cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing N,N‘-Dibutylurea (DBU) Formation in Soils after Application of n-Butylisocyanate and Benlate Fungicides

N,N‘-Dibutylurea (DBU) is a breakdown product of benomyl [methyl 1-(butylcarbamoyl)-2-benzimidazole carbamate], the active ingredient in Benlate fungicides, and has been proposed as one cause for crop damage that growers claim to have occurred from the use of Benlate 50 DF fungicide. This study assessed DBU formation upon (1) application of n-butyl-1-[14C]butylisocyanate (BIC), the immediate precursor to DBU formation, in four soils at two water potentials (0.03 and 0.1 MPa) and (2) application of benomyl butyl-1-14C-benomyl enriched Benlate DF and SP fungicides to two soils at various combinations of negative water potential (0.03 or 0.1 MPa) and temperature (23 or 33 °C). Parent compounds, metabolites, and 14CO2 were tracked using chromatographic analysis with radioassay and UV detection, liquid scintillation counting, and postextraction oxidation of the soil. At 0.03 MPa in all four BIC-treated soils, DBU formation was never detected. At 0.1 MPa, DBU was detected in two soils, but at concentrations <3....
Solgel processing and crystallization of yttrium aluminosilicates

Abstract Glass in the yttria-alumina-silica system was synthesized using solgel techniques. Crystallization behavior of the gel and the glass was examined using variable heating rate data obtained by differential thermal analysis (DTA). The reaction rate constants for crystallization followed an Arrhenius temperature dependence, and the activation energies for crystallization were readily determined. Surface nucleation/crystallization dominated but no appreciable difference in crystallization between the gel and glass powders was evident. It was verified that, in this system, densification of the gel occurred before the onset of crystallization. Isothermal heat treatment of the gels and glasses produced 3Al 2 O 3 ·2SiO 2 and various polymorphs of Y 2 O 3 ·2SiO 2 .
An emerging construct for meaningful work

This literature review addresses the state of research concerning the concept of the meaningful work. This inquiry built on the theoretical foundation of the content motivation theorists, but focused on what the recent research informs us about meaning of work as a motivational construct. Three themes emerged - sense of self, the work itself and sense of balance - that became subsets for the concluding term of integrated wholeness.
Radiative source-function predictions for finite and semi-infinite non-conservative atmospheres

Probabilistic method to predict source-function distributions for radiative transfer in nonconservative atmospheres
Behavioral and psychological implications of body dissatisfaction: Do men and women differ?

The relationships of body satisfaction, self-esteem, dieting, and exercise were studied in 92 men and women. Men and women did not differ in degree of body dissatisfaction as assessed by three different measures. However, on the direction of body dissatisfaction, men were as likely to want to be heavier as thinner, whereas virtually no women wished to be heavier. Although overall body esteem was correlated with self-esteem for both men and women, measures of weight dissatisfaction were not associated with self-esteem for women. The normative nature of weight dissatisfaction for women today may serve to buffer its effects on self-esteem. Women reported exercising for weight control more than men, and exercising for weight control was associated with disregulated eating.
Low optical interchannel crosstalk, fast switching speed, polarisation independent 2×2 fibre optic switch using ferroelectric liquid crystals

A novel <-34.13 dB optical interchannel crosstalk, 35.3 /spl mu/s switching speed, polarisation independent, reversible 2/spl times/2 fibre optic switch is demonstrated using four ferroelectric liquid crystal 90/spl deg/ polarisation rotators sandwiched between cube polarisation beam splitters and combiners that also act as crosstalk rejection filters. Applications of the switch include multiwavelength add-drop routing.
Comparison theorems for first order linear delay equations

Abstract Comparison theorems are studied for a delay differential equation of the form x′(t) = − ∑i = 1n qi(t) x(t − Ti(t)), t ⩾ 0. The comparisons involve another equation of the same form but with different coefficients and different delays. We also define the notion of what we call strong oscillation, which turns out to be more restricted than the usual notion of oscillation. We consider one situation where the two definitions are equivalent.
Possible adverse side effects from treatment with laetrile

Individuals who have a diminished capacity to detoxify cyanide to thiocyanate because of either a genetic predisposition (e.g. as occurs in those with Leber's Optic Atrophy) or a diet low in sulfur containing amino acids are predicted to be at increased risk to developing adverse side effects from laetrile, a cyanide containing substance used in cancer treatment.
Constitutive Relations for Rivlin‐Ericksen Fluids Based on Generalized Rational Approximation

. A well‐known constitutive expression for the stress in an incompressible non‐Newtonian fluid is provided by the representation of the extra stress as a function of the Rivlin‐Ericksen tensors \(\mathbf{A}_1, \mathbf{A}_2,\ldots\). If this function is ordered in terms of the number of space plus time derivatives and appropriately scaled, one obtains \(\mathbf{f}(\mathbf{A}_1, \mathbf{A}_2,\ldots)=\mu\mathbf{A}_1+\mu^2 (\alpha_1\mathbf{A}_2 +\alpha_2 \mathbf{A}^2_1)+\cdots\). Truncation at first order yields the usual Newtonian viscous stress while truncation at second order provides the second‐order Rivlin‐Ericksen fluid. Many rheologists believe that \(\alpha_1<0\) in polymeric fluids. However, the requirement \(\alpha_1<0\) causes the rest state of the second‐order fluid to be unstable. This paper shows how the approximation of \(\mathbf{f}\) via generalized rational functions eliminates the instability paradox.
The ideal and the actual community: Evaluations from small‐town residents

It is necessary to have some idea of what is wanted by local residents in order to plan community programs. But what residents consider to be ideal levels of factors operating in their localities are seldom explored. especially in relation to actual states. Data on both ideal and actual social diemnsions are reported from a mail questinnaire styd of more than 4,600 residents of 27 small lowa communities. the ideal and actual states differ significantly on most individual ites. and on total scores. Selected sociodemographic measures (community size, age of respondent, likelihood of residing in the community in 5 years) account for relatively little of the variance in the ideal and actual scores or for differences between them. Community evaluations (local opportunities and services, attachment, quality of life) are more effective predictors. A call for the inclusion of public values and evaluations in determining, planning, and carrying out development projects concludes the article.
An unsplit 3D upwind method for hyperbolic conservation laws

Abstract An unsplit upwind method for solving hyperbolic conservation laws in three dimensions is developed. This paper derives the algorithm by generalizing a two-dimensional advection algorithm of Van Leer and Colella to three dimensions and then making appropriate modifications. The method is implemented using the equations of gas dynamics. Several test problems are computed to both verify and display the behavior of the method. These test problems include a 1D blast wave, a 2D shock reflection off a 30° ramp, and a 3D astrophysical jet.
Speciation in the New Millennium: What's Left to Know?

The last few decades have seen a surge of interest in speciation, the genetic changes underlying it, and the evolutionary forces driving it. As with most disciplines, however, the nature of the questions addressed has changed with time. Many studies from the 1980s and 1990s often asked questions about whether certain processes ever occur in nature (e.g., speciation with gene flow). Since that time, case studies have provided evidence that nearly all evolutionary processes thought to be involved in speciation have occurred at least once. As a result, we are now in a new era where the "big questions" must go beyond demonstrations that a phenomenon has happened at least once. Here we discuss a few open questions in speciation—questions that we feel are not only exciting but tractable. We focus our discussion most sharply on recent studies in Drosophila and related species, the area of our expertise. However, we also emphasize the importance of broad taxonomic meta-analyses testing the importance or frequency...
Konkurrierende Mechanismen der Umwandlung einiger Cyclopentadien-1,2-Dichloräthylen-Cycloaddukte

Sechs der sieben Produkte der Cycloaddition von Cyclopentadien an cis- und trans-1,2- Dichlorathylen wurden untersucht. Es wurde festgestellt, das bei Temperaturen oberhalb 300°C verschiedene Isomerisierungsreaktionen stattfinden. 2,7-Dichlornorbornen (1) und die beiden 3,5-Dichlornortricylene 2 und 3 (die einzigen Produkte der Umlagerung der 2,3-Dichlornorbornene in Titantetrachlorid) fehlten in dem Produktgemisch der Quarzthermolyse (450- 5OO°C/0.6 Torr) von funf der sieben Cycloaddukte. Unter diesen Bedingungen findet eine Wiedervereinigung der Produkte der umgekehrten Diels-Alder-Reaktion ebenfalls nicht statt. In zwolf Thermolysen dieser Art (Tabelle 4) sind 15% der isolierten Produkte Berson- Umlagerungsprodukte (vereinbar mit „symmetrieerlaubter” Inversion unter HOMO- Kontrolle); 34% sind vereinbar mit unterorbitaler Kontrolle („subjacent orbital control”), 29% mit Epimerisierung, 21% mit ionischer Umlagerung und 1% mit anderen Reaktionen. - Die Strukturen der Umlagerungsprodukte wurden ermittelt und die konkurrierenden Mechanismen anhand von Analogien diskutiert. Competing Mechanisms in the Interconversion of Some Cycloadducts of 1,2-Dichloroethylene to Cyclopentadiene Six of the seven products obtained in the cycloaddition of cyclopentadiene to cis- and trans- 1,2-dichloroethylenes were examined and found to undergo a variety of isomerizations above 300°C. The 2,7-dichloronorbornene 1 and the two 3,5-dichloronortricyclenes 2 und 3, which are the sole products of the rearrrangement of the 2,3-dichloronorbornenes in titanium tetrachloride, are absent in the product obtained when five of the seven cycloaducts are thermolyzed over quartz (450-500°C/0.6 torr). Under these conditions a reunion of the Diels-Alder reversion products is also not observed. In twelve such thermolyses (Table 4) 15% of the observed products represented Berson rearrangement products (consistent with „symmetryallowed” inversion under HOMO control); 34% were consistent with subjacent orbital control; 29% with epimerization; 21% with ionic rearrangements and 1% with other reaction modes. The structures of the rearrangement prodcuts were established and the competing mechanisms are discussed in terms of known analogies.
DEHYDROHALOGENATION AS A SOURCE OF OSHNCL(PPH3)3 (N = 1, 3)

The illustrated equilibrium relates the square-pyramidal OsHCl(PPh3)3 to a dihydrogen complex. The dihydrogen can be chemically scavenged by ethylene or by styrene.
Cholinergic and adrenergic agents modify the initiation and termination of epileptic discharges in the dentate gyrus

A unique type of limbic seizures, maximal dentate activation, was used to examine the effects of cholinergic and adrenergic agents on the processes involved in epileptogenesis. The time to onset of maximal dentate activation was used to monitor the initiation of seizures while the duration of maximal dentate activation monitored termination of seizures. The cholinergic agonist pilocarpine shortened maximal dentate activation at 20 mg/kg and lengthened maximal dentate activation at 50 mg/kg, while both doses delayed the onset of maximal dentate activation. Atropine, a cholinergic antagonist, at 50 mg/kg, slowed the rate of lengthening of maximal dentate activation that occurred with repeated stimulation. The β-adrenergic antagonist propranolol also slowed the rate of lengthening of maximal dentate activation at 3 mg/kg and shortened maximal dentate activation at 10 mg/kg. The α2-agonist clonidine, at 0.5 mg/kg, shortened maximal dentate activation and increased the time to onset; at 0.1 mg/kg, clonidine did not affect maximal dentate activation. Pretreatment with reserpine had no effect on either the time to onset or duration of maximal dentate activation. These results indicate that both cholinergic and adrenergic mechanisms play important roles in the initiation and termination of limbic seizures.
Measurement and characterization of emissions from a gas liquor fed cooling tower

Abstract Phase I cooling tower testing at the University of North Dakota Energy Research Center (UNDERC) was designed to use solvent extracted and steam stripped wastewater from fixed-bed gasification of lignite as makeup. The objective of this test was to simulate the proposed mode of operation at the Great Plains Gasification Associates (GPGA) plant. A crucial part of this study was the characterization of emissions from a stripped gas liquor (SGL) fed cooling tower. Several types of sampling equipment including a multicyclone, cooled impingers, and an XAD resin trap were used for the collection and retention of components in the tower evaporate. Results of this study indicated that a significant portion of the phenol and ammonia, and also some methanol, in the tower makeup stream were stripped into the atmosphere. Concentration levels of 26,900 μg m−3 ammonia, 8000 μg m−3 phenol and 2500 μ m−3 methanol were detected in the lower exhaust.
Reference Resolution Challenges for an Intelligent Agent: The Need for Knowledge

This paper presents a vision of how language-endowed, next- generation intelligent agents might resolve – i.e., fully interpret – references to objects and events in language input. It describes some of the more difficult reference phenomena that are not being sufficiently treated by practical systems and suggests what kinds of knowledge must be available to intelligent agents to enable them to reach human competence in reference resolution.
Multiblock Copolymers in the Compatibilization of Polystyrene and Poly(methyl methacrylate) Blends: Role of Polymer Architecture

An asymmetric double cantilever beam (ADCB) was utilized to determine the ability of a series of styrene and methyl methacrylate copolymers with varying architectures to compatibilize the polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) interface. Diblock, triblock, pentablock, and heptablock multiblock copolymers with similar molecular weights were compared to a random copolymer. When the surface is saturated with copolymer, PS/PMMA interfaces compatibilized with pentablock copolymers [S−M−S−M−S(30) and M−S−M−S−M(30)] were the strongest, followed by triblock [S−M−S(50) and M−S−M(50)] and then diblock [S−M(100)]. The least blocky structures, heptablocks [S−M−S−M-S−M−S(21) and M−S−M−S−M−S(21)] and random, provided the weakest interfaces under similar conditions. The ability of the multiblock copolymers to strengthen the PS/PMMA interfaces was attributed to multiple interface crossings and blocks of monomers that are able to anchor into the homopolymers. The results suggest that block lengths with molecular weight gre...
Anticancer activity and biophysical reactivity of copper complexes of 2-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethylene)-N-alkylhydrazinecarbothioamides.

Abstract A series of copper complexes were synthesized from benzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5-carbaldehyde (piperonal) thiosemicarbazones (RHpTSC where R = H, CH3, C2H5 or C6H5 (Ph)). The complexes show interesting variations in geometry depending on the thiosemicarbazone; a dinuclear complex [Cu(HpTSC)Cl]2, a mononuclear complex [Cu(RHpTSC)2Cl2] (R = CH3 or C2H5) and another mononuclear complex [Cu(PhHpTSC)(PhpTSC)Cl] was generated. The complexes bind in a moderately strong fashion to DNA with binding constants on the order of 10 4 M − 1 . They are also strong binders of human serum albumin with binding constants near 10 4 M − 1 . The complexes show good in vitro cytotoxic profiles against two human colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and HT29) and two human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) with IC50 values in the low millimolar concentration range.
Anthocyanin and total flavonol content of Vaccinium stamineum L. fruit

Abstract Ripe fruits of V. stamineum from seedlings of seeds collected from the wild in Florida and Georgia and grown in North Carolina, and from random population collections in western South Carolina were analyzed for total contents of anthocyanin (Acy) (7–101 mg/100 g) and flavonols (5–48 mg/100 g). Total Acy content was positively related to the intensity of surface coloration (white red to blue to purple). Neither Acy nor flavonol content was related to the geographic origin of the fruits, thus supporting the theory of common taxonomic classification. Three Acy were identified in these fruits, monoglycosides of the sugars galactose, arabinose, or glucose with the aglycone cyanidin. The monoglycosides of galactose and arabinose were found in all samples. The monoglycoside of glucose was found in trace amounts but was not found in all samples. Fruits of V. stamineum appear promising for introduction as a new crop or for incorporation into the breeding-program for commercial blueberries.
Genetic basis of heterosis explored by simple sequence repeat markers in a random-mated maize population

The genetic basis of heterosis in crop plants has not been completely resolved. Our objective in this study was to determine the level of dominance for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that underlie heterosis in maize (Zea mays L.). An F2 population of an elite maize single cross, LH200 x LH216, was random mated for three generations in an attempt to break up repulsion linkages that might lead to pseudo-overdominance. The population was analyzed with 160 simple-sequence repeat markers. Phenotypic data analyses indicated overdominance for grain yield and partial dominance for plant height, grain moisture and stalk lodging. A total of 28 QTLs were identified for grain yield, 16 for grain moisture, 8 for stalk lodging, and 11 for plant height. For grain yield, 24 QTLs (86%) showed overdominance. In contrast, most of the QTLs for plant height, grain moisture and stalk lodging showed partial to complete dominance. Little epistasis was detected among the QTLs for any of the traits. Our results can be interpreted in one of two ways, or a combination of both: (1) QTLs for grain yield in maize exhibit true overdominance, or (2) QTLs for grain yield show partial to complete dominance, but they are so tightly linked such that three generations of random mating failed to separate their individual effects.
Representing the mean residual life in terms of the failure rate

In survival or reliability studies, the mean residual life or life expectancy is an important characteristic of the model. Whereas the failure rate can be expressed quite simply in terms of the mean residual life and its derivative, the inverse problem-namely that of expressing the mean residual life in terms of the failure rate-typically involves an integral of a complicated expression. In this paper, we obtain simple expressions for the mean residual life in terms of the failure rate for certain classes of distributions which subsume many of the standard cases. Several results in the literature can be obtained using our approach. Additionally, we develop an expansion for the mean residual life in terms of Gaussian probability functions for a broad class of ultimately increasing failure rate distributions. Some examples are provided to illustrate the procedure.
Treatment of multiple sclerosis in children and adolescents

Importance of the field: Pediatric multiple sclerosis is an acquired inflammatory, demyelinating CNS disorder associated with recurrent episodes of neurologic dysfunction. Precise diagnosis is increasingly important as disease modifying therapies have been developed in adults and introduced into pediatric practice.Areas covered in this review: Literature published over the past two decades relating to pharmacologic treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults and children is reviewed, with emphasis on current publications.What the reader will gain: This article reviews available research and clinical experience regarding treatment of acute episodes of CNS demyelination in children and adolescents, strategies for introduction and modification of disease-modifying therapies depending on disease course, and use of medication for symptomatic improvement in quality of life.Take home message: Pharmacotherapy for MS has been studied in adults but to a significantly lesser extent in children or adolescents. How...
Wind influence on a coastal buoyant outflow

[1] This paper investigates the interplay between river discharge and winds in forcing coastal buoyant outflows. During light winds a plume influenced by the Earth's rotation will flow down shelf (in the direction of Kelvin wave propagation) as a slender buoyancy-driven coastal current. Downwelling favorable winds augment this down-shelf flow, narrow the plume, and mix the water column. Upwelling favorable winds drive currents that counter the buoyancy-driven flow, spread plume waters offshore, and rapidly mix buoyant waters. Two criteria are developed to assess the wind influence on a buoyant outflow. The wind strength index (Ws) determines whether a plume's along-shelf flow is in a wind-driven or buoyancy-driven state. Ws is the ratio of the wind-driven and buoyancy-driven along-shelf velocities. Wind influence on across-shelf plume structure is rated with a timescale (ttilt) for the isopycnal tilting caused by wind-driven Ekman circulation. These criteria are used to characterize wind influence on the Delaware Coastal Current and can be applied to other coastal buoyant outflows. The Delaware buoyant outflow is simulated for springtime high–river discharge conditions. Simulation results and Ws values reveal that the coastal current is buoyancy-driven most of the time (∣Ws∣ 1) several times during the high-discharge period. Strong upwelling events reverse the buoyant outflow; they constitute an important mechanism for transporting fresh water up shelf. Across-shelf plume structure is more sensitive to wind influence than the along-shelf flow. Values of ttilt indicate that moderate or strong winds persisting throughout a day can modify plume width significantly. Plume widening during upwelling events is accompanied by mixing that can erase the buoyant outflow.
Control of mucus hydration as a Donnan equilibrium process

The physical properties of the mucus secreted by the uterine cervix of primates and other animals undergo periodic changes which are important in the regulation of fertility. During the luteal phase of the sexual cycle, cervical mucus is thick, rubbery and impenetrable by spermatozoa; by the time of ovulation, it is a watery gel easily penetrated by spermatozoa. Although these changes in the rheological properties of mucus have been attributed to variations in the covalent cross-linking between long chains of glycoproteins, the main macromolecular constituent of cervical mucus1,2, recent studies3,4 suggest that the macromolecular matrix of cervical mucus is probably not covalently cross-linked. Rather it is an entangled random network of long mucins3, in which case the observed changes in the physical properties of mucus would be explained by varying degrees of hydration, the mechanism of which is not understood5. We now describe experiments which show that the hydration of cervical mucus may be controlled by a Donnan equilibrium process.
Epitaxial growth of PbTiO3 thin films on (001) SrTiO3 from solution precursors

A mixed alkoxide liquid precursor was used to form epitaxial PbTiO3 thin films by spin-coating on cubic (001) SrTiO3 substrates. The films were heat-treated at temperatures between 380 °C/1 h and 800 °C/1 h. X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the microstructure of the films and to evaluate the epitaxial phenomena. At ∼400 °C/1 h, a polycrystalline, metastable Pb-Ti fluorite crystallizes from the pyrolyzed amorphous precursor. At slightly higher temperatures (∼420 °C/1 h), the thermodynamically stable phase with the perovskite structure epitaxially nucleates at the film/substrate interface. A small number of epitaxial grains grow through the film toward the surface and consume the nanocrystalline fluorite grains. Coarsening of the perovskite grains leads to a reduction in mosaic spread during further heating. Pores, which concurrently coarsen with grain growth, produce a pitted surface as they disappear from within the film. At 800 °C/1 ha dense epitaxial PbTiO3 film with a smooth surface is observed. Parameters governing the formation of a- and c-domains are discussed as well as the small tilts of the domain axes away from the substrate normal.
A THEORY OF RUMOR TRANSMISSION

A theoretical framework is developed that demonstrates that the seemingly contradictory research conclusions that rumors expand and contract are actually complementary and that each is correct given the circumstances of its derivation. There is general agreement in the field that a rumor is an unconfirmed message passed from 1 person to another in face-to-face interaction that refers to an object person or situation rather than an idea or theory. Whether a rumor is truthful or untruthful is unimportant in studying its transmission. The essential features of a rumor are that it is unconfirmed at the time of transmission and that is passed from 1 person to another. The individual may find himself/herself in 1 of 3 orientations or situations in relation to a rumor: the rumor may cause the individual to take a critical set an uncritical set or a transmission set toward it. If the individual takes a critical set it means that he/she is capable of using "critical ability" to separate the true from the false in rumors. If an individual takes an uncritical set it means that he/she is unable to use "critical ability" to test the truth of the rumor he/she hears. If the individual takes the transmission set usually found in laboratory experiments his/her critical ability is irrelevant. Except for the natural redundancy of language past experiments on rumor transmission do not have redundancies. In a face-to-face conversation a person hears a rumor and asks for a clarification of message or source if he/she does not understand it. In a situation where a rumor is a topic of conversation and speculation interaction produces a modified "Gestalt" at every discussion of the rumor. There is another type of redundancy besides that brought about by the normal community setting the individual would probably hear the rumor more than once. Implicit in the discussion of single and multiple interactions is the idea of 2 different kinds of rumor patterns. In the 1st type the chain the rumor moves from person to person in a serial manner in a series of single interactions. In the 2nd type the network many people hear the rumor from more than 1 source. 2 group level variables operate to promote or retard the spreading or repeating of rumors: the structure of the group or public through which the rumor is spreading and the involvement or interest the group has in the topic. The empirical evidence suggests that where individuals have critical ability and interact with more than 1 person the rumor will become more precise with each transmission it will have its false elements stripped away and it will become more accurate because of cross checking with knowledgeable sources.
Patient Characteristics Can Influence the Incidence of Perioperative Microemboli during Carotid Artery Interventions

Purpose. Perioperative cerebral microembolization demonstrated on diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) can occur following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS). We sought to explore potential risk factors for this in the large patient cohort. Methods. We reviewed a 6-year consecutive patient cohort that received either CEA or CAS, and perioperative DWI evaluations. Results. 303 patients were reviewed, and 56 (19.4%) patients were found to have perioperative microemboli. The incidence was higher among patients who received CAS (P < 0.001). Hypertension (P = 0.03), smoking (P = 0.001), and a history of transient ischemic attacks (P = 0.04) were risk factors for microembolization. The risk was higher among CEA patients with obesity (P = 0.05), and among CAS patients with coronary artery disease (P = 0.03). Conclusion. Specific patient populations are likely more prone to develop perioperative cerebral microemboli following carotid intervention. Continued risk stratification may help decrease future perioperative cerebral microembolization rates.
Ohr, an in vivo‐induced gene in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, is located on a genomic island and requires glutathione‐S‐transferase for activity

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the causative agent of severe necrotizing pneumonia in swine. Previously, we identified the ohr gene encoding organic hydroperoxide reductase as specifically induced during infection of pigs, induced in vitro by organic peroxides but not other oxygen radicals, and present in A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1, 9 and 11 but not in other serotypes (Shea & Mulks, 2002). Through analysis of flanking genomic sequence, we identify a homologue of gst, which encodes glutathione-S-transferase, immediately downstream of ohr and demonstrate that ohr-gst confers low but uninducible Ohr activity to serotype 5. We further identify a genomic island of 9.3 kb, flanked by lysR and araC homologues, in serotypes 1, 9 and 11, which contains ohr and gst. In serotypes 2-8, 10 and 12, this region of the genome contains a 1.1-kb islet with a putative transposase flanked by lysR and araC.
Nonlinear dynamical triggering of slow slip on simulated earthquake faults with implications to Earth

[1] Among the most fascinating, recent discoveries in seismology are the phenomena of dynamically triggered fault slip, including earthquakes, tremor, slow and silent slip—during which little seismic energy is radiated—and low frequency earthquakes. Dynamic triggering refers to the initiation of fault slip by a transient deformation perturbation, most often in the form of passing seismic waves. Determining the frictional constitutive laws and the physical mechanism(s) governing triggered faulting is extremely challenging because slip nucleation depths for tectonic faults cannot be probed directly. Of the spectrum of slip behaviors, triggered slow slip is particularly difficult to characterize due to the absence of significant seismic radiation, implying mechanical conditions different from triggered earthquakes. Slow slip is often accompanied by nonvolcanic tremor in close spatial and temporal proximity. The causal relationship between them has implications for the properties and physics governing the fault slip behavior. We are characterizing the physical controls of triggered slow slip via laboratory experiments using sheared granular media to simulate fault gouge. Granular rock and glass beads are sheared under constant normal stress, while subjected to transient stress perturbation by acoustic waves. Here we describe experiments with glass beads, showing that slow and silent slip can be dynamically triggered on laboratory faults by ultrasonic waves. The laboratory triggering may take place during stable sliding (constant friction and slip velocity) and/or early in the slip cycle, during unstable sliding (stick-slip). Experimental evidence indicates that the nonlinear-dynamical response of the gouge material is responsible for the triggered slow slip.
Sources of Personal Meaning Among Mexican and Mexican American Men with HIV/AIDS

ABSTRACT This study examines one particular form of coping, finding personal meaning in the context of HIV, used by Mexican (M) and Mexican American (MA) HIV-positive men. A total of forty M and MA males who have HIV or AIDS was utilized. Individual interviews were conducted and subsequently transcribed and analyzed through content analysis. The areas most often reported by the M and MA respondents as being sources of personal meaning were as follows: relationships with family members, relationships with lovers/spouses and friends, religious beliefs, helping others, and personal growth. Knowledge of such coping resources used by M and MA men with HIV can contribute to the development of ethnic-sensitive social work practices.
New fluorescent probes for sulfane sulfurs and the application in bioimaging

A sulfane sulfur mediated benzodithiolone formation was developed. Based on this reaction, two fluorescent probes (SSP1 and SSP2) for the detection of sulfane sulfur species (persulfide, polysulfide, and elemental sulfur) were prepared and evaluated. The probes showed high selectivity and sensitivity to sulfane sulfurs. Moreover, SSP2 was successfully applied for bioimaging sulfane sulfurs in living cells.
Prolactin induced expression of interleukin-1 alpha, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and transforming growth factor-alpha in cultured astrocytes

Prolactin (PRL) is a potent mitogen in cultured astrocytes. Because one of the major effects of astrocyte proliferation is the expression of inflammatory cytokines, we examined the effect of PRL-induced mitogenesis on the expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1α), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) in cultured astrocytes. Astrocytes were stimulated with PRL or growth hormone (GH), and the expression of cytokines was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Following incubation of astrocytes with 1 nM PRL for 6 h, strong positive staining of IL-1α and TNF-α, but not TGF-α, was found. No detectable staining for the above cytokines was found in vehicle, or GH treated astrocytes. When astrocytes were incubated in the presence of 1 nM PRL for 18 h, strong positive staining for IL-1α and TGF-α was found. Immunocytochemical analysis of the expression of TNF-α and IL-1α in PRL stimulated astrocytes suggested that the expression of IL-1α preceded the expression of TNF-α. To confirm this observation, Western blot analyses were performed on extracts from astrocytes incubated with 1 nM PRL. In unstimulated astrocytes, IL-1α levels were not detectable. In astrocytes stimulated with 1 nM PRL, expression of IL-1α was clearly detected after 1 h of incubation, and IL-1α levels continued to increase during the course of the experiment (6 h). In contrast, in astrocytes stimulated with 1 nM PRL, an increase in the expression of TNF-α was first apparent after 2 h of incubation. TNF-α levels peaked 3 to 4 h after the addition of PRL, and returned to near control levels after 6 h. Finally, injection of PRL into a wound site in female rats increased the expression of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), an astrocyte specific protein. These data suggest that PRL can stimulate astrogliosis at the wound site in vivo. These data clearly indicate that PRL can stimulate the expression of TNF-α and IL-1α in cultured astrocytes and suggest that PRL may play a role in the regulation of the neuroimmune response in vivo.
The silver spoon effect and habitat selection by natal dispersers

The silver spoon effect in the context of habitat selection occurs when dispersers in good condition are more likely to settle in high-quality habitats than dispersers in poor condition. Positive relationships between disperser condition and the quality of post-dispersal habitats are predicted by at least two non-exclusive ultimate hypotheses. The competition hypothesis assumes that a disperser's condition affects its chances of competing for space or joining an established group after arriving at a high-quality habitat, while the search hypothesis assumes that a disperser's condition affects its selectivity, and hence its chances of accepting a lower-quality habitat when it is searching for a new habitat. Thus far, silver spoon effects in the context of habitat selection have been reported in only a handful of species (several birds and marine invertebrates), but this study suggests that they may be relatively common in particular species and situations.
In Vitro Activity of Cinoxacin, an Organic Acid Antibacterial

The activity of cinoxacin, a synthetic organic acid antimicrobial agent, was studied and found to have in vitro activity similar to that previously reported for nalidixic acid.
RNS-based enhancements for direct digital frequency synthesis

Two synthesizer designs are presented which exemplify the advantages of the use of the residue number system in direct digital frequency synthesis. The Frequency Agile Direct Synthesizer (FADS) exhibits a frequency switching latency which is reduced by more than a third below that of traditional, binary number system-based designs. The Reduced Area Direct Synthesizer (RADS) has a chip area which is reduced by more than 40% below that of the traditional designs. The area reduction is due to the decomposition of the sine ROM into several small look-up tables accessed in parallel. The latency reduction is due to the shortening of the carry paths in the Phase Accumulator. >
CDMA/FDMA-interconnects for future ULSI communications

Future inter- and intra-ULSI interconnect systems demand extremely high data rates as well as bidirectional multi-I/O concurrent service, reconfigurable computing/processing architecture, and total compatibility with mainstream silicon SOC (system-on-chip) and SIP (system-in-package) technologies. In this talk, we review recent advances in CDMA and FDMA interconnect schemes that promise to meet all of the above system requirements. The physical transmission line is no longer limited to a direct-coupled metal wire. Rather, it can be accomplished via either wired or wireless mediums through capacitor couplers that reduce the baseband noise and DC power consumption. These new advances in interconnect schemes would fundamentally alter the paradigm of ULSI data communications and enable the design of next generation computing/processing systems.
Murphy's law of limiting dilution cloning

Conventional practice and literature on limiting dilution cloning address the irrelevant problem of selection of a single progenitor from a uniform population, and provide optimistic estimates of monoclonality for interesting cultures and subcultures. Any cell line established via these estimates is suspect and may be polyclonally metastable. Cultures derived by limiting dilution of the progenitors of independently Poisson distributed populations obey a counterintuitive relation with the characteristics of a Murphy's law: the probability that an interesting culture is monotypic or monoclonal is less than that of a random non-sterile culture, decreases for increasingly rare interesting cultures, and is bounded below by the probability of sterility. A priori and empiric a posteriori estimates of the probability that interesting subcultures are monotypic or monoclonal are derived consistent with this principle.
Gradient configurations and quadratic functions

A normal preference system for a combination of goods is represented by an increasing function φ with convex levels. From Gossen's law, that preference and price directions coincide in equilibrium (a special consequence of his Second Law), it follows that, on the data that x r is the vector of quantities purchased at prices given by a vector p r ( r = 1,…, k ), the gradient g r = g ( x r ) of the function φ at the point x r is given by for some positive multiplier μ r ;. There may be considered the class of preference functions thus satisfying Gossen's law in respect to the data, and thus with gradients taking prescribed directions at k prescribed points. In particular, there may be considered the subclass of these which are quadratic in some convex region containing the points x r . By choosing any multipliers μ r , there is obtained a set of gradients g r associated with the points x r . It is asked if there exists a quadratic function which is increasing and has convex levels in a convex neighbourhood of the points x r , and whose gradient at x r is g r ; also it is required to characterize the class of such functions, which, if any exist, form an infinite variety. This is the background of the questions which are going to be investigated, and which are of importance in a general method of empirical preference analysis in economics.
The Human Becoming Theory: Challenges in Practice and Research:

With rapid changes in science, technology, management, and economic planning, new challenges confront nursing. The author specifies some of the ramifications related to changes in the health care delivery system in general and in nursing in particular. The human becoming theory is discussed as a guide to nursing practice and research and is specified as a way to fortify nursing's identity. Some challenges for those living and learning the theory in practice and research are also discussed.
Simultaneous Analysis of Multiple Staphylococcal Enterotoxin Genes by an Oligonucleotide Microarray Assay

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) are a family of 17 major serological types of heat-stable enterotoxins that are one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis resulting from consumption of contaminated food. SEs are considered potential bioweapons. Many Staphylococcus aureus isolates contain multiple SEs. Because of the large number of SEs, serological typing and PCR typing are laborious and time-consuming. Furthermore, serological typing may not always be practical because of antigenic similarities among enterotoxins. We report on a microarray-based one-tube assay for the simultaneous detection and identification (genetic typing) of multiple enterotoxin (ent) genes. The proposed typing method is based on PCR amplification of the target region of the ent genes with degenerate primers, followed by characterization of the PCR products by microchip hybridization with oligonucleotide probes specific for each ent gene. We verified the performance of this method by using several other techniques, including PCR amplification with gene-specific primers, followed by gel electrophoresis or microarray hybridization, and sequencing of the enterotoxin genes. The assay was evaluated by analysis of previously characterized staphylococcal isolates containing 16 ent genes. The microarray assay revealed that some of these isolates contained additional previously undetected ent genes. The use of degenerate primers allows the simultaneous amplification and identification of as many as nine different ent genes in one S. aureus strain. The results of this study demonstrate the usefulness of the oligonucleotide microarray assay for the analysis of multitoxigenic strains, which are common among S. aureus strains, and for the analysis of microbial pathogens in general.
Application of the flammability diagram for evaluation of fire and explosion hazards of flammable vapors

The safest method to prevent fires and explosions of flammable mixtures in the first place. This method requires detailed knowledge of the flammability region as a function of the fuel, oxygen, and nitrogen concentrations. A triangular flammability diagram is the most useful tool to display the flammability region, and to determine if a flammable mixture is present during plant operations. This paper describes how to draw and use a flammability diagram. A procedure to estimate the flammability region using the available and sometimes limited data is discussed. The paper also shows how to use the flammability diagram with plant operations involving inerting and purging, and from bringing vessels into and out of service. A compilation of flammability diagrams for 30 materials, based on previously published data is provided. An automated apparatus for acquiring data for a flammability diagram is described. The apparatus consists of a 20-L sphere with an automated gas mixing system, a fuse-wire ignition system, and a high speed pressure measurement and data acquisition system. Data derived from the apparatus includes flammability limits, maximum pressure during combustion, and the maximum pressure rate. The effect of fuse-wire ignitor dynamics on the results is studied. A flammability diagram for methane drawn from data obtained from the apparatus, is presented.
Chemical sensitivity: Risks in schools

Abstract Congressional interest in the health and safety of school children led to a request for the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) to assess the available data on hazards to children in schools in the United States. In this report, OTA identified the major hazards thought to pose a risk of illness in schools. Illnesses were limited to those arising from environmental hazards, which were grouped in this report as school materials and indoor air. Few data have been collected on any of these hazards in school. OTA could not identify a functional national reporting system for environmental •hazards in schools. The absence of studies documenting in‐school illnesses or exposure in school presents fundamental gaps in the data needed to assess risks nationwide.
A 16-b 160-kHz CMOS A/D converter using sigma-delta modulation

The design and measured performance of a third-order sigma-delta analog-to-digital (A/D) converter sampling at 10.24 MHz that achieves a 91-dB signal-to-noise-plus-distortion ratio (RMS/RMS) with a 160-kHz output rate are discussed. The converter consists of three cascaded first-order sigma-delta modulators and a fourth-order comb decimation filter. A special autozeroed integrator having low pole error is required to achieve the 10.24-MHz sampling rate and high S/N. The modulator is implemented with fully differential switched-capacitor circuits and is manufactured using a 1.5- mu m double-metal double-poly CMOS process. >
Genetic Organization, Length Conservation and Evolution of RNA Polymerase II Carboxyl-terminal Domain

With a simple tandem iterated sequence, the carboxyl terminal domain (CTD) of eukaryotic RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) serves as the central coordinator of mRNA synthesis by harmonizing a diversity of sequential interactions with transcription and processing factors. Despite intense research interest, many key questions regarding functional and evolutionary constraints on the CTD remain unanswered; for example, what selects for the canonical heptad sequence, its tandem array across organismal diversity, and constant CTD length within given species and finally and how a sequence-identical, repetitive structure can orchestrate a diversity of simultaneous and sequential, stage-dependent interactions with both modifying enzymes and binding partners? Here we examine comparative sequence evolution of 58 RNAP II CTDs from diverse taxa representing all six major eukaryotic supergroups and employ integrated evolutionary genetic, biochemical, and biophysical analyses of the yeast CTD to further clarify how this repetitive sequence must be organized for optimal RNAP II function. We find that the CTD is composed of indivisible and independent functional units that span diheptapeptides and not only a flexible conformation around each unit but also an elastic overall structure is required. More remarkably, optimal CTD function always is achieved at approximately wild-type CTD length rather than number of functional units, regardless of the characteristics of the sequence present. Our combined observations lead us to advance an updated CTD working model, in which functional, and therefore, evolutionary constraints require a flexible CTD conformation determined by the CTD sequence and tandem register to accommodate the diversity of CTD–protein interactions and a specific CTD length rather than number of functional units to correctly order and organize global CTD–protein interactions. Patterns of conservation of these features across evolutionary diversity have important implications for comparative RNAP II function in eukaryotes and can more clearly direct specific research on CTD function in currently understudied organisms.