cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Root Morphology and Gene Expression Analysis in Response to Drought Stress in Maize (Zea mays)

Water-deficit stress tolerance is a complex trait, and water deficit results in various physiological and chemical changes in maize (Zea mays L.) and exacerbates pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination. The objective of this study was to characterize the variations in morphology, physiology, and gene expression in two contrasting inbred lines, Lo964 and Lo1016, in order to understand the differences in response to water-deficit stress. The results revealed that Lo964 was less sensitive to water-deficit stress, and had a strong lateral root system and a higher root/shoot ratio in comparison to Lo1016. In response to water-deficit stress by comparing stressed versus well-watered conditions, abscisic acid syntheses were increased in leaves, roots, and kernels of both Lo964 and Lo1016, but by different magnitudes. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was undetectable in the leaves and roots of either genotype regardless of treatments, but increases of 58% and 8% in IAA concentration were observed in 20 DAP kernels, in response to water-deficit stress, respectively. The expression of the MIPS was up-regulated 7-fold in leaf tissues of Lo964 compared to Lo1016 at watered conditions, but decreased significantly to similar levels in both genotypes at water-deficit conditions. ZmPR10 and ZmFer1 expressions tended to up-regulate although ZmPR10 was expressed higher in root tissue while ZmFer1 was expressed higher in leaf tissue. Further study is needed to confirm if Lo964 has reduced aflatoxin contamination associated with the drought tolerance in the field in order to utilize the resistant trait in breeding.
Genes affecting the cell cycle, growth, maintenance, and drug sensitivity are preferentially regulated by anti-HER2 antibody through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-AKT signaling.

The molecular mechanisms by which the anti-HER2 antibodies trastuzumab and its murine equivalent 4D5 inhibit tumor growth and potentiate chemotherapy are not fully understood. Inhibition of signaling through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT pathway may be particularly important. Treatment of breast cancer cells that overexpress HER2 with trastuzumab inhibited HER2-HER3 association, decreased PDK1 activity, reduced Thr-308 and Ser-473 phosphorylation of AKT, and reduced AKT enzymatic activity. To place the role of PI3K-AKT in perspective, gene expression was studied by using Affymetrix microarrays and real time reverse transcription-PCR. Sixteen genes were consistently down-regulated 2.0–4.9-fold in two antibody-treated breast cancer cell lines. Fourteen of the 16 genes were involved in three major functional areas as follows: 7 in cell cycle regulation, particularly of the G2-M; 5 in DNA repair/replication; and 2 in modifying chromatin structure. Of the 16 antibody-regulated genes, 64% had roles in cell growth/maintenance and 52% contributed to the cell cycle. Direct inhibition of PI3K with an inhibitor markedly reduced expression of 14 genes that were also affected by the antibody. Constitutive activation of AKT1 blocked the effect of the anti-HER2 antibody on cell cycle arrest and on eight differentially expressed genes. The antibody enhanced docetaxel-induced growth inhibition but did not increase the fraction of apoptotic cells induced with docetaxel alone. In contrast, the antibody plus docetaxel markedly down-regulated two genes, HEC and DEEPEST, required for passage through G2-M. Thus, anti-HER2 antibody preferentially affects genes contributing to cell cycle progression and cell growth/maintenance, in part through the PI3K-AKT signaling. Transcriptional regulation by anti-HER2 antibody through PI3K-AKT pathway may potentiate the growth inhibitory activity of docetaxel by affecting cell cycle progression.
Application of Near Infrared Spectroscopy to Study Hot Flashes in Women

We introduce a novel application of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to study hot flashes, the most reported symptom of menopausal transition. A three-wavelength, continuous wave NIRS system was developed for this application.
Thermal Alteration of Buried Bone

Abstract Burned bone is a common component of archaeological deposits traditionally associated with cremations, culinary activities, waste disposal, fuel use and a by-product of naturally occurring fires. Such interpretations assume responsible agents act upon bone prior to deposition or burial. This sequential relationship between heating and burial is challenged by the suggestion that post-burial alteration of bone is not only possible, but can serve to explain the condition of burned material recovered in certain situations. Exposure to heat following burial incorporates several additional variables. The sediment in which bone is deposited, duration of exposure to a heat source, and the interval between burial and burning affect the degree and extent of thermal alteration. Experiments have been conducted to test the hypotheses and parameters surrounding subsurface (i.e. post-burial) alteration by surface fires.
A Brief Instructional Intervention to Increase Students’ Motivation on the First Day of Class

What an instructor does on the first day of a course can impact students’ motivation in the course. To build upon these prior research findings, we implemented a first-day intervention to influence students’ motivation by increasing their perceptions of course interest, course usefulness, and instructor caring. The participants were undergraduate students (n = 111) enrolled in either an introductory or an upper-level psychology class. The instructor implemented an experimental intervention to some sections but not to others. The intervention allowed students to discuss the usefulness of and their interest in the course with one another and to interact with a caring instructor. As hypothesized, students’ perceptions of course interest and instructor caring increased significantly; although perceptions of course usefulness did not.
Yield and height response to anti-lodging treatments in peas

Abstract Five cultivars of peas ( Pisum sativum L.), ‘New Season’, ‘Wis. 7107’, ‘Alsweet’, ‘Sprite’, and ‘Dark Skin Perfection’ were grown at the Arlington Agronomy Research Farm in 1973 and 1974 and at the Libby, McNeil, and Libby Research Farm at Janesville in 1974 only. Control plots were allowed to lodge naturally while anti-lodging treatments consisted of bamboo canes inserted between the rows of peas at 5 or 10% of the pea plant population, or a stiff-strawed experimental oat line grown between the rows of peas at 5, 10, or 20% of the pea plant population. Shelled pea yields from the 10% bamboo support ranged from 2 to 17% greater than from unsupported plants, and averaged 8% greater over the three trials. Shelled pea yields from the 5% bamboo treatments did not differ significantly from the unsupported control. Yields of peas interplanted with oats were less than the control and decreased with increasing oat populations. Plants supported with 10% bamboo were nearly twice as tall at harvest as those unsupported, while 5% bamboo resulted in a canopy about 50% higher than the control. Oats increased canopy height only slightly. Tenderometer differences among the two bamboo treatments and the control were minor, but there was a tendency for lower tenderometer with increasing oat population.
Assessment of early demineralization in teeth using the signal attenuation in optical coherence tomography images

Optical coherence tomography imaging is used to improve the detection of incipient carious lesions in dental enamel. Measurements of signal attenuation in images acquired with an 850-nm light source were performed on 21 extracted molars from eight human volunteers. Stronger attenuation was observed for the optical coherence tomography (OCT) signal in healthy enamel than in carious lesions. The measured attenuation coefficients from the two groups form distinct statistical populations. The coefficients obtained from sound enamel fall within the range of 0.70 to 2.14 mm−1 with a mean value of 1.35 mm−1, while those in carious regions range from 0.47 to 1.88 mm−1, with a mean value of 0.77 mm−1. Three values are selected as the lower threshold for signal attenuation in sound enamel: 0.99, 0.94, and 0.88 mm−1. These thresholds were selected to provide detection of sound enamel with fixed specificities of 90%, 95%, and 97.5%, respectively. The corresponding sensitivities for the detection of carious lesions are 92.8%, 90.4%, and 87%, respectively, for the sample population used in this study. These findings suggest that attenuation of OCT signal at 850 nm could be an indicator of tooth demineralization and could be used as a marker for early caries detection.
SNR improvements in NIITEK ground-penetrating radar

The spatial resolution and peak signal to average noise ratio of the NIITEK ground penetrating RADAR is shown to be improved by the application of an inverse point spread function operation. Both 1-D and 2-D point spread functions are developed. The 1-D inverse PSF is developed from the step discontinuity in impedance due to the air/ground interface. The 2-D inverse PSF is developed from an image of a small sphere in air. The sequential application of the two inverse PSFs using convolution in the spatial domain compensates for two distinctly different effects. The 1-D blurring is due to AC coupling of the RADAR which produces a bipolar derivative of the narrow RADAR pulse. This is replaced by a single pulse in range which represents the location of an impedance discontinuity. The 2-D blurring is due to the wide beamwidth of the adjacent channels of the 24 channel linear array and the operation in the near field of the antenna which causes the characteristic parabolic scattering of a point signal due to adjacent channel crosstalk. Over a set of 32 landmines at a government test site an average improvement in peak signal to RMS noise ratio of 7.19 dB for 1-D only inverse filtering is realized. When 1-D processing is combined with 2-D inverse filtering, an average SNR improvement of 7.68 is realized with significant spatial resolution improvement. Subsequent processing with a moving average filter of size 2 and 4 in depth yields 8.14 and 9.88 dB net SNR improvement respectively.
Melt processed microporous films from compatibilized immiscible blends with potential as membranes

Microporous flat films with potential as membranes were produced via melt processing and post-extrusion drawing from immiscible polypropylene/polystyrene blends containing a compatibilizing copolymer. The blends were first compounded in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder and subsequently extruded through a sheet die to obtain the precursor films. These were uniaxially drawn (100%-500%) with respect to the original dimensions to induce porosity and then post-treated at elevated temperatures to stabilize the resultant structure, which consisted of uniform microcracks in the order of a few nanometers in width. The effects of blend composition and extrusion process parameters on surface and cross-sectional porosity and solvent permeability of the prepared films are presented and related to specific microstructural features of the films before and after drawing. Finite element modeling of the stretching operation in the solid state yielded a successful interpretation of the blend response to uniaxial tension that resulted in microcrack formation. Comparison of some of the novel microporous structures of this work with commercial membranes prepared by solvent-based phase inversion processes suggests comparable pore size and porosity ranges, with narrower pore size distribution.
Gene admixture in human populations: Models and predictions

Brief accounts of methods for estimating proportions of admixture in populations and individuals of hybrid origin are presented with the objective of appraising their underlying assumptions. In view of the uncertainties introduced by assumptions under which admixture estimates are obtained, it is concluded that the reliability of estimates derived from different methods cannot be formally compared. With examples from several admixed populations, it is shown that all methods do not necessarily give discordant results when identical data are used to obtain admixture estimates. Even though past experiences using admixed populations to detect selection or to understand disease etiology have not been very successful, it is believed that admixed human populations can be regarded as a natural experiment. Hence, they are suitable for microevolutionary and epidemiological studies. The proper identification of ancestral populations and the degree of asymmetry in gene flow (sex-biased admixture) are important issues in admixture studies. These aspects can be examined in the statistical properties of allele frequency distributions, but corroboration of particular models should be made from in-depth investigations of historical demography and social structure of admixed populations. Future studies of admixture with DNA polymorphism data may resolve some of the uncertainties associated with current techniques of detecting genetic polymorphisms. Because of the abundance of genetic data, it is argued that morphological traits are of limited use in resolving current problems of human admixture studies.
Improved feature extraction by use of a joint wavelet transform correlator

A new joint wavelet transform correlation-based technique is proposed for feature extraction such as the detection of edges in an unknown input scene. We exploited a modified version of the Roberts and the Sobel wavelet filters as reference images for extracting the edges of an unknown input scene. The performance of the proposed technique with the aforementioned wavelet filters is evaluated and compared by use of numerical simulations. For noise-free input scenes the Roberts wavelet filter was found to yield a superior output compared with that of the Sobel wavelet filter. However, for noisy input scenes the Sobel wavelet filter was found to yield a better output compared with the Roberts wavelet filter.
Inferring breast cancer concomitant diagnosis and comorbidities from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample using social network analysis

Breast cancer is a complex disease and may be accompanied by other multiple health conditions. The present study investigates associations between diagnosis codes in breast cancer patients using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample data. Concomitant diagnoses codes are identified by statistically significant associations between the diagnoses codes in a given breast cancer patient. These are subsequently represented in the form of a network (Breast Cancer Concomitant Diagnosis Network (BCCDN)). In contrast to more classical approaches, BCCDN provides system-level insights and convenient visualization reflected by the complex wiring patterns between the diagnoses codes. Social network analysis is used to investigate highly connected codes in the BCCDN network, and their variation across three different populations: (i) the deceased breast cancer population (ii) the elderly breast cancer population (age>65 years) and (iii) the adult breast cancer population (age <=65 years). BCCDNs were investigated across years 2005 and 2006 in order to identify associations that are robust to the stratified sampling and population heterogeneity as well as possible errors in documentation characteristic of observational healthcare data. The results presented validate known chronic comorbidities and their persistence across the deceased and elderly breast cancer population. They also provide novel associations and potential comorbidities in breast cancer patients that may warrant a more detailed investigation.
Survival, hemodynamics, and tissue oxygenation after head trauma.

Background The aims of this study were to describe the early time course of hemodynamic and tissue perfusion and oxygenation patterns in survivors and nonsurvivors after head injury; to suggest physiologic mechanisms responsible for the observed patterns; and to evaluate postinjury parameters that might be useful for treatment. The hypothesis was that reduced hemodynamics and tissue oxygenation and reduced arterial oxygen saturation affect outcomes. Study design Sixty patients with head trauma were noninvasively monitored on arrival in the emergency department to assess the temporal hemodynamic patterns associated with head injury; patients who were brain dead were excluded because they have very different hemodynamic patterns. Cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate were monitored to assess cardiac function, pulse oximetry to reflect changes in pulmonary function, and transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide to reflect tissue perfusion function. Patients were stratified by inhospital survival outcomes, the Glasgow Coma Scale, and the presence or absence of associated somatic injuries. Results When all head injured patients were considered together, the predominant findings were high cardiac index, hypertension, mild tachycardia, normal pulmonary function, and reduced tissue oxygenation. The subset of survivors and those with high Glasgow Coma Scale had greater than normal cardiac index responses (4.02 ± 0.01 (SEM) L/min/m 2 , p 2 /FiO 2 ) than nonsurvivors (70 ± 3 mmHg, p Conclusions The study suggested that survivors' cardiac index, tissue oxygenation, and arterial oxygen saturation may be considered as markers of resuscitation. Nonsurvivors of head injury had normal blood flow with reduced tissue oxygenation that might have contributed to unfavorable outcomes.
Neo-Conservatism and Presidential Nomination Reforms: A Critique

The neo-conservatives fault the post-1968 reforms in presidential nominations because, they argue, increased participation opportunities have weakened political parties and produced unrepresentative candidates who are unable to govern. They favor changes that would enhance the influence of party regulars and professionals because it is asserted that such participation would strengthen parties and encourage the selection of more popular and better qualified nominees. We argue that the critique suffers from several weaknesses: a failure to consider other plausible explanations for the effects attributed to the reforms; the use of inadequate or misleading measures; and the misuse of historical examples. In addition, we find that a key concept in their critique–professionalism– is not clearly defined, and that the several plausible definitions suffer from a variety of logical and analytic shortcomings. Although many political scientists
Examining the Flynn Effect in the General Social Survey Vocabulary test using item response theory

Abstract Most studies of the Flynn Effect (FE) use classical test theory (CTT)-derived scores, such as summed raw scores. In doing so, they cannot test competing hypotheses about FE, such as it is caused by a real change in cognitive ability versus it is a change in the tests that measure cognitive ability. An alternative to CTT-derived scores is to use latent variable scores, such as those from item response theory (IRT). This study examined the FE on the Vocabulary test in the General Social Survey using IRT. The results indicate that while there has been a decrease–increase trend since the 1970s, the IRT-based scores never differed from the 1970s comparison point more than would be expected from random fluctuation. In contrast, while the CTT-derived summed scores showed the same decrease–increase pattern, all comparisons among the time points and the 1980s group were outside a 95% confidence interval. Multiple reasons for these results are discussed, with the conclusion being there is a need for more multiple-time point studies of the FE using IRT.
Evidence for antibody-dependent binding of the terminal complement component to alveolar basement membrane.

Abstract Bovine alveolar basement membrane (ABM) was isolated in a continuing attempt to examine possible mechanisms by which the immune system may damage this important respiratory structure. Rabbit antisera that were prepared against this material were shown to have substantial antibody activity by complement fixation and immunofluorescence techniques. Cross-reacting antibodies to serum proteins were removed by appropriate adsorption and the activity was unaffected by adsorption with acid-soluble lung collagen. When the adsorbed antisera were reacted with ABM and complement (C), there was a marked reduction in CH50 and C9 titer of the supernatant fluid. Both C3 and C9 were shown to be bound to the ABM by immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase electron microscopy. When complement and antibody-treated ABM was negatively stained and examined by electron microscopy, numerous ring-like structures similar to those associated with complement-lysed, lipid-containing erythrocyte membranes were seen, measuring 100–200 A. This evidence indicates that ABM may possibly be injured in a manner additional to that caused by enzyme release of complement-activated leukocytes.
ADAPA RECONSIDERED: LIFE AND DEATH IN CONTEXTUAL PERSPECTIVE

In all ages of civilization, men have challenged the brutal reality of death with two unconquerable dreams: one the hope of longevity, long life, and the other the illusion of immortality, of eternal life. Let us see first what the Bible has to say on the second of these two subjects, and then try to retrace our steps to the older lands of the Fertile Crescent and their traditions. However, far be it from me to survey all the twenty-four books of the Bible or all the vast literature of the cuneiform and hieroglyphic sources. I will confine myself instead to a type of expression common to the whole ancient world, namely epic literature.
Agreements covering exchanges of biological materials

Before the mid-1970s, scientists involved in biological research usually exchanged cells and vectors freely. Such exchanges served as a method of obtaining critical review and confirmation by peers. In addition, such exchanges often were quid pro quo, useful in obtaining similar material from others. These exchanges were not usually encumbered by con- tracts or legal restrictions; instead, they were governed by unwritten understandings and ethical standards. However, the huge increase in industrial and commercial interest in genetic engineering greatly increased the potential value of cells and vectors. Inevitably, several unwritten under- standings fell apart, creating some disappointments, some bitterness, and at least one lawsuit*. Both industry and academia responded by adopting various written agreements to control the exchange of biological material. The first few agreements were indivi- dually negotiated and agreed to by both sides. Before long, most corporations that released material to academic resear- chers developed form agreements to simplify and expedite releases that did not require individual attention. In early 1983, the Biological Sciences Group of the Mon- santo Corporate Research and Development Staff recog- nized that it needed to consider the issue of form agree- ments. Research in several fields was progressing rapidly and scientists throughout the Biological Sciences Group were anxious to be able to exchange cells and vectors with academic researchers. In particular, Monsanto received a large number of requests for plant cell transformation vectors, which were first announced in January 1983. Unlike cells and vectors which express specific metabolites, the plant cell vectors were capable of inserting any DNA sequence into the chromosomes of a wide variety of plant cells. A group of Monsanto attorneys and scientists therefore began to draft a set of agreements for use in connection with the release of biological materials. This task began with a review of the forms that were currently in use by several other corporations and institu- tions in the United States, as well as several publications L It was soon recognized that no two forms were alike; varia- tions in terminology and conditions were often subtle or unclear. It was doubtful that researchers would fully under- stand the varying implications of different forms, and likely
Estrogen and the brain : Beyond ER-α, ER-β, and 17β-estradiol

The brain of both sexes is a major target of estradiol and a site of estrogen synthesis during development and in the adult. In addition to the classical intranuclear estrogen receptors (ERs) ER-alpha and ER-beta, we have recently identified a novel, plasma membrane-associated ER that is neither ER-alpha nor ER-beta in the brain and uterus, which we have designated "ER-X". ER-X is a developmentally regulated estrogen-binding protein that is present in wild-type, ER-alpha gene-disrupted (alphaERKO) and ER-alpha-null mice. ER-X is re-expressed after ischemic brain injury and in adult transgenic mice with Alzheimer's disease. Although ER-X shares some homology with the C-terminal region of ER-alpha, it is not an alternative splicing variant of ER-alpha and may be a new gene. ER-X mediates 17alpha-estradiol and 17beta-estradiol activation of MAPK/ERK. In contrast, ER-alpha does not elicit ERK activation but, surprisingly, is inhibitory. The potential importance of 17alpha-estradiol, the preferred ligand of ER-X, for the brain is underscored by our findings by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry that the endogenous levels of 17alpha-estradiol are significantly elevated in the postnatal day-7 and adult mouse neocortex and hippocampus, as compared with 17beta-estradiol. That there is so much more 17alpha-estradiol than 17beta-estradiol in the brain suggests that this enantiomer would be readily available to the brain. In considering estrogens for postmenopausal treatment, one should consider all the ERs present in the brain, not just ER-alpha and ER-beta, but ER-X as well, and focus on ligands such as 17alpha-estradiol that may be more selective for this ER.
E-P3P privacy policies and privacy authorization

Enterprises collect large amounts of personal data from their customers. To ease privacy concerns, enterprises publish privacy statements that outline how data is used and shared. The Platform for Enterprise Privacy Practices (E-P3P) defines a fine-grained privacy policy model. A Chief Privacy Officer can use E-P3P to formalize the desired enterprise-internal handling of collected data. A particular data user is then allowed to use certain collected data for a given purpose if and only if the E-P3P authorization engine allows this request based on the applicable E-P3P policy. By enforcing such formalized privacy practices, E-P3P enables enterprises to keep their promises and prevent accidental privacy violations.
Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase: degradation of product due to contaminant in acetone.

A contaminant present in reagent grade acetone causes degradation of fluorescent phenolic metabolites of benzo(a)pyrene as measured in the aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase assay. Although the contaminant was not identified, its properties suggest that it is a relatively volatile organic material, possibly an oxidizing agent. The acetone may be readily purified by distillation.
QT variability during initial exposure to sotalol: experience based on a large electronic medical record

Aims A prolonged QT interval is associated with increased risk of Torsades de pointes (TdP) and may be fatal. We sought to investigate the extent to which clinical covariates affect the change in QT interval among ‘real-world’ patients treated with sotalol and followed in an electronic medical record (EMR) system. Methods and results We used clinical alerts in our EMR system to identify all patients in whom a new prescription for sotalol was written (2001–11). Rate-corrected QT (QTc) was calculated by Bazett's formula. Correlates of sotalol-induced change in the QTc interval and sotalol discontinuation were examined using linear and logistic regression, respectively. Overall, 541 sotalol-exposed patients were identified ( n = 200 women, 37%). The mean first sotalol dose was 86 ± 39 mg, age 64 ± 13 years, and BMI 30 ± 7 kg/m2. Atrial fibrillation/flutter was the predominant indication (92.2%). After initial exposure, the change in the QTc interval from baseline was highly variable: ΔQTc after 2 h = 3 ± 42 ms ( P = 0.17) and 11 ± 37 ms after ≥48 h ( P < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis identified female gender and age, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, high sotalol dose, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and loop diuretic co-administration as correlates of increased ΔQTc at ≥48 h ( P < 0.05 for all). Within 3 days of initiation, 12% discontinued sotalol of which 31% were because of exaggerated QTc prolongation. One percent developed TdP. Conclusion In this EMR-based cohort, the increase in QTc with sotalol initiation was highly variable, and multiple clinical factors contributed. These data represent an important step in ongoing work to identify real-world patients likely to tolerate long-term therapy and reinforces the utility of EMR-based cohorts as research tools.
Control of a nonholomic mobile robot: Backstepping kinematics into dynamics

A dynamical extension that makes possible the integration of a kinematic controller and a torque controller for nonholonomic mobile robots is presented. A combined kinematic/torque control law is developed using backstepping, and asymptotic stability is guaranteed by Lyapunov theory. Moreover, this control algorithm can be applied to the three basic nonholonomic navigation problems: tracking a reference trajectory, path following, and stabilization about a desired posture. The result is a general structure for controlling a mobile robot that can accommodate different control techniques, ranging from a conventional computed-torque controller, when all dynamics are known, to robust-adaptive controllers if this is not the case. A robust-adaptive controller based on neural networks (NNs) is proposed in this work. The NN controller can deal with unmodeled bounded disturbances and/or unstructured unmodeled dynamics in the vehicle. On-line NN weight tuning algorithms that do not require off-line learning yet guarantee small tracking errors and bounded control signals are utilized. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Phase Change in Liquid Face Seals

A study is made of boiling (or phase change) in liquid face seals. An appropriate model is set up and approximate solutions obtained. Some practical illustrative examples are given. Major conclusions are that (1) boiling may occur more often than has been suspected particularly when the sealed liquid is near saturation conditions, (2) the temperature variation in a seal clearance region may not be very great and the main reason for boiling is the flashing which occurs as the pressure decreases through the seal clearance, and (3) there are two separate values of the parameter film-thickness/angular-velocity-squared (and associated radii where phase change takes place) which provide the same separating force under a given set of operating conditions. For a given speed seal face excursions about the larger spacing are stable, but excursions about the smaller spacing are unstable, leading to a growth to the larger spacing or a catastrophic collapse.
Effects of indirect taxation in a mixed oligopoly

Abstract In a mixed oligopoly, an increase in tax (ad valorem or specific) does not change total output, but increases the output of the public firm and the tax revenue. Also, privatization may increase both tax revenue and welfare.
Three Forms of Stress in Cambodian Adolescent Refugees

Sixty-nine Cambodian adolescents and young adults were interviewed to determine their experience as children surviving the Pol Pot regime (1975–1979);their first-year experience of resettlement in this country; and their experience of stressful events during the past year. Current DSM-III-R diagnostic status was also determined. A strong relationship between earlier war trauma, resettlement strain, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was found. In contrast, the strongest relationship with depressive symptoms was found for recent stressful events. These results are discussed in light of current findings from stress and PTSD research.
Regional differences in cell loss associated with binge-like alcohol exposure during the first two trimesters equivalent in the rat

Abstract Women who abuse alcohol during pregnancy may deliver offspring who could be diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or a less severe deficit involving cognitive and behavioral disorders. The severity of the deficits may involve the interaction of several known risk factors, such as alcohol consumption pattern or duration, the timing of alcohol consumption relative to critical windows of vulnerability, or the inherent differential vulnerability among the various brain regions to alcohol-induced brain injury. In this study, we explore the vulnerability of the different brain regions by making cell counts from multiple brain regions. Specifically, we used stereological cell-counting techniques to estimate the total cell numbers in the cerebellum (Purkinje and granule cells), olfactory bulb (mitral and granule cells), hippocampus (CA1 and CA3 cells), and dentate gyrus (granule cells). Groups of timed-pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to one of five treatments: alcohol by intragastric intubation (2.25, 4.5, or 6.5 g/kg/day), nutritional control [pairfed and intubated=Pairfed) and intubated], and normal control (Chow). Treatments began on embryonic day 1 (E1) and continued through E20. On E33 (usually postnatal day 10), all offspring were perfused intracardially with saline followed by fixatives. Representative forebrains, cerebella, and olfactory bulb from each group were processed for cell counting. The optical dissector was used to obtain cell densities, while Cavalieri's principle was used to calculate the reference volume. The product of density and volume gave unbiased estimates of the total neuronal number within each brain region. Overall peak BACs (regardless of sampling day) for the three alcohol groups averaged 136, 290, and 422 mg/dl for the 2.25-, 4.5-, and 6.5-g/kg groups, respectively. The total number of cerebellar Purkinje cells was reduced in the 6.5-g/kg group relative to controls, while the total number of olfactory bulb mitral cells and hippocampal CA1 and CA3 pyramidal cells from all alcohol-treated groups was not different from controls. Total numbers of granule neurons were reduced in the cerebellum and olfactory bulb of offspring exposed to 4.5 or 6.5 g/kg/day, but granule cell numbers in the dentate gyrus were not affected by the prenatal alcohol treatment. Taken together with previous findings, these data demonstrate that prenatal alcohol exposure results in regional vulnerability of various brain structures and underscores the variability of deleterious effects of alcohol on brain development.
Evolution of Late Cretaceous and early Tertiary basins of Southwest Utah based on clastic petrology

ABSTRACT Upper Cretaceous to Eocene clastic rocks of southwest Utah record active Sevier-style thrust deformation, cessation of thrusting, and sedimentation related to Laramide-style folding. The formations which record these tectonic events include, from oldest to youngest: the Iron Springs, Kaiparowits, Canaan Peak, Grapevine Wash, Grand Castle (informal name), Pine Hollow, and Claron formations. Two petrographically distinct upward-coarsening petrofacies occur in the foreland basin and are herein named for the formations they comprise: the Kaiparowits-Canaan Peak and Iron Springs-Grand Castle petrofacies. The Kaiparowits-Canaan Peak petrofacies consists of volcanic and radiolarian chert lithic fragments derived from sources in southeastern California and southern Nevada. The finer-grained Kaiparowits Formation was deposited during active thrusting in the middle-to-upper Campanian while the conglomeratic Canaan Peak Formation was deposited during cessation of thrust activity between the upper Campanian(?) and lower Paleocene. The Iron Springs-Grand Castle petrofacies contains quartzite and carbonate clasts and sandstone compositions that suggest derivation from the Wah Wah and Blue Mountain thrust sheets in southwestern Utah. The Iron Springs Formation represents Upper Cretaceous, syn-thrusting deposition, whereas the Grand Castle conglomerates were deposited during lower Paleocene rebound of these thrust sheets. The Upper Cretaceous to Paleocene Grapevine Wash Formation is an areally restricted conglomeratic alluvial fan sequence composed of carbonate and sandstone clasts derived from Paleozoic rocks in the upper plate of the Square Top Mountain thrust in southwestern Utah. The Pine Hollow Formation received sediment during development of Laramide-style folding of the Sevier foreland basin during early Paleocene to middle Eocene time. Jurassic and Cretaceous sedimentary units tilted during deformation shed detritus to the east and southwest into an intermontane basin. The clastic basal part of the Claron Formation (Paleocene to Eocene) also received sediment from exposed highlands related to Laramide structures. The abundance of silty carbonate lithic grains suggests that much of the sedimentation in the Claron basin was intraformational.
Analysis of Computational Methods for the Treatment of Material Interfaces

The U.S. Air Force has a test facility at Holloman Air Force Base that specializes in the field of very high speed impact testing. This Holloman AFB High Speed Test Track (HHSTT) is currently working to increase the speed of their test vehicle to above Mach 10. The vehicle runs on rails and carries a test article that impacts a stationary target downrange. In the past, the HHSTT has experienced serious problems with the material interaction between the test vehicle and the rail upon which it rides. The test sled's "shoes" are made from VascoMax 300 (high strength steel) and they run along a set of rails constructed of 1080 Steel. As the test sled's speed increases into the Mach 8.5 range, the shoes have tended to "gouge" the rails and start a process that can result in catastrophic failure. In the tests that do not structurally fail, the rails and shoes are damaged by this high- speed impact of the shoe and the rail. In order to model the physics present within this high- energy impact event, the authors have chosen to use the CTH code. Because high velocity impact creates a situation in which there is coupling between strain, strain-rate, pressure and temperature, the appropriate stress-strain relationship must include various characteristics of this coupling. The CTH code is a hydrocode that has the capability to model a high strain-rate, high pressure, large plastic strain and high temperature impact. By using CTH, the authors have created a fairly accurate model of the shoe/rail interaction and have duplicated this phenomenon of gouging. Since gouging development is dependent on the impact surface conditions, the method used to model material interfaces directly affects the accuracy of the solution. Three methods are available in CTH to handle material interfaces: 1) materials are joined at the interface, 2) a frictionless slide line is inserted, and 3) a boundary layer interface is established. An axisymmetric sliding scenario is used to compare how each method affects the computed material shear response. A more general comparison study of the effects of these methods on high energy impact solutions is also conducted with an axisymmetric impact scenario. When the various methods are compared, the frictionless slide line method is shown to produce numerical instability and the boundary layer interface method is too limited for two dimensional applications. The method of joining materials at the contact surface, however, generates good results and appears well suited to the simulation of high energy impact events and the hypervelocity gouging process. Therefore, a recommendation is made, based on the results, for future hypervelocity gouging simulation.
Parents as Partners in Obtaining the Medication History

Objective: Patient-centered information management may overcome barriers that impede high-quality, safe care in the emergency department (ED). The utility of parents' report of medication data via a multimedia, touch screen interface, the asthma kiosk, was investigated. Our specific aims were (1) to estimate the validity of parents' electronically entered medication history for asthma and (2) to compare the parents' kiosk entries regarding medications to the documentation of ED physicians and nurses. Methods: We enrolled a cohort of parents to use the asthma kiosk and tested the validity of this communication channel for medication data specific to pediatric asthma. Parents' data provided via the kiosk during the ED encounter and the documentation of ED nurses and physicians were compared with a telephone-based interview with the parent after discharge that reviewed all asthma-specific medications physically present in the home. Treating clinicians in the ED were blinded to the parents' kiosk entries. Results: Sixty-six parents were enrolled and 49 of 66 (74.2%) completed the gold standard interview. When analyzed at the level of individual medications, the validity of parental report was 81% for medication name, 79% for route of delivery, 66% for the form of the medication, and 60% for dose. Parents' report improved on the validity of documentation by physicians across all medication details save for medication name. Parents' report was more valid than nursing documentation at triage for all medication details. Conclusion: Parents can provide an independent source of medication data that improves on current documentation for key variables that impact quality and safety in emergency asthma care.
An idealized model study of flocculation on sediment trapping in an estuarine turbidity maximum

Flocculation has an important impact on particle trapping in estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) through associated increases in particle settling velocity. To quantify the importance of the flocculation processes, a size-resolved flocculation model is implemented into an ocean circulation model to simulate fine-grained particle trapping in an ETM. The model resolves the particle size from robust small flocs, about 30 μm, to very large flocs, over 1000 μm. An idealized two-dimensional model study is performed to simulate along-channel variations of suspended sediment concentrations driven by gravitational circulation and tidal currents. The results indicate that the flocculation processes play a key role in generating strong tidal asymmetrical variations in suspended sediment concentration and particle trapping. Comparison with observations suggests that the flocculation model produces realistic characteristics of an ETM.
Developing A Policy For Second-Generation Antipsychotic Drugs

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) have replaced older drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia; their costs in the United States have reached $13 billion a year. Recent research, however, shows that their net risk/benefit profiles are no better than some older, cheaper drugs. Stepped therapy, allowing exceptions with prior authorization and giving preference to generic drugs with low risk of both neurologic and metabolic side effects, could increase the cost-effectiveness and safety of antipsychotic drugs. Educational preparation and monitoring of adverse events would foster better acceptance of such procedures among providers, patients, and families. Research to evaluate these interventions would ideally precede their widespread implementation.
Reply to Pancheva, Panchev, and Pancheva

TO THE EDITOR: We are pleased that our paper “Distribution of venous remodeling in exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage of horses follows reported blood flow distribution in the equine lung” (5) has stimulated critical thought on the role of inertia as a cause of the venous remodeling by Pancheva and coworkers (3). Our group has extensively considered the forces being imposed on the vein wall and their role in remodeling, and we acknowledge that we never considered the inertial forces resulting from the movement of the horse as a major factor determining venous wall stress. We are aware that in the high-velocity flow regime of large arteries, inertial forces outweigh viscous forces (1). Furthermore, inertial forces contribute to the flow and pulse wave form in the pulmonary veins (2). Certainly in the galloping horse that has a cardiac output in excess of 300 l/min, these inertial forces associated with the high flow velocity in large-bore pulmonary arteries and veins are likely to be considerable. However, in the very small veins in which remodeling is occurring, flow velocity is low and inertial forces arising from the movement of the blood are likely to be negligible (1). Pancheva and coworkers are not the first to suggest that forces from the limbs play an etiological role in exerciseinduced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). In 1998, Schroter and coworkers (4) suggested that pressure waves resulting from forelimb impact with the ground transmitted through the lung parenchyma are responsible for the dorsocaudal location of EIPH lesions. It is also likely that inertial forces provided by the acceleration of the horse around its fore- and hindlimbs have effects on pressure waves within the large vessels of the pulmonary circulation where blood mass is greatest. Predicting and measuring the interactions of these limb forces with those imposed by the heart will be difficult, in part because of phase variations between the heart (220 beats/min) and stride rate (120/min) of the exercising horse. Even if that could be done in the large vessels, understanding the role of limb acceleration on vein wall stress in complexly branching very small pulmonary veins will be confounded by their varying geometric relationships to the force vectors arising from the motion of the limbs.
High-Speed Non-Linear Asynchronous Pipelines

Many approaches recently proposed for high-speed asynchronous pipelines are applicable only to linear datapaths. However, real systems typically have non-linearities in their datapaths, i.e. stages may have multiple inputs ('joins') or multiple outputs ('forks'). This paper presents several new pipeline templates that extend existing high-speed approaches for linear dynamic logic pipelines, by providing efficient control structures that can accommodate forks and joins. In addition, constructs for conditional computation are also introduced. Timing analysis and SPICE simulations show that the performance overhead of these extensions is fairly low (5% to 20%).
Direct measurement of surface plasmon properties on different metals using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

We directly measure the dielectric properties of different metals relevant to plasmonics using a modified THz time-domain spectroscopy approach. The computed permittivity values differ significantly from published data, but agree well with other measured parameters.
An Internet-based abstinence reinforcement treatment for cigarette smoking.

Although voucher reinforcement has been shown to promote abstinence from smoking, more practical methods are needed to obtain objective evidence of smoking status on a frequent and sustained basis. Using a within-subject reversal design, the present study tested an Internet-based method to obtain objective evidence of smoking status and to deliver voucher incentives for evidence of abstinence. Twenty (10 females) heavy smokers completed this 4-week study. Twice daily, participants made video recordings of themselves providing a breath carbon monoxide (CO) sample with a web camera. The video was made at home and sent electronically to the smoking clinic. Participants could earn vouchers for gradual reductions in breath CO during a 4-day shaping condition, and then for achieving abstinence (CO ≤ 7 ppm) during a 10-day abstinence induction phase. Vouchers could be exchanged for merchandise at select Internet vendors. Relative to baseline conditions, significant decreases in CO were observed during treatment, and many participants achieved sustained periods of abstinence. The study suggests that an Internet-based voucher reinforcement program is a feasible and effective method to promote abstinence from cigarette smoking. © 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.