cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of crack-tip and punch-tip transient deformations and stress intensity factors using Digital Gradient Sensing technique

Abstract The optical method of Digital Gradient Sensing (DGS) is extended to the study of fracture mechanics and impact mechanics problems. DGS is based on the elasto-optic effect exhibited by transparent materials subjected to non-uniform state of stress causing the angular deflection of light rays propagating through the material. Under plane stress conditions, the deflections of light rays can be related to two orthogonal in-plane stress gradients. In this paper, the principle of the method is presented first, followed by crack and punch experiments on PMMA plates for quantifying stress gradients near stress risers. The crack-tip stress intensity factors under both quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions are extracted from DGS measurements and are in good agreement with analytical and finite element results. The problem of a square-punch impacting the edge of a PMMA sheet is also studied using the new method by exploiting punch-tip–crack-tip analogy. The dynamic punch-tip stress intensity factors are extracted from the optical measurements and are again in good agreement with the ones from a complementary finite element analysis of the problem.
Is World Bank “Good Governance” Good for the Poor? Central American Experiences

Abstract This paper explores the World Bank’s concept of “good governance” as applied in rural Central America. It argues that World Bank good governance seeks to constrain unequal accumulation and privilege in the public sector, but leaves largely unaddressed structural inequalities in the private sector and the conflation of economic and political power in the public sector. This paper suggests that the World Bank analysis does not adequately consider more embedded state/civil society relations linked to national and sub-national political cultures. In contexts in which nation-building projects have promoted forms citizenship linked to more activist “leveling” and paternalistic states, good governance is likely to be ideologically contested. World Bank good governance under these circumstances is unlikely to quell discontent or naturalize the neoliberal state.
Radiative Torques on Interstellar Grains: I. Superthermal Spinup

Irregular dust grains are subject to radiative torques when irradiated by interstellar starlight. It is shown how these radiative torques may be calculated using the discrete dipole approximation. Calculations are carried out for one irregular grain geometry, and three different grain sizes. It is shown that radiative torques can play an important dynamical role in spinup of interstellar dust grains, resulting in rotation rates which may exceed even those expected from H_2 formation on the grain surface. Because the radiative torque on an interstellar grain is determined by the overall grain geometry rather than merely the state of the grain surface, the resulting superthermal rotation is expected to be long-lived. By itself, long-lived superthermal rotation would permit grain alignment by normal paramagnetic dissipation on the "Davis-Greenstein" timescale. However, radiative torques arising from anisotropy of the starlight background can act directly to alter the grain alignment on much shorter timescales, and are therefore central to the process of interstellar grain alignment. Radiative torques depend strongly on the grain size, measured by a_eff, the radius of a sphere of equal volume. In diffuse clouds, radiative torques dominate the torques due to H2 formation for a_eff=0.2micron grains, but are relatively unimportant for a_eff 0.1 micron grains in diffuse clouds are aligned, while there is little alignment of a_eff < 0.05 micron grains. We show that radiative torques are ineffective at producing superthermal rotation within quiescent dark clouds, but can be very effective in star-forming regions such as the M17 molecular cloud.
A vagally innervated pouch of the oxyntic gland area of the stomach.

Abstract A vagally innervated pouch of the oxyntic gland area of the stomach is described. It has certain advantages over other commonly utilized preparations: It is relatively simple to construct; complete vagal innervation of the pouch is retained; no fistulization of the pouch to the main stomach occurs.
Improvements in the analysis of ultrasonic scattering from inhomogeneities in tissue.

The elementary scattering theory of Rayleigh and Born is extended to account for effects of finite absorption and of sample geometry including boundary refraction. Examples of the procedure are given for several scatterer configurations and results compared with those of the Rayleigh-Born procedure. It is shown that for a realistic choice of tissue parameters these effects modify the Rayleigh-Born results by factors of the order of 10 percent or less provided observations are made over a suitably limited range of angles about the backward direction.
Combustion of bimodal nano/micron-sized aluminum particle dust in air

Abstract The combustion of bimodal nano/micron-sized aluminum particles with air is studied both analytically and experimentally in a well-characterized laminar particle-laden flow. Experimentally, an apparatus capable of producing Bunsen-type premixed flames was constructed to investigate the flame characteristics of bimodal-particle/air mixtures. The flame speed is positively affected by increasing the mass fraction of nano particles in the fuel formulation despite the lower flame luminosity and thicker flame zone. Theoretically, the flames are assumed to consist of several different regimes for fuel-lean mixture, including the preheat, flame, and post flame zones. The flame speed and temperature distribution are derived by solving the energy equation in each regime and matching the temperature and heat flux at the interfacial boundaries. The analysis allows for the investigation of the effects of particle composition and equivalence ratio on the burning characteristics of aluminum-particle/air mixtures. Reasonable agreement between theoretical results and experimental data was obtained in terms of flame speed. The flame structure of a bimodal particle dust cloud may display either an overlapping or a separated configuration, depending on the combustion properties of aluminum particles at different scales. At low percentages of nano particles in the fuel formulation, the flame exhibits a separated spatial structure with a wider flame regime. At higher nano-particle loadings, overlapping flame configurations are observed.
Core-shell and valence-shell photoionization of argon clusters

Core- and valence-shell photoionization of variable size argon clusters were investigated using angle-resolved time-of-flight photoelectron spectroscopy. The Ar 3p outer-valence and Ar 3s inner-valence photoelectron spectra were measured as two formats: individual spectra and two-dimensional maps. The Ar 2p core-shell photoelectron spectra were measured only in individual spectra format. The photoelectron angular distribution parameters of Ar 3p, 3s, and 2p clusters as a function of photon energy and cluster size were determined. In the case of the 2p-shell, measurements were also spin-orbit resolved. Argon cluster with cluster sizes =70 and 210-250 were studied.
2-Amino-4-phosphonobutyrate selectively blocks mossy fiber-CA3 responses in guinea pig but not rat hippocampus

The acidic amino acid antagonist D,L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (DL-APB) is a potent blocker of synaptic transmission at guinea pig but not rat mossy fiber-CA3 synapses in hippocampal slices. The L-isomer of APB is responsible for the potent inhibition at the guinea pig synapse. The L-APB analogue L-serine-O-phosphate (L-SOP) also is more potent against the guinea pig response. These differences may reflect a difference in a synaptic acidic amino acid receptor in these two species. Other acidic amino acid antagonists are less potent than APB or L-SOP and do not discriminate between the mossy fiber responses in the two species.
“Dumping” of rebound nystagmus and optokinetic afternystagmus in humans

Rebound nystagmus (RN) is an involuntary movement of the eyes, characterized by slow-phase eye velocity in the direction of previously maintained eccentric gaze. The purpose of this study was to clarify the neural or neuromuscular events that are responsible for the generation of RN. To do so, we examined whether a briefly presented visual stimulus during RN reduces (i.e., “dumps”) subsequent eye velocity, compared with the velocity of slow-phase eye movements when no visual stimulus was presented. For comparison, “dumping” was examined also for optokinetic afternystagmus (OKAN), which is generally believed to result from eye-velocity signals stored in a central neural integrator as a consequence of optokinetic stimulation. Results obtained from ten normal observers showed that RN and OKAN both exhibit “dumping”: average slow-phase eye velocities were reliably slower after fixation of a 0.6 deg stationary target than on trials when no fixation target was presented. Although RN decayed faster than OKAN in darkness, the magnitude of “dumping” increased similarly with the duration of the visual stimulus (25 ms to 4 s) for both types of eye movement. The results imply that signals from a central velocity-storage mechanism contribute to the generation of RN.
Treatment of a 7-year-old boy with obesity-hypoventilation (Pickwickian syndrome) on a psychosomatic inpatient unit.

Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome, in which obesity is accompanied by respiratory hypoventilation and daytime somnolence, is a particularly complex and dangerous disorder. The authors review the literature describing Obesity-Hypoventilation (Pickwickian Syndrome) and describe the management and rehabilitation of a 7-year-old boy referred to their hospital unit with features of the syndrome. A hypothesized pathophysiological mechanism is presented, and the authors describe an approach to treatment emphasizing comprehensive inpatient management by the coordinated efforts of psychiatric, pediatric, and supportive disciplines.
DNA binding of activator protein-1 is increased in human mesangial cells cultured in high glucose concentrations

DNA binding of activator protein-1 is increased in human mesangial cells cultured in high glucose concentrations. Human mesangial cells (HMC) grown in high glucose environments synthesize excessive amounts of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM). The promoter regions of certain ECM genes contain TPA (phorbol ester)-responsive element (TRE) motifs that bind the transcription factor, activator protein-1 (AP-1), a complex of Jun and other phosphoproteins. AP-1 binding to the TRE promoter is regulated by the quantity, composition and post-translational modifications of proteins in the AP-1 complex. We report an increased binding of AP-1 to TRE oligonucleotides in HMC cultured chronically (5 days) in high glucose environments (30 mM d-glucose). This increased binding is not due to differences in the nuclear quantity of AP-1 proteins or in the composition of the AP-1 complex when compared to AP-1 proteins from cells grown in normal glucose (5 mM d-glucose). A 30 mM l-glucose environment also increased AP-1 binding, but to a degree less than d-glucose. The increased AP-1 binding was partly reversed by treatment of HMC with Calphostin C or Bisindolylmaleimide I suggesting a partial role of the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway in mediating AP-1 binding. AP-1 binding was unaffected by treatment of cells with the MEK inhibitor PD 98059. In addition, increased AP-1 binding persisted for at least 48 hours after media glucose concentrations were normalized. The level of Jun-NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activity and the phosphorylation of the JNK kinase, SEK1, were unchanged by chronic high glucose concentrations. These studies suggest that in HMC cultured in chronic high glucose, post-translational modifications increase the binding of AP-1 to the TRE motif.
FORECASTING GYPSY MOTH DEFOLIATION WITH A GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

In this study, we developed a series of logistic regression models for forecasting gypsy moth defoliation. The models were parameterized by using data collected over a small scaled 100m× 100m gridarea; the independent variables included egg mass density, male moth trap, previous year defoliation, and distance to the nearest cell which was defoliated in the previous year. We simulated the decision-making by using these models; this method essentially simulated the application of current gypsy moth management decision-making. The results indicated that these models can be more reliably applied to actual management decision.
Quality of life among adult patients with neurofibromatosis 1, neurofibromatosis 2 and schwannomatosis: a systematic review of the literature

The aim of this study was to review the literature on quality of life among adult patients with neurofibromatosis 1, neurofibromatosis 2 and schwannomatosis, and to identify the specific aspects of quality of life that were studied and reported in this population. We also set out to report predictors of quality of life. Published research reports were included if they described quality of life in this population and met methodological quality according to a list of predefined criteria. Eight studies (7 in NF1, 1 in NF2, 0 in schwannomatosis), conducted between 2001 and 2013, met inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the eight studies was mostly high according to ratings by predefined criteria. Most studies reported that patients with NF experience decreased quality of life when compared to the general population. Visibility and disease severity were strong predictors of skin-specific quality of life in NF1 patients. However, the majority of findings regarding predictors of quality of life were weak or inconclusive. Given the decreased quality of life in NF patients, it is important to examine more comprehensively the psychosocial factors in this population, especially in patients with NF2 and schwannomatosis. Mind body interventions that address these domains may provide comprehensive and efficacious long term treatment.
Recruitment and retention of economically underserved women to a cervical cancer prevention trial

This review contrasts the planned and actual recruitment and retention efforts for a cervical cancer prevention study within a predominantly underserved population. Recruitment was a primary obstacle to trial progression and multiple strategies to improve recruitment were implemented to meet objectives. The actual recruitment strategies were expansion to five geographically distinct clinical sites, use of nurse practitioners focused primarily on patient issues, extremely flexible study hours and location, honorariums, support for transportation and child care, and creativity in maintaining contact with study participants. With these strategies, 90% of eligible patients consented to participate in the study.
Matrix development of the calculus of relations

In his very interesting address On the calculus of refations , Professor Tarski discussed alternative bases for that calculus. He was there interested in “…different methods of setting up the foundations of this elementary calculus in a rigorously deductive way…” and so did not discuss the method of developing the calculus of relations with which this paper is concerned. Our purpose here is to show how the use of matrix notation for relations permits an algorithmic rather than a postulational-deductive development of the calculus of relations. One limitation of the present approach is to be admitted at the very outset: to enjoy the full benefits of the matrix approach, we are obliged to confine our investigations to Universes of Discourse which are finite. The reason for this restriction will become apparent presently.
Reduced rank regression with autoregressive errors

Abstract In this paper we develop estimation procedures for the components of the regression coefficient matrix in a multivariate regression model, when this matrix is assumed to be of reduced rank and the usual assumption of serial independence of the errors is modified by considering a vector autoregressive structure for the errors. Asymptotic theory and iterative computational procedure for the estimator are discussed. Also suggested is an alternative estimator, which is useful for identification of the rank of the regression matrix. To illustrate the procedures, we consider some macroeconomic data of the United Kingdom.
The Technology Of Charge-Coupled Devices For Video Bandwidth Reduction

Charge-coupled devices (CCD's) are analog sampled-data delay lines which can be used to implement many of the filtering functions required for transform encoding in video bandwidth reduction. The CCD transversal filter is a fundamental building block which is particularly cost effective in terms of it's simplicity and versatility. In particular it can be used to perform the Fourier transform of video signals by means of the chirp z-transform (CZT) algorithm. CCD's have performance limitations compared to digital filters, but for applications which fall within their performance ranges, CCD's offer advantages of lower cost, smaller size, lighter weight, lower power and improved reliability over digital filters.© (1975) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Research Integration for Psychologists: An Overview of Approaches1

This article encourages psychologists to learn about and apply nontraditional (quantitative) approaches to research integration. Various research integration approaches (literary, vote-counting, combining significance levels, and meta-analytic) are summarized. Also discussed are the advantages of meta-analytic approaches to research integration and some of the problems posed by the use of such quantitative procedures. Implications for psychology include more complete reporting of research results, integration of research in areas of interest to psychologists, and identification of research gaps.
A longitudinal survey of self-reported bowel habits in the United States

Information concerning bowel habits was gathered from a representative sample of 14,407 United States adults in the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 1971–1975 and approximately 10 years later among the same individuals. The prevalence of self-reported constipation, diarrhea, infrequent defecation (three or fewer bowel movements per week), and frequent defecation (two or more bowel movements per day) increased with aging. Women were more likely than men (P<0.05) to report constipation (20.8% compared to 8.0%) and infrequent defecation (9.1% compared to 3.2%). Blacks were more likely than whites to report infrequent defecation (P<0.05). Older respondents reporting constipation were more likely to use laxatives or stool softeners than younger respondents reporting constipation, but they were also less likely to have infrequent defecation. To evaluate factors predictive of impaired bowel function, case definitions were created using information concerning complaint of constipation, laxative use, frequency of defecation, and stool consistency. Female gender, black race, fewer years of education, low physical activity, and symptoms of depression were independent risk factors for impaired bowel function. This study provides national estimates of bowel complaints and their natural history and examines possible risk factors for constipation.
Submillimeter Observations of the Young Low-Mass Object IRAS 04158+2805

We present high spatial resolution Submillimeter Array observations and supplementary single-dish photometry of the molecular gas and dust around IRAS 04158+2805, a young source with spectral type M5-M6 in the Taurus star-forming region. A bright, highly elongated dust structure that extends 8'' (~1120 AU) in diameter is revealed in a 883 μm thermal continuum image. This emission geometry is in good agreement with optical observations that show a similar structure in absorption, aligned perpendicular to bipolar scattered light nebulae. However, the interferometric data also clearly demonstrate that the submillimeter continuum emission is not centrally concentrated, but rather appears to have a toroidal geometry with substantially lower intensities inside a radius of ~250-300 AU. Spatially resolved emission from the CO J = 3–2 transition exhibits a velocity gradient along the major axis of the dust structure. If this kinematic pattern is interpreted as the signature of rotation around a central object, then a relatively low mass is inferred (M* ~ 0.3 M☉, with a ~50% uncertainty). We discuss several possible explanations for the observed gas and dust environment around IRAS 04158+2805, including a flattened envelope with an outflow cavity and a large circumbinary ring. This source offers unique views of the gas and dust environment surrounding a young low-mass stellar system. Its properties are generally not commensurate with formation scenarios for such low-mass objects that rely on dynamical ejection, but rather confirms that a single mechanism—molecular cloud core collapse and fragmentation—can produce stars over a wide range of stellar masses (at least an order of magnitude).
Adult presentation of heterotaxic syndromes and related complexes.

Summary(Definitions) Situs solitus indicates the normal position of the cardiac atria and viscera. Situs solitus with levocardia is the normal situation, with <1% incidence of congenital heart disease (Table 1). Levocardia denotes a left-sided heart and a left cardiac apex; it does not give any indi
Mutation of Y179 on phospholipase D2 (PLD2) upregulates DNA synthesis in a PI3K-and Akt-dependent manner.

Abstract Phospholipase D2 (PLD2), one of the two mammalian members of the PLD family, has been implicated in cell proliferation, transformation, tumor progression and survival. However, as precise mechanistic details are still unknown, we investigated here if the PLD2 isoform would signal through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Transient expression of PLD2 in COS7 cells with either the WT or with a Y179F mutant, resulted in an increased basal phosphorylation of AKT in residues T 308 and S 473 , in a PI3K-dependent manner. Transfection of PLD2-Y179F (but not the wild type) caused an increased (> 2-fold) DNA synthesis even in the absence of extracellular stimuli. Other signaling mechanisms downstream such PLD/PI3K dependence (that might lead to DNA synthesis regulation) were further studied. PLD2-Y179F caused an increase in phosphorylation of p42/p44 ERK and in the expression of G0/G1 phase transition markers (p21 CIP , PCNA), and these effects, too, were dependent on PI3K. Interestingly, Akt, once activated induced the phosphorylation of PLD2 on residue T 175 , an effect that was inhibited by LY296004. Lastly, if PLD2-Y179F is further mutated in residue K758 (PLD2 Y179F-K758R), which renders inactive a catalytic site, DNA synthesis is then abrogated, indicating that the activity of the enzyme (i.e. synthesis of PA) is necessary for the observed effects. In conclusion, the unavailability of residue Y179 on PLD2 to become phosphorylated leads to an augmentation of DNA synthesis concomitantly with MEK and AKT phosphorylation, in a process that is dependent on PI3K and independent of any extracellular stimuli. This might be critical for the maintenance of the PLD2-regulated proliferative status.
Science policies for reducing societal inequities

In an effort to move social justice issues higher on R&D policy-making agendas, we ask whether new technoscientific capacities introduced into a non-egalitaria n society tend disproportionately to benefit the affluent and powerful. To demonstrate plausibility of the hypothesis, we first review examples of grossly non-egalitarian outcomes from military, medical, and other R&D arenas. We then attempt to debunk the science-inequity link by looking for substantial categories where R&D is conducive to reducing unjustified inequalities. For example, R&D sometimes enables less affluent persons to purchase more or better goods and services. Although the case for price-based equity proves weaker than nonnally believed, R&D targeted towards public goods tums out to offer a reasonable chance of equity enhancement, as do several other potentially viable approaches to science policy. However, major changes in science-polic y institutions and participants probably would be required for R&D to serve humanity equitably.
Photoemission and thermal desorption studies of electron beam polymerized thiophene films on Pt(111)

Abstract We report on the investigation of electron beam induced modifications of thin films (on the order of a few monolayers) of thiophene adsorbed on Pt(111). X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy have been used to characterize the growth and thermal behavior of these thin films upon electron beam irradiation. These films show characteristics that are consistent with electron beam induced polymerization. Upon electron beam modification there is a broadening of all peaks in the UPS spectra which is atttributed to the delocalization of electrons due to increased interaction between aromatic rings. XPS and UPS spectra show changes that parallel growth of a polymer, as observed for thiophene oligomers and, exhibit the same spectral features that are reported in the literature for electrochemically grown films (1000 A) of polythiophene. In addition to spectral changes, one would expect polymerization to create changes in the behavior of the material as well. In comparing the behavior with annealing of the unmodified thiophene, with that of the electron beam modified thiophene, we find dramatic differences. At 235 K unmodified thiophene exhibits loss of the multilayer and by 350 K is decomposed. In contrast, the beam modified thiophene does not show a loss of material with annealing, and retains its intact character even at elevated temperatures (600 K). The changes observed in the XPS and UPS spectra of thin thiophene films are consistent with electron beam induced polymerization.
Spontaneous rupture of the posterior lens capsule with improved vision

A traumatic cataract developed in a 17-year-old boy after he sustained penetrating trauma and underwent treatment of endophthalmitis. B-scan ultrasonography revealed a swollen lens and an accumulation of echoes on the posterior capsule. Two months later, this patient experienced sudden visual improvement, from hand motions to 20/25, associated with spontaneous rupture of the posterior capsule. This unusual occurrence may be due to increased intralenticular pressure or weakness in the lens capsule.
MEK1/2 Inhibitors Promote Ara-C-Induced Apoptosis but Not Loss of ΔΨm in HL-60 Cells

The effects of pharmacologic MEK1/2 inhibitors on ara-C-mediated mitochondrial injury, caspase activation, and apoptosis have been examined in HL-60 leukemic cells. Coadministration of subtoxic concentrations of the MEK1/2 inhibitors U0126 (20 microM), PD98059 (40 microM), or PD184352 (10 microM) with 10-100 microM ara-C (6 h) potentiated apoptosis (i.e., by approx twofold), and pro-caspase 3, pro-caspase 8, Bid, and PARP cleavage. Unexpectedly, MEK1/2 inhibitors failed to enhance ara-C-mediated loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)), but instead induced substantial increases in cytosolic release of cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO. U0126/ara-C-mediated apoptosis and pro-caspase 3 activation, but not cytochrome c or Smac/DIABLO release, were blocked by the pan-caspase inhibitor ZVAD-fmk. Together, these findings indicate that potentiation of ara-C-mediated lethality in HL-60 cells by MEK1/2 inhibitors involves enhanced cytosolic release of cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO but not discharge of DeltaPsi(m), implicating activation of an apoptotic pathway that differs, at least with respect to the nature of the accompanying mitochondrial injury, from that triggered by ara-C alone.
The differential form spectrum of hyperbolic space

Let Hn+1 denote the simply connected complete space of constant curvature −1. The Laplacian Δ, acting on square integrable p-forms of H, is identified up to unitary equivalence.
The Relationship Between The Real Exchange Rate and The Trade Balance: An Empirical Reassessment

This paper presents an empirical reassessment of the relationship between the real exchange rate and the trade balance, using the multivariate cointegration approach. Based on bilateral trade between the U. S. and the other G7 countries, we find evidence that the trade balance is unresponsive to the exchange rate in the very short run but is significantly affected by it within two years. We also find evidence supporting the empirical validity of the Marshall-Lerner condition, indicating that devaluations do improve the trade balance in the long run.[F32]
Sleep and Nocturnal Mouthpiece IPPV Efficiency in Postpoliomyelitis Ventilator Users

Study objective Intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) can be delivered via various oral, nasal, or oronasal interfaces as an alternative to tracheostomy for up to 24 h of ventilatory support. Nocturnal nasal IPPV is often associated with frequent transient but at times severe oxyhemoglobin desaturations (dSaO 2 s) and sleep fragmentation. The purpose of this study was to determine if nocturnal mouthpiece IPPV is also associated with dSaO 2 s and sleep disruption. Design Twenty-seven postpolio ventilator-assisted individuals (VAIs) using mouthpiece IPPV with little or no ventilator-free breathing time (VFBT) underwent nocturnal oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO 2 ) monitoring. In addition, 15 underwent nocturnal capnography and 13 underwent polysomnography. Results Mean nocturnal SaO 2 was normal in 22 of 27 and maximum end-tidal Pco 2 was normal in 12 of 15 VAIs. Use of lipseal retention for nocturnal mouthpiece IPPV significantly improved blood gas values during sleep. The polysomnography results demonstrated relatively normal sleep efficiency. Conclusions Nocturnal mouthpiece IPPV is most effective with lipseal retention. It can provide normal alveolar ventilation and SaO 2 during sleep for VAIs with little or no measurable vital capacity or VFBT. Because transient dSaO 2 s can be eliminated with lipseal retention, it may disrupt sleep less than nasal IPPV.
Effects of pressure on the electrical resistance of certain metals

Abstract The four-lead electric resistance system previously described by Stromberg and Jura has been employed to measure the room temperature resistance vs. pressure of praseodymium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, erbium, ytterbium, scandium, barium, tin, iron and bismuth. The high pressure barium transition was found at 137 kbars and the tin transition at 107 kbars. These values are in fair agreement with data of Drickamer and co-workers, who reported the transition of barium of 144 kbars and that of tin at 113–115 kbars.
Energetics of Inclusion-Induced Bilayer Deformations

The material properties of lipid bilayers can affect membrane protein function whenever conformational changes in the membrane-spanning proteins perturb the structure of the surrounding bilayer. This coupling between the protein and the bilayer arises from hydrophobic interactions between the protein and the bilayer. We analyze the free energy cost associated with a hydrophobic mismatch, i.e., a difference between the length of the protein's hydrophobic exterior surface and the average thickness of the bilayer's hydrophobic core, using a (liquid-crystal) elastic model of bilayer deformations. The free energy of the deformation is described as the sum of three contributions: compression-expansion, splay-distortion, and surface tension. When evaluating the interdependence among the energy components, one modulus renormalizes the other: e.g., a change in the compression-expansion modulus affects not only the compression-expansion energy but also the splay-distortion energy. The surface tension contribution always is negligible in thin solvent-free bilayers. When evaluating the energy per unit distance (away from the inclusion), the splay-distortion component dominates close to the bilayer/inclusion boundary, whereas the compression-expansion component is more prominent further away from the boundary. Despite this complexity, the bilayer deformation energy in many cases can be described by a linear spring formalism. The results show that, for a protein embedded in a membrane with an initial hydrophobic mismatch of only 1 A, an increase in hydrophobic mismatch to 1.3 A can increase the Boltzmann factor (the equilibrium distribution for protein conformation) 10-fold due to the elastic properties of the bilayer.
Role of microbial enzymes in flavor development in foods

There are four main sources of enzymes in foods—these being the inherent enzymes, enzymes from microbial contaminants, enzymes elaborated by microorganisms added to foods, and specific enzymes added to foods. This study primarily deals with the latter two sources of enzymes in food. Although both plants and animals serve as sources of enzymes, they are not as economical or versatile sources as are enzymes obtained from microorganisms. In the meat industry, proteases are used to tenderize muscle and to obtain flavor precursors. In the preparation of cured meat products such as sausages, lipases, and proteases from bacterial cultures are utilized. Similarly, proteases and lipases are used in the dairy industry to develop flavor compounds. Proteases and amylases also have applications in the baking and milling industries where they are used to produce precursors for the nonenzymatic browning reactions. Carbohydrases such as amylase, amyloglucosidase, and glucose isomerase have found usage in the starch and syrup industry for the production of high dextrose and high fructose syrups. Other enzymes such as glucose oxidase, pectinase, and naringinase are of value to the wine and fruit juice industries. A better understanding of the mode of action of enzymes as well as the mechanisms of development of flavor compounds will further enhance the use of microbial enzymes to develop specific and desired flavors in foods.
Impairment of Ca2+ mobilization in circular muscle cells of the inflamed colon

This study investigated whether inflammation modulates the mobilization of Ca2+ in canine colonic circular muscle cells. The contractile response of single cells from the inflamed colon was signifi...
Acetaminophen as an Oral Toxicant for Nile Monitor Lizards ( Varanus niloticus ) and Burmese Pythons (Python molurus bivittatus )

Context.Invasive species are a growing global problem. Biological invasions can result in numerous harmful impacts on local ecologies, and non-native herpetofauna are frequently ignored. Nile monitor lizards (Varanus niloticus) and Burmese pythons(Pythonmolurusbivittatus,recentlyreassessedasPythonbivittatusbivittatus),havebecomeestablishedinsouthern Florida. Both are large, semi-aquatic predators that pose serious threats to a variety of threatened and endangered species, as well as to the unique ecology of the area. Aims. Acetaminophen (CAS#103-90-2), a lethal oral toxicant for the invasive brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis) on Guam, was investigated as a possible toxicant in juvenile Burmese pythons and Nile monitors. Methods. Dead neonatal mouse (DNM) baits containing 0, 10, 20, or 40mg acetaminophen were force-fed to Nile monitors, whereas DNM containing doses of 0, 20, 40, or 80mg were freely consumed by Burmese pythons. Subjects were frequently observed post-treatment for general condition and position, with special attention paid to activity (if any), behaviour, respiration, bleeding, emesis, ataxia, and mortality. Keyresults.InNilemonitors,acetaminophendosesof10,20,or40mgresultedin0,50and100%mortality,respectively. In Burmese pythons, doses of 20, 40, or 80mg resulted in 14.3, 85.7 and 100% mortality, respectively. No mortality was observed in control individuals of either species. A negative correlation between dosage (mgkg –1 ) and time-to-death was observed in both species. Dosages ranging from 522 to 2438mgkg –1 and 263 to 703mgkg –1 were uniformly lethal to monitors and pythons, respectively. Neither species exhibited signs of pain or discomfort following acetaminophen treatment. Conclusions. Acetaminophen is an effective toxicant in juvenile Nile monitors and Burmese pythons. Further investigation into acetaminophen toxicity in adults of these species is merited. Implications. Although further investigation into adult lethal dosages and strategies to optimise bait deployment while minimising secondary hazards is required, acetaminophen may have a role to play in the control of these invasive species in Florida.
Relation of milk fat-depressing rations and subclinical mastitis to milk proteins.

Abstract Two continuous feeding trials involving 28 cows were used to study the influence of a pelleted, high-grain ration, of dietary supplementation with unsaturated oils (safflower and cod liver oil), and of subclinical mastitis under these conditions, on milk total proteins, casein, whey proteins, solids-notfat (SNF), and fat. Milk samples from 512 udder quarters were analyzed. Total milk protein and casein contents were elevated by each nutritional regime. Whey protein and SNF contents increased while feeding the high-grain ration, but both showed only minor changes during the oil supplementation. A net gain in milk protein synthesis of 15% was obtained during the high-grain regime, but protein yields during the oil regime were lower because of reduced milk production. Milk fat percentages and fat yields were depressed by each regime. Ratios of casein content to total protein content of milk were significantly related to Wisconsin Mastitis Test (WMT) scores ( r = —0.45). Intraclass correlation coefficients within udder quarters for WMT scores on whey protein per cent, SNF per cent, casein yield, milk yield, total protein yield, fat per cent, casein per cent, whey protein yield, and total protein per cent were, in decreasing order, 0.45, —0.41, —0.34, —0.33, —0.29, —0.19, —0.18, —0.14, and 0.08, respectively.
Predicting the dynamics of local adaptation in invasive species

An invasive plant species may restrict its spread to only one type of habitat, or, after some time, may continue to spread into a different, often stressful, secondary, habitat. The question of whether evolution is required for an invasive species to spread from one habitat to another is currently hotly debated. In order for local adaptation to occur, genetic variation must be present within invasive populations. In this paper, I focus on the effect of habitat on the maintenance of genetic variation during the lag phase, the phase of population stability prior to expansion. Genetic diversity in invasive plant populations accumulates through multiple introductions, gene flow, mutation, and hybridization, but diversity is maintained by population level processes influencing effective population size (Ne). I show that when the plastic response to the environment results in little variation in reproductive output among indi- viduals, Ne is maximized and genetic variation is maintained. Established models of plant competition show that below-ground competition reduces the variation in reproductive output, whereas competition for light increases variation in reproductive output. The same environments that maintain high Ne also reduce the opportunity for se- lection and minimize the response to selection, and thus the effects of the environment are synchronized to prevent genetic purges. When the primary invasion habitat supports high Ne, conditions are ripe for local adaptation to a secondary habitat, particularly if the secondary habitat has high opportunity for selection. When the primary invasion habitat supports low Ne, genetic diversity is less likely to be sufficient for local adaptation to secondary habitat to occur.
P2P-Paid: A Peer-to-Peer Wireless Payment System

The fast advance of wireless networking, communication, and mobile technology is making a big impact on daily life. The significant increase of mobile device users has caused a strong demand for secured wireless information services and reliable mobile commerce applications. Since wireless payment is a critical part of most wireless information services and mobile commerce applications, generating secured mobile payment systems is becoming a hot research topic in both the e-commerce research community and wireless commerce industry. This paper proposes a peer-to-peer wireless payment system, known as P2P-Paid, to allow two mobile users to conduct wireless payment transactions over Bluetooth communications. The system uses a 2-dimensional secured protocol, which not only supports the peer-to-peer (P2P) payment transactions between two mobile clients using Bluetooth communications, but also supports the related secured transactions between the payment server and mobile clients. This paper provides a system overview about system functional features, system architecture, and technologies used. Moreover, an integrated security solution for the P2P-Paid system is described. Our first phase implementation is reported, and application examples are given to demonstrate the functions and feasibility of this system
Characterization of changes in the viscosity of lipid membranes with the molecular rotor FCVJ

Membrane viscosity is a key parameter in cell physiology, cell function, and cell signaling. The most common methods to measure changes in membrane viscosity are fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and fluorescence anisotropy. Recent interest in a group of viscosity sensitive fluorophores, termed molecular rotors, led to the development of the highly membrane-compatible (2-carboxy-2-cyanovinyl)-julolidine farnesyl ester (FCVJ). The purpose of this study is to examine the fluorescent behavior of FCVJ in model membranes exposed to various agents of known influence on membrane viscosity, such as alcohols, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), cyclohexane, cholesterol, and nimesulide. The influence of key agents (propanol and cholesterol) was also examined using FRAP, and backcalculated viscosity change from FCVJ and FRAP was correlated. A decrease of FCVJ emission was found with alcohol treatment (with a strong dependency on the chain length and concentration), DMSO, and cyclohexane, whereas cholesterol and nimesulide led to increased FCVJ emission. With the exception of nimesulide, FCVJ intensity changes were consistent with expected changes in membrane viscosity. A comparison of viscosity changes computed from FRAP and FCVJ led to a very good correlation between the two experimental methods. Since molecular rotors, including FCVJ, allow for extremely easy experimental methods, fast response time, and high spatial resolution, this study indicates that FCVJ may be used to quantitatively determine viscosity changes in phospholipid bilayers.
Optimal Energy Cost for Strongly Stable Multi-hop Green Cellular Networks

With the ever increasing user adoption of mobile devices like smart phones and tablets, the cellular service providers' energy consumption and cost are fast-growing and have received tremendous attention. How to effectively reduce the energy cost of cellular networks and achieve green communications while satisfying cellular users' rocketing traffic demands has become an urgent and challenging problem. In this paper, we investigate the minimization of the long-term time-averaged expected energy cost of a cellular service provider while guaranteeing the strong stability of the network. We first formulate an offline optimization problem with a joint consideration of flow routing, link scheduling, and energy (i.e., renewable energy resource, energy storage unit, etc.) constraints. Since the formulated problem is a time-coupling stochastic Mixed-Integer Non-Linear Programming (MINLP) problem, it is prohibitively expensive to solve. Then, we reformulate the problem by employing Lyapunov optimization theory. A decomposition based algorithm is developed to solve the problem, which is proved to guarantee the network strong stability. Both the lower and upper bounds on the optimal result of the original problem are derived and proven. Simulation results demonstrate that the obtained lower and upper bounds are very tight, and that the proposed scheme results in noticeable energy cost savings.
Violent Victimization Vulnerability: Testing a Conceptual Model of Personality, Social, and Community Factors

The current study extends theories of crime to explain victimization by examining the direct effects of personality factors (low self-control), social factors (social bonds), and community factors (collective efficacy) on violent victimization. Next, we examine the effects of these theories indirectly through risky lifestyles to impact violent victimization. The proposed conceptual model is tested among a large national sample of youth (ages 12–16) from three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health data (Add Health). Self-control, social bonds, and collective efficacy impact violent victimization indirectly through their effects on risky lifestyles, including unstructured peer socialization, peer marijuana use, respondents’ own marijuana use, and violence. The proposed conceptual model was generally supported and future directions for research to test and enhance this conceptual model are considered
Evaluation of aerosol devices for simultaneous disruption of sex pheromone communication in Cydia pomonella and Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

A two-year study was conducted evaluating Puffer® aerosol dispensers (Suterra LLC, Bend, OR, USA) for mating disruption of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), and the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck). The Puffer® dispenser consists of a pressurized metal canister loaded with pheromone active ingredients dissolved in solvent and housed within a circuit-controlled, plastic dispensing cabinet programmed to release an aerosol spray of pheromone at regular intervals. Puffers® were deployed at the label-recommended rate of 2.5 ha−1 and released ca. 5–10 mg of pheromone (depending on treatment) per 15 min during a 12-h cycle beginning each day at 15:00 h for the duration of the season. In 2005, commercially-managed apple plots (3.2–4.9 ha) were treated with Puffers® releasing both species’ pheromone simultaneously (dual-species) or with twice the number of adjacently-deployed Puffers® (4–6 m apart) releasing each individual species’ pheromones (single-species), while maintaining comparable overall release rates of pheromone between these two treatments. Plots 100 m away and not treated with pheromone served as the control. Disruption of male C. pomonella and G. molesta orientation to pheromone-baited traps was 46–75 and 91–98%, respectively, in Puffer®-treated plots compared with untreated controls. There was no statistical difference in moth disruption between plots treated with dual-species and single-species Puffers®. Fruit injury was not statistically different between Puffer®-treated plots and control plots not receiving pheromone. In 2006, disruption of male moth orientation to traps was 24–26 and 84–97% in Puffer®-treated plots (2.9–5.7 ha) for C. pomonella and G. molesta, respectively, compared with untreated controls. During this season, fruit injury was lower in pheromone-treated plots compared with untreated controls at mid-season, but not at pre-harvest. Combining the pheromone of both species into single Puffer® units did not decrease efficacy of disruption compared with deploying twice as many Puffers® releasing a similar amount of each individual species’ pheromone suggesting that multi-species disruption using Puffers® is a viable option. However, we conclude that the efficacy of disruption attained with low-densities (2.5 ha−1) of Puffers® at the moth densities recorded in this study is insufficient for effective control of C. pomonella without input of companion insecticides.