cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular cloning and biochemical characterization of an endo-β-mannanase gene from soybean for soybean meal improvement.

Soybean meal is the most commonly used protein source in animal feeds. Among the undesirable attributes of soybean meal is the high level of β-mannan, which was determined to be detrimental to the growth performance of animals. β-Mannan is a type of hemicellulose in the plant cell wall and can be hydrolyzed by endo-β-mannanase. The goal of this study is to isolate and characterize an endo-β-mannanase gene from soybean that can be used for genetic improvement of soybean meal. From the sequenced soybean genome, 21 putative endo-β-mannanase genes were identified. On the basis of their relatedness to known functional plant endo-β-mannanases, four soybean endo-β-mannanase genes (GmMAN1 to GmMAN4) were chosen for experimental analysis. GmMAN1 and GmMAN4 showed expression in the soybean tissue examined, and their cDNAs without the sequences for signal peptide were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli to produce recombinant enzymes. Only GmMAN1 showed endo-β-mannanase hydrolase activity. Further gene expressi...
Design of Composite Magnetic Circuits for Temperature Stabilization of Microwave Ferrite Devices

The magnetic flux density of unsaturated microwave ferrites can be made almost constant although microwave ferrite saturation magnetization, coercive force, and hysteresis loop shapes change substantially. Temperature stabilization of flux is achieved by a composite series magnetic circuit consisting of microwave, driver, and flux-limiter ferrites, and a control coil. The flux limiter constrains the circuit flux to an almost constant level throughout the operating temperature range, despite large changes in the size and shape of the microwave ferrite hysteresis loop. The driver ferrite supplies the MMF necessary to sustain the flux. Current impulses in the control coil energize and switch the circuit flux. Estimates of the required lengths and cross-sectional areas of the circuit elements, and of the required switching field and energy for a waveguide remanence phase shifter are given, along with the effects of leakage and fringing fluxes. Composite circuit techniques have been applied to an experimental remanence phase shifter. Unstabilized, a 16 percent loss of phase shift was incurred as a result of an 80/spl deg/C rise in temperature. By applying composite circuit techniques, this value was reduced to less than 2 1/2 percent for the same temperature range.
Adaptable doxycycline-regulated gene expression systems for Drosophila.

Abstract We have engineered two new versions of the doxycycline (dox) inducible system for use in Drosophila . In the first system, we have used the ubiquitously expressed Drosophila actin5C promoter to express the Tet-Off transactivator (tTA) in all tissue. Induction of a luciferase target transgene begins 6 h after placing the flies on dox-free food. Feeding drug-free food to mothers results in universal target gene expression in their embryos. Larvae raised on regular food also show robust expression of a target reporter gene. In the second version, we have used the Gal4-UAS system to spatially limit expression of the transactivator. Dox withdrawal results in temporally- and spatially-restricted, inducible expression of luciferase in the adult head and embryo. Both the actin5C and Gal4-UAS versions produce more than 100-fold induction of luciferase in the adult, with virtually no leaky expression in the presence of drug. Reporter gene expression is also undetectable in larvae or embryos from mothers fed dox-containing food. Such tight control may be due to the incorporation of Drosophila insulator elements (SCS and SCS′) into the transgenic vectors. These systems offer a practical, effective alternative to currently available expression systems in the Drosophila research community.
Diassociative groupoids are not finitely based

In [2] Evans and Neumann raised the question of whether diassociativity in groupoids or loops is equivalent to a finite set of identities and in [3], Neumann still lists the problem as unsolved. It is the purpose of this paper to show that the answer to the question for groupoids is negative.
Latex particle sizes as determined by soaf titration and light scattering

Abstract Particle sizes of synthetic latices as determined by soap adsorption using various dyes as indicators of surface saturation agree with those determined optically. For diameters to 800A, values were determined by the spectrophotometric-interferometric method; for those between 800–3000A, a “Tyndall spectra” method was used. To obtain concordant results, it was found necessary to attempt removal by steam stripping and application of vacuum, of residual free monomer present either as emulsion droplets or in the polymer-monomer particle. It is proposed that, at all times during polymerization, a certain amount of coalescing of particles is taking place. Carbon black areas and, from these, the areas of other soaps could not be determined by the present technique due to difficulties involved in dispersing the blacks.
Behavior of White Rats in a Maze Requiring Delayed Response

* The writers acknowledge indebtedness to Professor Leonard Carmichael, who suggested the experiment, and to Mr. B. H. Riskin who carried out preliminary trials.
Science, Empiricism, and Tolerance in the Study of Foreign Policymaking

This essay focuses on various practices in research in the field of international relations (IR) in general and foreign policy analysis (FPA) in particular. These practices shape our research programs today as they have in the past and are quite certain to do in the future. The kinds of questions and issues raised in this essay are hardly novel but are worthwhile revisiting in the context of thinking about the next twenty years in the field. Two related themes are developed in the essay. The first is the importance of tolerance with regard to both subfields and methodological approaches. The second revolves around the importance of empirical research in general and as a way to begin to answer the fundamental questions posed by our debates. This essay is written from the perspective of someone in the field of foreign policymaking, a field with a rich history. Richard Snyder and his associates (1962) are often cited for their seminal contributions to this field, but many other classic works could be cited (Leites 1951; George 1969; O. Holsti 1970; Janis 1972; Hermann 1974; Jervis 1976; Cottam 1977; and many others). Within this field, the present author places himself even more specifically in the subfield of political psychology. Those of us in that subfield look at such things as how the psychology of individuals affects policy and how the dynamics of small groups can help or hinder the decision-making process. These concepts are reasonably intuitive and make some sense to many casual observers in government, the media, and even the masses. Within the academy, however, plenty of naysayers remain. Some argue that individual-level phenomena are simply irrelevant in the bigger world of state and global politics—“bigger” things matter much more in the latter arena. Some schools …
Energy Exchange between Electron and Ion Gases through Coulomb Collisions in Plasmas

The general aspects of energy exchange among the electron, ion, and molecule constituent gases, and their energy transfer to the boundary, are examined for a partially ionized gas. Coulomb collisions between electrons and ions are identified to contribute significantly to thermal energy transfer from the electron gas, even in very weakly ionized gases.Experiments were performed to determine the time required for electron temperature deviations from equilibrium to return to equilibrium with the ion and molecule temperature. The method of guided microwave interaction within the plasma was employed for selectively heating the electron gas to increments above that of the ion and gas temperatures, and for sensing the subsequent electron temperature deviations through the electrical conductivity of the plasma. In addition, phototube detection of the plasma luminous intensity is employed to detect electron temperature deviations.The experimental results show that energy exchange between electron and ion gases is predominant in the experimental plasmas, under appropriate conditions, where the ionization is less than 0.001%. In a plasma produced in neon gas at 2.25 mm Hg, 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, the characteristic time for equipartition of excess mean electron energy with the ion gas varies from 11 to 5 \ensuremath{\mu}sec as the ion concentration increases from 1.6 to 5.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{11}$ per ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$. These times are much shorter than the 160 \ensuremath{\mu}sec which would be required for the electron temperature to return to equilibrium in the absence of Coulomb collisions. The expected behavior with respect to ion concentration and ion mass is confirmed, but an anomaly with respect to electron temperature is found.
Macrophage Diversity Enhances Tumor Progression and Metastasis

There is persuasive clinical and experimental evidence that macrophages promote cancer initiation and malignant progression. During tumor initiation, they create an inflammatory environment that is mutagenic and promotes growth. As tumors progress to malignancy, macrophages stimulate angiogenesis, enhance tumor cell migration and invasion, and suppress antitumor immunity. At metastatic sites, macrophages prepare the target tissue for arrival of tumor cells, and then a different subpopulation of macrophages promotes tumor cell extravasation, survival, and subsequent growth. Specialized subpopulations of macrophages may represent important new therapeutic targets.
USE OF DOWNED WOOD BY TOWNSEND'S CHIPMUNKS (TAMIAS TOWNSENDII) IN WESTERN OREGON

Dead wood is important to small mammals and is hypothesized to be used as travel paths. We evaluated the likelihood of different a priori models regarding sex- and season-specific differences and if quantity of wood in the environment influenced path selection of 41 Townsend’s chipmunks (Tamias townsendii) in coniferous forests of western Oregon with the spool-and-line method using an information-theoretic approach. On average, 50% (SD ¼ 4%) of the surficial portion of a chipmunk’s path was associated with downed wood and 79% (SD ¼ 10%) was on top of logs. Chipmunks disproportionately selected paths with downed wood relative to its availability and the model indicating that quantity of wood in the environment influenced path selection was 22.6 times more likely than the null model. At average wood densities (paths with 26% wood), a chipmunk was 3.0 times more likely to select locations with downed wood than locations without downed wood (95% confidence interval [95% CI] ¼ 2.5‐3.5). Furthermore, chipmunks selected wood that averaged 1.2 times larger in diameter than randomly available wood (95% CI ¼ 1.1‐1.3). Our findings document that Townsend’s chipmunks preferentially use downed wood and we hypothesize that downed wood may influence fitness or survival of individual chipmunks.
Weight Variations of Adrenalectomized Frog Muscles in Different Concentrations of Ringer's Solutions.

SummaryIleofibularis, sartorius and semitendinosus muscles were obtained from 4 groups of grass frogs: 1) “controlled” adrenalectomized; 2) “uncontrolled” adrenalectomized; 3) renal damaged (controls); and 4) unoperated (controls) frogs. These muscles were studied with regard to changes in their initial weights following predetermined periods of immersion either in hypotonic, isosmotic or in hypertonic Ringer's solution. The rates of increase and the total gain in weights of muscles from the 4 frog groups following the immersion of the muscles in hypotonic (50%) Ringer's solution are highest for the “controlled” adrenalectomized frogs, lowest for the “uncontrolled” adrenalectomized frogs. The same muscle groups when studied in hypertonic (2X) Ringer's solution give results inversely related to the foregoing values. In normal Ringer's solution, muscles from the “uncontrolled” adrenalectomized frogs lose water, those from “controlled” adrenalectomized, renal damaged and unoperated frogs behave normally by i...
Comparing the use of mid-infrared versus far-infrared lasers for mitigating damage growth on fused silica

Laser-induced growth of optical damage can limit component lifetime and, therefore, increase operating costs of large-aperture fusion-class laser systems. While far-infrared (IR) lasers have been used previously to treat laser damage on fused silica optics and render it benign, little is known about the effectiveness of less-absorbing mid-IR lasers for this purpose. In this study, we quantitatively compare the effectiveness and efficiency of mid-IR (4.6 μm) versus far-IR (10.6 μm) lasers in mitigating damage growth on fused silica surfaces. The nonlinear volumetric heating due to mid-IR laser absorption is analyzed by solving the heat equation numerically, taking into account the temperature-dependent absorption coefficient α(T) at λ=4.6 μm, while far-IR laser heating is well described by a linear analytic approximation to the laser-driven temperature rise. In both cases, the predicted results agree well with surface temperature measurements based on IR radiometry, as well as subsurface fictive temperature measurements based on confocal Raman microscopy. Damage mitigation efficiency is assessed using a figure of merit (FOM) relating the crack healing depth to laser power required, under minimally ablative conditions. Based on our FOM, we show that, for cracks up to at least 500 μm in depth, mitigation with a 4.6 μm mid-IR laser is more efficient than mitigation with a 10.6 μm far-IR laser. This conclusion is corroborated by direct application of each laser system to the mitigation of pulsed laser-induced damage possessing fractures up to 225 μm in depth.
Effect of home bleaching systems on enamel nanohardness and elastic modulus

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nanohardness and elastic modulus of human enamel after treatment with tray and strip bleaching systems. Methods: Fifty-five human enamel samples were exposed to five different bleaching agents. Nanoindentations were made before and after bleaching treatments following the manufacturer’s directions using a Nanoindenter XP (MTS Systems Corporation, Oak Ridge, TN, USA). Nanohardness and elastic modulus measurements were obtained and the results were statistically analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance with a post-hoc Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison test. Results: Nanohardness and elastic modulus measurements showed decrease of mean values for each group except the control which remained the same. There were significant differences due to time (before and after treatment) and material effects in nanohardness (P < 0.0001) and elastic modulus (P = 0.0241). Measurements after treatment showed significant decrease in nanohardness between all groups and the control group. There was a significant difference in hardness between CP and TO after treatment. Additionally, there were significant differences in elastic modulus between the control group when compared to OB and TO after treatment. While there were significant changes in the elastic modulus due to treatment for both CP and TO, there were no significant differences between any of the groups after treatment. Conclusions: Nanohardness and elastic modulus of human enamel were significantly decreased after the application of home-bleaching systems.
Biological control of the charcoal root rot fungus Macrophomina phaseolina on slash pine seedlings by a hyperparasite

Abstract Macrophomina phaseolina. the cause of damping-off and charcoal root rot disease on slash pine seedlings (Pinus elliottii Engelm var. elliottii), was antagonized by an unidentified basidiomycete species under laboratory and nursery conditions. Aseptically-grown slash pine seedlings died 3 days after inoculation with M. phaseolina, whereas seedlings inoculated with the basidiomycete sp., or basidiomycete sp. plus M. phaseolina, and uninoculated controls were alive after 6 months. In nursery studies, survival of slash pine seedlings in plots inoculated with M. phaseolina was significantly lower (57 per cent) than survival resulting from inoculations with the basidiomycete sp. (90 per cent), or basidiomycete sp. plus M. phaseolina (84 per cent), and the uninoculated controls (81 per cent). Electron microscopy showed that the basidiomycete sp. is a hyperparasite on mycelia of M. phaseolina. Preliminary evidence indicates that the hyperparasite is not host-specific but will infect other fungal pathogens. Two ectomycorrhizal fungi were not parasitized by the basidiomycete.
Hepatocirculatory failure: diverse pathogeneses deserve diverse therapies.

In nine patients with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver and impaired renal function the effect of 8-ornithin vasopressin (ornipressin) on renal function and haemodynamic parameters was studied. Ornipressin was infused at a dose of 6 IU/h over a period of four hours. During ornipressin infusion an improvement of renal function was achieved as indicated by an increase of creatinine clearance (76 (15)%; p < 0.01), urine volume (108 (29)%; p < 0.05) and sodium excretion (168 (30)% p < 0.05). The hyperdynamic circulation of hepatic failure, as characterised by in creased systemic vascular resistance was reversed to a nearly normal circulatory state during ornipressin infusion. The raised noradrenaline plasma concentration (1.74 (0.31) ng/ml) and plasma renin activity (13.5 (3.9) ng/ml/h) were lowered during ornipressin infusion to 0.87 (0.21) ng/ml and 5.9 (2.1) ng/ml/h, respectively (p < 0.01). The efficacy of a vasoconstrictor agent in reverting a hyperdynamic state and improving renal function provides evidence for the substantial role of accumulation of vasodilator substances and subsequent activation of sympathetic nervous system and reninangiotensin-axis in the pathogenesis of renal dysfunction in hepatic failure. Values are expressed as mean (SE).
The neonate with congenital heart disease : diagnosis and management

In the neonate cyanotic lesions as well as acyanotic lesions (left to right shunts and critical obstructions) manifest in several ways and identification of such lesions is critical in this age group. Evaluation of various presenting signs and symptoms along with various investigational modalities available which includes oxygen saturation, echocardiography along with conventional electrocardiography and chest roentgenography and the newer axial views of cineangiocardiography have made it possible to arrive at a precise diagnosis in defining all of the intra and extracardiac anomalies. This allows one to make full assessment of the presenting problem and offer appropriate management. Anatomical correction of severe defects is possible at present time with very little morbidity and mortality.
053 Nitric Oxide Metabolites in Wound Fluid of Adults with Pressure Ulcers on V.A.C.® Therapy

Introduction: Compelling evidence suggests that nitric oxide (NO•) plays an important role in wound healing. Not only does it possess cytotoxic properties, but also regulatory functions on various cells involved in inflammation and proliferation. In wounds, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) catalyzes arginine to citrulline and NO•, whereas arginase converts arginine to ornithine and urea. Ornithine is an essential substrate for the synthesis of polyamines, which are important in cellular proliferation and repair. A model for regulation of wound healing proposes the importance of a strict reciprocal control of these enzymes in wounds. Human studies using impaired wound healing models, however, are lacking in this area. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate arginine metabolism in wound fluids of patients with pressure ulcers on Vacuum Assisted Closure (V.A.C.®) therapy. Methods: Wound fluid extracts from 11 patients with stage III or IV pressure ulcer were analyzed for cytokines and metabolites of arginine. Sample age ranged from 31–92 years. Wound fluid was collected prior to V.A.C.® application and post-V.A.C.® within 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days. Subjects served as their own control in this quasi-experimental repeated measures design. Spectrophotometric quantification of nitrates and nitrites using the Griess diazotization reaction method was performed. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of arginine, citrulline, ornithine, and proline were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Results: There was no significant differences between pre- and post-V.A.C.® concentrations of NO•, citrulline, ornithine, and proline. However, there was a statistically significant decrease in arginine levels measured at baseline and day'3 of V.A.C.® treatment. Also, NO• measured at 24 hours of V.A.C.® placement decreased significantly at day 7 of therapy. Furthermore, post-V.A.C.® levels of TNF-α decreased significantly from baseline. A less cytotoxic environment is created, thus indicating a healing wound following 1 week of V.A.C.® therapy. Discussion: Arginine and its metabolites are detectable in wound fluids from patients with pressure ulcers. To our knowledge, the metabolism of arginine has not been described in human subjects with pressure ulcers on V.A.C.® therapy. The determination of NO• in these wound environments provides baseline information on the mechanisms involved in aberrant wound healing.
Long-path infrared spectra of CO, NO2, NO, SO2 and N2O observed in a simulated atmosphere in trace amounts

Abstract The long-path infrared absorption technique has been used to study the intrinsic absorption spectra of major air pollutants in trace amounts under simulated field conditions. These spectra were compared with spectra in the real atmosphere. The air is transparent enough to reveal the presence of CO pollutant at 4.66 μ band. However, moisture is found to be a principal factor of atmospheric interference on pollutant infrared analysis.
Resolving problems in closed loop nonlinear process identification using IRN

Abstract The feasibility of identifying a nonlinear dynamic process model by an IRN (internal recurrent neural network) using the process input and output data collected under closed loop control is considered in the paper. Conditions under which an IRN can be used for identification under closed loop control, and the problem of setting the initial conditions of an IRN, are discussed. A method to improve the accuracy of prediction of an IRN is proposed. Two simulation studies, one for a CSTR, and another for a packed distillation column, show that an IRN is a promising model for identifying dynamic nonlinear processes under closed loop control.
Effect of Drillstring Vibrations on MWD Pressure Pulse Signals

Axial vibrations of drillstrings produce pressure variations within the drilling fluid column. These pressure variations are imposed on controlled pressure pulse signals from measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tools producing background noise in pressure pulse data measured at the rig. The paper shows the effect on signal-to-noise ratio for various operating conditions, such as vibration frequency, valve opening/closing time, pulsing interval, and flow rate.
Residential Firewood Use

This document is a criticism and subsequent rebuttal concerning a paper (Lipfert and Dungan, Science 219, 1425(1983)), previously published on the residential use of wood fuels for space heating. The use of specified parameters and the appropriateness of conclusion is debated. 12 references.
High-performance message striping over reliable transport protocols

This paper introduces a high-performance middleware-level message striping approach to increase communication bandwidth for data transfer in heterogeneous clusters equipped with multiple networks. In this scheme, concurrency is used for the striping process. The proposed striping approach is designed to work at the middleware-level, between the distributed applications and the reliable transport protocols such as TCP. The middleware-level striping approach provides flexible, scalable, and hardware-, network-, and operating systems-independent communication bandwidth solution. In addition, techniques to enhance the performance of this approach over multiple networks are introduced. The proposed techniques, which minimize synchronization contention and eliminate the striping sequence header, rely on the features of a reliable transport protocol such as TCP to reduce some of the concurrent striping overhead. The techniques have been implemented and evaluated on a real cluster with multiple networks and the results show significant performance gains for data transfer over existing approaches.
Mode of action of sesquiterpene lactones as anti-inflammatory agents

Abstract Sesquiterpene lactones containing an α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety were shown to be potent inhibitors of carrageenan-induced edema and chronic adjuvant-induced arthritis in rodents at 2.5 mg/kg/day. The mode of action of sesquiterpene lactones as anti-inflammatory agents appeared to be at multiple sites; for example, at 5 × 10 −4 M , the sesquiterpene lactones effectively uncoupled the oxidative phosphorylation of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils and elevated the cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels of rat neutrophils and rat and mouse liver cells. Free and total lysosomal enzymatic activity was inhibited by these agents at 5 × 10 −4 M , in both rat and mouse liver and rat and human neutrophils. Furthermore, the structure-activity relationships for the stabilization of lysosomal membrane for rat liver cathepsin activity followed the same structural requirement necessary for antiinflammatory activity; i.e. , the α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety contributed the most activity, whereas the β-unsubstituted cyclopentenone and α-epoxycyclopentanone contributed only minor activity. Human polymorphonuclear neutrophil chemotaxis was inhibited at low concentrations ( i.e. , 5 × 10 −5 and 5 × 10 −6 M ), whereas prostaglandin synthetase activity was inhibited at a higher concentration ( i.e. , 10 −3 M ) by the sesquiterpene lactones.
Buchanan and the Constitutional Bases of Political Decision Making

made for Buchanan's "developnient of the contractual and constitutional basis for the theory of economic and political decision-making." References tL the "constitutional" bases of "pulitical decision-making" is of central concern to political scientists. Buchanan, as an economist, received the Nobel P.ize for work that is at the very core uf the political realm. The shoe was on the other foot, so to speak, when Herbert Simon, a political scientist of wide-ranging interests in economics, cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence, and organization theory was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his contributions to economic inquiry.
Low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol goals for patients with coronary disease: treating between the lines.

The National Cholesterol Education Panel Adult Treatment III guidelines,1 which were released earlier this year, recommend that the number of Americans who should be treated with cholesterol-lowering drugs increase from 13 million to 36 million. This action is justified because coronary disease remains the leading cause of death in this country and because of the overwhelming evidence from clinical trials that statins reduce coronary events and are safe. Many of the additional individuals for whom drug treatment is now recommended have diabetes or other factors that increase their risk to the level of patients with documented atherosclerosis. Calibrating the intensity of treatment to the level of risk is a rational and efficient approach. See p 2660 One feature of the guidelines that has not changed is the target of LDL levels <100 mg/dL for patients with documented atherosclerosis. This cut point was selected before the publication of any of the major statin trials, and no compelling data has emerged since then to indicate that it should be adjusted either upward or downward. The guidelines also continue to recommend that diet and other lifestyle interventions be used to attain this goal and that drugs also be used when the LDL cholesterol level exceeds 130 mg/dL. The guidelines leave to the discretion of the physician whether drug treatment is prescribed for patients whose LDL-cholesterol remains between 100 and 130 mg/dL. In one study of 8500 men with coronary disease, the authors estimated that 37% of their cohort would have LDL-cholesterol values within this range after successful treatment with diet.2 Thus, physicians commonly face the decision of whether or not they should begin a statin or increase the intensity of drug therapy for patients with LDL-cholesterol levels in this range. The article by White et al 3 in the present issue …
1‐(Phenylthio)‐1‐(trimethylsilyl)cyclopropane

[74379-74-1] C12H18SSi (MW 222.46) InChI = 1S/C12H18SSi/c1-14(2,3)12(9-10-12)13-11-7-5-4-6-8-11/h4-8H,9-10H2,1-3H3 InChIKey = DEIZBLNWJYTTLE-UHFFFAOYSA-N (Peterson alkenation;1 cyclobutane synthesis2 and cyclopentane3 annulation via 1-lithio-1-(trimethylsilyl)cyclopropane) Physical Data: bp 64 °C/0.1 mmHg; d 0.991 g cm−3. Form Supplied in: liquid; commercially available. Analysis of Reagent Purity: FT-IR;1c also by NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry.1b Preparative Methods: by reductive lithiation of 1,1-bis(phenylthio)cyclopropane followed by trimethylsilylation with Chlorotrimethylsilane.4, 5 Purification: by distillation.1b Handling, Storage, and Precautions: use in a fume hood.
Afghanistan in 2009: Trying to Pull Back from the Brink

The state-building endeavor in Afghanistan became more tenuous in 2009. Charges of increased corruption against Afghan government officials were highlighted in a presidential election marred by fraud. Taliban and other insurgent activities escalated to spread to most parts of the country. Relations between the Afghan government and the major international donor countries also deteriorated. However, member countries of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan decided to increase international troop strength and tried to elicit greater commitment from the Afghan government to address problems of governance.
Cross-allergenicity in the legume botanical family in children with food hypersensitivity

Sixty-nine patients with one or more positive prick skin tests to legumes (peanut, soybean, green bean, pea, and lima bean) were evaluated for food hypersensitivity with in-hospital oral food challenges. Of the 280 prick skin tests to legumes performed, 130 were positive. Forty-three positive food challenges occurred in 41 patients. The prevalence of legume allergy was not statistically different in those patients (N = 36) with two or more positive legume prick skin test (64% positive) compared to those patients (N = 33) with only one positive legume prick skin test (55% positive; p greater than 0.10). Even in this selected patient population, only two patients had symptomatic hypersensitivity to two legumes. Among patients with a positive prick skin test to peanut (N = 60), the mean wheal size was larger in patients with a positive versus a negative oral food challenge to peanut (p less than 0.001). Results of oral food challenges demonstrate that clinically important cross-reactivity to legumes in children is very rare. Clinical hypersensitivity to one legume does not warrant dietary elimination of all legumes. Results of prick skin tests should not be used to determine prolonged food restriction diets.
Infrared Spectroscopic Analyses on the Nature of Water in Montmorillonite

Interlayer cations and moisture content greatly influence the molecular vibrations of H20 in montmoriUonite as shown through reflectance spectroscopy in the infrared. The absorptions due to H~O have been studied in montmorillonites exchanged with H, Na, Ca, Mg and Fe 3+ interlayer cations under variable moisture environments. Band assignments have been made for absorptions in the 3 ~tm region due to structural OH vibrations, symmetric and asymmetric 1-120 stretching vibrations and the H20 bending overtone. Changes in the energies of the absorptions due to H20 stretching vibrations were observed as the samples were dehydrated by reducing the atmospheric pressure. Absorptions near 3620 cm -1 and 3550 cm -1 have been assigned to water bound directly to cations (inner sphere) and surface- bonded H20 and absorptions near 3450 cm -1 and 3350 cm ~ have been assigned to additional adsorbed water molecules. Band assignments have been made for combination bands in the near-infrared as well. Absorptions near 1.41 ~m and 1.91/zm are assigned to bound H20 combination bands, while the shoulders near 1.46 izm and 1.97 ~*m are assigned to combinations of additional H20 molecules adsorbed in the interlayer regions and along grain surfaces.
Topology Insensitive Location Determination Using Independent Estimates Through Semi-Directional Antennas

We demonstrate the effect of using multiple estimations from independent single wireless motes in order to decrease network topology dependence on location estimation in a wireless sensor network. A method of determining the location of a target by using multiple compact semi-directional antennas is shown to give an independent estimate of location from each sensor mote in a network, each estimate not relying on the data from neighboring motes as in the case of traditional triangulation. We begin by demonstrating a method of using angular diversity through multiple semi-directional antennas in order to ascertain the location of a target. The estimation of both range and angle is demonstrated in the presence of a noisy and/or faded channel. An efficient and fast algorithm on a wireless sensor mote is presented through a Taylor series expansion of the simulated antenna pattern. Furthermore, using the results from the location estimation from a single node, location determination in a realistic network is explored through both theory and simulation. The results indicate that our proposed algorithm depends significantly less on the topology (spatial arrangement) of the anchor nodes. While network planning for a variety of topologies of anchor nodes is shown to be necessary when using triangulation, our proposed algorithm is insensitive to the deployments of the anchor nodes. A testbed was created in order to experimentally demonstrate that the predictions are accurate even in triangulation-adverse topologies. The experimental testbed shows that a linear arrangement of closely spaced sensors can reduce the location error to one-fourth of the location error using triangulation
Concentration—Response and Residual Activity of Insecticides to Control Herpetogramma phaeopteralis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in St. Augustinegrass

Tropical sod webworm, Herpetogramma phaeopteralis Guenee, is an important pest of warm-season turfgrass in the Gulf Coast states of the United States, the Caribbean Islands, and Central America. Current control recommendations rely on topical application of insecticides against caterpillars. The objective of this study was to generate resistance baseline data of H. phaeopteralis to six insecticide classes. Residual activity of clothianidin, chlorantraniliprole, and bifenthrin was also compared under field conditions in Central Florida. Chlorantraniliprole was the most toxic compound tested (LC50 value of 4.5 ppm), followed by acephate (8.6 ppm), spinosad (31.1 ppm), clothianidin (46.6 ppm), bifenthrin (283 ppm) and Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, (342 ppm). In field tests, all compounds at label rates were effective (≥94% mortality of larvae exposed to fresh residues). However, a more rapid decline in activity of clothianidin and bifenthrin was observed compared with chlorantraniliprole. Clothianidin had no statistically detectable activity after 4 wk post-application in spring and the fall, and bifenthrin had no detectable activity after 3 wk in the spring and the fall. However, chlorantraniliprole maintained significant activity (≥84% mortality) compared with other treatments throughout the 5-wk study period. This study provides new information regarding the relative toxicities and persistence of current insecticides used for H. phaeopteralis and other turfgrass caterpillars.
Direct observation of laser speckles for real-time analysis of lateral motions

A method for real-time observation of speckle movement for the analysis of lateral motions is suggested. The method involves significant magnification using lenses and a TV-camera monitor system. This approach has the advantages of conventional speckle photography without the need for any chemical processing.
Meteorological Database for the United States

A meteorological database has been developed to aid in the prediction of indoor radon concentrations in the United States. The database contains predicted typical monthly meteorological statistics at the county level derived from hourly meteorological data from 208 (234 for precipitation) geographically distinct monitoring stations. Interpolation and extrapolation techniques were used to predict statistics for counties not containing a meteorological monitoring site. The LBNL database includes statistics for meteorological variables including dry-bulb temperature, dew-point temperature, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, hours of precipitation, precipitation, and derived infiltration degree-days. The database consists of individual files of derived statistics for each weather variable and is potentially useful for indoor radon modeling as well as for other purposes. Each file contains data values for all 12 months and an aggregation of the 12 months up to a yearly statistic for all county centroids. A test was conducted to assess the quality of interpolated values. Examples showing the use of the database for mapping infiltration degree-days and an application of the database to a statistical correlation analysis attempting to find meteorological factors influencing indoor radon levels in the United States is discussed.
Localization of Fluorescent Objects in the Presence of Heterogeneous Background in Fluorescent Tomography

We propose a method for object localization in fluorescent tomography (FT) in the presence of highly heterogeneous background. Simulation results demonstrate effective localization of target objects for highly heterogeneous background distributions.
SADT/IDEF0 for Augmenting UML, Agile and Usability Engineering Methods

Many experts state that: a) specifying "all the small parts of a system" and b) correct expected system usage, can make Agile Software Development more effective. Unified Modeling Method (UML) addresses the former; Usability Engineering addresses the later. Taken together, they create a systems de-velopment framework, capable of: a) specifying functions, data, behavior and usage, b) rapid prototyping, and c) verifying system usability and correctness. All three of these methods focus first on the system, while secondarily trying to ascertain system context. Correct and complete context requires domain modeling. Structured Analysis and Design Technique (SADT/IDEF0) is a proven way to model any kind of domain. Its power and rigor come from: a) a synthesis of graphics, natural language, hierarchical decomposition, and relative context coding, b) distinguishing controls from transformations, c) function activation rules, and d) heuristics for managing model complexity. This paper explains how SADT/IDEF0 domain modeling can bring correct and complete context, to today’s commonplace disciplines of the Unified Modeling Language (UML), Agile System Development, and Usability Engineering methods.
Symptomatic pericardial cyst in the presence of partial congenital absence of the pericardium

A 38-year-old male was admitted with exertional syncope, atypical chest pain, sinus bradycardia (46 bpm), and non-orthostatic hypotension (90/45 mmHg). Chest X-ray ( Panel A ) showed cardiac levoposition, flattening, and elongation of the left heart border, opacity at the left costophrenic angle, and lucency between the …
What SAT-solvers Can and Cannot Do

This chapter consists of two parts. In the first part we show that resolution based SAT-solvers cannot be scalable on real-life formulas unless some extra information about formula structure is known. In the second part we introduce a new way of satisfiability testing that may be used for designing more efficient and “intelligent” SAT-algorithms that will be able to take into account formula structure.
Semidefinite programming methods for system realization and identification

We describe semidefinite programming methods for system realization and identification. For each of these two applications, a variant of a simple subspace algorithm is presented, in which a low-rank matrix approximation is computed by minimizing the nuclear norm (sum of singular values) of a structured matrix. This technique preserves linear matrix structure in the low-rank approximation, an important advantage over standard approaches based on the singular value decomposition.
Modeling and optimization of risk

Abstract This paper surveys the most recent advances in the context of decision making under uncertainty, with an emphasis on the modeling of risk-averse preferences using the apparatus of axiomatically defined risk functionals, such as coherent measures of risk and deviation measures, and their connection to utility theory, stochastic dominance, and other more established methods.
An eigensystem realization algorithm for modal parameter identification and model reduction

A method, called the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA), is developed for modal parameter identification and model reduction of dynamic systems from test data. A new approach is introduced in conjunction with the singular value decomposition technique to derive the basic formulation of minimum order realization which is an extended version of the Ho-Kalman algorithm. The basic formulation is then transformed into modal space for modal parameter identification. Two accuracy indicators are developed to quantitatively identify the system modes and noise modes. For illustration of the algorithm, examples are shown using simulation data and experimental data for a rectangular grid structure.
The development of computer control in the continuous process industries

Among the many spectacular aspects of the growth of the digital computer field has been its application to industrial process control. From very modest beginnings in 1959 and 1960, the field has now progressed until it is an indispensable part of many new industrial plants, particularly in the steel industry, petrochemical plant operations, refineries, and several others. Due to small memory sizes, relatively slow machine speeds, and poor reliability, early applications were in a data-logging or operator's guide configuration. Increased knowledge of process requirements led to the closed loop supervisory or steady-state, economic optimization phase of computer control. However, because of limitations in plant excursion ranges, results here were small, although positive. Dynamic control by digital computer has come only recently with direct digital control. This was made possible by the emergence of a third-generation group of small, fast, highly-reliable, and relatively inexpensive machines. These machines have shown themselves to be economically attractive media for plant control, with a resulting major increase in applications in the digital computer control field. Overall plant or hierarchy control, where several levels of computers operate together to control a large plant complex or a whole company, is now under active study by many groups and preliminary installations of this type are already on order or being installed. This area promises to grow rapidly in the next few years, along with the other phases of computer control. This paper reviews the areas of digital plant control, pointing out areas of difficulty and of successes in each. It lists some requirements for future progress in terms of both equipment and software requirements. It also attempts to predict some probable future areas and rates of development.
A Mesoscale Low-Level Thunderstorm Outflow Boundary Associated with Hurricane Luis

Abstract A large, low-level thunderstorm outflow boundary was observed as it exited from beneath the cirrus canopy of Hurricane Luis following a period of intense convection in the storm’s eyewall. A description of the feature and a short summary of its behavior are presented.
Effect of array tilt on estimates of vertical ambient noise spectrum

The vertical spectrum of ambient noise in the SOFAR channel carries useful information about noise sources and trapped modes in the channel. Measuring the directionality of low frequency ambient noise requires very long hydrophone arrays. Array motion can obscure the measurements of vertical spectra. This paper is motivated by the need to characterize the ambient noise spectrum using moored arrays such as those deployed in the North Pacific [1] and the Philippine Sea [2]. Using a straight-line model for array motion, this paper derives an approximate expression for the vertical spectrum measured by a tilted array. Analysis show that array tilt broadens the measured spectrum and reduces the noise notch at broadside. Numerical simulations using transport theory confirm the results.
PHENOL 3, 6 DIBROMPHTHALEIN DISULFONATE, A NEW COMPOUND FOR THE STUDY OF LIVER DISEASE.

SummaryPhenol 3, 6 dibromphthalein di-sulfonate has been prepared and its fate determined in vivo. After intravenous injection into rabbits it is removed from plasma at rates less than BSP. In the rat a similar but less apparent relationship may exist. Analysis of bile revealed that, unlike BSP, the new compound is not conjugated in vivo, nor was it possible to synthesize a glutathione conjugate in vitro. The new compound is useful for studies of hepatic uptake and excretion.The author wishes to thank Dr. H. A. Brown Dunning, Jr., and Dr. Lloyd Felton of Hynson, Westcott and Dunning, Baltimore, Md., for their cooperation and generous supply of material.
Mechanical circulatory support for the pediatric patient

In adult patients, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices are part of the standard of care for heart failure. There are several options available that clinicians may use to provide support for their patients and thus the choice of devices can be tailored to their individual needs. Unfortunately, this is not the case for pediatric patients with heart failure, where the options for MCS modalities are far more limited because of size constraints and regulatory hurdles. Furthermore, the pathophysiology of heart failure in children is not identical to that of adults; thus, the device selection and configuration require different considerations. Management of pediatric patients on MCS requires a highly specialized team of pediatric professionals. The nurse caring for a child on MCS is an active participant in all aspects of the patient's care and must have an in-depth understanding of the patient's underlying physiology, the circulatory physiology of the MCS system, the reason for mechanical support, and the goal of support.