cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Ocean’s Elevator: Evolution of the Air–Seawater Interface during a Small-Scale Algal Bloom

The composition and lifetime of sea spray aerosols are driven by the molecular and biological complexity of the air–seawater interface. We explore in situ the surface properties of marine algal blo...
Determinants of Credit Acquisition and Utilization among Household farmers in the Drive towards Sustainable Output in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Achieving sustainability in agricultural output will possibly reduce food shortage and create a stable and fibrant economy in Nigeria. This study adopted Three-stage sampling procedure to select hundred farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed using Descriptive statistics, Gross margin and Regression analysis. The results showed that majority (84%) of the respondents were males with a mean age of 47 years. Farmers with formal education were 98%. The married respondents were 89% with majority (68%) having large household size of above 5 persons. Majority (79%) are primarily engaged in farming while the rest (19%) are secondary farmers. The study revealed the mean profit margin of credit users as N138,930.00 (385.92 USD) and N126,412.00 (351.14 USD) for non credit users (1 USD=N360). Also, the effect of credit on farmer’s productivity level for credit users was N255,232.41 (708.98 USD) while non-credit user was N232,345.76 (645.40 USD) with a percentage change of 9.0%. The results of the regression analysis indicated that household size, marital status, educational level, occupational status and farm size had positive signs and significantly affect the amount of agricultural credit acquired by the farmers. Hence, household farmers should have access to acquire adequate credit facilities. This would boost the production capacity of the farmers leading to sustainable agricultural output.
Hydration dynamics in Deoxyribonucleic acid using an extended MHz-THz spectroscopy

Dynamics of water molecules within hydration shells of deoxyribonucleic acid were studied by employing a high precision and an extended megahertz to terahertz frequency-domain spectroscopy. Three additional relaxation times longer that bulk water relaxation time of 8.27 ps were observed by analyzing dielectric spectrum using the Debye model. Total 64 ± 8 water molecules per base pair were observed to be influenced kinetically by the presence of DNA in the aqueous solution.
Risk Factors for the Development of Shoulder Pain in Elite Sled Hockey Players.

Background Shoulder pain is one of the most common injuries in adaptive athletes. There are minimal prior studies that investigate shoulder pain prevalence and associated risk factors in sled hockey players. Objective To characterize the prevalence of shoulder pain in elite-level adaptive sled hockey athletes and identify associated risk factors. Design Cross-sectional observational study. Setting 2019 USA Sled Hockey Classic in Chicago, IL from 7 February 2019 to 10 February 2019. Participants Eighty-two elite sled hockey athletes who participated in a nationally sanctioned sports event. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures The primary outcome of the study was to describe the experience of shoulder pain using player-reported outcomes of pain including: binary (yes/no) pain reporting in the last month, Performance-Corrected Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (PC-WUSPI) reporting pain in the last week, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) reporting pain in the last month. Associations were assessed between the measurements of pain and characteristics of participants. Results Of all participants, 70.5% endorsed shoulder pain in the last month. The average VAS for the past month was 2.13 and average PC-WUSPI for the past week was 15.46. Statistically significant associations were found between endorsement of pain in the last month and specific correlative factors including increased weight (P value .008; odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.07) and increased duration of manual wheelchair use (P-value .002; OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04-1.22). Conclusion Elite-level sled hockey athletes commonly report experiencing shoulder pain. There is evidence that an elite-level sled hockey player's weight and longer duration of manual wheelchair use are both associated with a greater likelihood for self-reporting shoulder pain rather than number of years of playing the sport.
Nonconsequentialist Precaution

How cautious should regulators be? A standard answer is consequentialist: regulators should be just cautious enough to maximize expected social value. This paper charts the prospects of a nonconsequentialist - and more precautionary - alternative. More specifically, it argues that a contractualism focused on ex ante consent can motivate the following regulatory criterion: regulators should permit a socially beneficial risky activity only if no one can be expected to be made worse off by it. Broadly speaking, there are two strategies regulators can use to help risky activities satisfy this criterion: regulators can mandate strict safety standards that protect those who would otherwise stand to lose, and they can require that some of the benefits of the activity be redirected to them. In developing these themes, the paper aims to provide a theoretical grounding for those who oppose using risk-cost-benefit analysis as the primary regulatory standard, and in particular, for advocates of the precautionary principle.
A global seamless 1 km resolution daily land surface temperature dataset (2003 – 2020)

Abstract. Land surface temperature (LST) is one of the most important and widely used parameter for studying land surface processes. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST products (e.g., MOD11A1 and MYD11A1) can provide this information with high spatiotemporal resolution with global coverage. However, the broad applications of these data are hampered because of missing values caused by factors such as cloud contamination. In this study, we used a spatiotemporal gap-filling framework to generate a seamless global 1 km daily (mid-daytime and mid-nighttime) MODIS-like LST dataset from 2003 to 2020 based on standard MODIS LST products. The method includes two steps, 1) data pre-processing and 2) spatiotemporal fitting. In the data pre-processing, we filtered pixels with low data quality and filled gaps using the observed LST at another three time points of the same day. In the spatiotemporal fitting, first, we fitted the long-term trend (overall mean) of observations in each pixel (ordered by day of year). Then we spatiotemporally interpolated residuals between observations and overall mean values for each day. Finally, we estimated missing values of LST by adding the overall mean and interpolated residuals. The results show that the missing values in the original MODIS LST were effectively and efficiently filled, and there is no obvious block effect caused by large areas of missing values, especially near the boundary of tiles, which might exist in other seamless LST datasets. The cross-validation with different missing rates at the global scale indicates that the gap-filled LST data have high accuracies with the average root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.88 °C and 1.33 °C, respectively for mid-daytime (1:30 pm) and mid-nighttime (1:30 am). The seamless global daily (mid-daytime and mid-nighttime) LST dataset at a 1 km spatial resolution is of great use in global studies of urban systems, climate research and modeling, and terrestrial ecosystems studies. The data are available at Iowa State University's DataShare at https://doi.org/10.25380/iastate.c.5078492 (Zhang et al., 2021a).
Learning Feasibility to Imitate Demonstrators with Different Dynamics

The goal of learning from demonstrations is to learn a policy for an agent (imitator) by mimicking the behavior in the demonstrations. Prior works on learning from demonstrations assume that the demonstrations are collected by a demonstrator that has the same dynamics as the imitator. However, in many real-world applications, this assumption is limiting -- to improve the problem of lack of data in robotics, we would like to be able to leverage demonstrations collected from agents with different dynamics. This can be challenging as the demonstrations might not even be feasible for the imitator. Our insight is that we can learn a feasibility metric that captures the likelihood of a demonstration being feasible by the imitator. We develop a feasibility MDP (f-MDP) and derive the feasibility score by learning an optimal policy in the f-MDP. Our proposed feasibility measure encourages the imitator to learn from more informative demonstrations, and disregard the far from feasible demonstrations. Our experiments on four simulated environments and on a real robot show that the policy learned with our approach achieves a higher expected return than prior works. We show the videos of the real robot arm experiments on our website (this https URL).
RISK OF EARLY & LATE OBSTETRIC COMPLICATIONS IN WOMEN WITH IVF- CONCEIVED PREGNANCIES AND POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS)

There is conflicting evidence on the association between PCOS and early and late obstetric complications. It is unclear if the reported risks are independent of BMI, preexisting hypertension and diabetes. We performed a retrospective chart review to examine the risk of early and late obstetrical complications after IVF in women with PCOS (n=130) compared to controls (n=130). The miscarriage rate was 17.7% in PCOS women and 15.4% in controls. PCOS was not associated with miscarriage independent of age and BMI. The prevalence of gestational DM (GDM) was similar in both groups (12% PCOS versus 11% controls). BMI was independently associated with GDM (p=0.01). Risk of both preeclampsia and PIH was 10% in PCOS and 5% in controls, but not statistically significant. Preexisting HTN showed a significant association with preeclampsia (p
Accounting Certification in Russia

Ever since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the implosion of the Soviet Union, centrally planned economies in Eastern and Central Europe and Central Asia have been struggling to convert their economic systems from central planning to the market. One facet of this transition is accounting certification. Under the old Soviet system there was not much need for accounting certification because Soviet accounting resembled bookkeeping more than the developed accounting systems used in advanced market economies. After the transition began, accounting certifications began to emerge but their quality was questionable, at best. It was possible to purchase accounting certification, which destroyed credibility. A few years ago the United States Agency for International Development started implementing accounting education and certification programs in some of the former Soviet republics. This paper reports on the progress that has been made in the area of accounting certification in Russia.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase in cells with tyrosine kinase-negative epidermal growth factor receptors

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) treatment of cells expressing the human EGF receptor (EGFr) results in rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of several cellular proteins including mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. EGF treatment of cells expressing a tyrosine kinase-inactive EGFr failed to induce the tyrosine phosphorylation of endogenous substrates in response to EGF; however, the tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of MAP kinase did occur. This observation indicates that MAP kinase is activated in response to a signal other than the tyrosine kinase activity of the EGFr. Because EGF does not stimulate cells expressing the inactive EGFr to proliferate, phosphorylation of MAP kinase may not be sufficient for the EGF-dependent mitogenesis.
Abstract 168: Understanding the role of the carcinoid associated fibroblasts in the neuroendocrine tumor microenvironment

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA A lack of cell lines and animal models has been an obstacle in developing novel therapeutic agents for advanced carcinoid tumors. In the past two years we have developed a collection of short-term carcinoid cell lines. Carcinoid cells in culture grow slowly and are importantly attached to, much faster, growing stromal fibroblasts, referred to as CAF's (Carcinoid Associated Fibroblasts). This phenotype is conserved in vivo and closely mimics the status of these tumors in humans. CAF's are known to have pro-tumorigenic effects; are attractive targets for cancer therapy; as well as valuable clinical biomarkers of prognosis. With the availability of an in-house panel of primary cell lines and control cultured fibroblasts, teasing apart the tumor-fibroblast relationship is feasible through collection of cell culture supernatants and in vitro screening of secreted proteins. We present here our initial screening studies using three cell culture environments, namely normal human fibroblasts, carcinoid-associated fibroblasts (CAF's) and the tumor microenvironment co-culture of stromal cells and CAF's. We screened 55 secreted proteins with known carcinogenic associations by multiplexed bead-based (BioPlex, BioRad) analysis. We have identified a potential 5-marker CAF signature encompassing elevated secretion of IL-6 and MCP-1; and the suppression of IL-8 and FGF basic, coupled with VEGF expression. As part of the next phase we plan to utilize our collection of banked whole blood, serum, and plasma specimens comprising over 1000 cases of patients with neuroendocrine tumors, to validate our secreted protein signature in early diagnosis and / or assessing progression and prognosis in patients with neuroendocrine tumors based on stage and tumor subtype. Citation Format: Michaela Bowden, Ewa Sicinska, Matthew Kulke, Massimo Loda. Understanding the role of the carcinoid associated fibroblasts in the neuroendocrine tumor microenvironment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 168. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-168
Connective tissue disorders in obstetrics and gynecology

Abstract Two patients illustrating abnormalities encountered in obstetrics and gynecology resulting in part from defective connective tissue are described. Postpartum hemorrhage, varicosities, prematurity, abortion, wound dehiscence, defective cesarean section scars, recurrent pelvic floor relaxations, friable tissues, and cerebral hemorrhage all may be due in part to connective tissue disturbances. The diagnosis of heritable connective tissue disorders is largely clinical, and obstetricians and gynecologists should suspect the possibility where there is a personal or family history of hyperextensible joints, fractures, hemorrhagic tendency, cigarette paper scars, and hernias. Coagulation defects and physical-chemical alterations in connective tissue are responsible for the clinical manifestations.
Multipulse-based codebooks for CELP coding at 7 kbps

A report is presented on the design of CELP codebooks matched in some ways to multipulse sequences that produce toll-quality speech. The authors designed a multipulse LPC system that achieves toll quality at 15 kb/s. They then studied the properties, especially the statistical properties, of these successful multipulse excitations for a variety of speakers and speech segments. CELP codebooks were developed which match the properties of the multipulse sequences to yield a final CELP coder for operation at 7 kb/s. >
Deoxyribonucleic Acid Polymerases of Rous Sarcoma Virus: Kinetics of Deoxyribonucleic Acid Synthesis and Specificity of the Products

The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) polymerase(s) of Rous sarcoma virus synthesizes two principal products-single-stranded DNA in the form of a DNA:ribonucleic acid (RNA) hybrid and double-stranded DNA. All of the single-stranded product and 50% of the double-stranded product can be hybridized to 70S viral RNA. These results, in combination with data obtained by analysis of the kinetics of double-stranded DNA synthesis, indicate that the synthesis of double-stranded DNA is a sequel to the synthesis of single-stranded DNA and is dependent upon the latter for the provision of initial template.
Optimization-based scheduling of a machining center

A machining center is an advanced NC (numerical control) machine that has the capability to perform a variety of operations on a part by automatically changing the cutting tools. Because of the versatile processing capabilities, a machining center is often a production bottleneck, and effective scheduling can result in significant improvement of system performance. The problem, however, is very difficult since many factors such as machine setups, pallets, tool magazine, and the possible tool overlapping among different part types, have to be considered. This paper presents an optimization-based approach for the scheduling of a machining center with two pallets. A novel "separable" problem formulation that considers the above mentioned factors is presented. Lagrangian relaxation is applied to decompose the problem into simple subproblems, which are efficiently solved without encountering complexity difficulties. The subgradient method is then used to update the multipliers. Preliminary testing results indicate that the approach is effective, and the algorithm provides a valuable tool for solving standalone machining center scheduling problems.
Advocating for Sri Lankan Migrant Workers: Obstacles and Challenges

Distant Divides and Intimate Connections: Migrant Domestic Workers in Asia — Part 2. Part 1 appeared in Critical Asian Studies 40:4 (December 2008)
Issues and challenges in ramp to production

As the world is moving toward the deep submicron (DSM) era, understanding silicon behavior is becoming more and more challenging. Models are getting complex and yet not able to reflect the actual silicon behavior. Hence some of the silicon issues cannot be replicated in circuit simulations. The problems found on silicon require the understanding of various tools and techniques available to observe and modify the die. A good understanding of these techniques and debug methodology is required to meet time to market goals. The devices used for mobile applications have stringent power requirements. The devices thus have power conservation modes during which the current drawn is extremely low of the order of tens of microamperes. This paper discusses the challenges and techniques used to identify the issues found in shutdown mode (a power conservation mode), which had to be addressed in order to ramp the device to production.
Animal Models of Mycobacteria Infection

This unit describes the infection of mice and guinea pigs with mycobacteria via various routes, as well as necropsy methods for the determination of mycobacterial loads within target organs. Additionally, methods for cultivating mycobacteria and preparing stocks are described. The protocols outlined are primarily used for M. tuberculosis, but can also be used for the study of other non-tuberculosis mycobacterial species.
Review of Displacement-Based Seismic Design of Structures by M. J. N. Priestley, G. M. Calvi, and M. J. Kowalsky

This book addresses the development and application of the direct displacement-based seismic design procedure to a variety of structural systems. The central concept developed in this book is that the seismic design of a structure is based on a specified target displacement for a given seismic hazard level. For this purpose, the structural response is modeled by a secant elastic lateral stiffness and an equivalent viscous damping representative of the global behavior of the actual nonlinear structure at the target displacement. The secant stiffness and damping values developed for each structural system were calibrated by the authors on the basis of the results of inelastic time-history dynamic analyses. The direct displacement-based seismic design procedure treated in this book offers a number of advantages over the traditional force-based seismic design procedure currently implemented in seismic provisions around the world: 1 no estimation of the elastic period of the structural system is required; 2 subjectively attributed force reduction factors do not enter the design process; and 3 displacements that have been observed to be the main parameter affecting structural damage in actual earthquakes drive the design process. The direct-displacement seismic design strategy, on the other hand, requires detailed knowledge of the variations of the equivalent secant stiffness and viscous damping of the structural system with displacement amplitude. To date, this information was not well established for many structural systems, and the elaboration of the direct displacement-based concepts into a simple and robust seismic design procedure had not been established. On the basis of research conducted by the authors over the past 15 years, this book fills this important gap in knowledge. The book is divided into four main sections. The first section includes the first two introductory chapters, which discuss conceptual problems with the current force-based seismic design procedure and the seismic input required for displacement-based design. The second section of the book includes two chapters that lay down the theoretical foundations leading to the elaboration of the
Conditioned inhibition training of the competing cue after compound conditioning does not reduce cue competition

In each of two experiments, we studied Pavlovian fear conditioning (as assessed by barpress conditioned suppression) in 32 albino rats. Following a two-stage cue-competition procedure (A+ then AX+), we subjected the competing cue (A) to conditioned inhibition training (B+, BA−) before testing the target cue (X). Conditioned inhibition training was designed to weaken the putative A-unconditioned stimulus (US) association, perhaps changing it to an A-no-US association. Performance-deficit theories of cue competition, such as comparator theory and retrieval-interference theory, predict that such procedures should weaken cue competition, causing Conditioned Stimulus X (CS X) to evoke strong responding. The same prediction can be deduced from recent acquisition-focused models (Dickinson & Burke, 1996; Van Hamme & Wasserman, 1994). In opposition to this prediction, however, we found in both experiments that conditioned inhibition training had no detectable effect on cue competition even though it successfully abolished conditioned responding to CS A. In Experiment 2, moreover, we found evidence against the hypothesis that the weak response to CS X was due to generalization decrement rather than to cue competition. Results favor early learning-deficit theories of cue competition over performance-deficit theories and over the recent acquisition-focused models.
Fault patterns in Matlab

Fault patterns are code idioms that may constitute faults. Software engineers have various program analysis techniques and tools to assist them in the detection of such patterns, resulting in increased software quality. End user programmers, however, often lack such support. In this paper we take a first step to address this limitation in the context of Matlab. First, we adapt fault patterns commonly used in other programming languages to Matlab. Second, we present a tool to detect such patterns in fifteen popular Matlab programs. Our results reveal that these simple and quickly identifiable patterns are commonly found in Matlab programs developed by end users and shared across the large Matlab community of end user programmers.
Bootstrapping with auxiliary information

In the nonparametric setting, the standard bootstrap method is based on the empirical distribution function of a random sample. The author proposes, by means of the empirical likelihood technique, an alternative bootstrap procedure under a nonparametric model in which one has some auxiliary information about the population distribution. By proving the almost sure weak convergence of the modified bootstrapped empirical process, the validity of the proposed bootstrap procedure is established. This new result is used to obtain bootstrap confidence bands for the population distribution function and to perform the bootstrap Kolmogorov test in the presence of auxiliary information. Other applications include bootstrapping means and variances with auxiliary information. Three simulation studies are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed bootstrap procedure for small samples.
Discovering and Analyzing World Wide Web Collections

With the explosive growth of the World Wide Web, it is becoming increasingly difficult for users to discover Web pages that are relevant to a topic. To address this problem we are developing a system that allows the collection and analysis of Web pages related to a particular topic. In this paper we present the system’s overall architecture and introduce the focused crawler used by the system. We also discuss the various techniques we use to allow the user to analyze and gain useful insights about a collection. Finally, we present some statistics on the collections.
Aspirin-like drugs inhibit arachidonic acid metabolism via lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase in rat neutrophils from carrageenan pleural exudates.

Aspirin-like drugs inhibit the metabolism of arachidonic acid via lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase in rat neutrophils from carrageenin pleural exudates. These non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the formation of 11-hydroxy- and 15-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) as well as prostaglandins. In addition, the concentration and time dependent irreversible inhibition of lipoxygenase by aspirin and indomethacin parallels closely the patterns observed for inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase. The results suggest that some common steps may exist for the synthesis of HETE and prostaglandins from arachidonic acid in rat neutrophils. The ability of aspirin-like drugs to inhibit the formation of the chemotactic hydroxy fatty acids may contribute to their anti-inflammatory activity.
Region-of-interest image reconstruction in x-ray differential phase-contrast tomography

X-ray differential phase-contrast tomography (DPCT) is a method for reconstructing the spatial distribution of the X-ray refractive index within an object from knowledge of differential projection data. Assuming geometrical optics wave propagation, these data describe the angles by which the probing optical beams are deflected by the object due to refraction. Phase-sensitive X-ray imaging methods such as diffraction enhanced imaging can measure the required beam-deflection data, and are being actively developed for medical imaging applications. In this work, we investigate and demonstrate the applicability of algorithms recently developed for conventional tomography for obtaining region-of-interest images in DPCT from knowledge of truncated differential projection data. A preliminary numerical study is conducted to validate and demonstrate the proposed reconstruction algorithm.
Alterations in the Circulatory Response to Exercise Following a Meal and Their Relationship to Postprandial Angina Pectoris

In order to study the mechanisms responsible for the more rapid precipitation of angina in the postprandial state, we evaluated the circulatory response to upright bicycle exercise in 12 patients with angina before and after a meal. Eleven of 12 subjects developed angina sooner after eating (average 1.3 min, P P P
An alternative signal 3: CD8+ T cell memory independent of IL-12 and type I IFN is dependent on CD27/OX40 signaling

Type I IFN and IL-12 are well documented to serve as so called "signal 3" cytokines, capable of facilitating CD8(+) T cell proliferation, effector function and memory formation. While their ability to serve in this capacity is well established, to date, no non-cytokine signal 3 mediators have been clearly identified. We have established a vaccine model system in which the primary CD8(+) T cell response is independent of either IL-12 or type I IFN receptors, but dependent on CD27/CD70 interactions. We show here that primary and secondary CD8(+) T cell responses are generated in the combined deficiency of IFN and IL-12 signaling. In contrast, antigen specific CD8(+) T cell responses are compromised in the absence of the TNF receptors CD27 and OX40. These data indicate that CD27/OX40 can serve the central function as signal 3 mediators, independent of IFN or IL-12, for the generation of CD8(+) T cell immune memory.
α-haloalkanesulfonyl bromides in organic synthesis. 4. Regioselective γ-deprotonation of α,β-unsaturated sulfones. A simple synthesis of 2-alkyl-1,3-butadienes.

Abstract A simple method for converting 2-methyl-1-alkenes into 2-alkyl-1,3-butadienes is described. Evidence for complexation of lithium cations by sulfonyl groups in the course of reactions of α,β-unsaturated sulfones with LiO t -Bu is presented.
Cloning and Characterization of the Zymobacter palmae Pyruvate Decarboxylase Gene (pdc) and Comparison to Bacterial Homologues

Pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) is the key enzyme in all homo-ethanol fermentations. Although widely distributed among plants, yeasts, and fungi, PDC is absent in animals and rare in bacteria (established for only three organisms). Genes encoding the three known bacterial pdc genes have been previously described and expressed as active recombinant proteins. The pdc gene from Zymomonas mobilis has been used to engineer ethanol-producing biocatalysts for use in industry. In this paper, we describe a new bacterial pdc gene from Zymobacter palmae. The pattern of codon usage for this gene appears quite similar to that for Escherichia coli genes. In E. coli recombinants, the Z. palmae PDC represented approximately 1/3 of the soluble protein. Biochemical and kinetic properties of the Z. palmae enzyme were compared to purified PDCs from three other bacteria. Of the four bacterial PDCs, the Z. palmae enzyme exhibited the highest specific activity (130 U mg of protein−1) and the lowest Km for pyruvate (0.24 mM). Differences in biochemical properties, thermal stability, and codon usage may offer unique advantages for the development of new biocatalysts for fuel ethanol production.
A note on shear and combined loading for a penny-shaped crack☆

Abstract The solution to the problem of a penny-shaped crack under conditions of shear loading is solved when the displacements are prescribed on the face of the crack. The special case of uni-directional shear is discussed. A Griffith's criterion for combined stresses is considered similar to that of Mossakovskii and Rybka.
Post-renal acute renal failure.

CASE PRESENTATION A 54-year-old Hispanic man with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension was initially evaluated at another institution for difficulty voiding urine. He was found to have a serum creatinine of 7.1 mg/dl that had increased from his baseline of 1.0 mg/dl 2 years earlier. Renal ultrasound revealed bilateral hydronephrosis with hydroureter. In addition, he had significant enlargement of his prostate. Over the ensuing 4 months, he underwent three transurethral resections of his prostate for persistent symptoms. His serum creatinine plateaued at 3.8 mg/dl. He was referred to our institution for further evaluation and management of his persistent symptom of voiding difficulty and elevated creatinine. At our institution, a detailed history and physical examination was performed. His International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 35, suggesting severe lower urinary tract symptoms. He denied polyor oliguria, dysuria, fever, chills, and change in weight or appetite. His medications included NPH insulin and amlodipine. He denied tobacco, alcohol, and occupational chemical exposure, exposure to asbestos, tuberculosis, or use of over-the-counter medications. His family history was not significant. Physical examination revealed a wellappearing man with blood pressure of 126/80 mm Hg, body mass weight 34 kg/m. Jugular venous pressure was 9 cm H2O, lungs were clear to auscultation, cardiovascular exam revealed a displaced left ventricle apical impulse, the abdomen was obese, non-tender with no palpable kidneys, and prostate enlargement on digital rectal exam. Examination of the testicles was unremarkable. Extremities did not reveal edema or changes of chronic venous stasis. Normal dorsalis pedis pulses were present on palpation. Renal ultrasound revealed mild bilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Urodynamic measurements showed no evidence of outlet obstruction. A trial of indwelling urinary catheter was without benefit. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen showed fibrosed soft tissue in the retroperitoneum, narrowing of the inferior vena cava and hydronephrosis consistent with retroperitoneal fibrosis (Figure 1a). Serology revealed an elevated acute-phase reactants 126 mm/h, auto-antibodies 1:160 (speckled), and a positive anti-ribonucleo protein (anti-RNP) assay. Investigation for secondary causes was undertaken. Extensive drug history did not reveal any medications that could cause retroperitoneal fibrosis (e.g., methysergide, ergot derivatives, hydralazine, or b-blocker). There was no history of trauma, radiation, or malignancy. Purified protein derivative test was negative. Prostate-specific antigen was 1.1 mg/dl (within normal limits). Therefore, the diagnosis of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) was presumptively made.
Molecular Growth Requirements of Single Mammalian Cells

The molecular nutritional requirements exhibited by mammalian cells can vary with the following conditions: whether the cells are plated singly or in massive inoculum; whether a clonal strain or a mixture of different genotypes is employed; whether the macromolecular fraction of serum used as a supplement was previously exposed to prolonged dialysis or other procedures which may release bound micromolecules. In addition, the nature of the medium in which the cells were previously grown, the time permitted for incubation of the cells in the test medium, and the presence of substances or conditions which may specifically introduce the need for certain molecules to preserve balance can strongly influence nutritional requirements. This great versatility may reflect the ability of the mammalian cell to assume different metabolic states characteristic of specific types of differentiation. Under certain conditions, growth of single HeLa cells of the S3 clonal strain requires the presence of cholesterol at a level of 0.5 to 1 microgram per milliliter.
Parallel scaling properties from a basic block view

As software scalability lags behind hardware parallelism, understanding scaling behavior is more important than ever. This paper demonstrates how to use Parallel Block Vector (PBV) profiles to measure the scaling properties of multithreaded programs from a new perspective: the basic block's view. Through this lens, we guide users through quick and simple methods to produce high-resolution application scaling analyses. This method requires no manual program modification, new hardware, or lengthy simulations, and captures the impact of architecture, operating systems, threading models, and inputs. We apply these techniques to a set of parallel benchmarks, and, as an example, demonstrate that when it comes to scaling, functions in an application do not behave monolithically.
Surface Micromachined Millimeter-Wave Log-Periodic Dipole Array Antennas

Two wideband millimeter-wave end-fire log-periodic dipole array (LPDA) antennas are designed and fabricated using a sequential surface micromachining. The antennas are excited by monolithically integrating a micro-coaxial line feed in the antenna's lower boom designed to provide band rejection at 60 GHz. Antennas 1 and 2 are designed to operate in 18-110 GHz and 18 GHz-50 GHz bands, and measured up to 40 GHz and 50 GHz, respectively. VSWR <; 2.5 is obtained for both antennas throughout the measured bandwidth. Measured directivity around 10 dBi and consistent E and H-plane 3 dB beamwidths around 56° and 72°, respectively, are obtained for Antenna 2 throughout its bandwidth. Good pattern correlation between measured and simulated results is also achieved. This paper clearly demonstrates that the wideband high-quality millimeter-wave end-fire LPDAs are now possible.
The Hessian of a harmonic reduction

In this work, following ideas of Eells-Lemaire, we define the notion of Hessian of a section σ ∈ Г( M, P/H ). We obtain an explicit formula for the Hessian and in the case that σ is a harmonic reduction, we show the Hessian is symmetric. The notion of stability for harmonic reductions is also introduced.
Two-Photon Microscopy of Oxygen: Polymersomes as Probe Carrier Vehicles†

Oxygen concentration distributions in biological systems can be imaged by the phosphorescence quenching method in combination with two-photon laser scanning microscopy. In this paper, we identified the excitation regime in which the signal of a two-photon-enhanced phosphorescent probe (Finikova, O. S.; Lebedev, A. Y.; Aprelev, A.; Troxler, T.; Gao, F.; Garnacho, C.; Muro, S.; Hochstrasser, R. M.; Vinogradov, S. A. ChemPhysChem 2008, 9, 1673-1679) is dependent quadratically on the excitation power (quadratic regime), and performed simulations that relate the photophysical properties of the probe to the imaging resolution. Further, we characterized polymersomes as a method of probe encapsulation and delivery. Photophysical and oxygen sensing properties of the probe were found unchanged when the probe is encapsulated in polymersomes. Polymersomes were found capable of sustaining high probe concentrations, thereby serving to improve the signal-to-noise ratios for oxygen detection compared to the previously employed probe delivery methods. Imaging of polymersomes loaded with the probe was used as a test-bed for a new method.
Deltaic Deposits in Upper Morrow Formation of Anadarko Basin: ABSTRACT

Environmental facies analysis of Pennsylvanian upper Morrow deposits of the Anadarko basin show a variety of deltaic facies. The important reservoir deposits End_Page 2119------------------------------ are both point-bar and stream-mouth-bar sandstones and conglomerates. The point-bar deposits are the most important reservoirs and many well-documented examples show their sizes, shapes, trends, and reservoir characteristics. Detailed data from dry holes in the Morrow Formation show relations which give reliable clues to the existence of nearby reservoir deposits. Study of the stratigraphic and facies framework of the Morrow gives insight into processes of deltaic sedimentation which should be useful in local and regional exploration as well as in production operation. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2120------------
Optical properties and X-ray diffraction of amorphous systems☆

Abstract By appealing to the persistence of short range order in amorphous materials a simple estimate of the form of the static structure factor can be obtained. It is also possible to derive an expression for the optical absorption of amorphous materials involving a convolution of the corresponding crystalline expression and a simple function.
Perceptions and Satisfaction with Father Involvement and Adolescent Mothers’ Postpartum Depressive Symptoms

This study examined the associations between adolescent mothers’ postpartum depressive symptoms and their perceptions of amount of father care giving and satisfaction with father involvement with the baby. The sample included 100 adolescent mothers (ages 13–19; mainly African-American and Latina) whose partners were recruited for a randomized study for fathers only. Controlling for prenatal depressive symptoms and other prenatal and postpartum variables, we found that higher levels of mothers’ satisfaction with father involvement rather than perception of amount of fathers’ care giving was significantly associated with fewer postpartum depressive symptoms. The relationship between satisfaction with father involvement and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by mothers’ sense of parenting competence and not by mothers’ parenting stress. Policy and programs should place greater emphasis on early support for adolescent mothers and their partners, particularly when mothers desire the involvement of the father with his child.
ET mapping for agricultural water management: present status and challenges

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an essential com- ponent of the water balance. Remote sensing based agrometeorological models are presently most suited for estimating crop water use at both field and regional scales. Numerous ET algorithms have been developed to make use of remote sensing data acquired by sensors on airborne and satellite platforms. In this paper, a literature review was done to evaluate numerous commonly used remote sensing based algorithms for their ability to estimate regional ET accurately. The reported estimation accuracy varied from 67 to 97% for daily ET and above 94% for seasonal ET indicating that they have the potential to estimate regional ET accurately. However, there are opportunities to further improving these models for accurately estimating all energy balance components. The spatial and temporal remote sensing data from the existing set of earth observing satellite platforms are not sufficient enough to be used in the estimation of spatially distributed ET for on-farm irri- gation management purposes, especially at a field scale level (*10 to 200 ha). This will be constrained further if the thermal sensors on future Landsat satellites are aban- doned. However, research opportunities exist to improve the spatial and temporal resolution of ET by developing algorithms to increase the spatial resolution of reflectance and surface temperature data derived from Landsat/ ASTER/MODIS images using same/other-sensor high resolution multi-spectral images.
Running the U.S. Economy: A Computer-Simulation Competition for High School Students

Abstract The “Running the U.S. Economy” competition has been held for the last 2 years for high school students in Macon County, Illinois. The competition was sponsored by the local Junior Achievement office with financial support from area businesses. Using a sophisticated macroeconomic simulation model, 11 five-member student teams tried to improve real GDP growth, keep inflation and unemployment low, and maintain a balanced budget. Comments from the students and teachers involved have been extremely positive. Problems and suggestions for improvement in the competition are addressed.
Applications of neutron activation to microelectronic materials research at the Cornell TRIGA reactor

We present results from our use of neutron activation analysis (NAA) for the measurement and interpretation of the elemental content of materials being researched for applications in microelectronics. Examples include characterization of silicon-germanium and nickel silicide alloys, magnesium silicate crystals and ceramics for packaging of integrated circuits. High resolution delayed X-ray spectroscopy has been successfully employed as a complement to conventional gamma-ray analysis for determination of relative impurity concentrations. Fast neutron induced interferences are removed from gamma-ray spectra via the internal standard correction technique, based on the measurement of fast reaction rates.
The intramolecular cyclization of 2-iodo-3-ureidopropionic acid

Abstract 2-Iodo-3-ureidopropionic acid resulting from the hydrolysis of 5-iodo-5,6-dihydrouracil catalyzed by either dihydrouracil amidohydrolase or hydroxide ion cyclizizes to yield 2-amino-2-oxazoline-3-carboxylic acid. This cyclization involves intramolecular attack of the ureido oxygen atom on carbon two of the ureidoacid to yield iodide ion and the oxazoline as products. The kinetics of this cyclization indicate that from pH 2 to 9 the reaction rate is pH independent. Below pH 2 the rate is diminished due to protonation of the ureido group. Above pH 12 the rate increases dramatically probably due to proton abstraction which would dramatically increase the nucleophilic character of the ureido function. In the pH independent region the reaction is not subject to catalysis by external buffers.
Purification of three arginine esterases from the venom of the Western Diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox).

Abstract —Three acidic arginine esterases have been isolated from the venom of the Western Diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox). These components demonstrated marked differences in ionic characteristics, as noted by KCl gradient elution from a DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column. Molecular weights, as determined from gel permeation chromatography, were estimated at 25,100 (fraction D), 24,000 (B); and 22,900 (F) for the three separate enzymes. The two larger enzymes (B and D) exhibited similar activities toward the synthetic substrates α-N-benzoyl- l -arginine ethyl ester and α-N-benzoyl- dl -arginine-p-nitroanilid Hydrolysis rates were similar to commercial trypsin preparations. Fraction F exhibited a markedly lower activity as an arginine esterase and negligible activity as an arginine amidase. Arginine esterase activity was evident for all three enzymes in the presence of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid.
Physiological Concentrations of Prolactin Can Promote the Growth of Human Breast Tumor Cells in Culture

There is only indirect evidence at present to suggest a role for PRL in either the genesis or progression of human breast cancer. Here, we report the results of experiments in primary cultures of breast tumor cells from a hyperprolactinemic breast cancer patient who had an elevated mean 24-h PRL concentration but a normal diurnal variation of PRL release. The effects of PRL and GH on the growth of the dispersed cells from the breast tumor was evaluated in monolayer culture using a recently developed microculture technique. Pharmacological quantities of GH produced significant increases in the number of population doublings of the breast tumor cells. Also, PRL concentrations present in the patient's circulation were demonstrated to significantly increase the number of population doublings of the breast tumor cells obtained in primary cultures. Thus, physiological concentrations of PRL stimulated the growth of breast tumor cells from this premenopausal patient.
A method for the study of steady-state kinetics in cell suspensions. Evaluation of estrogen metabolism in HEC-1B cells.

Abstract A procedure has been developed for the superfusion of cells in suspension with pairs of metabolically related labeled compounds ([ 3 H]-A and [ 14 C]-B). Cells (approx. 6 × 10 6 ) are placed in a superfusion chamber limited by a cellulose ester membrane of 3μ pore size. The superfusion medium with the tracers is driven through capillary Teflon tubing into a chamber by a syringe pump (10 ml/h) and collected in test tubes immersed in an ice bath. The chamber is mounted on a Vortex mixer for agitation. The superfusion is conducted at 37°C inside a temperature controlled room. After a period of superfusion sufficiently long to produce an isotopic steady state (1–2 h). the concentrations of 3 H- and 14 C-labeled compounds A and B are measured in the superfusion medium, superfusate and superfused cells. Rates of entry, interconversion, exit and metabolism of A and B per cell are estimated from the data, using formulas derived on the basis of a suitable model. Application of the method to the study of the metabolism of estradiol and estrone in an endometrial adenocarcinoma eell line of human origin (HEC) demonstrated its feasibility. Constant flow rates were maintained without excessive pressure build-up. The cells appeared undamaged and vital at the end of the procedures. Superfusion of homogeneous cell suspensions offers the advantage of allowing uniform access of tracers, oxygen and nutrients to each cell, and provides an experimental design which closely approximates the model on which the calculations are based.
A Research on the Teaching Method of 80X86-Based Assembly Language Programming

In view of practical problems in teaching 80X86-based memory addressing modes and conditional instructions, a teaching method that summarizes memory addressing modes and classifies conditional instructions is proposed through deep exploration into related features. It is proved by practice that this teaching method has decreased the difficulty to understand, memorize and master memory addressing modes and conditional instructions, which has achieved outstanding teaching effect.