cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Simulation-Derived Scenarios for Effective Decision Support

Scenario planning traditionally relies on qualitative methods to choose its scenarios. Recently, quantitative decision support tools have also begun to facilitate such choices. This study uses behavioral experiments and structured decision-maker interviews to evaluate the results of �scenario discovery,� a quantitative method that defines scenarios as sets of future states of the world in which proposed policies fail to meet their goals. Statistical cluster-finding and principal component algorithms applied to large databases of computer simulation model results then help users to identify such scenarios. The two experiments examine the results of this process and demonstrate a user preference for increased accuracy and simplicity achieved through rotating the space of uncertain model input parameters, but primarily when the rotated parameters are conceptually similar. Interviews with experts suggest utility for both qualitatively- and quantitatively-derived scenarios. The former were easier to understand and had the most utility for scoping. The latter were perceived as containing more relevant information and having more utility for understanding tradeoffs and making choices among them. Overall, this study suggests the value of quantitative tools for facilitating scenario choice, while also highlighting the importance of formal evaluation in judging the utility of new methods for decision support.
Analysis of 1-carboxy-5,7-dibromo-6-hydroxy-2,3,4-trichloroxanthone in the color additives D and C Red Nos. 27 and 28 (phloxine B) by liquid chromatography☆

High-performance liquid chromatography was used to analyse 1-carboxy-5,7-dibromo-6-hydroxy-2,3,4-trichloroxanthone (HXCA) in 34 commercial batches of U.S. certified color additives D&C Red Nos. 27 and 28 (phloxine B). Thirty-one samples were found to contain HXCA in amounts ranging from 0.01 to 0.47% with an average value of 0.12%. These values are one order of magnitude lower than those previously reported for the Japanese counterpart of D&C Red No. 28 (Food Red No. 104). The analyses also revealed significant differences in the level of HXCA across batches from the same manufacturer. The analyses suggest that the presence of HXCA in D&C Red Nos. 27 and 28 may be avoided in the manufacturing process. A theoretical account that could explain the origin of HXCA in these color additives is also proposed.
Anomalous two-peak G'-band Raman effect in one isolated single-wall carbon nanotube

The resonant second-order G'-band Raman spectra of isolated single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) exhibit an interesting resonance phenomenon, whereby the G' band for some special (n,m) isolated SWNTs exhibits a two-peak structure, while for most SWNTs, the G'-band profile is a single Lorentzian peak. The two-peak phenomenon is explained by combining the double-resonance Raman effect, originally introduced for graphite, with the singular electronic structure of SWNTs, which is unique for a given (n,m) pair. Therefore, the G'-band profile is strongly dependent on the joint density of electronic states and provides useful information about the electronic structure and on the (n,m) assignment for the specific SWNT that is in resonance with the laser.
Modeling the interrelationship between downtimes and uptimes of CNC machines

Abstract Plant and equipment represent over 50% of the assets in most manufacturing industries. New technologies such as FMS are having a pervasive effect on technology adoption rates and the resultant productivity gains. The acquisition of CNC machines, which is an integral part of FMS, has been justified on financial grounds; however, this does not take the breakdown behavior of these machines into consideration. The downtime resulting from these breakdown leads to loss of productivity. In this paper an attempt has been made to determine the interrelationship between the downtimes and uptimes of CNC machines using transfer function modeling. The models are tested using data from a farm equipment manufacturer.
Refereed articles: Security in database systems: A research perspective

Database security has been the subject of active research for the past several years. In the last five years, rapid progress has been made in defining what security means for such systems and in developing laboratory prototypes and even products that meet those definitions. However, much more work remains to be done in certain key research areas. This paper provides an overview of the database security issues for both mandatory and discretionary security and describes areas of ongoing research.
Soil-site productivity of Gmelina arborea, Eucalyptus urophylla and Eucalyptus grandis forest plantations in western Venezuela

Abstract Commercial forest plantations have become a competitive alternative to harvesting natural forests in many parts of the world, especially in the tropics and sub-tropics. More research about tree farm site selection is needed, and one of the major considerations of site selection is the site’s productivity. The purpose of this research was to explore the soil factors that are indicators of site productivity. A study was conducted in a dry tropical region of western Venezuela on Gmelina arborea, Eucalyptus urophylla, and Eucalyptus grandis plantations to identify the soil properties that provide optimum growing conditions for these species. Results of a multiple regression analysis indicated that soil texture was a significant predictor of tree growth for all three species. All species grew best in soils with clay loam textures. Excessive soil moisture was inversely correlated with tree growth in Eucalyptus grandis. As commercial forestry companies in western Venezuela expand their land holdings through new acquisitions, this knowledge will improve their ability to select land parcels that are economically optimal for plantation purposes.
Representacao, soberania popular e accountability

Sao examinados cinco conjuntos normativos de demandas que tem a chance de reduzir o imenso hiato entre os representados e os representantes nas democracias modernas. Como um desses conjuntos, a accountability e mais facilmente entendida em relacao aos outros.
13C High resolution NMR studies of adsorption and reaction of ethylene on silica-supported Ru and RuCu catalysts

Abstract The adsorption and subsequent reaction of ethylene on silica-supported Ru and RuCu bimetallic catalysts have been studied via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) employing a variety of experimental nuclear spin dynamics. NMR of 13C using cross polarization (CP) and magic angle spinning (MAS) allowed us to simultaneously observe transformations of chemisorbed species and weakly adsorbed molecules. Direct 13C excitation allowed quantitative measurements of various species on the surface. At room temperature the ethylene adsorbed on the ruthenium catalysts rapidly and converted to strongly adsorbed acetylide and alkyl species. Weakly adsorbed ethane, butane and cis- and trans-2-butene were observed. The butene slowly hydrogenated to form additional butane. When the temperature was raised to 140°C propane and methane were observed suggesting hydrogenolysis of the product molecules. The introduction of copper into the catalysts reduced the hydrogenation capability while still maintaining the ability to form dimeric products. In addition to butene and butane, butadiene was observed on the bimetallic catalysts.
A test for normality

Summary An analogue of the Cramer-von MismW2-statistic is given for testing the composite hypothesis of normality with unspecified parameters. Some Monte Carlo percentiles of this statistic are provided. A power comparison with the test developed in [4] shows that the present test is better against certain alternatives.
Sulfur isotope composition of putative primary troilite in chondrules from Bishunpur and Semarkona

The sulfur isotopic compositions of putative primary troilite grains within 15 ferromagnesian chondrules (10 FeO-poor and 5 FeO-rich chondrules) in the least metamorphosed ordinary chondrites, Bishunpur and Semarkona, have been measured by ion microprobe. Some troilite grains are located inside metal spherules within chondrules. Since such an occurrence is unlikely to be formed by secondary sulfidization processes in the solar nebula or on parent bodies, those troilites are most likely primary, having survived chondrule-forming high-temperature events. If they are primary, they may be the residues of evaporation at high temperatures during chondrule formation and may have recorded mass-dependent isotopic fractionations. However, the supposed primary troilites measured in this study do not show any significant sulfur isotopic fractionations ( 104–106 K/h would be required to avoid a large degree of sulfur isotopic fractionation in the chondrule precursors. This heating rate may provide a new constraint on the chondrule formation processes.
Structural insights into the role of the Smoothened cysteine-rich domain in Hedgehog signalling

Smoothened (Smo) is a member of the Frizzled (FzD) class of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and functions as the key transducer in the Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway. Smo has an extracellular cysteine-rich domain (CRD), indispensable for its function and downstream Hh signalling. Despite its essential role, the functional contribution of the CRD to Smo signalling has not been clearly elucidated. However, given that the FzD CRD binds to the endogenous Wnt ligand, it has been proposed that the Smo CRD may bind its own endogenous ligand. Here we present the NMR solution structure of the Drosophila Smo CRD, and describe interactions between the glucocorticoid budesonide (Bud) and the Smo CRDs from both Drosophila and human. Our results highlight a function of the Smo CRD, demonstrating its role in binding to small-molecule modulators.
Sensing conformational changes in metabotropic glutamate receptors.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse group of membrane receptors in eukaryotes and are targets of more than 25% of the medications currently on the market. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), family C GPCRs, modulate synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability throughout the central nervous system and thus are promising targets for the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders (1). Understanding the detailed activation mechanisms of mGluRs is therefore crucial to the development of new therapeutics. Although extensively studied over the last decade, the conformational changes involved in receptor activation are still a matter of debate (2). In PNAS, Doumazane et al. (3) describe how they have developed an innovative FRET-based approach to monitor these conformational changes upon ligand binding. Their assay not only helps to resolve controversy regarding the conformational changes involved in receptor activation but also facilitates our understanding of the mode of action of allosteric modulators. This approach therefore provides a powerful tool for drug screening.
NBS Detector Standards for the Far Ultraviolet.

A program at NBS leading to the realization of practical, stable transfer detector standards for the far ultraviolet is reviewed. Three basic detector types, one covering the region of 584–1216 A and the other two covering the region of 1164–2537 A, are described. Examples of these detectors have been calibrated at NBS and distributed to laboratories throughout the United States and Europe, where they are being used as primary radiometric calibration references in a variety of far-uv experiments.
Integrated Modeling of Automotive Assembly Line With Material Handling

In an automotive production system, material handling is a critical activity in terms of increasing system efficiency and reducing overall cost. The existing literatures often separate the production system and material handling system, and ignore the coupling relations between the two systems. In this paper, an integrated modeling approach is developed to mathematically describe a dynamic production system including production operation and material handling system. A modified max-plus algebra based model with “shifting” mechanism is developed to overcome the synchronization constraints of traditional max-plus linear properties, and adapt to the dynamic change of the system under various conditions, such as starvation caused by material handling. The case study demonstrates that the new modeling approach is effective and efficient (180 times faster comparing with simulation method) in real-time system analytics and control to improve productivity and reduce cost.
Intrinsic limbic and paralimbic networks are associated with criminal psychopathy.

Background Psychopathy is a personality disorder associated with impairments in decision-making, empathy, and impulsivity. Recent brain imaging studies suggest that psychopathy is associated with abnormalities in limbic/paralimbic brain regions. To date, no studies have examined functional brain connectivity measures using independent component analyses (ICA) in adults with psychopathy. Here, we test hypotheses regarding paralimbic connectivity in adult incarcerated individuals stratified by psychopathy scores.
Oligomerization of H-Ras on Membrane Surfaces

Ras, a lipid-anchored small molecule GTPase, is an important signaling node in mammalian cells. Ras signaling is regulated by the dynamic nature of its subcellular localization, lateral partitioning and hierarchies of lipid and protein interactions. We studied the clustering of H-Ras on membrane surfaces using a combination of two-color fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), photon counting histogram (PCH) spectroscopy, time-resolved anisotropy, and single molecule (SM) tracking on reconstituted supported bilayer systems. Various constructs that allow us to tether H-Ras to the membrane at the native lipidation sites were generated. Diffusion behavior of H-Ras on membrane surfaces, both translational and rotational, was measured at a wide range of surface densities. Degree of oligomerization of H-Ras was quantified by PCH and verified by SM tracking. The dissociation constants of the two nucleotide states of Ras were determined. In addition, a mutant of H-Ras, which exhibited different clustering behavior on membrane surfaces was compared against wild type H-Ras. The effect of membrane surfaces on Ras oligomerization and the sensitivity of the oligomerization to membrane anchor structure will be discussed.
Crop coefficients for irrigating cotton in the presence of groundwater

A cotton crop coefficient was modified to account for the contribution of shallow groundwater to crop water use. The data used in the modification were developed using weighing column lysimeters. The percentage groundwater contribution to crop water use, expressed as a function of growing degree days for several salinities and two water table depths, was used in the regression analysis. Use of the modified coefficient was demonstrated by scheduling a subsurface drip irrigation system installed in an area with shallow saline groundwater. Use of the modified crop coefficient resulted in 25% of the cotton water requirement being extracted from shallow groundwater with a salinity of 5 dS m-1 without any adverse effects on vegetative plant growth and yield. Groundwater depth dropped from 1.2 to 2.2 m during the growing season.
Alternative Methods of Classifying Eating Disorders: Models Incorporating Comorbid Psychopathology and Associated Features

There is increasing recognition of the limitations of current approaches to psychiatric classification. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the eating disorders (EDs). Several alternative methods of classifying EDs have been proposed, which can be divided into two major groups: 1) those that have classified individuals on the basis of disordered eating symptoms; and, 2) those that have classified individuals on the basis of comorbid psychopathology and associated features. Several reviews have addressed symptom-based approaches to ED classification, but we are aware of no paper that has critically examined comorbidity-based systems. Thus, in this paper, we review models of classifying EDs that incorporate information about comorbid psychopathology and associated features. Early approaches are described first, followed by more recent scholarly contributions to comorbidity-based ED classification. Importantly, several areas of overlap among the classification schemes are identified that may have implications for future research. In particular, we note similarities between early models and newer studies in the salience of impulsivity, compulsivity, distress, and inhibition versus risk taking. Finally, we close with directions for future work, with an emphasis on neurobiologically-informed research to elucidate basic behavioral and neuropsychological correlates of comorbidity-based ED classes, as well as implications for treatment.
Charles Martin Meister: Decorative Painter In Texas

Summary Culturally and historically, the significance and scope of Meister's work is extremely important in the State of Texas. He exhibits the characteristics of a German background, responds to a color palettety pical of the time and area, and evidences designs the prallel the Victorian taste. It is rare to find such an extensive amount of work by one person remaining after so long a period of time. Artifacts in good condition are generally scarce. The opportunity to document the artifacts is valuable and greatly enhances the understanding of a previous culturalera. On a personal basis, the enjoyment can not be measured.“Ornament … is that which beautifies and renders objects pleasing and delightful; but what is beauty? and whence does it arise? Beauty is that quality of a n object which causes delight, gladsomeness, or satisfaction to spring up within the beholder, or induces a thrill of delight in the soul: it arises from the absence of any want, and the presence of that which gratifies.“
Institutional Context of an Adolescent Transition Going from High School to College in the United States and Japan

The transition from high school to college occurs within an institutional context and this institutional context influences the academic transitional tasks faced by adolescents. Key characteristics of the institutional context of the transition to college in the United States were the size of higher education, the similarity among colleges in their admission applications, and the nonselectiveness of admission to most colleges. Key characteristics of the institutional context of the transition from high school to college in Japan were the use of different entrance examinations by each college, the links between the prestige of a student's college and labor market opportunities, and the selectiveness of admission to many colleges.
Nondispersive wave propagation in a layered composite

Abstract It is found that it is possible to propagate a horizontally polarized (SH) wave without dispersion through an elastic, periodically-layered composite. The nondispersive property of the wave is due to the fact that at each interface the angle of incidence is such that the wave is totally transmitted without reflection. In optics such an angle is referred to as the Brewster angle. It is determined that this particular case is contained as a special solution of the general dispersion equation for SH waves, which has not been noticed before.
Characteristics of a thrombin inhibitor secreted by activated platelets.

Abstract A 77-kDa complex of thrombin and a protein secreted by activated platelets had little if any thrombin amidolytic activity, indicating that the secreted protein is an inhibitor. The molecular weight of the inhibitor before reaction with thrombin was approximately 50,000. The apparent second-order rate constant for complex formation was estimated to be 1.3 × 106 m −1 s −1 (mean of four measurements); it was not affected by heparin or heparinase. These properties distinguish this inhibitor from other protease inhibitors secreted by platelets. The inhibitor reacted with trypsin and possibly with urokinase but not with factor Xa.
Validated age and growth estimates for Carcharhinus obscurus in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, with pre- and post management growth comparisons

Age and growth estimates for the dusky shark, Carcharhinus obscurus, were derived from vertebral centra collected in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Sample collection spanned the years prior to and following the implementation of management measures (1963–2010). Growth was compared pre- and post- population depletion and pre- and post- management to investigate the possibility of density-mediated shifts in age and growth parameters over time. There was no evidence of difference between periods for either sex. Additionally, bomb radiocarbon dating was used to determine the periodicity of band pair formation. Results support the traditional interpretation of annual band pairs up to approximately 11 years of age. After this time, vertebral counts considerably underestimate true age. Maximum validated ages were estimated to be between 38 and 42 years of age (an increase of 15 to 19 years over the band count estimates), confirming longevity to at least 42 years of age. Growth curves estimated using only validated data were compared to those generated using band pair counts. Logistic growth parameters derived from validated vertebral length-at-age data were L ∞ = 261.5 cm FL, L o = 85.5 cm, t o = 4.89 year and g = 0.15 year−1 for the sexes combined. Revised estimates of age at maturity were 17.4 years for males and 17.6 years for females.
Gender of pediatric recombinant human growth hormone recipients in the United States and globally.

Background: Gender disparities were found in reports of early pediatric recombinant human GH (rhGH) use in the United States. With rhGH entering its third decade, we sought to examine U.S. gender-based treatment patterns and how these patterns compare with that of other countries. Methods: All children entered in the Pfizer International Growth Study, a database designed to document long-term outcomes and safety of Genotropin (Pfizer, New York, NY), were categorized by gender, location, date and age of therapy initiation, and diagnosis. Measures of national health status, health care expenditure, general economic indices, and mean adult heights were also compared. Results: Throughout the past 20 yr, the United States had an almost 2:1 male to female ratio overall. The gender ratio depended on the specific indication and age. There was no consistent relation to geographical region, pediatric population size, or density of pediatric endocrinologists. Male predominance was seen in Asia (mostly Japan), the United States, and Europe/Australia/New Zealand (65, 64, and 55%, respectively), but not the rest of the world (47%), where rhGH was prescribed less frequently. In the countries with the greatest rhGH use, the gender ratios depended on the specific indications but did not correlate with mean adult height, national health care measures, or general economic indices. Conclusions: Male predominance among U.S. pediatric rhGH recipients persists, especially for indications without a clear organic etiology. Global differences in gender ratios suggest that factors other than biology are at play. We speculate that social and cultural pressures and the health care systems’ permissiveness toward paying for rhGH therapy contribute to these international differences.
Alouatta caraya: population density and demography in Northern Argentina

A long-term study was carried out on a black howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) population living in 150 ha of forest patches spread out in a 3,000 ha rural area in Northern Argentina. A total of 22 different groups were located between 1980 and 1984 and 11 of these were monitored regularly during 28 months. Ecological density varied between 12.14 and 12.93 groups per sq km of thall dense forest (0.80 to 1.15 ind./ha; biomass 306 to 365 kg/sq km). Solitaries and small associations of adult or subadult individuals of both sexes were also recorded but occupied habitats of inferior quality. Mean sizes of reproductive groups varied from 6.4 to 8.4 and the range was 3 to 15 individuals. Reproductive groups had 1 to 3 adult males, 1 to 3 adult females, and several immatures. Sex ratio was biased toward females among the adults but it varied in other age classes. Births occurred throughout the year showing a peak in the colder and drier season. Subadult or young adult males and females dispersed from suspected natal groups and became solitaries or joined associations. Males invaded groups and displaced or coexisted with resident males. Infanticides and disappearances of infants were associated with male changes. Comparative censuses on an island not far from the main study area showed higher density and biomass (2.8 ind./ha; 1,117 kg/sq km) and different group sizes and composition. Habitat features as well as the history of each study site may account for the observed demographic differences.
Characterization of microstructure and tensile behavior of a cross-woven CSiC composite

Abstract The microstructure of a cross-woven CSiC composite and its effect on tensile behavior was studied in terms of damage and damage development. Microstructure characterization revealed that the composite contained processing-induced cracks and nonuniform fiber bundle sections with different fiber-matrix distributions. The processing-induced cracks and the “soft” matrix-discontinuous bundle sections were found to be two of the main reasons for the low composite modulus. A largely nonlinear tensile stress-strain behavior was observed together with a continued decrease of the modulus in the composite. This nonlinear tensile behavior was caused by the propagation of the processing-induced cracks, which led to low proportional limit, the multiplication of matrix cracks, and other damage modes such as fiber breaking, ply delamination and bundle splitting. The tensile fracture of the composite was found to occur at the “weak link”-bundle crossover sections, which showed very ragged fracture surfaces with limited fiber pull out.
Chemical coal cleaning.

The economics of the developing technology of precombustion removal of sulfur by selective chemical reaction is addressed in response to an earlier paper on sulfur oxide emissions.
Water quality monitoring following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Following the passage of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans was left with 80% of its land area flooded. In some locations, the flood waters were over 30 feet deep. In the heat and stagnation, the waters quickly became heavily polluted. Pump out operations began in early September 2005 to get the city dried out quickly. Lake Pontchartrain was the primary receiving water body. A variety of approaches were evaluated to achieve treatment with minimal impact on pumping operations. Some of these included; sorbet booms in the channels and the lake near outfalls, oil and debris removal skimmers in channels and near outfalls, sediment control devises for hot spots, application of flocculation chemicals, aerators in the channels and near the outfalls, etc. Over 100 water quality sampling sites were set-up throughout the city to characterise water conditions as the pump out proceeded. High risk areas were identified in a dynamic process and decisions make for best corrective action. Lake Pontchartrain continues to be monitored and long term rehabilitation efforts will be predicated on water quality monitoring results. Lessons learned from a water quality perspective during this massive disaster are presented with the goal of assisting future recovery efforts.
Multiparty protocols and logspace-hard pseudorandom sequences

Let ƒ(x1, ···· xk) be a Boolean function that k parties wish to collaboratively evaluate. The i'th party knows each input argument except xi; and each party has unlimited computational power. They share a blackboard, viewed by all parties, where they can exchange messages. The objective is to minimize the number of bits written on the board.We prove lower bounds of the form O(n·c-k), for the number of bits that need to be exchanged in order to compute some (explicitly given) functions in P. Our bounds hold even if the parties only wish to have a 1% advantage at guessing the value of ƒ on random inputs. We then give several applications of our lower bounds.Our first application is a pseudorandom generator for Logspace. We explicitly construct (in polynomial time) pseudorandom sequences of length n from a random seed of length exp(c√logn) that no Logspace Turing machine will be able to distinguish from truly random sequences. As a corollary we give an explicit construction of universal traversal sequence of length exp(exp(c√logn)) for arbitrary undirected graphs on n vertices.We then apply the multiparty protocol lower bounds to derive several new time-space tradeoffs. We give a tight time-space tradeoff of the form TS=T(n2), for general, k-head Turing-Machines; the bounds hold for a function that can be computed in linear time and constant space by a k+1-head Turing Machine. We also give a new length-width tradeoff for oblivious branching programs; in particular our bound implies new lower bounds on the size of arbitrary branching programs, or on the size of Boolean formulas (over an arbitrary finite base).
What do rohon-beard cells do?

One may ask not only what do Rohon-Beard cells do, but what can one do with Rohon-Beard cells? While they possess the general properties of neurones, they exhibit several unique features that have made them attractive for a variety of studies. Investigations in a number of laboratories have illuminated aspects of neuronal development and elucidated features of mature function. Attention is focused again on these neurones by the most recent of a series of interesting reports examining the characteristics of these useful cells 1 .
Medications for Alcohol Use Disorders in a Primary Care Practice-Based Research Network Implementation Study

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommendations encourage clinicians to consider the use of alcohol medications (ARx), acamprosate, disulfiram, naltrexone, or topiramate, for patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD). These recommendations have not yet been implemented in U.S. primary care practices. This mixed-methods substudy reports overall ARx use and facilitators to ARx use observed during a group-randomized trial in 19 practices. Nine percent of patients with a documented AUD diagnosis (n = 149 patients) received an ARx prescription. Facilitators to ARx use were exposure to evidence, limited referral options, receptive patients, successful outcomes, low cost of oral naltrexone, and familiarity with topiramate. Findings may affect the development of future primary care implementation programs.
Diagnosis and treatment of insect sensitivity.

The diagnosis of systemic reactions to insect stings usually presents no difficulty by history and as a rule the diagnosis has been made before the allergist sees the patient. A differentiation between local and systemic reactions should be made, and although systemic reactions are frequently preceded by increasingly large local reactions with previous stings, a great many people have large local reactions accompanying successive stings, over many years, without ever developing systemic sensitivity.
Reproductive coercion and partner violence: implications for clinical assessment of unintended pregnancy

Unintended pregnancy is common, disproportionately affects younger women and is associated with intimate partner violence. Forced sex, fear of negotiating condom and contraceptive use, inconsistent condom use and partner interference with access to healthcare all contribute to this association between unintended pregnancy and intimate partner violence. A growing body of literature on male partner influences on contraception and pregnancy decision-making has identified a range of male partner pregnancy-controlling behaviors which we have termed reproductive coercion, defined as male partners' attempts to promote pregnancy in their female partners through verbal pressure and threats to become pregnant (pregnancy coercion), direct interference with contraception (birth-control sabotage), and threats and coercion related to pregnancy continuation or termination (control of pregnancy outcomes). This article examines recent studies on male partner reproductive coercion, underscores the link between unintended pregnancy and intimate partner violence and highlights future directions for research as well as implications for clinical practice.
Positions of proteins S10, S11 and S12 in the 30 S ribosomal subunit of Escherichia coli.

Abstract The results of 17 new neutron distance measurements on protein pairs within the 30 S ribosomal subunit are reported. A partial map of the structure is presented giving the locations of S3, S4, S5, S7, S8, S9, S10, S11 and S12. This map is compared to other information on ribosomal organization and function.
Angiogenesis as a novel therapeutic strategy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy through decreased ischemia and increased satellite cells

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common hereditary muscular dystrophy caused by mutation in dystrophin, and there is no curative therapy. Dystrophin is a protein which forms the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DGC) at the sarcolemma linking the muscle cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. When dystrophin is absent, muscle fibers become vulnerable to mechanical stretch. In addition to this, accumulating evidence indicates DMD muscle having vascular abnormalities and that the muscles are under an ischemic condition. More recent studies demonstrate decreased vascular densities and impaired angiogenesis in the muscles of murine model of DMD. Therefore, generation of new vasculature can be considered a potentially effective strategy for DMD therapy. The pro-angiogenic approaches also seem to be pro-myogenic and could induce muscle regeneration capacity through expansion of the satellite cell juxtavascular niche in the mouse model. Here, we will focus on angiogenesis, reviewing the background, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor-pathway, effect, and concerns of this strategy in DMD.
Ranking Tires for Heavy Truck Steering Feel Performance Using a Simulation Model2

Abstract The effects of seven different tire sets on heavy truck steering feel characteristics were demonstrated from objective testing. Also, the steering behavior and vehicle dynamics were modeled in order to determine how well the resulting simulations could rank the steering performance of the tire sets relative to the objective results. The objective testing was performed using a 6×4 tractor with a two-axle flatbed semi-trailer. Measured data included steering wheel torque, steering wheel angle, and lateral acceleration behavior resulting from on-center-type steering tests. In addition, the hydraulic pressure from the power steering system was also measured. The tests consisted of multiple cycles at 0.2 Hz and ±0.2 g. Steering-related performance metrics were selected and calculated based on the interaction between measured parameters. The same test procedure was also applied using an analytical model of a steering system. The input was steering wheel torque, and outputs included the road wheel angle...
Impaired G protein function in gallbladder muscle from progesterone-treated guinea pigs

This study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of action of progesterone on gallbladder smooth muscle in guinea pigs. Adult male guinea pigs were treated with either progesterone (2 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅...
Identification and characterization of naturally occurring splice variants of SAMHD1

Background Sterile Alpha Motif and HD domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) is a recently identified host factor that restricts HIV-1 replication in dendritic and myeloid cells. SAMHD1 is a dNTPase that presumably reduces the cellular dNTP levels to levels too low for retroviral reverse transcription to occur. However, HIV-2 and SIV encoded Vpx counteracts the antiviral effects of SAMHD1 by targeting the protein for proteasomal degradation. SAMHD1 is encoded by a multiply spliced mRNA and consists of 16 coding exons.
Alveolar macrophage proliferation in situ after thoracic irradiation of rats

Saline lavage was performed on rat lungs at weekly intervals for as long as 6 wk after thoracic irradiation (24 Gy). The number of alveolar macrophages recovered by lavage was significantly increased compared with that in control animals beginning at 4 wk after irradiation (p less than 0.05). Autoradiographic analysis of macrophages recovered demonstrated an increased labeling index compared with that in control animals beginning 3 wk after irradiation (p less than 0.05). Macrophage proliferation in vivo was also assessed by injecting rats with vincristine and evaluating macrophages recovered by lung lavage for arrested mitoses. The number of arrested mitoses noted was significantly increased in rats at 4 wk after irradiation compared with that in control animals (p less than 0.05). These data indicate that after high dose thoracic irradiation there is an expansion of the alveolar macrophage population that is due at least in part to increased local proliferation of alveolar macrophages.
Turbulent heat transfer inside tubes and the analogy among heat, mass, and momentum transfer

The effect of fluid physical properties on the rates of convective heat transfer (or mass transfer) to Newtonian fluids flowing turbulently inside tubes has been studied extensively but never resolved for a wide range of variables. In the absence of precise experimental data the conflicting predictions of the many semitheoretical approaches developed during the last two decades have served to confuse rather than to clarify the basic question. To extend the range of the available data an experimental heat transfer study of the heretofore undefined region of high Prandtl number was performed. Fluid properties, determined experimentally, represented a variation in Prandtl number from 50 to 600. For final correlation all the available data for heat transfer with moderate temperature differences except those on liquid metals were considered. The effect of the Prandtl number for the range of the data (NPr of 0.50 to 600) was not well represented by any of the generally accepted theories or empirical equations, although a semitheoretical correlation was deduced from the data with Reichardt's general formulation of the analogy between heat and momentum transfer. The resulting equation fits all the available data with a standard deviation of 9.4%. The applicability of the correlation to turbulent mass transfer in tubes is demonstrated for Schmidt numbers up to 3,000.
Frequency-dependent shear wave splitting beneath the Japan and Izu-Bonin subduction zones

Abstract Despite its importance for our understanding of physical processes associated with subduction, the geometry of mantle flow in subduction zones remains poorly understood, particularly in the mantle wedge above subducting slabs. Constraints on mantle flow and deformation can be obtained by measurements of shear wave splitting, a valuable tool used to characterize the geometry and strength of seismic anisotropy. A complete characterization of shear wave splitting is particularly important for understanding the mantle wedge beneath Japan, which overlies multiple subduction zones with complex slab morphologies; previous studies indicate that the upper mantle beneath Japan exhibits complicated anisotropy that manifests itself in complex splitting patterns. To characterize better the geometry of mantle anisotropy beneath Japan, we analyzed direct S waves from local earthquakes originating in the subducting slabs for evidence of shear wave splitting using data from 54 broadband seismic stations in Japan's F-net array. In addition, both local S and teleseismic SKS phases were examined using data from four F-net stations in the Izu-Bonin arc. In order to characterize any frequency dependence of splitting parameters that may indicate the presence of complex anisotropy, we carried out our splitting analysis in two different frequency bands (0.02–0.125 Hz and 0.125–0.5 Hz). Our measurements indicate that shear wave splitting due to upper mantle anisotropy beneath Japan is highly complex and exhibits both dramatic spatial variations and a strong dependence on frequency.
Lattice Operators and Topologies

Working within a complete (not necessarily atomic) Boolean algebra, we use a sublattice to define a topology on that algebra. Our operators generalize complement on a lattice which in turn abstracts the set theoretic operator. Less restricted than those of Banaschewski and Samuel, the operators exhibit some surprising behaviors. We consider properties of such lattices and their interrelations. Many of these properties are abstractions and generalizations of topological spaces. The approach is similar to that of Bachman and Cohen. It is in the spirit of Alexandroff, Frolik, and Nobeling, although the setting is more general. Proceeding in this manner, we can handle diverse topological theorems systematically before specializing to get as corollaries as the topological results of Alexandroff, Alo and Shapiro, Dykes, Frolik, and Ramsay.
Mechanism design for software agents with complete information

We investigate the mechanism design problem when the agents and the mechanism have computational restrictions. In particular, we examine how results in the mechanism design literature are affected when the social choice rule requires the mechanism to solve a computationally difficult optimization problem. Both dominant strategy and Nash implementation are considered for a multiagent version of the maximum satisfiability problem. We show that the best a mechanism can guarantee is that at least half of the maximum number of simultaneously satisfiable agents will be satisfied by the outcome. Our analysis highlights some of the difficulties that arise in applying results from mechanism design to computational problems. In particular, our results show that using approximation in multiagent settings can be much less successful than in traditional computational settings because of the game theoretic guarantees required of the outcomes.
A case of apparent canine erysipeloid associated with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteraemia.

Background – Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive facultative anaerobe found worldwide and is most commonly associated with skin disease in swine, while anecdotal reports of cases in dogs have been associated with endocarditis. Hypothesis/Objectives – Clinicians should consider systemic infectious diseases as a potential cause of erythematous skin lesions. Animals – A 5-year-old female spayed Labrador retriever presented with lethargy, anorexia and erythematous skin lesions while receiving immunosuppressive therapy for immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. Four days prior to presentation, the dog had chewed on a raw turkey carcase. Methods – Complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, urinalysis and blood cultures. Results – Blood cultures yielded a pure growth of E. rhusiopathiae serotype 1b. Amoxicillin 22 mg/kg orally twice daily for 2 weeks and discontinuation of azathioprine resulted in remission of fever and skin lesions. Conclusions and clinical importance – This report is the first documentation, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, of Erysipelothrix infection, a known zoonosis, in an immunosuppressed dog, highlighting the need for infectious disease monitoring in patients receiving such therapy. This information may also help educate veterinarians to include Erysipelothrix infection as a differential diagnosis in dogs with fever and skin lesions, as well as the role of blood cultures in diagnosing this disease.
Molecular analysis of N6-methyladenine patterns in Tetrahymena thermophila nuclear DNA.

Abstract We have cloned two DNA fragments containing 5'-GATC-3' sites at which the adenine is methylated in the macronucleus of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. Using these cloned fragments as molecular probes, we analyzed the maintenance of methylation patterns at two partially and two uniformly methylated sites. Our results suggest that a semiconservative copying model for maintenance of methylation is not sufficient to account for the methylation patterns we found during somatic growth of Tetrahymena. Although we detected hemimethylated molecules in macronuclear DNA, they were present in both replicating and nonreplicating DNA. In addition, we observed that a complex methylation pattern including partially methylated sites was maintained during vegetative growth. This required the activity of a methylase capable of recognizing and modifying sites specified by something other than hemimethylation. We suggest that a eucaryotic maintenance methylase may be capable of discriminating between potential methylation sites to ensure the inheritance of methylation patterns.
Derelicts of Dispersal: Arthropod Fallout on Pacific Northwest Volcanoes

The exceptional capacity for aerial dispersal of insects and certain other terrestrial arthropods by active or by passive means has profound implications for their ecology, development, and evolution. It may well have been the exploitation of temporally and spatially patchy palaeozoic environments by means of aerial dispersal that underlay the evolutionary emergence of pterygotes (Wigglesworth 1976) and in due course their immense variety and their colonization of diverse, sometimes extreme, environments. But for their dispersive success, there is a price to pay. One consequence of aerial dispersal by very small animals is the element of indeterminacy in trajectory; they are largely at the mercy of weather and topography. Given the limited ability to control pathway in comparison with larger animals, such as birds, it is a necessary consequence that the process of dispersal is wasteful in the sense that a fraction, sometimes a minute one, of dispersers may terminate travel in a favorable habitat.
Maillard Browning Effects on In Vitro Availability of Zinc

An in vitro dialysis procedure was employed to determine the effect of Maillard browning on apparent 65Zn availability. In the presence of 65ZnCl2, the amino acids glycine, D-leucine, L-proline, L-lysine and L-glutamic acid were combined with D-glucose and autociaved (110°-120°C, 15 atm, 10 min) to produce high molecular weight 65Zn binding compounds that were not bialyzable (6-8 KD). Nondialyzable bound zinc is considered to be unavailable; however, subjecting these compounds to simulated gastrointestinal digestive conditions released most of the unavailable 65Zn. Dialysis of degerminated corn meal samples, which had been extrinsically labeled with 65Zn, showed that toasting (220°C, 25 min) decreased the availability of 65Zn. Simulated digestion released a portion of this unavailable 65Zn.
Carbon Nanotube Robust Digital VLSI

Carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNFETs) are excellent candidates for building highly energy-efficient electronic systems of the future. Fundamental limitations inherent to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) pose major obstacles to the realization of robust CNFET digital very large-scale integration (VLSI): 1) it is nearly impossible to guarantee perfect alignment and positioning of all CNTs despite near-perfect CNT alignment achieved in recent years; 2) CNTs can be metallic or semiconducting depending on chirality; and 3) CNFET circuits can suffer from large performance variations, reduced yield, and increased susceptibility to noise. Today's CNT process improvements alone are inadequate to overcome these challenges. This paper presents an overview of: 1) imperfections and variations inherent to CNTs; 2) design and processing techniques, together with a probabilistic analysis framework, for robust CNFET digital VLSI circuits immune to inherent CNT imperfections and variations; and 3) recent experimental demonstration of CNFET digital circuits that are immune to CNT imperfections. Significant advances in design tools can enable robust and scalable CNFET circuits that overcome the challenges of the CNFET technology while retaining its energy-efficiency benefits.