cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Landscape predictors of stream dissolved organic matter concentration and physicochemistry in a Lake Superior river watershed

We examined landscape predictors of dissolved organic matter (DOM) concentration, molecular weight (Mw), and molar absorptivity at 280 nm (ɛ280) in 60 streams from the Ontonagon River watershed in northern Michigan. During our sampling period (September 19–22, 2002), DOM concentration ranged from 4 to 35 mg C L−1 across streams. DOM Mw and ɛ280 also showed considerable variation among streams. Multiple factor regression showed that stream DOM concentrations were related to watershed area, mean watershed slope, and the percentage of watershed area in certain types of land cover (lake, total wetlands, emergent wetlands, and lowland conifer forests). Streams with higher DOM concentration also had higher DOM Mw and molar absorptivity. Moreover, DOM Mw and ɛ280 were negatively related to the % lake and positively related to the % total wetlands in the watershed. In general, landscape variables explained more among stream variation in DOM concentration than in DOM Mw or ɛ280 in this watershed. It thus appears that the many biogeochemical processes controlling DOM input, transportation, and degradation weaken relationships between stream DOM composition and terrestrial organic matter dynamics in this relatively large watershed. Our results indicate that the total proportion of wetlands alone may be inadequate to predict DOM concentration or physicochemistry in streams flowing from large watersheds of variable morphology and land cover composition.
ACUTE ASSESSMENT OF RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION LESIONS IN MRI WITHOUT THE USE OF GADOLINIUM BASED CONTRAST

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is routinely used to treat arrhythmias but not all ablation lesions result in scar. MRI has been used to visualize ablation related tissue changes but it requires contrast infusion limiting repeatability. We have developed a non-contrast, T1 weighted (T1w) imaging method
Linear electro-optic conversion of sampled voltage signals using a low-temperature-grown GaAs MSM and a multiple quantum well modulator

We present the hybrid integration of a low-temperature-grown GaAs metal-semiconductor-metal photoconductive switch with a GaAs SEED optical modulator, for sampling input voltages with potentially >40-GHz bandwidth and performing linear electro-optic conversion at a rate >500 megasamples/sec.
The Acute Environment, Rather than T Cell Subset Pre-Commitment, Regulates Expression of the Human T Cell Cytokine Amphiregulin

Cytokine expression patterns of T cells can be regulated by pre-commitment to stable effector phenotypes, further modification of moderately stable phenotypes, and quantitative changes in cytokine production in response to acute signals. We showed previously that the epidermal growth factor family member Amphiregulin is expressed by T cell receptor-activated mouse CD4 T cells, particularly Th2 cells, and helps eliminate helminth infection. Here we report a detailed analysis of the regulation of Amphiregulin expression by human T cell subsets. Signaling through the T cell receptor induced Amphiregulin expression by most or all T cell subsets in human peripheral blood, including naive and memory CD4 and CD8 T cells, Th1 and Th2 in vitro T cell lines, and subsets of memory CD4 T cells expressing several different chemokine receptors and cytokines. In these different T cell types, Amphiregulin synthesis was inhibited by an antagonist of protein kinase A, a downstream component of the cAMP signaling pathway, and enhanced by ligands that increased cAMP or directly activated protein kinase A. Prostaglandin E2 and adenosine, natural ligands that stimulate adenylyl cyclase activity, also enhanced Amphiregulin synthesis while reducing synthesis of most other cytokines. Thus, in contrast to mouse T cells, Amphiregulin synthesis by human T cells is regulated more by acute signals than pre-commitment of T cells to a particular cytokine pattern. This may be appropriate for a cytokine more involved in repair than attack functions during most inflammatory responses.
Synaptogenesis in the vestibular sensory epithelium of the chick embryo.

The formation of synapses between sensory cells and the terminals of afferent axons has been examined in the embryonic chick labyrinth. Neurites initially cross the otocyst basal lamina and ramify among the undifferentiated epithelial cells by stage 25 of Hamburger and Hamilton. At the same time granular vesicles, with diameters averaging 130 nm, appear in the basal cytoplasm of a few of the epithelial cells. These vesicles often exist in groups at sites of contact with neuntes. By stages 27–28, non membrane-bound densities are frequently found in association with groups of granular vesicles at the plasma membrane. Smaller, clear synaptic vesicles are also a prominent component of these arrangements in presumptive hair cells. Presynaptic ribbons opposite postsynaptic densites are identifiable at about stage 28, and their number increases during subsequent embryonic stages. Specialized appositions, including adherent, postsynaptic and possibly gap junctional contacts, join epithelial cells and nerve terminals throughout this period. The distribution of these junctions is variable, and is not necessarily correlated with the sites of formation of presynaptic ribbons. By stage 32, well-developed chemical synapses consisting of presynaptic ribbons with vesicle halos and postsynaptic densities are common features of hair cell-afferent nerve terminal contact regions. In addition, possible sites of gap junctional contact between adjacent intra-epithelial nerve endings found at stage 32 presage those found in the cristae and maculae of pre-hatch (stage 45) embryos and adults.
Improving Estimates of the Earth’s Radiation Budget with Multispectral and Hyperspectral Satellite Observations

This presentation explores the potential benefits of combining satellite-based hyperspectral radiances with active measurements for refining estimates of the many factors that influence the Earth’s radiation budget.
IL-10 and IL-4 in skin allograft survival induced by T-cell depletion plus deoxyspergualin.

The mechanisms mediating T-cell depletion plus 15-deoxyspergualin (DSG)-induced prolonged allograft survival or tolerance are uncertain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of IL-4 and IL-10 in prolonged allograft survival induced by T-cell depletion plus DSG. MHC mismatched skin allograft transplantation was performed, using wild-type and three separate knockout (i.e., IL-4-/-, Stat6-/-, or IL-1-/ -) mice as recipients. Induction therapy consisted of T-cell depletion and or brief course of DSG. The data demonstrate that monotherapy with T-cell-depleting mAbs or DSG prolonged skin allograft survival, compared to controls, in wild-type Balb/c recipients [median survival time (MST) = 25 and 21 vs. 10 days, p 0.05). Furthermore, skin allograft survival after combined therapy was shorter in IL-10-/- versus wild-type recipients (MST 20 and 41 days, respectively, p < 0.001). IL-4-mediated signaling through Stat6 is dispensable for prolonged allograft survival induced by T-cell depletion plus DSG. In contrast, IL-10 appears to be important for prolonged allograft survival induced by combined therapy in this model.
Doppler broadening spectroscopy studies of CoSi2 films

Doppler Broadening Spectroscopy (DBS) has been employed to study the growth of Co silicide films. Depth-profiled DBS confirms the conclusion from an earlier reemitted positron study that the short positron diffusion length in these films is primarily due to defect trapping in the film and that interfacial trapping does not play a significant role. The interesting possibility that positrons might be trapping in the positron well formed by the electronic Schottky barrier cannot account for the observed short diffusion length.
Oxygen isotope measurement by instrumental neutron activation analysis using reactor neutron—Revisited

The oxygen isotopes16O and18O were determined using reactor instrumental neutron activation analysis by utilizing the16O(n, p)16N and the18O(n, γ)19O reaction in the UCI 250 kw TRIGA research reactor.1 Such measurements were used to follow an exchange reaction between H218O and finely ground coal. The best conditions for the determination were explored and interference reactions quantified. Single irradiation/count sequences were used to determine 30 parts per thounsand of16O and 1 part per thousand of18O in a 400 mg sample of an HVA rank coal to a 25% (1σ) precision. Reactor pulses were shown to improve these detection limits significantly. Special attention was given to correcting for the high count rates from other induced activites.
Fabric Reinforcement for Improved Toughness of Adobe Block Wall Systems

This paper investigates an inexpensive but potentially very effective reinforcement method for adobe block wall systems. Reinforcing fabric materials were embedded in the mortar between each layer of blocks to provide a barrier against the propagation of the dominant diagonal cracks which are commonly observed in adobe walls after a seismic event, and are largely responsible for the collapse of adobe structures. The effectiveness of the reinforcing materials in resisting and arresting cracks was investigated in splitting tension tests. Reinforced and unreinforced adobe walls were fabricated and tested in diagonal compression to simulate the transfer of shear due to lateral forces. Felt fabric reinforcement was found to provide the greatest physical deformation of the wall sample and greatest dissipation of energy while maintaining acceptable load-bearing capacity. The final displacement of the reinforced sample was found to be nearly three times that of the unreinforced control specimen. A secondary motivation for this investigation was to address the need for such engineering solutions to be highly affordable to those most likely to build with adobe block. Earthquakes have ravaged many regions of the world, and while advancements in engineering and life-safety codes have resulted in significant improvements in performance of modern structures, we must also seek out methods by which traditional building systems, which continue to house large numbers of people, can withstand the scrutiny of modern safety criteria. Further investigations are encouraged to determine location-specific solutions with this goal in mind.
Transient behavior of a radiatively heated double-diffusive system

A mathematical model is developed to predict the transient response of a salt-stratified, double-diffusive system which is destabilized by radiation absorption at its bottom boundary. An accepted k-e turbulence model is used to predict the response of the salt-stratified solution to bottom heating, and a discrete ordinates solution of the radiative transfer equation is used to predict the radiation field. Verification is achieved through comparisons of predicted and measured temperature distributions, which have been previously reported. Parametric calculations are performed to investigate the influence of the radiation source temperature, bottom surface reflectivity, optical extinction coefficient, and top surface boundary condition on system response.
Unpacking the halo effect: reputation and crisis management

Purpose – Crisis managers believe in the value of a favorable, pre‐crisis reputation. The prior reputation can create a halo effect that protects an organization during a crisis. The prior reputation/halo might work as a shield that deflects the potential reputational damage from a crisis. Or the prior reputation/halo might encourage stakeholders to give the organization the benefit of the doubt in the crisis (reduce attributions of crisis responsibility). Oddly, researchers have had little luck in producing a halo effect for prior reputation in crisis situations. The purpose of this paper is to present two studies designed to test if the halo effect could occur and which of the two dynamics of the prior reputation halo best serve to explain the benefits of a favorable, pre‐crisis reputation.Design/methodology/approach – The research focuses on a set of studies conducted to illustrate the halo effect and to explore how it serves to protect an organization during a crisis. The implications of the findings ...
Computational modeling of metal matrix composite materials—IV. Thermal deformations

Abstract The mechanical behavior of particulate reinforced metal matrix composites, in particular an SiC reinforced Al-3 wt% Cu model system, was analyzed numerically using the computational micromechanics approach. In this, the fourth and final article in a series, the microscale effects of thermo-mechanical processing is investigated in detail. Two ideal processes are considered. The first represents a simple quench and the second combines a high temperature compression, to simulate rolling or extrusion, with a quench. These processes, through applied deformation and thermal expansion mismatch, produce inhomogenous, and localized, stress and plastic strain fields in the composite microstructures. The structure of these residual fields can be related to reinforcement volume fraction and microstructural morphology. For the simple quench, volume average plastic strains are almost proportional to reinforcement volume fraction and there is a negligible morphological dependence. Large magnitude residual stress and strain fields, as well as large geometry changes, result from the second process. The effects of these processes on subsequent deformation behavior of composites for a selection of morphologies is investigated. Apart from almost doubling yield strains, the simple quench has relatively minor microscale and macroscale effects. The second process has a considerable effect on yield strength and introduces differences between tensile and compressive behavior on both the macroscale and microscale. Plastic constraint is an important mechanism. The physical relevance of these particular processing simulations, and the implications for modeling of microscale failure are discussed.
Discovery and detection of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in coding and genomic sequences in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea genetic mapping has been hampered by insufficient amplicon length polymorphism for sequence based markers. To develop an alternative source of polymorphic markers, we determined naturally abundant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in coding and genomic regions between FLIP 84-92C (C. arietinum) and PI 599072 (C. reticulatum) and identified an inexpensive method to detect SNP for mapping. In coding sequences, 110 single base changes or substitutions (47% transitions and 53% transversions) and 18 indels were found; while 50 single base changes (68% transitions and 33% transversions) and eight indels were observed in genomic sequences. SNP frequency in coding and genomic regions was 1 in 66 bp and 1 in 71 bp, respectively. In order to effectively use this high frequency of polymorphism, we used Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Site (CAPS) and derived CAPS (dCAPS) marker systems to identify a restriction site at SNP loci. In this study, we developed six CAPS and dCAPS markers and fine mapped QTL1, a region previously identified as important for ascochyta blight resistance. One of the CAPS markers from a BAC end was identified to account for 56% of the variation for ascochyta blight resistance in chickpea. Conversion of naturally abundant SNPs to CAPS and dCAPS for chickpea mapping, where absence of amplicon length polymorphism is a constraint, has potential to generate high-density maps necessary for map-based cloning and integration of physical and genetic maps.
Reactions of methane monooxygenase intermediate Q with derivatized methanes.

The reactivity of intermediate Q of soluble methane monooxygenase from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) with a series of derivatized methanes of general formula CH3−R, where R = CN, NO2, and OH, and their deuterated analogues is described. Despite relatively slow reactions, significant kinetic isotope effects, KIEs, are observed in reactions with acetonitrile and nitromethane; however, none is obtained with methanol. In addition, evidence of a substrate-binding step that occurs prior to substrate oxidation is observed.
Clonal Divergence in Escherichia coli as a Result of Recombination, Not Mutation

Nucleotide sequence analysis was performed on 12 natural isolates of Escherichia coli in four loci located in close proximity on the chromosome. A comparison of gene genealogies indicated that three recombination events have occurred in a subset of the strains (ECOR group A) in the time since their divergence from a common ancestor, while during the same time, no mutational divergence has occurred. The common ancestor of this subset existed no more than 2400 years ago, and recombination was shown to occur at a rate of 5.0 x 10(-9) changes per nucleotide per generation--50-fold higher than the mutation rate. Thus, recombination has been the dominant force driving the clonal divergence of the ECOR group A strains and must be considered a significant factor in structuring E. coli populations.
Patient decision making: strategies for diabetes diet adherence intervention.

Abstract Background Patient self-care is critical in controlling diabetes and its complications. Lack of diet adherence is a particular challenge to effective diabetes intervention. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Change, decision-making theory, and self-efficacy have contributed to successful tailoring of interventions in many target behaviors. Objective The purpose of this study was to develop a diagnostic tool, including TTM measures for the stages of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy, that pharmacists involved in diabetes intervention can use for patients resistant to a diet regimen. Methods A questionnaire was developed through a literature review, interviews with diabetic patients, an expert panel input, and pretesting. Cross-sectional implementation of the questionnaire among a convenience sample of 193 type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients took place at 4 patient care sites throughout the southeastern United States. Validated measures were used to collect respondent self-report for the TTM variables and for demographic and diabetes history variables. Social desirability was also assessed. Results Relationships among TTM measures for diet adherence generally replicated those established for other target behaviors. Salient items were identified as potential facilitators (decisional balance pros) or barriers (decisional balance cons and self-efficacy tempting situations) to change. Social desirability exhibited a statistically significant relationship with patient report of diet adherence, with statistically significant differences in mean social desirability across race categories. Conclusions The TTM measures for the stages of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy are useful for making decisions on individually tailored interventions for diet adherence, with caution asserted about the potential of diabetes patients to self-report the target behavior in a socially desirable manner. Future research directions, implications, and limitations of the findings are also presented.
Glucose and insulin alterations after one year of combination-type oral contraceptive treatment.

Abstract Ninety-three normal subjects were tested by means of an intravenous glucose tolerance test before taking a combination-type oral contraceptive and after one year of treatment. The blood glucose values rose slightly (Σ glucose rise 6.6 per cent) where as the plasma insulin levels rose more markedly (Σ insulin rise 35 per cent). The subjects experiencing the greatest changes in glucose or insulin levels were those of older age, those who had had infants weighing more than nine pounds, or those who gained excessive weight while taking the drug.
Practical synthesis of two annelated optically active cyclopentadienes from the chiral pool and their transition metal complexes

Abstract Starting from camphor or tartaric acid the two optically active annelated cyclopentadienes 3 and 5 are readily synthesized and complexed to transition metals.
Comparative enantiocontrol with allyl phenyldiazoacetates in asymmetric catalytic intramolecular cyclopropanation.

Dirhodium(II) azetidinone-carboxylates are effective asymmetric catalysts for diazo decomposition of allyl diazoacetates and their subsequent intramolecular cyclopropanations. The effect of alkene substituents on enantiocontrol has been examined and modest selectivities have been achieved. Steric influences from substituents on the diazo carbon are seen to diminish enantioselectivities.
Accelerated takedown of the paramedian forehead flap at 1 week: Indications, technique, and improving patient quality of life

Background The paramedian forehead flap (PFF) is a common method of reconstruction for large nasal defects. Generally, surgeons divide this flap at 3 weeks. This delay can result in a significant decrease in the quality of life for these patients. Objective We sought to describe the indications and technique for trunk division at 1 week after PFF reconstruction, and to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Methods This was a case series of consecutive patients undergoing primarily nasal defect reconstruction by PFF repair during the past 6 years. We explored medical record review of associated complications, patient rating of impact on quality of life and final results of repair, and patient preferences regarding time to flap division. Results A total of 26 patients underwent accelerated trunk division at a mean of 7.2 days. Of these, 27% had a history of tobacco use, 23% were diabetic, and 19% had cartilage grafts used in their repairs. None developed necrosis and other complications were minor. Most patients considered their trunk very disfiguring, preventing them from daily activities. This was especially true for those younger than 70 years. Of all patients, 94% preferred trunk division at 1 week, rather than 3 weeks. Limitations Retrospective study design and number of patients were limitations. Conclusion PFF trunk division at 1 week is safe and effective for resurfacing of large nasal defects, including those reconstructions that require cartilage. Younger and healthier patients may be the most ideal candidates for accelerated division given the greater negative impact of an intact trunk on their lives.
Self-folding with shape memory composites†

Origami-inspired manufacturing can produce complex structures and machines by folding two-dimensional composites into three-dimensional structures. This fabrication technique is potentially less expensive, faster, and easier to transport than more traditional machining methods, including 3-D printing. Self-folding enhances this method by minimizing the manual labor involved in folding, allowing for complex geometries and enabling remote or automated assembly. This paper demonstrates a novel method of self-folding hinges using shape memory polymers (SMPs), paper, and resistive circuits to achieve localized and individually addressable folding at low cost. A model for the torque exerted by these composites was developed and validated against experimental data, in order to determine design rules for selecting materials and designing hinges. Torque was shown to increase with SMP thickness, resistive circuit width, and supplied electrical current. This technique was shown to be capable of complex geometries, as well as locking assemblies with sequential folds. Its functionality and low cost make it an ideal basis for a new type of printable manufacturing based on two-dimensional fabrication techniques.
The U.S. Healthy People Initiative: Its Genesis and Its Sustainability

Unlike most government initiatives in health, the Healthy People initiative of the U.S. federal government was crafted and sustained not as a federal initiative, but as a “national initiative” eliciting participation from nongovernmental national organizations, state health agencies, professional associations, multiple agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and other federal agencies, such as Agriculture, and increasingly engaging academia and state and local stakeholders in adapting the objectives for their own efforts to enact and evaluate state and local policies and programs. The quantified objectives at the center of the initiative were a product of continuous balancing of changing science and political or social concerns and priorities along with national and state or special population needs. The evolution from the first decade’s objectives to each subsequent set of objectives reflected changing societal concerns, evidence-based technologies, theories, and discourses of those decades. Such accommodations changed the contours of the initiative over time in attempts to make it more relevant to specific partners and other stakeholders.
Single-image optical center estimation from vignetting and tangential gradient symmetry

In this paper, we propose a method for estimating the optical center of a camera given only a single image with vignetting. This is accomplished by identifying the center of the vignetting effect in the image through an analysis of semicircular tangential gradients (SCTGs). For a given image pixel, the SCTG is the image gradient along the tangential direction of the circle centered at the currently estimated optical center and passing through the pixel. We show that for natural images with vignetting, the distribution of SCTGs is generally symmetric if the optical center is estimated accurately, but is skewed otherwise. By minimizing the asymmetry of the SCTG distribution with nonlinear optimization, our method is able to obtain reliable estimates of the optical center. Experiments on simulated and real vignetting images demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique.
Ascending Infection as a Mechanism in Pathogenesis of Experimental Non-Obstructive Pyelonephritis.

Summary1. When bacteriuria is induced in rats by instillation of P. vulgaris into the urinary bladder, pyelonephritis is produced consistently in the absence of demonstrable obstruction of the urinary tract. 2. Ligation and section of one ureter greatly impairs spread of bacteria to the kidney on affected side. Kidneys with ligated ureters are, however, more susceptible than unaffected kidneys to hematogenous spread of the organisms. 3. Thus, bacteriuria, as produced here, leads to ascending infection of the kidney in absence of demonstrable abnormalities of the urinary tract.
Testable conditions for triads of paired comparison choices.

Forty-two choice models, each representing stimuli by one-dimensional probability distributions, are obtained by relaxing the assumptions of Thurstone's Case V Law of Comparative Judgment. The models which imply or fail to imply each of nine testable probabilistic conditions are determined. Stochastic transitivity is vulnerable in most of these models. The results suggest discarding weak stochastic transitivity, and in its place using the conjunction of weak stochastic transitivity and the triangular condition. However, unless it is possible to predict which stimuli will produce violations of the conditions, none of the conditions can be rejected on the basis of too frequent intransitive triads of choices.
Adaptation of fibrous biopolymers to recurring increasing strains

Although the viscoelastic properties of naturally occurring biopolymers have been studied for some time, their structural and molecular origins are only now being elucidated. In PNAS, a report by Munster et al. (1) describes experimental studies of the origins of the nonlinear mechanical response of fibrin and collagen with large deformations. These results have biological and clinical significance because they provide some ideas about the origin of the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix and blood clots, which may be shared by other fibrous biopolymers.
Horse liver aldehyde dehydrogenase. II. Kinetics and mechanistic implications of the dehydrogenase and esterase activity.

Abstract Aldehyde:NAD oxidoreductase (EC 1.2.1.3), purified to homogeneity from horse liver, possesses, in addition to its dehydrogenase activity, the ability to hydrolyze p-nitrophenyl esters at a rate equal to approximately one-third that of the oxidation-reduction reaction. That this esterase activity is most probably an active site phenomenon is suggested by the competitive inhibition of nitrophenyl acetate hydrolysis by high concentrations of propionaldehyde, a substrate for the dehydrogenase reaction. The coenzyme for the dehydrogenase reaction, NAD, also exerts a modifying influence on the esterase activity, producing a 2-fold enhancement of rate of nitrophenyl ester hydrolysis. NADH exerts the same 2-fold stimulation of the esterase reaction. By comparing the concentrations of substrate and coenzyme needed to affect the esterase reaction with the calculated dissociation constants determined from initial velocity studies, it has been possible to suggest an ordered binding of substrates in the dehydrogenase reaction. The mechanism postulates that NAD binds preferentially to free enzyme to form an enzyme-NAD binary complex, followed by the binding of aldehyde to give a ternary complex. Binding of aldehyde to free enzyme occurs only at extremely high concentrations of aldehyde, and, thus, is not significant under normal assay conditions nor at physiological aldehyde concentrations. In view of the preferred order of the dehydrogenase reaction, the dependence of the Vmax of the reaction upon the choice of aldehyde substrate suggested that either the formation, interconversion, or breakdown of the ternary complex (or complexes) is most probably rate limiting. The kinetic importance of the interconversion of ternary complexes was eliminated by determining that no deuterium isotope was obtained when 1-deutero-propionaldehyde was used as a substrate. A Taft plot of the Vmax and substrate for the dehydrogenase reaction gave a positive p* value, indicating that the ratelimiting step is favored by enhancement of the partially positive nature of the carbonyl carbon. In accordance with the data and by analogy with glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, it is suggested that either the formation or the breakdown of a covalent intermediate through nucleophilic attack on the carbonyl carbon of the substrate is most probably the rate-limiting step in the dehydrogenase reaction scheme.
Robust performance against time-varying structured perturbations

In this paper, we consider the problem of robust performance analysis for some nominal system M(z) against bounded, linear, time-varying, structured feedback perturbations. We introduce a natural input-output notion of rate-of-variation for a linear time-varying operator. We then exhibit upper and lower bounds on the maximum rate-of-variation of these perturbations against which robust performance is achievable. Using these bounds, we show that the existence of frequency dependent D-scales that render the norm of M(z) less than one is necessary and sufficient for robust performance against arbitrarily slowly varying structured linear perturbations of norm less than one. This result suggests that it is natural and well justified to deal with the frequency-dependent upper bound for the /spl mu/ "norm," rather than /spl mu/ itself. This is reassuring given that the upper bound is easily and reliably computable, while computation of complex /spl mu/ appears difficult. >
1,2-Epoxycycloalkanes: Substrates and inhibitors of microsomal and cytosolic epoxide hydrolases in mouse liver

Abstract Six different 1,2-epoxycycloalkanes, whose rings were constituted of 5 to 12 carbon atoms, were tested as possible inhibitors of epoxide-metabolizing enzymes and substrates for the microsomal and cytosolic epoxide hydrolases (mEH, cEH) in mouse liver. The geometric configurations and the relative steric hindrances of these epoxides were estimated from their ease of hydrolysis in acidic conditions to the corresponding diols, their abilities to react with nitrobenzylpyridine, and the chemical shifts of the groups associated with the oxirane rings measured by proton and 13C-NMR. The cyclo-pentene, -hexene, -heptene, -octene and -decene oxides adopted mainly a cis-configuration. By contrast, cyclododecene oxide presented a trans-configuration. Steric hindrance increased with the size of the ring and was particularly strong when cyclooctene, -decene and -dodecene oxides were considered. With the exception of cyclohexene oxide, all the compounds were weak inhibitors of EH and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. Cyclohexene oxide exhibited a selective inhibition of the mEH with an I50 of 4.0 ·10−6M. As the size of the ring increased, inhibitory potency was gradually lost. The cEH and the GST activities were less sensitive to the inhibitory effects of these epoxides (I50, 1 mM or above). A marked difference between the substrate selectivities of mEH and cEH for these epoxides was observed. The mEH hydrated all of the cyclic epoxides, although some of them at a very low rate; the best substrate was the cycloheptene oxide (2.3 nmol/min/mg protein). On the other hand, cyclodecene oxide was a substrate of cEH, but no diol formation was detected when cyclopentene, -hexene and -dodecene oxides were incubated with cytosolic enzyme.
Alveolar–capillary adaptation to chronic hypoxia in the fatty lung

Aim Obese diabetic (ZDF fa/fa) rats with genetic leptin resistance suffer chronic lipotoxicity associated with age-related lung restriction and abnormal alveolar ultrastructure. We hypothesized that these abnormalities impair adaptation to ambient hypoxia. Methods Male fa/fa and lean (+/+) ZDF rats (4-months old) were exposed to 21 or 13% O2 for 3 weeks. Lung function was measured under anaesthesia. Lung tissue was assayed for DNA damage and ultrastructure measured by morphometry. Results In normoxia, lung volume, compliance and diffusing capacity were lower, while blood flow was higher in fa/fa than +/+ rats. In hypoxia, fa/fa animals lost more weight, circulating hematocrit rose higher, and lung volume failed to increase compared to +/+. In fa/fa, the hypoxia-induced increase in post-mortem lung volume was attenuated (19%) vs. +/+ (39%). Alveolar ducts were 35% smaller in normoxia but enlarged twofold more in hypoxia compared to +/+. Hypoxia induced broad increases (90–100%) in the volumes and surface areas of alveolar septal components in +/+ lungs; these increases were moderately attenuated in fa/fa lungs (58–75%), especially that of type II epithelium volume (16 vs. 61% in +/+). In fa/fa compared to +/+ lungs, oxidative DNA damage was greater with increased hypoxia induced efflux of alveolar macrophages. Harmonic mean thickness of the diffusion barrier was higher, indicating higher structural resistance to gas transfer. Conclusion Chronic lipotoxicity impaired hypoxia-induced lung expansion and compensatory alveolar growth with disproportionate effect on resident alveolar progenitor cells. The moderate structural impairment was offset by physiological adaptation primarily via a higher hematocrit.
Possible Return of Acropora cervicornis at Pulaski Shoal, Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

ABSTRACT Lidz, B.H. and Zawada, D.G., 2013. Possible return of Acropora cervicornis at Pulaski Shoal, Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida. Seabed classification is essential to assessing environmental associations and physical status in coral reef ecosystems. At Pulaski Shoal in Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, nearly continuous underwater-image coverage was acquired in 15.5 hours in 2009 along 70.2 km of transect lines spanning ∼0.2 km2. The Along-Track Reef-Imaging System (ATRIS), a boat-based, high-speed, digital imaging system, was used. ATRIS-derived benthic classes were merged with a QuickBird satellite image to create a habitat map that defines areas of senile coral reef, carbonate sand, seagrasses, and coral rubble. This atypical approach of starting with extensive, high-resolution in situ imagery and extrapolating between transect lines using satellite imagery leverages the strengths of each remote-sensing modality. The ATRIS images also captured the spatial distribution of two species once c...
Cancer stem cells - normal stem cells "Jedi" that went over to the "dark side"

Evidence has accumulated that cancer develops from a population of quiescent tissue committed/pluripotent stem cells (TCSC/PSC) or cells developmentally closely related to them that are distributed in various organs. To support this notion, stem cells (SC) are long lived cells and thus may become the subject of accumulating mutations that are crucial for initiation/progression of cancer. More important, they may maintain these mutations and pass them to the daughter stem cells. Therefore, mutations that occur in normal SC, accumulate during the life of an organism at the clonal level in the stem cell compartment committed to a given tissue/organ. As a consequence, this may lead to the malignant transformation of SC and tumor initiation. Furthermore, many biological features of normal and cancer SC such as the physiological trafficking of normal and metastasis of cancer stem cells involve similar molecular mechanisms, and we discuss these similarities here. Therefore, looking both at the origin and behavioral aspects we can envision cancer SC being normal SC "Jedi" that went over to the "dark side".
Satellite Classifications of Atlantic Tropical and Subtropical Cyclones: A Review of Eight Years of Classifications at Miami

Abstract Estimates of the locations and maximum sustained wind speeds of all tropical and subtropical cyclones in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico have been made at Miami since 1971 using satellite techniques developed by Timchalk et al. (1965), Dvorak (1972) and Hebert and Poteat (1975). The estimates were compared with the National Hurricane Center's “best tracks” data to establish the measure of accuracy achieved. These data are not entirely independent because the best tracks themselves are determined partly from the satellite estimates; however, comparisons were made only during periods when aerial reconnaissance was also available. The average difference between satellite-derived maximum sustained wind speeds and best track maximum sustained wind speeds has consistently been ∼7 kt with standard deviation of ∼8 kt. The average difference between satellite locations and best track locations has decreased to ∼17 n mi, with standard deviation of ∼14 n mi, which is belie...
SOCIAL SECURITY: WHAT NOW?

469The first point to grasp about Social Security is that, asshown by the most recent annual report of the Office ofthe Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration,even if nothing is done, benefits due under the currentSocial Security benefit formula will be fully paid until2042 — that’s nearly four decades. In a recent similarreport, the Congressional Budget Office put the date at2052, 10 years later, but I will use the 2042 date in thisarticle.The second point to grasp is that if nothing is done,according to the chief actuary, payroll taxes after 2042will be sufficient to finance a monthly benefit equal to 73percent of the benefit promised under the current benefitformula (the CBO put the percentage at 81 percent after2052). That post-2042 benefit will be larger
Diapause Survival of Overwintering Populations of the Horn Fly, Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae), in South-central Texas

The horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.), overwinters by diapausing as a pharate adult within the puparium. In south-central Texas the flies enter diapause in October and November. The peak in production of diapausing pharates occurs during the first 2 weeks of November, when there is an optimal combination of pupa production and diapause induction. Adult flies emerge from diapause from late February to early May. Those entering diapause later tend to emerge slightly earlier relative to the total spring emergence pattern, indicating a more intense diapause development. There is a substantial mortality due to pupa parasites of the genus Spalangia. The wasps overwintered within puparia of the host and entered quiescence coincident with onset of diapause in the fly.
Environmental Reviews and Case Studies: Water and Sewer Infrastructure Challenges as a Barrier to Housing Development in the Marcellus Shale Region

Building on prior research on the housing effects brought on by the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania which found that a lack of water and sewer infrastructure served as a significant barrier to...
Optomechanics of Unbound Nanoparticles Interacting with Whispering Gallery Modes of Microspheres

Dynamics of a free subwavelength particle interacting with an optical whispering gallery mode resonator are studied theoretically. We show that the optical forces can capture the particle in quasi-stationary orbital motion around the resonator.
Attraction of a Laboratory Strain of Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) to the Odor of Fermented Chapote Fruit and to Pheromones in Laboratory Experiments

Odor of fermented yellow chapote ( Sargentia greggii S. Wats.) fruit was 3.6 times more attractive than yeast hydrolysate to hungry, laboratory-strain Mexican fruit flies, Anasttepha ludens (Loew), over short distances (<0.3 m) in laboratory experiments. Starvation for periods of 1–3 d increased responsiveness to chapote odor over the no-starvation level. Age had little effect on responses of flies between 1 and 30 dafter eclosion. However, newly emerged flies did not respond. Chapote odor attracted flies at all times during the 14-h photophase, but responses, especially of males, declined late in the photophase. Response levelsincreased with odor concentration throughout the range of test concentrations. Gamma irradiation reduced responses of females by 25% but did not affect responsesof males. Females were 1.7 times more responsive than males to chapote odor. Male-produced pheromone did not attract virgin females that were 0–7 d old (sexually immature) but attracted virgin females that were 8–37 d old (sexually mature). Odor of fermented chapote and maleproduced pheromone are maximally attractive to different segments of the adult population.
Constitutive equations involving damage for HTPB /AP propellant considering stress state

Based on general expression of thermal-viscoelastic constitutive equation,damage effect function of propellant Young's modulus was formulated by fitting axial tensile stress-strain curves in forms of 5-order polynomials.Then stress triaxiality as well as Lode parameter was introduced to conceive stress field factor,with the purpose to modify the damage effect.Ultimately,constitutive equations involving damage for HTPB /AP propellant was established. Finite element analysis( FEA) on axial and biaxial tensile on the condition of( 25 ℃,70 mm /min) indicates that curves of FEA data are similar to testing results for both axial and biaxial tensile specimen,curves of FEA data shows decline when rupture is nearby,and the maximum relative error of stress is 11%.
Recovery Room and Postoperative Complications of Cesarean Section

Summary Complications of cesarean section may appear at any time following the initiation of anesthesia. Immediate post-anesthetic complications include drug-induced hypoventilation, aspiration pneumonitis, atelectasis, obstruction of the respiratory tract, neurologic deficits, and hypotension. Embolus and hemorrhage may be manifested in the recovery room. It is as important to provide expert nursing and physician care and equipment in the obstetric recovery room as it is in the surgical recovery room; immediate detection of complications is vital. Infection is the most common complication of cesarean section and is a major problem in approximately 2% of patients. This includes endometritis, pyelonephritis, and wound infection. Bacterial infection involves both aeorobes and anaerobes. Specific diagnosis is made from endometrial, wound, and blood cultures, but therapy is started with broad-spectrum antibiotics pending the results of cultures. Upon diagnosis specific therapy is instituted. Anticoagulation is necessary for patients with septic pelvic thrombophlebitis. Patients with urinary tract injury or hemorrhage may require re-operation. Those with clotting defects or hypovolemia should be treated before re-operation, if possible.
Americans’ Knowledge of Their Local Judges

What do Americans know about their local judges and how do they know it? One of the central arguments in the debate over judicial elections is whether voters know enough about judicial candidates to make an informed democratic choice. The vast majority of criminal and civil matters in the U.S. begin with and filter through the local state courts. But judicial scholars know little about what explains the variance in voters’ knowledge of their courts and judges. This paper draws on survey data from the 2012 Cooperative Congressional Election Study to investigate the origins of voter knowledge of local judges. A central finding of this study is that rural voters are a lot more knowledgeable about their local judges than are urban voters, ceteris paribus. This finding has significant consequences for the debate over the ways in which states structure their elections for local judges.
Master-slave control with hysteresis inversion for dual-stage nanopositioning systems

This paper focuses on motion control of a piezo-based dual-stage nanopositioner where hysteresis and dynamic effects dominate the output response. A typical dual-stage micro/nano-scale positioning system consists of a long-range, low-speed actuator connected in series with a short-range, high-speed actuator. This arrangement allows for fast, long-range, and precise positioning. The main challenges, however, are that both hysteresis and dynamic effects (induced structural vibrations and creep) cause excessive positioning error and the control design problem requires balancing the relative contributions of the individual actuators (range, speed, and precision). To enable high-performance operation, a feedforward master-slave controller with hysteresis compensation is proposed. First, the Prandtl Ishlinskii hysteresis model is exploited for inversion-based hysteresis compensation to linearize the response of each actuator. Then, a feedforward master-slave controller is used to minimize the dynamic effects and provide a systematic way to balance the relative contributions of the two actuators. A detailed presentation of the control structure is presented, followed by showing simulation and experimental results to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach.
Improving the performance of self-organizing maps for intrusion detection

The use of self-organizing maps in intrusion detection has not been practical for attack analysis as a result of the computational processing time required for large volumes of data. Although previous research has addressed this problem through optimizing the algorithms used for self-organizing maps and through feature reduction, there is no existing solution for using self-organizing maps for intrusion detection that adequately addresses the problem of computational performance to make self-organizing maps practical for analysis of intrusion detection data. This research demonstrates a method of preprocessing that includes discretization, deduplication, binary filtering for imbalanced datasets, and feature extraction to improve the performance and optimize the quality of clustering in self-organizing maps.