cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of catastrophic quantities of toxic chemicals by atmospheric dispersion modeling

In response to the Bhopal disaster and several repeated chemical releases (even though of less dangerous magnitude) in New Jersey, the state of New Jersey passed a bill on January 8, 1986, which is aimed at the prevention of such catastrophic releases in the state. This bill is officially referred to as the Toxic Catastrophe Prevention Act (TCPA). The TCPA identified eleven specific Extraordinarily Hazardous Substances (EHS). Table 1 lists these eleven EHS identified in the Act and their reportable quantities. The TCPA aims at the prevention of the release of these EHS into the environment. The Legislature did not provide the basis and background of the development of the reportable quantities of these eleven EHS. The TCPA mandates that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) shall expand the list of these EHS and shall “… correlate the substances with the quantities required to produce the potentially catastrophic circumstances.”
Mechanisms and prevention of port-site tumor recurrence after laparoscopy in a murine model

Abstract Background/Purpose: Although minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been broadly applied in patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, the etiology of port-site tumor recurrence (PSR) after laparoscopic cancer surgery remains unclear. The authors report here an analysis of PSR in a model of murine neuroblastoma after laparoscopic tumor biopsy and propose a mechanism for this complication as well as a potential treatment. Methods: Immature 5- to 7-week old male AJ mice (18–23 g) were subcutaneously inoculated with the minimally immunogenic TBJ-neuroblastoma (TBJ-NB) in the left flank and divided into three treatment groups. The following operations were performed 14 days after tumor inoculation: group 1, additional intraperitoneal or intravenous injection of TBJ-NB during CO 2 pneumoperitoneum; group 2, simulated transperitoneal tumor biopsy using MIS techniques during either CO 2 pneumoperitoneum or gasless suspension; Group 3, intraperitoneal (IP) or intravenous (IV) administration of cyclophosphamide on postoperative days 0 and 3 to prevent PSR after simulated tumor biopsy during CO 2 pneumoperitoneum. Results: In group 1, the incidence of PSR was 0% in the intravenously injected mice versus 63% in mice injected intraperitoneally with TBJ-NB. In group 2, no significant difference in the incidence of PSR was seen between simulated tumor biopsy (89%) animals with CO 2 pneumoperitoneum versus animals with gasless suspension (81%). In group 3, mice that did not receive any chemotherapy had an 89% incidence of PSR. Administration of cyclophosphamide via either the IP or IV route effectively prevented PSR, although there was no difference in the incidence of PSR between the two routes (IP 12% versus IV 13%). Conclusions: The data suggest that PSR in tumor-bearing hosts may be caused by direct seeding of exfoliated tumor cell, and not by hematogenous metastases. Contrary to the other reports, CO 2 pneumoperitoneum was not found to be essential for the development of PSR. Furthermore, the authors conclude that postoperative chemotherapy may be useful in preventing PSR after MIS in patients bearing chemotherapy-sensitive tumors such as neuroblastoma.
Origins of stereoselectivities in chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed allylborations and propargylations of aldehydes.

The chiral BINOL-phosphoric acid catalyzed allylboration and propargylation reactions are studied with density functional theory (B3LYP and B3LYP-D3). Two different models were recently proposed for these reactions by Goodman and our group, respectively. In Goodman’s model for allylborations, the catalyst interacts with the boronate pseudoaxial oxygen. By contrast, our model for propargylations predicts that the catalyst interacts with the boronate pseudoequatorial oxygen. In both models, the phosphoric acid stabilizes the transition state by forming a strong hydrogen bond with the oxygen of the boronate and is oriented by a formyl hydrogen bond (Goodman model) and by other electrostatic attractions in our model. Both of these models have now been reinvestigated for both allylborations and propargylations. For the most effective catalyst for these reactions, the lowest energy transition state corresponds to Goodman’s axial model, while the best transition state leading to the minor enantiomer involves the...
System model development with ill-conditioned data: case studies of trihalomethane formation in drinking water

Abstract Trihalomethane (THM) and other by-products are formed by the reaction of free chlorine and organic precursors. The collective effects of different raw water quality and chlorine treatment measures are used as candidate variables in the formulation and parameter estimation of models to predict THM concentration in treated water. Some of these predictor variables involving raw water quality (state variables) are highly correlated. In addition, retrospective studies often involve treatment measures (control variables) which, either because of practical exigencies or poor design, are correlated. As a result of correlations among variables, regression models that are fit with ordinary least squares are of questionable merit because model parameter estimates are generally poor. Yet, the potential value of such studies and modelling efforts should not be ignored. An approach consisting of the use of condition indexes and variance-decomposition proportions, ridge regression, and path analysis is used for...
Structural Studies by Exciton Coupled Circular Dichroism over a Large Distance: Porphyrin Derivatives of Steroids, Dimeric Steroids, and Brevetoxin B⊥

The present study (see ref 1) delineates the scope and limitations of porphyrin chromophores for structural studies by the exciton coupled circular dichroic (CD) method. A distance dependency of the porphyrin coupling was investigated in the range between 10 and 50 A. Over short interchromophoric distances, significant changes in the conformational distribution introduced by the bulky porphyrin chromophores were observed. Over longer distances, the porphyrins showed ca. 10-fold sensitivity increase over commonly used chromophores, and an effective direction for the interacting porphyrin transition moments was assigned by comparison. Porphyrins at the termini of dimeric steroids and brevetoxin B exhibited exciton coupling over interchromophoric distances up to 50 A. These results represent the porphyrins as promising reporter chromophores for extending the exciton coupled CD method to structural studies of biopolymers.
Event Realization and Default Aspect

There are languages - e.g., German, Inuktitut, and Russian - in which the aspectual reference of clauses depends on the telicity of their event predicates. We argue that in such languages, clauses or verb phrases not overtly marked for viewpoint aspect implicate or entail 'event realization', a property akin to Parsons's (1990) 'culmination'. The aspectual reference associated with the use of clauses not overtly marked for aspect is computed in accordance with the dependence of realization conditions on telicity and in line with principles of Gricean pragmatics. We formalize event realization and capture the telicity-dependent patterns of aspectual reference on which it is based by combining Krifka's (1989, 1992, 1998) event lattices with a model-theoretic interpretation of Klein's (1994) theory of tense and aspect. The latter permits us to treat the 'topic times' of aspectual operators as temporal constraints on event realization.
The Small Library and Fund‐Raising for Automation

Small libraries can take advantage of alternative funding sources to address their automation needs and thus make available to their patrons the advantages of an “information rich” society. However, careful planning, research to identify receptive funding sources, and consistent, confident, knowledgeable communication of needs and objectives are requisite to the successful solicitation of funds. Burlingame, a university vice‐president who is responsible for fund‐raising at his institution, provides advice on the principles of successful fund‐raising. A sidebar discusses the Foundation Center.
Analysis of Fiberglass Poles for Electric Power Distribution

Developing countries need light-weight power distribution poles which resist deterioration in a hot, humid environment. It is possible that wound fiberglass poles can fill this need and also compete in industrialized countries with poles made of other materials. This paper presents an analysis of fiberglass power distribution poles. It is believed that the poles reported in this paper form the first such distribution line in the Western Hemisphere.
Self-Assembled Graphene/Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Films for Supercapacitors

Stable aqueous dispersions of polymer-modified graphene sheets were prepared via in situ reduction of exfoliated graphite oxides in the presence of cationic poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI). The resultant water-soluble PEI-modified graphene sheets were then used for sequential self-assembly with acid-oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes, forming hybrid carbon films. These hybrid films were demonstrated to possess an interconnected network of carbon structures with well-defined nanopores to be promising for supercapacitor electrodes, exhibiting a nearly rectangular cyclic voltammogram even at an exceedingly high scan rate of 1 V/s with an average specific capacitance of 120 F/g.
Progression of Cognitive, Functional, and Neuropsychiatric Symptom Domains in a Population Cohort With Alzheimer Dementia: The Cache County Dementia Progression Study

Objectives Progression of Alzheimer dementia (AD) is highly variable. Most estimates derive from convenience samples from dementia clinics or research centers where there is substantial potential for survival bias and other distortions. In a population-based sample of incident AD cases, we examined progression of impairment in cognition, function, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, and the influence of selected variables on these domains. Design Longitudinal, prospective cohort study. Setting Cache County (Utah). Participants Three hundred twenty-eight persons with a diagnosis of possible/probable AD. Measurements Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating sum-of-boxes (CDR-sb), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Results Over a mean follow-up of 3.80 (range: 0.07–12.90) years, the mean (SD) annual rates of change were −1.53 (2.69) scale points on the MMSE, 1.44 (1.82) on the CDR-sb, and 2.55 (5.37) on the NPI. Among surviving participants, 30% to 58% progressed less than 1 point per year on these measures, even 5 to 7 years after dementia onset. Rates of change were correlated between MMSE and CDR-sb (r = −0.62, df=201, p 2 = 8.7, df=2, p=0.013) and those with younger onset (likelihood ratio [LR] χ 2 = 5.7, df=2, p=0.058) declined faster on the MMSE. Although one or more apolipoprotein E η 4 alleles and ever use of FDA-approved antidementia medications were associated with initial MMSE scores, neither was related to the rate of progression in any domain. Conclusions A significant proportion of persons with AD progresses slowly. The results underscore differences between population-based versus clinic-based samples and suggest ongoing need to identify factors that may slow the progression of AD.
Queering the Dragonfest: Changing Sexualities in a Post-Patriarchal Religion

Cet article examine le mouvement americain Wicca, religion neo-paienne et attachee a la sorcellerie. L'A. presente ce mouvement comme une religion non patriarcale en raison de sa cosmologie centree sur une deesse. La description d'un rituel, les femmes a cornes lors de la Fete du Dragon, conduit l'A. a souligner la place accordee a la sexualite dans ce mouvement, le defi lance au patriarcat ainsi que son caractere queer
Stereo-based registration of range and projective imagery for data fusion and visualization

While interest in image and data fusion has grown signifi- cantly, its use in applications has been limited by the requirement that sensory data acquired from multiple sensors be accurately registered both spatially and over time. We present an autonomous stereo-based technique for spatially registering projective and range images acquired from externally uncalibrated sensors. Corresponding features are auto- matically extracted from range/projective image pairs. These points are then used to estimate the relative sensor pose by minimizing the differ- ence between scanned and predicted stereoscopic range measure- ments. Experimental results obtained using a LIDAR scanner and a color camera are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the stereo-based registration procedure. © 2001 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
Proposed curriculum for an "observational" international emergency medicine fellowship program.

This article presents information on considerations involved in setting up and conducting fellowship training programs in emergency medicine (EM) for physicians from other countries. General goals for these programs are to assist in providing physicians from other countries with the knowledge and skills needed to further develop EM in their home countries. The authors report their opinions, based on their cumulative extensive experiences, on the necessary and optional structural elements to consider for international EM fellowship programs. Because of U.S. medical licensing restrictions, much of the proposed programs' content would be "observational" rather than involving direct "hands-on" clinical EM training. Due to the very recent initiation of these programs in the United States, there has not yet been reported any scientific evaluation of their structure or efficacy. International EM fellowship programs involving mainly observational EM experience can serve as one method to assist in EM development in other countries. Future studies should assess the impact and efficacy of these programs.
Biodegradation and attenuation of steroidal hormones and alkylphenols by stream biofilms and sediments

Biodegradation of select endocrine-disrupting compounds (17β-estradiol, estrone, 17α-ethynylestradiol, 4-nonylphenol, 4-nonylphenolmonoexthoylate, and 4-nonylphenoldiethoxylate) was evaluated in stream biofilm, sediment, and water matrices collected from locations upstream and downstream from a wastewater treatment plant effluent discharge. Both biologically mediated transformation to intermediate metabolites and biologically mediated mineralization were evaluated in separate time interval experiments. Initial time intervals (0-7 d) evaluated biodegradation by the microbial community dominant at the time of sampling. Later time intervals (70 and 185 d) evaluated the biodegradation potential as the microbial community adapted to the absence of outside energy sources. The sediment matrix was more effective than the biofilm and water matrices at biodegrading 4-nonylphenol and 17β-estradiol. Biodegradation by the sediment matrix of 17α-ethynylestradiol occurred at later time intervals (70 and 185 d) and was not observed in the biofilm or water matrices. Stream biofilms play an important role in the attenuation of endocrine-disrupting compounds in surface waters due to both biodegradation and sorption processes. Because sorption to stream biofilms and bed sediments occurs on a faster temporal scale ( 185 d), these compounds can accumulate in stream biofilms and sediments.
Creep of polycrystalline SrCo0.8Fe0.2O3−δ

Abstract In this study, a series of compressive creep tests on rectangular specimens of SrCo 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3− δ of grain sizes in the range of 2.4–6.8 μ m was performed in air, covering a temperature range of 850–975°C and a stress range of 2–80 MPa. The stress exponent has been found to be close to unity in the 10–20 MPa stress range. The apparent activation energy assumes two different values, 471 kJ/mole below 925°C and 275 kJ/mole above 925°C. The microstructural observations of crept samples revealed equiaxed grains and negligible grain growth indicating a diffusion-accommodated grain switching mechanism. The logarithmic plot of strain rate vs inverse grain size has been found to be non-linear. A possible explanation for this behavior is discussed through the incorporation of a threshold stress. The possibility of estimating the lattice and grain-boundary diffusion coefficients from the data is discussed.
ERBB2 overexpression suppresses stress-induced autophagy and renders ERBB2-induced mammary tumorigenesis independent of monoallelic Becn1 loss

Defective autophagy has been implicated in mammary tumorigenesis, as the gene encoding the essential autophagy regulator BECN1 is deleted in human breast cancers and Becn1+/− mice develop mammary hyperplasias. In agreement with a recent study, which reports concurrent allelic BECN1 loss and ERBB2 amplification in a small number of human breast tumors, we found that low BECN1 mRNA correlates with ERBB2-overexpression in breast cancers, suggesting that BECN1 loss and ERBB2 overexpression may functionally interact in mammary tumorigenesis. We now report that ERBB2 overexpression suppressed autophagic response to stress in mouse mammary and human breast cancer cells. ERBB2-overexpressing Becn1+/+ and Becn1+/− immortalized mouse mammary epithelial cells (iMMECs) formed mammary tumors in nude mice with similar kinetics, and monoallelic Becn1 loss did not alter ERBB2- and PyMT-driven mammary tumorigenesis. In human breast cancer databases, ERBB2-expressing tumors exhibit a low autophagy gene signature, independent of BECN1 mRNA expression, and have similar gene expression profiles with non-ERBB2-expressing breast tumors with low BECN1 levels. We also found that ERBB2-expressing BT474 breast cancer cells, despite being partially autophagy-deficient under stress, can be sensitized to the anti-ERBB2 antibody trastuzumab (tzb) by further pharmacological or genetic autophagy inhibition. Our results indicate that ERBB2-driven mammary tumorigenesis is associated with functional autophagy suppression and ERBB2-positive breast cancers are partially autophagy-deficient even in a wild-type BECN1 background. Furthermore and extending earlier findings using tzb-resistant cells, exogenously imposed autophagy inhibition increases the anticancer effect of trastuzumab on tzb-sensitive ERBB2-expressing breast tumor cells, indicating that pharmacological autophagy suppression has a wider role in the treatment of ERBB2-positive breast cancer.
A scheme to randomly generate surface dust points for the 3D complex variable boundary element method (CVBEM)

A scheme to randomly generate dust points on the surface of a three-dimensional (3D) object is proposed. This scheme will potentially eliminate the bias of a density of points which are approximately equally spaced on the surface, as well as eliminate possible weighting requirements for areas of higher density. This method has the potential to reduce computational effort, as fewer points might be required to define the surface area. The global trial function vector can be assigned to these dust points and then entered into the complex variable boundary element method (CVBEM) commercial code. This scheme can be applied to each piece of a system that is comprised of a connected multiple geometry. A noticeable benefit of this approach is that the same problem can be studied several times, using a new random distribution of surface points each time. The smallest error can then be determined and that run selected. The Mathematica code used to generate the scheme is attached as an appendix.
Sheep red blood cells enhance T-lymphocyte proliferation.

Abstract Small numbers of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) markedly augmented the proliferation of T lymphocytes activated by antigens or mitogens. This effect occurred with as few as one SRBC per T lymphocyte and with intact or osmotically lysed red cells. When increasing numbers of SRBC was added to T lymphocyte cultures stimulated with PHA or autologous cells, T lymphocyte proliferation peaked sharply at 10 to 50 SRBC per T cell. The SRBC did not influence resting T-lymphocytes. Rather, the effect occurred after T lymphocyte activation during cell division. There was a detectable increase in interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor generation but not in IL-2 production by activated T lymphocytes cultured with SRBC versus medium alone. Finally, anti-Tl1 antibody could inhibit the SRBC enhancing effect on T-lymphocyte function, suggesting that an empty erythrocyte (E) receptor on the T lymphocyte was necessary for the SRBC action.
MRI predictors of treatment response for perianal fistulizing Crohn disease in children and young adults

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the imaging standard for diagnosis and characterization of perianal complications associated with Crohn disease in children and adults. To define MRI criteria that could act as potential predictors of treatment response in fistulizing Crohn disease in children, in order to guide more informed study interpretation. We performed a retrospective database query to identify all children and young adults with Crohn disease who underwent serial MRI studies for assessment of perianal symptoms between 2003 and 2010. We examined imaging features of perianal disease including fistula number, type and length, presence and size of associated abscess, and disease response/progression on follow-up MRI. We reviewed imaging studies and electronic medical records. Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was performed to associate MR imaging features with treatment response and disease progression. We included 36 patients (22 male, 14 female; age range 8–21 years). Of these, 32 had a second MRI exam and 4 had clinical evidence of complete response, obviating the need for repeat imaging. Of the parameters analyzed, presence of abscess, type of fistula according to the Parks classification, and multiplicity were not predictors of treatment outcome. Maximum length of the dominant fistula and aggregate fistula length in the case of multiple fistulae were the best predictors of treatment outcome. Maximum fistula length <2.5 cm was a predictor of treatment response, while aggregate fistula length ≥2.5 cm was a predictor of disease progression. Perianal fistula length is an important imaging feature to assess on MRI of fistulizing Crohn disease.
The effect of unavoidable shock on instrumental avoidance conditioning in spinal rats.

Abstract Sixteen acute spinal rats were instrumentally conditioned to the same criterion in one of two orders. In the first group, the animals were trained to flex the hindleg to avoid shock to that leg, then exposed to three min of unavoidable shock, and, finally, retrained. The animals of the second group were exposed to three minutes of unavoidable shock and then trained. Position-contingent stimulation was observed to be necessary for the acquisition of the conditioned response. The period of unavoidable shock preduced a detrimental effect in the retention of the training in one group and in the acquisition of the task in the second group.
A variation on the PDP 11

This paper discusses some pros and cons of the very popular mini computer, the PDP 11, and suggests a variation on its architecture. The new architecture evolves through a few phases. The end result is a processer with variable length and width operands. This is particularly useful to support vector oriented languages such as APL.This processor has never been implemented and there are no plans to do so. There would be much more design work to do. It was originally intended to be implementable with a bit sliced microprocessor.
Sense of place among New England commercial fishermen and organic farmers: implications for socially constructed environmental education

Given the prominence of sense of place in environmental education curricula, this paper aims to empirically examine and strengthen the conceptual understanding of sense of place. The results and implications are derived from research where five commercial fishermen and five organic farmers from the New England Seacoast region participated in a series of in‐depth phenomenological interviews and observations. This study supports the literature‐based conceptual framework that sense of place is comprised of: (1) ecological knowledge, which leads to ecological identity, (2) social knowledge, which facilitates the development of a social identity, and (3) attachment to the human and non‐human community in a place. Two broad themes that emerged from the data demonstrate how the social context of the human and non‐human community contributes to the development of one’s sense of place.
Dio 9 and chlorhexidine: Inhibitors of membrane-bound ATPase and of cation transport in Streptococcus faecalis

1. 1. Dio 9, an antibiotic of unknown structure, and the synthetic bis-guanidine Chlorhexidine (1,6-di-4′-chlorophenyldiguanidohexane), inhibit the ATPase associated with isolated protoplast membranes of Streptococcus faecalis. They inhibit both the native, membrane-bound enzyme, and the solubilized protein. The effects of Dio 9 and Chlorhexidine differ in this respect from those of N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide which was previously found to inhibit only the membrane-bound ATPase. 2. 2. When added to intact cells, Dio 9 and Chlorhexidine inhibit the net uptake of K+ by exchange for Na+ and H+, and also the stimulation of glycolysis associated with K+ uptake. However, they do not inhibit autologous exchange of 42K+ for K+. 3. 3. Dio 9 and Chlorhexidine apparently do not inhibit the generation of ATP via glycolysis. Partial inhibition of glycolysis by these compounds may be a secondary consequence of the inhibition of ATPase. 4. 4. The finding that Dio 9 and Chlorhexidine inhibit both the ATPase and net K+ uptake by S. faecalis supports the hypothesis that the ATPase is involved in ion transport.
Anxiety and Achievement of Grammar School Boys

Questionnaires administered in 1962 and 1966 have shown that there is a relationship between the social classes of occupations aspired to and actually achieved by grammar school boys. Anxiety seems to affect achievements but not aspirations.
Spectroscopic, kinetic, and mechanistic study of a new mode of coordination of indole derivatives to platinum(II) and palladium(II) ions in complexes.

Binding of tryptophan residue to intrinsic metal ions in proteins is unknown, and very little is known about the coordinating abilities of indole. Indole-3-acetamide displaces the solvent ligands from cis-[Pt(en)(sol)2]2+, in which sol is acetone or H2O, in acetone solution and forms the complex cis-[Pt(en)(indole-3-acetamide)]2+ (3) of spiro structure, in which the new bidentate ligand coordinates to the Pt(II) atom via the C(3) atom of the indolyl group and the amide oxygen atom. This structure is supported by 1H, 13C, 15N, and 195Pt NMR spectra and by UV, IR, and mass spectra. Molecular mechanical simulations by Hyperchem and CHARMM methods give consistent structural models; the latter is optimized by density-functional quantum chemical calculations. Dipeptide-like molecules N-(3-indolylacetyl)-l-amino acid in which amino acid is alanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, aspartic acid, or phenylalanine also displace the solvent ligands in acetone solution and form complexes cis-[Pt(en) N-(3-indolylacetyl)-...
Evaluation of Sampling Techniques for Age-0 Lake Sturgeon in a Lake Michigan Tributary

Abstract Rehabilitation of lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens in the Great Lakes would benefit from a greater understanding of early life stage attributes. The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of active and passive sampling gears for capturing age-0 lake sturgeon and evaluate whether the most effective gear types were size selective. Fish were collected by means of active (i.e., wading, haul-seine, backpack electrofishing, snorkeling surveys, and bottom trawls) and passive (i.e., gill nets, set lines, and fyke nets) sampling gears from June to November of 2002 and 2003 in the lower Peshtigo River, Wisconsin, and nearshore waters of Green Bay. Mean catch per unit effort (CPUE) was greatest for day wading (0.036 fish/min), followed by day haul-seine surveys (0.029 fish/min), night wading (0.020 fish/min), and night haul-seine surveys (0.015 fish/min). Night wading surveys captured the greatest number of fish (N = 118). Day and night electrofishing (CPUE = 0.008 and 0.013 fish/min, res...
cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P450s: a new age of molecular toxicology and human risk assessment

Abstract It has long been recognized that large degree of species differences exists among drug and carcinogen metabolizing enzymes. In particular, differences in cytochrome P450s, the principal enzymes of metabolic activation of procarcinogens, are widespread and may determine species and individual susceptibility to cancer causing chemicals. Although species differences in both the regulation and catalytic activities of P450s are quite large, rodent-based systems are mainly used as the means to determine the degree of hazard of environmental pollutants, pesticides, drugs and other environmental chemicals to humans. During recent years, a large effort has been expended on analyzing directly the structure, properties and catalytic activities of P450s from human tissues. In vitro mutagen testing systems, based on activation by human P450s, are being developed that will supplement other test systems in order to more accurately predict human risk to chemical exposure.
Signal enhancement in on-column fluorometric detection in open-tubular capillary liquid chromatography

Abstract Signal enhancement in on-column fluorometric detection in open-tubular capillary liquid chromatography is reported. Signal enhancement due to the environment effect of the stationary phase was estimated by using equations derived here. The enhancement factor was about 3 for anthracene on the n-octylmethylpolysiloxane stationary phase.
On the dynamics of contact between space robots and configuration control for impact minimization

Contact between free-flying space robots, and the minimization of the impulse at contact are studied. A general approach for modeling systems with a moving base is presented. In particular, the formulation of the dynamical equations of motion for a space-based manipulator system with external applied forces are considered. The new equation of motion is then used to derive a dynamical contact model. Unlike previous approaches, the analysis takes into account both relative translational and rotational motions between contacting bodies. An analysis of the dynamical contact model reveals that the impulse at contact could be minimized by the optimization of a scalar cost function. Two approaches to the Cartesian space planning problem for space-based systems are discussed. A joint space planning strategy that achieves both trajectory tracking and impact minimization is proposed. Simulation results for a fifteen-degree-of-freedom (DOF) space robot are presented. >
Estimating the occurrence of child maltreatment and risk-factor effects: benefits of a mixed-design strategy in epidemiologic research

Despite the large volume of literature on child abuse and neglect generated over the past two decades, there has been relatively little comprehensive discussion of the limitations of different study designs for achieving major epidemiologic research goals. Although some improvements have been made in conventional research designs, there have been few efforts to develop new approaches. This article discusses the methodologic limitations of four observational study designs--ecologic, case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort--that dominate the child abuse and neglect literature; identifies key features of an "ideal" study of child maltreatment; and proposes a new mixed-design research strategy. The major advantage of the proposed strategy is that it greatly improves the ability to identify cases of child maltreatment from a well-defined population at risk representing diverse segments of the US population.
Prolactin and estrogen enhance the activity of activating protein 1 in breast cancer cells: role of extracellularly regulated kinase 1/2-mediated signals to c-fos.

Despite the important roles of both prolactin (PRL) and 17β-estradiol (E2) in normal mammary development as well as in breast cancer, and coexpression of the estrogen receptor (ER) and PRL receptor in many mammary tumors, the interactions between PRL and E2 in breast cancer have not been well studied. The activating protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor, a known regulator of processes essential for normal growth and development as well as carcinogenesis, is a potential site for cross-talk between these hormones in breast cancer cells. Here we demonstrate that PRL and E2 cooperatively enhance the activity of AP-1 in MCF-7-derived cells. In addition to the acute PRL-induced ERK1/2 activation, PRL and E2 also individually elicited delayed, sustained rises in levels of phosphorylated p38 and especially ERK1/2. Together, these hormones increased the dynamic phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and c-Fos, and induced c-fos promoter activity. Synergistic activation of the transcription factor, Elk-1, reflected the PRL-E2 i...
The nature of indexing: how humans and machines analyze messages and texts for retrieval: part I: research, and the nature of human indexing

Abstract Does human intellectual indexing have a continuing role to play in the face of increasingly sophisticated automatic indexing techniques? In this two-part essay, a computer scientist and long-time TREC participant (Perez-Carballo) and a practitioner and teacher of human cataloging and indexing (Anderson) pursue this question by reviewing the opinions and research of leading experts on both sides of this divide. We conclude that human analysis should be used on a much more selective basis, and we offer suggestions on how these two types of indexing might be allocated to best advantage. Part one of the essay critiques the comparative research, then explores the nature of human analysis of messages or texts and efforts to formulate rules to make human practice more rigorous and predictable. We find that research comparing human vs automatic approaches has done little to change strongly held beliefs, in large part because many associated variables have not been isolated or controlled. Part II focuses on current methods in automatic indexing, its gradual adoption by major indexing and abstracting services, and ways for allocating human and machine approaches. Overall, we conclude that both approaches to indexing have been found to be effective by researchers and searchers, each with particular advantages and disadvantages. However automatic indexing has the over-arching advantage of decreasing cost, as human indexing becomes ever more expensive.
A comparison of deterministic and probabilistic life cycle cost analyses of ground source heat pump (GSHP) applications in hot and humid climate

Abstract Geothermal energy is widely considered as an ideal alternative energy for building operations. Despite the fact that ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) have been studied for decades, including economic analyses such as life cycle costing, their technical and economic applicability in hot and humid climate such as FL, USA is yet to be determined. In the past, many life cycle cost analyses on GSHPs were conducted using a deterministic method to derive point estimates. In many cases, data were assumed, but data uncertainties were not accounted for. In this study, a comparison of the deterministic and the probabilistic method was performed in order to understand the impact of data uncertainties on results of analyses. The probabilistic life cycle cost analysis was based on Monte Carlo simulation. A GSHP application case in Pensacola, FL was selected for the comparison. Some data were collected through site visits or interviews, while others were gathered from the literature or published data. Probability distribution functions used by Monte Carlo simulation were derived based on historical data or assumptions. Results of the case study from both deterministic and probabilistic methods confirmed that the GSHP option was economically more favorable than a conventional single zone split system using heat pumps, but with a long payback time if incentives were not considered. The probabilistic method was found to deliver a more reliable conclusion with more critical information than the deterministic method. However, further studies were needed to verify those initial observations obtained from this case study.
Design Logic of a Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling Network That Triggers Neurite Outgrowth

Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) regulates neuronal differentiation. To understand the logic underlying decision-making in the signaling network controlling CB1R-induced neurite outgrowth, we profiled the activation of several hundred transcription factors after cell stimulation. We assembled an in silico signaling network by connecting CB1R to 23 activated transcription factors. Statistical analyses of this network predicted a role for the breast cancer 1 protein BRCA1 in neuronal differentiation and a new pathway from CB1R through phosphoinositol 3-kinase to the transcription factor paired box 6 (PAX6). Both predictions were experimentally confirmed. Results of transcription factor activation experiments that used pharmacological inhibitors of kinases revealed a network organization of partial OR gates regulating kinases stacked above AND gates that control transcription factors, which together allow for distributed decision-making in CB1R-induced neurite outgrowth.
Analysis of gravitational effects on liquid lenses (ANGEL)

Liquid lenses have been developed as a means for fast and reliable variable-focus optics by using an adjustable curvature in a liquid-liquid interface. The use of liquid lenses also provides the benefit of reducing the number of elements in a system, and providing a degree of freedom without any moving parts. Different methods for surface curvature actuation have been developed, including aperture adjustment, mechanical actuators, stimuli-responsive hydrogels, and mechanical-wetting. Current liquid lens designs are limited to small apertures (less than 4mm) and density-matching fluids to lessen the negative effects of gravity. By creating a lens intended for use in a microgravity environment, the aperture size can be increased by orders of magnitude, and optimal fluids can be used regardless of their density. Using a large-aperture (12mm) liquid lens, image and surface metrology was conducted using a fixed-focus configuration. The Software Configurable Optical Test System (SCOTS) method was utilized to test the effect of microgravity, standard gravity, and hypergravity on the liquid lens during parabolic flights. Under standard gravity, the RMS wavefront error (WFE) was 27 wavelengths, while microgravity conditions allowed an improvement to 17 wavelengths RMS WFE. Test performance can be improved by using lower viscosity fluids or longer duration microgravity flights. The experiment also served as an engineering demonstration for the SCOTS method in an environment where other methods of optical metrology would be impossible.
Cholecystokinin-octapeptide-induced hyperthermia in guinea-pigs.

Intracerebroventricular administration of cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8) at room temperature (21°C) induced dose-related hyperthermia in guinea-pigs and also produced hyperthermia at low (10°C) and high (30°C) ambient temperatures. CCK-8-induced hyperthermia was direct and not mediated by prostaglandins, norepinephrine, cyclic AMP or naloxone-sensitive receptors.
Ancylostoma Factor Xa Inhibitor: Partial Purification and Its Identification as a Major Hookworm-Derived Anticoagulant In Vitro

Soluble protein extracts from adult Ancylostoma hookworms were found to contain an anticoagulant activity that markedly prolonged both the prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT). By chromogenic peptide substrate and clotting time assays, the anticoagulant activity was attributed to a specific inhibitor of clotting factor Xa. The hookworm anticoagulant was partially purified by ion-exchange column chromatography. Those column fractions containing anti-Xa activity by chromogenic assay also prolonged the PT and PTT as well as the factor X (Stypven) clotting time. These data suggest that this potent factor Xa inhibitor is a major anticoagulant from the adult Ancylostoma hookworm.
Francoist Legality: On the Crisis of Authority and the Limits of Liberalism in Jesús Fueyo and José Ortega y Gasset

This paper focuses on a crucial and insufficiently examined issue of the conflict between legality and legitimacy, seen as a key element in securing continuity and providing the intellectual justification of the Francoist regime. Without analyzing the tension between legality and legitimacy, it is impossible to comprehend and successfully dismantle the thesis of the regime's intellectuals, recently revitalized by revisionist historians, according to which Francoism succeeded in re-establishing historical continuity and political normalcy in Spanish society. In the context of the Cold War, it was crucial for Spanish legal scholars to portray Francoism not as a bastion of anti-liberalism, but as a regime whose survival entailed an original interpretation of notions such as freedom, rule of law, sovereignty and authority. They argued that the significance of Francoism consisted not only in defeating liberalism in Spain but in offering an alternative interpretation of its main tenets. By aspiring to justify a...
Identification of Genome-Scale Metabolic Network Models Using Experimentally Measured Flux Profiles

Genome-scale metabolic network models can be reconstructed for well-characterized organisms using genomic annotation and literature information. However, there are many instances in which model predictions of metabolic fluxes are not entirely consistent with experimental data, indicating that the reactions in the model do not match the active reactions in the in vivo system. We introduce a method for determining the active reactions in a genome-scale metabolic network based on a limited number of experimentally measured fluxes. This method, called optimal metabolic network identification (OMNI), allows efficient identification of the set of reactions that results in the best agreement between in silico predicted and experimentally measured flux distributions. We applied the method to intracellular flux data for evolved Escherichia coli mutant strains with lower than predicted growth rates in order to identify reactions that act as flux bottlenecks in these strains. The expression of the genes corresponding to these bottleneck reactions was often found to be downregulated in the evolved strains relative to the wild-type strain. We also demonstrate the ability of the OMNI method to diagnose problems in E. coli strains engineered for metabolite overproduction that have not reached their predicted production potential. The OMNI method applied to flux data for evolved strains can be used to provide insights into mechanisms that limit the ability of microbial strains to evolve towards their predicted optimal growth phenotypes. When applied to industrial production strains, the OMNI method can also be used to suggest metabolic engineering strategies to improve byproduct secretion. In addition to these applications, the method should prove to be useful in general for reconstructing metabolic networks of ill-characterized microbial organisms based on limited amounts of experimental data.
Microwave Resonator Technique for Moisture Content Determination in Single Soybean Seeds

A rectangular waveguide cavity operating in the H107 mode at 6.0 GHz was used to measure the resonant frequency Shift and the change in Q-factor caused by seeds of various dimensions and different hydration levels, located in the center of the cavity. Significant statistical correlations were found between those two parameters and the amount of water in the seeds and their dry mass. Moisture content, being a ratio of these two masses, may therefore be expressed in terms of two measured cavity parameters, regardless of the size of the seed. With this technique, the moisture content of soybeans, Glycine max L., in the range from 7 to 16 percent can be determined with an uncertainty of 0.9 percent at the 95-percent confidence level.
On the Analysis of Repeated Measures Over Time in Medical, Pharmacological, and Behavioral Research

Studies comparing different treatments over time using repeated measures on a wide variety of outcome variables are very common in the research literature. Unfortunately, they are rarely analyzed appropriately, at least from the standpoint of controlling the type I error rate (false rejection of the null hypothesis). As a consequence, many of the positive findings reported in such studies may be incapable of replication. The present article reviews the logical and statistical problems involved, emphasizes the importance of controlling the experimentwise error rate regardless of the research design employed, and presents an integrated, multivariate strategy for dealing with the several issues raised. Resolution of these issues is essential if the “fictional” content of research journals is to be kept within reasonable bounds.
A family systems nursing intervention model for paediatric health crisis.

tomlinson p.s., peden-mcalpine c. & sherman s. (2012) A family systems nursing intervention model for paediatric health crisis. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(3), 705–714. Abstract Aim. This article discusses the development of a family systems nursing intervention for clinical use in health crisis. Background. Although studies in paediatric critical care provide evidence that family stress is an important clinical phenomenon, studies have demonstrated that few nurses have the requisite family intervention skills to provide family members with adequate support during crisis. In addition, few intervention studies that focus on provider–family relationships with the goal of reducing stress have been reported. This article contributes to the literature by redressing this lack. Data sources. The literature search supporting this project spanned from 1980 to 2009 and included searches from classic nursing theory, family theory and relevant nursing research specific to the design of the intervention reported. Discussion. The goal of the intervention is to provide a theoretical and practical foundation for explicit action that enhances relationships with caregivers thereby supporting the integrity of the family and enhancing their coping abilities. The intervention, based on the Family Systems Model and the family’s understandings of the situation, defines specific goals and desired outcomes to guide strategic actions. Discussion of the conceptual foundation, procedural development and an example of the protocol is provided. Implications for nursing. The intervention is designed for nurses with limited knowledge in family theory to aid them to better help families dealing with stress. Conclusion. The proposed intervention can be used to increase nurses’ skills in family centred nursing care. Although designed for use in paediatric critical care, it can, with modifications, be used in other nursing specialty areas.