cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy set based initial placement for IC layout

Three novel fuzzy algorithms for constructing initial placement of integrated circuits are introduced. These algorithms are based on the use of fuzzy set theory and show superior performance to conventional placement algorithms. One of these algorithms, namely the fuzzy clustering method, has inherent potential for placement of large and very large scale integrated circuits due to its comparative efficiency, flexibility and hierarchical structure. Placement examples for all three algorithms are presented and compared with conventional approaches. >
A model and approach to the challenge posed by optimal power systems planning

Currently, there is a need to plan and analyze the electric power transmission system in greater detail and over larger geographic areas. Existing models approach the problem from different perspectives. Each model addresses different aspects of and has different approximations to the optimal planning process. In order to scope out the huge challenge of optimal transmission planning, this paper presents a new modeling approach for inter-regional planning and investment in a competitive environment. This modeling approach incorporates the detailed generator, topology and operational aspects found in production cost planning models into a larger framework that can find optimal sets of transmission expansion projects. The framework proposed here can be used in an auction to award investment contracts or as a part of a more general policy analysis. The solution yields the set of transmission projects that have the highest expected benefits, while also representing generic generation expansions under the same objective. The model is a two-stage, mixed-integer, multi-period, N-1-reliable model with investment, unit commitment, and transmission switching. The combination of combinatorial, stochastic and operational elements means this model may be computationally intractable without judicious modelling aggregations or approximations to reduce its size and complexity. Nevertheless we show via a dual problem that analysing the economics and sensitivity of the solution is computationally more straightforward.
Liver injury and abscess formation in secondary murine peritonitis.

Objective To investigate liver damage and abscess formation in murine, secondary peritonitis.
Spray atomization characteristics as a function of pesticide formulations and atomizer design

Abstract The use of formulation adjuvants to increase the drop size of pesticide sprays has followed a practice which has evolved through many years of experimentation and development. The earliest materials used were simply designed to make the spray mix viscous on the premise that a mayonnaise‐like fluid would produce larger drops and hence increase the deposit efficiency. These viscomer materials, emulsions and water soluble thickeners such as starch and agars, as well as more complex cellulose materials, produced thick non‐Newtonian fluids which were difficult to mix, pump and spray, and provided questionable results. First, the larger drops reduced target coverage from a given volume of spray; and second, field tests with these definitely showed that a large volume of small drops were still being produced even with the thickest of formulations. The next step in adjuvant evolution was the introduction of polyvinyl, polyacrylamide and polyamide elastomer materials. These polymers are also non‐Newtonian...
Approximate analytic temperature solution for uniform annular fins by adapting the power series method

Abstract The primary specification faced by thermal engineers when designing annular fins is the amount of heat transfer from a finned tube to a fluid. The temperature along annular fins of uniform thickness is governed by an ordinary differential equation of second order with variable coefficients, called the modified Bessel equation of zero order. Approximate temperature distributions and fin efficiencies, both of good quality, have been obtained by adapting a power series method for solving this Bessel equation with symbolic algebra software such as Maple or Mathematica . Students of heat transfer courses can benefit from this simple computational procedure that circumvents the use of Bessel functions and still produces approximate analytic results of good caliber.
A simple semi-numerical model for designing pleated air filters under dust loading

Abstract In this work, we present a semi-numerical 2-D model for predicting the instantaneous pressure drop and collection efficiency of filters made up of rectangular and triangular pleats in both depth and surface filtration regimes. Inspired from previous CFD simulations, our semi-numerical model adopts appropriate average velocity profiles in the axial and lateral directions to approximate the flow field inside rectangular and triangular pleat channels. The model therefore circumvents the need to obtain a CPU-intensive solution for the partial differential equations governing the flow through a filter, i.e., Navier–Stokes equations. The above-mentioned analytical flow field can then be used to predict the trajectory of the particles flowing through the pleat channels by numerically solving the equation of motion for each particle—a simple set of second order ordinary differential equations. With the particles trajectories obtained, the deposition location and so the dust-cake profile can be approximated. This allows one to predict the instantaneous pressure drop and collection efficiency of a filter (filter’s service life) with a CPU-time of practically zero min. The model developed in this work is aimed at providing the aerosol filtration industry with a fast, but yet fairly accurate method of designing pleated filters. A brief parametric study is presented for model demonstration. In addition, a comparison between the predictions of our model and some experimental data from literature is presented for completeness of the study.
The Center for Vital Studies-A New Laboratory for the Study of Bodily Functions in Man

A clinical laboratory for monitoring a variety of physiological variables has been developed and is described in the following paper. The facility was designed around a system of modular interchangeable functional units. From past experience, the flexibility provided by such a system is essential for efficient operation, because frequently it is necessary to change the physiological event being recorded on short notice during a routine diagnostic run. A detailed description of the various transducers, amplifiers and reproducers is presented.
Taxes and labor supply of high-income physicians

Abstract We use the 1983–1985 Physicians' Practice Costs and Income Survey, supplemented with federal and state tax rates, to estimate the effect of variation in marginal tax rates on work hours for high-income physicians. We find that self-employed physicians are much more sensitive to the marginal tax rate than would be suggested by previous labor-supply studies, while those who are employees have no discernible sensitivity to marginal tax rates.
Ubiquitination of Neurotransmitter Receptors and Postsynaptic Scaffolding Proteins

The human brain is made up of an extensive network of neurons that communicate by forming specialized connections called synapses. The amount, location, and dynamic turnover of synaptic proteins, including neurotransmitter receptors and synaptic scaffolding molecules, are under complex regulation and play a crucial role in synaptic connectivity and plasticity, as well as in higher brain functions. An increasing number of studies have established ubiquitination and proteasome-mediated degradation as universal mechanisms in the control of synaptic protein homeostasis. In this paper, we focus on the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in the turnover of major neurotransmitter receptors, including glutamatergic and nonglutamatergic receptors, as well as postsynaptic receptor-interacting proteins.
Comparing metro-area cellular and WiFi performance: extended abstract

Cellular and 802.11 WiFi offer two compelling connectivity options for mobile users. The goal of our work is to better understand performance characteristics of these technologies in diverse environments and conditions. To that end, we compare and contrast cellular and Wifi performance using crowd-sourced data from speedtest.net. We consider spatio-temporal performance aspects (e.g., upload and download throughput and latency) using over 3 million user-initiated tests initiated in 15 different metro areas, collected over 15 weeks. In these preliminary results, we find that WiFi performance generally exceeds cellular performance, and that observed characteristics are highly variable across different locations and times of day. We also observe diverse performance characteristics resulting from the rollout of new cell access technologies and service differences among local providers.
Profile-based, location-aware information retrieval for mobile clients

Mobile clients need to access information anytime, anywhere from various legacy and existing applications on the wired network with minimum effort and cost. The challenge is to support pervasive information access to disparate data sources such as World Wide Web (WWW) and databases that can provide useful information to mobile clients without burdening the mobile device in terms of computation, storage, and power. In this paper, we propose a scheme where the nodes on the fixed network execute and manage profiles on behalf of mobile clients, we elaborate on the scheme that offers profile-based, personalized, location-aware information access in mobile environments using a distributed approach that minimizes the transmission and processing costs. Finally, we present simulation- based experimental results that characterize the efficiency and effectiveness of our approaches under various scenarios.
Mapping glycans onto specific N-linked glycosylation sites of Pyrus communis PGIP redefines the interface for EPG-PGIP interactions.

Polygalacturonase inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) are members of the leucine rich repeat family of proteins, involved in plant defense against fungal pathogens. PGIPs exhibit a remarkable degree of spe...
Type 1 Laryngeal Clefts: An Updated Review

Difficulty with feeding is not an uncommon presenting symptom in patients seeking pediatric otolaryngology consultation, and the differential diagnosis is lengthy. While severe laryngeal clefts often present close to the time of birth, type 1 clefts may present after several years of life. A standardized approach to the patient with a type 1 laryngeal cleft (T1LC) has not yet been well described. A debate still exists regarding the clinical significance of a T1LC as well as the ideal management.
Distribution and evolution of variable group-I introns in the small ribosomal subunit of North Atlantic Porphyra (Bangiales, Rhodophyta)

Within the Bangialean red algae the multi-copy small subunit nuclear ribosomal gene (SSU) has been shown to contain group-I introns at positions corresponding to 516 and 1506. Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers flanking the 1506 intron we found that this intron was present in some copies of the rDNA in several North Atlantic Porphyra species. However, when the combination of a flanking and internal primer was used to amplify across the intron the percentages of individuals containing the intron increased. The likely explanation for these results was that, when flanking primers were used for PCR, template competition favoured the amplification of the intronless rDNA fragments. A combination of internal and flanking primers used to screen for the 516 intron amplified the intron in every accession of five taxa (Porphyra dioica, P. leucosticta, P. suborbiculata, P. umbilicalis and P. yezoensis) and in most samples of P. amplissima, P. linearis, and P. purpurea. When PCR primers were optimi...
Heavy-mineral distribution in modern and ancient bay deposits, Willapa Bay, Washington, U.S.A.

Abstract Analysis of heavy-mineral distribution in modern sediments of Willapa Bay, Washington, indicates a dominance of two mineralogic assemblages, one with approximately equivalent amounts of hornblende, orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene, the other dominated by clinopyroxene. The hornblende-orthopyroxene-clinopyroxene suite is derived from the Columbia River, which discharges into the ocean a short distance south of the bay. The clinopyroxene suite is restricted in modern sediments to sands in rivers flowing into the bay from the east. The heavy-mineral distributions suggest that sand discharged from the Columbia River, borne north by longshore transport, and carried into the bay by tidal currents accounts for most of the sand within the interior of Willapa Bay. Three heavy-mineral assemblages are present in the surrounding Pleistocene deposits; two of these are identical to the modern assemblages described above. These heavy-mineral assemblages reflect the relative influence of tidal and fluvial processes on the Late Pleistocene deposits; their relative influences are consistent with those inferred on the basis of sedimentary structures and stratigraphic relations in about two-thirds of the samples examined. The anomalies can be explained by recycling of sand from older deposits. The persistence of the two heavy-mineral assemblages suggests that the pattern of estuarine sedimentation in Late Pleistocene deposits closely resembled that of the modern bay. The third heavy-mineral suite, dominated by epidote, occurs in a few older Pleistocene units. On the north side of the bay, the association of this suite with southwest-directed foresets in crossbedded gravel indicates derivation from the northeast, perhaps from an area of glacial outwash. The presence of this suite in ancient estuarine sands exposed on the east side of the bay suggests that input from this northerly source may have intermittently dominated bay deposition in the past.
c-Raf/MEK/ERK pathway controls protein kinase C-mediated p70S6K activation in adult cardiac muscle cells

p70S6 kinase (S6K1) plays a pivotal role in hypertrophic cardiac growth via ribosomal biogenesis. In pressure-overloaded myocardium, we show S6K1 activation accompanied by activation of protein kinase C (PKC), c-Raf, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). To explore the importance of the c-Raf/MAPK kinase (MEK)/MAPK pathway, we stimulated adult feline cardiomyocytes with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), insulin, or forskolin to activate PKC, phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase, or protein kinase A (PKA), respectively. These treatments resulted in S6K1 activation with Thr-389 phosphorylation as well as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and S6 protein phosphorylation. Thr-421/Ser-424 phosphorylation of S6K1 was observed predominantly in TPA-treated cells. Dominant negative c-Raf expression or a MEK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) treatment showed a profound blocking effect only on the TPA-stimulated phosphorylation of S6K1 and mTOR. Whereas p38 MAPK inhibitors exhibited only partial effect, MAPK-phosphatase-3 expression significantly blocked the TPA-stimulated S6K1 and mTOR phosphorylation. Inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin blocked the Thr-389 but not the Thr-421/Ser-424 phosphorylation of S6K1. Therefore, during PKC activation, the c-Raf/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway mediates both the Thr-421/Ser-424 and the Thr-389 phosphorylation in an mTOR-independent and -dependent manner, respectively. Together, our in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that the PKC/c-Raf/MEK/ERK pathway plays a major role in the S6K1 activation in hypertrophic cardiac growth.
Making the connections: community capacity for tobacco control in an urban African American community.

Developing community capacity to improve health is a cornerstone of community-based public health. The concept of community capacity reflects numerous facets and dimensions of community life and can have different meanings in different contexts. This paper explores how members of one community identify and interpret key aspects of their community’s capacity to limit the availability and use of tobacco products. Particular attention is given to examining the interrelationship between various dimensions of community capacity in order to better understand the processes by which communities are able to mobilize for social change. The study is based on qualitative analysis of 19 in-depth interviews with key informants representing a variety of community sectors in Harlem, New York City. Findings indicate that the community is viewed as rich in human and social resources. A strong sense of community identity and connectedness underlies this reserve and serves as a catalyst for action.
Genetic and environmental influences on rumination and its covariation with depression

This study examined the extent to which rumination and depression share genetic and environmental influences in a community sample of adult twins (N=663). Twins completed multiple rumination questionnaires, a depressive symptoms questionnaire and a diagnostic interview. Rumination was moderately heritable (h2=.37-.41 for the latent variable) and substantially influenced by nonshared environmental factors, and these results were consistent across different measures. Nonshared environmental influences on rumination were larger for women than men. Depressive symptoms and diagnosis were influenced by genetic and nonshared environmental factors (h2=.30-.45). The genetic correlations between rumination and depression were moderate to large (rA=.40-.82), suggesting that a substantial proportion of the genetic influences on rumination overlap with those on depression. Results were similar when examining self-reported depressive symptoms and interview-based diagnosis of major depressive disorder. These results highlight the importance of rumination in the integration of cognitive and genetic models of depression risk.
Fatigue-crack propagation in Nitinol, a shape-memory and superelastic endovascular stent material.

Improving the design and performance of medi- cal stents for implantation in the human body is of current interest. This paper describes a study of fatigue-crack propa- gation behavior in the superelastic alloy Nitinol. Specifically, the objective of this work was to study the effect of environ- ment on cyclic crack-growth resistance in an ~50Ni-50Ti (atom %) alloy and to provide the necessary data for the safe life prediction of Nitinol endovascular stents. The material selected for this study was heat treated such that it was superelastic at human body temperature; this was con- firmed with monotonic uniaxial tensile tests. Characteriza- tion of fatigue-crack growth rates was performed at 37°C on disk-shaped compact-tension samples in environments of air, aerated deionized water, and aerated Hank's solution (a simulated body fluid). The effect of cyclic loading on the uniaxial constitutive behavior was investigated at a strain range of 6.4%, and results indicate that the magnitude of available superelastic strain (~5.0%) is maintained even after cyclic softening. However, despite the persistence of nucle- ating the stress-induced martensitic phase after cycling with a maximum strain slightly below the plastic yield point, Nitinol was found to have the lowest fatigue-crack growth resistance of the principal metallic alloys currently used for implant applications. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 47, 301-308, 1999.
Changes in the sequencing and timing of muscle response coordination associated with develomental transitions in balance abilities

Abstract It has been hypothesized that animals go through phases in behavioral development where movements initially show excessive degrees of freedom, then are simplified with skill mastery, and are re-elaborated with learning to reach the same goal through variable means. To determine if this is true for stages seen in children's balance development we explored changes in balance abilities in infants (7–15 months) during the transition to independent stance. With the emergence of ‘pull to stand’ behavior infants showed excessive movement at the ankle, knee and hip joint and postural muscle responses were disorganized, with delayed and variable onset latencies. Response organization improved with experience in dependent stance. At the onset of independent stance, response patterns again showed increased variability. However, with increased experience and the onset of independent walking the response organization became consistent and latencies were shortened to more mature levels. With continued experience children began to experiment with alternate strategies of balance adjustments.
Increased cleavage of the c-terminal serine from alpha-A crystallin present in the high molecular weight aggregate fraction from human and bovine lenses.

PURPOSE. To determine the relative amount of serine-173 cleavage from the C-terminus of alpha-A crystallin from the high molecular weight aggregate fraction and lower molecular weight alpha crystallin fraction from water soluble proteins of human and bovine lenses. METHODS. Using gel permeation chromatography, the high molecular weight aggregate fraction and lower molecular weight alpha crystallin fractions were purified from soluble proteins of human lenses and mature bovine lenses. Alpha-A crystallin present in these fractions was digested with trypsin, followed by the use of reverse phase chromatography and synthetic peptide standards to identify and quantitate the relative amount of in vivo cleavage of C-terminal serine –173. RESULTS. For all human and bovine lenses studied, alpha-A crystallin in the high molecular weight aggregate fraction had undergone more truncation at the C-terminus, than the alpha-A crystallin present in the lower molecular weight alpha crystallin fraction from the same lens. CO...
Planetary exploration with electrically propelled vehicles.

The characteristics of propulsion systems required for carrying out flight missions within the solar system, as desired by planetary physicists and astronomers, are reviewed. It is shown that an encouraging answer to these requirements is available in the form of electrostatic or ion propulsion systems. The design and performance characteristics of an electrostatic thrustor employing an ion source, accelerating electrode, beam neutralizer, and power source are discussed, together with those of the Kaufmann engine (electrostatic thrustor employing bombardment type ionization). More demanding missions which will become feasible with the advent of nuclear-electric power sources (such as the incore thermionic reactor) may include close orbiters around all the planets, and asteroid and cometary missions.
GLC Determination of Chlorpheniramine in Human Plasma Using a Nitrogen Sensitive Thermionic Detector

Abstract A highly sensitive procedure for the determination of plasma levels of the antihistamine, chlorpheniramine (CPA) is presented. Following the administration of therapeutic doses (4–8 mg) of CPA, plasma levels of the drug can be expected to be low. To reliably and accurately measure such levels, an ultrasensitive means of determining the concentration is required. A preliminary extraction with ether, a back-wash into acid, a final basic extraction into hexane with subsequent measurement by a gas chromatograph equipped with a nitrogen sensitive detector, provides the required selectivity, sensitivity and speed of analysis. In an expenditure of less than 10 minutes, 1 ng of CPA per ml of plasma can be reliably determined.
Studies related to the metabolism of anabolic steroids in the horse: 19-nortestosterone.

1. After intramuscular administration of [4-14C]testosterone to two cross-bred gelded horses, 45% of the radioactivity was excreted in urine in 96 h. Small amounts of urinary activity could still be detected at 200 h. 2. Neutral metabolites obtained after both enzyme and acid hydrolysis of urine samples have been investigated by g.l.c.-mass spectrometry. 3. 5 alpha-Androstane-3 beta, 17 alpha-diol was found only in the enzyme-hydrolysable extract and testosterone only in the acid-hydrolysable extract. 5 alpha-Androstane-3 beta, 17 beta-diol and 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-17-one were found predominantly in the acid-hydrolysable extract.
Exploring opportunities for colorectal cancer screening and prevention in the context of diabetes self-management: an analysis of the 2010 National Health Interview Survey

Because diabetes is associated with increased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, it is important that people with diabetes receive CRC screenings according to guidelines. In addition, many diabetes self-care recommendations are associated with a reduced risk of CRC. This study aims to identify potential opportunities for enhancing CRC prevention within the context of diabetes management. Using data from 1,730 adults with diabetes aged 50–75 years who responded to the 2010 National Health Interview Survey, we calculated population estimates of behaviors consistent with US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for CRC screening and American Diabetes Association recommendations for diabetes care. We examined bivariate associations between CRC screening and selected diabetes self-care behaviors associated with CRC risk. Results were stratified by demographic characteristics. Thirty-nine percent of adults with diagnosed diabetes were not up-to-date with CRC screenings. Sixteen percent smoked and 2 % exceeded alcohol intake recommendations. Among those capable of exercise, 69 and 90 % did not meet aerobic exercise and resistance training recommendations, respectively. CRC screening was generally not associated with diabetes self-care behaviors. Among some demographic groups, CRC screening was associated with adequate aerobic activity, not smoking, and being overweight or obese. Many adults with diabetes do not follow guidelines for CRC screening or recommendations for diabetes care that may also reduce CRC risk. Thus, opportunities may exist to jointly promote CRC screening and prevention and diabetes self-management among adults with diabetes.
Children's environmental health – an international perspective

Parents in all countries want and deserve safe and healthy environments for their children. Children in all countries need, as part of normal growth and development, regular and frequent opportunities to interact with their environments as they learn to crawl, run, climb, swim, and explore. Environmental scientists and regulators recognize that environmental hazards are not contained by international borders. This is of special concern for children, because they are intrinsically at greater risk, compared to adults. They have different opportunities for exposure, greater response to certain toxicants, and less empowerment to alter their environments. There is a growing awareness that adverse health effects in children can adversely affect a country's future productivity and well-being. Multiple government agencies, NGOs, and advocates are mobilizing to address these concerns. A sustained concerted effort will be needed to afford equitable and effective environmental health protection to the world's children, present and future.
A comparison of sulfur isotope ratio measurement using two ion microprobe techniques and application to analysis of troilite in ordinary chondrites

Continual improvements in the precision of isotope ratio measurements made by ion microprobe and the attempt to resolve smaller isotopic differences using this technique means that it is increasingly important to demonstrate the accuracy of calibration of this method, particularly when it is impossible to mount a standard with the unknown being analyzed. An assessment of the accuracy and precision using ion microprobe methods for the measurement of isotope ratios is made analyzing a pyrite standard mounted in several thin sections and troilite in ordinary chondrite meteorites. We compare two methods, the traditional high mass resolution approach and the more recent extreme energy filtering technique. The results indicate that both techniques offer precise measurements for analyses made within a single thin-section. However, the accuracy of the high mass resolution results are significantly worse than those obtained using extreme energy filtering when a standard cannot be mounted with the unknown. For analysis of a standard pyrite mounted in different thin sections, the measured instrumental mass bias varied by up to 7{per_thousand}. Analysis of the same samples using extreme energy filtering showed no variation in instrumental mass bias within 0.5{per_thousand}. Similar results were observed in analysis of troilite. Whereas the extreme energymore » filtering results are within error of the expected 0{per_thousand}, values obtained using high mass resolution differ by up to {+-}3{per_thousand}. Our results indicate that it is possible to analyze {delta}{sup 34}S values in sulfides using an ion microprobe with precision and accuracy of {+-}0.25{per_thousand} (1{sigma}) in 12 min, with a spatial resolution under 20 {mu}m. 28 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs.« less
See friendship, sort of: how conversation and digital traces might support reflection on friendships

Inspired by conversational visualization tools and the increasing enactment of relationships in social media, we examine how people reflect on friendships and how social data and conversation may affect this. We asked 28 people to reflect on their relationship with a close friend either alone, alone but with access to Facebook's "See Friendship" page, or with the friend using their See Friendship page. Observation and interviews revealed a rich array of practices around why, when, and how people reflect on friendships; that both friends and data make reflection more positive, more focused, and more fun; that those are not necessarily good things; and that third parties are a common theme. These findings suggest a number of design considerations, including supporting different types of reflection, aligning the interface with important moments and content useful for reflection, and carefully considering the fidelity of the visualization and data presented.
Oxidant stress mediates inflammation and apoptosis in ventilator-induced lung injury.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) leads to airway epithelial cell apoptosis and lung inflammation. High tidal volume ventilation in vivo has been shown to induce MIP-2 production, lung neutrophil sequestration and apoptotic airway cell death. This study aimed to determine the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a scavenger of oxygen radicals, on lung inflammation and apoptosis in an in vivo model of VILI. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 5 per group) were ventilated at low tidal volume (V(T) 7 mL/kg) or high tidal volume (V(T) 20 mL/kg) with or without administration of 140 mg/kg of intravenous NAC. Animals were ventilated for 30 min, 1 or 2 h, then allowed to recover for 2 h, at which time neutrophil infiltration, MIP-2, TNF-alpha and IL-6 in BAL fluid, as well as the percentage of apoptotic airway epithelial cells, were measured. RESULTS: Ventilation at V(T) 20 mL/kg increased oxidant release, as measured by serum isoprostane, and decreased lung glutathione, the major antioxidant in the lung. NAC treatment during ventilation at V(T) 20 mL/kg prevented the decrease in lung glutathione and significantly lowered serum isoprostane levels, neutrophil infiltration, cytokines in the BAL and apoptosis in the airways as compared with animals ventilated at V(T) 20 mL/kg without NAC (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data point to an early role of oxidant-induced inflammation and apoptosis in VILI.
l-Arginine Attenuates Hypertension in Pregnant Rats With Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure

A chronic reduction in uterine perfusion pressure in the pregnant rat is associated with significant elevations in mean arterial pressure, proteinuria, and reductions in kidney function as is chronic nitric oxide blockade, suggesting that nitric oxide deficiency may contribute to the clinical manifestations of preeclampsia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether supplementation with l-arginine, the precursor for nitric oxide, attenuates the hypertension produced in response to a chronic reduction in uterine perfusion pressure in the pregnant rat. Reduced uterine perfusion was initiated at day 14 of gestation with arterial pressure determined at day 19 of gestation in conscious, chronically instrumented rats. Arterial pressure was significantly elevated in pregnant rats with chronic reductions in uterine perfusion as compared with pregnant control rats (132±2 versus 109±2 mm Hg, P P P
Magnitude and reliability of hand-held dynamometer measurements within and between days

The purpose of this study was to compare the magnitude and describe the reliability of repeated measurements of elbow flexion force obtained within and between days with a hand-held dynamometer (HHD). A total of 33 healthy subjects (14 men and 19 women with a mean age of 29.9 years) performed three maximal elbow flexion trials on each of three non-consecutive days. A digital HHD registered the peak force of each trial. Analysis of variance revealed that the measured forces did not differ significantly between trials, but that the forces did differ significantly between days (F= 4.541, P= 0.014). Across days, the force decreased linearly (F= 8.038, P= 0.008). The measurements were reliable within days [intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.98–0.99] and between days (ICC = 0.987). Although clinicians can be confident that consistent measurements of relatively high muscle forces can be obtained with a HHD, they should establish their own capacity to obtain reliable measurements with the HHD.
Seasonal Variability of Northern Hemisphere Snow Extent Using Visible Satellite Data

In this paper we use a satellite-derived data set to explore spatial and temporal variations of snow extent across Northern Hemisphere continents during the last three decades. These weekly visible-wavelength satellite maps of Northern Hemisphere snow extent produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration constitute the longest consistently-derived satellite record of any environmental variable. We document the considerable intra-annual variability of snow extent, and show that during each month, fluctuations over relatively small areas are responsible for the majority of the year-to-year variability. Regions that cover less than 6% of Northern Hemisphere lands north of 20°N explain 62%–92% of the interannual variance across the continents. On average, snow was more extensive across both Eurasia and North America from the 1970s to middle 1980s than during the late 1980s to late 1990s. During late winter, spring and summer, snow extent has decreased since the middle 1980s, while during fall...
Images and Issues in the 1988 Presidential Election

This article uses a methodology first suggested in "The Two Faces of Issue Voting" by Carmines and Stimson (1980) to disaggregate voters into "issue voters" and "image voters." An application of this methodology to the 1988 American National Election Study dataset demonstrates that image voters provided Dukakis with a slight advantage over Bush in the 1988 election, and that Dukakis was the primary beneficiary of negative image voting. Issue voters outnumbered image voters, however, and provided Bush with a decisive advantage over Dukakis. Redistributive issues played the critical role in Bush's success. The electoral trade-offs involved for the Democrats on redistributive issues are explored by examining the differential effects of this subset of issues on pivotal Democratic party constituencies.
Assessing the Reliability of the Beck Anxiety Inventory Scores

Anxiety is one of the most pervasive symptoms seen in clinical psychological disorders. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is a popular measure to assess the construct of anxiety. This study was concerned with an examination of potential study factors that are associated with the variability of the reliability estimates of the BAI scores. A review of the literature involving the BAI showed that more than 57% of the publications either did not mention reliability estimates for BAI scores or presented secondary reliability estimates. This meta-analysis of coefficient alpha and test-retest reliability estimates showed that diagnostic classification of participants and the within-study BAI score variability were related to the magnitude of the reliability estimates.
Photochemistry of 2,2,12-trimethylcyclododecanone and 2,2,12,12-tetramethylcyclododecanone: product distribution, photo-CIDNP and magnetic isotope effect*

Abstract The primary photochemical process of 2,2,12-trimethylcyclododecanone ( 1a ) and 2,2,12,12-tetramethylcyclododecanone ( 1b ) is exclusively C 1 C 2 α cleavage to form biradicals 2a and 2b which then disproportionate to form enals. This contrasts with the strong preference for γ-hydrogen abstraction for the parent cyclododecanone. The preference of α cleavage over γ-hydrogen abstraction for the methyl-substituted large ring cycloalkanones is explained by the faster rate of α cleavage due to stabilization of the intermediate biradical by methyl substitution. No nuclear polarization can be observed in the photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo-CIDNP) of 1a in the absence of radical scavengers. Measurement of the 13 C isotopic content of the photoproducts shows that the major enal product is slightly enriched in 13 C in the absence of radical scavengers through isotopomer separation via the magnetic isotope effect. However, the recovered 1a is not enriched in 13 C. The addition of radical scavengers, such as molecular oxygen, CBrCl 3 or CCl 4 , causes dramatic nuclear polarization and an increase in the 13 C enrichment of the enal product. The presence of radical scavengers opens up a competitive pathway which serves as the spin (or isotopomer) sorting process required for both the generation of T 0 S biradical CIDNP and isotope enrichment. In the absence of radical scavengers, the observation of the slight 13 C enrichment in the enal product and the absence of nuclear polarization result from the slow decarbonylation process which is fast enough to serve as an isotopomer sorting process, but not fast enough to serve as a spin sorting process.
Summary of Evidence for an Anticodonic Basis for the Origin of the Genetic Code

This article summarizes the data available from our own laboratory and others supporting the hypothesis that the genetic code origin was based on relationships (probably affinities) between amino acids and their anticodon nucleotides. Selective activation seems to follow from selective affinity and consequently, incorporation of amino acids into peptides can also be selective. We believe that these selectivities in affinity and activation, coupled with the base pairing specificities, allowed the origin of the code and the process of translation.
Spreading the word: A process evaluation of a voluntary AOD prevention program.

Background and Objectives Research on voluntary after-school alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention programs is limited. It is important to increase understanding of students' motivation to attend these types of programs and their tendency to transfer program information to peers. This paper summarizes efforts to evaluate process information for CHOICE, a voluntary after-school AOD prevention program for middle-school youth. Methods A survey administered to 1899 students aged 10–16 in seven schools assessed: (1) why students choose to attend CHOICE (2) barriers to attendance; and (3) how program information is disseminated to non-participants. Frequencies of responses from participants and non-participants were compared. Results Participants were motivated by several features, most notably, the demeanor of the group leaders and enjoyable curriculum content. Barriers to attendance were primarily logistic, but results also suggest that the promotion message should more effectively emphasize that CHOICE is appropriate for everyone. The majority of students knew about CHOICE, both through advertising and conversations with friends. Non-participants' detailed reports of what they heard from friends corresponded closely with what participants reported sharing. Discussion and Conclusions The use of dynamic group leaders is critical to engaging students in voluntary programs. Offering the program on different days of the week or at different times (eg, before school) may improve attendance rates. Peer networks represent a critical pathway for prevention information that can help increase program impact. Scientific Significance These results can be used to inform modifications to existing voluntary after-school AOD prevention programs to obtain higher attendance rates and more widespread dissemination of the intervention message. (Am J Addict 2014:XX:XX–XX).
Survival of the Fittest? Financial and Economic Distress and Restructuring Outcomes in Chapter 11

We use a simple proxy to distinguish between financial and economic distress and show that Chapter 11 outcomes and asset restructurings vary systematically across these firm types. The results from our sample of large bankruptcies from 1991 to 2004 are consistent with the view that the Chapter 11 process preserves the going concern value of financially distressed firms while redeploying the assets of economically distressed firms. These results hold for asset redeployments resulting both from liquidations or acquisitions and those resulting from partial asset liquidations of firms that reorganize in Chapter 11. The empirical findings run counter to concerns that inefficiencies and conflicts of interest severely compromise the Chapter 11 process. Further, we provide the first empirical evidence that the put option inherent in lease contracts is frequently exercised in Chapter 11, that the disposition of lease contracts in bankruptcy constitutes a large portion of asset restructurings, and that the ability to put lease contracts may mitigate the indirect costs of asset fire sales. We also find that unionized firms experience smaller job losses and debt reductions in Chapter 11 than do non-unionized firms.
K-shell conversion coefficient of the 102.7 keV transition in the 81Sem decay

Abstract A precision value of α K = 8.4 ± 0.4 for the 102.7 keV isomeric transition in 57 min 81 Se m decay has been measured. Since the theoretical value for a pure E3 transition is only 5.4. an M4 admixture of 4.5 ± 0.6 percent is indicated.
Kangaroo care: Expanding our practice to critically ill neonates

Abstract Kangaroo Care, or the practice of skin-to-skin contact between a newborn and his or her parents, was initiated in 1983 in South America by 2 physicians and has now spread worldwide. According to a 1999 survey, 82% of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) practice kangaroo care to varying degrees. There are numerous, well-documented physiological and emotional benefits of kangaroo care for both the infant and the parents. This report describes the process of expanding one NICU's practice of kangaroo care from treatment of stable, nonintubated patients to treatment of more critically ill infants. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Diquark Bose condensates in high density matter and instantons

Instantons lead to strong correlations between up and down quarks with spin zero and antisymmetric color wave functions. In cold and dense matter, n{sub b}{gt}n{sub c}{approx_equal}1 fm {sup {minus}3} and T{lt}T{sub c}{approximately}50 thinspthinspMeV, these pairs Bose condense, replacing the usual {l_angle}{bar q}q{r_angle} condensate and restoring chiral symmetry. At high density, the ground state is a color superconductor in which diquarks play the role of Cooper pairs. An interesting toy model is provided by QCD with two colors: it has a particle-antiparticle symmetry which relates {l_angle}{bar q}q{r_angle} and {l_angle}qq{r_angle} condensates. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Critical diaphragm failure in sudden infant death syndrome

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death in infants between the ages of 1 and 12 months in developed countries. SIDS is by definition a diagnosis of exclusion, and its mechanism of action is unknown. The SIDS–Critical Diaphragm Failure (CDF) hypothesis postulates that the cause of death in SIDS is respiratory failure caused by CDF. Four principal risk factors contribute to CDF in young infants: undeveloped respiratory muscles, non-lethal infections, prone resting position, and REM sleep. Even relatively minor infections can cause an acute and significant reduction in diaphragm force generation capacity that in conjunction with other risk factors can precipitate CDF. CDF-induced acute muscle weakness leaves few, if any pathological marks on the affected tissue.Understanding the underlying mechanism of SIDS may help in formulating new approaches to child care that can help to further reduce the incidence of SIDS.
Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective. To determine the prevalence of genitourinary mycoplasma infection in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. Urine specimens from 49 patients with SLE and 22 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) were cultured for mycoplasma. Patient records were reviewed for medical history and SLE disease activity. Results. Sixty-three percent of the SLE patients were culture positive, compared with 4.5% of the CFS patients (P < 0.001). Neither corticosteroid treatment, SLE activity, nor age accounted for this difference. Conclusion. Genitourinary mycoplasma colonization occurs significantly more frequently in SLE than in CFS.
Workspace optimization of 3-UPU parallel platforms with joint constraints

In this paper the workspace optimization of translational 3-UPU parallel platforms with prismatic and universal joint constraints is performed. The workspace is parameterized using two design parameters, which are the prismatic joint stroke and the difference between the distances of the center to one of the corners of the triangular plate of the base and of the moving platform. For a large range of values for these design parameters the workspace of the corresponding 3-UPU platforms is calculated. This workspace is called the constrained workspace. For each design of the constrained workspace, three performance indices are calculated: 1) the workspace volume; 2) the average of the inverse of the condition number; and 3) a global condition index which is a combination of the other two performance indices. Plots of each performance index as a function of the two design parameters are generated and optimal values for these design parameters are determined. Finally, for the optimal design, it is shown that by introducing limits to the angles of the universal joints axis, the isotropy of the parallel platform is improved.
Prompt responses to the administration of ethanol in the treatment of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).

OBJECTIVE: To report the beneficial effect of the administration of ethanol in the treatment of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). METHODS: In 3 instances of the AWS in subjects who used alcohol in socially acceptable amounts, ethanol was administered in one case intravenously, and in 2 cases orally. RESULTS: Symptoms were dramatically relieved in 20, 10 and 5 minutes, respectively. INTERPRETATION: 1. This study suggests the greater use of ethanol in the treatment of AWS. 2. Withdrawal symptoms occurred in subjects who drank only 30 to 60 mL of whiskey daily. 3. Withdrawal manifestations may take up to 10 weeks to clear. 4. The violent reaction of patients to being restrained physically in their management, the restraint reaction, may find its analogy in Watson's intolerable restraint reaction in infants.