cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Petrogenesis of acapulcoites and lodranites : A shock-melting model

Abstract Acapulcoites are modeled as having formed by shock melting CR-like carbonaceous chondrite precursors; the degree of melting of some acapulcoites was low enough to allow the preservation of 3–6 vol % relict chondrules. Shock effects in acapulcoites include veins of metallic Fe–Ni and troilite, polycrystalline kamacite, fine-grained metal–troilite assemblages, metallic Cu, and irregularly shaped troilite grains within metallic Fe–Ni. While at elevated temperatures, acapulcoites experienced appreciable reduction. Because graphite is present in some acapulcoites and lodranites, it seems likely that carbon was the principal reducing agent. Reduction is responsible for the low contents of olivine Fa (4–14 mol %) and low-Ca pyroxene Fs (3–13 mol %) in the acapulcoites, the observation that, in more than two-thirds of the acapulcoites, the Fa value is lower than the Fs value (in contrast to the case for equilibrated ordinary chondrites), the low FeO/MnO ratios in acapulcoite olivine (16–18, compared to 32–38 in equilibrated H chondrites), the relatively high modal orthopyroxene/olivine ratios (e.g., 1.7 in Monument Draw compared to 0.74 in H chondrites), and reverse zoning in some mafic silicate grains. Lodranites formed in a similar manner to acapulcoites but suffered more extensive heating, loss of plagioclase, and loss of an Fe–Ni–S melt. Acapulcoites and lodranites experienced moderate post-shock annealing, presumably resulting from burial beneath material of low thermal diffusivity. The annealing process repaired damaged olivine crystal lattices, lending acapulcoites and lodranites the appearance of unshocked (i.e., shock-stage S1) rocks. Any high-pressure phases that may have formed during initial shock reverted to their low-pressure polymorphs during annealing. Some samples were subsequently shocked again; several acapulcoites reached shock-stage S2 levels, ALH 84190 reached S3, and the lodranite MAC 88177 reached S5.
Variations in Binding Among Several Agonists at Two Stoichiometries of the Neuronal, α4β2 Nicotinic Receptor

Drug-receptor binding interactions of four agonists, ACh, nicotine, and the smoking cessation compounds varenicline (Chantix) and cytisine (Tabex), have been evaluated at both the 2:3 and 3:2 stoichiometries of the α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Previous studies have established that unnatural amino acid mutagenesis can probe three key binding interactions at the nAChR: a cation−π interaction, and two hydrogen-bonding interactions to the protein backbone of the receptor. We find that all drugs make a cation−π interaction to TrpB of the receptor. All drugs except ACh, which lacks an N^(+)H group, make a hydrogen bond to a backbone carbonyl, and ACh and nicotine behave similarly in acting as a hydrogen-bond acceptor. However, varenicline is not a hydrogen-bond acceptor to the backbone NH that interacts strongly with the other three compounds considered. In addition, we see interesting variations in hydrogen bonding interactions with cytisine that provide a rationalization for the stoichiometry selectivity seen with this compound.
Serum 21-deoxycortisol and 17-hydroxypregnenolone in parents of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

The response of serum 21-deoxycortisol (21-DF), 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17-OHPE), 11-deoxycortisol and Cortisol to iv ACTH, was compared in 14 adult controls and 13 sets of parents of children with adrenal 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The baseline and post stimulation concentrations of hormones were similar in controls and parents, except for those of 21-DF, which were significantly greater in heterozygotes 30 min (p<0.005), 60 min (p<0.0025) and 90 min (p< 0.005) after stimulation with ACTH. When rates of increase were determined, those of 21-DF at 30, 60 and 90 min were significantly higher in the parents. Sixteen of the 26 parents (62%) had a rate of increase of 21-DF from 0 to 60 min greater than the mean plus two standard deviations of the control group. Using this same criteria, 11 of the 13 mothers (85%) of affected children could be identified as heterozygotes. The rate of increase of 21-DF from 0 to 60 min following ACTH provides a method for the detection of some heterozygote carriers of congenital adrenal hyperplasia and may be useful particularly in the identification of female carriers.
Adaptive control of intracellular Ca2+ release in C2C12 mouse myotubes

Laser scanning confocal imaging was used to monitor release of Ca2+ from localized regions in a skeletal muscle cell line with sparsely distributed Ca2+ release sites. The goal was to distinguish between two schemes proposed to explain the phenomenon of “quantal” Ca2+ release from caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ stores in muscle and other tissues: (1) all-or-none (true quantal) Ca2+ release from functionally discrete stores that have different sensitivities to caffeine; or (2) adaptive behavior of individual release sites, each responding transiently and repeatedly to incremental caffeine doses. Our results showed that Ca2+ release induced by K+ or caffeine occurs in discrete loci within the cell. The image areas and fluorescence intensities of some of these evoked local signals were similar to those of Ca2+ sparks that were observed under resting conditions and which are believed to be due to spontaneous activation of single release units. In contrast to the expectations imposed by quantal models, incremental doses of caffeine activated the same sets of release sites throughout the cell. Ca2+ release, at a given site, triggered by a submaximal dose of caffeine was transient and could be reactivated by addition of a higher caffeine dose, showing the same type of adaptive behavior as measured globally from larger areas of the cell. These results suggest that incremental Ca2+ release is accounted for by adaptive behavior of individual Ca2+ release sites.
k{sub T} effects in direct-photon production

We discuss the phenomenology of initial-state parton-k{sub T} broadening in direct-photon production and related processes in hadron collisions. After a brief summary of the theoretical basis for a Gaussian-smearing approach, we present a systematic study of recent results on fixed-target and collider direct-photon production, using complementary data on diphoton and pion production that provide empirical guidance on the required amount of k{sub T} broadening. This approach provides a consistent description of the observed pattern of deviation of next-to-leading order QCD calculations relative to the direct-photon data, and accounts for the shape and normalization difference between fixed-order perturbative calculations and the data. We also discuss the uncertainties in this phenomenological approach, the implications of these results on the extraction of the gluon distribution of the nucleon, and the comparison of our findings to recent related work. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
The effect of oxygen tension on the in vitro assay of human osteoblastic connective tissue progenitor cells

Connective tissue progenitors (CTPs) are defined as the heterogeneous set of stem and progenitor cells that reside in native tissues and are capable of proliferation and differentiation into one or more connective tissue phenotypes. CTPs play important roles in tissue formation, repair, and remodeling. Therefore, in vitro assays of CTP prevalence and biological potential have important scientific and clinical relevance. This study evaluated oxygen tension as an important variable in optimizing in vitro conditions for quantitative assays of human CTPs. Bone marrow aspirates were collected from 20 human subjects and cultured using established medium conditions at ambient oxygen tensions of 1, 5, 10, and 20%. Colony-forming efficiency (CFE), proliferation, and colony density were assessed. CFE and proliferation were greatest at 5% O(2). Traditional conditions using atmospheric oxygen tension (20% O(2)) reduced CFE by as much as 32%. CFE and proliferation at 1% O(2) were less than 5% O(2) but comparable to that seen at 20% O(2), suggesting that CTPs are relatively resilient under hypoxic conditions, a fact that may be relevant to their function in wound repair and their potential use in tissue engineering applications involving transplantation into settings of moderate to severe hypoxia. These data demonstrate that optimization of quantitative assays for CTPs will require control of oxygen tension.
Anatomical Considerations of Irreducible Medial Subtalar Dislocation

Irreducible medial subtalar dislocation has been associated with the talar head "buttonholing" through the extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) muscle, entrapment of the talar head in the extensor retinaculum, talonavicular impaction, interpositioning of the EDB muscle between the talus and navicular, and buttonholing of the talar head through the talonavicular ligament and joint capsule. Cadaver analysis of the medial subtalar dislocation in this study supported entrapment of the talar head in the extensor retinaculum and talonavicular impaction as well as impingement of the deep peroneal nerve and associated dorsalis pedis arterial branches between the talus and navicular as causes of irreducible subtalar dislocation. In this study, the talar head was not noted to buttonhole through or entrap the EDB muscle. This is the first report of the deep peroneal nerve implicated as a possible cause of irreducible medial subtalar dislocation.
Experience With Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging Of Human Atherosclerotic Arteries

Normal human arteries have a well-defined structure on intravascular images. The intima appears very thin and is most likely represented by a bright reflection arising from the internal elastic lamina. The smooth muscle tunica media is echo-lucent on the ultrasound image and appears as a dark band separating the intima from the adventitia. The adventitia is a brightly reflective layer of variable thickness. The thickness of the intima, and therefore of the atherosclerotic plaque can be accurately measured from the ultrasound images and correlates well with histology. Calcification within the wall of arteries is seen as bright echo reflection with shadowing of the peripheral wall. Fibrotic regions are highly reflective but do not shadow. Necrotic liquid regions within advanced atherosclerotic plaques are seen on ultrasound images as large lucent zones surrounded by echogenic tissue. Imaging can be performed before and after interventional procedures, such as laser angioplasty, balloon angioplasty and atherectomy. Intravascular ultrasound appears to provide an imaging modality for identifying the histologic characteristics of diseased arteries and for quantifying plaque thickness. It might be possible to perform such quantification to evaluate the results of interventional procedures.
Cybernetics, teleology, and science

Cybernetics has evolved far beyond the problems of servomechanics and simple models of purposive behavior into a substantial body of theory with potential for resolving long-standing controversies surrounding the role of teteological concepts and reductionism in scientific explanation. The diverse research contributing to modem cybernetics views natural adaptation, goal-directed behavior, and conscious purpose as varying expressions of circular causal, recursive, and system/environment relationships along a continuum of organized complexity. This mode of analysis suggests that hierarchy in the sciences springs from a hierarchy of causal circuits in the structure of ideological phenomena, for which the dual, part/whole nature at any particular level forces a bifurcation of discourse into distinct “logical types” according to the observer's focus. The cybernetic paradigm may thus provide connecting tissue by which the full spectrum of explanation, from physicochemical to teleological, is joined in a coheren...
The effects of various parameters on an aeroelastic optimization problem

The optimal design of a panel flutter problem is investigated in this paper. A semi-infinite flat panel with either a homogeneous or sandwich cross section is considered. The thickness distribution of the panel is allowed to vary while the total weight is held fixed, and the distribution which maximizes the critical flutter parameter for stability is chosen as the optimal design. This design is calculated here by means of a generalized Ritz procedure, with the panel thickness assumed to have a certain form.
Health Insurance, Familial Responsibilities and Job Satisfaction

We observed that workers with health insurance provided by their employers reported lower job satisfaction in survey data. Middle-aged and middle-income workers, particularly those with young children at home, showed the strongest negative relationship between health insurance and job satisfaction. The most plausible explanation is that these workers were in suboptimal labor market situations because of their familial responsibilities to provide health insurance for their family relative to workers who were free to choose a better job match or not work at all. This is confirmed by workers with options to obtain health insurance from a source other than their own jobs, namely those likely eligible for parental insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, who showed no such negative relationship between health insurance and job satisfaction.
Measuring The Photoreceptor Mosaic: An Application Of Adaptive Gray Scale Morphology

Gray scale morphology is applied to the problem of counting and locating rods and cones in whole mounted human retina viewed with Nomarski differential interference contrast (NDIC) optics. Straightforward techniques perform well on high quality images, but fail badly on similar images. Two types of adaptation are introduced, both of which markedly broaden the class of images which can be handled.
Arytenoid Lateralization for Treatment of Laryngeal Paralysis in 10 Cats

Objective— To describe the signalment, history, clinical signs, surgical technique, and outcome for cats with laryngeal paralysis that had arytenoid lateralization. Study Design— Case series. Animals— Cats with laryngeal paralysis (n=10). Methods— Medical records (1996–2002) for cats with laryngeal paralysis that had arytenoid lateralization were reviewed for signalment, history, clinical signs, degree of paralysis, cause, concurrent medical conditions, surgical technique, and outcome. Follow-up information was obtained from owners or referring veterinarians. Results— Of 10 cats, 9 had bilateral and 1 had unilateral laryngeal paralysis. Arytenoid lateralization were unilateral (n=7), bilateral (1), and staged bilateral procedures (2), 10 days and 3 years apart, respectively. Postoperatively, 1 cat had persistent inspiratory noise because of minimal enlargement of the rima glottidis and 2 cats required a temporary tracheostomy for management of laryngeal swelling. Three cats developed aspiration pneumonia and died 4, 7, and 150 days after surgery; all 3 had bilateral (simultaneous or staged) procedures. Of the 7 remaining cats, 4 were alive at follow-up and 3 had died of causes unrelated to arytenoid lateralization. The calculated mean survival time for all 10 cats was 406 days (median, 150 days; range, 4–1825 days). Conclusions— Arytenoid lateralization was effective at enlarging the rima glottidis and reducing signs of airway obstruction in most cats. Clinical Relevance— Unilateral arytenoid lateralization is a feasible option for the surgical management of cats with marked clinical signs; however, bilateral procedures should be avoided or at least performed with considerable caution because of the apparent risk for aspiration pneumonia.
Symmetric time warping, Boltzmann pair probabilities and functional genomics

Given two time series, possibly of different lengths, time warping is a method to construct an optimal alignment obtained by stretching or contracting time intervals. Unlike pairwise alignment of amino acid sequences, classical time warping, originally introduced for speech recognition, is not symmetric in the sense that the time warping distance between two time series is not necessarily equal to the time warping distance of the reversal of the time series. Here we design a new symmetric version of time warping, and present a formal proof of symmetry for our algorithm as well as for one of the variants of Aach and Church [1]. We additionally design quadratic time dynamic programming algorithms to compute both the forward and backward Boltzmann partition functions for symmetric time warping, and hence compute the Boltzmann probability that any two time series points are aligned. In the future, with the availability of increasingly long and accurate time series gene expression data, our algorithm can provide a sense of biological significance for aligned time points – e.g. our algorithm could be used to provide evidence that expression values of two genes have higher Boltzmann probability (say) in the G1 and S phase than in G2 and M phases. Algorithms, source code and web interface, developed by the first author, are made publicly available via the Boltzmann Time Warping web server at bioinformatics.bc.edu/clotelab/.
Recurrent anterior uveitis associated with streptococcal pharyngitis in a patient with a history of poststreptococcal syndrome.

Abstract PURPOSE: To provide additional evidence that anterior uveitis can be a manifestation of poststreptococcal syndrome. METHOD: A case report providing follow-up information on a previously described patient. RESULTS: An adolescent girl in whom anterior uveitis was the only manifestation of poststreptococcal syndrome subsequently developed recurrent anterior uveitis after another episode of streptococcal pharyngitis. CONCLUSION: Anterior uveitis can recur in a manner similar to other manifestations of poststreptococcal syndrome after reinfection with group A streptococci.
Far-field approximation in two-dimensional slab-waveguides

In this paper, we investigate the criteria for far-field approximation in a 2D problem, including the phase criterion. Using a silicon-lab as the platform, we will also compare these criteria with those of a 3D scattering problem for both sub-wavelength and large objects. The convergence of the exact solution, based on Hankel functions, and the far-field approximation are presented.
Galactose mutarotase: pH dependence of enzymatic mutarotation.

Here we report pH dependence of kinetic parameters for the mutarotation of α-d-glucose catalyzed by galactose mutarotase (GalM) from Escherichia coli. The values of kcat and kcat/Km for the mutarotation of α-d-galactose were found to be 1.84 × 104 s-1 and 4.6 × 106 M-1 s-1, respectively, at pH 7.0 and 27 °C. The corresponding values for α-d-glucose were 1.9 × 104 s-1 and 5.0 × 105 M-1 s-1. Inasmuch as the value of kcat/Km for the reaction of α-d-galactose is 10 times that for α-d-glucose, and the diffusional rate constants should be essentially the same for the two sugars, the mutarotation of α-d-glucose should not be diffusion controlled. Therefore, pH−rate profiles should not be distorted by diffusion. The kcat for the mutarotation of α-d-glucose is independent of pH. Therefore, either the enzyme−substrate complexes do not undergo ionization of catalytic groups, or the rate-limiting step is neither mutarotation nor diffusion. The profile of log kcat/Km versus pH is a distorted bell-shaped curve, with sl...
On-line Control of the Ratch Setting on a Drawframe

A drawframe with an automatically controlled ratch setting was constructed which responded to variations in fiber length. The machine reacted to step changes in fiber length and settled into positions close to those recommended by the machine manufacturer for the particular fibers. An expert-system type of control was used. It involved integration of fast Fourier transforms over limited band widths and the use of progressive perturbations of the ratch with decisions being made using logic elements at each control cycle. The control cycles were reasonably rapid. The middle and back rolls were driven by stepping motors with electronic controls replacing the traditional gearing.
The Determination of T-2 Toxin, Diacetoxyscirpenol, and Deoxynivalenol in Foods and Feeds:

A method is presented for the analysis of mycotoxins using acetonitrile (90) water (10) extraction, petroleum ether defatting and ferric gel decolorization, chloroform partitioning, and a 1000-fold concentration. Gas chromatography and thin layer chromatography are used to separate and analyze the three most common thichothecene mycotoxins. The analysis has been applied to animal feeds, human foods, and animal tissues. Confirmation of the presence of the mycotoxins is made by IR, NMR, and/or mass spectrometric analysis and/or the chicken embryo test. The sensitivity of the method is 1 ppm for the three trichothecenes, the level of biological effectiveness. The gas chromatographic analysis technique is sensitive to 10 ng of each mycotoxin; the thin layer analysis is sensitive to 100 ng of each compound. Mass spectra may be obtained from 100 ng of each toxin taken from a thin layer chromatogram and the LD50 for chicken embryos is 100 ng/egg for T-2 toxin and diacetoxyscirpenol. Vomitoxin (deoxynivalenol) has not been subjected to the chicken embryo test due to the lack of authentic pure vomitoxin.
Business ethics — A developmental perspective: The evolution of the free and mature corporation

Ethics in Business organizations is a multidimensional process involving decision-making, leadership and institution building. The relatively simpler ethics of day-to-day decisions has to be reflected upon in the context of corporate desire for continuity, embedded in the values of a progressive society. At the operating level, the multivalence of decision situations is emphasized in place of the simple good — bad or cost — benefit dichotomies. A decision tree framework is presented to reflect the richness of the decisions. At the corporate level, the concept of responsive strategy as a synthesis of vision, power, and responsibility is proposed. In this, the crucial role of leaders cannot be over-emphasized. Finally, at the societal level, the evolution of capitalism and its corporate forms is seen as a milestone in people's search for enlightened ways to achieve refined ends. As more businesses assert their rightful roles in society, progressive institutional forms more in tune with the values of the twenty-first century should emerge.
UPC2 is universally essential for azole antifungal resistance in Candida albicans

In Candida albicans, the transcription factor Upc2 is central to the regulation of ergosterol biosynthesis. UPC2-activating mutations contribute to azole resistance, whereas disruption increases azole susceptibility. In the present study, we investigated the relationship of UPC2 to fluconazole susceptibility, particularly in azole-resistant strains. In addition to the reduced fluconazole MIC previously observed with UPC2 disruption, we observed a lower minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) for a upc2Δ/Δ mutant than for its azole-susceptible parent, SC5314. Moreover, the upc2Δ/Δ mutant was unable to grow on a solid medium containing 10 μg/ml fluconazole and exhibited increased susceptibility and a clear zone of inhibition by Etest. Time-kill analysis showed higher fungistatic activity against the upc2Δ/Δ mutant than against SC5314. UPC2 disruption in strains carrying specific resistance mutations also resulted in reduced MICs and MFCs. UPC2 disruption in a highly azole resistant clinical isolate containing multiple resistance mechanisms likewise resulted in a reduced MIC and MFC. This mutant was unable to grow on a solid medium containing 10 μg/ml fluconazole and exhibited increased susceptibility and a clear zone of inhibition by Etest. Time-kill analysis showed increased fungistatic activity against the upc2Δ/Δ mutant in the resistant background. Microarray analysis showed attenuated induction by fluconazole of genes involved in sterol biosynthesis, iron transport, or iron homeostasis in the absence of UPC2. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the UPC2 transcriptional network is universally essential for azole resistance in C. albicans and represents an attractive target for enhancing azole antifungal activity.
STEROL CARRIER PROTEIN-2, A NEW FATTY ACYL COENZYME A-BINDING PROTEIN

The ability of sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2) to interact with long chain fatty acyl-CoAs was examined. SCP-2 bound fluorescent fatty acyl-CoAs at a single site with high affinity. Kd values for cis- and trans-parinaroyl-CoA were 4.5 and 2.8 nM, respectively. Saturated 10-18-carbon and unsaturated 14-20-carbon fatty acyl-CoAs displaced SCP-2-bound fluorescent ligand. Oleoyl-CoA and oleic acid (but not coenzyme A) significantly altered SCP-2 Trp50 emission and anisotropy decay, thereby increasing SCP-2 rotational correlation time, SCP-2 hydrodynamic radius, and SCP-2 Trp50 remaining anisotropy up to 1.7-, 1.2-, and 1.3-fold, respectively. These changes were not accompanied by significant alterations in protein secondary structure as determined by circular dichroism. Finally, SCP-2 differentially altered the fluorescence emission and anisotropy decays of bound cis- and trans-parinaroyl-CoA. Both fluorescent fatty acyl-CoAs were located within a very ordered (limited cone angle of rotation) environment within SCP-2, as shown by a remaining anisotropy of 0.365 and 0.361 and a wobbling cone angle of 12 and 13 degrees , respectively. These anisotropy values were very close to those of such ligands in a propylene glass. However, the rotational relaxation times exhibited by SCP-2-bound cis- and trans-parinaroyl-CoA, 8.4-8.8 ns, were longer than those for the corresponding free fatty acid, 7.5-6.6 ns. These data show for the first time that SCP-2 is a fatty acyl-CoA-binding protein.
Data at Risk Initiative: Examining and Facilitating the Scientific Process in Relation to Endangered Data

Examining the scientific process in relation to endangered data, data reuse, and sharing is crucial in facilitating scientific workflow. Deterioration, format obsolescence, and insufficient metadata for discovery are significant problems leading to loss of scientific data. The research presented in this paper considers these potentially lost data. Four one-hour focus groups and a demographic survey were conducted with 14 scientists to learn about their attitudes toward endangered data, data sharing, data reuse, and their opinions of the DARI inventory. The results indicate that unavailability, lack of context, accessibility issues, and potential endangerment are key concerns to scientists.
What is the role of DSP in future optical access

Digital signal processing enables software-defined optical access networks based on orthogonal frequency-division multiple access with improved spectral efficiency, flexible resource allocation, and high degree of reconfigurability.
Numerical Methods for Tracking Interfaces With Surface Tension in 3-D Mold Filling Processes

Gravity-pour casting processes are simulated for both low and high Weber number flows. The validation problems examined are a symmetric side-fill problem and a more complex asymmetric top-fill problem with flow over and obstacle. A recently developed continuum surface force model was implemented within a transient three-dimensional software simulation tool and applied to the low Weber number problem. The resulting simulations are compared with experiments that were conducted in order to validate current and future gravity-pour casting simulations. The simulations are found to capture much of the qualitative behavior of the complex three-dimensional flows.© 2002 ASME
A method of deducing the user’s state of mind by analyzing pictographic characters and emoticons in mobile phone emails and a method of selecting music suitable for the user’s state of mind

As the ubiquitous environment is taking root, there are calls for services that deliver content appropriate for the individual userpsilas personal interests and preferences. Services are already being provided that deduce the interests or preferences of the user by analyzing his or her log data and provide content appropriate for his or her physical/mental/emotional state. A method of deducing the state of mind of the user has been proposed, which analyzes pictographic characters in emails sent by mobile phones. In this paper, we attempt to improve the accuracy of state-of-mind deduction by analyzing not only pictographic characters but also emoticons that many people use to express their feelings explicitly. We have developed an algorithm for extracting state-of-mind elements associated with each pictographic character or emoticon, and defining it with vector values of these elements. We have developed a prototype system, and verified the effectiveness of the algorithm by having a group of students use the system. We have applied the algorithm to the selection of music, which is considered to be close related to peoplepsilas feelings. Specifically, we have proposed a method of selecting an appropriate piece of music based on a music type, which is represented by the ldquonumber of chordsrdquo, ldquosound strengthrdquo, and ldquomelody patternrdquo in a piece of music. We have evaluated a music delivery service, which delivers a piece of music suitable for the current feeling of the user.
Coordinability and consistency: Application of systems theory to accident causation and prevention

Abstract Recent works in the safety literature report several fruitful attempts to introduce mathematically rigorous results from systems and control theory to bear upon accident prevention and system safety. Previously, we discussed the implications on safety of the systems theoretic principles of coordinability and consistency, and we identified the lack of coordinability and/or consistency as fundamental failure modes in hierarchical multilevel systems. In this work, we further develop system safety analysis techniques based on these principles. We demonstrate that these principles not only provide a domain-independent vocabulary for expressing the results of post-mortem accident analyses, but they can also be applied to guide design and operational choices for accident prevention and system safety. We develop these ideas with the help of an illustrative case study. This case study represents a broad class of systems where operational policies and procedures of individual stakeholders in the system interact with physical processes such that new system behaviors emerge, and unanticipated safety issues arise. We argue, and illustrate our arguments using this case study, that the coordinability and consistency principles can be developed to deliver a threefold impact on accident analysis and prevention: firstly, these principles provide domain-independent procedural templates and vocabulary for post-mortem accident analysis. Secondly, these principles provide theoretical safety specifications to be met during system design and operation. Finally, these safety specifications can precipitate the formulation of a series of questions directly related to safety-oriented choices in the design, operation, and control of systems.
Community Readiness for Change and Youth Violence Prevention: a Tale of Two Cities

This case study identifies a situation in which there exists a set of preconditions for the successful application of evidence based practice to bear on the community based problem of youth violence. The concept of readiness to change and its impact on the success or failure of interventions designed to change harmful or dangerous behavior among individuals is well established and understood in intervention research. In recent years this concept has been discussed and developed in the community intervention and harm reduction literatures. The current study is one of a community where an attempt was made to identify community levels of harm, develop a strategic plan to reduce the source of harm, and develop, implement, and evaluate youth violence prevention interventions. Over more than 5 years of involvement by university based researchers and community partners, the effort was largely unsuccessful. The events of this project are discussed within the context of the Community Readiness Model Edwards et al. (J Community Psychol 28(3): 291–307, 2000) and we present a narrative that helps to highlight the reasons for the relative lack of success of the effort. We suggest additional strategies and actions that might have helped to overcome the lack of readiness of this particular community to reduce the harms associated with youth violence. Suggestions that may improve chances for a more successful set of outcomes for other communities in similar states of readiness to change and with similar challenges are given.
An Overview on the Marine Neurotoxin, Saxitoxin: Genetics, Molecular Targets, Methods of Detection and Ecological Functions

Marine neurotoxins are natural products produced by phytoplankton and select species of invertebrates and fish. These compounds interact with voltage-gated sodium, potassium and calcium channels and modulate the flux of these ions into various cell types. This review provides a summary of marine neurotoxins, including their structures, molecular targets and pharmacologies. Saxitoxin and its derivatives, collectively referred to as paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), are unique among neurotoxins in that they are found in both marine and freshwater environments by organisms inhabiting two kingdoms of life. Prokaryotic cyanobacteria are responsible for PST production in freshwater systems, while eukaryotic dinoflagellates are the main producers in marine waters. Bioaccumulation by filter-feeding bivalves and fish and subsequent transfer through the food web results in the potentially fatal human illnesses, paralytic shellfish poisoning and saxitoxin pufferfish poisoning. These illnesses are a result of saxitoxin’s ability to bind to the voltage-gated sodium channel, blocking the passage of nerve impulses and leading to death via respiratory paralysis. Recent advances in saxitoxin research are discussed, including the molecular biology of toxin synthesis, new protein targets, association with metal-binding motifs and methods of detection. The eco-evolutionary role(s) PSTs may serve for phytoplankton species that produce them are also discussed.
Japanese imports of manufactures from east asia: is the glass half empty or half full?

There has been a great deal of controversy as to how much protection against manufactured imports the Japanese government has provided for its domestic market. There have been claims in the United States about such protection, as well as by nearby Asian exporters who have alleged that Japan has inhibited their ability to produce for that market. An analysis of the Japanese pattern of imports of manufactured goods suggests that while the nearby Asian exporters, especially Korea, have done well in terms of exporting such products to Japan, particularly in contrast to other world exporters, these Asian countries have probably done much less well than they could have with a more Japanese market.
Field research studies on the movement and degradation of thiodicarb and its metabolite methomyl

Abstract The movement and degradation of thiodicarb and its metabolite methomyl were measured at three locations in the United States. At a site near Clayton, North Carolina, soil samples were used to determine the degradation rate of thiodicarb in surface soils and methomyl in both surface and subsoils. At sites near Palermo, New York, and Oviedo, Florida, the shallow groundwater was monitored following multiple foliar applications of thiodicarb. These groundwater monitoring studies were conducted under conditions favorable to movement of pesticides to groundwater since surface soils were loamy sand or sand, subsoils were sand, water tables ranged between 0.1 and 1.8 m, and rainfall was supplemented by irrigation to ensure that the sum of irrigation and rainfall was at least 1.5 times the normal monthly rainfall. In these studies the half-life of thiodicarb was only a few hours in surface soils, while the half-life methomyl was about two days in surface soils and about 0.5 to 1.6 months in subsoils. Although methomyl residues were detected in shallow groundwater in the Oviedo and Palermo studies (designed to be representative of worst case situations), these residues were present in only one well cluster and one sampling interval, and at concentrations substantially below the established health advisory level.
Univalent activation of anaphylactic reactions.

Abstract The evidence for elicitation by physically and functionally univalent haptens is reviewed, and the importance of such reactions in nature is discussed. Data indicate that configuration of the hapten and binding site characteristics such as ‘depth’ may be decisive in determining effectiveness of elicitation. The probability of a ‘toxic’ configurational change of cell-fixed antibody molecules on interaction with antigen and possible differences in the mechanism of anaphylaxis produced by univalent and multivalent antigens are discussed.
Study of the L 23 edges in the 3 d transition metals and their oxides by electron-energy-loss spectroscopy with comparisons to theory

Excitations of the $2p$ subshell in the $3d$ transition metals and their oxides have been studied by inelastic scattering of 75-keV electrons. The ${L}_{23}$ "white lines" which arise from dipole transitions to unoccupied $d$ states have been investigated in terms of their threshold energies, widths, and intensity ratios. Shifts in the ${L}_{3}$ threshold energy between the metal and oxide are different from the chemical shifts measured by x-ray photoemission spectroscopy and this suggests the importance of relaxation effects. Single-particle calculations for the ${L}_{3}$ spectra are also discussed. Measured ${L}_{3}$ linewidths are generally larger than those predicted by suitably broadened theory. A variation from the statistical ${L}_{3}$-to-${L}_{2}$ white-line intensity ratio of 2:1 has been observed across the $3d$ transition row, with values ranging between 0.8:1 for Ti to 5:1 for FeO. This behavior appears to be associated with the white lines since Cu with a filled $3d$ band exhibits the statistical results. It is suggested that the anomalous ratios may be explained by a breakdown of $j\ensuremath{-}j$ coupling caused by an exchange mechanism. Finally, the extended x-ray absorption fine-structure-type structure extending several hundred eV above the white lines is analyzed for Cr to provide the radial distribution function.
Phase II study of rubitecan, an oral camptothecin in patients with advanced colorectal cancer who have failed previous 5-fluorouracil based chemotherapy.

Background: Rubitecan (RFS-2000, 9NC, Orathecin™ is an orally bioavailable camptothecin analogue, with evidence of preclinical activity in colon cancer cell lines. We evaluated oral rubitecan (5 days on, 2 days rest per week) on a continuous schedule, in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC), who progressed after 5-flurouracil based chemotherapy. Patients and results: Fourteen eligible patients were treated with rubitecan at 1.5 mg/m2/day on a 5 day/week continuous schedule. Therapy was well tolerated with most adverse events in the mild to moderate category. Grade 3/4 toxicity consisting of anemia, diarrhea and elevated bilirubin was seen in 4 patients. No responses were seen in 13 evaluable patients. Overall median survival (95% confidence interval) was 10.1 (range 3.1–12.6) months, and median time to progression was 2.1 months. Conclusions: Administration of rubitecan was well tolerated, but this schedule does not appear to have clinical activity in patients with advanced previously treated CRC.
THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG DYSFUNCTIONAL ELIMINATION SYNDROMES, PRIMARY VESICOURETERAL REFLUX AND URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN

AbstractPurpose: We determine whether functional bladder and/or bowel disorders influence the natural history or treatment of children with primary vesicoureteral reflux.Materials and Methods: We assess 143 children with primary vesicoureteral reflux that stopped spontaneously or was a surgically corrected for functional bowel and/or bladder disorders, including bladder instability, constipation and infrequent voiding, termed the dysfunctional elimination syndromes.Results: Dysfunctional elimination syndromes were present in 66 of 143 children (43%) thought to have primary vesicoureteral reflux. Of these 66 patients 54 (82%) had a breakthrough urinary tract infection and underwent reimplantation compared to only 18% without the syndromes. Of 70 children who had a breakthrough urinary tract infection dysfunctional elimination syndromes were present in 54 (77%) and absent in 16 (23%). Of the remaining 73 patients who did not have a breakthrough infection dysfunctional elimination syndromes were present in 1...
Planning speech: a picture's words worth.

Abstract Ten adult speakers described 25 pictures depicting common scenes using both single long sentences and multiple short sentences. Reaction time to initiate speech was longer and fundamental voice frequency was higher at the beginning of single long sentences, indicative of speech planning. Analyses on pausing, syntax, and semantics provided further information about mental operations that accompany speaking.
Development of a Coupled Land Surface Hydrologic Model and Evaluation at a Critical Zone Observatory

AbstractA fully coupled land surface hydrologic model, Flux-PIHM, is developed by incorporating a land surface scheme into the Penn State Integrated Hydrologic Model (PIHM). The land surface scheme is adapted from the Noah land surface model. Because PIHM is capable of simulating lateral water flow and deep groundwater at spatial resolutions sufficient to resolve upland stream networks, Flux-PIHM is able to represent heterogeneities due to topography and soils at high resolution, including spatial structure in the link between groundwater and the surface energy balance (SEB). Flux-PIHM has been implemented at the Shale Hills watershed (0.08 km2) in central Pennsylvania. Multistate observations of discharge, water table depth, soil moisture, soil temperature, and sensible and latent heat fluxes in June and July 2009 are used to manually calibrate Flux-PIHM at hourly temporal resolution. Model predictions from 1 March to 1 December 2009 are evaluated. Both hydrologic predictions and SEB predictions show goo...
Measured supersonic flame properties: Heat-release patterns, pressure losses, thermal choking limits

Some general properties of a research-scale supersonic combustion device are reported and compared to a simple one-dimensional analysis of supersonic flow with heat addition and area change. The properties that were measured include the stagnation pressure losses because of combustion, the static pressure axial profiles, and the thermal choking limits; the heat-release pattern was inferred from these measurements. A simple combustor geometry was chosen that consists of a hydrogen-air turbulent jet flame that is stabilized along the axis of a supersonic (Mach 2.2) airflow within a diverging duct. It was found that the heat-release pattern (in kilowatts per centimeter of axial distance) is not uniform in space, but varies in a lognormal manner in the axial direction for the supersonic jet flame, which differs from the Gaussian pattern that characterizes a subsonic jet flame. The difference is attributed to earlier air entrainment and combustion caused by the supersonic coflowing air. It was found that it is possible to adequately estimate the measured stagnation pressure loss and the thermal choking limits using a one-dimensional analysis, if the measured lognormal shape of the heat release pattern is used. Measurements also quantify the wall divergence angle that is required to avoid thermal choking.
Effect of price capitation on implant selection for primary total hip and knee arthroplasty.

While price capitation strategies may help to control total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) implant costs, its effect on premium implant selection is unclear. Primary THA and TKA cases 6 months before and after capitated pricing implementation were retrospectively identified. After exclusions, 716 THA and 981 TKA from a large academic hospital and 2 midsize private practice community hospitals were reviewed. Academic hospital surgeons increased premium THA implant usage (66.5% to 70.6%; P = 0.28), while community surgeons selected fewer premium implants (36.4%) compared to academic surgeons, with no practice change (P = 0.95). Conversely, premium TKA implant usage significantly increased (73.4% to 89.4%; P < 0.001) for academic surgeons. Community surgeons used premium TKA implants at greater rates in both periods, with all cases having ≥1 premium criterion.
Differential effects of morphine andd-amphetamine on self-stimulation from closely adjacent regions in rat midbrain

The effects of morphine were investigated on self-stimulation from numerous electrode placements in the area of the substantia nigra or in the ventral half of mesencephalic central gray matter. Before pharmacological testing, current intensity was reduced to yield stable, submaximal rates of self-stimulation. Rats were then injected daily with morphine for 10 days, and were tested three hours after injection. Between days 5 and 10 of treatment, many rats self-stimulated at more than 150% of baseline, but some others reduced self-stimulation to as little as 3% of baseline. Histological evaluation revealed that morphine facilitated self-stimulation when the electrode tip was located more than 0.3 mm from substantia nigra or more than 0.2 mm from the midline of central gray. In rats with electrode tips closer to substantia nigra or to the midline of central gray, morphine often reduced or failed to alter self-stimulation rates. The effects of a low dose of D-amphetamine (0.1 mg/kg) were investigated on electrode placements in the substantia nigra area. Placements close to the dorsal border of substantia nigra yielded less facilitation of self-stimulation by D-amphetamine than did placements located more dorsally or medially. Possible catecholaminergic substrates of these differential effects are discussed.
JUNCTIONS BETWEEN INTIMATELY APPOSED CELL MEMBRANES IN THE VERTEBRATE BRAIN

Certain junctions between ependymal cells, between astrocytes, and between some electrically coupled neurons have heretofore been regarded as tight, pentalaminar occlusions of the intercellular cleft. These junctions are now redefined in terms of their configuration after treatment of brain tissue in uranyl acetate before dehydration. Instead of a median dense lamina, they are bisected by a median gap 20–30 A wide which is continuous with the rest of the interspace. The patency of these "gap junctions" is further demonstrated by the penetration of horseradish peroxidase or lanthanum into the median gap, the latter tracer delineating there a polygonal substructure. However, either tracer can circumvent gap junctions because they are plaque-shaped rather than complete, circumferential belts. Tight junctions, which retain a pentalaminar appearance after uranyl acetate block treatment, are restricted primarily to the endothelium of parenchymal capillaries and the epithelium of the choroid plexus. They form rows of extensive, overlapping occlusions of the interspace and are neither circumvented nor penetrated by peroxidase and lanthanum. These junctions are morphologically distinguishable from the "labile" pentalaminar appositions which appear or disappear according to the preparative method and which do not interfere with the intercellular movement of tracers. Therefore, the interspaces of the brain are generally patent, allowing intercellular movement of colloidal materials. Endothelial and epithelial tight junctions occlude the interspaces between blood and parenchyma or cerebral ventricles, thereby constituting a structural basis for the blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers.