cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospects for introducing computer-integrated manufacturing in the USSR – a viewpoint

Intensified automation related to computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) is viewed by Soviet planning authorities as a major means for increased productivity in Soviet industry. But efforts to increase automation are conditioned by the political–economic environment in which industrial production Systems are engineered and managed. The forces driving Soviet automation efforts are examined, and some tentative judgments are made on the proposed prospects for implementing changes aimed at enhancing the potential contribution of CIM to increased productivity in Soviet industry. The article is based on author's chapters in a forthcoming book, Soviet Automation: Perspectives and Prospects , edited by Jack Baranson (Mt. Airy, Md.: Lomond Publications, 1987).
The interference of elemental sulfur in the determination of trace organics in drinking water by the carbon adsorption method

Abstract Carbon chloroform extract and related blank materials obtained by the Organics‐Carbon Adsorbable modification of the Carbon Adsorption Method have been found to contain a significant amount of elemental sulfur ranging from 17 to 58%. Carbon preparation affected the blank value determined; chloroform elution of prewetted carbon yielded higher values than extraction of “as received”; carbon.
Development of Multiharmonic Verification Artifact for the LSNA and NVNA (MTT-11)

In this article, a unique approach is presented to design and fabricate a circuit, rich in nonlinear contents with reduced sensitivity to bias, temperature, and load variations so that it can be used to validate the performance of LSNAs or NVNAs. This circuit was judged to be a joint winner in the 2012 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS2012) Student Design Competition, Design of a Calibration Verification Artifact for Nonlinear VNA, sponsored by MTT-11 Microwave Measurements.
Transmission electron microscopy study of zirconia–alumina nanolaminates grown by reactive sputter deposition. Part II: transformation behavior of tetragonal zirconia nanocrystallites

Abstract Zirconia–alumina multilayer films consisting of polycrystalline tetragonal zirconia and amorphous alumina were grown by reactive sputter deposition to study the transformation behavior of tetragonal zirconia nanocrystallites during in-situ electron beam irradiation and cooling experiments in a transmission electron microscope. It was found that the constraint provided by the alumina layers in the nanolaminate was important in the stabilization of the tetragonal phase of the zirconia during irradiation and cooling, and overrides the thermodynamic prediction based on an unconstrained crystallite model which governs the phase composition of zirconia crystallites during growth. A partial transformation of the tetragonal zirconia crystallites to the monoclinic phase was observed in cases where the alumina constraint is greatly relaxed due to knock-on damage to the alumina layers by the electron beam of the microscope. In extreme cases of alumina loss, re-crystallization of the zirconia occurred producing larger monoclinic zirconia crystallites. Fundamentally, the nano-sized zirconia crystallites present in the films under investigation were found to have a different transformation behavior compared to micron-sized dopant-stabilized tetragonal zirconia crystallites.
EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL

There appears to be no one best method of performance appraisal but there are certain common elements in all effective methods — clear performance goals, quantified levels of performance must be clear, personal rewards should be tied to organisational performance, supervisor and employee should identify ways to improve the latter's performance and implement a plan together, feedback should be provided to the appraiser, and the system must comply with all legal requirements.
Cytokine modulators as novel therapies for airway disease

Cytokines play a critical role in orchestrating and perpetuating inflammation in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and several specific cytokine and chemokine inhibitors are now in development for the future therapy of these diseases. Anti-interleukin (IL)‐5 is very effective at reducing peripheral blood and airway eosinophil numbers, but does not appear to be effective against symptomatic asthma. Inhibition of IL‐4 with soluble IL‐4 receptors has shown promising early results in asthma. Inhibitory cytokines, such as IL-10, interferons and IL-12 are less promising, as systemic delivery causes side-effects. Inhibition of tumour necrosis factor‐α may be useful in severe asthma and for treating severe COPD with systemic features. Many chemokines are involved in the inflammatory response of asthma and COPD and several low-molecular-weight inhibitors of chemokine receptors are in development. CCR3 antagonists (which block eosinophil chemotaxis) and CXCR2 antagonists (which block neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis) are in clinical development for the treatment of asthma and COPD respectively. Because so many cytokines are involved in asthma, drugs that inhibit the synthesis of multiple cytokines may prove to be more useful; several such classes of drug are now in clinical development and any risk of side-effects with these nonspecific inhibitors may be reduced by the use of inhalational route of delivery.
Thermal injuries in operations Iraqi and enduring freedom (OIF and OEF).

Abstract : Since 2003, during military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, more than 500 service members have sustained thermal injuries that met criteria for care at a burn center. Thermal injury is often related to explosions resulting from a number of different mechanisms or flames from an accidental fire. Many of the patients who sustained thermal injuries also sustained injuries including soft tissue wounds or fractures. A numbers of these patients were also diagnosed with inhalational injury related to the explosion and resultant fire. All of these casualties were transported to the United States Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) Burn Center, at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, TX for definitive care. The work of a multi-disciplinary team at the Burn Center is focused on ensuring both acute and long-term care of the burn casualty.
Oscillocusis: an unusual auditory aura in migraine.

We report a 14-year-old girl with a migraine aura characterized by the sense that ambient sounds were fluctuating in intensity, as if emanating from a radio while the volume control was being altered. These auditory oscillations lasted 5 to 10 minutes and were followed by a typical migraine headache. By analogy with oscillopsia, we term this unique form of migraine aura "oscillocusis."
Century-scale discharge stagnation and reactivation of the Ross ice streams, West Antarctica

[1] Flow features on the surface of the Ross Ice Shelf, West Antarctica, record two episodes of ice stream stagnation and reactivation within the last 1000 years. We document these events using maps of streaklines emerging from individual ice streams made using visible band imagery, together with numerical models of ice shelf flow. Forward model experiments demonstrate that only a limited set of discharge scenarios could have produced the current streakline configuration. According to our analysis, Whillans Ice Stream ceased rapid flow about 850 calendar years ago and restarted about 400 years later and MacAyeal Ice Stream either stopped or slowed significantly between 800 and 700 years ago, restarting about 150 years later. Until now, ice-stream scenarios emphasized runaway retreat or stagnation on millennial timescales. Here we identify a new scenario: century-scale stagnation and reactivation cycles, as well as lateral communication with adjacent ice streams through thickness changes on lightly grounded ice plains. This introduces uncertainty into predictions for future sea-level withdrawals by the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, which are based in part on recent slowing of Whillans Ice Stream and the stagnant condition of Kamb Ice Stream.
AVO and velocity analysis

Velocity analysis using semblance estimates velocities based on a constant amplitude model for seismograms and does not take amplitude variation with offset (AVO) into account. In the presence of AVO, the constant amplitude model becomes inaccurate, particularly for events which exhibit polarity reversals. An AVO sensitive velocity analysis procedure, which is a generalization of the traditional semblance method, can be devised by giving an offset dependence to the modeled seismograms. Incorporating AVO into velocity analysis requires additional parameters to describe the reflectivity. This results in reduced velocity precision. By introducing a regularization term which provides a controlled suppression of the contributions due to AVO effects, we describe an AVO sensitive velocity analysis algorithm that properly deals with events exhibiting polarity reversals or large amplitude variation with offset.
The Physics and Chemistry of Small Translucent Molecular Clouds. IX. Acetylenic Chemistry

We have conducted a survey of C3H2, HC3N, and C2S (two rotational transitions in each) in our standard sample of 11 cirrus cores and 27 Clemens-Barvainis translucent cores whose structures and chemistry have been studied in this series. C3H2 is seen in 31 objects, HC3N in six, and C2S in 14. These results are modeled in terms of our previous hydrostatic equilibrium and n ~ r-α structures together with other chemical and physical properties derived earlier. The complex radiative transfer and excitation of C3H2 and HC3N is discussed, including weak population inversions in the lower states. Radiative transfer of C2S is less complicated. Abundances of each species increase monotonically with increasing extinction in the 1.2-2.7 mag range (edge-to-center), thus displaying the same characteristic transition between diffuse and dense cloud chemistry as do most other species we have studied. The chemistry has been modeled by solving the complete set of ~4000 reactions in the New Standard Chemistry Model, adapted to translucent cloud conditions of density, elemental abundances, extinctions, and certain ion-polar rates. C3H2 abundances are underestimated by the Standard chemistry model by a factor of ~10, resulting, we believe, from a single uncertain reaction rate and perhaps one omitted neutral-neutral process. HC3N and C2S abundances fit chemistry model predictions well. They appear not to be intimately connected chemically with C3H2. Aside from the overall success of the gas-phase chemistry models, we emphasize that (1) the observed abundances are consistent with steady state chemistry, not early-time chemistry, and (2) neutral-neutral reactions are fundamentally important in forming HC3N, possibly important to C3H2, and not important to C2S.
Poor areas, or only poor people?

Instead of targeting poor areas, should poverty programs target households with personal attributes that foster poverty, no matter where they live? Possibly not. There may be hidden constraints on mobility, or location may reveal otherwise hidden household attributes. Using survey data for Bangladesh, the authors find significant and sizable geographic effects on living standards, after controlling for a wide range of nongeographic characteristics of households, as would typically be observable to policymakers. The geographic effects are reasonably stable over time, robust to testable sources of bias, and consistent with observed migration patterns. Poor areas are not poor just because households with readily observable attributes that foster poverty are geographically concentrated. There appear to be sizable spatial differences in the returns to given household characteristics. Their results reinforce the case for anti-poverty programs targeted to poor areas even in an economy with few obvious impediments to mobility.
A localized method for intersecting plane algebraic curve segments

We present a local method for the computation of the intersections of plane algebraic curve segments. The conventional method of intersection is global, because it must first find all of the intersections between two curves before it can restrict the segments in question; hence, it cannot take advantage of situations dealing with the intersection of short-curve segments on complex curves. Our local method, on the other hand, will directly find only those intersections that lie on the segments, as it is based upon an extension of methods for tracing along a curve.
Monoclonal Antibodies to Heparan Sulfate Inhibit the Formation of Thrombin-Antithrombin III Complexes

As components of the cell surface and extracellular matrix, heparan sulfate proteoglycans play an important role in the function of most organs, including the vasculature. Autoimmunity to heparan sulfate (HS) glycosaminoglycan epitopes may play a role in tissue injury. Tight skin (TSK) mice suffer a disease resembling scleroderma, an autoimmune disease associated with alterations in the extracellular matrix of the skin and other organs, as well as vascular injury. Studies of autoimmunity to HS were performed in TSK mice employing a solid-phase radioimmunoassay for the detection of anti-HS antibody. An increase in the clonal frequency of hybridomas secreting anti-HS antibody was noted in TSK mice compared to that in control mice. Liquid-phase competitive inhibition specificity studies of IgM and IgG anti-HS monoclonal antibodies demonstrated little cross-reactivity with other glycosaminoglycans. Some cross-reactivity, albeit at lower affinity, with phosphorylated antigens including DNA, cardiolipin, and RNA polymerase were noted. Negatively charged sulfate groups and carboxyl groups played a role in the immunodominant site. Monoclonal antibodies to HS inhibited the binding of HS to antithrombin III and the formation of thrombin-antithrombin III complexes. These results demonstrate autoimmunity to HS in TSK mice. The results also indicate that HS is a high-affinity antigen of pathological significance for anti-DNA and anti-phospholipid antibodies. Thrombosis induced by polyclonal anti-phospholipid antibodies may be mediated by a subset of these antibodies with high affinity for HS. Anti-HS antibodies may promote a procoagulant state by the blockade of HS binding to antithrombin III, inhibiting the accelerated formation of thrombin-antithrombin III complexes.
Assessing Robustness in Systems of Systems Meta-architectures☆

Abstract New Systems of Systems (SoSs) are frequently created through partial participation from independent, existing systems with their own continuing missions. These systems’ contribution to the SoS may be contingent on changing priorities and conditions. Therefore, when devising a SoS architecture, consideration should be given to the SoS robustness to occasional lack of availability of individual systems. Robustness is generally the ability to deliver capability in unknown future conditions. Not knowing which systems will be present would seem to fit this definition for a SoS. A fuzzy approach to defining SoS performance in terms of capabilities provided by each type of system and interfaces, with the robustness defined by the remaining performance when one system is absent, is proposed. Several types of capabilities are typically available from several systems when putting together an SoS. An ideal SoS architecture, while paying due homage to lean principles and affordability, should also avoid single point failures. When a suitable SoS performance model exists, the architect can assess SoS capability measures of performance changes when each individual system is removed. Even low fidelity performance models can help distinguish among alternative SoS architectures. Testing architecture models for robustness can improve overall understanding of the SoS capabilities, and selecting architectures for more distributed performance increases robustness.
Characterizing microstructure of refractory porous materials

Liquid Expulsion technique was used in this study to quantify the transport properties and microstructure of a refractory coating used in the Lost Foam Casting process. The pore size information obtained from the Liquid Expulsion Method is found to be well correlated with the transport properties of the porous coating material. For manufacturing process control, the viscosity of these coating slurries prior to its application on expanded polystyrene foam is often reduced by dilution with water and/or using a dispersant. In this paper, the effects of diluting or dispersing the slurry on the microstructure and transport properties of the dried refractory coatings are evaluated. Results show that the dilution and dispersion have opposing influences on the pore size and transport properties. Adding dispersant was found to reduce the transport properties of the refractory coatings significantly, potentially leading to defects in metal castings. The pore characterization technique developed in this paper is also used to determine the effects of drying methods (oven versus air dry) on the pore size and transport properties.
Comparison of Body Composition by Bioelectrical Impedance and Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Overweight/Obese Postmenopausal Women

The purpose of this study was to compare the Rudolph J. Liedtke (RJL) Sciences Quantum II system bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA) with the fan beam Hologic dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, software V8.26a) for assessing body composition in postmenopausal obese women. Thirty-three postmenopausal overweight/obese females (mean age: 53.9+/-6.0 yr; mean weight: 91.3+/-17.5 kg; and mean body mass index [BMI]: 33.1+/-5.7 kg/m2) were evaluated for comparison of body weight (BW), fat mass (FM), percent FM (%FM), and fat free mass (FFM). The comparison was assessed by RJL Quantum 2 Cyprus 2.6 (Clinton Township, MI) BIA vs fan beam DXA Hologic QDR-4500A software V8.26a (ODR 4500 Hologic, Inc., Waltham, Mass). RJL-BIA and DXA measurements were performed at the same time. BW was measured using a balance scale (Detecto; Web City, MO) and these results were used for the RJL-BIA analysis. Balance weight was compared with DXA BW. Correlations between DXA and RJL-BIA for BW, FM, %FM, and FFM were 0.998, 0.980, 0.782, and 0.926 (p<0.01), respectively. Bland-Altman plots demonstrated general agreement between methods for BW, FM, %FM, and FFM. However, for the latter 3 metrics of body composition, one unit change using BIA does not correspond to one unit change using DXA, as there were systematic disagreements at either end of the range of values. But RJL-BIA could be a valid method for assessing body composition of overweight/obese postmenopausal women once appropriate validated regression equations have been developed.
Phosphate Modified Analogues of 5′-O-Phosphorylated 2′,3′-Dideoxynucleosides: Synthesis and Anti-HIV Activity

Abstract Phosphonate analogues of 5′-O-phosphoryl-2′,3′-dideoxyribofuranosyl adenine, cytosine, hypoxanthine and thymine were synthesized. The hypoxanthine and thymine analogues were inactive against HIV induced cyopathy in the CEM-4 T-cell lines. The 2′,3′-ddC and 2′,3′-ddA analogues were marginally active.
Broadband super-collimation in a hybrid photonic crystal structure

We propose a two dimensional (2D) photonic crystal (PhC) structure that supports super-collimation over a large frequency range (over 4 times that of a traditional square lattice of holes). We theoretically and numerically investigate the collimation mechanism in our 2D structure, in comparison to that of two other frequently used related PhC structures. We also point out the potential importance of our proposed structure in the design of super-collimation-based devices for both monochromatic and polychromatic light.
Applications Of Infrared Thermography In The Analysis Of Induced Surface Currents Due To Incident Electromagnetic (EM) Radiation On Complex Shapes

Thermography has been available for some time as an aid in the determination of temperature differentials. Burton, et al, have demonstrated that thermographic techniques may be used qualitatively to detect induced surface currents resulting from impinging Electromagnetic (EM) waves on particular shapes. The surface currents are detectable because of the energy deposited on the object in the form of I2R heating. A knowledge of the induced surface currents is invaluable to the study of radar cross section reduction and Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) absorption. Therefore, a method is presented which provides a method of determining the temperature distribution on a complex shape subjected to microwave radiation. Thermographic detectors are either energy detectors (thermocouples) or photon detectors (semiconductors). A model is developed for each type which describes the infrared emission detection associated with a complex shape.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
siRNA targeting Vaccinia virus double-stranded RNA binding protein [E3L] exerts potent antiviral effects

The Vaccinia virus gene, E3L, encodes a double-stranded RNA [dsRNA]-binding protein. We hypothesized that, owing to the critical nature of dsRNA in triggering host innate antiviral responses, E3L-specific small-interfering RNAs [siRNAs] should be effective antiviral agents against pox viruses, for which Vaccinia virus is an appropriate surrogate. In this study, we have utilized two human cell types, namely, HeLa and 293T, one which responds to interferon [IFN]-β and the other produces and responds to IFN-β, respectively. The antiviral effects were equally robust in HeLa and 293T cells. However, in the case of 293T cells, several distinct features were observed, when IFN-β is activated in these cells. Vaccinia virus replication was inhibited by 97% and 98% as compared to control infection in HeLa and 293T cells transfected with E3L-specific siRNAs, respectively. These studies demonstrate the utility of E3L-specific siRNAs as potent antiviral agents for small pox and related pox viruses.
GLUCOSE ADMINISTRATION AUGMENTS IN VIVO UPTAKE AND PHOTOTOXICITY OF THE TUMOR‐LOCALIZING FRACTION OF HEMATOPORPHYRIN DERIVATIVE

Rhabdomyosarcoma tumors in rats made hyperglycemic by multiple injections of glucose exhibited a transient decrease in pH and an increased ability to accumulate derivatives of hematoporphyrin (HPD). Photoradiation of tumors in glucose/HPD-treated animals produced a greater cell kill than in galactose/HPD-treated controls. A therapeutic benefit of glucose administration in conjunction with HPD-phototherapy is suggested.
On the slip band width measurements from electron microscopy

Abstract A technique is described to examine whether surface replicas of the slip bands taken from the surfaces of deformed quench-hardened aluminium and gold keep the exact surface contour. Results strongly indicate that the replicas taken from these surfaces lie almost flat on the specimen holder.
Violence and the Rule of Law

Violence in an epoch of prison riots, police brutality, and political terrorism raises serious philosphical questions. In a democratic state, it is imperative to ask whether the law can be used to control violence, and, correlatively, what the proper role is for violence in enforcing the law. An analysis of the concept of violence is presented in which its commodity-like nature is stressed. Arguing that violence need not, but often does, involve a violation of a person's moral or legal rights, the thesis distinquishes it from injustices per se. The question, "Should violence be used in quelling prison riots?", gives immediate focus to the investigation.
Agonizing Integrin Antagonists

A recent study published in Nature Medicine reports that low-dose treatment with RGD-mimetic integrin inhibitors may paradoxically enhance angiogenesis and tumor growth. This work implies that delivery of these agents should be redesigned in order to avoid nanomolar plasma concentrations and to improve their efficacy to treat human cancers.
The influence of organisational justice on Perceived Organisational Support in a university recreational sports setting

Using a sample of 152 student employees, the authors examined the relationship between organisational justice and Perceived Organisational Support (POS). Specifically this study examined the degree that distributive, procedural, and interactional justice influenced student employee POS. Additionally, the authors explored whether perceptions of justice differed based on sex, tenure of employment, and type of supervision. All three dimensions of organisational justice were significantly related to POS, with distributive justice demonstrating the greatest effect. Based on findings from this study, it appears that employee perceptions of workplace fairness serve as an important determinant of POS.
Comparison of kinematic X-ray diffraction and backscattering spectrometry — strain and damage profiles in garnet

Abstract We compare the results of measurements of crystal distortions made by means of two techniques: a new kinematic X-ray diffraction technique and backscattering spectrometry of channeled MeV ions. Samples were 〈111〉 single-crystal gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG) that had been implanted at room temperature with 100 keV Ne+ ions to various doses. For these implantation conditions, the ranges of sensitivity of the two techniques overlap for about one decade in implantation dose up to the amorphous threshold. X-ray diffraction was found to be most sensitive to low damage levels while backscattering was found to be most sensitive to high damage levels. Neither method as applied here is sensitive to light atoms in a heavy matrix. In the former technique, strain and damage profiles were obtained by fitting a model to the X-ray rocking curve. In the latter technique, the damage profile was obtained directly from the energy spectrum of backscattered particles while strain was obtained from the implantation-induced changes in the relative orientations of channeling axes. The two techniques are in excellent agreement on the near-surface strain, but differ significantly at depths below ∼500 A . The damage distributions agree to within a factor of 2.
Modelling the impact of variations in electrode manufacturing on lithium-ion battery modules

Abstract The performance of a lithium-ion battery is closely related to its manufacturing and can be impacted by variability in the electrodes. Typically, manufacturers must set aside cells which are deemed to be of insufficient quality, thus contributing to the cost of manufacturing high quality cells. The performance of a lithium-ion battery module, that is, a string of cells configured in series, depends on the performance of the weakest cell. In this work, the single particle model was adapted to simulate the coupled behaviour of an arbitrary number of cells configured in series. The impact of slight variations in the manufacturing of electrodes was then investigated with a goal of linking electrode properties such as variations in thickness, electrode density and active material weight fraction with the performance of battery modules made from these cells. Results indicate that the initial capacity, the rate of capacity fade and other important aspects such as the distribution of state-of-charge from one cell to another depends on the extent of variability in the manufacturing of the electrodes. In this work, the variation in the performance of the module has been quantified as a function of manufacturing variation at the electrode level.
Treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

A few data are clear regarding the treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). First, antibiotics are better than no antibiotics [1]. Second, chlamydial PID produces more long-term sequelae than does PID caused by other microbes [2], in part because Chlamydia trachomatis produces few clinical signs, and there is late clinical recognition of the infection. Third, to date, within a given etiologic group, the duration of symptoms (and not the particular antibiotic regimen) appears to be the largest determinant of infertility [3, 4]. Fourth, the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that treatment needs to be effec-
Infrapopliteal Bypass Grafting for Limb Salvage In Diabetic Patients

A four-year prospective study of distal revascularization in diabetics with trophic damage of the limbs is presented. Thirty-two infrapopliteal bypasses in 32 limbs of 31 diabetic patients were performed. One-year and three-year graft patency rates were 68% and 59% respectively. Limb salvage was obtained in every case of surgical success
Linear acceleration-based redundancy resolution schemes that diverge in finite time

The minimum torque norm control scheme for redundant manipulators has long been known to exhibit instabilities. In the paper an analysis is made of a class of acceleration-level redundancy resolution schemes that includes this and other well-known schemes. It is proved that divergence of the joint velocity norm to infinity in finite time is possible, and in fact does occur for self-motions of mechanisms with one degree of redundancy under almost all such schemes in the class, i.e., generically. The schemes that do not diverge in finite time are associated with conserved quantities and include minimum acceleration norm and dynamically-consistent redundancy resolution schemes. It is also proved that exponential dissipation of nullspace velocity cannot eliminate the divergence.
Assessment of Melamine and Cyanuric Acid Toxicity in Cats

The major pet food recall associated with acute renal failure in dogs and cats focused initially on melamine as the suspect toxicant. In the course of the investigation, cyanuric acid was identified in addition to melamine in the offending food. The purpose of this study was to characterize the toxicity potential of melamine, cyanuric acid, and a combination of melamine and cyanuric acid in cats. In this pilot study, melamine was added to the diet of 2 cats at 0.5% and 1%, respectively. Cyanuric acid was added to the diet of 1 cat at increasing doses of 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1% over the course of 10 days. Melamine and cyanuric acid were administered together at 0%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1% to 1 cat per dose group. No effect on renal function was observed in cats fed with melamine or cyanuric acid alone. Cats dosed with a combination were euthanized at 48 hours after dosing because of acute renal failure. Urine and touch impressions of kidneys from all cats dosed with the combination revealed the presence of fan-shaped, birefringent crystals. Histopathologic findings were limited to the kidneys and included crystals primarily within tubules of the distal nephron, severe renal interstitial edema, and hemorrhage at the corticomedullary junction. The kidneys contained estimated melamine concentrations of 496 to 734 mg/kg wet weight and estimated cyanuric acid concentrations of 487 to 690 mg/kg wet weight. The results demonstrate that the combination of melamine and cyanuric acid is responsible for acute renal failure in cats.
A study of some approximation schemes in quantum mechanics

Abstract By means of numerical examples in one dimensional Hamiltonian problems, we study the behavior of the approximation scheme known as the New Tamm-Dancoff method. It is concluded that for good convergence of this, and other related methods, one should arrange to start with a symmetric set of equations.
Advanced vulvar carcinoma: Is it worth operating? A perioperative management protocol for radical and reconstructive surgery

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to characterize the means whereby the results could be improved and the morbidity and side-effects minimized, of radical and extensive surgery performed together with plastic reconstruction, in the treatment of locally advanced and relapsed vulvar carcinoma. Methods. Between May 2000 and November 2004, twenty-three patients with locally advanced or relapsed vulvar carcinoma underwent major radical or extended vulvectomy, requiring reconstructive surgery. A consistent protocol for the perioperative management of these patients, including precautionary measures to reduce the rate of early complications, was introduced in the second study period (from November 2003) to verify the benefit on surgical outcome. Results. An analysis of the medical reports showed an improvement in the median time of the postoperative course and related morbidity as a consequence of a strict application of the management protocol, with consequent decrease of early complications. Conclusions. Reconstructive surgery, which broadens the spectrum of available operative therapy in primary and locally recurrent vulvar cancer, is characterized by a high complication rate. The application of a strict perioperative protocol could reduce the number and the clinical impact of such complications.
Activation of the DNA replication checkpoint through RNA synthesis by primase.

When DNA replication is inhibited during the synthesis (S) phase of the cell cycle, a signaling pathway (checkpoint) is activated that serves to prevent mitosis from initiating before completion of replication. This replication checkpoint acts by down-regulating the activity of the mitotic inducer cdc2-cyclin B. Here, we report the relation between chromatin structure and induction of the replication checkpoint. Chromatin was competent to initiate a checkpoint response only after the DNA was unwound and DNA polymerase α had been loaded. Checkpoint induction did not require new DNA synthesis on the unwound template strand but did require RNA primer synthesis by primase. These findings identify the RNA portion of the primer as an important component of the signal that activates the replication checkpoint.
Evidence suggesting that the ARS elements associated with silencers of the yeast mating-type locus HML do not function as chromosomal DNA replication origins.

The silent mating-type loci of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, HML and HMR, are flanked by transcriptional silencers that have ARS activity (i.e., they function as replication origins when in plasmids). To test whether these ARS elements are chromosomal origins, we mapped origins near HML (close to the left telomere of chromosome III). Our results indicate that the HML-associated ARS elements either do not function as chromosomal replication origins or do so at a frequency below our detection level, suggesting that replication from a silencer-associated origin in each S phase is not essential for the maintenance of transcriptional repression at HML. Our results also imply that the ability of a DNA fragment to function as an ARS element in a plasmid does not ensure its ability to function as an efficient chromosomal replication origin. Telomere proximity is not responsible for inactivating these ARS elements, because they are not detectably functional as chromosomal origins even in genetically modified strains in which they are far from the telomere.
Homeostatic regulation of marginal zone B cells by invariant natural killer T cells.

Marginal zone B cells (MZB) mount a rapid antibody response, potently activate naive T cells, and are enriched in autoreactive B cells. MZBs express high levels of CD1d, the restriction element for invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT). Here, we examined the effect of iNKT cells on MZB cell activation and numbers in vitro and in vivo in normal and autoimmune mice. Results show that iNKT cells activate MZBs, but restrict their numbers in vitro and in vivo in normal BALB/c and C57/BL6 mice. iNKT cells do so by increasing the activation-induced cell death and curtailing proliferation of MZB cells, whereas they promote the proliferation of follicular B cells. Sorted iNKT cells can directly execute this function, without help from other immune cells. Such MZB regulation by iNKTs is mediated, at least in part, via CD1d on B cells in a contact-dependent manner, whereas iNKT-induced proliferation of follicular B cells occurs in a contact- and CD1d-independent manner. Finally, we show that iNKT cells reduce ‘autoreactive’ MZB cells in an anti-DNA transgenic model, and limit MZB cell numbers in autoimmune-prone (NZB×NZW)F1 and non-obese diabetic mice, suggesting a potentially new mechanism whereby iNKT cells might regulate pathologic autoimmunity. Differential regulation of follicular B cells versus potentially autoreactive MZBs by iNKT cells has important implications for autoimmune diseases as well as for conditions that require a rapid innate B cell response.
SHEAR LOCALIZATION AND CHEMICAL REACTION IN HIGH-STRAIN, HIGH-STRAIN-RATE DEFORMATION OF Ti-Si POWDER MIXTURES

Ti-Si mixtures were subjected to high-strain-rate deformation at a pressure below the threshold for shock-wave initiation. Whereas the collapse of interparticle pores did not initiate reaction, regions of localized macro-deformation initiated reaction inside shear bands at suAciently high strains (g010), and propagation of the reaction through the entire specimen at higher strains (g020-40). This study demon- strates that temperature increases in shear localization regions can initiate chemical reaction inside a reac- tive powder mixture. The shear band spacing was 00.6-1 mm. Thermodynamic and kinetic calculations yield the reaction rate outside the shear bands, in the homogeneously deformed material, which has a
Field Procedures to Estimate Corrosion Potentials and Rates and Cathodic Protection Penetration Limit in a Coating Disbonded Region on Buried Pipelines

Abstract No field method or procedure exists to measure the effectiveness of cathodic protection (CP) in a coating disbonded region on buried pipelines; however, gaining this capability can be useful to assist the pipeline industry in better control of the pipeline external corrosion. This paper reports two field procedures to estimate the corrosion potentials and rates in a coating disbonded region on buried pipelines and a method to estimate the maximum distance that CP current can penetrate into a coating disbonded region from the holiday. The above estimates can be accomplished through the use of sampled near-pipe soil chemistry, measured pipe native or rest potential, CP “instant-off” potential, and a corrosion rate of the pipe steel measured in simulated soil groundwater in deaerated condition. The field procedures can be implemented without the need of excavations to expose the pipeline surface. The corrosion rates thus determined can be used to assist in prioritizing corrosion susceptible location...
Factors impacting follow-up care after placement of temporary inferior vena cava filters.

Objective Rates of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval have remained suboptimal, in part because of poor follow-up. The goal of our study was to determine demographic and clinical factors predictive of IVC filter follow-up care in a university hospital setting. Methods We reviewed 250 consecutive patients who received an IVC filter placement with the intention of subsequent retrieval between March 2009 and October 2010. Patient demographics, clinical factors, and physician specialty were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables predicting follow-up care. Results In our cohort, 60.7% of patients received follow-up care; of those, 93% had IVC filter retrieval. Major indications for IVC filter placement were prophylaxis for high risk surgery (53%) and venous thromboembolic event with contraindication and/or failure of anticoagulation (39%). Follow-up care was less likely for patients discharged to acute rehabilitation or skilled nursing facilities ( P P P P P = .04), and IVC filter placement by the vascular surgery service (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 2.3-9.6; P Conclusions Service-dependent practice paradigms play a critical role in patient follow-up and IVC filter retrieval rates. Nevertheless, specific patient populations are more prone to having poorer rates of follow-up. Such trends should be factored into institutional quality control goals and patient-centered care.
Revisiting the calculation of (13)C chemical shift tensors in cadmium acetate dihydrate with EIM and EIM/cluster methods.

The chemical shift tensors of the acetate anions in cadmium acetate dihydrate are calculated using a cluster approach, the embedded ion method (EIM), and a combination of the two in the EIM/cluster method. The results of these calculations are compared with those completed on the isolated acetate anion and show the need for the inclusion of intermolecular interactions. The RMS difference between experiment and theory improves from over 60 ppm when the calculation is completed on an isolated anion, to below 10 ppm when interactions to nearby atoms are included. The best cluster model includes three cadmium acetate dihydrate and gives an RMS result of 4.4 ppm. The EIM method, which uses point charges to account for the intermolecular effects, achieves an RMS of 7.7 ppm on individual anions alone. A combination of the two, the EIM/cluster method, shows that the only necessary atom to explicitly add is the nearest cadmium; this addition results in an RMS of 4.1 ppm. These results are also discussed in terms of the computational cost of the different calculations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: The Role of Social Support in Coping with Caregiving Challenges

In this investigation of 133 grandparents with primary responsibility for their grandchildren, we examined the potential moderating role of social support in the association between caregiver stressors and grandparents' general well-being. Enacted formal support buffered the association between grandchild health problems and both grandparent caregiving stress and life satisfaction. Enacted formal support also buffered the association between parenting daily hassles and life satisfaction. Compensatory or main effects of perceived informal and formal social support were found for both grandparent caregiving stress and life satisfaction. Findings highlight the importance of professional assistance and community services in minimizing the negative impact of child-related challenges on grandparents' well-being.
Has Sverdrup's critical depth hypothesis been tested? Mixed layers vs. turbulent layers

Author(s): Franks, PJS | Abstract: Sverdrup (1953. On conditions for the vernal blooming of phytoplankton. Journal du Conseil International pour l'Exploration de la Mer, 18: 287-295) was quite careful in formulating his critical depth hypothesis, specifying a "thoroughly mixed top layer" with mixing "strong enough to distribute the plankton organisms evenly through the layer". With a few notable exceptions, most subsequent tests of the critical depth hypothesis have ignored those assumptions, using estimates of a hydrographically defined mixed-layer depth as a proxy for the actual turbulence-driven movement of the phytoplankton. However, a closer examination of the sources of turbulence and stratification in turbulent layers shows that active turbulence is highly variable over time scales of hours, vertical scales of metres, and horizontal scales of kilometres. Furthermore, the mixed layer as defined by temperature or density gradients is a poor indicator of the depth or intensity of active turbulence. Without time series of coincident, in situ measurements of turbulence and phytoplankton rates, it is not possible to properly test Sverdrup's critical depth hypothesis.
Synergism between entomopathogenic nematodes and Bacillus thuringiensis crops: integrating biological control and resistance management

Summary 1. The past decade has witnessed a continual increase in the use of crops genetically modified to produce insecticidal toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This presents the challenge of designing agricultural systems to manage pests and the evolution of resistance to Bt. 2. We tested whether entomopathogenic nematodes might act synergistically with Bt crops by killing pests in non-Bt refuges and by increasing the fitness costs of resistance to Bt. We also tested whether insect mortality and fitness costs were affected by the cotton phytochemical gossypol. 3. The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema riobrave increased the fitness cost of Bt resistance, indicating that its presence in refuges may slow pest adaptation to Bt crops. No effect on fitness costs was detected for the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora . Gossypol did not alter nematode-imposed fitness costs. 4. Simulation modelling supported the hypothesis that nematodes in refuges may slow resistance evolution. 5. The effects of gossypol on insect mortality from nematodes and nematode reproduction differed between nematode species. Gossypol increased insect mortality caused by H. bacteriophora but did not affect mortality caused by S. riobrave . Gossypol enhanced reproduction of H. bacteriophora and decreased reproduction of S. riobrave . 6. Synthesis and applications. Our results point to the value of developing integrated pest management strategies for Bt crops that include non-Bt refuges in which entomopathogenic nematodes are used as a pest-management agent. Because entomopathogenic nematodes can magnify fitness costs of Bt resistance, their presence in refuges may delay resistance by pests to Bt crops. Moreover, entomopathogenic nematodes can serve as biological control agents thereby decreasing dependence on conventional insecticides to manage pest populations in refuges.
Release of proinflammatory and prothrombotic mediators in the brain and peripheral circulation in spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats.

We reported previously that stroke risk factors prepared the brain stem for the development of ischemia and hemorrhage and induced the production of tumor necrosis factor following an intrathecal injection of lipopolysaccharide, a prototypic monocyte-activating stimulus. This study evaluates whether blood or brain cells of hypertensive rats produce more proinflammatory and prothrombotic mediators than do blood or brain cells of normotensive rats.Levels of tumor necrosis factor, platelet-activating factor, 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha, and thromboxane B2 in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood of spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats were monitored before and after a challenge with lipopolysaccharide.Little or no activity from these mediators was found in the cerebrospinal fluid or blood of saline-injected control animals. Intravenous administration of lipopolysaccharide (0.001, 0.1, and 1.8 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent increases in blood levels of all mediators in hypertensive rats....
Have Changes in the SAT Affected Women's Mathematics Performance?.

How has the SAT changed in content and format? Why was it changed? How have changes to the mathematics test affected men's and women's performance?
Foundations for deriving empirical model to predict selection times with soft keyboard in the flight deck

Application of Touch screen technology in the flight deck is being reexamined currently by the OEMs with the maturity in technology evolution and increase in user community enthusiasm due to advent of touch screen tablet devices. This consumer driven technology brought demand for effective human machine interfaces and challenges associated with application of this technology in flight deck. This paper reviews existing human performance models to predict selection times with soft keyboard and provides a foundation to evaluate which models can used to measure specifically selection times associated with data entry through soft keyboard in the flight deck. This paper provides a framework for my research on evaluating the human computer interaction issues associated with soft keyboard in the flight deck.