cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-Temperature Compressive Strength of Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Polymeric composites are relatively inexpensive materials of high strength, in which deformation of the matrix is used to transfer stress by means of shear traction at the fiber-matrix interface to the embedded high-strength fibers. At low temperatures, complex stresses are set up within the microstructure of the material as a result of matrix stiffening and mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients of the constituents of the composites. These stresses in turn affect the strength and deformation characteristics of the composites. This is demonstrated by compression testing of an unidirectional glass-fiber-reinforced polymer composite at room and low temperatures. The increase of compressive strength matched the analytical prediction of strength increase modeled from the consideration of increase in matrix stiffness and thermal residual stresses at low temperatures. Additional compression tests performed on a batch of low-temperature thermally cycled specimens confirmed the predictable reduction of brittleness due to suspected increase of microcrack density. The mode of failure characterized by definite pre-fracture yielding conforms more to Budiansky's plastic microbuckling theory than to Rosen's theory of elastic shear or extensional buckling.
Genetic and antigenic analyses of influenza A (H1N1) viruses, 1986-1991

Eighteen strains of human influenza A (H1N1) viruses isolated between August 1986 and January 1991 were analyzed in this study. Examination of the total viral genome of 12 strains by T1 mapping revealed that considerable genetic heterogeneity exists among these viruses. Partial sequencing of each of the non-HA RNA segments of 4 viruses having divergent T1 oligonucleotide maps indicated that only one was a reassortant virus that had genes from both the influenza A (H1N1) and (H3N2) subtypes. This reassortant obtained its PB2 gene from a virus of the H3N2 subtype and the other 7 RNA segments from an H1N1 parent. Sequencing studies of the HA1 domains of the hemagglutinin (HA) genes of these 18 strains revealed that although these viruses are antigenically similar to the reference strains A/Taiwan/1/86 and A/Singapore/6/86, 7 conserved amino acid substitutions that are shared by recently isolated H1N1 viruses have occurred in the main stream of evolution of the H1N1 subtype. Our data indicate that: (1) Genetic reassortment continues to contribute to genetic variability of H1N1 viruses. (2) Genetic variants of non-reassortant H1N1 viruses are co-circulating in the world. (3) The HA's of recent H1N1 viruses are related to those of the 1986 reference strains. (4) Although there has been little detectable antigenic variability, the HA genes of human epidemic influenza A (H1N1) viruses have continued to evolve at an evolutionary rate similar to that for the H1N1 and H3N2 viruses analyzed previously.
STUDIES ON INOSINE FERMENTATION-PRODUCTION OF INOSINE BY MUTANTS OF BACILLUS SUBTILIS

Using three typical inosine-producing mutants of Bacillus subtilis, the effect of medium composition on the inosine productivity was investigated.1. To allow the bacteria grow and accumulate inosine, the synthetic medium should contain, besides suitable carbon and nitrogen sources, certain amounts of adenine and some amino acids. A considerable increase of inosine production was brought about by the addition of yeast extract or dry yeast to the medium. Excess amount of adenine was found to repress the inosine formation.2. As the bulk carbon source, various kinds of carbon compounds belonging to hexose, pentose and polyalcohol were utilized. Glucose and starch hydrolysate were the most suitable.3. Ammonium salts, urea and nitrates were all usable as bulk nitrogen sources. For the maximum production of inosine, greater amounts of nitrogen were necessary than that required for the full growth of the bacteria.
A self-help group for drug-addicted clients. Assisted implementation in outpatient treatment.

Although self-help groups are a popular referral target of drug abuse treatment programs, they are not usually viewed as a viable way to extend support and services to clients as part of a structured treatment program. This article describes a client-led support group that was established by clients and a psychological consultant to meet increasing demands for service in an outpatient opiate treatment program. The group is also an alternative to more structured 12-step groups. This describes the history of the group as the first client-led support group in the clinic, the group-psychological consultant model and materials used, the evolution of the group, and how several obstacles were dealt with, including attendance, domineering members, HIV issues, crises, privacy, and leadership. The article describes step-by-step how counselors could implement such a group in a drug treatment setting.
Daunomycin treatment prevents clinical expression of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis

Abstract Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease, characterized by muscle weakness and electrophysiological abnormality. No treatment which would reliably induce permanent clinical remission of MG is yet available. The therapeutic efficacy and toxic effect of daunomvcin (Dm), an antibiotic of the rhodomycin group, was evaluated in murine experimental autoimmune MG. Low dosage Dm treatment effectively prevented the development of muscle weakness and its associated electrophysiological abnormality, without inducing detectable toxicity and global immunosuppression.
Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ Suppresses Nuclear Factor κB-mediated Apoptosis Induced by Helicobacter pylori in Gastric Epithelial Cells *

Helicobacter pylori colonization leads to epithelial cell hyperproliferation within inflamed mucosa, but levels of apoptosis vary, suggesting that imbalances between rates of cell production and loss may contribute to differences in gastric cancer risk among infected populations. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) regulates inflammatory and growth responses of intestinal epithelial cells. We determined whether activation of PPARgamma modified H. pylori-induced apoptosis in gastric epithelial cells. PPARgamma was expressed and functionally active in gastric epithelial cell lines sensitive to H. pylori-induced apoptosis. PPARgamma ligands 15d-PGJ(2) and BRL-49653 significantly attenuated H. pylomicronri-induced apoptosis, effects that could be reversed by co-treatment with a specific PPARgamma antagonist. Cyclopentanone prostaglandins that do not bind and activate PPARgamma had no effects on H. pylori-induced apoptosis. The ability of H. pylori to activate nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and increase levels of the NF-kappaB target IL-8 was blocked by co-treatment with PPARgamma agonists, and direct inhibition of NF-kappaB also abolished H. pylori-stimulated apoptosis. These results suggest that activation of the PPARgamma pathway attenuates the ability of H. pylori to induce NF-kappaB-mediated apoptosis in gastric epithelial cells. Because PPARgamma regulates a multitude of host responses, activation of this receptor may contribute to varying levels of cellular turnover as well as the diverse pathologic outcomes associated with chronic H. pylori colonization.
Impaired induction of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide after sciatic nerve injury in the streptozotocin-diabetic rat

This study was designed to assess the effects of experimental diabetes and nerve crush injury upon vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) content and axonal transport in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve crush injury in control and 3-week streptozotocin-diabetic rats was followed 6.5 days later by placement of 2 constricting ligatures above the site of injury. After 12 h, the L4 and L5 DRG and sciatic nerve were removed for VIP radioimmunoassay. Similar samples were also taken from control and diabetic rats whose nerve had been ligated without a preceding crush. VIP was increased over 2-fold in ganglia and 4-fold in nerves of crush-injured controls compared to uninjured controls (both P < 0.01). Crush injury also increased ganglion and nerve VIP in diabetic rats (P < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively) but the increase was less than what occurred in crush-injured controls (both P < 0.05). The accumulation of VIP proximal to a sciatic ligature was similar in control and diabetic rats and was not altered in either group by crush injury, while retrograde transport of VIP was initiated by crush injury in both control and diabetic rats. These data show that short-term diabetes does not alter the amount and peripheral axonal transport of VIP in the sciatic nerve but impairs the ability of peripheral nerve to respond to injury.
Multiscale Lattice Boltzmann Modeling of Phonon Transport in Crystalline Semiconductor Materials

A coupled lattice Boltzmann (LB)–finite-difference (FD) method is used to solve for the heat transport in a two-dimensional domain. The LB method is used to capture relevant phonon physics near a microscopic heat-generation region by solving the Boltzmann transport equation, while a finite-difference model is used to capture the thermal transport at the macroscopic level. The coupling region between the LB and FD domains, which enables multiscale modeling, is discussed. The model is evaluated versus other numerical methods as well as experimental results. In all cases, the multiscale approach yielded results that were accurate to within the experimental uncertainty.
Analyzing the economic cost of the Kyoto protocol

Abstract This paper examines the cost of meeting the Kyoto Protocol commitments under alternative assumptions regarding technology and technical change. Real GDP is modeled as a function of the capital, labor, and energy inputs. The analysis is based on data for 23 Annex 1 countries from 1965 to 1999. Two important results emerge. First, the standard assumption of Hicks neutral technical change and time and scale independent output elasticities is not supported by the data. Second, when technical change is allowed to be biased in favor of the energy and capital inputs, and when the output elasticities vary with the level of factor use and over time, the loss in real GDP due to the Kyoto commitments rises substantially. On average, the loss in real GDP is one and a half times higher than obtained under the standard assumptions.
Deformation mechanisms in experimentally and naturally deformed amphiboles

Abstract Experimental deformation of an igneous hornblendite at 600–750°C, 10 kbars confining pressure and a strain rate of 10 −5 sec−1 results in kink bands whose normals cluster about [001] and axes of external rotation subparallel to [010]. This is consistent with glide on the system T = (100), t = [001]. At temperatures of 800°C to the breakdown temperature of the hornblende, external rotation axes spread along the (100) plane although kink band boundary poles remain subparallel to [001]. This indicates glide on the (100) plane in variable directions. Analysis of bend zones in a naturally deformed actinolite indicates glide on the (100), [001] system. Mechanical (101) twinning was not observed in any of the samples, and we suggest that in these amphiboles the critical resolved shear stress for glide is lower than that for twinning.
Suppression of second harmonic distortion in directly modulated distributed feedback lasers by external light injection

The suppression of second harmonic distortion in directly modulated semiconductor distributed feedback lasers by optical injection locking has been experimentally demonstrated. Reduction of second harmonic distortion by more than 10 dB has been observed over a wide range of bias currents and modulation frequencies.
Absence of Increasing Incidence of Meningitis Caused by Haemophilus influenzae Type b

An epidemiologic survey of meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b in children aged zero to four years during an 11-year period (January 1965-December 1975) was conducted in the Baltimore, Maryland, metropolitan area to examine recent trends in the incidence of this disease. Cases of H. influenzae meningitis were identified at all 19 hospitals in the city and county of Baltimore and all 41 hospitals in the surrounding area. The population at risk (age, zero to four years) was estimated using yearly birth rates provided by the state of Maryland and U.S. Census information for 1960 and 1970. Yearly age-adjusted incidence was calculated; in contrast to previous studies, there was no significant increase in the annual incidence (range, 12-27; mean, 19.3/100,000 population at risk). Previous reports of recent increases in the incidence of meningitis caused by H. influenzae type b may be due to differences in study techniques.
Endplate topography of denervated and disused rat neuromuscular junctions: comparison by scanning and light microscopy.

Abstract The effect of denervation and tetrodotoxin-induced muscle disuse on endplate structure was investigated in rat hind-limb muscles. The endplate was visualized by light microscopic cholinesterase staining and by scanning electron microscopy. Denervation resulted in a reduction in histochemically determined endplate dimensions proportionate to the decrease in muscle fiber circumference. Scanning electron microscopy, on the other hand, revealed a flattening or more often collapse of primary grooves with a reduction in the width of the endplate but no longitudinal shrinkage. Primary groove area per se was not measurable due to the loss of primary groove structural integrity. Thus, the apparent histochemical diminution of endplate length after denervation was artefactual, probably due to loss of cholinesterase activity and impeded access of substrate. In disuse, cholinesterase staining revealed a similar reduction in endplate girth with fiber atrophy but with a corresponding increase in endplate length. Scanning electron microscopy of disused muscle fibers confirmed these histochemical findings and the overall preservation of primary groove area. Disuse also resulted in an increase in the number of intrasynaptic primary groove branches as visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Finally, a specialized endplate “raised area”, prominent in soleus muscle, was greatly reduced after disuse but much less so after denervation. Thus, after denervation, primary groove structural integrity is lost and the shape of the endplate passively follows that dictated by circumferential loss of surface membrane. In disused muscle, presence of an intact axon preserves the structure and area but not the orientation of the primary grooves which are distorted by fiber atrophy. Disuse also strongly affects other endplate surface structures visualized by scanning electron microscopy
Updating Circulation Policy for the 21st Century

In 2007, New York University's Bobst Library assembled a group of staff charged with suggesting improvements to circulation policy. As a result of these efforts many changes were implemented at the beginning of the 2007–2008 academic year, including extended loan periods and the elimination of routine daily overdue fines. The changes were subsequently evaluated during the 2008–2009 academic year and determined to improve user experience without adversely affecting the library collection. The changes remain policy to date.
Decorrelation-based adherent microbubble identification as a faster alternative to singular spectrum-based targeted molecular (SiSTM) imaging of large blood vessels

Ultrasound-based targeted molecular imaging holds promise for early detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Current methods used to separate signal from adherent microbubbles are based on frequency domain filtering. Singular spectrum-based targeted molecular (SiSTM) imaging is a recently proposed technique that employ statistical properties, as quantified by the normalized singular spectrum area (NSSA), to more effectively separate signal components in large blood vessels. However, the computational cost to calculate NSSA is high, and thus real-time implementation is challenging. In this paper, flow phantom experiments demonstrated the NSSA-decorrelation patterns caused by different mechanisms: electronic noise, in-beam and out-of-beam movement of scatterers. Results showed that flow rates had little effect on the NSSA-decorrelation pattern caused by out-of-beam decorrelation. Based on the relationship between NSSA and decorrelation (approximately quadratic, adjusted-R2 > 0.86), decorrelation-based adherent microbubble detection was demonstrated to be a faster (2-fold) alternative while maintaining similar performance compared to the NSSA-based method (less than 3% difference).
"Upstream" nursing practice and research.

Nursing practice often brings the nurse into an intimate relationship with suffering individuals and vulnerable communities. To fully and effectively conduct our practice and pursue our scholarship, the socially unjust systems that maintain the vulnerability of whole populations must be addressed through broader political participation and the examination of broken systems (Bekemeier & Butterfield, 2005). Although political action has a poor fit with traditional caring models that were described for nursing practice, theory, and research toward the end of the last century, notions of caring can and should be expanded to include our political responsibilities to respond to social injustices that impact population health. Research increasingly suggests that when nursing and other health-related sciences focus their attentions on the social determinants of health, we will achieve improved health status and greater health equity in the populations we serve (Evans, Whitehead, Diderichsen, Bhuiya, & Wirth, 2001; Labonte, 2003; Raphael, 2003). This focus requires an “upstream” approach. Upstream approaches refer to an analogy used in the United States for describing efforts focused on primary prevention and addressing root causes of disease and disability. This upstream analogy addresses the underlying issues that cause “downstream” problems rather than going to great lengths to address fully developed and ongoing crises downstream. Many of us in nursing are in downstream positions, researching questions and working with programs that relate to caring for acutely at-risk, vulnerable families or communities and without a focus on activities that would drive a movement from downstream work to upstream measures that change harmful systems instead of responding to their negative outcomes. Our present emphasis on downstream approaches occurs, in part, because of the complexity of addressing social conditions
The increased risk of coronary heart disease associated with nephrotic syndrome

The increased risk of coronary heart disease associated with nephrotic syndrome. Patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) are believed to be at increased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD), although existing evidence for this association has not been persuasive. The risk of CHD among 142 persons with NS documented by proteinuria ≥ 3.5 g daily was compared with that among 142 matched controls randomly selected from the membership of a large Northern California health plan. Controls were matched for sex, year of birth, and presence in the health plan when the referent case was diagnosed. No diabetics were included in this study. Mean follow-up for nonfatal CHD events was 5.6 years for NS subjects and 11.2 years for controls. Among the NS subjects myocardial infarction (MI) developed in 11, and there were 58 deaths, seven because of CHD. Among the controls, there were four MIs and 10 deaths, three because of CHD. In matched-pair analysis, there were 11 MIs among NS subjects and none among controls [P = 0.001, lower bound of 95% confidence interval for relative risk (CI), 2.8]. In an unmatched analysis adjusted for hypertension and smoking at diagnosis of NS, the relative risk of MI was 5.5 (95% CI 1.6 to 18.3) and the relative risk of coronary death was 2.8 (95% CI 0.7 to 11.3). Omitting data of NS subjects with minimal change disease and systemic lupus erythematosus yielded similar results. These data suggest that persons with NS are at increased risk of CHD.
Equivalence of radio frequency and electrolytic lesions in producing septal rage

Radio frequency and electrolytic lesions were placed in the septal region in the rat. Daily ratings of emotionality failed to show any postoperative differences between groups as a function of type of lesion. In both groups, however, “septal rage” was temporary, giving place within six to ten days to docility. It was suggested that this syndrome may not be a result of the lesions as such, but may instead be attributable to the trauma of the surgical procedure producing a temporary sensitization of the nearby “affective defensive reaction” zone of Hess.
A Comparison of Water–Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Phase Transfer Linear Solvation Energy Relationships and Databases

Four linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) studies of solute partitioning in aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate micellar solutions are compared. Two of the LSERs are based on compilations of literature data obtained from a variety of measurement techniques and under differing experimental conditions. A third study used micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) to obtain partition coefficients, whereas our approach is based solely on a head space gas chromatographic (HSGC) method. Despite significant differences in the sizes of the solute sets, the four LSERs yield essentially equivalent chemical conclusions regarding the fundamental interactions controlling the partition process. In comparison to MEKC, HSGC does not require the presence of salt or buffers, although it can be done with such additives, including cosurfactants. Additionally, the HSGC method, unlike the MLC method, does not involve assumptions concerning the behavior of any stationary phase. There are few restrictions on the HSGC method since one can use it to study species which are present in very low concentrations and which do not have chromophores. Finally, based on Kamlet's recommendation that three to four solutes are needed to properly define each LSER coefficient, we suggest a set of about 20 preferred solutes to use for future LSER studies of micellar systems.
Rotordynamic Force Coefficients of Pocket Damper Seals

This paper presents measured frequency dependent stiffness and damping coefficients for 12 and 8 bladed pocket damper seals (PDS) subdivided into 4 different seal configurations. Rotating experimental test are presented for inlet pressures at 69 bar (1,000 psi), a frequency excitation range of 20–300 Hz, and rotor speeds up to 20,200 rpm. The testing method used to determine direct and cross-coupled force coefficients was the mechanical impedance method, which required the measurement of external shaker forces, system accelerations, and motion in two orthogonal directions. In addition to the impedance measurements, dynamic pressure responses were measured for individual seal cavities of the 8 bladed PDS. Results of the frequency dependent force coefficients for the 4 PDS designs are compared. The conclusions of the test show that the 8 bladed PDS possessed significantly more positive direct damping and negative direct stiffness than the 12 bladed seal. The results from the dynamic pressure response tests show that the diverging clearance design strongly influences the dynamic pressure phase and force density of the seal cavities. The tests also revealed the measurement of same-sign cross-coupled (cross-axis) stiffness coefficients for all seals, which indicate that the seals do not produce a de-stabilizing influence on rotor-bearing systems.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Dissolved copper triggers cell death in the peripheral mechanosensory system of larval fish

Dissolved copper is an increasingly common non-point source contaminant in urban and urbanizing watersheds. In the present study, we investigated the sublethal effects of dissolved copper on the peripheral mechanosensory system, or lateral line, of larval zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish larvae were exposed to copper (0-65 microg/L), and the cytotoxic responses of individual lateral line receptor neurons were examined using a combination of in vivo fluorescence imaging, confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and conventional histology. Dissolved copper triggered a dose-dependent loss of neurons in identified lateral line neuromasts at concentrations > or = 20 microg/L. The onset of cell death in the larval mechanosensory system was rapid (< 1 h). When copper-exposed zebrafish were transferred to clean water, the lateral line regenerated over the course of 2 d. In contrast, the lateral line of larvae exposed continuously to dissolved copper (50 microg/L) for 3 d did not recover. Collectively, these results show that peripheral mechanosensory neurons are vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of copper. Consequently, dissolved copper in non-point source storm-water runoff has the potential to interfere with rheotaxis, schooling, predator avoidance, and other mechanosensory-mediated behaviors that are important for the migration and survival of fish.
Demand for area crop insurance among litchi producers in northern Vietnam

Abstract This study examines the need for crop insurance for litchi production in northern Vietnam and how farmers might participate in such a program. Hypothetical insurance programs were developed which proposed all-risk coverage based on area yields. This coverage was offered to farmers to determine both their interest in the program and how insurance features and farmer characteristics affected their decision to buy insurance. Farmers were also surveyed regarding their production practices, price and yield expectations, and financial and personal characteristics. Even before considering other program costs and government budget constraints, there is not a strong case for establishing a crop insurance program here. Results indicate that while farmer participation would be significant, crop insurance is not needed to achieve policy goals like raising farmer income or guaranteeing subsistence levels of income. Crop insurance is not needed to promote litchi production, which is already expanding rapidly due to its high profitability relative to other farm enterprises. In their choice of coverages, farmers preferred higher yield guarantee levels and lower indemnity prices. Estimated premiums were quite low when expressed as a percent of expected revenue, and farmers were not responsive to changes in premiums. Econometric analysis indicated that high income farmers were more likely to participate, but other farmer characteristics seemed to matter little. Anecdotal evidence suggested that farmers believed the expected area yields used to set insurance coverage levels were too low. Because litchi productivity varies significantly by tree age and the litchi planted area is expanding rapidly, determining appropriate values for expected area yields and insurance coverage levels appeared to be the biggest challenge in program design. It is hypothesized that additional farmer education about the relationship between area and farm yields and other aspects of area insurance could improve such a program’s operation.
Shift in the surgical treatment of non-palpable breast cancer: tactile to visual

Increasing number of small, early-staged breast cancers are detected by screening mammography. Diagnosis and determination of the prognostic factors may be made by either ultrasound (US) or stereotactically guided needle biopsy. Approximately 2000 stereotactic tables are installed at various medical centers throughout the United States and a significant number in other countries where breast cancer is common. Many surgeons and interventional radiologists are trained in the use of this technology for diagnostic purposes. Employing the same technology, these physicians may be trained to treat selected breast cancers with laser energy percutaneously. Experimental and clinical reports to-date indicate the technique to be safe. High-resolution imaging modalities including grayscale and color Doppler US, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography and needle biopsy, when necessary, will confirm the tumor kill. Newer imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy may also provide additional confirmation for total tumor ablation.
Methods for imaging renal tubule cells

Functional studies of renal tubules by conventional techniques, such as isotopic tracer or electrophysiologic methods, are limited both by epithelial cellular heterogeneity and by technical considerations, such as paracellular ion flows and unstirred layer effects. Although many approaches have been devised to correct for these complications, it has been difficult to measure the transport properties of individual nephron cells. The functional characteristics of single cells in renal tubules can now be directly assessed by quantitative light microscopic techniques. This approach involves the measurement of the cell volume changes which occur when solution osmolality or ionic composition are altered. The judicious use of such experiments in combination with the application of specific transport inhibitors allows determination of cell membrane water and ion permeabilities as well as characterization of the ion transporters in the individual cell membranes which mediate transepithelial solute movements. The mechanisms by which renal tubule cells maintain their volume and ionic composition in the face of dramatically varying solute loads and transcellular transport rates may also be determined. Visualization of specific cell types in a heterogenous epithelium, such as the cortical collecting tubule, may make it feasible to conduct both optical and microelectrode studies on the same cell. Furthermore, the use of low light level video methods in conjunction with fluorescent probes should enable study of renal tubule cell biological processes such as receptor—ligand interaction, insertion and retreival of membrane transport proteins, and intracellular events such as organelle movement, endoand exocytosis, and turnover of intracellular constituents. Isolated renal tubules are well suited for light microscopic study. The absence of connective tissue or other supporting structures enables acquisition of high contrast images of the tubule cells. The small diameter (typically 30 m) of the tubules eliminates unstirred layers within the lumen of the tubule. Careful design of the bath chamber permits the virtual elimination of unstirred layers on the basolateral cell surface. Renal tubules offer the opportunity to visualize epithelial cells both in the conventional en face manner as well as in lateral cross section. This article will review the principles and techniques for quantitative light microscopy of isolated renal tubular epithelial cells.
Comparison of amplitude decay rates in reflection, refraction, and local earthquake records

Three types of seismic data recorded near Coalinga, California were analyzed to study the behavior of scattered waves: 1) aftershocks of the May 2, 1983 earthquake, recorded on verticalcomponent seismometers deployed by the Usgs; 2) regional refraction profiles using large explosive sources recorded on essentially the same arrays above; 3) three common-midpoint (CMP) reflection surveys recorded with vibrator sources over the same area. Records from each data set were bandpassed filtered into 5 Hz wide passbands (over the range of 1-25 Hz), corrected for geometric spreading, and fit with an exponential model of amplitude decay. Decay rates were expressed in terms of inverse coda (Q c -1 ). Q c -1 values for earthquake and refraction data are generally comparable and show a slight decrease with increasing frequency. Decay rates for different source types recorded on proximate receivers show similar results, with one notable exception. One set of aftershocks shows an increase of Q c -1 with frequency.
Employee participation and assessments of support for organizational policy changes

We examine the effects of participation, profit sharing, and participation program structure on managerial assessments of employee support for policy changes. Evidence suggests that managers perceived greater support from employees covered by participation or profit-sharing programs than from other employees. Findings also suggest that managers perceived greater support where a larger percentage of employees were involved in the participation program, where employees had input on a larger number of issues, and where employees had a greater amount of authority to implement their recommendations.
Synthesis and phase separation during film formation of novel methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate/methacrylic acid (MMA/BA/MAA) hybrid urethane/acrylate colloidal dispersions

Abstract Hybrid acrylic/urethane colloidal dispersions were prepared by incorporation of a novel multifunctional urethane castor vinyl ether (UCVE) macromonomer derived from castor oil in acrylic latexes. Single-stage and two-stage semi-continuous emulsion polymerization processes were utilized to control placement of UCVE in colloidal dispersions with core/shell and spherical particle morphologies. While the single-stage process resulted in optically clear and chemically homogeneous films, the two-stage process led to heterogeneous film formation. Internal reflection infrared imaging (IRIRI) spectroscopic analysis of the film-air (F-A) interfaces revealed phase-separated urethane- and urea-rich domains ranging in size from approximately 4–40 μm. Based on these measurements, a model of film formation is proposed which incorporates the effect of exceedingly high shear conditions to achieve fine dispersions of UCVE. These experiments indicate that features of the single-stage process facilitate uniform dispersion of UCVE and efficient grafting between UCVE and the acrylic polymer matrix resulting in intimately mixed networks and homogeneous films.
Orientation of underthrusting during latest Cretaceous and earliest Tertiary time, Kodiak Islands, Alaska

The Uganik thrust and correlative faults constitute a major structural boundary between a melange and a deformed turbidite sequence exposed along the continental margin of southwestern Alaska. During under-thrusting between 60 and 70 m.y. B.P., the lower plate of this thrust was completely disrupted as much as 1 km or more below the fault, whereas the upper plate was overprinted by a cleavage inclined to the thrust surface. A new technique utilizing the geometry of the cleavage-thrust intersection provides the basis for determining 37 slip vectors that indicate that the lower plate of the fault was underthrust along a vector that now trends 334° ± 7° and plunges 42°NW. The movement of the Uganik thrust probably was caused by underthrusting of the sea floor. At the 95% confidence level the direction of movement is similar to slip vectors determined from adjacent accreted terranes and confirms the subduction polarity inferred from regional geology.
Legal and historical reflections on the position of Muslim populations under non‐Muslim rule

(1992). Legal and historical reflections on the position of Muslim populations under non‐Muslim rule. Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs. Journal: Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 1-16.
Everyday health and identity management among older women with chronic health conditions

Abstract The majority of older women have at least one chronic health problem and coping with multiple conditions is common with advancing old age. In this longitudinal, qualitative study we explored the health perceptions of older women ( N = 36) with multiple chronic conditions. Guided by a symbolic interactionist perspective, our research questions asked: (a) how do older women with chronic health conditions interpret their own health in their everyday lives and (b) how do they talk about their health with others. We found that women depended on their embodied self, or signs from the body, to interpret their everyday health . The women engage in identity management to make sense of limitations caused by their chronic health conditions. They regulated how much and with whom they were willing to share issues related to their everyday health. Findings suggest that everyday health is important in identity construction among older adults.
Interdependence of skeletal sclerosis and elevated circulating levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in osteopetrotic (op and tl) rats.

Abstract Osteopetrosis describes a heterogeneous group of inherited, metabolic bone disorders characterized by reduced bone resorption which coexists with elevated circulating levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH) 2 D]. To determine whether or not skeletal sclerosis and high concentrations of 1,25(OH) 2 D are interdependent, this study used two distinct, nonallelic osteopetrotic mutations in the rat, osteopetrosis ( op ) and toothless ( tl ). The op rat is a mutation in which skeletal sclerosis can be cured (mutant) or induced (normal) following the transfer of normal or mutant osteoclast progenitors, respectively. Although these procedures are ineffective in rats of tl stock, infusions of pharmacological doses of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1) can stimulate bone resorption and eliminate most of the excess skeletal matrix in tl mutants. This study examined the effects of cure/ induction in neonatal mutant/normal rats of op stock and CSF-1 infusions in mutant rats of tl stock on skeletal (bone resorption) and serum [1,25(OH) 2 D] parameters as a function of time after treatment. Osteopetrotic mutants transplanted (cured) with normal spleen cells demonstrated cellular changes in osteoclast phenotype within 2–3 days followed by histologic and radiographic evidence for increased bone resorption that culminated in a normal appearance of the skeleton by 4 weeks. The markedly elevated serum levels of 1,25(OH) 2 D observed in untreated mutants fell significantly in transplanted mutants by the end of the first week and were similar to those in normal littermates at 3 and 4 weeks. Normal littermates transplanted (induced) with mutant spleen cells showed a progressive increase in skeletal sclerosis paralleled by significant increases in circulating levels of 1,25(OH) 2 D. Mutants of tl stock infused with CSF-1 for a period of 2–3 weeks demonstrated a significant reduction in skeletal sclerosis and normalization of serum 1,25(OH) 2 D levels. These data clearly demonstrate an interdependence between osteoclast hypofunction and high serum 1,25(OH) 2 D concentrations in op and tl rats.
Clinical characteristics of essential tremor: Data from a community-based study

BACKGROUND: 99.5% of individuals with essential tremor (ET) who live in the community have mild tremor and do not attend clinics. Clinic-based studies of ET have not allowed investigators to characterize the full clinical spectrum of this disorder. In community-based studies of ET, the primary focus has been the prevalence rather than the clinical characteristics of ET. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of ET as seen in a community-based study. METHODS: 73 subjects with ET, identified in a community-based study of ET in Washington Heights-Inwood, New York, underwent a standardized 84-item physicianadministered tremor interview and a 26-item videotaped tremor examination which included 12 bedside tests for ET. Two neurologists who specialized in movement disorders and who demonstrated excellent interrater agreement rated the severity of tremor using a 0 to +3 clinical rating scale and assigned a total tremor score (range, 0–36) and a diagnosis of ET. RESULTS: Diagnoses in the 73 cases were: definite ET (18, 24.7%), probable ET (32, 43.8%), and possible ET (23, 31.5%). The mean total tremor score was 17.8 of 36. Thirty-six of 73 (49.3%) were asymptomatic, answering “no” to the question “do you often have shaking or tremor that you can't control?” Sixty-seven of 73 (91.8%) had not been prescribed medication for tremor. On average, subjects received tremor ratings of ≥+2 on only 5.4 of the 12 bedside tests for ET. Kinetic tremor was rated as more severe than postural tremor in 72 (98.6%) of 73 cases. CONCLUSIONS: We present the clinical findings of a group of largely untreated, unselected cases of ET that would not otherwise have come to neurologic attention. The tremor was mild, often asymptomatic, and not uniformly present throughout the examination. It was rarely treated. The kinetic component of the tremor was more severe than the postural component. These clinical data further our understanding of the clinical spectrum of ET.
Randomized, phase II dose-finding studies of a modified tick-borne encephalitis vaccine: evaluation of safety and immunogenicity

Two clinical studies were conducted to identify the optimal dose of a modified tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine (FSME-IMMUN "new") in adults. A prospective, randomised, phase II, double-blind dose-finding study with the FSME-IMMUN "new" vaccine was performed in volunteers aged 16-65 years (n=405) to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of two vaccinations with three vaccine doses (0.6, 1.2 and 2.4microg antigen). The safety and immunogenicity of the third vaccination were investigated in a follow-up study on the same study population. Antibody response to vaccination was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and, after the third vaccination, by neutralisation test (NT). Seroconversion rates (ELISA) in the different dose groups (0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 microg) were 85.1, 96.2 and 97.0%, respectively, after the second vaccination, which 73% of the volunteers received only 21 days after the first vaccination. Seroconversion rates after the third vaccination were 96, 99.2 and 100% (ELISA) as well as 77, 93 and 96.6% (NT) with the 0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 microg doses, respectively. No unexpected AEs or vaccine-related serious adverse events (SAE) were observed during either study. Local and systemic reactions were mainly mild and not dose-dependent, with an overall fever rate of <1% after the first vaccination. The 2.4 microg dose is the optimal dose for the FSME-IMMUN "new" preparation in adults, as it was found to: (1) be non-inferior to the 1.2 microg dose with respect to fever rate after the first vaccination; (2) induce the highest seroconversion rate; and (3) be well-tolerated with respect to local and systemic reactions. The results of both studies demonstrate that the FSME-IMMUN "new" vaccine is safe and highly immunogenic in adults.
A Conformational Transition Observed in Single HIV-1 Gag Molecules during In Vitro Assembly of Virus-Like Particles

The conformational changes within single HIV-1 Gag molecules that occur during assembly into immature viruses are poorly understood. Using an in vitro assembly assay, it has been proposed that HIV-1 Gag undergoes a conformational transition from a compact conformation in solution to an extended rod-like conformation in virus-like particles (VLPs). Here we used single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to test this model by directly probing the conformation of single HIV-1 Gag molecules. We demonstrate that monomeric HIV-1 Gag lacking the p6 domain and the N-terminal myristoyl moiety is found in solution predominantly in a compact conformation. Gag in this conformation, and in the presence of nucleic acid, assembles into 30-nm-diameter particles. However, with the addition of inositol hexakisphosphate, Gag adopts a linear conformation and assembles into full-sized ∼100-to-150-nm-diameter VLPs. Parallel fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements show that this conformational transition occurs early in the assembly process when Gag oligomers are small, perhaps as early as upon dimerization. Thus, smFRET measurements confirm that HIV-1 Gag transitions from a compact to a linear conformation during the formation of VLPs. Our results are consistent with a model whereby binding of HIV-1 Gag to phosphoinositides at the plasma membrane stabilizes an extended conformation and promotes oligomerization into the radially aligned immature capsid. IMPORTANCE The establishment of single-molecule fluorescence techniques reveals the conformational state of individual HIV-1 Gag molecules prior to and during in vitro assembly into virus-like particles. The data demonstrate that Gag in distinct conformations forms particles with different morphologies. In the compact conformation, in the presence of nucleic acid, Gag forms spherical particles of a diameter of approximately 30 nm. In the extended conformation, Gag forms spherical virus-like particles of approximately 100-nm diameter. The adoption of the extended conformation required the presence of inositol hexakisphosphate in addition to nucleic acid. Our results are consistent with a model whereby binding of HIV-1 Gag to phosphoinositides at the plasma membrane stabilizes an extended conformation and promotes oligomerization into the radially aligned immature capsid.
Characterization of stromelysin 1 (MMP-3), matrilysin (MMP-7), and membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) derived fibrin(ogen) fragments D-dimer and D-like monomer: NH2-terminal sequences of late-stage digest fragments.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in physiological remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Recently we determined that both fibrinogen (Fg) and cross-linked fibrin (XL-Fb) are substrates for selected MMPs. Specifically, XL-Fb clots were solubilized by MMP-3 (stromelysin 1) by cleavage at γ Gly 404−Ala 405, resulting in a D-like monomer fragment. Similarly, MMP-7 (matrilysin) and MT1-MMP (membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase) solubilized XL-Fb clots. However, the molecular mass of fragment D-dimer, obtained after MMP-7 and MT1-MMP degradation of XL-Fb, is similar to that of fragment D-dimer from plasmin degradation (∼186 kDa). In contrast, fragment D-like monomer, from MMP-3 degradation of both fibrinogen (Fg) and XL-Fb, is similar to fragment D from plasmin degradation of Fg (∼94 kDa). Reduced chains from MMP-3, MMP-7, and MT1-MMP digests of Fg and XL-Fb were subjected to direct sequence analyses and D/D-dimer α-chain showed cleavage at both α Asp 97−Phe 98 and α Asn 102−Asn 103. Degradatio...