cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydroxyl radical production in the reactions of copper-containing amine oxidases with substrates

Solutions of porcine kidney diamine oxidase, PKDAO, and bovine plasma amine oxidase, BPAO, were saturated with the spin-trapping agent alpha-phenyl-N-t-butylnitrone, PBN, and incubated with cadaverine or benzylamine substrate, respectively, under aerobic conditions. EPR spectra due to trapped hydroxyl radicals were obtained for both enzymes with no evidence of superoxide formation. Under anaerobic conditions, hydroxyl radicals were formed only when H2O2 was present as well as substrate. Catalase prevented hydroxyl radical formation by PKDAO but not BPAO. The results indicate that hydroxyl radical is produced in the reaction of the product H2O2 with the reduced enzymes and therefore may be important in turnover-related enzyme degradation, but is not a true reaction intermediate.
Seasonal zooplankton dynamics in main channel and backwater habitats of the Upper Mississippi River

This study used stratified random sampling to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of zooplankton communities in a large floodplain river (Mississippi River, USA). Potential mechanisms controlling zooplankton abundance and community structure were considered. Main channel and backwater habitats included in this study differed between a turbid upper pool reach where aquatic macrophytes were sparse and a lower pool reach which was considerably less turbid and had extensive aquatic macrophyte coverage. Samples were collected monthly during the summer over a 2-year period and multivariate analysis was used to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of zooplankton. Significant differences were found in zooplankton density and community composition among habitats and reaches within the pool. Rotifers were the dominant taxa and seasonality was pronounced, with peak densities often occurring in late-spring. Community structure varied by habitat and reach, which suggests that water quality, physical habitat characteristics, presence of aquatic macrophytes, and zooplankton sources can all influence the zooplankton communities of the Upper Mississippi River. Characterization of the zooplankton communities provides a basis for understanding changes in the river ecosystem and examination of zooplankton communities among habitats provides insight into the mechanisms affecting zooplankton dynamics.
Excitatory actions of peptide histidine isoleucine on thalamic relay neurons.

Abstract Peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are neuropeptides synthesized from a common precursor, prepro-VIP, and share structural similarity and biological functions in many systems. Within the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, PHI and VIP have overlapping distribution. PHI-mediated functions are generally via activation of VIP receptors; however, the potency and affinity of PHI for VIP receptors are significantly lower than VIP. In addition, several studies suggest distinct PHI receptors that are independent of VIP receptors. PHI receptors have been cloned and characterized in fish, but their existence in mammals is still unknown. This study focuses on the functional role of PHI in the thalamus because of the localization of both PHI and VIP receptors in this brain region. Using extracellular multiple-unit recording techniques, we found that PHI strongly attenuated the slow intrathalamic rhythmic activity. Using intracellular recording techniques, we found that PHI selectively depolarized thalamic relay neurons via an enhancement of the hyperpolarization-activated mixed cation current, Ih. Further, the actions of PHI were occluded by VIP and dopamine, indicating these modulators converge onto a common mechanism. In contrast to previous work, we found that PHI was more potent than VIP in producing excitatory actions on thalamic neurons. We next used the transgenic mice lacking a specific VIP receptor, VPAC2, to identify its possible role in PHI-mediated actions in the thalamus. PHI depolarized all relay neurons tested from wild-type mice (VPAC2+/+); however, in knockout mice (VPAC2−/−), PHI produced no change in membrane potential in all neurons tested. Our findings indicate that excitatory actions of PHI are mediated by VPAC2 receptors, not by its own PHI receptors and the excitatory actions of PHI clearly attenuate intrathalamic rhythmic activities, and likely influence information transfer through thalamocortical circuits.
Photochemical dimerization of acephenanthrylene and the heavy atom effect

The solution-phase photodimerization of acephenanthrylene (1) in cyclohexane, chloroform, dibromomethane, and ethyl iodide with visible light (λ = 419 nm) occurs to form cis (2) and trans (3) photodimers in ratios that vary with the solvent and with the presence or absence of oxygen. The photodimerization exhibits a significant heavy atom effect and also is sensitive to selective quenching by dissolved oxygen, in which only cis stereoisomers are produced. Irradiation of the dimers (λ = 254 nm) shows that the trans dimers cleave more rapidly than the cis dimers. This is attributed to stabilization of the excited state in the cis dimers.
Right aortic arch. Types and associated cardiac anomalies.

An analysis was made of 78 pathologic specimens in which a right aortic arch was present. In four, the right arch was part of a double aortic arch. In 74 cases the right aortic arch was the only ar...
Good Beginnings: What difference does the program make in preparing young children for school?

Cognitive competencies and motivation were assessed at the beginning and the end of the year for 228 preschoolers and kindergartners and again at the end of the next year (kindergarten or first grade) for 93 of the participants. Participants were in classrooms classified as either emphasizing basic skills in a less positive social climate or de-emphasizing basic skills in a more positive social climate. Cognitive competencies were assessed with two achievement tests (one for letters/reading and another for numbers/math) and six subscales from the McCarthy test. Motivation (perceptions of competence, attitudes toward school, anxiety, affect, risk taking, expectations for success, independence, and persistence) was assessed in an experimental setting and by observing children's behavior in their classroom. The results showed primarily negative effects on both cognitive and motivation outcomes of preschool programs emphasizing basic skills using structured, teacher-directed approaches in a relatively negative social climate. For kindergartners both positive and negative achievement and motivation outcomes were associated with both types of classrooms.
Wool Fabric Stabilization by Interfacial Polymerization. Part I: Polyamides

A new technique is presented for making wool fabrics shrink resistant. Through interfacial polymerization polyamides, e.g., poly (hexamethylene sebacamide), are formed on the surface of the textile fibers. Fabric is padded consecutively through an aqueous solution of a diamine and a water-immiscible solution of a diacid chloride. Polymeriza tion is extremely rapid and no heating or curing is required. Following the two-step padding, the fabric is simply washed and dried. Less than 5% resin on the fabric is required for dimensional stability in laundering. The wool fabrics treated are essentially unchanged in hand, flexural rigidity, break strength, percent elongation, and chemical resistance; they are improved in wrinkle recovery and smoothness after tumble drying.
Correlation of adsorption energy with surface structure: ethylene adsorption on Pd surfaces

Abstract First principles density functional theory calculations have been performed for the chemisorption of ethylene on the {1 1 1}, {1 0 0} and {1 1 0} surfaces of Pd. On all the three low-index surfaces, the most stable site and geometry for C 2 H 4 is that where the C–C bond axis is parallel to the surface along the bridge site. The calculated binding energies follow the trends: E ads,111 E ads,100 E ads,110 . The results show that the surface relaxation induces a significant shift in the level of the metal d-band. The calculated adsorption energies are only linearly correlated with the d-band centre of the surface atoms for the unrelaxed structure.
Sarbanes–Oxley: Achieving Compliance by Starting with ISO 17799

Abstract Compliance with the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) has been hampered by the lack of implementation details. This article argues that IT departments that have implemented ten categories of IT controls provided by the International Standards Organization (ISO 17799) will be well on their way toward SOX compliance. A side-by-side comparison of the 124 control components of the ISO Standard and the published SOX implementation guidelines is provided.
The effect of dephosphorylation on the properties of a helix-destabilizing protein from meiotic cells and its partial reversal by a protein kinase.

Properties of the helix-destabilizing protein from Lilium meiotic cells, ‘R-protein’, have been examined after treating it either with alkaline phosphatase or with two types of protein kinase. Dephosphorylation with the phosphatase increases binding capacity for single-strand DNA, but abolishes specificity of binding. Dephosphorylated R-protein binds equally to single and double-strand DNA. The capacity to facilitate denaturation or renaturation of DNA is also abolished by the treatment, but cooperativity characteristics are unaffected. The consequences of protein kinase treatment of native or dephosphorylated R-protein depend upon the origin of the kinase. Heterologous cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase cannot reverse the effects of dephosphorylation. However, it abolishes the binding affinity of either native or dephosphorylated R-protein for DNA. A protein kinase isolated from meiotic cells has no effect on the native protein, but it does restore all native properties tested to the dephosphorylated form after phosphorylating approximately two residues/molecule of protein.
Gradual Occlusion of Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs and Cats Using the Ameroid Constrictor

Gradual occlusion of the splenic vein, using a specialized device (ameroid constrictor), was evaluated experimentally in three normal beagle dogs. Splenoportograms were used to verify that total occlusion of the splenic vein had occurred in all dogs within 4 to 5 weeks after application of the device. The ameroid constrictor (AC) was also evaluated as a method of gradual vascular occlusion in 12 dogs and two cats with single, extrahepatic, portosystemic shunts (PSS). Serum bile acid (SBA) concentrations were measured and portal scintigraphy (PS) was performed on all 14 animals preoperatively and 10, 20, 30, and 60 days postoperatively. Two dogs (14%) died from portal hypertension in the early postoperative period. One dog and one cat developed multiple acquired PSS, confirmed by mesenteric portography 90 days after the operation. Portal scintigraphy confirmed total occlusion of the primary shunt in the other 10 animals. Shunt fractions (SF), as measured by PS on postoperative days 30 and 60, declined significantly from preoperative values. Significant decreases were noted between preoperative and postoperative values for preprandial SBA on postoperative day 60 and for postprandial SBA on postoperative day 30. SBA concentrations did not correlate with SF. Based on this study, gradual vascular occlusion using the AC is recommended as a method for treatment of single, extrahepatic, PSS.
An Argument for Black Feminist Criminology Understanding African American Women’s Experiences With Intimate Partner Abuse Using an Integrated Approach

This article draws on existing feminist theoretical concepts to develop a Black feminist criminology (BFC), using intimate partner abuse against African American women to examine this pioneering approach. BFC expands on feminist criminology and is grounded firmly in Black feminist theory and critical race feminist theory. BFC recognizes a significant connection between intimate partner abuse against women and structural, cultural, and familial influences. It is argued that BFC aids in a more precise explanation of how Black women experience and respond to intimate partner abuse and how the crime-processing system responds to battered Black women.
RESUMPTION OF FUNCTION OF AUTOPLASTIC ADRENOCORTICAL TRANSPLANTS TO THE DORSAL MUSCULATURE IN RATS

The technique of autogenous grafts of adrenocortical tissue in rats is often used when it is desirable to study the function of the cortex without concomitant medullary function. Most investigators have waited a month or more for grafts to regenerate before continuing the experiment (Eversole, Edelmann, and Gaunt, 1940; Wyman and turn Suden, 1942; Weinstein and Schiller, 1949). The report of Ingle and Higgens (1938) that anatomical regeneration begins on the third post-operative day suggested that physiological function is resumed much sooner than had been thought. In order to determine the course of resumption of function of autoplastic adrenocortical transplants to the dorsal musculature, responses to three types of stress, namely, histamine poisoning, exposure to cold, and water intoxication were studied. Although more highly vascularized sites than the skeletal muscles are preferred by many investigators, the muscular site was chosen for this study because its proximity to the operational field for do...
Photolysis of chloropicrin by simulated sunlight

Abstract The rate of chloropicrin removal and product formation when chloropicrin is exposed to simulated sunlight were determined in the absence and presence of oxygen. We observed phosgene and nitrosyl chloride as the products, which are produced after chloropicrin undergoes cleavage of the C–N bond to form carbon trichloride and nitrogen dioxide radicals. The observed rates are not strongly dependent on chloropicrin pressure but do vary with oxygen pressure, and the presence of oxygen clearly changed the mechanism of the reaction of the radical products. Under near-environmental pressures of oxygen, we estimate the environmental half-life of chloropicrin at 5.9 ± 1.5 h.
Differences in Public Perceptions and Leaders’ Perceptions on Hydraulic Fracturing and Shale Development:

New technologies and rising energy prices have resulted in many energy companies investing significant amounts of capital in rural America. Much of the recent focus of energy companies has been on the development of shale oil and natural gas. We examine the differences in levels of support and opposition to shale oil and gas development, building on the literatures of the growth-machine coalition, polluter-industrial complex, and environmental justice. Specifically, we examine different frames of shale development held by government leaders and the public who reside above the New Albany shale play in Southern Illinois and Northwest Kentucky. Using a combination of interview, survey, and participant observation data, we find that government officials emphasize economic growth and many support shale development. While most government leaders claimed that there was not a major division in their communities about shale development, we found the public to be split, with a large countercoalition to shale develo...
Alternatively spliced variants: a new view of the integrin cytoplasmic domain.

A large number of studies have underscored a major role for the integrin αβ cytoplasmic domains in the modulation of cell functions. Cytoplasmic domain variants of the β1, β3, β4, α3, α6 and α7 subunits have been described. These molecules are generated by alternative splicing events and are expressed in a cell- or tissue-type specific manner. Some of these variants (β1C, β1D, α6A and α7A) are predominantly expressed upon differentiation and have been shown to be regulated during development. The studies on the structure-function relationship of the integrin variant subunits, published between 1989 and now, will be reviewed here for the first time. The results demonstrate that differences in the cytoplasmic domain do not affect either the αβ heterodimer formation or the ligand specificity. Instead, alternatively spliced integrin cytoplasmic domains appear to be essential modulators of receptor localization, cell proliferation and migration, as well as phosphorylation of signaling molecules. These observations lead to the current hypothesis that cell-type specific regulation of alternatively spliced integrin cytoplasmic domains may provide a highly specialized mechanism to control cell growth and intracellular signaling pathways.
Reverse engineering combination therapies for evolutionary dynamics of disease: An ℌ ∞ approach

We propose a general algorithm for the systematic design of feedback strategies to stabilize the evolutionary dynamics of a generic disease model using an H∞ approach. We show that designing therapy concentrations can be cast as an H∞ state feedback synthesis problem, where the feedback gain is constrained to not only be strictly diagonal, but also that its diagonal elements satisfy an overdetermined set of linear equations. Leveraging recent results in positive systems, we develop an algorithm that always yields a stabilizing controller.
Effect of Oil and Dry Roasting of Peanuts at Various Temperatures and Times on Survival of Salmonella and Enterococcus faecium

ABSTRACT A number of outbreaks of salmonellosis since 2006 associated with the consumption of Salmonella-contaminated peanut butter have increased concerns about this food and the associated processing methods. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the level of Salmonella reduction associated with oil and dry roasting of peanuts. After inoculation with either Salmonella or Enterococcus faecium, peanuts were dry roasted for various time durations at 5 temperatures ranging from 129–163 C and oil roasted at 120–160 C for three different time durations. At each dry roast combination of temperature and time in the study, Salmonella and E. faecium reductions were 2.7 log Colony Forming Units (CFU)/g or greater. Dry roast temperature of 154 C provided 4.6–4.7 log CFU/g reduction of Salmonella at 10 min and greater than 5.4 log CFU/g reduction at15 min. Oil roasting for 1.5 min at 150 C resulted in greater than a 6.0 log CFU/g reduction of Salmonella. E. faecium log CFU/g reductions were significantly le...
Vox alouattinae: A preliminary survey of the acoustic characteristics of long-distance calls of howling monkeys

This survey of the acoustic characteristics of howling monkey loud calls, covering six of the seven members of the genus Alouattaand presenting audiospectrograms of roars from two species for the first time, suggests that the genus consists of at least two groups: a monotypic palliatagroup, including all subspecies, and a non-palliatagroup, including belzebul, caraya, fusca, pigra,and seniculus.The non-palliatagroup vocalizes continuously for sustained periods of time;their loud calls exhibit a wide bandwidth relative to the calls of the palliatagroup, with emphasized frequencies generally in the range 300- 2000 Hz. The palliatagroup does not vocalize continuously, their vocal bouts being significantly shorter than those of the non-palliataforms. The emphasized frequencies are normally restricted to 300- 1000 Hz, with little acoustic energy in higher frequencies. This bipartite classification places pigrawithin the non-palliatagroup father than with parapatric palliata,which may have important phylogenetic implications. Further, the classification suggests two modes of employing the highly derived howler vocal tract to produce loud calls within the portion of the ambient noise spectrum favorable to long- distance transmission of sound. Finally, I discuss the constraints placed by environmental acoustics on strategies for long- distance communication, hypothesized modes of vocal production, and the use of acoustic studies for phylogenetic reconstruction. Each discussion suggests projects, some already under way, that could elucidate the determinants of variations in communicative patterns within specific social and physical environments.
Transient studies of product distribution from a packed bed reactor

The distribution of reactants and products from a simulated fixed-bed catalytic reactor has been studied. The concentration of both reactant and product in the effluent stream as a function of time has been measured following a sudden change in inlet concentration. The effect of various types and sources of holdup in the bed is discussed. This study is preliminary to further experimental investigations of the mechanism and the rate of exchange of product between a catalyst surface in a fixed-bed reactor and the free stream.
The American Dream

Values education needs to become much more closely tied to education for civic agency, the skills, capacities, and identities needed for effective collective action on issues that also advances values of the common good, in environments where civic values are under siege. This will require a bolder and more political conception of the role of values educators, tied to the challenge of redeeming a democratic understanding of the American dream.
Mechanical and thermal antinociception in rats following systemic administration of mibefradil, a T-type calcium channel blocker

Voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels play a crucial role in pain perception. We studied the antinociceptive potential of systemically administered mibefradil, a peripherally acting antihypertensive agent and preferential T-type Ca(2+) channel blocker. Systemic injections of mibefradil, in clinically relevant doses, induced mechanical and thermal antinociception in adult rats without compromising their sensorimotor abilities. This suggests that peripherally acting T-type Ca(2+) channel blockers can be useful antinociceptive agents.
A stable-isotope study of magnesites from the Rum Jungle Uranium Field, Australia: Implications for the origin of strata-bound massive magnesites

The contrast between the scanty magnesite deposition in modern sedimentary environments and the large strata-bound magnesites of the past constitutes a “magnesite problem” which, unlike the “dolomite problem”, has so far attracted little attention from the geologists. Magnesite beds up to 700 m thick from the Lower Proterozoic rocks of the Rum Jungle Uranium Field, Northern Territory of Australia, offer attractive circumstances for studying the isotope systematics of coarse-crystalline magnesite and coexisting dolomite. Magnesites yield δ18O and δ13C compositions of + 11.2 to + 14.6‰ (SMOW) and + 1.0 to + 5.8‰ (PDB), respectively. Dolomites yield δ18O- and δ13C- values of + 11.7 to + 21.9‰ and − 4.0 to + 2.9‰, respectively, and show an 18O enrichment gradient away from the magnesite. Fluid-inclusion homogenization temperatures, used in conjunction with the isotope determinations and an approximate magnesite-water equation, indicate that magnesites were formed in the temperature range of 100–200°C from fluids that became progressively enriched in 18O. The results support an epigenetic-metasomatic replacement model of dolomite by magnesite under the influence of invasive hot Mg-rich basinal fluids. Strata-bound massive magnesites, which abound particularly in Archean-Proterozoic rock sequences, generally preserve the sedimentary structures but do not retain primary isotopic compositions and are therefore unsatisfactory indicators of oceanic isotope evolution and ocean paleotemperatures.
Intersectionality at Work: Determinants of Labor Supply among Immigrant Latinas

This article borrows from the intersectionality literature to investigate how legal status, labor market position, and family characteristics structure the labor supply of immigrant Latinas in Durham, NC, a new immigrant destination. The analysis takes a broad view of labor force participation, analyzing the predictors of whether or not women work; whether and how the barriers to work vary across occupations; and variation in hours and weeks worked among the employed. I also explicitly investigate the extent to which family constraints interact with other social characteristics, especially legal status, in shaping women's labor market position. Results highlight that immigrant Latinas experience multiple, interrelated constraints on employment owing to their position as low-skill workers in a labor market highly segregated by gender and nativity, to their status as members of a largely undocumented population, and as wives and mothers in an environment characterized by significant work-family conflict.
Influence of flow permanence on headwater macroinvertebrate communities in a Cumberland Plateau watershed, USA

Forested headwater systems provide critical habitat needs for diverse macroinvertebrate faunas globally. This study compared macroinvertebrate community structure between ten temporary and perennial stream channels in a Cumberland Plateau (USA) watershed. Macroinvertebrates were sampled in winter and spring over a 2-year period. Several macroinvertebrate taxa displayed distinct abundance patterns with either increasing or decreasing stream permanence. There were no individual taxa, however, that was common or abundant in one flow regime yet absent in the other. Of the 108 taxa totally collected, only nine and eight were not obtained from the temporary and perennial channels, respectively. There were several functional differences revealed between flow regimes, namely higher densities in the perennial channels for scrapers and filtering-collectors and five of six richness variables except shredders. Overall, this study revealed taxonomic similarity of macroinvertebrate assemblages between temporary and perennial channels but also subtle downstream functional changes that are typical of forested headwater systems. This implies that the longitudinal hydrologic gradient was relatively shallow and that most taxa persist across the flow regime.
SpliceMiner: a high-throughput database implementation of the NCBI Evidence Viewer for microarray splice variant analysis.

There are many fewer genes in the human genome than there are expressed transcripts. Alternative splicing is the reason. Alternatively spliced transcripts are often specific to tissue type, developmental stage, environmental condition, or disease state. Accurate analysis of microarray expression data and design of new arrays for alternative splicing require assessment of probes at the sequence and exon levels.
A sufficient condition for conditional expectation to be monotonically related to distribution parameters

Abstract In this paper we give a sufficient condition for conditional expectation to be a monotonic function of a parameter of the joint probability distribution. A second sufficient condition is given for the case where varying the parameter of the joint distribution leaves the shape of that distribution unchanged. Finally, an application of the condition is illustrated on the counter models for choice reaction time of LaBerge (1962) and Nickerson (1969) .
A non-linear viscoelastic model for ceramics at high temperatures

Abstract High-temperature mechanical behavior of ceramics is characterized by non-linear rate dependent responses, asymmetric behavior in tension and compression, and nucleation and coalescence of voids leading to rupture. Moreover, rupture experiments show considerable scatter or randomness in fatigue lives of nominally equal specimens. To capture the non-linear, asymmetric time-dependent behavior, a new non-linear viscoelastic model is proposed. Non-linearity and asymmetry are introduced in the volumetric component. To model the random formation and coalescence of voids, each element is assigned a failure strain sampled from a lognormal distribution. An element is deleted when its volumetric strain exceeds its failure strain. Temporal increases in strains produce a sequential loss of elements (a model for void nucleation and growth), which in turn leads to failure. Non-linear viscoelastic model parameters are determined from uniaxial tensile and compressive creep experiments on silicon nitride. The model is then used to predict the deformation of four-point bending and ball-on-ring specimens. Simulation is used to predict statistical moments of rupture lives. Numerical simulation results compare well with results of four-point bending experiments.
Integrated patch-clamp biosensor for high-density screening of cell conductance

The first fully integrated implementation of a patch-clamp measurement system is presented. The system was implemented in a 0.5 µm silicon-on-sapphire process. The system can record cell membrane currents up to ±20 nA, with an rms noise of 5 pA at 10 kHz bandwidth. The system can compensate for the capacitance and resistance of the pipette electrode, up to 20 pF and 4 MΩ, respectively. The die size is 1150 by 700 µm. The power consumption is 3.3 mW at 3.3 V.
RGS9 Concentration Matters in Rod Phototransduction

The transduction of light by retinal rods and cones is effected by homologous G-protein cascades whose rates of activation and deactivation determine the sensitivity and temporal resolution of photoreceptor signaling. In mouse rods, the rate-limiting step of deactivation is hydrolysis of GTP by the G-protein-effector complex, catalyzed by the RGS9 complex. Here, we incorporate a “Michaelis module” describing the RGS9 reaction into the conventional scheme for phototransduction and show that this augmented scheme can account precisely for the dominant recovery rate of intact rods in which RGS9 expression varies over a 20-fold range. Furthermore, by screening the parameter space of the scheme with maximum-likelihood methodology, we tested specific hypotheses about the rate constant for rhodopsin deactivation, and about the forward, reverse, and catalytic constants for RGS9-mediated G-protein deactivation. These tests reliably exclude lifetimes >∼50 ms for rhodopsin, and reveal that the dominant time constant of rod photoresponse recovery is 1/(Vmax/Km) for the RGS9 reaction, with kcat/Km ≈ 0.04 μm2 s−1 and kcat > 35 s−1 (or Km > 840 μm−2). All together, the new kinetic scheme and analysis explain how and why RGS9 concentration matters in rod phototransduction, and they provide a framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms that rate-limit deactivation in other G-protein systems.
Galilean satellites: Observations of mutual occultations and eclipses in 1973

Seven Galilean satellite mutual events, two occultations and two eclipses of Europa and three eclipses of Io, were observed at three wavelengths (0.35, 0.50, 0.91 micrometers) with a time resolution of 0.1 sec. Preliminary model fits to the light curves are presented. Model satellites with different albedo distributions (uniform disk, bright solar caps, bright quadrant) are used in generating model occultation and eclipse curves to demonstrate the sensitivity of observed light curves to the brightness distribution on the surface of the occulted or eclipsed satellite. At the present the observations yield no conclusive information of the limb-darkening of Io. The best data for Europa indicate that the satellite is limb-darkened at both 0.50 and 0.91 micrometers.
Neuropsychological functioning in opiate-dependent subjects receiving and following methadone maintenance treatment.

Objective An accumulating body of research suggests that former heroin abusers in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) exhibit deficits in cognitive function. Whether these deficits are present in former methadone maintained patients following discontinuation of MMT is unknown. This study tests the hypothesis that former heroin users who have detoxified from methadone maintenance therapy and are drug-free have less pronounced cognitive impairment than patients continuing long-term MMT.
Creep Behavior of a Bimetallic Welded Joint in a Nuclear Piping System

The information of the creep behavior of a thick welded joint is very important to secure the safety of high temperature service devices. The creep damage development and behavior are very complex; hence it is time consuming to practice the experiment and theoretical analyses. In this paper a simple accurate model was developed to analyze the creep behavior of weld metal and heat-affected zone on a thick bimetallic welded pipe. The pipe was made by welding an A508-class-2 carbon steel pipe to a 304 stainless steel pipe with a shielded metal arcwelding process using INCONEL 182 electrodes. Virtual fabrication technology weld modeling tools (VFT™) developed jointly by Battelle and Caterpillar was used to obtain welding-induced residual stress. The weld residual stress was read into the creep model as initial stress condition for creep analysis. A temperature 1000°F was applied on the bimetallic weld model with inside pressure and axial loading. The simulation results indicated that creep strains were not uniform through the weld joint due to weld residual stresses, materials creep behavior and geometry changes. Some stress and strain concentrations were found on the A508 steel near buttering region, which results in axial cracks.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Adverse Health Outcomes Associated with Surgical Management of the Small Renal Mass

Purpose: Partial and radical nephrectomy are treatments for the small renal mass. Partial nephrectomy is considered the gold standard as it may protect against renal dysfunction compared to radical nephrectomy. However, both treatments may cause adverse health outcomes.Materials and Methods: A matched cohort study was performed using the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results)-Medicare data set. Individuals treated with partial or radical nephrectomy for 4 cm or smaller nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma were compared to 2 control groups (nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer and noncancer). A greedy algorithm matched surgical groups to controls. Medicare claims were examined for renal, cardiovascular and secondary cancer events.Results: Patients who underwent partial nephrectomy (1,471) and radical nephrectomy (4,299) were matched to controls. The time to event model demonstrated an increased risk of renal events for both treatments. Compared to the bladder cancer control and noncancer control grou...
Design and Implementation of a Hybrid Control Strategy for an Active Vibration Isolation System

Controller design methodologies based on a single controller are often unable to provide both high performance (i.e., tracking bandwidth) and desired robustness (i.e. retaining stability) in the presence of uncertainty or plant variation. This paper presents a hybrid control strategy to circumvent the basic trade-off between performance and robustness from an individual controller. This hybrid control strategy utilizes a robust controller for guaranteed robustness when the plant model is not well known, and makes an adaptive controller active for high performance after sufficient plant information has been collected on-line. To avoid a degraded transient after controller switching, a bumpless transfer scheme is designed and incorporated into this hybrid control strategy. This bumpless transfer design is a novel extension from a conventional latent tracking bumpless transfer design for a SISO plant with 1 DOF controllers to either a SISO plant with multiple DOF controllers or a MIMO plant. Experimental results implemented on an active vibration isolation testbed demonstrate the effectiveness of the hybrid control strategy including the bumpless transfer design.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
The crosslinking of epoxy resins at interfaces. V. Amine‐cured resins at carbon and graphite surfaces

The effects of carbon blacks, chopped carbon fibers, and crushed carbon fibers on the crosslinking chemistry of a diglycidyl epoxy resin/m-phenylenediamine system were examined by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The carbon and graphite surfaces were given oxidizing and reducing treatment to simulate the surface treatment of carbon fibers used in the manufacture of composites. The oxidized carbon surfaces initially accelerated epoxy–amine reactions but inhibited the later stages of the reaction such that the final extent of cure was reduced. The oxidized carbons also preferentially adsorbed the amine curing agent, resulting in a stoichiometric imbalance at the interface.
The effect of cryogenic cooling on the tensile properties of metal-matrix composites

Tensile specimens machined from metal-matrix, oriented-fiber composites (aluminum alloy reinforced with high strength stainless steel wire) were heated to 260°C and cooled in air to produce a tensile residual stress state in the matrix. Some of the test pieces were cooled to the temperature of boiling nitrogen, held at temperature for fifteen minutes, and then air warmed to room temperature. All test pieces were subsequently strain cycled in tension and the resulting stress-strain behavior was recorded. The results indicated cryogenic refrigeration extended the first stage (totally elastic) behavior of these materials. It was shown that the beneficial effects of the cryogenic treatment resulted from an alteration of the residual stress state brought about by plastic flow of the matrix. Finally, it was shown that these effects could be computed by rigorous analytical methods.
The sun-hurricane connection: Diagnosing the solar impacts on hurricane frequency over the North Atlantic basin using a space–time model

The authors define a spatio-statistical response of hurricane frequency to the solar cycle. Previous research indicates reduced (increased) hurricane intensities and frequency in the western (eastern) tropical Atlantic. However, no formal quantitative relationship has been spatially established between hurricane frequency and solar activity. The authors use a Bayesian hierarchical space–time model, an increasingly popular approach due to its advantage in facilitating regression modeling of space–time phenomena in the context of large data sets. Regional hurricane frequency over the period 1866–2010 is examined in response to September sunspot number (SSN) while controlling for other relevant climate factors. The response features a 13 % reduction in probability of annual hurricane occurrence for southeastern Cuba, the southern Bahama islands, Haiti, and Jamaica when the SSN is 80 sunspots. In contrast, hurricane risk in regions of the southeastern Atlantic is predicted to increase by 73 % when the SSN is 160 sunspots. The model can be ported to explore other relationships over contiguous space.
A search for interaction among combinations of drugs of abuse and the use of isobolographic analysis.

Summary What is known and Objective Individuals who abuse drugs usually use more than one substance. Toxic consequences of single and multi-drug use are well documented in the Treatment Episodes Data Set that lists drug combinations that result in hospital admissions. Using this list as a guide, we focused our attention on combinations that result in the most hospital admissions and searched the PubMed database with the objective of determining the number of such publications and, in particular, those that used the term synergism in their titles or abstracts. Comment Using the search criteria produced an extensive list of published articles. However, a further intersection of the search terms with the term isobole revealed a surprisingly small number of literature reports. What is new and Conclusion Because the method of isoboles is the most common quantitative method for distinguishing between drug synergism and simple additivity, the small number of investigations that actually employed this quantification suggests that the term synergism is not properly documented in describing the toxicity among abused substances. The possible reasons for this lack of quantification may be related to a misunderstanding of the modelling equations. To help rectify this possible hurdle to understanding and clinical utility, the theory and modelling are discussed here.
Agricultural systems in Ethiopia - a review article.

Abstract Amare Getahun's (1978) paper on agricultural systems in Ethiopia is one of the few attempts to classify agricultural systems in Ethiopia into (a) the highland mixed farming system, (b) low plateaux and valley mixed agriculture, (c) pastoral livestock production of the arid and semi-arid zones and (d) commercial agriculture, and to describe the main characteristics of each system. However, it is not clear what criteria have been used to classify the different agricultural regions into the four general categories developed by Amare Getahun. This review paper discusses agricultural systems by applying the ecological systems approach to agricultural development within the framework of a political economy analysis as a means of evaluating agricultural development strategies.
Reactivity of N‐methylolacrylamide in treatment of cotton under ultraviolet light

N-Methylolacrylamide (NMA) and cotton react readily under ultraviolet light when the treatment is carried out in an atmosphere of nitrogen. Reaction is almost completely inhibited by the oxygen in air. Polymerization inhibitors such as the methyl ether of hydroquinone (MEHQ) retard, but do not prevent, reaction. Longer radiation times, i.e., higher radiation doses, overcome the inhibitory effect of MEHQ. A photosensitizer such as biacetyl can increase the rate and efficiency of NMA-cotton treatments, especially with short radiation times (low radiation doses). Relatively low ratios of photosensitizer to monomer produce such effects.
Increased intensity of anticoagulation may reduce risk of thrombus during atrial fibrillation ablation procedures in patients with spontaneous echo contrast.

Introducton:A 10% incidence of left atrial (LA) thrombus formation has been detected using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) imaging monitoring during LA ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to determine if the intensity of anticoagulation reduces LA thrombus formation during pulmonary vein isolation procedure in patients with AF and spontaneous echo contrast (SEC). Methods and Results:We studied 511 patients (age 56 ± 10 years) undergoing pulmonary vein ostial isolation/ablation using radiofrequency energy. SEC was detected in 179 of 511 patients with ICE imaging before dual transseptal catheterization. All patients were anticoagulated with heparin to achieve activated clotting time (ACT) 250–300 seconds (group I) or >300 seconds (group II) confirmed at 30-minute intervals. SEC was detected in 49/294 (16.7%) patients in group I versus 130/217 (59.9%) in group II (P < 0.0001). LA thrombus was observed in 33/294 (11.2%) patients in group I versus 6/217 (2.8%) in group II (P < 0.05). For those patients with SEC, LA thrombus was observed in 22/49 (44.9%) in group I versus 2/61 (4.6%) in group II (P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in age, number of unsuccessful drugs, persistent AF, left ventricular ejection fraction, and LA diameter between the two groups. No clinical embolic event was observed with withdrawal of LA thrombus to the RA. Conclusion:ICE-diagnosed SEC before transseptal catheterization identifies an increased risk of LA thrombus. Increased intensity of heparin anticoagulation (ACT >300 seconds) during LA ablation for AF may prevent LA thrombus formation especially in patients with SEC.
Heparin and other rapidly acting anticoagulants

Unfractionated heparin, derived from porcine intestine, is the prototype of a rapidly acting anticoagulant. It has been used for over 60 years to arrest or prevent thrombus growth. Low-molecular-weight heparins, available in the last 20 years, are manufactured from unfractionated heparin and have superior dose-response relationships because of fewer nonspecific reactions with plasma proteins and cells. Fondaparinux is a recently approved five-saccharide synthetic molecule that carries the evolution of heparin further. It is a pure Xa inhibitor, with minimal nonspecific interactions. It does not appear to elicit the antibody that leads to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). All of these agents are given either intravenously or subcutaneously. They act indirectly by activating the natural plasma inhibitor, antithrombin III. Direct thrombin inhibitors bind directly to thrombin's active site without interaction with the cofactor, antithrombin III. Lepirudin (Refludan; Berlex, Wayne, NJ) and argatroban (Argatroban; GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC) are given intravenously and are usually used in HIT and thrombosis associated with HIT. Bivalirudin (Angiomax; The Medicines Company, Parsippany, NJ) is a parenteral direct thrombin used in place of heparin in percutaneous coronary interventions. Ximelagatran (Exanta; AstraZeneca, Wilmington, DE) is an oral direct thrombin inhibitor under development for both acute and chronic anticoagulation.
Nonlinear Interference Mitigation in Multiple-Access Ultra-Wideband Communications

In this paper we analyze the performance of synchronous ultra-wideband (UWB) communications in the presence of interference. We consider a nonlinear interference suppression technique for multiple-access (MA) time-hopping (TH) pulse-position modulation (PPM) UWB systems in an AWGN channel In practice, the multiple-access interference (MAI) is not Gaussian distributed, and the optimum receiver can be very complicated to implement. In previous research the Gaussian approximation to the interference is used when evaluating the system performance. Since Gaussian interference is actually the worst case type of interference, substantial improvement can be made when the actual non-Gaussian interference is properly taken into account. In this work, we find the exact probability density function (PDF) of the interference, and the exact bit error rate (BER). Furthermore, this PDF can be used in a locally optimum Bayes detector (LOBD) to derive the suboptimum receiver with less complexity.
Mood-reports and the college natural setting: a day in the lives of three roommates under academic pressure.

A technique is described for obtaining samples of overt and convert behavior in free-ranging Ss. The technique is illustrated with a study of three college roommates during a day just prior to a winter examination period. The Mood Adjective Check List was used as the measure of covert response and showed differences among the three Ss (p = .01), which were meaningfully related to information obtained in earlier 3-hr. interviews. Some possibilities for using the mood-sampling technique in developing multi-level records of the temporal organization of human behavior are discussed.
A Survey of Pension Fund Real Estate Portfolio Risk Management Practices

Institutional real estate investment—primarily pension reserve assets—grew rapidly in the 1980s. The fiduciary demands of a growing asset pool coupled with disappointing results in the latter half ...
Prosody and Narrative Structure in Varieties of Low German and Alemannic

This study analyzes prosodic cues and discourse markers in varieties of Low German and Alemannic in order to uncover how narrative structure is cued lexically and prosodically in different varieties of German. Intonational boundary tones, discourse markers, and pauses turned out to be sufficient to cue discourse units at different levels. Although the varieties under discussion use the same type of linguistic features, there are important differences of detail in pause distribution and categorization, functions of certain pitch contours, and the use and function of discourse markers, so that the particular set of contextualization cues is quite different for the various levels of discourse in each variety.