cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Spratly Islands Dispute: Rethinking the Interplay of Law, Diplomacy, and Geo-politics in the South China Sea

The Spratly Islands archipelago has become pivotal as a strategic, economic and political asset in the South China Sea. This situation has become particularly evident since the end of the Cold War, as the Spratlys have been used by six littoral states as legal basepoints to project claims over strategic sea-lanes, fishery waters and submarine hydrocarbon resources in the South China Sea. The claimant state having predominant military and economic influence in the region is China, which has used military force on occasion to substantiate its claims. It is not inconceivable that the dispute over the Spratlys could lead to military conflict. Successful settlement of sovereignty disputes for the Timor Gap area, Antarctica and the Svalbard archipelago provide models for creating a joint resource development authority to promote regional co-operation among Spratly claimants. The most critical ingredient for mitigating tensions in the South China Sea is the political willingness of Spratly claimants, especially China, to make dispute settlement happen.
Editorial Note in March 1997: Combination Chemotherapy

What are the implications of the new combination therapies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients for the prophylactic treatment of exposed but uninfected persons? The increasing use of combination t.herapy for HIV-infected patients may have both favorable and unfavorable implications for the management of exposed persons. If combination treatment of an infected patient results in an optimal response (i.e., the viral load in blood falls below the limit of detection with available assays), then the risk associated with exposure to that patient’s blood may be considerably decreased. On the other hand, if the patient’s response to antiretroviral treatment is incomplete and detectable HIV persists or re-emerges in his/her blood, the virus transferred to the exposed person will be more likely to be resistant to the drugs the patient was taking, as well as to antiretrovirals crossresistant to these drugs. What is the rationale for combination prophylactic treatment of exposed persons? 1. Enhanced antiretroviral potency of combination therapy Additive or synergistic effects of several antiviral drug combinations have been observed in vitro and in clinical trials of infected patients.’ It seems reasonable to conclude that certain drug combinations will likewise increase the efficacy of postexposure prophylactic treatment. The enhanced potency of these combination regimens may be more important in countering a higher virus inoculum. On the other hand, certain agents given in combination may be antagonistic, result in added toxicity, and/or may have pharmacokinetic interactions requiring dosage modification. Expert advice is required, therefore, in selecting the drug combinations to be used. 2. Counteracting drug-resistant virus in the exposure inoculum Rational postexposure treatment regimens must include at least one drug to which the exposure virus is likely to be susceptible. It is difficult, however, to predict the likelihood of drug resistance in the
Unemployment insurance effects on child academic outcomes: Results from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth

Abstract Despite evidence linking parental unemployment spells and negative child outcomes, there is very little research that explores how participation in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program could buffer these effects. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 79 (NLSY79) and Children of the NLSY79 data, we estimate a series of fixed effects and instrumental variables models to estimate the relationship between UI participation and the Peabody Individual Achievement Test (math and reading comprehension). Once we control for the non-random selection process into UI participation, our results suggest a positive relationship between UI participation and PIAT math scores. None of the models suggests a negative influence of UI participation on child outcomes.
Shope fibroma virus growth factor exhibits epidermal growth factor activities in newborn mice

A synthetic 55-residue peptide consisting of the carboxyl portion of the predicted genomic DNA sequence of Shope fibroma virus growth factor (SFGF residue 26-80) was found to exhibit epidermal growth factor-transforming growth factor activities in newborn mice. The synthetic SFGF accelerated precocious incisor eruption and eyelid opening in newborn mice and also retarded the overall growth rates of hair, body weight and body length when administered in dosages of 4 to 6 micrograms per gram of body weight. The results of whole animal studies indicate that SFGF belongs to the EGF-TGF alpha family and exerts similar biologic effects in newborn animals.
Buffering as a means for increasing growth and butanol production by Clostridium acetobutylicum

The objective of this work was to optimize butanol formation in the acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation by examining the level of buffering as it affects the dissociation of butyric acid to the less toxic butyrate anion. Experiments were carried out in batch culture using chemically defined (P2) or complex media containing various buffering agents. These included salts of acetate, citrate, phosphate, nitrate, or bicarbonate, representing a range of pKa values and buffering capacities. Growth in highly buffered medium was found to increase the stationary phase cell density, carbohydrate utilization, and the final butanol concentration. At higher levels of buffering, increased growth and elevated concentrations of butyric acid were required to initiate solventogenesis, suggesting the involvement of a critical threshold level of undissociated butyric acid.
Multidimensional indices of achievements and poverty: what do we gain and what do we lose? An introduction to JOEI Forum on multidimensional poverty

Poverty and wellbeing are multi-dimensional. Nobody questions that deprivations and achievements go beyond income. There is, however, sharp disagreement on whether the various dimensions of poverty and wellbeing can be aggregated into a single, multi-dimensional index in a meaningful way. Is aggregating dimensions of poverty and wellbeing useful? Is it sensible? These are the key questions underlying the three articles included in this issue of JOEI’s Forum.
Modeling dissolved organic carbon in subalpine and alpine lakes with GIS and remote sensing

Current global trends in lake dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations suggest a need for tools to more broadly measure and predict variation in DOC at regional landscape scales. This is particularly true for more remote subalpine and alpine regions where access is difficult and the minimal levels of anthropogenic watershed disturbance allow these systems to serve as valuable reference sites for long-term climate change. Here geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing tools are used to develop simple predictive models that define relationships between watershed variables known to influence lake DOC concentrations and lake water color in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Montana and Wyoming, USA. Variables examined include watershed area, topography, and vegetation cover. The resulting GIS model predicts DOC concentrations at the lake watershed scale with a high degree of accuracy (R 2 = 0.92; P ≤ 0.001) by including two variables: vegetation coverage (representing sites of organic carbon fixation) and areas of low slope (0–5%) within the watershed (wetland sites of DOC production). Importantly, this latter variable includes not only surficially visible wetlands, but “cryptic” subsurface wetlands. Modeling with Advanced Land Imager satellite remote sensing data provided a weaker relationship with water color and DOC concentrations (R 2 = 0.725; P ≤ 0.001). Model extrapolation is limited by small sample sizes but these models show promise in predicting lake DOC in subalpine and alpine regions.
Sputum and serum hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as novel biomarker of asthma

Background Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gas produced by respiratory cells including smooth muscle cells and may play a role as a gasotransmitter. We determined whether H2S levels in serum or sputum supernatants could represent a biomaker of asthma. Methods We measured H2S in induced sputum and serum samples of patients with severe and non-severe asthma and of healthy subjects. H2S concentrations were measured using a sulfide-sensitive electrode. Results H2S levels in induced sputum from severe and nonsevere asthmatic patients were significantly higher than those from healthy subjects but there was no difference between the severe and non-severe group. Serum H2S levels were 10 times higher than in sputum and these were also higher in severe and non-severe asthmatic subjects compared to healthy subjects. There was a positive correlation between sputum and blood H2 Sl evels (r=0.42, p<0.05). Sputum H2S levels were negatively correlated with FEV1 %predicted (r=-0.42, p=0.003), and with reversibility to salbutamol (r= -0.54, p<0.01). There was a correlation between sputum H2S and sputum neutrophils and macrophages, and a negative correlation between sputum H2S and FeNO levels. Conclusions Endogenous H2S, measured in induced sputum, may be a marker of neutrophilic inflammation and bronchial narrowing.
Alkaloids of Amsonia brevifolia

Abstract Two new cytotoxic oxindole alkaloids, 17-demethoxy corynoxine B and 17-demethoxy-isorhynchophylline were isolated from the whole plant of Amsonia brevifolia and their structures elucidated through a combination of physical, chemical and spectroscopic methods. Several terpenoids and nine other indole alkaloids were also isolated. Because the constituents of A. brevifolia and A. tomentosa appeared to be identical qualitatively and quantitatively, it is suggested that only the name A. brevifolia be retained for this species.
Localized wave physics and engineering

Issues pertaining to the rate of beam divergence, the beam intensity, and the measured energy efficiency of beams generated by arrays of radiating elements are central to the practical applications of those beams. It will be shown that a localized-wave pulse-driven array can be designed to outperform similar continuous-wave pulse-driven arrays with respect to each of these beam characteristics. This improved performance is quantified by deriving bounds on those beam quantities for the field generated by an arbitrary pulse-driven array. These bounds extend the meaning of near-field distances or diffraction lengths to the situation where the array driving functions can be broad-bandwidth signals. Particular attention is given to transmitting- and receiving-array systems consisting of elements that are not large in comparison to the shortest wavelength of significance contained in the signals driving them. The output signals of such systems are related to the input driving functions by several time derivatives. It is demonstrated that the properties of the resulting beams depend on the higher-order moments of the spectra of the input driving functions and that diffraction degrades the coherence of these higher-order moments more slowly than its lower orders.
Integration of thin film electronics and MEMS

The integration of thin film electronics and opto-electronics with MEMs is discussed. Thin film electronics and opto-electronics based on amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon are considered for integration with MEMs devices based on piezoelectric thin films or on amorphous or poly-Si thin films.
Assembly modeling for plan generation and DFA analysis

Assembly in the state when a product really comes to life and is able to function; a product achieves its functionality by the concerted efforts of its components. Assembling consists of the act of putting two or more components together; but behind the scenes work includes many activities necessary to realize a complete product, repair it, disassemble it for recycling or disposal and so on. During the past two decades or so, several methodologies- graph theory, matrix algebra, knowledge-based, object-oriented, etc. - have evolved for the modeling of assemblies. Each method has its own merit; but the suitability and practicality of a method often depends on the computer hardware capability and the state of available software language features (expression capability and libraries). Generally speaking, the modeling of assemblies involves a two step process: component relationship modeling and detailed CAD modeling. Product designers use the components relationship models, often informally, to complete their design. This paper describes the modeling techniques and implementation details pertaining to the component relations. Matrix algebra-based modeling framework that is used in this work is capable of representing product final assemblies, sub-assemblies and individual components. The framework has the required expression capability that may be used to perform bill of materials calculations, material requirements planning, the creation of assembly liaison or mating information, design for assembly (DFA) analysis and the generation of assembly plans/sequences.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Intraventricular conduction time (H-V interval) during antegrade conduction in patients with heart block

Intraventricular conduction time (H-V interval) was recorded during antegrade conduction in 16 patients with various intraventricular conduction abnormalities who showed second degree or complete heart block. In 9 patients the block was localized distal to the His bundle potential (H) by His bundle electrography. The remaining 7 patients had shown block before the study. The H-V interval during antegrade conduction was prolonged in 15. Atrial pacing was performed in 6 patients during 1:1 A-V conduction. In 3 patients second degree atrioventricular (A-V) block developed distal to the H potential. In 2 of these patients, complete heart block had been noted earlier, and in 1 it developed 3 months after the study. The remaining 3 patients showed 1:1 A-V conduction during atrial pacing, even though each had earlier shown complete heart block. We conclude that the majority of patients with bundle branch block who experience heart block have a prolonged H-V interval during antegrade conduction. Atrial pacing performed during 1:1 A-V conduction may or may not produce block distal to the H potential.
A closed-cycle Joule-Thomson liquefier and cryostat for He3☆

Abstract A small closed-cycle liquefier and cryostat, liquefying He3 by Joule-Thomson expansion, is described. Its characteristics, operation, and performance are discussed. The JT expansion takes place from pressures of 4 atm abs or less at flow rates up to 14 litres (s t p) min−1. The closed cycle character of the circulation is maintained by use of an oil-free diaphragm compressor. The coefficient of liquefaction at an input pressure of 4 atm is about 59%, which at the maximum flow of 14 litres (s t p)−1 corresponds to a refrigerative capacity at 3·2 K of 230 mW. When used as a cryostat, the liquid He3 chamber has a capacity of 40 cm3 and this can be filled in a few minutes. Using a built-in adsorption pump, temperatures down to 0·25 K can be maintained for periods up to 50 hours under conditions of minimal refrigerative loading. Using the quantitative results obtained with this liquefier, deductions are made regarding the inversion curve of He3 and a design has been made for a cryostat covering the temperature range 0·25 K and upwards, which does not require any liquid refrigerants, such as liquid nitrogen, liquid hydrogen, or liquid helium.
Cooperative advertising in a dual channel supply chain

The focus of this study is cooperative (co-op) advertising and the impact it has on the dual channel supply chain. We obtain equilibrium pricing and co-op advertising policies under two different competitive scenarios: Bertrand and Stackelberg equilibrium. We also compare the profit gains under these two marketing games. Based on our results, we propose the optimal strategies that system members should adopt in a dual channel competition. We also illustrate that by strategically implementing a cooperative advertising strategy under different market structures, both the system players can effectively improve their overall profits in a dual channel supply chain management.
The feminine side of engineering: It's way more than just “Girl Talk!”

Historically, engineering has been widely thought of as a field of study best suited for men. In fact, the masculine face that engineering often assumes has overshadowed, and in some respects, continues to overshadow the concept of the engineer in many people's minds. While this conception has prevailed historically, in recent decades, the feminine face of the engineer has slowly emerged. This paper will examine some of the barriers common to women considering a career in engineering along with a discussion of how these barriers have been, and continue to be surpassed. The "glass ceiling,” a metaphorical barrier that is often seen to prevent qualified women from advancing to leadership positions in science and engineering, will be discussed. Effective methods and strategies that have been developed by various professional organizations will be shared. This sharing will include a conversation with Eleanor Baum, the first female dean of engineering in the United States. This conversation provides an example of one woman's efforts to help crack the glass ceiling. Directions for future research that will explore factors that could explicate the low numbers of women in science and engineering will be summarized.
Presence, workload and performance effects of synthetic environment design factors

There remains a limited understanding of factors in presence and its relation to performance. This research examined a range of synthetic environment (SE) design features (viewpoint, auditory cue type and visual background) suspected to influence presence, and evaluated differences in presence, workload and task performance caused by manipulations of the factors and task difficulty in a virtual-reality-based basketball free-throw task. Thirty-two research participants were also required to perform secondary-monitoring tasks to assess attention allocation to the virtual and (surrounding) real environments, as an indicator of presence. Analysis of variance results demonstrated immersiveness (viewpoint) and auditory cue type to significantly influence the sense of subjective presence and perceptions of workload. Virtual task performance was significantly affected by task difficultly. This study also provided further evidence of significant positive relations between presence and workload, but no evidence of a correlation of objective presence and performance. These results have general applicability for the design of multimodal SE-based interfaces for real-world tasks, such as telerobot control.
Managing ICU throughput and understanding ICU census.

Purpose of reviewTraditionally, hospitals have coped with chronically high ICU census by building more ICU beds, but this strategy is unlikely to be tenable under future financial models. Therefore, ICUs need additional tools to manage census, inflow, and throughput.Recent findingsHigher ICU census,
Constituents of the marine annelid Thelepus setosus

Abstract From the marine annelid Thelepus setosus we have isolated isovaleramide, 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol ( 2 ), the corresponding aldehyde ( 3 ), bis(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)methane ( 4 ), 2,4′-dihydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-3,3′,5′-tribromodiphenylmethane (thelephenol, 6 ), and dienone 5 (thelepin), which shares with the antimicrobial agent griseofulvin ( 13 ) structural similarity and antifungal activity.
THE USE OF INSULIN ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH ORAL AGENTS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES

To achieve optimal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, clinical trial data suggest that near normal glycemic control should be targeted. Insulin is arguably the most effective treatment available for diabetes and yet many patients remain poorly controlled without the benefit of insulin therapy. Discussion of its putative risks and benefits as well as the barriers to its wider use both in the context of monotherapy and in combination with oral antidiabetic agents is provided. Application of the strategies and principles of insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes should minimize the burden of complications in patients with the disease.
Tunable infrared diode laser measurements of line strengths and collision widths of 12C16O at room temperature

Abstract A tunable diode laser was used to scan 33 vibration-rotation lines in the fundamental band of CO in room-temperature CO-N 2 and CO-Ar mixtures. Each absorption record was fitted with a Voigt profile from which the line strength and collision width were determined. The fundamental band strength of 12 C 16 O at 273.2°K was determined to be 283±4 cm -2 atm -1 . Results are also presented for the rotational quantum number dependence of the collision width for broadening by N 2 and Ar.
Applications of molecular biology and genetics in endocrinology

ABSTRACT Objective To review the growing impact of molecular biology and genetics on clinical endocrinology. Methods Medical literature, databases, and Web sites describing genetics and genomic medicine with relevance for clinical endocrinology were reviewed. Results Many monogenic disorders can now be explained at the molecular level and the diagnosis can be established through mutational analysis. The ability to establish a molecular diagnosis is relevant for carrier detection and genetic counseling. In contrast to the significant advances in monogenic disorders, the current knowledge about the genetic components contributing to the pathogenesis of complex disorders is still relatively modest and is a major focus of current research efforts. Molecular biology already has an important impact on therapy in endocrine disorders. A broad spectrum of recombinant peptides and proteins are used in daily practice, eg, insulin and insulin analogues. Moreover, the increasingly detailed understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of cancer is leading to the development of novel and more specific inhibitors. While genetic testing has many advantages, it is important that physicians and patients are aware of potential limitations. They include, among others, technical limitations and allelic and nonallelic heterogeneity. These limitations need to be discussed in detail with patients and relatives, and it is often useful to involve a genetic counselor before obtaining informed consent by the individuals undergoing testing. Conclusion Molecular biology and genetics play an increasingly important role for the diagnosis and therapy of endocrine disorders. Challenges for the future include the elucidation of the genetic components contributing to complex disorders, eg, diabetes mellitus type 2, and the development of cheaper and comprehensive DNA sequencing technologies. Lastly, it is important that there is continuing attention directed towards the ethical, social, and legal aspects surrounding genetic medicine. (Endocr Pract, 2007;13: 534-541)
Long-Term Results of Laparoscopic Burch Urethropexy

Abstract Study Objective. To evaluate the long-term efficacy of laparoscopic Burch urethropexy. Design. Pilot study. Setting. Private practice. Patients. Thirty-five consecutive women (average age 45.5 yrs, average parity 2.3, average weight 67.7 kg) treated for genuine stress incontinence between May 1992 and July 1994. Interventions. Urethropexy was performed with curved needle suturing in 7 women, straight needle suturing in 5, and Stamey needle suturing in 23. Twenty-five (71.4%) patients had concomitant pelvic surgery. Measurements and Main Results. Wilcoxon two-sample, χ 2 , and Fisher's exact tests were performed to determine which variables were significantly associated with surgical success. Average operating time was 190 minutes, hospitalization 24 hours, and catheterization 5 days. The cure rate of stress incontinence was 89% 3 months and 86% 1 year after surgery. At average follow-up of 34 months, only 68.6% of patients reported complete or almost complete cure, 11.4% were improved, and 20% were complete failures. The only operative variable approaching statistical significance for predicting surgical success was type of suture needle (p=0.07), with the Stamey needle group having the highest cure rate. Women who were cured or almost cured had a significantly shorter follow-up than those who were improved or failures (p=0.001). Conclusion. The success rate of laparoscopic Burch urethropexy compares with that of open Burch procedure at 1 year, but drops considerably thereafter.
US public diplomacy in the Arab world the news credibility of Radio Sawa and Television Alhurra in five countries

This study surveyed a convenience sample of Arab college students in five Arab countries regarding their perceptions of the news credibility of two US-sponsored networks targeting Arab audiences: Radio Sawa and Television Alhurra. To assess the credibility of these networks, the students were asked to use a 12-item credibility scale developed by Gaziano and McGrath. The study found no correlation between the respondents’ frequency of listening to Radio Sawa and their perception of its news as credible. Moreover the study revealed that the students’ attitudes toward US foreign policy had worsened slightly since they started listening to Radio Sawa and watching Alhurra. Many respondents stated that if the US desires to improve its image in the Arab world, it should leave Iraq and adopt an even-handed policy on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Results of this study show the need for the US administration to acknowledge that no matter how savvy its public diplomacy efforts in the Middle East, they will be in...
Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of lentils (Lens culinaris), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.), peas (Pisum sativum L.) and soybeans (Glycine max), and their quantitative changes during processing

Summary Total phenolic content (PC) was ∼12 mg g−1 in lentils, 2.2 mg g−1 in chickpeas, 2.3 mg g−1 in soybeans, 2.5 mg g−1 in yellow peas and 1.2 mg g−1 in green peas. Total antioxidant activity (AA) determined by ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay was highest in lentils at around 14 μmol Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) g−1 and lowest in green peas at 1.9 μmol TEAC g−1. Bound phytochemicals contributed to 82–85% total AA in lentils. Free phytochemicals contributed more to total AA in chickpeas, yellow peas, green peas and soybeans than bound phytochemicals. AA and PC was reduced by ∼80% in lentils and <30% in yellow peas by decortication, by 16–41% in lentils, chickpeas and peas by cooking, and by 22–42% in lentils by soaking. Total AA was significantly correlated with total PC. Soybeans had the greatest ability to scavenge free radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation and chelate metals among the legumes tested. Different legumes exhibited different AA mechanisms.
Coordination of Ultrasound with a large-scale PACS

CONVERSION of a full modality pediatric imaging department to PACS, with the goal of becoming film less has a far reaching impact on the Ultrasound section. Integration of ultrasound into PACS affects equipment selection, training of personnel,and clinicalpractice in the Ultrasoundsection. Texas Children's Hospital houses a full modality diagnostic imaging department. Our PACS includes CR, MR, CT, US, DR (digital fluoro), NM, and film digitizer acquisition modalities. The computer room stores three RAIDS (158 Gigabytes), two archive systems connected to Oracle Database, three Magneto Optical Jukeboxes and an RIS interface, all receiving and transmitting to numerous workstations.
Mass, momentum, and energy transport in turbulent free jets

An experimental and analytic investigation of mass, momentum, and heat transfer in a free turbulent flow field is presented. In particular, the case of a jet issuing from a circular orifice into the free ambient atmosphere of a laboratory room is studied. Three basic flow conditions are considered: (1) isothermal mixing of an air jet with the surroundings, (2) isothermal mixing of a binary mixture (air/CO2) jet with the surroundings, (3) nonisothermal mixing of a heated air jet with the surroundings. Specially designed aspirating probes are used to measure the mean fluxes of mass, momentum and total enthalpy. These properties are considered to be the dependent variables defining the flow field. Accurate measurements of the more usual variables, such as mean species mole fraction, mass-averaged mean velocity and mean temperature are a by-product of the raw data from the aspirated probes. The normalized results indicate that, for identical initial conditions the flux of mass and the flux of total enthalpy behave identically and that both of these variables decay faster and have larger halfwidths than does the momentum flux. However, the radial coordinate at which the value of the flux variable is sensibly equal to zero, that is, the mean “edge” of the jet, is found to be the same for all flux variables. An extended version of the Reichardt inductive theory of free turbulence is found to adequately predict the entire flowfield for all of the conserved flux variables.
Twin-like domains and fracture in deformed magnesium

Twin-like domains were observed in deformed magnesium by using electron backscatter diffraction. These domains do not satisfy any of the known twin orientation relationships, but have a high misorientation angle of ∼57° and a rotation axis of 〈 1 0 1 ¯ 0 〉 . Fracture occurred primarily in these domains. { 1 0 1 ¯ 2 } 〈 1 0 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 〉 twins were observed at the domain/matrix interfaces, and these twins may relax local stress and retard crack propagation. Trace analysis shows that the domains are likely on { 1 0 1 ¯ 1 } planes. Interaction between the domains may lead to crack nucleation.
Ethanol stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species at mitochondrial complexes I and III.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatocellular site of reactive oxygen species generation during acute ethanol metabolism. Reactive oxygen species production was detected using the 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence assay and cell injury was determined by lactate dehydrogenase release. Incubation with 1 and 10 mM ethanol increased the production of reactive oxygen species by 72% and 151%, respectively, which was associated with mild decreases in cell viability. Antimycin, a mitochondrial complex III inhibitor, elicited a 17-fold increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species and markedly decreased hepatocyte viability and ATP levels. Ethanol increased reactive oxygen species production and the cytosolic NADH/NAD+ ratio in antimycin-treated cells. Rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor that allows electron flow through the flavin mononucleotide (FMN), but prevents electron flow to complex III, significantly increased reactive oxygen species production in untreated cells, but decreased reactive oxygen species production in antimycin plus ethanol-treated cells. Diphenyliodonium, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor that inhibits electron flow through FMN, attenuated reactive oxygen species generation in all groups. Fructose prevented cytotoxicity in all treatment groups. Though they do not eliminate the participation of other intracellular compartments, these results indicate that the NADH dehydrogenase complex, as well as complex III of mitochondria, are involved in ethanol-related production of reactive oxygen species.
Comparison of Estuarine Salinity Gradients and Associated Nekton Community Change in the Lower St. Johns River Estuary

Salinity is an important determinant of estuarine faunal composition; previous studies, however, have indicated conflicting accounts of continuous vs. relatively rapid change in community structure at certain salinities from geographically distinct estuaries. This study uses a large fisheries monitoring database (n > 5,000 samples) to explore evidence for estuarine salinity zonation by nekton in the lower St. Johns River estuary (LSJR). There was little evidence to support the presence of estuarine salinity zones except at the extremes of the salinity gradient (i.e., 0.1–1.0 and 34–39). The LSJR estuarine nekton community exhibits progressively slow ecological change throughout most of the salinity gradient with rapid change at the interfaces with fresh and marine waters—an ecoline bounded by ecotones. This study affirms the rapid change that occurs at the extremes of the salinity spectrum in certain estuaries and is relevant to efforts to manage surface water resources and estuarine ecosystems. Given the disparity in the results of the studies examining biological salinity zones in estuaries, it would be wise to have, at minimum, a regional understanding of how communities are structured along the gradient from freshwater to marine.
Electrochemical studies of the redox behavior of ubiquinone-1

Abstract The electrochemical reduction of ubiquinone has been studied in acetonitrile in the presence of acids of widely varying proton donor strength. The final product of two-electron reduction is the hydroquinone. No evidence could be found to suggest that the corresponding chromanol, the product expected from reductive cyclization, is formed in the electroreduction of ubiquinone-1.
The black flash model of QSOs

A model for QSOs and the nuclei of Seyfert Galaxies is proposed in which mass lost from stars in a galactic nucleus repeatedly builds to a critical density and then collapses to the center where it accretes onto a massive black hole (≈108M⊙), emitting great luminosity. This model describes a means of starting with an ordinary nucleus and developing conditions found in QSOs. By invoking intermittent flashes we overcome a difficulty previously encountered in similar models in which plausible sources of mass in reasonable galactic nuclei fail by a factor of ≈10−2 in fueling a black hole at QSO luminosities.
Childhood cushing disease: Results of bilateral adrenalectomy

In view of the published reports of the successful correction of hypercortisolism in adult patients with Cushing disease by external pituitary irradiation and transsphenoidal pituitary microsurgery, leaving the patients with intact pituitary and adrenocortical function, we have reviewed the results of adrenalectomy in childhood Cushing disease seen at the Mayo Clinic. Twenty-seven patients were treated with total (16 patients) or subtotal (11 patients) bilateral adrenalectomy before the age of 20 years. Follow-up ranged from one to 27 years. Although hypercortisolism was corrected in all but one patient, 12 (45%) patients had roentgenographic evidence of a pituitary tumor and six (22%) of these required pituitary surgery. An additional six patients (22%) were pigmented, but had no abnormality on roentgenographic studies. The remaining nine patients (33%) were well, without evidence of pituitary tumor. We conclude that alternate forms of therapy should be considered for childhood Cushing disease.
Measurement of the Ξ∗ (1530) mass, width, and mass difference☆

Abstract We find the respective Ξ ∗ o and Ξ ∗ − masses to be 1532.0 ± 0.4 MeV and 1534.7 ± 1.1 MMeV, the corresponding natural widths to be 9.0 ± 0.7 MeV and 7.8 −7.8 +3.5 MeV, and the mass difference to be M(Ξ ∗ − − M(Ξ ∗ o ) = 2.7 ± 1.0 MeV .
One-dimensional automotive catalyst modeling

Abstract Classical one-dimensional (1D) models of automotive catalysts with simplified representation of the fluid flow through the device have proven their effectiveness in designing catalyst systems that have met emission standards to date. This paper reviews the history of 1D catalyst modeling to illustrate the physical phenomena that exist in the catalyst along with the corresponding numerical models. To further advance the state of the art, this paper proposes a promising approach where the bulk gas equations are reformulated based on the governing equations of inviscid flow, while retaining full transient capability. While a compressible formulation of the bulk gas equations will yield the most accurate results, it is rather impractical for kinetics calibration because of its long computational time. It can, however, be used to help calibrate the simpler models by determining the actual residence time within the catalyst. On the other hand, either the incompressible or the constant velocity and density formulations can be used for fast calibration of the kinetics and for full transient cycle studies. In fact, if reactor tests are used to calibrate the kinetics, there is little difference between the compressible and incompressible formulations.
Novel assessment metric and countermeasures for traffic attack threats in wireless sensor networks

In wireless sensor networks, all data packets are routed from the individual sensor nodes towards an in-situ base-station (BS). Such traffic pattern makes the BS vulnerable to adversary's attack. Basically, an adversary would intercept the ongoing transmissions and localize their sources. Then by employing traffic analysis techniques, an adversary would correlate the intercepted transmissions to uncover the data path which may lead to the location of the BS. Evidence theory is a well-known scheme that an adversary might use for traffic analysis. However, prior work considered only intercepted transmissions as evidences in the correlation process without factoring in the time of interception. In this paper, we argue that time-based correlation increases the accuracy of the traffic analysis and makes contemporary countermeasures ineffective. A novel technique is proposed to counter the time correlation and boost the anonymity of the BS. The technique imposes buffering delay at each relaying node on the data route in order to disturb the time correlation among consecutive transmissions. Our technique is validated through simulation.
Physician office visits of adults for anxiety disorders in the United States, 1985–1998

OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of physician office visits by adults in which an anxiety disorder diagnosis was recorded and rates of treatment during these visits.
Experiments on polarization-dependent transport in 3He systems

Abstract Spin and momentum transport experiments are described for very dilute 3 He- 4 He mixtures and pure 3 He brute-force polarized by a static field. Spin diffusion and rotation were observed in very dilute mixtures using a spin-wave resonance technique, and the viscosity increase due to polarization was observed using a vibrating wire. The mixture results are all well fit by the recent kinetic-equation calculations of Mullin and Jeon. Spin echoes were used to study transverse spin diffusion in pure 3 He, providing the first clear evidence for polarization-induced relaxation-time anisotropy in a degenerate Fermi liquid.
Hepatitis B x antigen and p53 in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major etiological agents responsible for the appearance of chronic liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is increasing evidence that the HBV excoded x antigen (HBxAg) is involved in one or more steps that contribute to multistep hepatocarcinogenesis. Recent work has now defined one of these steps as the physical binding and functional inactivation of the tumor suppressor protein, p53, by HBxAg. The centrality of p53 to genomic stability, cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, and in senescence related pathways, suggests that its disruption by HBxAg will result in genomic instability, loss of cell cycle control, a lower apoptotic rate, and an extension in the life span of HBV-infected cells. It is proposed that HBxAg/p53 complex formation represents one of several steps whereby HBV contributes to the development of HCC.
Electric dipole moment of electron

Abstract We evaluate a new set of CP-violating two-loop Feynman diagrams involving W− and Z-bosons which give a large contribution to the electric dipole moment of the electron in a multi-Higgs model with spontaneous CP violation. This extends the work of Barr and Zee, who considered a two-loop diagram involving a top quark and showed that the effect is much larger than the standard one-loop contribution.
BODY WEIGHTS IN LAYSAN ALBATROSSES DIOMEDEA IMMUTABILIS

Summary Male Laysan Albatrosses are heavier (3300 gm.) than females (3000 gm.) upon arrival on Midway. This difference between the sexes persists except at egg-laying and during certain periods of incubation. Weights of males and females are essentially the same at egg-laying, perhaps because of the presence of the 300 gm. egg in the female, but mostly because the males have lost weight in the pre-egg phase. Losses in weight during the long, continuous incubation spans are about 18–25% of the body weight. Males show a net loss of about 10% during the entire incubation period; there is no statistically significant change in the weights of the females. Weights of both sexes decline in parallel from the end of incubation to mid-May. Thereafter, they increase as attentiveness to the young is less and the parents have more time to forage at sea. Nevertheless, the body weights of both sexes at the end of the breeding season (July) are down 10–45%. Decreased body weights of breeding birds cannot be attributed solely to the rigours of parental care; former breeders and juveniles not yet of breeding age show a similar decline in weight. It is suggested that the normal pattern of yearly breeding by adult Laysan Albatrosses may be broken by failure to add weight (fat) before the breeding season. Former breeders consistently weigh 15–20% less than current breeders. Nestlings normally show a gradual increase in body weight from hatching in late January until mid-May, at which time they may be significantly heavier than either parent. As a result of the increased energy requirements of locomotion and wing exercise and decreased food supplied by parents, nestlings lose about 30% of the May weight before they finally go to sea in Jufy A possible “mutation” for small body weight is discussed.
A Coupled Cellular Automata Representation of Nanoscale Transport Across Semiconductor Interfaces

Thin-film devices pose unique challenges to device simulators. Relaxation approximations to the Boltzmann Transport Equation may be vitiated as the width and length of the thin-film components approach the mean free path lengths of electrons and phonons. Concomitant with these reduced lengths, surface and other interface scattering mechanisms exert greater influences on the transport processes. Consequently, it may not be effective to use transport models that depend upon analytic or other pre-ordained representations of electron, phonon, and photon distribution functions. Finally, thin-film simulations must account for tunneling processes, local defects, nanoscale dopant gradients, nanoscale roughness, and nanoscale variations in local geometries. Consequently, it is desirable to develop a nanoscale simulation technique that (1) can arbitrarily vary material properties in real space while (2) tracking reciprocal space scattering for arbitrary and volatile distributions of electrons, phonons, and photons. The Discrete State Simulation (DSS) forms the backbone of such a simulation. Written with the run-time flexibility of object-oriented code, the Discrete State Simulation (DSS) is a coupled cellular automata (CA) simulator that builds upon the objects and rules of quantum mechanics. The DSS represents global non-equilibrium processes as patterns that emerge through an ensemble of scattering events that are localized at vibronic nodes. The run-time flexibility of the DSS enables dynamic rule construction - computational algorithms that evolve in response to the conditions that are being simulated. The reported DSS effort simulated nanoscale transport processes at dopant-defined junctions by coupling electron-phonon and electron-photon scattering mechanisms. Using electronic band structures, phonon band structures, and deformation potentials analogous to silicon material properties, the DSS generated data depicted the dynamic band bending induced by femtosecond variations in applied electric fields.
Role of macrophages/microglia in multiple sclerosis and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

One of the characteristic features of microglia is their rapid activation in response to injury, inflammation, neurodegeneration, infection, and brain tumors. This review focuses on the role of the microglia in multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), and in the animal model of MS, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Microglial activation in MS and EAE is thought to contribute directly to CNS damage through several mechanisms, including production of proinflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and free radicals. In addition, activated microglia serve as the major antigen-presenting cell in the CNS, likely contributing to aberrant immune reactivity at this site. A mechanistic understanding of the way in which microglia are activated and ultimately inhibited is crucial for the formulation of therapeutic modalities to treat MS and other CNS autoimmune diseases.
The role of floral organs in carpels, an Arabidopsis loss‐of‐function mutation in MicroRNA160a, in organogenesis and the mechanism regulating its expression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level in both plants and animals. However, the specific functions of MIRNAs (MIRs) and the mechanisms regulating their expression are not fully understood. Previous studies showed that miR160 negatively regulates three genes that encode AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs (ARF10, -16, and -17). Here, we characterized floral organs in carpels (foc), an Arabidopsis mutant with a Ds transposon insertion in the 3' regulatory region of MIR160a. foc plants exhibit a variety of intriguing phenotypes, including serrated rosette leaves, irregular flowers, floral organs inside siliques, reduced fertility, aberrant seeds, and viviparous seedlings. Detailed phenotypic analysis showed that abnormal cell divisions in the basal embryo domain and suspensor led to diverse defects during embryogenesis in foc plants. Further analysis showed that the 3' region was required for the expression of MIR160a. The accumulation of mature miR160 was greatly reduced in foc inflorescences. In addition, the expression pattern of ARF16 and -17 was altered during embryo development in foc plants. foc plants were also deficient in auxin responses. Moreover, auxin was involved in regulating the expression of MIR160a through its 3' regulatory region. Our study not only provides insight into the molecular mechanism of embryo development via MIR160a-regulated ARFs, but also reveals the mechanism regulating MIR160a expression.
RUNNING AND DEPRESSION

Two studies on the relationship between running and depression among normal persons are reported. Study 1 investigated whether a group of 21 runners were significantly less depressed, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory, than a group of 21 nonexercisers who were matched on sex, age, and height/weight ratio. The runners were significantly less depressed than the nonexercisers. Study 2 assessed whether cardiovascular fitness correlated with depression. Using scores on the Beck Depression Inventory as the criterion of depression, 17 depressed subjects and 17 nondepressed subjects took the Harvard "Step Test", the measure of cardiovascular fitness. There was a significant negative r of -.30. It is noted that the basis of the relation between running and depression is still unclear and suggestions for research are presented.