cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of pH and Fluoride on the soluble fraction of aluminium in water coagulated with alum.

Abstract Various waters were coagulated with alum to remove color. For alum dosages of about 20 to 90 mgl‐1 (as Al2(SO4)3 • 14 H2O) and an operating pH of 5.5–7.5, colloidal and particulate aluminium hydroxide exist. The soluble fraction of aluminium as determined by 0.1 μm membrane filtration follows a simple function of pH and the presence of fluoride at the 1 mgl‐1 level was shown to significantly increase the total soluble fraction of aluminium when pH < 7.
Exposure: A Guide to Sources of Infection

Exposure: A Guide to Sources of Infection is a dense reference book suited for health professionals and public health officials working within the realm of infectious diseases. This book does not use the typical format of solely detailing microbes in succession. Instead, it takes the novel approach of organizing microbes by sources of exposure, as stated in the title. Sections include animals, the environment, foods, humans, travel, and nosocomial infections. A listing of microbes is provided in the last section, followed by an exposure checklist in the appendix. By compiling >250 pages of references, the author has tried to give a detailed and current review of the literature. Although some readers may not find this level of detail useful, it is interesting and does propel the reader to think beyond the usual microbes and their common routes of exposure. The author is particularly sensitive to the international nature of infectious diseases and has worked hard to thoroughly discuss cases and outbreaks that have occurred throughout the world. This is particularly evident in the last section of the book, which employs the more familiar format of listing microbes alphabetically. The author cites the effects of many infectious agents by detailing where the microbe is usually found, its prevalence, virulence, and mode of spread. As the author states, the scope of the book is not clinical but rather epidemiologic. Therefore, this publication does not specifically provide suggestions for treatment and management decisions. However, this book stresses the need to be more conscientious of the many modes of infections, which may prompt a diagnosis that otherwise may have been missed.
Axial black blood turbo spin echo imaging of the right ventricle.

Black blood turbo spin echo (TSE) imaging of the right ventricle (RV) free wall is highly sensitive to cardiac motion, frequently resulting in non-diagnostic images. Temporal and spatial parameters of a black blood TSE pulse sequence were evaluated for visualization of the RV free wall. 74 patient studies were retrospectively evaluated for the effects of acquisition timing on image quality. Axial black blood TSE images were acquired on 10 healthy volunteers to assess the role of spatial misregistration on right ventricle visualization; increasing the double inversion recovery (DIR) slice thickness beyond 300% had no effect on image quality (p=0.2). 35 patient studies were prospectively evaluated with inversion times (TIs) corresponding to the mid-diastolic rest period and end-systole based on visual analysis of a four chamber cine. When TIs were chosen to be within the patients’ RV rest period, mean image quality score was significantly improved (2.3 vs. 1.86, p<0.001) and the number of clinically diagnostic images increased from 32% to 46%. Black blood TSE imaging of the RV free wall is highly sensitive to cardiac motion. Image quality can be improved by choosing TIs concordant with the rest period of the patient’s RV that may occur at mid-diastole or end-systole.
The relationship between insulin and apparent glucocorticoid-promoted activation of hepatic glycogen synthetase.

Abstract The early (2 h) cortisol-induced activation of hepatic glycogen synthetase in adrenalectomized rats was lost during the course of development of the diabetic state with alloxan. Significant increases in glycogen synthetase D phosphatase activity accompanied the increases in glycogen synthetase I activity and hepatic glycogen deposition was observed in nondiabetic rats 2 h after cortisol administration. These enzyme activities, however, were unchanged over the 6-h period studied in diabetic rats given steroid in which delayed and considerably smaller increases in glycogen deposition were found at 4 and 6 h but not at earlier time periods. The diminished levels of phosphatase activity in alloxan diabetic rats were significantly increased within 10 min after insulin administration and paralleled increases in the levels of glycogen synthetase in the I form. Increases in glycogen synthetase I activity were observed within 2 to 4 min in adrenalectomized alloxan diabetic rats given insulin but no change in the concentration of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) was detected until 6 to min when no more than a 17% decrease was recorded. It was concluded that the early glucocorticoid induced effects on the hepatic glycogen synthetase system seem to be mediated by a release of insulin promoted directly or indirectly as a result of steroid action. The increases in glycogen deposition at later times (4–6 h) after cortisol are markedly inhibited in diabetic animals and are not associated with significant increases in the activities of glycogen synthetase D phosphatase or glycogen synthetase. The rapid activation of glycogen synthetase following insulin administration in adrenalectomized diabetic rats appears to be mediated at least in part by a rapid restoration and/or activation of glycogen synthetase D phosphatese activity that may not be preceded by a lowering of hepatic cyclic AMP concentration.
SU‐E‐T‐462: Calculation of Prescribed Dose for Permanent Implant with Cs‐131 Using LQ Equation including Resensitization

Purpose: To develop a new biological equivalent dose (BED) formulism that includes repair, repopulation and resensitization (redistribution and reoxygenation), and can be used to calculate prescribed dose for permanent implant with Cs-131. Methods: Because of lack of sufficient clinical data, the prescribed dose with new isotopes is usually calculated based on BED compared with other isotopes that have already been used in clinical practice. The current widely used formulism of BED calculation for permanent implant which was given by Dale includes cell repair and repopulation but not resensitization. Resensitization can be included in the extended LQ equation (LQR) proposed by Brenner. Applying Dalesformulism to Brenners LQR, we obtained a new BED calculation formula that accounts for resensitization. We used this new formulism to calculate the BED that corresponds to the prescribed dose for cervix (with Au-198) and prostate (with I-125) permanent implant. Then, we obtained the prescribed dose with Cs-131 which has the same BED as Au-198 or I-125. Results: The new formulism was used for prostate and cervix cancer permanent implant. The prescribed dose with Cs-131 for cervix was 40 Gy (42 Gy without resensitization) and 66 Gy (69 Gy without resensitization) which were equivalent to 35 Gy and 60 Gy with Au-198, respectively. For prostate implant, the prescribed dose with Cs-131 that corresponded to 144 Gy with I-125 was 135 Gy (124 Gy without resensitization).Conclusion: Resensitization led to significant dose correction for permanent implant. The calculation of BED and dose was dependent on dose itself and thus should be patient-specific. Since this calculation relied on many biological parameters, and may not be accurate if the parameters are notaccurate. Also, the dose prescription should be adjusted based on clinicaloutcomes..
Incidence of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Associated Factors: A Population-Based Study of Olmsted County, Minnesota

There are no population-based incidence studies of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Using the medical record linkage system of the Rochester Epidemiology Project, we sought to determine the incidence of the disease, as well as other associations and characteristics, among HS patients diagnosed in Olmsted County, Minnesota, between 1968 and 2008. Incidence was estimated using the decennial census data for the county. Logistic regression models were fit to evaluate associations between patient characteristics and disease severity. A total of 268 incident cases were identified, with an overall annual age- and sex-adjusted incidence of 6.0 per 100,000. Age-adjusted incidence was significantly higher in women compared with men (8.2 (95% confidence interval (CI), 7.0–9.3) vs. 3.8 (95% CI, 3.0–4.7). The highest incidence was among young women aged 20–29 years (18.4 per 100,000). The incidence has risen over the past four decades, particularly among women. Women were more likely to have axillary and upper anterior torso involvement, whereas men were more likely to have perineal or perianal disease. In addition, 54.9% (140/255) patients were obese; 70.2% were current or former smokers; 42.9% carried a diagnosis of depression; 36.2% carried a diagnosis of acne; and 6% had pilonidal disease. Smoking and gender were significantly associated with more severe disease.
Pulsatile Pressure System for Cellular Mechanical Stimulation

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects more than 71 million Americans accounting annually for nearly $400 billion in US health care costs. [1] In adult tissues such as the heart, the capacity for self-regeneration is limited. Recently, stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising methodology for myocardial repair.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Number theory of matrix semigroups

Abstract Unlike factorization theory of commutative semigroups which are well-studied, very little literature exists describing factorization properties in noncommutative semigroups. Perhaps the most ubiquitous noncommutative semigroups are semigroups of square matrices and this article investigates the factorization properties within certain subsemigroups of M n ( Z ) , the semigroup of n × n matrices with integer entries. Certain important invariants are calculated to give a sense of how unique or non-unique factorization is in each of these semigroups.
Moral principles as moral dispositions

What are moral principles? In particular, what are moral principles of the sort that (if they exist) ground moral obligations or—at the very least—particular moral truths? I argue that we can fruitfully conceive of such principles as real, irreducibly dispositional properties of individual persons (agents and patients) that are responsible for and thereby explain the moral properties of (e.g.) agents and actions. Such moral dispositions (or moral powers) are apt to be the metaphysical grounds of moral obligations and of particular truths about what is morally permissible, impermissible, etc. Moreover, they can do other things that moral principles are supposed to do: explain the phenomena “falling within their scope,” support counterfactuals, and ground moral necessities, “necessary connections” between obligating reasons and obligations. And they are apt to be the truthmakers for moral laws, or “lawlike” moral generalizations.
Observations of backscatter, particle concentration and frost point in north polar vortex stratospheric clouds

Near-simultaneous soundings of backscatter, particle size distribution and frost point were obtained in north polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) near the center of the vortex. The measured particle sizes and concentration in type I PSCs tend to confirm earlier predictions based on remotely sensed properties.
Energy Efficiency in the Japanese Transport Sector

Abstract We examine energy efficiency in the Japanese transportation sector since the 1970s. Comparisons with the United States and other developed economies illustrate that Japan primarily stands out due to low activity levels and modal structure rather than modal energy intensity. On-road automobile energy intensity has shown little improvement, albeit from a low base, over the past four decades. We also consider policy measures undertaken by the Japanese government. Political arrangements in Japan after World War II made it attractive for politicians to pursue energy conservation by making transportation, particularly by automobile, expensive for the average Japanese citizen. The revenues raised from various fees and taxes on automobile transportation were redistributed to core supporters of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. These political arrangements have come under fire in recent years, calling into question Japan's traditional approach towards transportation sector energy efficiency.
Dynamical effects of reagent vibrational excitation in the Cl + C2H6(ν5 = 1) → HCl + C2H5 reaction

Abstract The title reaction is investigated using a photoinitiated technique that allows for the measurement of HCl product vibrational and rotational distributions using resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI), the determination of center-of-mass scattering through core extraction, and the deduction of the average internal energy of the C 2 H 5 product from HCl spatial anisotropy. Vibrational excitation of the ethane reagent is shown to produce only a 5% to 10% increase in integral reactivity. Production of forward-scattered HCl ( v = 1) is observed, which is similar to the behavior of the chemically related Cl + CH 4 ( ν 3 = 1) reaction.
An immunoaffinity liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay for the quantitation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in mouse serum

An immunoaffinity liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the quantitation of the zinc endopeptidase matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) from mouse serum. Sample preparation for the assay included magnetic bead-based enrichment using an MMP-9 antibody and was performed in a 96-well plate format using a liquid-handling robotic platform. The surrogate peptide GSPLQGPFLTAR derived from MMP-9 by trypsin digestion was monitored using an on-line capillary flow trap-release chromatography setup incorporating a series of trap columns (C18, strong cation exchange, and another C18) prior to nanoflow chromatography and nanospray ionization with selected reaction monitoring (SRM) detection. The assay was fit-for-purpose validated and found to be accurate (<15% interbatch relative error) and precise (<15% interbatch coefficient of variation) across a range from 0.03 to 7.3nM mouse MMP-9. Finally, the method was employed to measure MMP-9 concentrations in 30 naive mouse serum samples, and results were compared with those obtained by an immunoassay.
A survey on 3D quality of experience and 3D quality assessment

The field of algorithmically assessing the 3D quality of experience and/or 3D quality is an extremely challenging one; making it a fertile ground for research. The complexity of the problem, coupled with our yet nascent understanding of 3D perception and the increasing commercial shift toward 3D entertainment makes the area of 3D QA interesting, formidable and practically relevant. This article undertakes a brief review of the recent research in the area of 3D visual quality of experience and quality assessment. We first review literature in the field of quality of experience which encompasses geometry, visual discomfort etc., and then perform a similar review in the field of quality assessment which encompasses distortions such as blur, noise, compression etc. We describe algorithms and databases that have been proposed in the literature for these purposes. We conclude with a short description of a recent resource - the LIVE 3D IQA database that is the first quality assessment database which provides researchers with access to true depth information for each of the stereo pairs obtained from a high-precision range scanner.
Comparison of corneal preservation media for corneal hydration and stromal proteoglycan loss.

Changes in the composition of stromal proteoglycans (PGs) have been previously demonstrated in corneal edema, wound healing, and disease. To examine if PGs are lost during corneal preservation, rabbit corneal PGs were radiolabeled in situ with 35S-sulfate and 3H-glucosamine, excised and stored in either modified McCarey-Kaufman medium (MMK), K-Sol (Coopervision-Cilco, Bellevue, WA, U.S.A.), corneal storage medium (CSM), or Dexsol (Chiron Ophthalmics, Irvine, CA, U.S.A.) for up to 14 days. The percentage of total radio-label lost was significantly greater from de-epithelialized corneas (p less than 0.05) and from corneas stored in CSM (p less than 0.05) or K-Sol (p less than 0.05). Corneas stored in CSM for 4 and 7 days were significantly more hydrated than corneas stored in MMK, K-Sol, or Dexsol. After 14 days of storage, all corneas were hydrated above control values with the Dexsol-stored cornea showing the least hydration. Results suggest that loss of stromal PGs during corneal storage is reduced with epithelial integrity and with preservation media containing dextran.
Unified Rock Classification System

The Unified Rock Classification System (URCS) provides a reliable and rapid method of communicating detailed information about rock conditions pertinent to design and construction of civil engineering projects. The URCS consists of four fundamental physical properties: 1) weathering, 2) strength, 3) discontinuities and 4) density. A general assessment of rock performance is then based on a grouping of the four key elements to aid in making engineering judgments. These individual properties are estimated in the field with the use of a hand lens, a 1 -pound ballpeen hammer, a spring-loaded “fish” scale and a bucket of water. Each property is divided into five ratings which convey uniform meaning to engineering geologists, design engineers, inspectors and contractors as well as contract appeal board members. Subjective terminology, such as “slightly weathered, moderately hard, highly fractured and lightweight,” varies widely in meaning, depends on individual and professional experience, and cannot be quantified with any reliability. The URCS is not intended to supplant existing geologic classifications but it does offer a suitable alternative to ambiguous descriptive terminology.
Analysis of visuospatial activity in preschool children with attention deficit disorder

Parameters of visuospatial components of mental activity were studied in Mexican children aged 5–6 years with attention deficit disorder. The control group (norm) consisted of preschool children of the same age who attended municipal kindergartens. Neuropsychological methods specially developed and adapted for Mexican children were used. The results testified to prominent impairments of the parameters of spatial analysis and synthesis and of the formation level of object imagery, suggesting functional weakness of the posterior associative (TPO) cortical areas of both hemispheres. The results elucidate specific difficulties in cognitive activity and other impairments in children with attention deficit disorder.
Depredation of artificial ground nests in a managed, forested landscape

The effects of forest fragmentation on avian nesting success have been examined experimentally using artificial nests in a number of studies (review by Paton 1994). Yahner and Scott (1988), for example, noted a direct relationship between amount of forest fragmentation created by clearcutting and rates of predation on artificial avian nests; conversely, Yahner et al. (1993) did not observe greater predation rates on artificial nests despite greater fragmentation resulting from additional clearcutting on the same study area. Furthermore, as a direct consequence of forest fragmentation the availability of suitable nest sites declines, perhaps enabling predators more readily to find nests located in the remaining forested tracts (patches or corridors) referred to as the ecological-trap hypothesis (Gates & Gysel 1978). Forest clearcutting for ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) habitat in central Pennsylvania (U.S.A.) provided us with an ideal opportunity to test whether depredation of artificial ground nests differed (1) among those placed in contiguous forest, forested corridors, and forested patches and (2) between those placed at sites used repeatedly (fixed nest sites) versus random nest sites in these three habitats. To our knowledge, predation rates on artificial nests at fixed versus random sites as a function of size and shape of forested tracts have not been examined.
The Effects of Bag Type and Meter Size on Seepage Meter Measurements

Seepage meters provide a useful, inexpensive method of measuring seepage flux through unconsolidated sediments in lakes, reservoirs, and stream channels. In the literature, the bag type used is usually not indicated, and its effect on seepage measurement has not been evaluated. The effects of bag type and seepage meter size have been evaluated in a laboratory setting. A sandbox 100.4 (L) × 76.2 (W) × 24 (H) cm size was half filled with coarse sand and water to a depth of 10 cm. Four seepage meters and two bag types (balloon and condom) were used in the seepage measurements. There was no significant difference between the seepage measurements obtained from the two bag types. A two-sample t-test (df=56, Wt-sat=2.58, alpha=0.01, p=0.0013) failed to reject the null hypothesis of similarity between measurements from the two bag types. The seepage measurements from four seepage meters were similar with no significant difference; however, the smaller diameter seepage meters had a greater variance.
Long distance photoinduced electron transfer in solutions: A mechanism for producing large yields of free ions by electron transfer quenching

Free ion and fluorescence quantum yields from the geminate ion pairs formed by electron-transfer quenching of the excited acceptor 9,10-dicyanoanthracene by aromatic electron-donors are measured in different solvents. Theeffects of solvent polarity, energetic driving force, and steric substitution on free ion yields are studied. From the comparison of the effect of driving force on free ion yields and fluorescence quantum yields in different solvents, especially those of moderate polarity, it is concluded that free ion yields are controlled by both recombination rate constants and the separation distance distribution of the initially formed geminate radical ion pairs. In dichloromethane (DCM), the recombination and free ion formation processes are directly observed by fluorescence lifetime and transient photocurrent measurements. The time-resolved results indicate that free ion formation is faster than the recombination process. This means that the geminate radical ion pairs that form free ions and those that are neutralized by electron-transfer recombination have different histories with different separation distances. From studies of steric effects on free ion yields in different solvents, it is concluded that, in polar solvents such as acetonitrile and butyronitrile, the main effect of steric hindrance is to decrease the recombination rate constant and increase the escape probability, whereas in moderately polar solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, DCM and 1,2-dichlorobenzene, the main effect of steric bulk is to change the initial separation distance distribution of the geminate radical ion pairs formed by electron-transfer quenching. As an example, we compare donors such as durene (DUR) with those of greater steric bulk like 1,2,4,5-tetra-iso-propylbenzene (TIPB), for which the driving force for electron transfer is similar. The free radical ion yield for TIPB is more than 40 times greater than it is for DUR in DCM. This is the first example from our work in which the infinite rate boundary condition for ion recombination used by Onsager is not adequate, because there is no perfect sink at the origin. The free ion yield data are analyzed by the theory of Hong and Noolandi under the Collins and Kimball boundary condition.
The formation and stability of ideal family size among young people

A sample of 1,123 sixth, ninth, and twelfth graders in two Southern counties was questioned to ascertain how many children they think is ideal. More than three-fourths of the students in each grade had given thought to an ideal number of children for themselves; fewer had thought about the ideal number for the average American couple. Two and three children were the modal responses; mean ideal sizes were 3.02 for self and 3.16 for the average couple. The range of acceptable fertility behavior, “too few” or “too many” children, is defined by medians of 1.56 and 5.96. Ideal and acceptable family sizes increase slightly in the higher grades. A sex difference in ideals appeared only at grade 12; girls wanted more children. Negroes wanted fewer children than did whites at grade 6, more at grade 12. Size of family of orientation was directly related to ideals at grades 6 and 9, but the relation was curvilinear at grade 12. The direct relation between ideals and socioeconomic status became more pronounced at grade 12. Ideal sizes were larger for Catholics than for other religious groups. The study lends at least minimal support to the notion that early socialization affects ideas about family size.
In vitro studies on the biologic effects of fibers: correlation with in vivo bioassays.

In vitro studies employing organ cultures, primary cell cultures, cell lines, and bacterial systems have been used to assess the toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenic potential of asbestos and n...
On the role of hydroxyl-containing amino acids in trypsin inhibitors

Abstract 1. 1. The exposure to solvent of the lima bean trypsin inhibitor tyrosine has been examined by spectrophotometric titration, as well as chemical reactivity with cyanuric fluoride and N-acetylimidazole; this residue has been found to be highly inaccessible. 2. 2. Acetylation experiments have indicated that modification of residues susceptible to reaction with N-acetylimidazole interferes with the trypsin inhibitory activity of ovomucoid and soybean trypsin inhibitor. 3. 3. Circular dichroism studies have shown the structural stability of all three inhibitors, since the spectra are little affected even at high levels of acetylation.
A New Thiele's Modulus for the Monod Biofilm Model

Abstract A new Thiele's modulus, ϕF, was developed to provide a gradual transition between zero and the first order of kinetics, and to accurately calculate the mass transfer flux and the effectiveness factor for the Monod biofilm. Values of the effectiveness factor, calculated using the new Thiele's modulus, were compared with those obtained from numerical solutions and from other published moduli and empirical formulae. The comparison indicated that the new Thiele's modulus was the best modulus for the Monod biofilm model. In addition, another Thiele's modulus, ϕG, was developed for a Monod biofilm, covered with an external water layer. The overall effectiveness factor can also be calculated by using both moduli ϕF and ϕG. The criteria that were proposed for identification were based on the values of ϕF and ϕG, the limiting processes for biomass growth, and substrate conversion. Developed from ϕF, a new parameter Ψ was related uniquely to such features as the depth and shallowness of the generalized substrate concentration profiles inside a Monod biofilm. Criteria were developed to identify the types of concentration distribution inside a Monod biofilm. These methods were used to estimate the substrate flux and the concentration distribution of the biofilms defined in the first benchmark problem (BM1), by a task group of the International Water Association on Biofilm Modeling.
Elastic image registration via rigid object motion induced deformation

In this paper, we estimate the deformations induced on soft tissues by the rigid independent movements of hard objects and create an admixture of rigid and elastic adaptive image registration transformations. By automatically segmenting and independently estimating the movement of rigid objects in 3D images, we can maintain rigidity in bones and hard tissues while appropriately deforming soft tissues. We tested our algorithms on 20 pairs of 3D MRI datasets pertaining to a kinematic study of the flexibility of the ankle complex of normal feet as well as ankles affected by abnormalities in foot architecture and ligament injuries. The results show that elastic image registration via rigid object-induced deformation outperforms purely rigid and purely nonrigid approaches.
Inhibitory effect of α-lipoic acid and its positively charged amide analogue on nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the mitochondrial cofactor alpha-lipoic acid [R (+) LA] or its lipoamide analogue, 2-(N,N-dimethylamine) ethylamido lipoate [R (+) LA-plus], on nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. NO production from RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with 10 microg/mL of lipopolysaccharide and 50 U/mL of interferon-gamma was measured directly by electron spin resonance using spin-trapping techniques. R (+) LA or R (+) LA-plus was found to inhibit NO production at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. However, in a cell-free chemical system, neither R (+) LA nor R (+) LA-plus was able to directly scavenge NO. Furthermore, in the presence of 2.5 or 25 mM glucose, the inhibitory effects of R (+) LA and R (+) LA-plus on NO production were decreased markedly, while they showed more potent inhibitory effects in the presence of 2 microM rotenone or 5 microg/mL of antimycin A, inhibitors of mitochondrial complex I and complex III, respectively. Glucose, rotenone, or antimycin A alone resulted in an increase of NO production. These results suggest that NO production in macrophages can be regulated by glucose and mitochondrial respiration, and that modulation of NO production by lipoic acid or lipoamide analogues in inflammatory situations is attributed not to their radical scavenging activity but to their redox properties.
Substance abuse among native Hawaiian women in the United States: a review of current literature and recommendations for future research.

Abstract Information about and understanding of Native Hawaiian substance abuse and utilization of substance abuse treatment services is limited. This article reviews the literature on the prevalence and factors associated with substance abuse and use of health services among Native Hawaiian women in the U.S. The literature review included three review and 13 nonreview articles that were published through December 2006. The majority of the articles reviewed did not present findings by gender-ethnic group. The review of the literature suggested a high prevalence of substance abuse, especially among those who were incarcerated. Risk factors for substance abuse included not being married and young age. Native Hawaiian women also had significantly lower health care utilization rates compared to other groups, and were less likely to have seen a health care provider in the past year. Programs should consider involving Kupunas (“elders”) in the design and implementation of culturally appropriate programs in orde...
Soil development on stable landforms and implications for landscape studies

Abstract Soil development parameters include a wide variety of morphological, chemical, and mineralogical parameters, but some of the best indicators of time and surface stability are derived from field morphology. Over long time-spans, the most common time function for soil development is exponential or logarithmic, in which rates decrease with increasing age. Over shorter time-spans in semi-arid and moister climates, Holocene and Pleistocene soil development functions appear as linear segments, with Holocene rates about 10 to 50 times those of Pleistocene rates. In contrast to significant temporal variation in rates, geographical variation in rates within (a) the southern Great Basin and (b) the east Central Valley of California is on the order of 2 or 3 times. When comparing soil development indices of the semi-arid Great Basin to those of moister central California, Holocene rates are similar, but Pleistocene rates are more than 10 times slower in the Great Basin. In a range of climatic settings, the reasons for declining rates over time are several and are complexly related to erosional history, fluxes in water and dust related to climatic changes, rates of primary mineral dissolution, and intrinsic soil processes.
Classifying environmentally significant urban land uses with satellite imagery.

We investigated Bayesian networks to classify urban land use from satellite imagery. Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) images were used for the classification in two study areas: (1) Marina del Rey and its vicinity in the Santa Monica Bay Watershed, CA and (2) drainage basins adjacent to the Sweetwater Reservoir in San Diego, CA. Bayesian networks provided 80–95% classification accuracy for urban land use using four different classification systems. The classifications were robust with small training data sets with normal and reduced radiometric resolution. The networks needed only 5% of the total data (i.e., 1500 pixels) for sample size and only 5- or 6-bit information for accurate classification. The network explicitly showed the relationship among variables from its structure and was also capable of utilizing information from non-spectral data. The classification can be used to provide timely and inexpensive land use information over large areas for environmental purposes such as estimating stormwater pollutant loads.
Insulin-like growth factors maintain steady-state metabolism of proteoglycans in bovine articular cartilage explants

The influences of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) on biosynthesis and catabolism of proteoglycans (PG) in bovine articular cartilage explants were examined to define their potential use in a chemically defined medium. In both short- (10 days) and long-term (40 days) cultures, 10 to 20 ng/ml IGF-I maintained PG synthesis at the same or higher levels than in a medium containing 20% fetal calf serum (FCS). Catabolic rates were slower in IGF-I medium than in medium with only 0.1% albumin, but somewhat faster than for cultures in medium with 20% FCS. In long-term cultures 20 ng/ml IGF-I maintained a steady-state condition; the amounts of glycosaminoglycan and DNA per hydroxyproline content were constant throughout the culture period. The half-maximal dose response for IGF-I on PG synthesis (4.5 ng/ml) was distinctly different from that for the IGF-I effect on PG catabolism (1.5 ng/ml), indicating that these two components of PG metabolism can be experimentally uncoupled. IGF-II was less potent than IGF-I in the same batches of articular cartilage; 100 ng/ml IGF-II increased PG synthesis and decreased PG catabolism relative to 0.1% albumin alone, but the responses were only about 60% of those for 5 ng/ml IGF-I. These results suggest that the chondrocytes regulate PG synthesis primarily via the type I IGF receptor and that the IGF-II response is through the same receptor. Evidence is also provided indicating that the cartilage explants initially contain about 50 ng IGF-I per gram wet weight; this matrix-bound IGF-I diffuses into the medium during culture. The chondrocytes synthesize little or no IGF-I that is released into the medium under the culture conditions used.
Missed deadline notification in best-effort schedulers

It is common to run multimedia and other periodic, soft real-time applications on general-purpose computer systems. These systems use best-effort scheduling algorithms that cannot guarantee applications will receive responsive scheduling to meet deadline or timing requirements. We present a simple mechanism called Missed Deadline Notification (MDN) that allows applications to notify the system when they do not receive their desired level of responsiveness. Consisting of a single system call with no arguments, this simple interface allows the operating system to provide better support for soft real-time applications without any a priori information about their timing or resource needs. We implemented MDN in three different schedulers: Linux, BEST, and BeRate. We describe these implementations and their performance when running real-time applications and discuss policies to prevent applications from abusing MDN to gain extra resources.
Discussing of AGC control strategy at meaning of harmony to power units & grid

CPS (control performance standard) can be a clear assessment of the effect of control area in a long time on the grid frequency. The superiority of the interconnection of power grid can be given full play. Thermal power unit is the main force in AGC, but its dynamic part is complex. In the design of control strategies in the CPS, the balance of plant and scheduling client-side is an important research topic. This paper try to give some valuable suggestions for further optimization of machine network reference coordinate control strategy through some practical cases.
Bovine serum albumin adsorption and desorption rates on solid surfaces with varying surface properties

Abstract Total internal reflection fluorescence is used to examine the initial adsorption, desorption, and exchange kinetics of the protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) on six polymer surfaces with widely varying surface properties and functionalities. The six surfaces studied are polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polydiphenylsiloxane (PDϕS), polycyanopropylmethylsiloxane (PCPMS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), and polyethylene oxide (PEO). The results show that the initial adsorption of BSA on the surfaces PDMS, PDϕS, and PCPMS is diffusion limited up to wall shear rates of 4000 s −1 . The initial adsorption of BSA on PSS is diffusion limited at shear rates below about 70 s −1 but becomes kinetically controlled at higher shear rates. BSA adsorption on PMMA is kinetically controlled, and the adsorption of BSA on PEO is too slow to be detected under the conditions used. Studies on the kinetically limited BSA adsorption onto PMMA show that the adsorption process can be described by a kinetic rate expression that is first order in protein concentration. The initial desorption of BSA adsorbed onto each surface (except PEO) is shown to be kinetically limited. The rate-limiting step for the exchange of BSA adsorbed onto PDMS is shown to be the desorption of adsorbed BSA.
Wide Field Camera System For Precise Positioning Of Gamma Ray Bursts And Monitoring Of Hard X-Ray Sources In The 30 - 100 Kev Band

A high angular resolution, wide field camera system (WFCS) operating in the 30 to 100 keV band has been proposed for NASA's gamma ray astronomy program. It is intended for long duration balloon flights initially and for deployment in space, eventually. The instrument contains two orthogonal units consisting of a multiple slit collimator and a two-dimensional position sensitive detector. Each unit provides a one-dimensional position. Gamma ray bursts and soft gamma repeaters will be imaged and positioned to a few square arcminutes or better. There will be a net effective area of 500 cm2 (60 keV) and an energy resolution of 4% for spectroscopy of possible cyclotron features. During a two-week balloon flight from Antarctica, the WFCS will simultaneously monitor intensity variations of all hard x-ray sources above the level of 25 milicrabs within its r ster field of view and improve the positions of unidentified objects. When it is deployed in space above the atmosphere attenuation, the WFCS will have five times more sensitivity, a larger band width, and a larger field of view. It will be able to position over one hundred bursts per year. A fine positioning feature can be added to the system by winding wires around the detector and collimator. This embeds an imaging modulation collimator that operates in the 15 to 50 keV band. Simulations suggest that several gamma rays bursts per year could be located with statistical errors as small as 10-2 (arcmin)2.
State-owned enterprise reform through performance contracts: The Bolivian experiment

Abstract A novel system of performance contracts between the Bolivian Government and large, “strategic” state-owned enterprises was introduced in 1990 to help restructure them into more business-like, competitive and efficient firms. The system was combined with a privatization program that gave priority to the divestiture of small and medium-sized enterprises but did not preclude eventual divestiture of large ones. Experience with performance contracts has been mixed. They appear to have contributed to improved performance of contracting enterprises, but they have also been criticized for being open to abuse. Politicization of the debate over results has obscured the lessons that might be learned from the Bolivian experience, such as the need for integrating performance indicators and budgets and for making contracts easy to evaluate.
Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of the novel redox-active agent, motexafin gadolinium, with concurrent radiation therapy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic or biliary cancers

Purpose: To determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of the novel anticancer agent, motexafin gadolinium (MGd), administered concurrently with radiation therapy (RT) in patients with locally advanced pancreatic or biliary tumors. The pharmacokinetics of MGd were also evaluated. Methods: Cohorts of three to six patients were treated with escalating doses of MGd, administered three times per week for a total of 16 doses concurrent with RT. The dose of RT was fixed at 5,040 cGy, and given in 28 fractions, from Monday to Friday of every week. Plasma MGd concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Results: Eight patients were treated at dose level 1 (2.9 mg/kg), with one DLT (grade 3 fever). Three patients were treated at dose level 2 (3.6 mg/kg), and two DLTs were noted. One DLT was grade 3 nausea and vomiting (N/V), and the other was grade 3 skin toxicity. The most common toxicity was N/V. There were no objective responses. The median survival was 6 months. The MGd plasma concentration versus time profile in each patient was best fit by a two-compartment, open, linear model. There was minimal accumulation of MGd in plasma with the three-times/week dosing schedule. Simulation of the time course of MGd in the peripheral compartment indicated that maximal MGd concentrations of 1–2 μmol/kg occurred between 4 and 6 h after MGd infusion. Conclusion: Dose level 1 (2.9 mg/kg of MGd) is the recommended dose for combination with (RT) in phase II studies for locally advanced pancreatic and biliary cancers. Patient tolerance might be improved by modification of the RT schedule and antiemetic prophylaxis.
Nitrogen uptake and redistribution during maturation of maize hybrids

Nutrient efficiency, as a component of crop production efficiency, is a major key to agricultural competitiveness and sustainability. This study was initiated to evaluate the efficiency of N uptake and redistribution of eight maize (Zea mays L) hybrids differing in yield potential and grown with different levels of N fertiliser. Plants were sampled during the growing season to determine N uptake kinetics and effects of N supply on protein degradation and N mobilisation from vegetative tissues. These studies indicate that, under adequate N fertiliser conditions, hybrids took up about 2.5 to 3.0 g N per plant by the mid-silk stage; however, the amount of N taken up during the period of grain fill varied greatly among the hybrids. High N-responsive hybrids took up as much as 3 g N per plant after mid-silk while low N-responsive hybrids required only about 1.2 g N per plant. Although proteolysis in leaves is generally related to the availability of N, hybrids differ in the time and extent of protein hydrolysis and nutrient mobilisation. N sufficiency throughout the crop season is critical to preserve RuBP carboxylase and other proteins in leaves to maximise grain fill for the high N-responsive hydbids.
Effect of organic phosphates on the oxygen equilibrium of carboxypeptidase digests of human hemoglobin.

Abstract The oxygen equilibria of derivatives of human hemoglobin obtained by digestion with carboxypeptidases A and B have been determined in the presence of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and hexametaphosphate. Organic phosphates were capable of decreasing the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin from which the terminal histidine and tyrosine residues of the β-chain were removed by carboxypeptidase A but had no effect on the hemoglobin digested with carboxypeptidase B.
Probability of Detecting a Fluctuating Target Immersed in Both Noise and Clutter

The probability of detecting either a Swerling 1 or Swerling 2 target immersed in both Rayleigh-distributed noise and log-normally distributed clutter is calculated. Results are presented which demonstrate the effect of noise-to-clutter ratio, signal-to-noise ratio, and number of pulses integrated on the detection statistics.
The Expanding Role of Recombinant Gonadotropins in Assisted Reproduction

Using recombinant gonadotropins for assisted reproduction of domestic species is still in its infancy. Yet, the purity, potency and pathogen-free nature of recombinant gonadotropins make them attractive alternatives to tissue-derived gonadotropic agents. In this study, the authors summarize the work to date using recombinant gonadotropins to enhance the - fertility of domestic animals and they discussed their recent studies examining the biopotency of single chain analogues of human gonadotropins. In these studies, single chain analogues of follicle stimulating hormone (Fc alpha), chorionic gonadotropin (CG beta alpha) or a gonadotropin construct with dual activity (FcCG beta alpha) were administered to sheep pre-treated with antisera directed against GnRH. Ovulation was induced 3 days after analogue administration using hCG (1000 IU, iv). Although Fc alpha or CG beta alpha alone induced only modest oestradiol production during the pre-hCG period, serum concentrations of oestradiol were markedly increased (p < 0.05) 3 days after administration of FcCG beta alpha or the Fc alpha + CG beta alpha combination. Final ovarian weight was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in animals receiving Fc alpha, Fc alpha + CG beta alpha or FcCG beta alpha. Collectively, these observations demonstrate that the single chain analogues of the human gonadotropins are active in sheep.
Optimal Rendezvous Trajectories of a Controlled Spacecraft and a Tumbling Object

This paper formulates and solves the problem of minimum-time and minimum-energy optimal trajectories of rendezvous of a powered chaser and a passive tumbling target, in a circular orbit. Both translational and rotational dynamics are considered. In particular, ending conditions are imposed of matching the positions and velocities of two points of interest onboard the vehicles. A collision-avoidance condition is imposed as well. The optimal control problems are analytically formulated through the use of the Pontryagin minimum principle. The problems are then solved numerically, by using a direct collocation method based on the Gauss pseudospectral approach. Finally, the obtained solutions are verified through the minimum principle, solved by a shooting method. The simulation results show that the pseudospectral solver provides solutions very close to the optimal ones, except in the case of presence of singular arcs when it may not provide a feasible solution. The computational time needed by the pseudospectral solver is a small fraction of the one needed by the indirect approach, but it is still considerably too large to allow for its use in real-time onboard guidance.