cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coal cleaning as a sulfur reduction strategy in the Midwest

Results from a detailed analysis of sulfur dioxide (SO2) reductions achievable through “deep” physical coal cleaning (PCC) at 20 coal-fired power plants in the Ohio-Indiana-Illinois region are presented here. These plants all have capacities larger than 500 MWe, are currently without any flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems, and burn coal of greater than l%sulfur content (in 1980). Their aggregate emissions of 2.4 million tons of SO2 per year represents 55% of the SO2 inventory for these states. The principal coal supplies for each power plant were identified and characterized as to coal seam and county of origin, so that published coal-washability data could be matched to each supplier. The SO2 reductions that would result from deep cleaning each coal (Level 4) were calculated using an Argonne computer model that assumes a weight recovery of 80%. Percentage reductions in sulfur content ranged from zero to 52%, with a mean value of 29%, and costs ranged from a low of $364/ton SO2 removed to over $2000/t...
Dairy Manure Applications to Alfalfa: Crop Response, Soil Nitrate, and Nitrate in Soil Water

Many dairy Carmers apply manure predominately to land cropped to corn (Zea mays L.), often in excess of crop N requirements, resulting in potential groundwater contamination. Our research objective was to study the impact of dairy manure applications to established alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on crop response and on soil and soil water NO 3 − -N concentrations. Field experiments were initiated in 1990 on an Occum fine sandy loam variant soil (coarse-loamy, mixed, mesic Fluventic Dystrochrepts) at South Deerfield and on an Agawam fine sandy loam soil (coarse-loamy over sandy or sandy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Typic Dystrochrepts) at Sunderland in western Massachusetts. Treatments consisted of zero N, low manure N (112 kg N ha −1 yr −1 ), high manure N (336 kg N ha −1 yr −1 ), low N fertilizer (112 kg N ha −1 yr −1 from NH 4 NO 3 ), and high N fertilizer (336 kg N ha −1 yr −1 from NH 4 NO 3 ). Liquid dairy manure or NH 4 NO 3 was spread on the surface immediately after the first cutting in June 1990 and again in June 1991. Porous ceramic cup suction samplers were placed at the 30, 60-, 90-, and 120 cm depths. Soil water was monitored throughout the year except in winter, when the topsoil was frozen. Movement of NO 3 − -N was observed to be more rapid in the sandier Agawam soil than the Occum soil. Nitrate-N concentrations in water collected under alfalfa during summer and fall were significantly higher than in the spring. High concentrations of NO 3 − -N coupled with increased soil saturation during the fall make this period critical for monitoring NO 3 − -N movement. High manure application to alfalfa resulted in high soil water NO 3 − -N levels in the fall of 1991 on the Occum soil at the South Deerfield site. Application of N fertilizer at the high rate resulted in significantly increased NO 3 − -N concentrations. Low manure application to alfalfa did not increase NO 3 − -N concentrations in soil water compared with alfalfa receiving no N fertilization. Application of manure to alfalfa at the low rate had no significant effect on dry matter (DM) yields, N accumulation in herbage, and soil NO 3 − -N at the 0- to 25-cm, 25- to 50 cm, and 50- to 100-cm depths. Dry matter yields were significantly lower at the South Deerfield site in 1991-1992 than in 1990-1991 for the high manure application. At the Sunderland site, no significant difference in yield was observed. Dairy manure can be applied to established alfalfa at the low rate of 112 kg N ha −1 without any adverse impact on herbage production or nitrates in soil water
The design of binary shaping filter of binary code

In information theory, in order to maximize the total throughput, it is required that the codebook has an empirical distribution that maximizes the mutual information over the channel. In coding theory, however, most codes we can generate have Bernoulli (1 over 2) distribution. In this paper, we present a new coding scheme to efficiently generate binary codes with different distributions. Our main approach is to first encode the information bits by a linear code C, and then quantized the codeword to the closest codeword in another linear code C s . The quantization error is then treated as the encoded codeword in our coding scheme. We discuss the practicality and advantage of such codes and give a design example.
State-estimation and cooperative control with uncertain time

State estimation and control typically depend on the implicit assumption that actuation and measurement occur at known points in time. This assumption is predicated on sufficiently precise timekeeping afforded by engineered clocks. Biological control systems do not have access to quartz-crystal technology and yet animals perform behaviors that engineered systems cannot. Here, we examine the problem of state estimation using imprecisely timed measurements, with known temporal statistics. We consider the case that there are two controllers, each with its own imperfect clock, performing a cooperative task-formulated in a leader-follower paradigm. In our problem, the follower estimates the state of the leader's noisy clock along with other state variables. An example of a complex cooperative leader-follower task is ballroom dancing.
Analytical Solutions for Flood and Tide Codes

A sequence of analytical solutions explore the spectrum of response patterns expected from numerical codes for flood and tide propagation in channels. Complete analytical details of the solutions are provided, together with specific suggestions for an associated set of analytical benchmark tests. Illustrations of predicted response patterns provide the basis for a discussion of many significant physical aspects and their representation in discrete numerical codes.
Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 attenuates expression of inflammation-related genes in CNS injury models

Injury to the brain, whether arising from trauma, stroke, or infection, elicits a tissue response characterized by glial cell activation and production of inflammation-related gene products. A similar response occurs in Alzheimer’s disease, where deposits of amyloid-beta are associated with activated glia and a wide variety of inflammatory products have been detected (Neuroinflammation Working Group, 2000). The widespread use of glucocorticoids in spinal cord injury and epidemiological evidence that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be beneficial in Alzheimer’s disease indicate that therapies targeting inflammatory processes may be useful in treatment of central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a major role in peripheral inflammatory processes (Dubois et al., 1998). Tissue culture studies show that astrocytes and microglia have the capacity to express COX-2 in response to proinflammatory cytokines (O’Banion et al., 1996; O’Banion, 1999). However, little is known about the contribution of COX-2 to inflammatory processes in the CNS.
Toxicity of Two Carbamate Insecticides to Resistant and Normal Strains of the German Cockroach

A tarsal contact method was employed to test the toxicity of the carbamate materials Baygon® (o-isopropoxyphenyl methyl carbamate) and MCA-600 (benzo[b]thien-4-yl methyl carbamate) to 3 strains of the German cockroach, Blaltella germanica (L.), resistant to certain organophosphate insecticides. Comparison of dosage mortality data with similar data for a normal strain indicated a slight loss of susceptibility to both materials in a laboratory strain selected for resistance to diazinon. A field strain from Dallas, Texas, having low-level resistance to malathion, fenthion, and diazinon, showed no significant resistance to either Baygon or MCA-600, whereas a laboratory strain, resistant to malathion, was more susceptible to the carbamates than the normal strain. Results show that Baygon was more toxic than MCA-600 to adult German cockroaches of all strains.
Strain accumulation along the San Andreas fault system East of San Francisco Bay, California

Prescott, W.H. and Lisowski, M., 1983. Strain accumulation along the San Andreas fault system east of San Francisco Bay, California. In: P. Vyskocil, A.M. Wassef and R. Green (Editors), Recent Crustal Movements, 1982. Tectonophysics, 97: 41–56. The occurrence of several large earthquakes to the east of San Francisco Bay during historical times, and present high levels of microseismicity, indicate that a significant part of the relative plate motion may be occurring east of San Francisco Bay. Furthermore, the Hayward fault is known to be slipping aseismically at the surface, and the Calaveras fault may be slipping aseismically also. These facts raise an important question: Is the observed creep rate accommodating all of the east bay deformation or is there a significant amount of strain accumulating along these faults? Several small survey networks (<2 km diameter) located along the Hayward and Calaveras faults, have been measured occasionally since 1965. Recent observations of these and other networks have been made by the U.S. Geological Survey. These observations imply a surface slip rate on the Hayward fault at Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, and Richmond of about 6 mm/yr. On the Calaveras fault, north of the Hayward-Calaveras fault junction, surface slip rates have been determined from only four data sets. Three of which give a rate of 3 mm/yr. The U.S. Geological Survey annually measures 32 longer lines (10–30 km) in the east bay. Observations of these lines extend back to 1977 for most and to 1970 for some of the Unes. The observed creep rates and the data for the longer east-bay lines provide constraints on the amount and position of deeper slip on the Hayward and Calaveras faults. After correcting for line-length changes due to fault slip, we calculated the strain accumulation rate. The shear strain rate parallel to east bay faults is 0.07 ± 0.02 μstrain/yr, a rate well below that of other areas along the San Andreas fault system, suggesting that creep is relieving a large part of the strain in this area.
Profiling 976 ToxCast chemicals across 331 enzymatic and receptor signaling assays.

Understanding potential health risks is a significant challenge due to the large numbers of diverse chemicals with poorly characterized exposures and mechanisms of toxicities. The present study analyzes 976 chemicals (including failed pharmaceuticals, alternative plasticizers, food additives, and pesticides) in Phases I and II of the U.S. EPA’s ToxCast project across 331 cell-free enzymatic and ligand-binding high-throughput screening (HTS) assays. Half-maximal activity concentrations (AC50) were identified for 729 chemicals in 256 assays (7,135 chemical–assay pairs). Some of the most commonly affected assays were CYPs (CYP2C9 and CYP2C19), transporters (mitochondrial TSPO, norepinephrine, and dopaminergic), and GPCRs (aminergic). Heavy metals, surfactants, and dithiocarbamate fungicides showed promiscuous but distinctly different patterns of activity, whereas many of the pharmaceutical compounds showed promiscuous activity across GPCRs. Literature analysis confirmed >50% of the activities for the most po...
Teaching About Schools During Pediatric Residency

Objective.—Several published guidelines have suggested that primary care pediatricians include school issues as part of regular health supervision visits. Few residency training programs include systematic education about educational issues that affect children's lives and success in school. The goal of this study was to evaluate a short curriculum on Children In School that was included as part of the 2-month required rotation in developmental-behavioral pediatrics. Methods.—A questionnaire was designed to assess 1) pediatric residents' attitudes about the importance of making school issues part of their practice, 2) pediatric residents' self-perceived knowledge about central concepts, and 3) pediatric residents' self-perceived skills. Participants.—Twenty-one of the 22 pediatric residents in 1 training program completed the questionnaire at the beginning of their first residency year and again during the final 3 months of their third (last) year. Results.—Residents assessed that their knowledge and skills relating to children in school were increased consistently (P Conclusions.—A relatively short teaching module introduced in the context of the developmental-behavioral pediatrics rotation can improve residents' self-assessed skills and knowledge about children in school.
Environmental tobacco smoke and carotid arterial stiffness.

Abstract Background Although active smoking acutely increases arterial stiffness, the association between arterial stiffness and chronic exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has not been evaluated. We used baseline data from the Vitamin E Atherosclerosis Prevention Study to evaluate the association between ETS exposure and arterial stiffness among 227 healthy adult nonsmokers. Methods B-mode ultrasonograms of the common carotid artery were used to compute the carotid arterial wall stiffness index beta. Beta was compared by the number of sources and daily hours of ETS exposure. Results The carotid stiffness index beta was positively associated with age, body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT). In the total sample, beta was not related to the number of ETS exposure sources. The carotid stiffness index beta increased with number of sources and daily hours of ETS in subjects with BMI ≥ 27.1 kg/m 2 and IMT ≥ 0.707 mm. The association was not apparent in subjects with lower BMI or IMT (for number of ETS sources, interaction P values = 0.006 and 0.01, respectively). For number of ETS sources, but not hours of exposure, positive associations were apparent among females (but not males) and among subjects ≥55 years old (but not younger subjects). Conclusions These data indicate that arterial stiffness is adversely associated with ETS in a dose-dependent manner among individuals with higher BMI and greater carotid artery IMT.
Victim Impact Panels: An Examination of the Effectiveness of This Program on Lowering Recidivism and Changing Offenders' Attitudes About Drinking and Driving

This study examines 103 Victim Impact Panel attendees and 75 comparison group respondents who had been convicted of drunk driving offenses. A pre- and post-test measure developed by the author was administered to both groups to determine offender attitudes about drinking and driving. Results indicate a lower recidivism rate in VIP participants as opposed to comparison group subjects and those receiving other sanctions as cited in the literature. 2-Way ANOVA and paired T-test analysis revealed significant changes in attitudes regarding the VIP attendees intention to continue drinking and driving, the consideration of consequences and whether or not DUI/DWI should be considered a crime and recidivism. These results did not hold true for the comparison group. There were no demonstrated significant differences in attitudes toward the fairness of DUI/DWI laws, the accidental nature of drunk driving offenses or the advisability of DWI education as an alternative sanction in either group.
ARCH and Bilinearity as Competing Models for Nonlinear Dependence

In this article we consider whether the wide acceptance of autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (ARCH) models may be at the expense of other nonlinear processes, such as bilinear models. We first propose a joint test for ARCH and bilinearity. A nonnested test is then suggested to determine whether nonlinear dependence should be attributed to ARCH or bilinearity. The tests are then applied to three series. When generalized ARCH (GARCH) models are taken as the null hypothesis, we fail to reject it for all the data series. When bilinearity is taken as the null, however, it is rejected in two cases. Moreover, an out-of-sample forecasting exercise shows that the GARCH model is superior. The results, therefore, indicate a strong preference for the GARCH model.
'Buena gana tenía de ir a jugar’: The Recreational World of Early San Antonio, Texas, 1718–1845 [1]

Although a limited archival record prevents a full examination of sporting and recreational activities, the available evidence reveals that the people of early San Antonio entertained themselves in the same ways as people throughout the Spanish world. The record for any kind of organized sport is completely absent, and there are few references to ball games and children's play, but well-documented are the dances, cockfights, and card games that were the most common recreational activities among adults. Holidays offered opportunities for horse racing, bullfights and other special entertainments. Although the authorities frowned on many recreational activities, especially dancing and card games, as morally corrupting, the population in general found in these entertainments an escape from the uncertainties of life on an isolated and often hostile frontier. Early San Antonio, then, was home to Hispanic frontiersmen whose recreational activities reflected the Spanish origins of much of New Spain's popular culture.
Simulating dynamic fragmentation processes with particles and elements

Abstract The dynamic fragmentation of brittle materials has been extensively studied via experiment, analytic theory, and numerical modeling. While analytic theories capture specific aspects of the fragmentation process observed experimentally, numerical models can produce a wide range of results dependent upon their makeup. This study examines dynamic fragmentation using particle and clustered particle (continuum) simulation approaches. The fragmentation of 1D string, 3D bar, and 3D plate geometries are examined along with the effects of irreversible damage and initial temperature (defects). The results highlight three distinct physical processes that can play an important role in a dynamic fragmentation event: crack nucleation, free surface sublimation (phase changes), and crack branching. Each process leaves a signature with regard to the resulting fragment size distribution and can be affected by the numerical discretization of the system. The findings of this work are intended to provide general guidance with regard to modeling dynamic fragmentation.
The impact of blood transfusion on the occurrence of pneumonitis in primary cytomegalovirus infection after liver transplantation

The influence of blood transfusion, and particularly the transfusion of blood from cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seropositive donors, on the incidence of primary CMV infection following liver transplantation was studied prospectively in 29 consecutive CMV-seronegative adult liver transplant recipients. Fourteen patients received a liver graft from a CMV- seropositive donor (Group A), whereas for 15 patients, the donor was CMV seronegative (Group B). Eleven patients (79%) in Group A but only two (13%) in Group B developed CMV infection (odds ratio, 23.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.5–169.4). In five Group A patients, primary CMV infection resulted in pneumonitis. There was no statistical difference in the total number of blood units and the number of units of CMV- seropositive blood given to patients who did or did not develop CMV infection in both Groups A and B (odds ratio for unit of CMV- seropositive blood transfused, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.96- 1.19). However, Group A patients who developed CMV pneumonitis received a higher total number of blood units (median, 44) and of CMV- seropositive blood units (median, 18) than did patients who developed other CMV infections (asymptomatic CMV, CMV syndrome, or CMV hepatitis), who received a median of 9 total units of blood and 5 units of CMV-seropositive blood (p = 0.004). It is concluded that the total number of blood units and of CMV-seropositive blood units transfused does not have an effect on the incidence of primary CMV infection after liver transplantation, but it does have an impact on the severity of the infection in recipients of a CMV-seropositive allograft.
Listening to 21st century literacies: Prehistory of writing in an academic discipline

Abstract Prehistories of collaborative composition are vital to 21st century literacies research and instruction. The processes by which writing and other 21st century literacies become necessary to students continues to be neglected, however, so that while 21st century literacies are easily observed outside school, the significance and feasibility of 21st century literacies as formal educational goals remain unproven. By examining communicative choices in a problem-oriented curriculum in a university-based human geography class, this study chronicles the prehistory of writing to relate participants’ argument-based interactions with their composition choices. Analysis of interactional patterns in transcripts, observational notes, and written products reveals an important link between 21st century literacies and student talk: Students used disciplinary concepts to give shape to ill-defined problems, which led to tasks requiring many elements of 21st century literacies; the use of 21st century literacies to solve problems, in turn, mediated qualitative changes in subsequent problem posing, tasks, and use of 21st century literacies.
Contraception for women in selected circumstances.

OBJECTIVE: To review new evidence regarding ten controversial issues in the use of contraceptive methods among women with special conditions and to present World Health Organization recommendations derived in part from this evidence. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE and PREMEDLINE databases for English-language articles, published between January 1995 and December 2001, for evidence relevant to ten key contraceptive method and condition combinations: combined oral contraceptive (OC) use among women with hypertension or headaches, combined OC use for emergency contraception and adverse events, progestogen-only contraception use among young women and among breast-feeding women, tubal sterilization among young women, hormonal contraception and intrauterine device use among women who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive, have AIDS, or are at high risk of HIV infection. Search terms included: “contraception,” “contraceptives, oral,” “progestational hormones,” “medroxyprogesterone-17 acetate,” “norethindrone,” “levonorgestrel,” “Norplant,” “contraceptives, postcoital,” “sterilization, tubal,” “intrauterine devices,” “hypertension,” “stroke,” “myocardial infarction,” “thrombosis,” “headache,” “migraine,” “adverse effects,” “bone mineral density,” “breast-feeding,” “lactation,” “age factors,” “regret,” and “HIV.” STUDY SELECTION: From 205 articles, we identified 33 studies published in peer-reviewed journals that specifically examined risks of contraceptive use among women with pre-existing conditions. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Combined OC users with hypertension appear to be at increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke relative to users without hypertension. Combined OC users with migraine appear to be at increased risk of stroke relative to nonusers with migraine. The evidence for the other eight method and condition combinations was either insufficient to draw conclusions or identified no excess risk. CONCLUSION: Of ten contraceptive method and condition combinations assessed, the evidence supported an increased risk of cardiovascular complications with combined OC use by women with hypertension or migraine. As new evidence becomes available, assessment of risk and recommendations for use of contraceptive methods can be revised accordingly.
Reminder treatments do not alleviate cue-to-consequence deficits

Using rats in a conditioned lick suppression preparation, six experiments were conducted in which the subjects were exposed to a single tone-LiCl pairing. Despite evidence from tone-shock conditioning that the tone was an adequate conditioned stimulus and evidence from taste-LiCl conditioning that the LiCl was an adequate unconditioned stimulus, no suppression to the tone was observed following the tone-LiCl pairing, a finding consistent with prior cue-to-consequence research. In each experiment, subjects receiving a tone-LiCl pairing were subsequently exposed to either the tone or LiCl outside the conditioning context in an attempt to reactivate a potentially latent tone-LiCl association. The parameters of these reminder treatments were chosen on the basis of their previously proven effectiveness in reversing such performance deficits as blocking, overshadowing, latent inhibition, and experimental amnesia. Although a variety of stimulus parameters were used in an effort to reverse the cue-to-consequence deficit, none of the experiments detected any tendency towards suppression by reminded subjects exposed to a tone-LiCl pairing. This uniform lack of reminder-induced recovery suggests that cue-to-consequence deficits reflect true acquisition failure rather than poor retrievability.
Detecting substrate engagement: responses of tarsal campaniform sensilla in cockroaches

Sensory signals of contact and engagement with the substrate are important in the control and adaptation of posture and locomotion. We characterized responses of campaniform sensilla, receptors that encode forces as cuticular strains, in the tarsi (feet) of cockroaches using neurophysiological techniques and digital imaging. A campaniform sensillum on the fourth tarsal segment was readily identified by its large action potential in nerve recordings. The receptor discharged to contractions of the retractor unguis muscle, which engages the pretarsus (claws and arolium) with the substrate. We mimicked the effects of muscle contractions by applying displacements to the retractor apodeme (tendon). Sensillum firing did not occur to unopposed movements, but followed engagement of the claws with an object. Vector analysis of forces suggested that resisted muscle contractions produce counterforces that axially compress the tarsal segments. Close joint packing of tarsal segments was clearly observed following claw engagement. Physiological experiments showed that the sensillum responded vigorously to axial forces applied directly to the distal tarsus. Discharges of tarsal campaniform sensilla could effectively signal active substrate engagement when the pretarsal claws and arolium are used to grip the substrate in climbing, traversing irregular terrains or walking on inverted surfaces.
Vocalizations and associated behaviors of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in captivity

and Summary This analysis presents the physical characteristics of the vocalizations of the African elephant and describes the associated behavioral contexts of the elephant's communicative system. One male and 8 female African elephants were systematically observed in a relatively large captive environment. Their repertoire of sounds constitutes 10 distinct vocalizations which are emitted during 11 behavioral categories. Although all but one of the sounds is emitted in more than one context, many of the sounds are more characteristic of a specific behavior than others. An interesting finding is that the fundamental frequency of the emitted sound is significantly correlated to the level of excitement of the individual. In general, sounds with a low fundamental frequency are emitted when the animals are in a low level of excitement and are important in those behaviors which promote group cohesion and the orderly interactions of individuals. In contrast, the higher fundamental frequency sounds predominate when the animals are in a high level of excitement and are emitted most often during aggressive type behaviors. The elephants' vocalizations and associated behaviors in captivity are discussed in comparison to those of their free-living relatives and to those of other animals showing similarities across some of the sounds and behaviors. Zusammenfassung 10 charakteristische Lautauserungen spielen eine bedeutende Rolle im Kommunikationssystem afrikanischer Elefanten. Obwohl 9 Vokalisationen in mehr als einem Kontext benutzt werden, haben viele einen besonderen Bezug zu spezifischem Verhalten. Die Hauptfrequenz der Laute korreliert signifikant mit dem Erregungsgrad des Elefanten: tiefe Frequenzen entsprechen geringem Erregungsgrad und spielen eine Rolle bei Gruppenzusammenhalt und normalem Zusammenleben. Hohere Frequenzen zeigen hohere Erregung an und treten meist wahrend aggressiver Verhaltensweisen auf. Vokalisationen und die begleitenden Verhaltensweisen werden von gefangengehaltenen Tieren beschrieben und mit denen freilebender Elefanten und anderer Tiere verglichen, die ahnliche Verhaltensweisen und Vokalisationen haben.
Pro-apoptotic activity of oncogenic H-Ras for histone deacetylase inhibitor to induce apoptosis of human cancer HT29 cells

Purpose To verify the pro-apoptotic activity of oncogenic H-Ras in the increased susceptibility of human cancer cells to histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI).
Mechanistic pharmacokinetic modelling of ephedrine, norephedrine and caffeine in healthy subjects

Aim The combination of ephedrine and caffeine has been used in herbal products for weight loss and athletic performance-enhancement, but the pharmacokinetic profiles of these compounds have not been well characterized. This study aimed to develop a mechanistic model describing ephedrine, norephedrine, and caffeine pharmacokinetics and their interactions in healthy subjects. Methods The pharmacokinetic model was developed based on the simultaneous modelling using plasma samples gathered from two clinical trials. The treatments consisted of single-doses of pharmaceutical caffeine and ephedrine, given alone or together, and an herbal formulation containing both caffeine and ephedrine. We used a mixed-effect statistical model and the program NONMEM to take account of intersubject variability. Results Three hundred and seventy-nine ephedrine, 352 norephedrine, 417 caffeine plasma concentrations and 40 ephedrine urine concentrations were obtained from 24 subjects. A one-compartment model with first-order absorption described the caffeine data. Caffeine clearance was 0.083 l min−1 (CV 38%) and decreased to 0.038 l min−1 in presence of oral contraceptive therapy, its volume of distribution was 38.6 l (CV 20%) and its absorption rate constant was 0.064 l min−1 (CV 50%). A four-compartment model described the pharmocokinetics of ephedrine and norephedrine. Ephedrine was eliminated mostly renally, with a clearance of 0.34 l min−1 (CV 11%), and a volume of distribution of 181 l (CV 19%). Nonlinearity in the conversion of ephedrine to norephedrine was observed. Different models showed that the simultaneous administration of caffeine, or the amount of caffeine in the absorption compartment, was associated with a slower rate of absorption of ephedrine. A 32% greater relative bioavailability of herbal compared with pharmaceutical ephedrine administration was observed. Conclusions We describe a mechanistic model for ephedrine, norephedrine and caffeine pharmacokinetics and their interactions. The relative bioavailability of ephedrine differed between the herbal supplement compared with the pharmaceutical formulation. Concomitant ingestion of caffeine slowed the absorption rate of ephedrine, which is mainly related to the amount of the former in the absorption compartment. A saturable process appears to be involved in the metabolism of ephedrine to norephedrine.
Lower urinary tract symptoms in men

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a highly prevalent and costly condition that affects older men worldwide. Many affected men develop lower urinary tract symptoms, which can have a negative impact on their quality of life. In the past, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was the mainstay of treatment. However, several efficacious drug treatments have been developed, which have transformed BPH from an acute surgical entity to a chronic medical condition. Specifically, multiple clinical trials have shown that α adrenoceptor antagonists can significantly ameliorate lower urinary tract symptoms. Moreover, 5α reductase inhibitors, alone or combined with an α adrenoceptor antagonist, can reverse the natural course of BPH, reducing the risk of urinary retention and the need for surgical intervention. Newer medical regimens including the use of antimuscarinic agents or phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, have shown promise in men with predominantly storage symptoms and concomitant erectile dysfunction, respectively. For men who do not adequately respond to conservative measures or pharmacotherapy, minimally invasive surgical techniques (such as transurethral needle ablation, microwave thermotherapy, and prostatic urethral lift) may be of benefit, although they lack the durability of TURP. A variety of laser procedures have also been introduced, whose improved hemostatic properties abrogate many of the complications associated with traditional surgery.
Magnetic resonance imaging shows orientation and asymmetry of white matter fiber tracts

Apparent diffusion tensor maps of the human brain were acquired with a magnetic resonance imaging sequence (Gudbjartsson, H., Maier, S.E., Mulkern, R.V., M6rocz, I.A., Patz, S., Jolesz, F.A., Magn. Reson. Med. 36 (1996) 509-519). It was shown that the geometric nature of the apparent diffusion tensors can quantitatively characterize the tissue structure. Display of the orientation and directional uniformity of the water diffusion in the brain demonstrated most of the known major anatomical constituents of human white matter. A comparison of corresponding anatomic regions in the white matter of both hemispheres in 24 healthy volunteers revealed that fiber tracts within the anterior limb of the internal capsule have a significantly higher (P < 0.01) measure of alignment in the right hemisphere. This method offers a unique tool for the in vivo demonstration of neural connectivity in healthy and diseased brain.
EPR study of radicals from cyano-alkenes and hydracrylonitrile☆

Abstract With the use of the TiCl3H2O2 radical-generating method within a continuous-flow system at ca. 25°C, a comprehensive EPR study of the radicals formed from acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, crotononitrile, and hydracrylonitrile has been carried out. The substituted ethylenes were also studied in a like fashion with the use of the TiCl3H2O2CH3OH radical-generating method. There have been a number of analogous investigations of these same substrates by other workers. In comparison with these, the study described here was more comprehensive and yielded superior spectroscopic resolution. Consequently, in some instances, the present study has shown substrates to yield radicals not characterized before and radicals previously reported to possess so far undetected couplings.
A note on the inefficiency of non-linear estimators

Abstract An upper bound on the inefficiency of non-optimally weighted method of moments estimators is reported, along with a necessary and sufficient condition for the equivalence of non-optimally and optimally weighted estimators. An example is considered in which a precise expression for the inefficiency bound is attainable.
Nahdlatul Ulama, Traditional Islam and Modernity in Indonesia. Edited by Greg Barton and Greg Fealy. Clayton, Australia: Monash Asia Institute, 1996. xvii, 293 pp.

This is the first English-language book on Nahdlatul Ulama Indonesia's largest Islamic organisation & also one of its least studied. This book seeks to explain key aspects of its behaviour & ideology & its relationship with the state & other internal power structures along with attitudes to change & modernisation & adds scholarship to area.
Remarks concerning the values of the riemann zeta function at integral, odd arguments

It is known that for a = 2n + 1, ζ(a) = πar(a) − Ga(i), where Ga(τ) has a Fourier expansion Ga(τ) = Σn = 1∞ cn(a)e2πinτ and r(a) is rational. For a slightly more general function Ga(τ, χ) = Σn = 1∞ cn(a, χ) e2πinτk [which, for k = 1 reduces to Ga(τ)] it is shown that if χ(n) is a nonprincipal, primitive congruence character modulo k, then Ga(i, χ) = πaτ(χ)r(a, χ). Here χ is the conjugate character, τ(χ) is a Gaussian sum, and r(a, χ) is algebraic. If χ(n) is also real, then k−12π−aGa(i, χ) is actually rational.
Mapping the Cosmic Microwave Background Anisotropy:The First Flight of the QMAP Experiment

We report on the first flight of the balloon-borne QMAP experiment. The experiment is designed to make a map of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy on angular scales from 0fdg70 to several degrees. Using the map, we determine the angular power spectrum of the anisotropy in multipole bands from l~40 to l~140. The results are consistent with the SK (from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada) measurements. The frequency spectral index (measured at low l) is consistent with that of CMB and inconsistent with either Galactic synchrotron or free-free emission. The instrument, measurement, analysis of the angular power spectrum, and possible systematic errors are discussed.
Female genital cutting in the news media: A content analysis:

Mass media play an important role in explaining the issue of female genital cutting and can influence discourse among the general public as well as policy makers. Understanding how news media present female genital cutting has strong implications for the global status of women. This study, a quantitative content analysis, analyzed how 15 years of newspaper coverage surrounding the launch of the Millennium Development Goals framed female genital cutting in four countries with varying prevalence levels of female genital cutting: the United States, Ghana, The Gambia, and Kenya. The study found female genital cutting is consistently portrayed as a problematic and thematic topic, largely tied to cultural rituals. However, coverage is minimal and inconsistent over time, and does not appear to be impacted by the increase in international initiatives aimed at combatting the practice.
Observers' perceptions of an interpersonal dispute as a function of mode of presentation

Communication researchers have employed a number of modes for presenting stimuli to subjects including written accounts, audio and videotapes, and live performances. The use of these different modes could be potentially problematic if the mode of presentation influences variables measured in the research. This study investigated whether the modality employed to present stimuli to subjects (written transcript vs. videotape) influences perceptions of a conflict situation. The results revealed that whether observers learned about the dispute by transcript or viewing it on videotape had no effect on perceptions of argumentative or verbally aggressive conduct, the estimation of verbal aggression, or ease of assessing the dispute. Attitudes toward dispute behaviors and dispute resolution were influenced by presentation mode, however. These findings have implications for the role of mode of presentation in communication research.
A hexagonal array machine for multilayer wire routing

A novel hardware accelerator comprised of several fast processors interconnected in the form of a hexagonal mesh with wraparound connections is proposed. The novelty of the proposed architecture stems from the fact that it is suitable not only for single-layer routing, but also for routing in parallel on multiple layers. A hexagonal machine of dimension square root kG, with about 3kG processors, can handle a k-layer grid consisting of kG/sup 2/ grid points at about the same speed as a full-grid machine with kG/sup 2/ processors. A technique for measuring the performance of a hardware accelerator in terms of the average delay incurred over a full-grid machine is suggested. This has been formalized in the case of the hexagonal architecture, and is presented for various nets and mesh dimensions. The results have been accurately verified by extensive simulation done in C++ language. It is demonstrated that the hexagonal mesh, by virtue of its additional links for expansion, is resilient to about 10% of failure in the links and processing elements. A detailed design for a chip implementation of the hexagonal machine is discussed. >
Effect of water droplets and water films on the electrical performance of practical outdoor insulators

Presence of water droplets over the insulator surface enhances the electric field intensity and leads to electrical breakdown. Water droplets/films lead to the breakdown of the insulator even under the absence of actual contaminants. The objective of this work is to study the effect of water droplets/films in causing an electrical breakdown on practical insulator at various levels of hydrophobicity. This is done by investigating the electric field distribution around the water droplets/films on a model insulator for the shed and sheath configurations by varying the material of the insulator and the contact angles. Effect of deterioration of the hydrophobicity on field distribution is investigated through placing multiple droplets/films on the sheath and shed regions of practical insulator configurations. The results of our simulations and their practical implications are discussed.
NP by means of lifts and shadows

We show that every NP problem is polynomially equivalent to a simple combinatorial problem: the membership problem for a special class of digraphs. These classes are defined by means of shadows (projections) and by finitely many forbidden colored (lifted) subgraphs. Our characterization is motivated by the analysis of syntactical subclasses with the full computational power of NP, which were first studied by Feder and Vardi. Our approach applies to many combinatorial problems and it induces the characterization of coloring problems (CSP) defined by means of shadows. This turns out to be related to homomorphism dualities. We prove that a class of digraphs (relational structures) defined by finitely many forbidden colored subgraphs (i.e. lifted substructures) is a CSP class if and only if all the the forbidden structures are homomorphically equivalent to trees. We show a surprising richness of coloring problems when restricted to most frequent graph classes. Using results of Nesetřil and Ossona de Mendez for bounded expansion classes (which include bounded degree and proper minor closed classes) we prove that the restriction of every class defined as the shadow of finitely many colored subgraphs equals to the restriction of a coloring (CSP) class.
ADS-B for small Unmanned Aerial Systems: Case study and regulatory practices

Sense and Avoid Systems (SAASs) are one of the last technical challenges for the safe integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) into the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). While military applications still dominate UAS use, civilian UAS usage is expected to grow dramatically over the next several years. However with this growth, there are significant air safety concerns. SAASs have been proposed as potential solutions for air traffic collisions and obstacle avoidance, but the technical implementations have been largely unsatisfactory. The development of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) surveillance tracking technology known as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) has been proposed as one of the potential solutions. This technology, mandated to be in all aircraft by 2020, is designed to improve situational awareness for pilots and improve air traffic management but may also be utilized by UASs. However there remains implementation issues and regulatory issues, especially for small UASs (SUASs) that are expected to be used significantly by civilian operators. This paper examines the use of ADS-B in future SAASs and their implementations in SUAS for domestic use.
The Korean War: How we met the challenge, how all-out Asian war was averted, why MacArthur was dismissed, why today's war objectives must be limited

* The Land of Morning CalmPrelude to the Storm * Challenge and ResponseThe Gallant Stand of Task Force Smith * The United Nations on the OffensiveThe Inchon Landing and the Breakout from the Perimeter * Near Disaster on the YaluThe Chinese Enter the WarRebuilding the Fighting SpiritReturn to the Offensive * The President and the GeneralDismissal of MacArthurCauses and ConsequencesThe Chinese Are Driven Back * Truce Talks and StalemateBitter Fighting on the Ridgesthe Nature of the Enemy * The Final MonthsThe POW RiotsClark Succeeds MeThe Truce Is Signed * Issues and AnswersMeaning of the MacArthur ControversyMilitary and Political Implications * Lessons Learned and UnlearnedTheir Significance in Our Search for Peace * Korean War Calendar
2-ABT-S-oxide detoxification by glutathione S-transferases A1-1, M1-1 and P1-1: Implications for toxicity associated with zileuton

Zileuton, an agent which targets the leukotriene pathway through inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), was approved for the treatment of asthma in 1997. Shortly after its release, its use was restricted due to the observation of hepatotoxicity in patients.Previous research from the authors’ laboratory demonstrated the formation of the reactive metabolite, 2-ABT-S-oxide (M1) from zileuton, and has identified a mercapturate of 2-ABT, C1, in the urine of rats dosed with zileuton. The reaction between M1 and glutathione (GSH) has been established in vitro; however, the potential for catalysis by glutathione transferases (GSTs) was not addressed.The work presented here outlines a role for GSTs in the detoxification of M1. Non-enzymatic conjugation studies with M1 and GSH in control experiments led to a t1/2 of 6.4 ± 0.4 h at pH 6.5. This rate was accelerated in the presence of GSTA1-1, GSTM1-1 and GSTP1-1 providing t1/2 values of 2.6 ± 0.1, 0.53 ± 0.02, and 0.3 ± 0.04 h, respectively, at pH 6.5.The inhibition o...
Fatigue Performance Improvement by Dynamic Strain Aging and Dynamic Precipitation in Warm Laser Shock Peening of AISI 4140 Steel

Warm laser shock peening (WLSP) integrates the advantages of laser shock peening and thermal-mechanical treatment (TMT) to improve material fatigue performance. Compared to traditional laser shock peening (LSP), warm laser shock peening, i.e. LSP at elevated temperature, leads to better performance in many aspects. WLSP can induce nanoscale precipitations by dynamic precipitation and high density dislocation by dynamic strain aging (DSA), resulting in higher surface strength, which is beneficial for fatigue life improvement. Due to pinning of dislocation structure by nanoscale precipitates, and the pinning of dislocation structure by Cottrell atmosphere, or the DSA effect, stability of the dislocation arrangement is significantly increased and the residual stress stability improved. In this study, AISI 4140 steel is used to evaluate WLSP process. It is concluded that the higher residual stress stability and higher surface strength caused by dynamic precipitation and DSA in WLSP leads to fatigue life improvement.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Analysis of alternative rework strategies for printed wiring assembly manufacturing systems

The authors present a model for predicting the cost of test, diagnosis, and rework activities in the manufacture of printed wiring assemblies (PWAs). Two alternative rework strategies for contemporary PWA manufacturing systems are presented: terminal rework and distributed network. The authors analyze the economic basis for deciding between the two rework strategies. The authors assume that the only reason for utilizing distributed rework is to reduce the cost of producing acceptable PWAs, otherwise the cost of the distributed rework effort cannot be justified. The authors present a model of each rework strategy. The effect of each strategy on first-pass yield (FPY) of the manufacturing process is discussed. The effect on FPY is then used to evaluate the economic benefit of each rework strategy as an aid in deciding which strategy to use. The increase in FPY needed to justify distributed rework is calculated. >