrical effects. It is concluded that tectal cells involved in visual processing, in particular in initiating feedign behaviors of orienting, jumping and snapping, are normally controlled by inhibitory systems containing nicotinic-cholinergic synapses. Application of curare to only one tectum elicited only turning behavior whereas application to both tecta released jumping and snapping behaviors as well as orienting. This indicates that a brain area other than the optic lobes must monitor tectal outputs and, when proper conditions are met, produces jumping and snapping. It is suggested that diencephalic inhibition of jumping and snapping is mediated by acetylcholine. Indications of extensive lateral interactions in tectal neurons were found.
High-Speed TOFMS Detection for Capillary Electrophoresis.

A new, high-speed data acquisition system was tested for high storage rate time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) detection in capillary electrophoresis (CE). For high spectral acquisition rates ...
Suicidal Clients and Supervisees: A Model for Considering Supervisor Roles

It is likely that counselor trainees will be exposed to suicidal clients and subsequently face personal dilemmas, stress, and feelings of incompetence. Ethical guidelines mandate that supervisors have procedures to assist supervisees in such times. Currently, the literature does not provide a framework for providing such supervision. This article presents a theory-grounded model to assist the supervision of supervisees working with suicidal clients.
Temperature dependence of organic matter remineralization in deeply-buried marine sediments

Abstract Assuming that the temperature dependence of sediment organic matter remineralization can be described by the Arrhenius equation, organic matter that is highly refractory at seafloor temperatures (~ 2–3 °C) should become more reactive at sediment depths of several hundred meters due to burial and heating by the natural geothermal gradient. Results obtained using a coupled non-linear reactive-transport model support this suggestion. For deeply-buried marine sediments (i.e., those found 100s of meters below the seafloor) model results predict the occurrence of a deep zone of methanogenesis that is separated by a relatively thick region in which methane diffuses upwards to be oxidized by downward diffusing sulfate. This depth zonation of biogeochemical processes in deeply-buried sediments is in sharp contrast to that observed in nearshore marine sediments where sulfate reduction and methanogenesis generally occur in much closer vertical proximity. Model results presented here also provide a simple mechanistic explanation for the occurrence of linear pore water sulfate profiles that are common in many continental margin sediments. Linear sulfate gradients are often taken as an indirect indicator of gas hydrate occurrence although results presented here suggest that this does not necessarily always have to be the case. Application of the model to gas hydrate-containing sediments on the Blake Ridge yields results that are in good agreement with sediment and pore water data, and microbial rate studies in these sediments. Model results also suggest that in situ methanogenesis in and/or near the gas hydrate stability zone may play an important role in supplying the methane found in Blake Ridge gas hydrates.
Temperature Sensitivity of Foamed Asphalt Mix Stiffness: Field and Lab Study

Knowledge of the temperature sensitivity of foamed asphalt stiffness is very important in mix and structural design, field non-destructive testing and advanced research. However, this subject has not been studied extensively, especially the effects of the stress state on the temperature sensitivity, which is essential to understand the behavior of weakly bonded granular materials. This paper first presents triaxial resilient modulus testing results of foamed asphalt treated materials with various asphalt contents at various temperatures. General observations are made in terms of the effects of the bulk stress, deviator stress, temperature and their interactions. Based on these observations, the temperature sensitivity coefficient of foamed asphalt stiffness is defined and a simplified model to predict foamed asphalt mix stiffness at any triaxial stress state and temperature is proposed and validated. A procedure to normalize back-calculated resilient modulus to a standard temperature is also presented. Th...
Taking on racial and ethnic disparities in health care: the experience at Aetna.

Among the nation’s health plans, Aetna is considered the industry leader in efforts to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health care. This Perspective describes the work of a task force led by Aetna’s chairman and CEO, charged with a number of strategic activities including cultural competency training and the identification of disparities occurring within the Aetna membership population. The cornerstone of this quality-of-care initiative is a successful and ongoing data collection enterprise. Aetna is putting the data to work in its chronic disease management, breast health, and African American Preterm Labor Prevention and Breastfeeding programs.
Adsorption of acrylic acid copolymers with hydrophobic chain substituents on polystyrene latex

Adsorption of three copolymers of acrylic acid with N-1-naphthylacrylamide on monodisperse polystyrene latex was studied as a function of pH, ionic strength, and latex concentration. A comparison of the observed adsorptive capacities with predictions based on a model in which the adsorbed polymers retain their shape in solution showed that this model leads to an increasing underestimate as the density of the hydrophobic groups on the polymer is increased and as the pH is reduced.
MO‐E‐AUD‐02: A Novel Infrared Camera System for Mechanical QA of Radiation Treatment Accelerators

Purpose: To develop a fast and accurate procedure for mechanical QA of linear accelerators that can be used during installation and routine mechanical QA. Method and Materials: A system was developed which consists of an IR‐camera and an IR‐marker attached to the gantry, treatment table or collimator.Software was written to process signals from the IR‐camera for the duration of gantry rotation and reconstruct the trace of the marker in three orthogonal planes. A circular fit of the trace in the plane of gantry rotation provides 3D coordinates of mechanical isocenter for gantry rotation. A linear fit of this trace in orthogonal planes provides information on gantry sag and rotational hysteresis. A similar procedure was developed for table mechanical QA. Orthogonality of the planes of table and gantry rotation is determined by the angle between linear fits for the gantry and table traces. Results: Mechanical QA tests were performed in two different treatment rooms equipped with IR‐camera systems. The accuracy of mechanical alignment of the axis of rotation of the gantry and couch was demonstrated to be within 1mm of the nominal isocenter defined by the room lasers. In each treatment room, the tests were repeated three times and reproducibility of the tests was better than 1mm. The tests revealed both the known effect of gantry sag and also rotational hysteresis. Orthogonality of the planes of gantry and table rotation was also determined. Conclusions: An IR‐based procedure for mechanical QA of radiation treatment accelerators was developed and tested. This procedure accurately detects the location of mechanical isocenter and provides additional information such as the extent of gantry sag and rotational hysteresis. The system provides quantitative 3D displacement of mechanical isocenter that can be effectively used in the initial installation of accelerators as well as in an ongoing quality assurance program.
America in the world economy: Understanding the misunderstandings

Abstract One of the reasons why economists have difficulty in communicating with the general public is that economists are always talking about limits, about why clever schemes will not work. Furthermore, successful business executives have difficulty in recognizing that they do not know all about the economy. A number of illustrations are given of fallacious thinking, and a plea is made to counteract the tendency to make such judgments.
Kinetic Alfvén waves: Linear theory and a particle‐in‐cell simulation

[1] An Alfven-cyclotron fluctuation of sufficiently short wavelength has a strong proton cyclotron resonance at propagation parallel to the background magnetic field Bo in a homogeneous, collisionless electron-proton plasma. As k∥, the wavevector component parallel to Bo, decreases, the proton cyclotron wave-particle interaction becomes nonresonant, and the electron Landau resonance becomes effective at propagation oblique to Bo. Here linear Vlasov theory is used to determine the dispersion and damping properties of Alfven-cyclotron fluctuations associated with the transition from the proton cyclotron resonance regime to the electron Landau resonance regime. Also, a particle-in-cell plasma simulation is used to examine the electron response to the initial imposition of an Alfven-cyclotron wave in the electron Landau resonance regime. The computation shows heating of the electrons in the direction parallel to Bo and the formation of a beam in the direction of the parallel component of k.
Mean shape of large semi-flexible tethered vesicles

The mean shapes of decorated icosahedron models for closed semi-flexible tethered networks are determined using molecular dynamics simulation techniques. It is found that the radii of curvature at center of the edges of the icosahedron both scale asN 1/2 for the system sizes studied, whereN is proportional to the area of the surface. The radius of curvature at center of triangular faces is also found to scale asN 1/2. Results for the mean vesicle shape are compared to those of minimum energy solutions of networks of similar size and elastic moduli. It is argued that system sizes several orders of magnitude larger than those studied here are necessary in order to observe the asymptotic scaling behavior predicted by Witten and Li.
Silver Lining: Enforcing Secure Information Flow at the Cloud Edge

SilverLine is a novel, exceptionally modular framework for enforcing mandatory information flow policies for Java computations on commodity, data-processing, Platform-as-a-Service clouds by leveraging Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) and In-lined Reference Monitors (IRMs). Unlike traditional system-level approaches, which typically require modifications to the cloud kernel software, OS/hypervisor, VM, or cloud file system, SilverLine automatically in-lines secure information flow tracking code into untrusted Java binaries as they arrive at the cloud. This facilitates efficient enforcement of a large, flexible class of information flow and mandatory access control policies without any customization of the cloud or its underlying infrastructure. The cloud and the enforcement framework can therefore be maintained completely separately and orthogonally (i.e., modularly). To demonstrate the approach's feasibility, a prototype implements and deploys SilverLine on a real-world data processing cloud-Hadoop MapReduce. Evaluation results demonstrate that SilverLine provides inter-process information flow security for Hadoop clouds with easy maintainability (through modularity) and low overhead.
In houses of nuns, in houses of canons: a liturgical dimension to double monasteries

Liturgical celebration tied male clergy to houses of religious women in a wide variety of so-called double monasteries. St Gilbert founded the Order of Sempringham to provide for women’s religious vocation, but like other contemporary new orders, the Gilbertines needed a population of male religious to assist the nuns in their vocations. St Gilbert, and ultimately his successors, placed the nuns under the Rule of St Benedict and added regular canons who followed the Augustinian Rule. Historians of monastic life and female religious treat this organisation of the Gilbertines nearly like a commonplace. With regard to liturgy, this combination of two rules in one institution was remarkable, for the Benedictine monastic liturgy differed significantly from the divine offices among Augustinian canons. The liturgical dimension of double houses has not been sufficiently explored. The Gilbertine liturgical manuscripts represent an Augustinian liturgical cursus, while their Institutes, reflecting Cistercian models,...
Semiempirical model based on thermodynamic principles for determining 6 kW proton exchange membrane electrolyzer stack characteristics

Abstract The performance of a 6 kW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer was modeled using a semiempirical equation. Total cell voltage was represented as a sum of the Nernst voltage, activation overpotential and ohmic overpotential. A temperature and pressure dependent Nernst potential, derived from thermodynamic principles, was used to model the 20 cell PEM electrolyzer stack. The importance of including the temperature dependence of various model components is clearly demonstrated. The reversible potential without the pressure effect decreases with increasing temperature in a linear fashion. The exchange current densities at both the electrodes and the membrane conductivity were the coefficients of the semiempirical equation. An experimental system designed around a 6 kW PEM electrolyzer was used to obtain the current–voltage characteristics at different stack temperatures. A nonlinear curve fitting method was employed to determine the equation coefficients from the experimental current–voltage characteristics. The modeling results showed an increase in the anode and cathode exchange current densities with increasing electrolyzer stack temperature. The membrane conductivity was also increased with increasing temperature and was modeled as a function of temperature. The electrolyzer energy efficiencies at different temperatures were evaluated using temperature dependent higher heating value voltages instead of a fixed value of 1.48 V.
Direct measurement of the fast rate of double helix formation

Abstract In a stopped-flow apparatus, a random-coil-to-double-helix conformation change was initiated in aqueous poly d(AT) solutions by a rapid pH change. The rate of formation of the double-stranded helical structure was followed spectrophotometrically at 260 mμ. It was found that two simple first-order processes accounted for the entire reaction. The measured rate constants at 10 °C were 280 and 0.26 sec −1 , respectively.
Seismic vulnerability, risk assessment, mitigation, response and recovery activity in a low risk state: pennsylvania's experience

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, like many states in the USA, is found to be a low-risk area in terms of seismic vulnerability. Like many other states, however, it is vulnerable to future episodes which could be quite threatening to a sizeable population. Degree of seismic vulnerability varies across the commonwealth. Pursuant to assessing Pennsylvania's earthquake preparedness, the commonwealth's 67 local emergency management agency (LEMA) coordinators were asked to complete a mail-questionnaire which sought to determine their degree of earthquake (EQ) experience, risk assessment activity, mitigation activity, and planning for response and recovery. A response rate of 87% was attained. The experience, activity, and planning levels were found to be consistently low regardless of the seismic vulnerability level of the county. These findings are consistent with research literature which describes the circumstances under which hazard reduction is likely to occur. Public administrators in other states might ...
Metal Speciation by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The Two Stage Atomizer

Abstract Thermal analysis (T. G. A., DTA, etc.) has been extensively used for speciation analysis. However, it is relatively insensitive temperature limited, and has not been useful at the trace level.
The role of hydrogen in promoting AlSi interdiffusion in albite (NaAlSi3O8) at high pressures

The rate of Al/Si disorder in “dry” low albite is greatly enhanced at high pressures. This enhancement takes place in aP-T regime where the presence of water would induce melting; none was observed. The experimental work was carried out in piston-cylinder apparatus using NaCl pressure medium. Modification of the experimental conditions to avoid production of hydrogen by dissociation of moisture in the pressure medium, as well as to capture hydrogen with Fe2O3 and ZnO indicates that hydrogen is the active agent in promoting Al/Si diffusion at high pressures in NaAlSi3O8. A mechanism involving transient OH groups that stimulate coordinations greater than 4, simultaneously breaking AlO and SiO network bonds is proposed.
Nephron-sparing surgery in a renal allograft

A 48-year-old woman underwent renal transplantation of an organ from a living related donor in 1978. She experienced excellent graft function for 18 years. Recent evaluation for hypertension revealed two large solid masses involving the allograft. Nephron-sparing excision of two renal cell carcinomas was performed with preservation of renal function. Genitourinary malignancies in transplant recipients and partial nephrectomy in renal allografts are reviewed.
The Earth systems and Earth science informatics

Earth scientists collect, store, manage, process, and organize data about the different components of the Earth system, and about natural and simulated processes. The transition from data to information is achieved through computation, visualization, and other processes that make the data more meaningful to the scientists. All of these activities require information systems, which include people such as IT personnel and scientists who can interpret the data, databases that allow storage and management of data, and software and other information technologies that can process and display the data in meaningful ways. In addition to designing, implementing, and maintaining the information system, informaticists and domain scientists apply existing knowledge to interpret the new information, which may help them to discover new knowledge. Earth science informatics, as a specialized branch of informatics science, creates and processes information about the Earth system, to allow conceptualization, design, modeling, and implementation methodologies for the management, processing, and representation of the information and knowledge about the Earth. More specifically, Earth science informatics applies informatics science to study the structure, composition, function, production, environment, and interactions of different components of information systems, including people, that develop theoretical and conceptual models (e.g., an ontology, database schema), or store, process, manage, and convey information and knowledge about the Earth system. Ontological view of the Earth system
Stability of oxymethyl-modified coumarinic acid cyclic prodrugs of diastereomeric opioid peptides in biological media from various animal species including human.

ABSTRACT: In vitro stability studies of oxymethyl-modified coumarinic acid (OMCA) cyclic prodrugs of the diastereomeric opioid peptides DADLE ([ D -Ala 2 , D- Leu 5 ]-Enk, H-Tyr- D- Ala-Gly-Phe- D -Leu-OH), [Ala 2 , D -Leu 5 ]-Enk (H-Tyr-Ala-Gly-Phe- D -Leu-OH), [ D -Ala 2 ,Leu 5 ]-Enk (H-Tyr- D -Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu-OH), and [Ala 2 ,Leu 5 ]-Enk (H-Tyr-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu-OH) were conducted to evaluate how the chirality of specific amino acid residues (Ala 2 and Leu 5 ) in the peptide portion affects their bioconversion by esterases. The stability studies were conducted at 37°C in plasma and tissue homogenates (liver and brain) from five animal species (rat, mouse, canine, guinea pig, and hamster) and human in an attempt to identify an animal species that had a “prodrug bioconversion profile” comparable to that of humans. Initially, the total esterase activity in these biological media was measured using p -nitrophenyl butyrate (PNPB) as a substrate. By repeating this activity assay in the presence of paraoxon, a potent esterase B inhibitor, it was possible to estimate the relative amounts of esterases B and esterases A/C in a biological sample. Stability studies of the cyclic prodrugs were carried out under identical conditions, that is, in the presence and absence of paraoxon. Significant differences in the rates of hydrolysis of the cyclic prodrugs were observed, particularly between cyclic prodrugs with differences in the chirality of the amino acid on the C-terminus of the peptide portion, for example, L -amino acids at the C-terminus hydrolyzed more rapidly than D -amino acids. This stereoselective hydrolysis was independent of the animal species but tended to be more pronounced in brain and liver homogenates compared to plasma. Increased esterase specific activity, as measured by PNPB, in the biological media did not necessarily correlate with increased bioconversion rates of the cyclic prodrugs. The enzymatic stability profiles of the cyclic prodrugs in biological media from canine and guinea pig most closely resembled the profiles from human biological media. Therefore, canine and guinea pig appear to be the most relevant animal models for conducting pharmacokinetic studies on these cyclic prodrugs of opioid peptides. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association
Two-dimensional finite element analysis of a polymer gel drug delivery system

Hydrogels are being investigated as drug delivery mechanisms. Gels can be impregnated with a drug and then stimulated through various means to release it. Having the capability to predict the dynamic behaviour of the release process numerically would benefit the design and control of such a process. In this paper, a finite element analysis is used to simulate the dynamic behaviour of an eroding polyelectrolyte gel. The gel is impregnated in a collapsed state. It is then subjected to a higher pH environment, causing it to swell. When it has swollen to a specified extent, the gel erodes, thereby releasing the drug agent. Such gels are currently being investigated in drug delivery schemes to the colon.
Informaton theoretic similarity measures for content based image retrieval

Content-based image retrieval is based on the idea of extracting visual features from image and using them to index images in a database. The comparisons that determine similarity between images depend on the representations of the features and the definition of appropriate distance function. Most of the research literature uses vectors as the predominate representation given the rich theory of vector spaces. While vectors are an extremely useful representation, their use in large databases may be prohibitive given their usually large dimensions and similarity functions. In this paper, we propose similarity measures and an indexing algorithm based on information theory that permits an image to be represented as a single number. When use in conjunction with vectors, our method displays improved efficiency when querying large databases.
Validation of an in vitro exposure system for toxicity assessment of air-delivered nanomaterials

To overcome the limitations of in vitro exposure of submerged lung cells to nanoparticles (NPs), we validated an integrated low flow system capable of generating and depositing airborne NPs directly onto cells at an air–liquid interface (ALI). The in vitro exposure system was shown to provide uniform and controlled dosing of particles with 70.3% efficiency to epithelial cells grown on transwells. This system delivered a continuous airborne exposure of NPs to lung cells without loss of cell viability in repeated 4 h exposure periods. We sequentially exposed cells to air-delivered copper (Cu) NPs in vitro to compare toxicity results to our prior in vivo inhalation studies. The evaluation of cellular dosimetry indicated that a large amount of Cu was taken up, dissolved and released into the basolateral medium (62% of total mass). Exposure to Cu NPs decreased cell viability to 73% (p < 0.01) and significantly (p < 0.05) elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase, intracellular reactive oxygen species and interleukin-8 that mirrored our findings from subacute in vivo inhalation studies in mice. Our results show that this exposure system is useful for screening of NP toxicity in a manner that represents cellular responses of the pulmonary epithelium in vivo.
Acidic deposition in California: Findings from a program of monitoring and effects research

California's 14-year, $25 million acidic deposition program has studied the causes and effects of acidic air pollutants. In contrast to the eastern United States where sulfur-derived (S-derived) by-products from coal combustion dominate precipitation chemistry, nitrogen-derived (N-derived) acids predominate in wet and dry deposition in California. Adverse effects on the human lung have not been observed after short-term exposures to acidity, but extended exposures to ambient acidity may pose a chronic risk. No irreversible, adverse effects on surface waters in the Sierra Nevada mountain range or to the state's forests have been found due to extant acidic inputs. The longer-term outlook for forests is less certain because the impacts observed elsewhere occurred after decades of S and N deposition, but at lower ambient ozone levels. Ozone is the major air pollutant stressor for forests, but atmospheric N has the potential to cause adverse changes in soil nutrient cycling. Impacts on man-made materials in southern California (e.g., galvanized steel) were found to be minor. While California does not have an ambient air quality standard for acidic air pollutants, emissions of precursors have declined since the 1960's due to changes in industrial practices, improvements in technology, and adoption of control measures for ozone. Lowering emissions from motor vehicles will be emphasized to prevent future increases in N deposition.