cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing the Family Stress Model among Black Women Receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Black female primary caregivers who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are burdened not only by economic pressure but also by a disproportionate prevalence of psychological disorders. This is particularly pernicious given that poverty and maternal mental health impact child outcomes and may decrease the economic mobility of families. Consequently, it is imperative to understand the mechanisms that explain the association between economic pressure and child outcomes. The current study addressed this gap by testing an application of the Family Stress Model (FSM), which describes how economic pressure results in parental psychological distress, particularly depression, and in turn impacts parenting quality and child outcomes. Additionally, social support was assessed as a potential culturally-salient protective factor within the model. Four hundred sixteen Black female primary caregivers who receive TANF were administered a series of measures assessing mental health and family wellbeing. Structural equation modeling was utilized to test a single model that incorporated all hypotheses. Maternal depression and quality of parenting serially mediated the relationship between economic pressure and school performance. The relationship between economic pressure and adverse child outcomes, however, was mediated only by maternal depression. Social support did not significantly moderate the relationship between economic pressure and maternal depression; however, it did demonstrate a significant direct effect on maternal depression. The current study corroborates the application of FSM to another population. Further, it demonstrates the importance of interventions that target maternal mental health, parenting, social support, and family economic mobility as well as system-level policy interventions to address poverty.
Effect of TNFα blockade on UVB-induced inflammatory cell migration and collagen loss in mice.

Abstract UVB irradiation induces pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) in the skin. TNFα stimulates the chemotaxis of inflammatory cells to the skin. These cells secrete metalloproteinases (MMPs) and other enzymes that damage the cutaneous matrix. Therefore, blocking TNFα activity could be effective in preventing the influx of inflammatory cells and subsequent collagen degradation in the skin. In addition, TNFα downregulates procollagen mRNA, and thus blockade may be beneficial to production of type I collagen. Female C57BL/6 J mice were treated with etanercept (TNFα blocker, 4 mg/kg/day) for 4 days 1 h prior to UVB irradiation (100 mJ/cm2/day for 5 days). On the 5th day mice were sacrificed 3 h after UVB exposure. Blocking TNFα significantly inhibited UVB-induced recruitment of macrophages, mast cells, and neutrophils. UVB-irradiated mice skin contained more mature collagen compared to etanercept and UVB + etanercept-treated mice. Skin from UVB + etanercept-treated mice had more collagen fragments relative to UVB-irradiated mice. Procollagen protein was lower in UVB-irradiated and UVB + etanercept-treated mice. TNFα blockade decreased decorin and TGF-β1 in UVB-irradiated mice compared to UVB alone. MMP13 was inhibited by etanercept in UVB-irradiated mice (p
A novel mode-dependent and probabilistic semi-discrete damage model for progressive failure analysis of composite laminates - Part II: Applications to unnotched and open-hole tensile specimens

Abstract A new method is introduced in part I of this two-part paper [1] to model the progressive failure of composite laminates. In this second part, the method is applied to unnotched (UNT) and open hole tensile (OHT) specimens. With semi-discrete meshing features and a randomized material distribution, the proposed model is capable of capturing both ultimate failure and damage progression. The increase of crack density and splitting as well as fiber failure localization are demonstrated on the basis of the cross-ply tensile specimen. Similar mechanisms, including free edge cracking, are predicted in the more complex (50/40/10) layup. With a simple technique, the meshes are efficiently generated for unnotched and notched specimens using Abaqus CAE/ Python scripting. As a result, the model is able to capture the discrete cracking near the hole as well as stress concentrations using a locally refined mesh region. By unifying features of both smeared and discrete methods, the presented semi-discrete damage model (SD2M) is seen to provide a pathway to model a variety of failure mechanisms and their interactions fairly accurately and efficiently, leading to very good predictions of ultimate strengths.
Imaging cytoplasmic lipid droplets in vivo with fluorescent perilipin 2 and perilipin 3 knockin zebrafish

Abstract Cytoplasmic lipid droplets are highly dynamic storage organelles; their rapid synthesis, expansion, and degradation, as well as their varied interactions with other organelles allow cells to maintain lipid homeostasis. While the molecular details of lipid droplet dynamics are currently a very active area of investigation, this work has been primarily performed in cultured cells and in vitro systems. By taking advantage of the powerful transgenic and in vivo imaging opportunities afforded by the zebrafish model system, we have built a suite of tools to allow lipid droplets to be studied in real-time from the subcellular to the whole organism level. Fluorescently-tagging the lipid droplet associated proteins, perilipin 2 and perilipin 3, in the endogenous loci, permits visualization of lipid droplets in the intestine, liver, lateral line and adipose tissue. Using these transgenic lines we have found that perilipin 3 is rapidly loaded on intestinal lipid droplets following a high fat meal and then largely replaced by perilipin 2 a few hours later. These powerful new tools will facilitate studies on the role of lipid droplets in different tissues and under different genetic and physiological manipulations.
Headache in transgender and gender-diverse patients: A narrative review.

Objective To summarize the unique aspects of managing headache in gender minorities and current research in this area including the potential relationship between gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and headache. Background The study of headache in gender minorities is intrinsically important. Gender minorities are medically underserved, and their medical care to date has been limited by socioeconomic disadvantages including stigma and an unsupportive clinical environment. Despite the rising population of transgender and gender-diverse adults and youth, headache research has also been limited. Knowledge of hormonal effects on headache in cisgender patients raises the question of possible effects of GAHT on transgender patients. Methods/results The manuscript is a narrative review of current best practices in treating transgender patients, including the use of appropriate terminology and ways to create a supportive environment. It also contains current guidelines on GAHT and reviews drug-drug interactions and secondary headache related to hormone therapy. We also review transgender headache research and related research on hormonal effects on headache in cisgender individuals. Conclusion Creating a supportive environment for transgender and gender-diverse patients and being knowledgeable about GAHT are key to providing quality headache care. This review identifies further research needs for this population including the epidemiology of headache disorders in sexual minorities and the potential effects of GAHT on headache disorders in transgender patients.
Penerapan Critical Thinking dalam Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Kristen di Era Pandemi

The Covid-19 pandemic period is a challenge for various institutions, including educational institutions, where all parties must adapt to new learning models. This is not spared in learning in religious-based secondary schools (SMP). This study aims to provide an overview of students' critical thinking in the learning process. The research method used is a qualitative case-study. Research shows that students' critical thinking during the Covid19 pandemic is not good. This is a challenge for educators to improve students' critical thinking by asking questions that are high order thinking.
Attacking Energy Hubs via Manipulating Demand Response Program

Demand response (DR) program refers to time-based or incentive-based schedules implemented for different purposes such as peak reduction, reliability improvement, and energy bills reduction. Customers play a significant role in the DR procedure via responding to the changes of electricity price over time. This paper investigates an approach to target different DR programs from attacker's standpoint to deceive customers of an energy hub to respond such that their energy bill is reduced while the overall demand is actually increased. Mixed integer linear programming (MILP) associated with the CPLEX solver of GAMS software is utilized to solve the developed attack formulation. Simulation results validate the effect of time/incentive-based DR with/without cyberattack on energy bills of customers and peak demand.
Challenges in Breast Imaging

Breast imaging is fraught with unique challenges in decision making and patient management. The objective of not missing early-stage disease so as to fulfill the prime goal of diagnosing nonpalpable cancers to be balanced with keeping false positives low presents unique practice patterns and challenges. The list of controversies in breast imaging is long; some of the important ones are discussed in this chapter: inappropriate indications for mammography, breast intervention (intraductal masses, follow-up after concordant biopsy results, cytology of cyst aspirates), dense breast law, double reads, clinical breast exam during screening, imaging the male breast, overdiagnosis of breast cancer with screening mammography, and isolated abnormal axillary nodes.
Civilian Anthropometry Data Bases

A brief history of the development of anthropometric data bases is described in summary form, including folk norms and early anthropometric surveys, military anthropometric surveys, comprehensive and specialized U.S. civilian surveys, civilian surveys in other nations, and recent proposed research at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS). Discussion and important references are provided for those interested readers/users who are new to the field of anthropometry.
Oat Variety Test

Twenty-nine varieties were included in the 2008 oat test at Sutherland, IA. Each variety was sown in three different plots to average out the effects of soil variability. The varieties were planted April 7 at a rate of 3 bushels/acre. The oat plots were harvested on July 29.
What Drives Intra-county Migration: The Impact of Local Fiscal Factors on Tiebout Sorting

This study adds to the abundant and rich literature on the Tiebout sorting hypothesis by investigating the motivation for intra-county migration within a state, the move from one municipality to another municipality within the same county. Using the data available from the Census on intra-county migration and demographic characteristics, as well as the Census of Government on local government expenditures, this study employs a difference model to test which local public services and products, in combination with taxes and demographic characteristics, encourage intra-county moves. Ultimately, this study presents a test to determine whether people at the local level are attracted to or repelled by higher spending and taxes. Results indicate that intra-county movers are attracted to local government units with both higher adjusted property taxes and higher government expenditures for certain local public goods and services. The results do not support the notion of the destructive force of competition among local government units resulting in the inability to levy local taxes to fund public goods and services.
A Bayesian test of hierarchy theory: scaling up variability in plant cover from field to remotely sensed data

Hierarchy theory predicts that a hierarchy of process rates should be reflected in a hierarchy of spatial and temporal scales observable on the landscape. We will show that multiple scales of pattern for total plant cover measured in the field at 1-m resolution are correlated with scales of vegetative pattern obtained from remotely sensed data with resolutions of 25 m2 and 30 2. Second, using four models based on postulates of hierarchy theory, we will combine the scales of pattern of each individual species within a community to estimate the remotely sensed community scales of pattern. Finally, we will compare the four models using a Bayesian analysis to determine which model best portrays how vegetative patterns of individual species combine to produce remotely observed community patterns. The results of the model comparisons provide an example of how postulates of hierarchy theory can be tested and how individual species patterns can be scaled-up to estimate remotely observed scales of pattern.
Impacts of fire and climate change on long-term nitrogen availability and forest productivity in the New Jersey Pine Barrens

Increased wildfires and temperatures due to climate change are expected to have profound effects on forest productivity and nitrogen (N) cycling. Forecasts about how wildfire and climate change will affect forests seldom consider N availability, which may limit forest response to climate change, particularly in fire-prone landscapes. The overall objective of this study was to examine how wildfire and climate change affect long-term mineral N availability in a fire-prone landscape. We employed a commonly used landscape simulation model (LANDIS-II) in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a landscape characterized by frequent small fires and fire-resilient vegetation. We found that fire had little effect on mineral N, whereas climate change and fire together reduced mineral N by the end of the century. Though N initially limited forest productivity, mineral N was no longer limiting after 50 years. Our results suggest that mineral N is resilient to fire under our current climate but not under climate change. Also, predictions that do not consider N limitation may underestimate short-term but not long-term productivity responses to climate change. Together these results illustrate the importance of including N dynamics when simulating the effects of climate change on forest productivity, particularly in fire-prone regions such as the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
Observations of Spatial and Temporal Variations of the Jovian H 2 Quadrupole Lines

We have made high resolution scans of the Jovian H2 4–0 S(1) line at 6367.75 A and the 3–0 S (I) line at 8150.67 A, in an attempt to establish improved equivalent widths and to measure any spatial-temporal variations across the disc. Preliminary analysis indicates that temporal changes in the 3–0 S(1) line can be as large as about 40% over a period of about a week; furthermore, this line is systematically weaker at the limb (about 10%) and stronger at the poles (about 20%) than it is at the center of the disc. The 4–0 S(1) line shows very little temporal change, but does have a similar center to limb variation. Current theoretical models of line formation and cloud structure on Jupiter are not able to explain the observed variations although it is clear that some sort of two-layer model is necessary.
Conservative Tryptophan Mutants of the Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase YopH Exhibit Impaired WPD-Loop Function and Crystallize with Divanadate Esters in Their Active Sites

Catalysis in protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) involves movement of a protein loop called the WPD loop that brings a conserved aspartic acid into the active site to function as a general acid. Mutation of the tryptophan in the WPD loop of the PTP YopH to any other residue with a planar, aromatic side chain (phenylalanine, tyrosine, or histidine) disables general acid catalysis. Crystal structures reveal these conservative mutations leave this critical loop in a catalytically unproductive, quasi-open position. Although the loop positions in crystal structures are similar for all three conservative mutants, the reasons inhibiting normal loop closure differ for each mutant. In the W354F and W354Y mutants, steric clashes result from six-membered rings occupying the position of the five-membered ring of the native indole side chain. The histidine mutant dysfunction results from new hydrogen bonds stabilizing the unproductive position. The results demonstrate how even modest modifications can disrupt catalytically important protein dynamics. Crystallization of all the catalytically compromised mutants in the presence of vanadate gave rise to vanadate dimers at the active site. In W354Y and W354H, a divanadate ester with glycerol is observed. Such species have precedence in solution and are known from the small molecule crystal database. Such species have not been observed in the active site of a phosphatase, as a functional phosphatase would rapidly catalyze their decomposition. The compromised functionality of the mutants allows the trapping of species that undoubtedly form in solution and are capable of binding at the active sites of PTPs, and, presumably, other phosphatases. In addition to monomeric vanadate, such higher-order vanadium-based molecules are likely involved in the interaction of vanadate with PTPs in solution.
Beneficial effect of epinephrine infusion on cerebral and myocardial blood flows during CPR

It is hypothesized that epinephrine improves the ability to resuscitate the heart through a mechanism thought to be related to the increase in aortic pressure. Our results with epinephrine infusion during CPR are consistent with this hypothesis. Epinephrine selectively increased vascular resistance in noncerebral, noncoronary vascular beds, as indicated by a decrease in microsphere-determined blood flow in these areas. This increased vascular resistance raised aortic pressure during the chest compression phase and the relaxation phase of CPR. Because intracranial and right atrial pressures were only slightly higher with epinephrine, cerebral and myocardial perfusion pressures and blood flows were significantly improved. This beneficial effect (compared to no administration of a vasopressor) was more pronounced as CPR progressed beyond ten minutes. Enhanced cerebral and myocardial perfusion occurred with epinephrine when either the conventional or simultaneous compression and ventilation (SCV) mode of CPR was employed in dogs. Similar selective perfusion was sustained for 50 minutes of SCV-CPR with epinephrine, even when the onset of CPR was delayed five minutes. Regional brain blood flow differed in the delayed-CPR group in that cerebellum, brain stem, and thalamic regions initially had higher blood flows. In an infant animal model of CPR using conventional CPR in piglets, epinephrine also was found to increase cerebral and myocardial blood flows. These results show that administration of epinephrine benefits different age groups of different species with different modes of CPR; that benefits occur even with delayed onset of CPR which is associated with additional anoxia and acidosis; and that epinephrine administration is particularly effective in sustaining cerebral and coronary perfusion during prolonged CPR.
Automatic classification of protein structures using low-dimensional structure space mappings.

Background Protein function is closely intertwined with protein structure. Discovery of meaningful structure-function relationships is of utmost importance in protein biochemistry and has led to creation of high-quality, manually curated classification databases, such as the gold-standard SCOP (Structural Classification of Proteins) database. The SCOP database and its counterparts such as CATH provide a detailed and comprehensive description of the structural and evolutionary relationships of the proteins of known structure and are widely employed in structural and computational biology. Since manual classification is both subjective and highly laborious, automated classification of novel structures is increasingly an active area of research. The design of methods for automated structure classification has been rendered even more important since the recent past, due to the explosion in number of solved structures arising out of various structural biology initiatives. In this paper we propose an approach to the problem of structure classification based on creating and tessellating low dimensional maps of the protein structure space (MPSS). Given a set of protein structures, an MPSS is a low dimensional embedding of structural similarity-based distances between the molecules. In an MPSS, a group of proteins (such as all the proteins in the PDB or sub-samplings thereof) under consideration are represented as point clouds and structural relatedness maps to spatial adjacency of the points. In this paper we present methods and results that show that MPSS can be used to create tessellations of the protein space comparable to the clade systems within SCOP. Though we have used SCOP as the gold standard, the proposed approach is equally applicable for other structural classifications.
Microbial-assisted remediation of creosote- and pentachlorophenol-treated wood products

A recycling process designed to recover wood fiber from discarded utility poles and cross ties was tested. Laboratory and field studies were conducted using a combined physical, chemical and microbiological protocol designed for the removal of creosote and pentachlorophenol wood preservatives from wood fiber. Woodchips produced in an industrial type wood chipper were batch extracted in methanol. The extractions successfully removed more than 95% of eight major creosote compounds contained within the woodchips. An initial combined concentration of 29 262 ppm during the extraction phase was reduced to 95 ppm in the laboratory study and to 1364 ppm in the field study. Biopolishing with a microbial consortium containing adapted strains from the generaPseudomonas, Flavobacterium andAcinetobacter further reduced the preservative concentration to 8 ppm and 200 ppm, respectively, with anthracene being the most recalcitrant compound in both studies. Pentachlorophenol-treated wood with an initial concentration of 1190 ppm, when subjected to the recycling process, yielded end product wood containing less than 2 ppm of the preservative. The solvent/preservative mixture (miscella) produced during the extraction process yielded a pure methanol fraction and a still bottom mixture when subjected to flash distillation. Fractional (vacuum) distillation of the still bottom mixture produced methanol, creosote, pentachlorophenol, and coal tar fractions.
Pronounced differences in signal processing and synaptic plasticity between piriform‐hippocampal network stages: a prominent role for adenosine

Author(s): Trieu, Brian H; Kramar, Eniko A; Cox, Conor D; Jia, Yousheng; Wang, Weisheng; Gall, Christine M; Lynch, Gary | Abstract: Key pointsExtended trains of theta rhythm afferent activity lead to a biphasic response facilitation in field CA1 but not in the lateral perforant path input to the dentate gyrus. Processes that reverse long-term potentiation in field CA1 are not operative in the lateral perforant path: multiple lines of evidence indicate that this reflects differences in adenosine signalling. Adenosine A1 receptors modulate baseline synaptic transmission in the lateral olfactory tract but not the associational afferents of the piriform cortex. Levels of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73), an enzyme that converts extracellular ATP into adenosine, are markedly different between regions and correlate with adenosine signalling and the efficacy of theta pulse stimulation in reversing long-term potentiation. Variations in transmitter mobilization, CD73 levels, and afferent divergence result in multivariate differences in signal processing through nodes in the cortico-hippocampal network.AbstractThe present study evaluated learning-related synaptic operations across the serial stages of the olfactory cortex-hippocampus network. Theta frequency stimulation produced very different time-varying responses in the Schaffer-commissural projections than in the lateral perforant path (LPP), an effect associated with distinctions in transmitter mobilization. Long-term potentiation (LTP) had a higher threshold in LPP field potential studies but not in voltage clamped neurons; coupled with input/output relationships, these results suggest that LTP threshold differences reflect the degree of input divergence. Theta pulse stimulation erased LTP in CA1 but not in the dentate gyrus (DG), although adenosine eliminated potentiation in both areas, suggesting that theta increases extracellular adenosine to a greater degree in CA1. Moreover, adenosine A1 receptor antagonism had larger effects on theta responses in CA1 than in the DG, and concentrations of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) were much higher in CA1. Input/output curves for two connections in the piriform cortex were similar to those for the LPP, whereas adenosine modulation again correlated with levels of CD73. In sum, multiple relays in a network extending from the piriform cortex through the hippocampus can be differentiated along three dimensions (input divergence, transmitter mobilization, adenosine modulation) that potently influence throughput and plasticity. A model that incorporates the regional differences, supplemented with data for three additional links, suggests that network output goes through three transitions during the processing of theta input. It is proposed that individuated relays allow the circuit to deal with different types of behavioural problems.
Calcium phosphate formation in aqueous suspensions of multilamellar liposomes.

The present study examined calcium phosphate precipitation in aqueous suspensions of multilamellar liposomes as a possiblein vitro model for matrix vesicle mineralization. Liposomes were prepared by dispersing CHCl3-evaporated thin films of 7:2:1 and 7:1:1 molar mixtures of phosphatidylcholine, dicetyl phosphate, and cholesterol in aqueous solutions containing 0, 25, or 50 mM PO4 and 0 or 0.8 mM Mg. After removal of unencapsulated PO4 by gel filtration, the liposomes were suspended in 1.33 mM Ca/0.8 mM Mg solutions and made permeable to these cations by the addition of the ionophore X-537A. All experiments were carried out at pH 7.4, 22°C, and 240 mOsm. In the absence of entrapped PO4, Ca2+ taken up by the liposomes was largely bound to inner membrane surfaces. With PO4 present, Ca2+ uptake increased as much as sixfold with maximum accumulations well above values sufficient for solid formation. Precipitated solids appeared to be located predominantly in the aqueous intermembranous spaces of the liposomes. Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) precipitated initially in the presence of entrapped Mg2+, then subsequently converted to apatite intermixed with some octacalcium phosphate. The stability of the liposomal ACP was somewhat greater than that observed in bulk solutions under comparable conditions of pH, temperature, and electrolyte makeup. In time, the mineral deposits caused entrapped PO4 to leak from the liposomes. These findings suggest that the precipitation within liposomes is similar to that which occurs in macro-volume synthetic systems but that the precipitated solid eventually impairs the integrity of the surrounding intermembranous space. These observations may offer a partial explanation for the ability of matrix vesiclesin vivo to act as nidi for extracellular mineralization.
Physical and social-motivational contextual correlates of youth physical activity in underresourced afterschool programs

Afterschool programs (ASPs) have become increasingly recognized as a key context to support youth daily physical activity (PA) accrual. The purpose of the present study was to assess the physical and social-motivational climate characteristics of ASPs associated with youth PA, and variations in contextual correlates of PA by youth sex. Systematic observations of 7 ASPs serving underserved youth (minority, low income) was conducted using the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth and a social-motivational climate observation tool founded on self-determination theory. For five program days at each site, teams of two coders conducted continuous observations of youth PA (sedentary, moderate, vigorous), five physical features (e.g., equipment availability), eight staff interactions (e.g., encourage PA), and seven motivational climate components (e.g., inclusive). Aligned with previous research, regressions controlling for variations by site indicated that organized PA, provision of portable eq...
Ponderomotive force in a warm two-fluid plasma

A general expression for the ponderomotive force of electromagnetic field with slowly varying amplitude in a warm plasma is obtained in the collisionless two-fluid model. Compared to the existing expression obtained for a cold and stationary plasma, this result contains two additional terms for the general case. One of them is involved with the density gradient and the wavenumber derivative of the dielectric tensor of a plasma. Thus, for an inhomogeneous plasma, it accounts for the effects of spatial dispersion, hence of finite temperature of the plasma. The other term is proportional to the time derivative of the density and the frequency derivative of the dielectric tensor, and is nonzero unless the plasma is stationary or nondispersive. Inclusion of these new terms in the ponderomotive force will enable self-consistent analysis of the general behavior of nonlinear waves with finite wavelengths in a warm plasma.
SNPs matter: impact on detection of differential expression.

As described in other articles in this Special Section, microarrays are widely used to evaluate gene expression at the genome scale. However, all too often the importance of data analysis at the level of the individual probe is overlooked. This is a particular problem when trying to detect differences in gene expression levels among genetically unique animals, across inbred animal strains, or among genetically modified animals. Of particular concern is the presence of small modifications in the DNA (i.e., single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) that occur naturally and differentiate one individual from the next. This article describes the potential impact of SNPs on analyses of gene expression differences and introduces an approach called SNP masking, which implements removal of SNP-affected probes. SNP masking is a valuable and feasible approach that can ameliorate these hybridization problems.
Robust Anti-Windup Compensation for Normal Systems with Application to the Reaction-Diffusion Equation

Abstract Normal systems, which are unitarily diagonalizable systems, appear in a wide variety of applications such as in microelectronics, polymer processes, spacecraft, and the discretization of distributed parameter models. An efficient design method for robust anti-windup compensators for normal systems is proposed based on a diagonalized circle criterion derived by exploiting the system structure. The method is illustrated for the reaction-diffusion equation.
Trunk motion during lifting: Temporal relations among loading factors

The time dependent aspects of trunk muscle activation are of utmost importance when evaluating the loading of the spine during lifting. If all spine supporting muscles reach peak force simultaneously during a lift, the effects upon the spine would be much different than if the forces activated sequentially. This research has studied the recruitment and peak activity pattern of the back musculature as well as their association with trunk supporting force production. Forty-five subjects were evaluated in this effort under static and controlled dynamic conditions. Most recruitment delays between signals were similar except between the muscles and torque. However, significant peak delays were noted among all experimental conditions. Generally, when the trunk exerted lifting force under static conditions, the peak time delays were similar to a dynamic lift of 30 deg/s. Dynamic lifts of 15 deg/s resulted in much longer peak time delays between signals whereas dynamic lifts of 90 deg/s resulted in very short peak time delays. The biomechanical significance of these findings is discussed.
Cortical changes in growing oocytes and in fertilized or pricked eggs of Rana pipiens.

The folded cortex of the growing oocyte of the frog extends as microvilli into the substance of the developing vitelline membrane and, internal to the folds, possesses a layer of cortical granules. Free ribosomes, smooth-walled vesicles, coated vesicles, tubules, and electron-opaque granules are abundant in the peripheral zone of the cortex. Mitochondria, lipochondria, pigment granules, and electron-opaque granules are conspicuous between cortical granules and in the underlying endoplasm. Yolk platelets are restricted to the endoplasm. Cortical granules contain neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides, and possibly protein. In the mature oocyte, microvilli are withdrawn and the surface folds eliminated. Cortical granules now lie close to the plasma membrane, sometimes contacting it. Fertilization or pricking causes a wave of breakdown of cortical granules lasting 1–1½ min. Breakdown begins immediately after pricking but not until about 10–15 min after insemination, because the fertilizing sperm takes that long to penetrate the jelly and vitelline membrane. Cortical granules erupt through the surface and discharge their contents into the perivitelline space. Cortical craters left at sites of eruption soon disappear, and pseudopodial protrusions retract. By 30 min after insemination, the surface of the egg is relatively smooth.
Automatic generation of peephole optimizations

This paper describes a system that automatically generates peephole optimizations. A general peephole optimizer driven by a machine description produces optimizations at compile-compile time for a fast, pattern-directed, compile-time optimizer. They form part of a compiler that simplifies retargeting by substituting peephole optimization for case analysis.
Quassinoid Support Studies: Fused Carbocycle Synthesis from Benzoic Acid Derivatives via 5-Hexynyl and 6-Heptynyl Radical Cyclizations

Eight bromoalkynes were prepared from substituted benzoic acids and treated with n-Bu3SnH to provide trans-fused perhydroindans or cis- and trans-fused perhydronaphthalenes. Atom-transfer reactions that accompany the free radical reactions resulted in several tandem radical cyclizations with formation of up to three carbon-carbon bonds in a single reaction. The relationship between these reactions and an approach to the quassinoid family of natural products is also described.
Some measured rates for oxygen and nitrogen ion-molecule reactions of atmospheric importance, including O+ + N2 → NO+ + N

Abstract Rates for some thermal ion-molecule reactions of considerable importance in the ionosphere have been measured by a flowing, steady state afterglow technique. Results include: N+ + O2 → NO+ + O k = 5 × 10−10 cm3 sec−1N2+ + O2 → O2+ + N2k = 4 × 10−13 cm3 sec−1O+ + N2 → NO+ + N k = 3 × 10−12 cm3 sec−1 A discussion of these reactions, and a comparison of them with previous measurements is made.
Human mast cell proteases hydrolyze neurotensin, kinetensin and Leu5-enkephalin

Purified mast cell carboxypeptidase cleaved the C-terminal leucines from Leu5-enkephalin (Leu-ENK), neurotensin (NT), and kinetensin (KT), with Km values of 36, 16, and 15 microM, and kcat values of 44, 51, and 53 s-1, respectively. To better predict potential in vivo hydrolysis products generated by mast cell proteases, these peptides were incubated with released skin mast cell supernatants. Leu5-enkephalin was hydrolyzed only by carboxypeptidase. Kinetensin was cleaved by tryptase, chymase, and carboxypeptidase to yield KT(1-3), KT(1-7), KT(1-8), KT(4-7), and KT(4-8), the last two peptides by the concerted action of two of the proteases. NT(1-11) and NT(1-12) were generated from neurotensin by chymase and carboxypeptidase, respectively.
What matters in a price negotiation: Evidence from the U.S. auto retailing industry

While there is a great deal of theoretical and experimental literature on what factors affect bargaining outcomes, there is little empirical work based on data from real markets. In this paper we analyze negotiations for new cars, a $340 billion industry in the United States in 2010. Our results suggest that search costs, incomplete information, and bargaining disutility have an economically significant effect in real-world negotiations: we estimate that relative to an uninformed consumer, a consumer with basic information about the seller’s reservation price and his own outside options captures 15% of the average dealer margin from selling an automobile. We also find that a buyer’s search cost and bargaining disutility have significant effects on bargaining outcomes. Finally, our results show that while search is common, there remains a substantial group of consumers who do not engage in any of the search behaviors we measure. We hypothesize that these buyers are not aware of how easy and effective certain activities in improving negotiation outcomes can be.
Effect of thermoplastic modifier variables on toughening a bismaleimide matrix resin for high-performance composite materials

Abstract A series of engineering thermoplastic toughness modifiers were used to modify the fracture toughness properties of a bismaleimide resin. The effects of thermoplastic loading, molecular weight and functionality were examined. Substantial improvements in K Ic stress intensity values were found when modifiers possessing reactive end-groups were used. Increases in modifier molecular weight and weight per cent loading produced steady increases in K Ic values and a limiting value at high concentrations and molecular weights. These observations were attributed to the thermoset network being the limiting material with respect to fracture toughness. By controlling molecular weight and adding reactive end-groups to the toughener, the fracture toughness properties of the commercial bismaleimide resin were successfully improved without sacrificing its desirable hot-melt processing characteristics. A unidirectional carbon-fibre prepreg was prepared and mode I and II fracture toughness tests were performed using double cantilever beam and end notch flexure specimens. Thermoplastic loadings of 15 and 20% of maleimide-terminated poly(ether sulphone) ( M n = 12 800 g mol −1 ) yielded composite G Ic values of 489 ± 25 and 734 ± 1 J m −2 , respectively—a substantial improvement over the unmodified composite value of 359 ± 17 J m −2 .
Water treatment and waste characterization evaluation of an intensive recirculating fish production system

A combination of two different technologies used for fish production was evaluated at the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Fish Barn facility. The combined system included the ECOFISH∗ tank, developed at the Norwegian Hydrotechnical Laboratory (NHL) at SINTEF (Trondheim, Norway) and water treatment and recycle technology designed at NCSU. Approximately 2170 fingerling tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis aureus) were grown from 3.6 to 507 g in 177 days in a 20 m3 four-zone tank. The system design included patented particle traps at the bottom of each zone to remove feed waste and excrement, sludge collectors where the removed particles settled, a rotating screen filter for suspended solids removal, a high-rate linear-path trickling biological filter for nitrification, and two down-flow columns for oxygen injection. The measured suspended solids level in the tank zones were usually less than 7.5 mg l −1. Based on six efficiency tests with a mean total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentration in the culture tank of 0.62 mg l −1, the biofilter removed approximately 65% on a single pass through the filter, with an average removal rate per unit of filter surface area of 0.33 g TAN m −2 day −1. Sampling every 4 h over a 24-h period showed variability in concentrations and TAN removal rates by the biofilter. Six efficiency tests on the sludge collectors and the screen filter showed 80% and 41% suspended solids removal efficiency, respectively, based on the influent and effluent concentrations. On a daily basis, the sludge collectors and the screen filter each removed about 18% of feed volatile solids input, respectively, based on three 24-h periods studied. Fresh water use averaged approximately 1500 l day −1, which was about 7% of the system volume.
Observations of Parametric Fluorescence and Oscillation in the Infrared

Measurements of infrared optical parametric fluorescence are reported for the first time. Using a pump wavelength of 1.064 µ in LiNbO_3 , observations of the fluorescence power, bandwidth, and angular dependence at 1.63 µ are in good agreement with a plane-wave theory. The operating characteristics of two pulsed, internal, doubly resonant parametric oscillators are also reported and compared with predictions of the fluorescence measurements. With measured thresholds on the order of 400–700 W, the two oscillators provided nearly continuous tuning from 1.51 µ to 3.55 µ with average powers of 6 mW and peak powers of 600 W. These powers represent available pump conversion efficiencies of 10% and 50%, respectively. Oscillating bandwidths were only 10% of the fluorescence bandwidth and ranged from 1.7 cm^(-1) to 45 cm^(-1), depending on the output wavelength. Longitudinal mode structure and multiple pulsing of the oscillators were observed.
Tailored Nicrostructures to Control Interfacial Toughness

Failure of ceramic-metal interfaces in response to residual or applied stress is frequently effectively brittle owing to the propensity for interfacial cracking caused by weaker than average chemical bonds and elastic or plastic discontinuities at the interface. Stronger atomic bonding derived from improved interfacial chemistry can enhance fracture resistance to a degree which may be limited by diversion of the crack into the brittle ceramic. Alternatively, methods under study promote interfacial fracture toughness in glass-Cu bonds via near-interfacial microstructures that encourage greater energy dissipation in a region near the interface fracture. Particular success has obtained from microvoid toughening wherein placement of controlled arrays of microcrack-like-voids in the ductile metal, suitably near the interface, can markedly enhance interfacial fracture energy, e.g. by as much as two orders of magnitude and to much greater toughnesses than for glass. The toughness develops with extension of the crack owing to formation of a bridging zone behind the crack wherein the crack flanks are spanned by ligaments of plastically deforming metal film.
Imperialism and encroachment in public relations

Abstract Using a systematic sample of 168 public relations practitioners in the United States, the author examined the effects of aggressive movement of the marketing, legal, personnel, and human resources development departments into public relations activities. Findings suggest that only marketing departments translated imperialistic behavior into encroachment. As a result, marketing imperialism threatens the independence of the public relations function.
PPACK-thrombin is a noncompetitive inhibitor of α-thrombin binding to human platelets

Recent studies from our laboratory indicate that purified kininogens are noncompetitive inhibitors of human alpha-thrombin but not PPACK-thrombin, binding to human washed platelets. In order to understand the mechanism by which the kininogens inhibit alpha-thrombin binding, investigations were initiated to determine if alpha-thrombin and PPACK-thrombin bound to the same site on human platelets. Initial investigations reveal that alpha-thrombin is a more potent inhibitor of 125I-PPACK-thrombin binding than PPACK-thrombin. Further studies show that PPACK-thrombin is a noncompetitive inhibitor of 125I-alpha-thrombin binding to platelets. These studies suggest that human alpha-thrombin binds on the platelet surface to a different site or binds differently to the same site from PPACK-thrombin. These data indicate that the ability of the kininogens to block alpha-thrombin binding to platelets but not PPACK-thrombin binding results from these thrombins having either two different binding sites or one binding site on the platelet surface which they interact with differently.
MENSTRUAL RESPONSE TO LUTEINIZING EXTRACT OF PREGNANCY URINE

Hamblen (1), Novak and Hurd (2) and others describe beneficial changes in menstrual irregularities following the hypodermic injection of a luteinizing extract of pregnancy urine (Antuitrin-S, Parke, Davis & Co.).* Search of the literature revealed no observations on its effect upon normal menstruation. The present brief report deals with this relationship. A group of 10 normal women volunteered as subjects for study. Of these, only one was married. Five were medical students and four were studying physical education. Seven were in the third and two were in the fourth decades of life. The married subject was in the fifth decade. The average weight of the ten subjects was 135 pounds and their average height 5 feet 4 inches. The luteinizing extract of pregnancy urine assayed at approximately 100 rat units per cubic centimeter. The subjects received 10 injections. The first dose was 1 cc. and subsequent ones 2 cc, if this amount did not create too much local reaction. In that case a smaller dose was given. Th...
Mitosene-DNA adducts. Characterization of two major DNA monoadducts formed by 1,10-bis(acetoxy)-7-methoxymitosene upon reductive activation.

Reductive activation of racemic 1,10-bis(acetoxy)-7-methoxymitosene WV15 in the presence of DNA, followed by enzymatic digestion and HPLC analysis, revealed the formation of various DNA adducts. Reduction is a necessary event for adduct formation to occur. This reductive activation was performed under hypoxic conditions in various ways: (1) chemically, using a 2-fold excess of sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4), (2) enzymatically using NADH-cytochrome c reductase, (3) electrochemically on a mercury pool working electrode, and (4) catalytically, using a H2/PtO2 system. Five different mitosene−DNA adducts were detected. These adducts were also present when poly(dG-dC) was used instead of DNA, but were absent with poly(dA-dT). All were shown to be adducts of guanine. Reduction of 1,10-dihydroxymitosene WV14 in the presence of DNA did not result in detectable adduct formation, demonstrating the importance of good leaving groups for efficient adduct formation by these mitosenes. Finally, two of the adducts were isol...
A Model of glueballs

We model the observed glueball mass spectrum in terms of energies for tightly knotted and linked QCD flux tubes. The data is fit well with one parameter. We predict additional glueball masses.
Deuterium Distribution in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract The variations of the stable isotopes of hydrogen (protium and deuterium) were determined in the various water masses of the Gulf of Mexico. Surface waters of the central Gulf were found to have an average δD=5.6‰ relative to Standard Mean Ocean Water (SMOW), whereThe subsurface water masses, Subtropical Underwater, Antarctic Intermediate Water, and Gulf Basin Water, were found to be characterized by deuterium contents of 5.0–5.5, −0.5 and 0.9‰, respectively. In addition, a high deuterium feature (δD=5.5–6.3‰) was shown in the water column at about 100 m depth just above Subtropical Underwater. The δD values for the fresh water contribution to the Gulf via the Mississippi and Coatzacoalcos Rivers were found to be −42.3 and −19.3‰, respectively. The value for the net fresh water addition to the Gulf was ∼−33‰. The isotopic composition of near-shore waters is consistent with a simple mixing model of fresh water from runoff with ocean water modified by the mixing of sea waters from distinct sources.