cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modelling of secondary organic aerosol formation from isoprene photooxidation chamber studies using different approaches

Environmental context Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the Earth’s atmosphere plays an important role in climate change and human health, in which secondary organic aerosol (SOA) that forms from the photooxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has a significant contribution. SOA derived from isoprene, the most abundant non-methane VOC emitted into the Earth’s atmosphere, has been widely studied to interpret its formation mechanisms. However, the ability to predict isoprene SOA using current models remains difficult due to the lack of understanding of isoprene chemistry. Abstract Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from the photooxidation of isoprene was simulated against smog chamber experiments with varied concentrations of isoprene, nitrogen oxides (NOx=NO + NO2) and ammonium sulfate seed aerosols. A semi-condensed gas-phase isoprene chemical mechanism (ISO-UNC) was coupled with different aerosol-phase modelling frameworks to simulate SOA formation, including: (1) the Odum two-product approach, (2) the 1-D volatility basis-set (VBS) approach and (3) a new condensed kinetic model based upon the gas-particle partitioning theory and reactive uptake processes. The first two approaches are based upon empirical parameterisations from previous studies. The kinetic model uses a gas-phase mechanism to explicitly predict the major intermediate precursors, namely the isoprene-derived epoxides, and hence simulate SOA formation. In general, they all tend to significantly over predict SOA formation when semivolatile concentrations are higher because more semivolatiles are forced to produce SOA in the models to maintain gas-particle equilibrium; yet the data indicate otherwise. Consequently, modified dynamic parameterised models, assuming non-equilibrium partitioning, were incorporated and could improve the model performance. In addition, the condensed kinetic model was expanded by including an uptake limitation representation so that reactive uptake processes slow down or even stop; this assumes reactive uptake reactions saturate seed aerosols. The results from this study suggest that isoprene SOA formation by reactive uptake of gas-phase precursors is likely limited by certain particle-phase features, and at high gas-phase epoxide levels, gas-particle equilibrium is not obtained. The real cause of the limitation needs further investigation; however, the modified kinetic model in this study could tentatively be incorporated in large-scale SOA models given its predictive ability.
Note a simplified flow-splitting chamber and siphon for proportional diluters

Abstract Simplified flow-splitting chambers and siphons were designed and tested for use with proportional diluters in bioassay systems. The apparatus allows each concentration from the diluter to be thoroughly mixed and divided four ways for delivery to duplicate fry and adult exposure tanks. Test water delivered to each exposure tank varied by only 5–10 per cent of the calculated volumes.
Characterization of the Bhanja Serogroup Viruses (Bunyaviridae): a Novel Species of the Genus Phlebovirus and Its Relationship with Other Emerging Tick-Borne Phleboviruses

Bhanja virus (BHAV) and its antigenically close relatives Forecariah virus (FORV), Kismayo virus (KISV), and Palma virus (PALV) are thought to be members of the family Bunyaviridae, but they have not been assigned to a genus or species. Despite their broad geographical distribution and reports that BHAV causes sporadic cases of febrile illness and encephalitis in humans, the public health importance of the Bhanja serogroup viruses remains unclear, due in part to the lack of sequence and biochemical information for the virus proteins. In order to better define the molecular characteristics of this group, we determined the full-length sequences of the L, M, and S genome segments of multiple isolates of BHAV as well as FORV and PALV. The genome structures of these Bhanja viruses are similar to those of viruses belonging to the genus Phlebovirus. Functional domains and amino acid motifs in the viral proteins that are conserved among other known phleboviruses were also identified in proteins of the BHAV group. Phylogenetic and serological analyses revealed that the BHAVs are most closely related to the novel emerging tick-borne phleboviruses severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus and Heartland virus, which have recently been implicated as causing severe acute febrile illnesses associated with thrombocytopenia in humans in China and the United States. Our results indicate that the Bhanja serogroup viruses constitute a single novel species in the genus Phlebovirus. The results of this study should facilitate epidemiological surveillance for other, similar tick-borne phleboviruses that may represent unrecognized causes of febrile illness in humans.
Bibliography of Primary Sources of the Pre-Nineteenth Century East African Coast

The following bibliography is intended to supplement the excellent one (largely) of secondary sources compiled by Thomas Spear and published in History in Africa 27(2000). Research for a forthcoming monograph on the East African coast in the ‘middle’ period has taken me in recent years into a number of libraries and archives in India, East Africa, and Europe. There I have been able to build an extensive listing of source material and oral informants interviewed in East Africa. While this compilation includes many of the titles in Spear's list, study carried out in Goa and Lisbon afforded me the opportunity of viewing primary sources not included in Spear's collection. Despite the fact that this is still a work in progress, I submit this supplementary list hoping it might prove useful to other scholars interested in East Africa and the western Indian in the pre- and early-modern period.Readers also will note that I have included some secondary listings not included in Spear's bibliography. This is due to the fact that my ideas concerning what is relevant to coastal history appear to be somewhat broader than Spear's. Consequently, this list includes some titles on southern and central Africa, as well as of coastal literature, which I have found to be useful and apposite to coastal studies. Naturally, I have tried not to duplicate titles found in Spear's list.
The influence of ecological factors on detecting drumming ruffed grouse

Abstract We surveyed drumming ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) to estimate the probability of detecting an individual, and we used Bayesian model selection to assess the influence of factors that may affect detection probabilities of drumming grouse. We found the average probability of detecting a drumming ruffed grouse during a daily survey was 0.33. The probability of detecting a grouse was most strongly influenced by the temperature change during a survey (βtemp change = 0.23, 95% probability interval [PI] = 0.13 ≤ β ≤ 0.33) and its interaction with temperature at the start of the survey (βinteraction = 0.01, 95% PI = 1.42 × 10−3 ≤ β ≤ 0.03). Although the best model also included a main effect of temperature at the start of surveys, this variable did not strongly correlate with detection probabilities (βstart temp = −0.03, 95% PI = −0.06 ≤ β ≤ 9.80 × 10−5). Model assessment using data collected at other sites indicated that this best model performed adequately (i.e., positive correlation between o...
Mid-Infrared Laser Beam Diagnostic Wavefront Analyzer

The Rockwell Wavefront Analyzer (RWA) is an integrated beam diagnostic tool developed for the US Army, STEWS, WSMR, for the MIRACL device. It accepts a 2.5 cm square nominally collimated DF laser beam input of approximately 5 W power level. The electrical signals are reduced and analyzed by an on-line computer processor. The ultimate outputs are plots including total beam power and angular jitter in the x and y axes, an irradiance map of the beam on a 32 X 32 square grid, and a wavefront map of the beam on the same grid. Wavefront aberration poly-nomial coefficient listings are also generated. The wavefront is obtained from measurements of its local slope in two axes by means of a classical Hartmann test done by scanning the pupil with holes in a rotating drum. Earlier versions of this instrument we called SHAPE, for Scanning Hartmann Analyzer Plate Experiment. This design would be SHAPE IV. A single indium antimonide photopot detector measures the transverse ray aberrations, which are then subjected to elaborate processing to extract the polynomial wavefront coefficients. Another photopot is the jitter sensor. Each photopot measures power to normalize the X and Y signals; these "Z" signals also provide the beam power and local irradiance signals.
Integration of sputtered silicon microstructures with pre-fabricated CMOS circuitry

Abstract This paper describes a novel fabrication process for creating sputtered silicon microstructures similar to those commonly made using LPCVD polysilicon. Unlike LPCVD polysilicon processes, however, this low-temperature sputtered process is compatible with pre-fabricated aluminum-metallized CMOS circuitry. Both polyimide and conventional oxide sacrificial layers were used, with the former being removed using oxygen plasma. This dry-release step eliminated the need for critical point drying commonly required for wet releases. To evaluate sputtered silicon for use in MEMS, several properties were investigated, including in-plane stress, strain gradient, density, surface roughness, electrical resistivity, and HF permeability. Tensile stress values lower than 100 MPa were achieved by varying the deposition parameters. Average strain gradients were an inverse square function of thickness. Densities were slightly lower than bulk silicon values. Surface roughness was less than 6 nm rms. The electrical conductivity of the silicon bare films was low but was increased by cladding the sputtered silicon structural layers in symmetric, 50 nm thick layers of titanium–tungsten. Underlying CMOS transistors showed no more than a 3% increase in their maximum saturation current after mechanical layer processing. Finally, to demonstrate the technology, an electrostatically deflected plate structure was fabricated above a capacitance measurement circuit and performance results are presented.
Cerebritis due to group B streptococcus.

AbstractA premature infant who died of early-onset group B streptococcal meningitis was found to have cerebritis with direct bacterial infection of the basal ganglia. Although the organism was sensitive to penicillin by in vitro testing, it was not eradicated from the cerebrospinal fluid after 48 h of antibiotic treatment. These findings illustrate that suppurative extension with cerebritis of the basal ganglia as a complication of group B streptococcal meningitis may be one of the factors responsible for treatment failure.
Improvement of the Hydrogen Microprint Technique on AHSS Steels

Preferential hydrogen diffusion paths in low-carbon ferritic steel and transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel characteristic of new advanced high strength sheet steels (AHSS) were evaluated via the hydrogen microprint technique (HMT). As a consequence of hydrogen diffusion and evolution from the sample after charging, the technique involves reduction of AgBr emulsion applied to the surface of a charged sample to produce discrete Ag grains which identify, via scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, locations where hydrogen evolved. Enhancements to the results are revealed through a newly developed image-before-etch HMT method, consisting of SEM imaging before and then again after etching. The modified technique was implemented to facilitate direct comparison of silver grains with the features of an etched multi-phase TRIP steel microstructure. Results from SEM imaging demonstrated the effectiveness of the image-before-etch method to avoid artifacts and to positively identify hydrogen evolution sites in AHSS TRIP steel microstructures.
The intraoperative “ink test”: A novel assessment tool in mitral valve repair

References 1. Liel-Cohen N, Otsuji Y, Vlahakes GJ. Functional ischemic mitral regurgitation can persist despite ring annuloplasty: mechanistic insights. Circulation. 1997;96:I-540. 2. Dor V, Sabatier M, Di Donate M, Montiglio F, Toso A, Maioli M. Efficacy of endoventricular patch plasty in large postinfarction akinetic scar and severe left ventricular dysfunction: comparison with a series of large dyskineteic scars. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1998;116:50-9. 3. Frater RMW, Cornelissen P, Sisto D. Mechanism of ischemic mitral insufficiency and their surgical correction. In: Vetter HO, Hetzer R, Schmutzler H, editors. Ischemic mitral incompetence. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1991. p. 117-30. 4. Raman J, Dixit A, Storer M, Buxton BF. Geometric endo-ventricular patch repair of inferior left ventricular scars improves mitral regurgitation and clinical outcome. Ann Thorac Surg. 2001;72(suppl):S1055-8. 5. Kron IL, Green GR, Cope JT. Surgical relocation of the posterior papillary muscle in chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation. Ann Thorac Surg. 2002;74:600-1.
The return impact of realized and expected idiosyncratic volatility

Abstract We show that the negative relation between realized idiosyncratic volatility, measured over the prior month, and returns is robust in non-January months. Controlling for realized idiosyncratic volatility, we show that the relation between returns and expected idiosyncratic volatility is positive and robust. Realized and expected idiosyncratic volatility are separate and important effects describing the cross-section of returns. We find the negative return on a zero-investment portfolio that is long high realized idiosyncratic volatility stocks and short low realized idiosyncratic volatility stocks is dependent on aggregate investor sentiment. In cross-sectional tests, we find the negative relation is weaker for stocks with a large analyst following and stronger for stocks with high dispersion of analyst forecasts. The positive relation between expected idiosyncratic volatility and returns is not due to mispricing.
A geographic approach to carbon accounting of Wisconsin

Carbon accounting is becoming increasingly important in the way it provides a comprehensive perspective of carbon balance from both carbon emission and carbon assimilation. Numerous previous researches have focused on carbon emission inventory, but few have put their effort in estimating the overall carbon balance as well as analyzing its spatial distribution. In this study, the fossil fuel consumption from all end-use sectors was used to estimate the carbon emission, and the carbon assimilation of vegetation was derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer net primary production. Then, the carbon emission was integrated with carbon assimilation to estimate carbon balance. The results were presented in five different maps with a scale of 1:1,480,000 and suggested that, in 2009, Wisconsin was able to assimilate its all end-use carbon emissions through the vegetation. In addition, carbon surplus and carbon deficit of Wisconsin demonstrated their respective spatial patterns. The approach can be...
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of the Human CD52 and CD24 Antigen Analogues

Analogs of the human CD52 and CD24 antigens carrying the common core structure of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors and the intact polypeptide sequences of CD52 and CD24 were chemoenzymatically synthesized. CD52 and CD24 proteins were obtained by solid-phase peptide synthesis and then coupled to chemically synthesized GPI anchors under the influence of a bacterial enzyme, sortase A, to afford the target molecules in good yields.
Dual endoscopic-assisted endoluminal colostomy reversal: a feasibility study.

Background: Emergent colostomies are associated with increased morbidity related to second closure operations. The purpose of this canine pilot study was to create a minimally invasive procedure that would reduce the time interval and morbidity involved with colostomy reversals after left colon end colostomies. Methods: Six mongrel dogs underwent modified laparoscopic Hartmann’s procedures in which the stapled end of the rectal stump was approximated to the left colon proximal to the stoma. After 1 week, they underwent an endoluminal colostomy reversal with a computer-mediated, circular stapling device and varying anvil insertion methods. Variables recorded included anvil insertion technique and feasibility, OR time, complications, and number of days to first meal and bowel movement. A contrast enema performed 1 week post colostomy reversal ruled out anastomosis leaks and stenosis. The dogs were euthanized and subjected to necropsy. Results: Of four anvil insertion techniques tested, the most feasible employed a large-bore needle to perforate through the stapled end of the Hartmann pouch into the lumen of the left colon. Simultaneous endoluminal views of the rectal stump with a sigmoidoscope and the left colon lumen with an endoscope permitted a controlled and safe needle puncture. Through the needle, a guide wire was inserted to withdraw the anvil via the colostomy into place. A transanally inserted stapler was then married to the anvil under fluoroscopic guidance, thus completing the anastomosis. The colostomy was then taken down and transected at the level of the colocolostomy. Average operating time was 126 min (range 90–180), diet was tolerated within 1.5 days, and average number of days to first bowel movement was 2.5. The absence of stenosis, leaks, and inadvertent visceral injuries confirmed feasibility. Conclusions: In this canine model, a dual endoscopic-assisted colostomy reversal with a computer-mediated, circular stapling device is feasible. Using this technique, colostomy reversals can possibly be performed 1 week post-colostomy without entering the peritoneal cavity, thus reducing the number of invasive operations and subsequent morbidity required to manage emergent colon perforations.
Designing Meaningful Learning Situations In Management: A Contingency, Decision-Tree Approach

This article presents a conceptual framework for determining the appropriate pedagogical techniques in management teaching/training and learning situations. The author notes that the design of effective learning situations requires careful consideration of at least eight input variables or situational contingencies. These variable are course or class goals, course or class content, student motivation, student skills, facilities, resources and norms, institutional and professional pressures or concerns, instructor skills and values and developmental nature of the learning process. The proposed conceptual framework and model are offered as one possible guide for considering the contingencies critical to the design of an effective management course.
Molecular Mobility and Oxygen Permeability in Amorphous Bovine Serum Albumin Films

We have used phosphorescence from the xanthene probe erythrosin B to characterize the molecular mobility and oxygen permeability as a function of temperature in amorphous solid bovine serum albumin (BSA) films. Analysis of the emission spectrum using a lognormal fitting function provided information on how temperature modulates the emission peak frequency and bandwidth (full width at half maximum). The peak frequency decreased gradually at low and more steeply at high temperature, whereas the bandwidth increased gradually at low and more steeply at high temperature, both changes indicating a softening of the protein matrix at ∼60°C. Phosphorescence intensity decay transients were well fit using a stretched exponential decay function at all temperatures. Lifetimes decreased gradually at low and more steeply at high temperature; Arrhenius analysis of the rate constant for nonradiative collisional quenching indicated an increase in quenching indicative of matrix softening at ∼70°C. The oxygen quenching rate was calculated from a comparison of emission lifetimes in the presence and absence of oxygen. This rate varied linearly with the collisional quenching rate over nearly three orders of magnitude, suggesting that the more global motions that control oxygen translational diffusion are modulated by more local motions that influence collisional quenching of erythrosin. The emission spectrum shifted to higher energy as a function of time following excitation, whereas the phosphorescence lifetime decreased with increasing emission wavelength; both behaviors provided strong evidence for distinct sites within the protein matrix varying in molecular mobility. These results enrich our molecular understanding of the intrinsic mobility of proteins within the amorphous solid phase, provide evidence for a dynamic transition within solid BSA, and provide insight into the molecular mechanisms controlling oxygen diffusion.
Physiologic Studies Early after Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

Physiologic studies have been carried out during the first 3 days after intracardiac repair of tetralogy of Fallot. All patients survived. The ratio between systolic pressure in right ventricle and a systemic artery was 0.7 or less in all cases and did not vary significantly during the period of study. Residual left-to-right shunts of moderate degree were demonstrated in three patients (repaired with Teflon prostheses). In one of these three, no definite evidence of shunt could be found 2 weeks after operation. Additional abnormal circulatory pathways exist in these patients. Clear evidence was obtained of left-to-right shunting through aorticopulmonary collateral connections in one case. Systemic index was usually below normal or in the low normal range. It was usually lower on the second and third postoperative days than on the first postoperative day. Left atrial pressure was sometimes strikingly higher than right atrial pressure 30 minutes after repair, but not thereafter. Pulmonary vascular resistance was normal or slightly elevated. Gas exchange and management were adequate to maintain normal or near normal oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in arterial blood. Mild metabolic acidosis existed on the first 2 days, but had generally cleared by the third day. The implications of these data are discussed relative to ventricular function and performance, adequacy and technic of surgical repair, administration of blood after operation, and the state of preparedness in the lung and left ventricle in patients with tetralogy of Fallot.
Fiber glass—its future in belted tires

The rapid success of fiber glass-belted tires (from very low production in 1966 to one hundred million units in 1971) is discussed in terms of specific cord properties. The inherent glass characteristics of high modulus, high tensile strength, and low elongation are shown to be ideal for belted tires. Applications of fiber glass for belts of light commercial and heavy-duty tires are discussed. The opportunity for developing new fiber glass cords which offer improved cost/performance characteristics are explored, including cord geometry and fiber diameter. The cost/performance capabilities of fiber glass for use in radial tires, both in the belt and in the carcass, are discussed as additional future opportunities. Laboratory and road test information is detailed and outlined. Ride aesthetics of the all-glass radial tire design is emphasized. The market penetration for fiber glass tire cord will be projected through 1980.
On the speed of an unconstrained shear band in a perfectly plastic material

It is shown that the speed of an adiabatic shear band may be estimated from its physical and constitutive properties within a constant, which must be obtained from the complete boundary value problem.
Psychometric Analysis of the Behavior Problems Inventory Using an Item-Response Theory Framework: A Sample of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

The current study used an item response theory (IRT) framework to examine the psychometric properties of the long and short forms of the Behavior Problems Inventory (BPI-01 and BPI-S respectively). The BPI measures self-injurious, aggressive/destructive, and stereotyped behaviors as manifested among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With a sample of 1,122 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it is the first IRT examination of either form of the BPI. Results reveal acceptable psychometric properties for each form of the BPI as well as minimal differential item functioning according to sex.
Criminal personality profiling in the investigation of violent crime: Recent advances and future directions

Criminal personality profiling is the process of analyzing various aspects of violent crime to derive a set of hypotheses about the characteristics of an unknown assailant. The ultimate goal of profiling is to assist in the successful apprehension and conviction of the perpetrator. Recent advances in the development of profiling as a forensic science are reviewed. While it is generally held that profiling is more art than science, there is evidence suggesting that greater scientific rigor can be attained. New methods of standardizing violent crime classification, the qualification of professional profilers as expert witnesses, and standard computerized data bases all point to the potential for a science of profiling. Future directions that may assist in expanding the empirical foundations of profiling are also discussed.
Role of carcinoembryonic antigen in predicting resectability of recurrent colorectal cancer

The reported low resectability rate for patients with recurrent colorectal cancer who have carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels >11 has led us to perform this study. One hundred twenty-four patients who underwent Radioimmunoguided Surgery ® (RIGS ®)procedures for recurrent colorectal cancer from 1986 to the present were studied. In surgery, all patients underwent a traditional exploration followed by survey with a hand-held, gamma-detecting probe to detect preinjected radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies attached to cancer cells. Sites of metastases included: 72 liver (58.1 percent), 23 pelvis (18.5 percent), 15 distant lymph nodes (12.1 percent), 2 anastomotic (1.6 percent), and 12 other sites (9.7 percent). The resectability rate was 43.5 percent (54 patients). The mean preoperative CEA level for patients with resectable disease was significantly lower than for patients with unresectable disease (P=0.017): unresectable—mean, 87.1; SD, 141.0; minimum, 0.3; maximum, 501; resectable—mean, 36.6; SD, 59.3; minimum, 0.3; maximum, 329. The CEA level for patients with liver metastasis did not vary significantly from those patients without metastasis: 70 vs. 58.2 (P=0.58). Those patients with resectable liver tumors had lower mean CEA levels than those with unresectable liver, approaching significance: 41.6 vs. 91.9 (P=0.065). Other metastatic sites had a mean CEA level of: pelvic, 72.6; distant lymph nodes, 47.8; anastomotic, 2.7; and other sites, 53.8. These data suggest that there is a significant difference between the preoperative CEA level of the resectable and unresectable recurrent colorectal cancer patients, but the large standard deviation does not justify abandonment of exploration for any CEA level.
Carbon-13 fractionation between aragonite and calcite

Abstract Aragonite and calcite were precipitated from bicarbonate solutions by slow removal of carbon dioxide at 25°C. Carbon isotope fractionation factors (expressed as 1000 lnα) are: calcite-bicarbonate ion 0.9 ± 0.2; aragonite-bicarbonate ion 2.7 ± 0.2; aragonite-calcite 1.8 ± 0.2. Theoretical calculation of the aragonite-calcite fractionation gives 0.9.
A Probe of Primordial Gravity Waves and Vorticity

A formalism for describing an all-sky map of the polarization of the cosmic microwave background is presented. The polarization pattern on the sky can be decomposed into two geometrically distinct components. One of these components is not coupled to density inhomogeneities. A nonzero amplitude for this component of polarization can only be caused by tensor or vector metric perturbations. This allows unambiguous identification of long-wavelength gravity waves or large-scale vortical flows at the time of last scattering.
SEROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SPIRORCHIDIASIS, HERPESVIRUS INFECTION, AND FIBROPAPILLOMATOSIS IN GREEN TURTLES FROM FLORIDA

Serodiagnostic tests for detecting green turtle (Chelonia mydas) antibody responses were developed to test the strength of association between exposure to spirorchid trematode antigens or herpesvirus antigens and having green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP). Plasma samples from 46 captive-reared green turtles, including paired pre- and 1-yr post-inoculation samples from 12 turtles with experimentally induced GTFP, were found by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to be negative for antibodies to adult spirorchid (Learedius learedi) antigens. In contrast, all 12 turtles that developed experimentally induced GTFP converted within 1 yr from having negative to positive antibody reactivity to GTFP-associated herpesvirus antigens, whereas the three controls and four turtles that failed to develop tumors remained negative. Plasma samples from 104 free-ranging green turtles from two Florida (USA) coastal feeding grounds with different GTFP prevalences were tested by ELISA for antibodies to L. learedi adul...
Foliar Ozone Injury on Cutleaf Coneflower at Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

ABSTRACT. Surveys for foliar ozone injury on cutleaf coneflower, spreading dogbane, and quaking aspen were conducted in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, from 2006 through 2010. Foliar injury in the form of ozone stipple was found on coneflower each year. The incidence of injured plants on sites with injury ranged from 5% to 100%. The severity of injury on affected foliage was generally 75%. No foliar ozone injury was found on spreading dogbane or quaking aspen in any year of the survey. This is the first documentation of ozone injury on vegetation in Rocky Mountain National Park. While ozone has long been a concern in the Colorado Front Range, spreading urbanization and oil and gas development are leading to increased levels of ozone in many areas in the Rocky Mountain region. Air monitoring data indicate that ozone exposures are exceeding injury thresholds in several locations and suggest th...
The impact of Centering Pregnancy Group Prenatal Care on postpartum family planning

Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of group prenatal care (GPNC) on postpartum family-planning utilization. Study Design A retrospective cohort of women continuously enrolled in Medicaid for 12 months (n = 3637) was used to examine differences in postpartum family-planning service utilization among women participating in GPNC (n = 570) and those receiving individual prenatal care (IPNC; n = 3067). Propensity scoring methods were used to derive a matched cohort for additional analysis of selected outcomes. Results Utilization of postpartum family-planning services was higher among women participating in GPNC than among women receiving IPNC at 4 points in time: 3 (7.72% vs 5.15%, P P P P Conclusion These findings demonstrate the potential that GPNC has to positively influence women's health outcomes after pregnancy and to improve the utilization rate of preventive health services. Utilization of postpartum family-planning services was highest among non-Hispanic black women, further supporting evidence of the impact of GPNC in reducing health disparities. However, despite continuous Medicaid enrollment, postpartum utilization of family-planning services remained low among all women, regardless of the type of prenatal care they received.
Safety of acyclovir: A summary of the first 10 years experience

The era of pharmacoepidemiology has introduced profound changes in the ability of the sector to monitor the post-marketing safety of new products. We report on the population-based assessment by Wellcome of the safety of Zovirax reflected in a program of unprecedented scope, diversity, and, most important, utility. The program couples epidemiologic intelligence--analysis of adverse experience reports arising spontaneously from practice and reported directly to the manufacturer, regulators, or in the published literature--with more structured formal epidemiologic research approaches. Taken together, the absence of major medical problems emerging from the monitoring system for spontaneous reports from the medical practice experience among over 20 million persons treated worldwide over the past decade, complemented by the similar absence of "signals" from structured epidemiologic studies closely monitoring the experience of over 50,000 patients, constitutes a persuasive body of information concerning the general safety of this important therapeutic intervention.
Anorexic action of a new potential neuropeptide Y antagonist [D-Tyr27,36, D-Thr32]-NPY (27-36) infused into the hypothalamus of the rat.

Abstract Neuropeptide Y (NPY) produces a vigorous feeding response in several species when it is injected into hypothalamic structures involved in eating behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a unique carboxy terminal fragment of NPY would alter the pattern of eating induced in the rat either by NPY injected into the hypothalamus or by a 24-h period of food deprivation. In this case, two l -tyrosine residues and one t.-threonine residue of the NPY27–36 fragment were transformed to their D-conformation to produce [ d -Tyr27,36, d -Thr32]-NPY (27–36), i.e., D-NPY27–36. Guide cannulae for microinjection were implanted stereotaxically just dorsal to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) or ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) of 24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Following postoperative recovery, a microinjection of artificial CSF or 1.1 jig or 3.3 μg of a peptide was made directly into the PVN or VMH as follows; native NPY; D-NPY27–36; or [L-Tyr27,36 L-Thr32]-NPY (27–36), i.e., L-NPY27–36. Food intakes were measured at intervals of 0.25, 0.5, 1.1, 2.0, 4.0, and 24 h. When D-NPY27–36 was microinjected at NPY reactive sites in the PVN or VMH of the rat 15 min before a similar microinjection of NPY, the intense eating response induced by the peptide was reduced significantly. Not only was the effect dose dependent, but D-NPY27–36 also augmented the latency to feed. A mixture of the two doses of NPY and DNPY27–36 injected at the same hypothalamic loci did not attenuate the intake of food but tended to enhance the feeding response in the rats. After the rats were deprived of food for 24 h, D-NPY27–36 microinjected in the same hypothalamic sites similarly caused a dose-dependent suppression of normal feeding behavior. However, the CSF control vehicle and L-NPY27–36 microinjected in the PVN or VMH were without effect on the pattern of eating. Further, D-NPY27–38 injected in the same hypothalamic sites affected neither body temperature nor water intakes of the rats significantly. These results demonstrate that the D substitution of this C-fragment of the NPY molecule, i.e., D-NPY27–36, serves to inhibit feeding evoked in the rat by hypothalamic NPY as well as the natural eating response to food deprivation. Thus, the D-NPY27–36 molecule may act as an antagonist at one or more subtypes of the NPY receptor in the brain of the rat.
Cortical dynamics of surface lightness anchoring, filling-In, and perception

This study proposes how the visual cortex may process natural images under variable illumination conditions to generate surface lightness percepts. It is known that visual representations can adapt to a million-fold change in luminance. How such adaptation also "anchors" percepts of surface lightness to use the full dynamic range of neurons remains an unsolved problem. Such an anchoring of lightness helps to make an image look natural. Anchoring properties include articulation, insulation, configuration, and area effects (e.g., Gilchrist et al., 1999). A cortical model is developed that quantitatively simulates such psychophysical data, as well as psychophysical data about discounting the illumination gradient and the Cornsweet effect, among others. The model is also consistent with a range of anatomical and neurophysiological data about how the brain may use boundary representations to gate the filling-in of surface lightness via horizontal cortical interactions. The model filling-in mechanism runs a thousand times faster than mechanisms of previous biological filling-in models, and thereby helps to clarify how filling-in can occur at the speeds shown in perceptual experiments. The model can process natural images even under dim moonlight and dazzling sunlight. Application of the model to color domain illustrates that it is also able to process natural color images.
Physiology and genetics of testicular size in sheep: a review

Abstract Testes size has been regarded as the trait of choice in males to genetically improve female reproductive performance. The physiology of testicular development, the factors affecting it and the genetic relationships between testes size and female reproduction in sheep are examined in this review. Testicular development in young rams follows a sigmoid curve with two distinct phases and is more closely associated with body weight than with age. Testicular size has been found to be significantly correlated with LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and testosterone concentrations of the blood. Photoperiod and season of birth are the main environmental factors influencing testicular growth in ram lambs, but in harsh environments nutrition can be an important limiting factor. From the genetic perspective, testicular size would be a useful trait to base selection upon in order to improve female reproduction if it could be measured at a young age, if the heritability was high and if the genetic correlations with female reproductive traits were large. The average of forty estimates of heritability for various measurements of testicular size in sheep was 0.33 (range: 0 to 0.75 ). There is still some uncertainty with regard to the reliability of the genetic correlations between measurements of testicular size and female reproduction in sheep.
Current directions in stress and human immune function

Psychological stress has been linked empirically with dysregulation of facets of the human immune system, yet these effects are not the same in every situation or population. Recent research has made strides towards understanding risk factors for immune dysregulation as well as why these risks occur. This review discusses mechanisms and mediators underlying the stress-immune relation, the role of context in determining whether an immunologic responses to stress is adaptive versus maladaptive, and the stress-immune relation in populations including children exposed to early adversity, older adults, and individuals with clinical diagnoses. The reviewed work holds great promise for further elucidating the circumstances under which psychological stress has immunological consequences, and provides new directions for work in this field.
A Hecke correspondence theorem for automorphic integrals with infinite log-polynomial sum period functions

We generalize the correspondence between Dirichlet series with finitely many poles that satisfy a functional equation and automorphic integrals with log-polynomial sum period functions. In particular, we extend the correspondence to hold for Dirichlet series with finitely many essential singularities. We also study Dirichlet series with infinitely many poles in a vertical strip. For Hecke groups with λ ≥ 2 and some weights, we prove a similar correspondence for these Dirichlet series. For this case, we provide a way to estimate automorphic integrals with infinite log-polynomial periods by automorphic integrals with finite log-polynomial periods.
Magnetic Repulsive Forces on Armature Contacts

Transition to arcing contact in solid-armature railguns has been linked to several mechanisms. Recent work suggests magnetic blowoff forces arising from perimeter erosion as a possible significant mechanism. Three-dimensional finite-element (FE) models were constructed to analyze the repulsive contact forces resulting from perimeter erosion. Results show that magnetic blowoff occurs only when there is a loss of more than 98% of the contact area. Such gross perimeter erosion is unlikely and is not found in recovered armatures. Magnetic liftoff from perimeter erosion does not appear to be a causative mechanism in armature transition. This computational study also provided a platform for testing two FE codes, which showed very good agreement overall
Interpersonal Violence as Social Construction: The Potentially Undermining Role of Claims Making and Advocacy Statistics

The relationship between empirical research inquiry and advocacy efforts is complex and seldom addressed in the interpersonal violence literature. In this article, we first examine how social conditions come to be seen as social problems, using a social constructionist perspective. Next, we focus specifically on the problem of interpersonal violence as viewed through a social constructionist lens, highlighting the many ways in which advocacy has influenced public perceptions of interpersonal violence as a social problem. Finally, this article considers some of the consequences that may result from exaggerated or misleading claims, especially when they are made by social scientists who are presumably engaged in an objective discussion of a problem. These consequences include generating skepticism toward the social sciences, feeding a backlash movement, and diverting attention away from the most severe forms of interpersonal violence. Contrary to the goals of many advocates, some of these consequences may be detrimental to the very social problems they hope to alleviate.
A BIST scheme for on-chip ADC and DAC testing

In this paper we present a BIST scheme for testing on-chip A/D and D/A converters. We discuss on-chip generation of linear ramps as test stimuli, and propose techniques for measuring the DNL and INL of the converters. We validate the scheme with software simulation-5% LSB (least significant bit) test accuracy can be achieved in the presence of reasonable analog imperfection.
Fungi Associated with Females and Cysts of Heterodera glycines in a Florida Soybean Field.

Fungal colonization was determined for females and cysts of Heterodera glycines on soybean roots or in rhizosphere soil from a Florida soybean field. A total of 1,620 females and cysts were examined in 1991, and 1,303 were examined in 1992. More than 35 species of fungi were isolated from females and cysts. The frequency of fungi colonizing white and yellow females was low, but a high frequency of fungi was encountered in brown cysts, which increased with time of exposure of the cysts to the soil. No single fungal species predominated in the nematode females or cysts in this field. Rarely was a female or cyst colonized by more than one fungus. The common fungi isolated from the females and cysts were Neocosmospora vasinfecta, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Dictyochaeta coffeae, Dictyochaeta heteroderae, Pyrenochaeta terrestris, Exophiala pisciphila, Gliocladium catenulatum, Stagonospora heteroderae, and a black yeast-like fungus. The communities of common fungal species isolated from cysts in several regions in the southeastern United States appear to be similar. Key words: biological control, cyst, egg, female, fungi, Glycine max, Heterodera glycines, mycoflora, nematode, similarity index.
Is There Really “More to Love”?: Gender, Body, and Relationship Scripts in Romance-Based Reality Television

More to Love, a romance-themed reality television program featuring an all-plus-sized cast, touts itself as a progressive portrayal of “real” women bordering on fat activism. A qualitative content analysis of the program, however, reveals a contradictory and more complex story about gender, body, and relationships. On the one hand, More to Love acknowledges the reality of size and works to debunk several myths about fat women and men. On the other hand, the show negatively depicts fat and also reinforces traditional gender stereotypes along with the age-old fairy tale script that equates heterosexual partnership with happiness. An analysis of these media depictions puts a new spin on an old story and reveals new theoretical understandings about gender, body equality, and romantic relations. Ultimately, the show conveys a superficial form of body equality where fat women too can be loved, but only if they are willing to overexaggerate their femininity and submit themselves to external validation via the ob...
New intermediate models for rotating shallow water and an investigation of the preference for anticyclones

New intermediate models for the rotating shallow water (RSW) equations are derived by considering the nonlinear interactions between subsets of the eigenmodes for the linearized equations. It is well-known that the two-dimensional quasi-geostrophic (QG) equation results when the nonlinear interactions are restricted to include only the vortical eigenmodes. Continuing past QG in a non-perturbative manner, the new models result by including subsets of interactions which include inertial-gravity wave (IG) modes. The such simplest model adds nonlinear interactions between one IG mode and two vortical modes. In sharp contrast to QG, the latter model behaves similar to the full RSW equations for decay from balanced initial conditions as well as unbalanced random initial conditions with divergence-free velocity. Quantitative agreement is observed for statistics that measure structure size, intermittency and cyclone/anticyclone asymmetry. In particular, dominance of anticyclones is observed for Rossby numbers Ro in the range 0.1 < Ro < 1 (away from the QG parameter regime Ro → 0). A hierarchy of models is explored to determine the effects of wave-vortical and wave–wave interactions on statistics such as the skewness of vorticity in decaying turbulence. Possible advantages over previously derived intermediate models include (i) the non-perturbative nature of the new models (not restricting them a priori to any particular parameter regime) and (ii) insight into the physical and mathematical consequences of vortical–wave interactions.
Metformin Inhibits Proinflammatory Responses and Nuclear Factor-κB in Human Vascular Wall Cells

Objective— Metformin may benefit the macrovascular complications of diabetes independently of its conventional hypoglycemic effects. Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammatory processes participate in type 2 diabetes and its atherothrombotic manifestations. Therefore, this study examined the potential action of metformin as an inhibitor of pro-inflammatory responses in human vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), macrophages (Mφs), and endothelial cells (ECs). Methods and Results— Metformin dose-dependently inhibited IL-1β–induced release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 in ECs, SMCs, and Mφs. Investigation of potential signaling pathways demonstrated that metformin diminished IL-1β–induced activation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in SMCs. Furthermore, metformin suppressed IL-1β–induced activation of the pro-inflammatory phosphokinases Akt, p38, and Erk, but did not affect PI3 kinase (PI3K) activity. To address the significance of the anti-inflammatory effects of a therapeutically relevant plasma concentration of metformin (20 μmol/L), we conducted experiments in ECs treated with high glucose. Pretreatment with metformin also decreased phosphorylation of Akt and protein kinase C (PKC) in ECs under these conditions. Conclusions— These data suggest that metformin can exert a direct vascular anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting NF-κB through blockade of the PI3K–Akt pathway. The novel anti-inflammatory actions of metformin may explain in part the apparent clinical reduction by metformin of cardiovascular events not fully attributable to its hypoglycemic action.