cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiative transfer in spatially heterogeneous, two-dimensional, anisotropically scattering media

Abstract A method is presented for solving the radiative transfer equation for a general anisotropically scattering and emitting medium exposed to arbitrary boundary radiation conditions. The method allows, in principle, for quite arbitrary spatial variability in the scattering and extinction properties of the medium. We formulate the method in the context of 2-dimensional radiative transfer and describe general solution procedures, based on the principles of invariant imbedding, which are applied in the form of doubling algorithms to obtain solutions for optically thick media. Some selected results are shown to demonstrate the versatility of the approach.
Time to flowering in brown midrib mutants of maize: an alternative approach to the analysis of developmental traits.

The brown midrib (bm) mutations of maize affect the biosynthesis of lignin, resulting in reddish-brown vascular tissue in the stem, the leaf blade and sheath. Investigating the effects of the change in lignin content and composition on other phenotypic traits in bm mutants is important in increasing the understanding of how secondary metabolism affects plant development. We examined the time to flowering of inbred A619 and near-isogenic lines of bm2, bm1–bm2 and a segregating population with wild-type and bm1 heterozygotes in a controlled experimental design (Latin square) in two locations. Survival analysis was used to describe the distribution of the time to flowering and compare differences between genotypic classes. Survival analysis is a readily accessible technique that can improve inferences in cases where distributions are skewed, or where data are missing or incomplete. The basic approach to survival analysis as well as its specific application to these data is described. After controlling for the effects of the locations, the time to flowering of the bm2 and segregating populations was found to be significantly different from the wild-type and bm1–bm2 populations.
A supersonic molecular beam study of the chemisorption of PH3 on the Si(100) surface

Abstract The dissociative chemisorption of phosphine, PH 3 , on the Si(100) surface has been examined with supersonic molecular beam scattering techniques. The effect of phosphorus adatoms, P(a), formed by the dissociative chemisorption of PH 3 , on the reaction of SiH 4 and Si 2 H 6 with Si(100) has also been characterized. All reactions have been examined at substrate temperatures characteristic of steady-state Si thin film growth, i.e. T s ⩾ 450°C. The reaction probability, S R , for PH 3 on Si(100) decreases with increasing substrate temperature and the kinetic energy of the incident molecule, suggesting that chemisorption proceeds via a trapping precursor-mediated dissociation channel. The dependence of PH 3 dissociative chemisorption on the fractional coverage of P(a) and H(a) has been deduced under conditions where the desorption of H 2 and P 2 are finite. The dependence of the dissociative chemisorption of both SiH 4 and Si 2 H 6 on the coverage of P(a) has also been determined. For reaction conditions under which P(a) is the dominant surface species, the reaction probabilities of PH 3 , SiH 4 and Si 2 H 6 are proportional to the quantity 1 − θ 2 P , where θ P is the fractional coverage of the adsorbed phosphorus atoms. In addition, the presence of phosphorus adatoms has also been found to have a significant influence on the reaction pathway of Si 2 H 6 on Si(100). Our results have been employed to formulate a predictive model for the kinetics of Si thin film growth in presence of PH 3 (g).
Single-Cell Analysis of Costimulation by B Cells, Endothelial Cells, and Fibroblasts Demonstrates Heterogeneity in Responses of CD4+ Memory T Cells

Abstract Human endothelial cells (EC) express MHC class II molecules in vivo and are likely to be involved in presentation of antigens to CD4 + T cells. We examined, at the single-cell level, EC presentation of superantigens to resting CD4 + memory T cells. Within 2 h of adherence to class II + EC early T cell activation is evidenced by translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), surface expression of CD69, and synthesis of IFN-γ and IL-2. Naive T cells are not activated. T cell activation is dependent on the prior induction of MHC class II molecules on EC and is blocked by antibodies to LFA-3 (CD58). Our data place EC along a spectrum of antigen-presenting ability. Activated B cells and macrophages trigger more cells to express cytokines than do EC and at lower antigen concentrations; EC are in turn, superior to fibroblasts or smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, the concept of activation thresholds for cytokine synthesis within T cells also extends to earlier activation events: NFAT translocation is relatively easy to trigger, as is CD69 expression; fewer cells can be triggered to express IFN-γ and fewer still to express IL-2. EC may, therefore, contribute to a graded immune response by inducing qualitatively and quantitatively different responses than professional APC.
Contact between elastic bodies with wavy surfaces

The contact between two elastic semi-infinite bodies with wavy surfaces is considered. For mathematical tractability, the surface profiles are taken as purely sinusoidal. The formulation leads to a pair of dual series equations, which can be reduced to an integral equation of the Abel type. The integral equation can be solved and the quantities of most interest physically extracted in closed elementary forms.
Utilization of termitarium soils by éléphants and its ecological implications

ummary African elephants in moist dystrophic savanna woodlands were observed to excavate termite mounds and to eat soil. Soil from termite mound eating sites showed an elevated pH level and clay content, as well as concentrations of exchangeable bases which were nearly seven times those of surrounding topsoil. Termitaria exploited by elephants were usually uninhabited by termites and supported a well-developed and characteristic vegetative cover. Seasonal water-holes associated with termite mound complexes showed elevated salt content as measured by conductivity. Properties of termite soils may offer nutritional and other benefits to a variety of herbivores. Mineral licks and their associated waterholes are centres of social contact for elephants and several other large mammal species. These areas play an important role in nutrient cycling and in the distribution of large mammals in some African savannas and forests where mineral nutrient availability is low. Resume On a observe des elephants africains en milieu de savane boisee, occupes a creuser des termitieres et a en manger la terre. Les salines que constitue la terre de termitiere revelent un pH eleve et un fort pourcentage d'argile, ainsi que d'importantes concentrations en bases libres, presque sept fois superieures a celles de la terre de surface des environs. Les termitieres exploitees par les elephants ne sont generalement plus occupees par les termites et possedent une couverture vegetale bien devoppee et caracteristique. Les mares saisbnnieres associees aux termitieres presentent un taux de salinityeeleve que l'on mesure par conductivite. Les proprietes de la terre des termitieres represented des avantages nutritionnels et autres a toute une variete d'herbivores. Les salines et les mares avoisinantes sont des lieux de contacts sociaux pour les elephants et plusieurs autres especes de grands mammiferes. Ces endroits jouent un role important dans le cycle alimentaire mais aussi dans la distribution des grands mammiferes dans certaines savanes et forets africaines ou la disponibilite en sels mineraux est reduite.
Identification of thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor in the rat testis.

Abstract We have recently documented the expression of preprothyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) gene in murine, human and rat testis. Moreover, we have localized TRH to rat Leydig cells immunohistochemically, and found that both prepro TRH mRNA and TRH levels are developmentally regulated in the rat testis. To investigate the potential roles of TRH in testicular function, characterization of TRH receptors (TRH-R) in this tissue was undertaken. Recently, a cDNA encoding murine TRH-R has been isolated, making possible cloning of a rat TRH-R cDNA from the anterior pituitary gland. This cDNA was used for detection of TRH-R gene expression in the rat testis by Northern blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). TRH receptor assays were also performed with ( 3 H)MeHisTRH as the radioactive ligand. In Northern blot analysis, a single and specific hybridization band, approximately 3.8 kb in size, was identified in whole testis RNA, identical in size with that found in the anterior pituitary gland. The concentration of TRH-R mRNA in the testis was approximately 10% of that in the pituitary. TRH-R mRNA was also detected by RT-PCR in Metrizamide gradient-purified Leydig cells. TRH receptor binding assays revealed the presence of specific, high affinity binding sites with a Kd of 1.6 × 10 −8 M in the testis. Such TRH binding was inhibited by chlordiazepoxide, a specific antagonist of TRH receptor binding. We conclude that TRH may exert local, probably autocrine, actions in the testis via a transmembrane receptor very similar or identical to that in pituitary.
Coherent structures in turbulent convection, an experimental study

Abstract We present results from a visualization experiment in Rayleigh-Benard convection in water at high Rayleigh number. We distinguish three kinds of coherent structures in the flow: waves along the boundary layers, plumes, and spiraling swirls. The waves originate from the interaction of plumes with the boundary layers. The spiraling swirls appear to be the result of a shear instability of the viscous boundary layer. We describe the “life cycle” of these structures in the cell, and when we focus on the waves and characterize them quantitatively using local temperature measurements.
Multislice computed tomography demonstrating anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery

Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital anomaly that is often referred to as Bland–White–Garland syndrome in literature. In this case, a 44-year-old female with no significant past medical history presented with exertional dyspnoea and chest pain. Electrocardiography showed atrial fibrillation and left bundle branch block. Echocardiography showed moderately severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Coronary angiogram …
High resolution EELS measurements of CO adsorption on Pt/Al2O3 model catalysts via impact scattering

Abstract The use of high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) to study adsorption on model supported metal catalysts is investigated, using CO adsorption on Pt/Al2O3 as a simple test case. The model catalysts are formed by evaporating Pt onto an oxidized, polycrystalline, aluminum foil. Transmission electron microscope pictures show that the model catalyst consists of metal particles of average diameter 1.1–1.3 nm covering 18%–25% of the surface area of the support. EELS spectra recorded for specular and off-specular electron scattering reveal that the strong loss peaks due to vibrations of the smooth substrate occur via inelastic dipole scattering, but that the loss peaks due to CO adsorbed on the rough particles occur via the inelastic impact scattering mechanism. This has important implications for the use of EELS to study model supported metal catalysts.
Catheterization of synthetic vascular grafts

One hundred nine percutaneous catheterizations of synthetic vascular grafts in 89 patients who had angiographic procedures were reviewed to determine the risk of major complications. Ninety-six of the catheterizations were inserted into the inguinal portion of aortofemoral grafts. There were no instances of hematoma, graft infection, aneurysm formation, suture line disruption, or embolic events distal to the puncture site. One local thrombus developed within a vascular graft that was corrected by a simple thrombectomy performed with a surgical catheter. One puncture site required 2 hours of compression to maintain hemostasis. Because of the extremely low risk of complications from catheterization of synthetic vascular grafts, it is the preferred route for angiographic procedures when the native femoral arterial route is unavailable.
A theoretical prediction of hydrogen molecule dissociation-recombination rates including an accurate treatment of internal state nonequilibrium effects

The dissociation and recombination of H2 over the temperature range 1000-5000 K are calculated in a nonempirical manner. The computation procedure involves the calculation of the state-to-state energy transfer rate coefficients, the solution of the 349 coupled equations which form the master equation, and the determination of the phenomenological rate coefficients. The nonempirical results presented here are in good agreement with experimental data at 1000 and 3000 K.
Primordial Rare Gases in the Deep Earth

I HAVE suggested1 that mantle-ambient rare gases are to be found in deep-sea basalts, trapped there by the same mechanism responsible for trapping excess 40Ar. A previous search in such basalts dredged from an East Pacific seamount revealed gases similar to atmospheric in both elemental and isotopic ratios2. I report here analyses of three Atlantic Ocean basalts whose elemental rare gas ratios are distinctly different from atmospheric, and which approximate primordial rare gases as seen in meteorites and the lunar surface.
Constructing Ordered Sensitized Heterojunctions: Bottom-Up Electrochemical Synthesis of p-Type Semiconductors in Oriented n-TiO2 Nanotube Arrays

Fabrication of efficient semiconductor-sensitized bulk heterojunction solar cells requires the complete filling of the pore system of one semiconductor (host) material with nanoscale dimensions (<1...
Information release, signalling, and market competition

The present study develops a model of the firm's decision to release information which may leave it at a competitive disadvantage, and tests the implications of the model. The model predicts, and the tests document, generally direct relations between the levels of traditional financial signals and market competition, indicating that greater levels of financial signalling occur when there is more market competition. As such the model provides an explanation for the cross-sectional variability in the levels of such traditional financial signals as debt level and dividend payout. Additionally, the model predicts and the tests document the presence of abnormal returns in firms about which there is little information in the market, suggesting that the level of market competition may contribute to a small firm effect.
A NOTE ON APPROXIMATING THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE DURBIN-WATSON STATISTIC

Abstract. This note considers approximating the distribution of the d statistic proposed by Durbin and Watson (1950,1951) by four-parameter Pearson distribution. It is shown that the approximations are remarkably close to the exact distributions for four sets of published data considered by Durbin and Watson (1971).
Carbon monoxide production in photooxidation of organic molecules in the air

Sources and sinks of atmospheric carbon monoxide have not been in balance. The estimated rates of CO removal have been as much as a factor of two higher than estimated rates of emission. These discrepancies are much reduced when one considers the atmospheric photooxidation of the non-methane organic material released by vegetation. From known oxidation mechanisms it has been inferred that these photo-oxidations might be the largest single source of atmospheric carbon monoxide. A laboratory confirmation of this expected high CO yield is reported in this paper. Recognizing this large CO source allows the source-sink budgets to be balanced in both hemispheres, with due regard to isotope measurements, lifetime estimates and the inter-hemispheric CO concentration gradient. If the average OH radical concentration is 4 × 105 radicals cm−3, the source-sink balance indicates that the non-methane organic matter is producing in the Northern hemisphere 5.1 × 1014gy−1 CO (46% of the total), and in the Southern hemisphere, 2.5 × 1014gy−1 (50% of the total).
The Encyclopedia of World Climatology. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series

John E. Oliver, ed. Dordrecht, the Netherlands: Springer, 2005. xx and 854 pp., maps, diagrams, photos, index of authors and subjects. $499.00 hardcover (ISBN 101-4020-3264-1 and ISBN 13 978-1-4020...
A methodology to perform online self-testing for field-programmable analog array circuits

This paper presents a methodology to perform online self-testing for analog circuits implemented on field-programmable analog arrays (FPAAs). It proposes to partition the FPAA circuit under test into subcircuits. Each subcircuit is tested by replicating the subcircuit with programmable resources on the FPAA chip, and comparing the outputs of the subcircuit and its replication. To effectively implement the proposed methodology, this paper proposes a simple circuit partition method and develops techniques to address circuit stability problems that are often encountered in the proposed testing method. Furthermore, error sources in the proposed testing circuit are studied and methods to improve the accuracy of testing results are presented. Finally, experimental results are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed methodology.
Analysis and control of quality of information QoI for wireless sensor networks

The Quality of Information QoI is an important metric that sensor networks provide to applications. In this paper, a hypothesis testing based framework for sensor networks is considered for analysing the QoI performance under the cases of Single Sensor Single Decision-Making SSSD, Multi-Sensor Single Decision-Making MSSD and Multi-Sensor Multiple Decision-Making MSMD detection systems, respectively. The detection probability, false alarm probability and average error probability are treated as the QoI metrics and some explicit solutions are derived, which can capture the impact of various parameters on the QoI metrics. Owing to the dynamic and time-varying characteristics of the target signal of interest, a rate-based QoI control scheme is proposed to effectively control the QoI requirements by adaptively adjusting the data sampling rates of sensors. Numerical results are presented for evaluating the performance of the SSSD, MSSD and MSMD systems and validating the effectiveness of the QoI control scheme.
On the Kinematics and Dynamics of Plant Growth

If swelling is defined as water uptake leading to an increase in volume, then growth of plants must be considered an ecologically important swelling process. The irreversible expansion of plant cells is thought to involve an osmotically driven uptake of water and concomitant yielding of the cellulosic cell wall under turgor pressure. For my contribution to this symposium, I emphasize analysis of plant growth in continuum mechanical terms. I will review some experimental and theoretical work on kinematics of growth of maize roots and the underlying biophysics. Topics include description of the growth field, the water potential field which sustains the observed growth pattern, and the distributions (within the growing region) of osmotically active species and some rheological properties. This article is related to others in the symposium. I am relying on the presentation of L. Boersma for a review of the structure and water relations of the plant cell. Mechanical aspects of plant growth are addressed by J. Passioura who describes some intriguing empirical results showing plant elongation rate as a function of applied pressure. And J. Nakielski generalizes the one-dimensional growth analysis to a two-dimensional tensorial treatment using a natural coordinate system to describe apical growth.
Code‐switching and universal constraints: evidence from Farsi/English

ABSTRACT: Structural constraints on codeswitching have been the focus of much research and debate. While some researchers claim to have discovered universal constraints on codeswitching (Belazi et al., 1994; Di Sciullo el al., 1986; Joshi, 1985; Myers-Scotton, 1993; Sankoff and Poplack, 1981), others deny the possibility of constraints motivated solely by syntactic considerations (Bokamba, 1989; Clyne, 1987). In a significant departure from both of these schools of thought, this paper presents a syntactic account of codeswitching which relies only on general principles of phrase structure and rejects constraints specific to codeswitching. This model is shown to account for intrasentential switches between typologically different languages such as Farsi and English, including within word switches and switches between modifiers and nouns.
Comparison and optimization of single-phase liquid cooling devices for the heat dissipation of high-power LED arrays

Abstract The thermal and hydrodynamic performance of liquid active cooling devices was investigated for possible applications in the thermal management of high-power LED arrays fabricated on InGaN/sapphire chips. A microjet solution and a series of minichannel cold plates were investigated using full 3-D numerical simulations. An optimization based on entropy generation minimization was performed with goal of reducing the frictional pressure losses in the various minichannel geometries evaluated. The effective thermal resistance, pressure drop and pumping power requirements were calculated for all the cold plates investigated. The results of the entropy generation minimization process indicated that the minichannel cold plate had a lower flow resistance than the base design reported in previous investigations. Due to the different length scales presented in this problem, a small-scale model was developed using a simple thermal resistance formulation for the chips, in order to calculate the chip junction temperature at different operating conditions. Overall, it was found that the minichannel cold plate design is a better thermal management option than microjets for the cooling of high-power LEDs.
Porphyrin-based, light-activated antimicrobial materials

New light-activated antimicrobial materials with a potentially wide range of possible uses in civilian settings were synthesized by the grafting of protoporphyrin IX and zinc protoporphyrin IX to nylon fibers. These fibers were shown to be active against Staphylococcus aureus at light exposures of 10,000 lux and greater and against Escherichia coli at 60,000 lux. They were ineffective against both strains in the absence of light. At 40,000 lux, these fibers showed increased antimicrobial activity against S. aureus with increasing exposure time. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2297–2303, 2003
Assessment of asthma severity and control

Background Asthma is a disease of great variability. Untreated asthma can have lifelong implications in terms of lung growth as well as residual lung function throughout life. Close attention to establishing severity of the disease and level of control established in each patient through treatment are important to achieving the best results. Methods Available English-language literature was reviewed. Citations were included based on the quality of the original paper and relevance to the specific aims of this primer. Results Assessing intrinsic severity of the patient's disease at the first encounter using impairment measures of short-acting beta agonist use, nighttime awakenings, interference of disease with normal activity, and pulmonary function testing, as well as measures of patient risk of acute exacerbations is vitally important. At subsequent patient encounters, adjusting therapy based on both impairment and risk components of control will improve long-term outcomes. Conclusion Any practitioner undertaking to care for asthma patients should be conversant with the degrees of disease severity and levels of disease control on therapy. Application of these principles will maximize patient benefit from asthma care.
The use and misuse of public information by foraging red crossbills

Group foragers may assess patch quality more efficiently by paying attention to the sampling behavior of group members foraging in the same patch (i.e., using ‘‘public information’’). To determine whether red crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) use public information to aid their patch departure decisions, we conducted experiments that compared the sampling behavior of crossbills foraging on a two-patch system (one patch was always empty, one patch containing seeds) when alone, in pairs, and in flocks of three. When foraging alone, crossbills departed from empty patches in a way that was qualitatively consistent with energy maximization. We found evidence for the use of public information when crossbills were paired with two flock mates, but not when paired with one flock mate. When foraging with two flock mates, crossbills sampled approximately half the number of cones on the empty patch before departing as compared to when solitary. Furthermore, as expected if public information is used, the variance in both the number of cones and time spent on the empty patch decreased when crossbills foraged with two flock mates as compared to when alone. Although high frequencies of scrounging reduce the availability of public information, scrounging is usually uncommon in crossbills, apparently because they exploit divisible patches. Consequently, public information is likely to be important to crossbills in the wild. We also show that feeding performance is greatly diminished when the feeding performances of flock mates differ. This provides a mechanism that will favor assortative grouping by phenotype when phenotypes affect feeding performance, which may in turn promote speciation in some groups of animals. Key words: assortative flocking, crossbills, feeding performance, flocking, foraging behavior, Loxia curvirostra, optimal patch sampling, public information, speciation. [Behav Ecol 10:54‐62 (1999)]
Ecological risk assessment in a large river-reservoir. 2: Fish community

This paper summarizes the assessment of risks to fishes in the Clinch River Operable Unit due to contaminants released by the U.S. Department of Energy's activities on its Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee. This paper focuses on the most contaminated area, the Poplar Creek (PC) embayment. The assessment is of interest because of its use of five distinct lines of evidence: fish community surveys, fish body burdens, toxicity tests of ambient waters, suborganismal bioindicators, and single chemical toxicity tests. None of these lines of evidence provided unambiguous evidence of a significant risk, but the surveys indicated that the fish community in PC was depauperate, polychlorinated biphenyl body burdens may have been at toxic levels in catfish, one of the three tests of ambient water showed clear toxicity, some of the indicators were indicative of toxic effects, and concentrations that have been toxic in the laboratory were detected periodically. Interpretation was further complicated by upstream contamination of both the Clinch River and PC. The risk characterization was performed by evaluating each line of evidence separately and then weighing the evidence using an ecoepidemiological approach.
Monte Carlo simulations of an energy dispersive K X-ray fluorescence system

Monte Carlo simulation with the MCNP4B2 transport code was used to model an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy system. The model was based on an EDXRF system developed for quantification of mercury K/spl alpha/ X-rays in aqueous solution. Two HPGe detectors, a planar and a coaxial, were modeled. The model output imitated the pulse height distribution from the experimental detector. The model and the experimental absolute peak detection efficiency was compared and found to be in good agreement at low energy (40-122 keV) for the planar HPGe and at high energy (122-1408 keV) for the coaxial HPGe. The model of the coaxial HPGe was applied to quantification of mercury in solution. Direct comparison between the model and the experiment was problematic because of the discrepancy in the absolute detection efficiency at /spl sim/70 keV, corresponding with the K X-ray energies. Comparison of the results of the model and experimental relative to their respective base case was within 10%. Model study indicated that system modification to lower the minimum detectable concentration (MDC) by as much as a factor of four was possible with several alternatives in source-sample-detector arrangement.
Biomass yield from an urban landscape.

Abstract Utilizing biomass from urban landscapes could significantly contribute to renewable energy needs. An experiment was begun in 2007 to evaluate the biomass production from a bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon (L.) Pers., lawn in Woodward, Oklahoma USA and to estimate the potential biomass yield for the City of Woodward. Each year in April, the lawn was dethatched and fertilized. Mowing began in mid-to-late May and biomass dry matter (DM) yield was estimated by harvesting four 1 m × 16 m areas. In addition, the DM yield of fallen leaves and tree limbs from pruning operations were added to the lawn yield estimates for total annual biomass potential. These data suggest that during years of high growing season precipitation it was possible to harvest from 13.5 to 19.0 Mg of DM biomass per planted hectare from an urban landscape and 8.0 to 12.3 Mg of DM biomass per planted hectare in years with near normal precipitation and temperatures. It was estimated that the City of Woodward could generate about 3750 Mg of biomass dry matter in a normal rainfall year and about 6100 Mg in a high rainfall year if every homeowner collected their lawn thatch and clippings, and tree leaves, twigs, and limbs for bioenergy production. On the basis of a 10 Mg ha −1 annual DM yield, an estimated 164 million Mg of dry biomass material could be collected in the USA from planted urban areas. Biomass from urban landscapes is an untapped resource and further research is needed to fully explore its potential.
Differential interaction of anaesthetics and antiepileptic drugs with neuronal Na+ channels, Ca2+ channels, and GABAA receptors

Background. Current theories favour multiple agent-specific neuronal actions for both general anaesthetics and antiepileptic drugs, but the pharmacological properties that distinguish them are poorly understood. We compared the interactions of representative agents from each class on their putative targets using well-characterized radioligand binding assays. Methods. Synaptosomes or membranes prepared from rat cerebral cortex were used to analyse drug effects on [ 35 S]t-butyl bicyclophosphorothionate ([ 35 S]TBPS) binding to the picrotoxinin site of GABAA receptors, [ 3 H]batrachotoxinin A 20-a benzoate ([ 3 H]BTX-B) binding to site 2 of voltage-gated Na + channels, (+)-[methyl- 3 H]isopropyl 4-(2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)1,4-dihydro-5-methoxycarboxyl-2,6-dimethyl-3-pyridinecarboxylate ([ 3 H]PN200-110; isradipine) binding to L-type Ca 2+ channels, and [cyclohexyl-2,3- 3 H](N)glibenclamide ([ 3 H]GB) binding to KATP channels. Results. I.V. anaesthetics other than ketamine preferentially inhibited [ 35 S]TBPS binding (etomidate » alphaxalone > propofol > thiopental > pentobarbital). Volatile anaesthetics inhibited both [ 35 S]TBPS and [ 3 H]BTX-B binding with comparable potencies (halothane » isoflurane » enflurane). Antiepileptic drugs preferentially antagonized either [ 35 S]TBPS (diazepam > phenobarbital) or [ 3 H]BTX-B (phenytoin > carbamazepine) binding. Local anaesthetics (lidocaine, tertracaine) selectively antagonized [ 3 H]BTX-B binding. None of the drugs tested were potent antagonists of [ 3 H]PN200-110 or [ 3 H]GB binding. Conclusions. Comparative radioligand binding assays identified distinct classes of general anaesthetic and antiepileptic drugs based on their relative specificities for a defined target set. I.V. anaesthetics interacted preferentially with GABAA receptors, while volatile anaesthetics were essentially equipotent at Na + channels and GABAA receptors. Antiepileptic drugs could be classified by preferential actions at either Na + channels or GABAA receptors. Anaesthetics and antiepileptic drugs have agent-specific effects on radioligand binding. Both general anaesthetics and antiepileptic drugs interact with Na + channels and GABAA receptors at therapeutic
Motivational and behavioral correlates of life satisfaction in an elderly sample.

This study examined the relationship between self-reported life satisfaction of elderly persons and their motivation for competence as assessed on self-ratings and indirect measures of needs for ac...
An Energy Management System for Building Structures Using a Multi-Agent Decision-Making Control Methodology

Building energy management systems (BEMS) must consider energy utilization efficiency improvement, energy cost reduction, and renewable energy technology utilization in order to serve local energy loads in building structures with dispersed resources. The distributed management of building energy system proposed in this paper utilizes a semi-centralized decision-making methodology using multi-agent systems for BEMS for electrical, heating, and cooling energy zones with combined heat and power system optimizations aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing energy costs. A case study is presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed energy management scheme.
Arsenic thermodynamic data and environmental geochemistry

Thermodynamic data are critical as input to models that attempt to interpret the geochemistry of environmentally important elements such as arsenic. Unfortunately, the thermodynamic data for mineral phases of arsenic and their solubilities have been highly discrepant and inadequately evaluated. This paper presents the results of a simultaneous weighted least-squares multiple regression on more than 75 thermochemical measurements of elemental arsenic, arsenic oxides, arsenic sulfides, their aqueous hydrolysis, and a few related reactions. The best-fitted thermodynamic database is related to mineral stability relationships for native arsenic, claudetite, arsenolite, orpiment, and realgar with pe-pH diagrams and with known occurrences and mineral transformations in the environment to test the compatibility of thermodynamic measurements and calculations with observations in nature. The results provide a much more consistent framework for geochemical modeling and the interpretation of geochemical processes involving arsenic in the environment.
Objectives of Undergraduate Education and the Role of Agricultural Economics for Agricultural Economics Majors

HE process of determining the objectives of undergraduate education is subjective. It depends on the sets of values and the information available to the individuals determining the objectives. If one of the major objectives of an educational program is to ameliorate the behavioral pattern of students, then one must consider what patterns the students possess at the beginning of the educational period and what kind of pattern is desired at the end of the period or in the years immediately following graduation.' The first thing I would be concerned with, in changing the behavioral pattern of the individual, would be to teach him to think for himself. By this I mean that the student should develop a logical approach to problem solving and decision making. The individual should be able to recognize and assemble all pertinent data and make use of it in solving a problem. Decisions should be based on factual information, assumptions in regard to factual information, and one's values. Additional information may become available or may be developed over the course of time. One may use different sets of assumptions and one's values may change in time. The important thing is that the student develop a logical approach to decision making and that he be able to make use of this approach in determining objectives and solving problems. This is what I mean by changing the behavioral pattern of the individual. As scientific, technological, environmental, social, and political conditions change, and as more information becomes available to the individual, he may change his value pattern. But, if he has a logical approach to decision making, he is likely to keep abreast of new developments and contribute to and adjust to the development of new knowledge in the world. A less sophisticated but perhaps a more practical way to express the objectives of undergraduate education is to do so in terms of (1) "to learn how to make a living" and (2) "to learn how to live." The first proposition is based on the premise that one's productive capacity, or one's ability to
Hydroxyl-proton hydrogen bonding in the heparin oligosaccharide Arixtra in aqueous solution.

Heparin is best known for its anticoagulant activity, which is mediated by the binding of a specific pentasaccharide sequence to the protease inhibitor antithrombin-III (AT-III). Although heparin oligosaccharides are thought to be flexible in aqueous solution, the recent discovery of a hydrogen bond between the sulfamate (NHSO3–) proton and the adjacent 3-O-sulfo group of the 3,6-O-sulfated N-sulfoglucosamine residue of the Arixtra (fondaparinux sodium) pentasaccharide demonstrates that definable elements of local structure are accessed. Molecular dynamics simulations of Arixtra suggest the presence of additional hydrogen bonds involving the C3-OH groups of the glucuronic acid and 2-O-sulfo-iduronic acid residues. NMR measurements of temperature coefficients, chemical shift differences, and solvent exchange rate constants provide experimental confirmation of these hydrogen bonds. We note that the extraction of rate constants from cross-peak buildup curves in 2D exchange spectroscopy is complicated by the ...
Relation of the adrenal to glycogen content and respiration of lymphoid organs.

SummaryAdrenalectomy in the female rat results in a lowering of the glycogen content of lymphoid tissues as well as liver. Respiration (tetrazolium reduction) of these organs is increased by adrenal removal. Chronic administration of adrenal cortical extract or epinephrine to adrenalectomized rats, restores the glycogen content and reduces the respiratory activity of the thymus, lymph nodes, spleen and liver. Similarly the hypertrophy of the thymus in the adrenalectomized animal is reduced by both hormones. Maximal effects are produced at the 2nd or 3rd week of treatment. By the 4th week, these effects of the hormones are no longer apparent. The demonstrated influence exerted by the adrenal gland upon lymphoid organ glycogen and respiration may be of importance in the general problem of resistance to stress.
Complementary Tools to Empower and Sustain Behavior Change: Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness

Improving health behaviors is fundamental to preventing and controlling chronic disease. Healthcare providers who have a patient-centered communication style and appropriate behavioral change tools can empower patients to engage in and sustain healthy behaviors. This review highlights motivational interviewing and mindfulness along with other evidence-based strategies for enhancing patient-centered communication and the behavior change process. Motivational interviewing and mindfulness are especially useful for empowering patients to set self-determined, or autonomous, goals for behavior change. This is important because autonomously motivated behavioral change is more sustainable. Additional strategies such as self-monitoring are discussed as useful for supporting the implementation and maintenance of goals. Thus, there is a need for healthcare providers to develop such tools to empower sustained behavior change. The additional support of a new role, a health coach who specializes in facilitating the process of health-related behavior change, may be required to substantially impact public health.
Design and Analysis of a Wheeled Platform with a Synchro Caster-drive Mechanism for Holonomic and Omnidirectional Mobile Robots

A new vehicle assembly for holonomic and omnidirectional mobile robots is presented. A caster-drive mechanism is one of the feasible solutions to allow a holonomic omnidirectional vehicle to equip standard wheels for its driving wheels. A traditional synchro-drive transmission is applied to the caster-drive system. Multiple drive-caster wheels are mechanically coupled and simultaneously driven and steered by respective motors. A rotational stage, orienting a vehicle frame, is attached on the center top of the mobile base. Position and translational velocities of the mobile base are controlled by the synchronized drive-casters. The orientation of the vehicle frame is controlled by the rotational stage completely decoupled from the translational motion of the mobile base. The synchro-drive transmission brings enormous advantages to the holonomic vehicle; three motor driven, all wheel drive, decoupling control, and simpler mechanism. In addition, an offset gear drive is also applied to the drive-caster wheel. This gear transmission enables a decoupling control of the drive shaft from the steering shaft on each wheel. By applying those mechanisms, the vehicle kinematics becomes very simple. Kinematics and statics of the proposed omnidirectional vehicle are analyzed and verification of the mechanism is shown by computer simulations.
HALE thermal balance

This paper describes some of the unique challenges in balancing the thermal loads in High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) aircralt. HALE aircraft Operate in a low density and a low velocity environment making heat rejection difficult. HALE aircraft must also operate through several diurnal cycles, each creating a unique thermal environment. An optimal HALE aircraft's thermal system requires several novel concepts to overcome these challenges. The paper describes some concepts of minimizing heat loads and of rejecting waste heat effectively. Heat rejection concepts such as; surface heat exchangers, fuel tank heat sinks. and corwenlional radiators. are discussed relative to their respective merits and weaknesses. Heat sources such as; reciprocaling engines, turbochargers. and avionics. are discussed relative to their impact on vehicle performance. Some relalive measures of performance are derived thal allow HALE System designers to describe sensible integrated concepts.
Analysis on Current Condition of Health Education Resources in Disease Control and Prevention Centers of Lincang

Objective To further investigate the current status of health education resources in disease control and prevention centers of Lincang,to find out the countermeasures for developing health education,and to provide the evidence for better conducting health education in the city. Methods The staff members of health education in Lincang were surveyed through questionnaires about basic condition of health education,interview,and field investigation. Results There were 9 CDCs(including municipal CDC) in Lincang,which lacked the professional and high-qualified health education staff members,the professional training,high-quality equipments,outlay investment,and the activities with multiple items and diversified forms. Conclusions It is necessary to enhance the recognition degree of health education,strengthen the personnel training and professional training,ensure the basic instruments and equipments for health education,and enlarge the amount of the investment so as to meet the needs of society and people.
Cancer Vaccines: The Next Generation Immunotherapy

Copyright: © 2015 Bright RK. This is an openaccess article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. *Corresponding author: Robert K Bright, Associate Professor, Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, 79430, USA, E-mail: robert.bright@ttuhsc.edu
Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma with Coexistent Renal Artery Disease

AbstractCoexistence of renal cell carcinoma and renal artery disease is an unusual and challenging problem. From 1969 to 1991, 34 patients presented with localized renal cell carcinoma and renal artery disease affecting all of the functioning renal parenchyma. These patients represented 4 categories: 1) a solitary kidney with renal cell carcinoma and renal artery disease (5), 2) bilateral renal cell carcinoma and coexistent renal artery disease (5), 3) unilateral renal cell carcinoma and contralateral renal artery disease (13), and 4) unilateral renal cell carcinoma and bilateral renal artery disease (11). Atherosclerosis was the most common cause of renal artery disease (30), followed by medial fibroplasia (2), renal artery aneurysm (1) and arteriovenous malformation (1). A total of 23 patients (68%) presented with azotemia (serum creatinine 1.5mg./dl. or more) and 11 (32%) presented with hypertension.All patients underwent complete surgical excision of renal cell carcinoma. A nephron sparing operation w...
The discovery of vemurafenib for the treatment of BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma

ABSTRACTIntroduction: In the era of precision medicine and sophisticated modern genetics, the discovery of the BRAFV600 inhibitor, vemurafenib, quickly became the model for targeted therapy in melanomas. As early as 2002, the majority of metastatic melanomas were described to harbor the BRAFV600 mutation, setting the stage for an explosion of interest for targeting this protein as a novel therapeutic strategy. The highly selective BRAFV600 inhibitor, vemurafenib, was identified initially through a large-scale drug screen.Areas covered: Here we examine vemurafenib’s journey from discovery to clinical use in metastatic melanoma. Topics covered include preclinical data, single agent Phase 1,2 and 3 clinical trials, resistance issues and mechanisms, adverse effects including the development of squamous cell cancers, and combination trials.Expert opinion: Due to its tolerance, low toxicity profile, rapid tumor response, and improved outcomes in melanoma patients with BRAFV600 mutations, vemurafenib was advance...
An Analysis of Anti Gender-Based Street Harassment Mobile Applications

Gender-Based Street Harassment (GBSH) refers to unwanted actions or remarks directed to strangers in a public location based on their perceived gender. In order to mitigate GBSH, the early anti-GBSH movement employed strategies like protests, ad-campaigns and educating men.[i] Although the movement still makes use of these tactics, it recently took on a larger online presence with the increased popularity of online activism. Even more recently, beginning in 2013 with the creation of the Hollaback! app, the mobile app became an internationally popular platform for the anti-GBSH movement. This paper will examine three of these apps. Based on analyses of both the GBSH apps themselves and publications on them, this paper will argue that, although the features of these apps may empower women and make them feel safer, they do not necessarily increase women’s mobility or actually make them safer as the apps claim. Furthermore, there is no evidence that these apps have the power to decrease GBSH incidents, despite what the app developers claim. There is even reason to believe that the broad claims app developers make about the power of these apps may ironically inhibit progress in the anti-GBSH movement.[i] Holly Kearl, Stop Street Harassment: Making Public Places Safe and Welcoming for Women (2010).
The Response of the Other Survivors and Press Response to Playing for Time

In this chapter Eischeid presents a thorough exploration of the response of the other survivors in the Auschwitz-Birkenau women’s orchestra to the Fenelon Holocaust memoir Playing for Time. Materials from 1976 through to the present day are utilized, including personal correspondence between musicians, interviews by press and television, and documentary footage. This chapter also details the press response as the memoir expanded into the world market. Press reviews, both positive and negative, are explored, as are the initial television interviews with Fenelon on programs such as CBS television’s 60 Minutes.