cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Desaturation reactions catalyzed by soluble methane monooxygenase.

Soluble methane monooxygenase (MMO) is shown to be capable of catalyzing desaturation reactions in addition to the usual hydroxylation and epoxidation reactions. Dehydrogenated products are generated from MMO-catalyzed oxidation of certain substrates including ethylbenzene and cyclohexadienes. In the reaction of ethylbenzene, desaturation of ethyl C-H occurred along with the conventional hydroxylations of ethyl and phenyl C-Hs. As a result, styrene is formed together with ethylphenols and phenylethanols. Similarly, when 1,3- and 1,4-cyclohexadienes were used as substrates, benzene was detected as a product in addition to the corresponding alcohols and epoxides. In all cases, reaction conditions were found to significantly affect the distribution among the different products. This new activity of MMO is postulated to be associated with the chemical properties of the substrates rather than fundamental changes in the nature of the oxygen and C-H activation chemistries. The formation of the desaturated products is rationalized by formation of a substrate cationic intermediate, possibly via a radical precursor. The cationic species is then proposed to partition between recombination (alcohol formation) and elimination (alkene production) pathways. This novel function of MMO indicates close mechanistic kinship between the hydroxylation and desaturation reactions catalyzed by the nonheme diiron clusters.
The hemoglobin of the common sting-ray, Dasyatis sabina: Structural and functional properties

Abstract 1. 1. The hemoglobin of the sting-ray, Dasyatis sabina , is both polymorphic and heterogeneous; three components predominate. 2. 2. One major component has two kinds of polypeptide chain, of which one, presumably an α-chain, has a blocked NH 2 -terminus and an arginyl COOH-terminus, whereas carboxypeptidases A and B release tyrosine and histidine from the COOH-terminus of the β-chain. 3. 3. The amino acid sequence of the beginning NH 2 -terminal segment of the β-chain of the major component has been determined. 4. 4. The hemoglobin of the sting-ray, Dasyatis sabina , is highly resistant to urea and does not dissociate readily into subunits. 5. 5. Oxygen binding by the hemoglobin is not affected by organic phosphates or high concentrations of either NaCl or urea. 6. 6. The hemoglobin does not polymerize beyond tetramers. 7. 7. Cooperativity, as monitored by n in the Hill equation, is pH-dependent and maximal between pH 8.5 and 9.0. 8. 8. The hemoglobin has a large Bohr effect; the oxygen affinity is 16 times higher at pH 10 than at pH 6.5.
Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks Using Multidimensional Correlations

In this paper, a multidimensional-correlation-based sensing scheduling algorithm, (CORN)^2 , is developed for cognitive radio networks to minimize energy consumption. A sensing quality metric is defined as a measure of the correctness of spectral availability information based on the fact that spectrum sensing information at a given space and time can represent spectrum information at a different point in space and time. The scheduling algorithm is shown to achieve a cost of sensing (e.g., energy consumption, sensing duration) arbitrarily close to the possible minimum, while meeting the sensing quality requirements. To this end, (CORN)^2 utilizes a novel sensing deficiency virtual queue concept and exploits the correlation between spectrum measurements of a particular secondary user and its collaborating neighbors. The proposed algorithm is proved to achieve a distributed and arbitrarily close to optimal solution under certain, easily satisfied assumptions. Furthermore, a distributed Selective-(CORN)^2 (S-(CORN)^2) is introduced by extending the distributed algorithm to allow secondary users to select collaboration neighbors in densely populated cognitive radio networks. In addition to the theoretically proved performance guarantees, the algorithms are evaluated through simulations.
Relationship Between Fire Resistance and Fire Tolerance

Much of the information accumulated on the fire resistance of ‘dividing’ elements can be utilized in the design of buildings for fire safety, if the fire tolerance values are converted into fire resistance. Three methods of conversion, one based on the concept of equal temperature-time areas, the second on the concept of equal maximum temperatures, and the third, Law method, are critically examined and handy conversion tools presented. In the case of the ‘key’ elements of buildings, basing the fire safety design on fire resistance information is not recommended.
Racial composition and neighborhood evaluation

Data on residential segregation imply whites are averse to living in integrated neighborhoods even though survey data show prejudiced attitudes toward blacks are decreasing. This aversion could be due to whites associating crime and deterioration with black neighborhoods instead of being a reaction to racial composition or it could be due to the persistence of race as a master status in the United States with black neighborhoods perceived as having low status regardless of accompanying characteristics. The factorial survey method was used to create vignette neighborhoods in which racial composition, crime, deterioration, and other neighborhood characteristics are unrelated. A random sample of adults in a southwestern metropolitan area was asked to evaluate these vignettes. Controlling for neighborhood characteristics, racial composition was found to have a significant effect on neighborhood evaluaton, supporting the race as master status explanation.
Data-Driven Prediction and Design of bZIP Coiled-Coil Interactions

Selective dimerization of the basic-region leucine-zipper (bZIP) transcription factors presents a vivid example of how a high degree of interaction specificity can be achieved within a family of structurally similar proteins. The coiled-coil motif that mediates homo- or hetero-dimerization of the bZIP proteins has been intensively studied, and a variety of methods have been proposed to predict these interactions from sequence data. In this work, we used a large quantitative set of 4,549 bZIP coiled-coil interactions to develop a predictive model that exploits knowledge of structurally conserved residue-residue interactions in the coiled-coil motif. Our model, which expresses interaction energies as a sum of interpretable residue-pair and triplet terms, achieves a correlation with experimental binding free energies of R = 0.68 and significantly out-performs other scoring functions. To use our model in protein design applications, we devised a strategy in which synthetic peptides are built by assembling 7-residue native-protein heptad modules into new combinations. An integer linear program was used to find the optimal combination of heptads to bind selectively to a target human bZIP coiled coil, but not to target paralogs. Using this approach, we designed peptides to interact with the bZIP domains from human JUN, XBP1, ATF4 and ATF5. Testing more than 132 candidate protein complexes using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay confirmed the formation of tight and selective heterodimers between the designed peptides and their targets. This approach can be used to make inhibitors of native proteins, or to develop novel peptides for applications in synthetic biology or nanotechnology.
Electrophysiological analysis of synaptic distribution in CA1 of rat hippocampus after chronic ethanol exposure.

Summary This study investigated the long-lasting effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the distribution of Schaffer collateral-commissural (SCH/COM) afferents within stratum radiatum of rat hippocampal CA1. Experimental animals were fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet for 20 weeks but were withdrawn from the special diet for at least 8 weeks prior to acute electrophysiological recordings. Field potential laminar analyses were performed by stepping the recording electrode in 25 μm increments through CA1 and sampling evoked potentials at each point. One-dimensional current-source density (CSD) was calculated from the field potential laminar profiles to enhance spatial resolution of current sources and sinks. Stimulation of the SCH/COM afferents elicits short-latency, negative field potentials throughout the synaptic terminal zone (stratum radiatum). CSD analysis in normal animals revealed that the synaptic currents generated in stratum radiatum concentrate into bimodal yet overlapping components, peaking 71.3 μm and 228.3 μm from the pyramidal cell layer. Chronic ethanol treatment produced: (1) a 13.2% shrinkage of the overall extent of current sinks in stratum radiatum; (2) a 37.4% reduction in the spatial extent of the sink proximal to the cell layer; and (3) an increase in the amplitude of the more distal sink. We tentatively propose the proximal and distal sinks to reflect a separation of the COM and SCH afferents, respectively. Chronic ethanol thus appeared to have selectively produced persistent damage to the COM-CA1 pathway.
The stability of aqueous solutions of hydroxylamine-O-sulphonic acid

Abstract Aqueous solutions of hydroxylamine-O-sulphonic acid, H2NOSO3H, undergo two principal modes of decomposition entailing (a) hydrolysis to hydroxylammonium ion and (b) self oxidation-reduction to give nitrogen and ammonia. The hydrolytic reaction is acid catalysed; disproportionation is markedly catalysed by presence of trace quantities of Cu(II) and is also favoured in alkaline solution.
Cooling Crystallization of Paracetamol in Hollow Fiber Devices

We examine here cooling crystallization of aqueous paracetamol solutions in hollow fiber devices. It is shown that a solid hollow fiber crystallizer (SHFC)−static mixer assembly can be operated successfully up to 30−40°C below the metastable zone limit. Such a capability is not existent in industrial cooling crystallizers; it allows the decoupling of nucleation and growth, an opportunity offered currently only by impinging jet mixers for antisolvent crystallization. In addition, it leads to the achievement of very high nucleation rates and hence small crystal sizes. The former were 2−4 orders of magnitude higher than values previously obtained in solid hollow fiber crystallizers for potassium nitrate and salicylic acid and reached values encountered only in impinging jet crystallization. A qualitative comparison with existing literature data showed that the SHFC−static mixer combination confined the crystal size distribution (CSD) to smaller sizes and a narrower range. Finally, a linear relationship betwe...
Public opinion regarding sentences for crime: Does it exist?

Efforts to identify public attitudes toward various crime and justice-related issues have become increasingly frequent as the technology and methodology to support such initiatives have become more sophisticated. In addition, both the public opinion polling and social scientific communities have become more energetic in arguing that the results of such efforts ought to have some bearing on the development of public policy. Moreover, social analysts have become interested in a number of theoretical relationships between citizen sentiment and public policy. Underlying the research on public sentiment is the assumption that the public is in possession of a discrete and discernible body of sentiment that can be accessed through the survey techniques currently available. This article calls this assumption into question. Through an examination of the survey methodology used to identify public sentiment regarding judgments of punishment for crime it is argued that faith in the existence of public opinion regarding policy-related issues in crime and justice may be premature.
Beach orientation in talitrid amphipods: Capacities and strategies

1. A variety of different orientation mechanisms have been proposed by various authors working with different populations of talitrid amphipods, but, to date, no adequate attempt has been made to determine how many such mechanisms may be employed by a single population, or what their relative importance may be under different sets of conditions in nature. 2. In this study it is shown that populations of talitrids with a sun-compass response for cross-shore orientation, as demonstrated in an experimental chamber, also possess a guidance system dependent upon local beach landmarks. The relevant landmarks, apparently high landforms behind the beach, will tend to dominate over celestial information when the two conflict. If such landmarks are missing or insufficiently prominent, however, the celestial compass will be relied upon by the amphipod for both seaward and landward movements. 3. Of the several non-visual mechanisms proposed by various authors, none are convincingly documented, and none appear likely to play a major role in cross-beach orientation.
Mozzarella Cheese: Impact of Coagulant Concentration on Chemical Composition, Proteolysis, and Functional Properties

Abstract Three vats of low moisture, part skim Mozzarella cheese were produced with three different concentrations of coagulant (double-strength chymosin derived by fermentation; .1, .08, and .06 ml/kg of milk, representing 100, 80, and 60% of normal usage). Cheese was made by the milled-curd, no-brine method, replicated on 3 different d as a 3 × 3 Latin square design. There were no differences in moisture, protein, salt, calcium, and initial pH of cheese from coagulant concentration. Soluble N (12% TCA and at pH 4.6 in acetate buffer), α s - and β -CN, meltability, texture profile analysis, apparent viscosity, and free oil of cheese were monitored up to 50 d of storage at 4°C. With increased storage time, soluble N contents, meltability, and free oil increased; α s -CN, hardness, springiness, and apparent viscosity decreased. Differences in coagulant concentrations had a significant impact on free oil, and interactions were significant between effects of coagulant concentration and storage time on soluble N contents. Lower coagulant resulted in slightly lower soluble N and free oil. Overall, decreasing the concentration of coagulant by up to 40% had limited impact on the composition, proteolysis, and functional characteristics during 50 d of refrigerated storage.
A Note on the Incidence and Possible Cost of “Critical Circumstances” Penalties in U.S. Antidumping Enforcement

This article examines the incidence and possible cost of “Critical Circumstances” penalties in U.S. antidumping enforcement. Critical Circumstances penalties are surprisingly common. Of the 297 foreign firms that were assessed antidumping duties greater than 25% during the period 1980–1995, 89 (or 30%) were also assessed a Critical Circumstances penalty. The volume of imports affected by these Critical Circumstances penalties was approximately $991 million over the 15 year period (or about $66 million per year). The average level of the Critical Circumstances penalties was about 79% of the value of the relevant commerce, assessed for a period of up to 90 days, or as much as $13 million per year. The economic cost to the United States from Critical Circumstances penalties comes largely from the reduction in export levels (increase in prices) that foreign firms may make in the expectation that a Critical Circumstances penalty may be assessed. The article presents evidence that foreign firms have restricted ...
Pattern formation in random walks with inertia (Invited Paper)

We study the Turing instability to stationary spatial patterns in reaction-transport systems with inertia. After a brief discussion of hyperbolic reaction-diffusion equations and reaction-Cattaneo equations we focus on reaction random walks, which are the most natural generalization of reaction-diffusion equations. We analyze the effect of inertia in the transport on spatial instabilities of the homogeneous steady state. Direction-dependent reaction walks, where the interaction between particles depends on the direction in which the particles are moving, allow us to take account of an energy requirement for reactive interactions, i.e., an activation energy, in the reaction-transport equation. We compare bifurcation conditions for direction-independent reaction walks and for direction-dependent reaction walks to assess the effect of inertia in the transport and the effect of activation energies in the kinetics on the Turing instability.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Risk of poor pregnancy outcomes: Is it higher among multiparous teenage mothers?

It is commonly believed that pregnancy outcomes for multiparous teenage mothers are worse than those for teenage women experiencing a first birth. This article, based on a review of the literature, finds that when teenage mothers having a second birth are compared with those having a first birth, the second births often have worse outcomes. However, when the first and second birth to the same mother are compared, teenagers follow the pattern of older women, i.e., the second births usually have better outcomes than the first. This difference is probably due to selection bias.
Immunohistochemical analysis of pulmonary and pleural tumors with the monoclonal antibody HYB-612 directed against the multidrug resistance (MDR-1) gene product, P-glycoprotein.

In this study, 212 untreated primary pulmonary and pleural neoplasms were studied immunohistochemically with the monoclonal antibody HYB-612 which detects the multidrug resistance (MDR)-related P-glyc
Immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy of dendritic-tumor hybrid cells generated by electrofusion.

Abstract Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells capable of inducing strong immune responses to weak tumor-associated antigens. Among various DC-based approaches, cancer immunotherapy with DC–tumor fusion hybrids offers advantages of polyclonal stimulation of a diverse array of tumor antigens. However, prevalent fusion methods using chemical fusogens such as polyethylene glycol often result in toxicity and low fusion efficiency. In this article, we describe an electrofusion technique, applicable to processing large numbers of cells with consistent and high fusion efficiency. Generation of fusion hybrids was verified by unequivocal experimental evidence. In animal models, fusion hybrids expressed the mature DC-like phenotype. They stimulated both CD4 and CD8 tumor-specific T cells to secrete interferon-γ in vitro. In immunotherapy, a single vaccination with DC–tumor fusion cells along with interleukin-12 as an adjuvant eradicated tumors established in the skin nd lung. These results provide an impetus for treating cancer patients with similarly generated cells.
Habitat, population dynamics, and conservation of the Nilgiri tahr, Hemitragus hylocrius

Abstract In Eravikulam National Park, India, Nilgiri tahr Hemitragus hylocrius frequent the fringes of the grass-covered plateau. The two main types of grassland utilised by tahr were dominated by Eulalia phaeothrix and Andropogon polyptichus . The total wild population of Nilgiri tahr is about 2200. Available evidence suggests that the three largest populations have remained approximately stable in recent years. Annual mortality at Eravikulam NP was estimated to be 44–52% for young, 31–37% for yearlings, and 17–24% for adults. Life expectancy at birth was estimated at 3–3·5 years. There was evidence for mortality incurred by predation, disease, accidents, injury during intraspecific combat, and thermal stress. Relevant to conservation are the short life expectancy of Nilgiri tahr; the need for comparable information on size and structure of all extant populations; and the effect of weather patterns on the temporal distribution of births and census results.
An Upper Bound on Transport Processes in Turbulent Thermohaline Convection

Abstract A simple variational approach to turbulent transfer problems is applied to the analytical prediction of upper bounds on the vertical transport of beat and solute in bounded systems with negative vertical gradients of temperature and solute concentration. The results are consistent with previous studies of the special case of thermal convection. It is found that the presence of solute inhibits transport and that for sufficiently high concentration gradients no convection is possible.
Bioheat model evaluations of laser effects on tissues: role of water evaporation and diffusion

A two-dimensional, time-dependent bioheat model is applied to evaluate changes in temperature and water content in tissues subjected to laser irradiation. Our approach takes account of liquid-to-vapor phase changes and a simple diffusive flow of water within the biotissue. An energy balance equation considers blood perfusion, metabolic heat generation, laser absorption, and water evaporation. The model also accounts for the water dependence of tissue properties (both thermal and optical), and variations in blood perfusion rates based on local tissue injury. Our calculations show that water diffusion would reduce the local temperature increases and hot spots in comparison to simple models that ignore the role of water in the overall thermal and mass transport. Also, the reduced suppression of perfusion rates due to tissue heating and damage with water diffusion affect the necrotic depth. Two-dimensional results for the dynamic temperature, water content, and damage distributions will be presented for skin simulations. It is argued that reduction in temperature gradients due to water diffusion would mitigate local refractive index variations, and hence influence the phenomenon of thermal lensing. Finally, simple quantitative evaluations of pressure increases within the tissue due to laser absorption are presented.
Differential Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 on the Tat-Targeted Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication

Abstract In this study, we have examined whether the Tat antagonist can inhibit human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication in the presence of cofactors that can activate transcription of HIV-1 provirus by an NF-κB-mediated mechanism, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection. As a prototype, we have chosen a low-molecular-weight Tat inhibitor, Ro5-3335, and analyzed its effect on HIV-1 replication in the presence of TNF-α and HSV-1 infection in acutely infected peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and T cells. Ro5-3335 inhibited HIV-1 replication both in CEM-174 cells and in PBLs, but the magnitude of the inhibition was inversely related to viral inoculum and the inhibition was only temporary; viral replication resumed at later times postinfection in spite of the continuous presence of the drug. In contrast, Ro5-3335 suppressed TNF-α-induced activation of HIV-1 replication in chronically infected T cells and monocytes that both expressed only low levels of HIV-1 constitutively, while its effect in high-expressing OM-10.1 cells was negligible in the presence of TNF-α. The inhibition of HIV-1 replication by Ro5-3335 was specific for the Tat-mediated effect and this drug was not able to inhibit the TNF-α-induced expression of the tat -defective HIV-1 provirus. In contrast to TNF-α, HSV-1-stimulated HIV-1 expression in the ACH-2 cells was effectively inhibited in the presence of Ro5-3335. These results demonstrate that Tat plays an essential role in HSV-1-mediated activation of HIV-1 provirus, while the TNFα complementation of Tat shows cell-type specificity. These observations suggest that inhibition of the Tat function alone may not be sufficient for an effective anti-HIV-1 inhibition.
Association of Intrastrain Phase Variation in Quantity of Capsular Polysaccharide and Teichoic Acid with the Virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae

The pneumococcus undergoes spontaneous phase variation between an opaque and a transparent colony form. In an animal model of systemic infection following intraperitoneal inoculation of mice, the opaque phenotype was significantly more virulent than the transparent for each of 3 strains examined. The opaque phenotype was associated with 1.2- to 5.6-fold greater amounts of capsular polysaccharide compared with the transparent using a sandwich ELISA. A similar technique comparing the amount of total teichoic acid showed that the transparent phenotype had 2.1- to 3.8-fold more immunodetectable teichoic acid. This difference was confirmed by comparing the incorporation of [3H]choline into teichoic acid. Cell fractionation revealed that variation in quantity of incorporated choline was due to differences in cell wall-associated teichoic acid. Results suggest that the pneumococcus phase varies between a virulent form with more capsular polysaccharide and less teichoic acid and an avirulent form with less capsular polysaccharide and more teichoic acid.
Surveying the Damage: Academic Library Serial Cancellations 1987-88 through 1989-90.

A longitudinal study of serial cancellations was conducted by analyzing the cancellation lists between 1987 and 1990 from five midwestern libraries of the Association of Research Libraries. The study was designed to test the primary hypothesis that large academic libraries, faced with the same negative impacts on their budgets, are cancelling the same or similar types of serials. This hypothesis was disproved. Results of the study showed that, of 6,503 cancelled titles, only 281 (4 percent) were cancelled at more than one library, resulting in 6,222 (96 percent) unique title cancellations within this survey
Structural and electron diffraction data for sapphire (α-al2o3)

Crystallographic and electron diffraction data for sapphire (α-Al2O3) are presented which enable ready and unique identification of TEM diffraction patterns and facilitate image analysis. Crystallographic data is presented in the form of stereographic projections and in figures listing angles between planes and angles between zones. Electron diffraction data consist of computer-simulated diffraction patterns and tables of extinction distances calculated using atomic and ionic electron scattering factors.
Characterization of Interfaces Between Polymers and Metals by Static Sims

The use of static Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) in the characterization of polymer surfaces and interfaces between polymers and metals is described. Examples are given of the use of SIMS to study the effects of plasma treatments on polyimide surfaces and for the analysis of the interface in metallized polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Sequence of the Long Terminal Repeat and Adjacent Segments of the Endogenous Avian Virus Rous-Associated Virus 0

Abstract Rous-associated virus 0 (RAV-0), an endogenous chicken virus, does not cause disease when inoculated into susceptible domestic chickens. An infectious unintegrated circular RAV-0 DNA was molecularly cloned, and the sequence of the long terminal repeat (LTR) and adjacent segments was determined. The sequence of the LTR was found to be very similar to that of replication-defective endogenous virus EV-1. Like the EV-1 LTR, the RAV-0 LTR is smaller (278 base pairs instead of 330) than the LTRs of the oncogenic members of the avian sarcoma virus-avian leukosis virus group. There is, however, significant homology. The most striking differences are in the U3 region of the LTR, and in this region there are a series of small segments present in the oncogenic viruses which are absent in RAV-0. These differences in the U3 region of the LTR could account for the differences in the oncogenic potential of RAV-0 and the avian leukosis viruses. I also compared the regions adjacent to the RAV-0 LTR with the available avian sarcoma virus sequences. A segment of approximately 200 bases to the right of the LTR (toward gag) is almost identical in RAV-0 and the Prague C strain of Rous sarcoma virus. The segment of RAV-0 which lies between the end of the env gene and U3 is approximately 190 bases in length. Essentially this entire segment is present between env and src in the Schmidt-Ruppin A strain of Rous sarcoma virus. Most of this segment is also present between env and src in Prague C; however, in Prague C there is an apparent deletion of 40 bases in the region adjacent to env. In Schmidt-Ruppin A, but not in Prague C, about half of this segment is also present between src and the LTR. This arrangement has implications for the mechanism by which src was acquired. The region which encoded the gp37 portion of env appears to be very similar in RAV-0 and the Rous sarcoma viruses. However, differences at the very end of env imply that the carboxy termini of RAV-0, Schmidt-Ruppin A, and Prague C gp37s are significantly different. The implications of these observations are considered.
Simulation Of Power Electronic Systems Using A Modular State Variable Approach

This paper presents an approach for simulating complex power electronic systems in which the system is divided into multiport networks. 14 state model is written for each multiport using the port voltages as the inputs. based on the state transition matrix is utilized to update the state variables for a multiport. The port voltages are assumed to be clamped for this calculation which allows each multiport state model to be solved independently of the others. The port voltages are then calculated from the state varialbles using network analysis techniques. Thus, the simulation alternates between the determination of the new state values and the calculation of the port voltages. Multiport networks which contain nonlinear elements such as saturable inductoirs may also be modeled. The nonlinear element is replaced by an ideal sampler, a variable gain, and a clamp, and a three step procedure is utilized to update the state variable for a multiport of this type. The modular state variable approach has been tested on example systems and compares favorably to simulation programs such as SPICE2. A recursive relation
Phonetic symbolism with respect to three dimensions from the semantic differential.

(1958). Phonetic Symbolism with Respect to Three Dimensions from the Semantic Differential. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 58, No. 2, pp. 291-297.
A Precompensation Algorithm for PWM-Based Digital Audio Amplifiers for Portable Applications

A novel precompensation algorithm for a pulse width modulation (PWM)-based digital audio amplifier has been developed for portable applications. The straight line segment PWM (SLSPWM) algorithm results in both low-power and low-complexity devices. The division-free version of this algorithm modifies the algorithm by removing the division using a polynomial approximation. Both SLSPWM and division-free SLSPWM feature 16-bit quality performance with fewer calculations compared with previous works.
Water equilibria and management using a two-volume model of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell

Abstract In this paper, we introduce a modified interpretation of the water activity presented in Springer et al. [T.E. Springer, T.A. Zawodzinski, S. Gottesfeld, Polymer electrolyte fuel cell model, J. Electrochem. Soc. 138 (8) (1991) 2334–2342]. The modification directly affects the membrane water transport between the anode and the cathode (two electrodes) of the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell in the presence of liquid water inside the stack. The modification permits calibration of a zero-dimensional isothermal model to predict the flooding and drying conditions in the two electrodes observed at various current levels [D. Spernjak, S. Advani, A.K. Prasad, Experimental investigation of liquid water formation and transport in a transparent single-serpentine PEM fuel cell, in: Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology (FUELCELL2006-97271), June 2006]. Using this model the equilibria of the lumped water mass in the two electrodes are analyzed at various flow conditions of the stack to determine stable and unstable (liquid water growth) operating conditions. Two case studies of water management through modification of cathode inlet humidification and anode water removal are then evaluated using this model. The desired anode water removal and the desired cathode inlet humidification are specified based upon (i) the water balance requirements, (ii) the desired conditions in the electrodes, and (iii) the maximum membrane transport at those conditions.
Developing a Scale to Measure Parental Worry and Their Attitudes Toward Childhood Cancer After Successful Completion of Treatment: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate the psychometric characteristics of a scale designed to measure parents’ attitude toward childhood cancer after treatment has ended. In this stu...
Black Americans and Interracial Marriage: A Focus on Black Women

This paper claims that although there has been a significant increase in the number of scholarly publications on interracial marriages in the United States in recent decades, most of these publications tend to focus on the small but visible increase in marriages, co-habitations and dating; how Whites or European Gentile Americans are gradually becoming accepting of these relationships; the factors that are causing non-Blacks to “reject” Blacks; and specifically factors that are causing White men and other non-Black men to “reject” Black women. As a result, the paper attempts to contribute to this topic by focusing on an important phenomenon—that it could actually be Black women who are turning down non-Black men. The paper presents eight factors that may be causing Black women to turn down interracial romantic relationship requests from non-Black men.
Job description as a therapeutic tool : A case study

Abstract This paper will present a case study in which a unique process of using a job description was utilized to help the client deal with family of origin issues and dysfunctional family patterns. The therapeutic paradigm used in this case was one of empowerment, and as such, the job description exercise was structured to maximize the client's sense of agency. By way of periodic evaluation with the client, the usefulness of using this novel technique as a metaphor was examined and documented. In conclusion, the author presents a variety of situations where the use of “job description” may be utilized with families and individuals.
EXPLORING THE ORIGIN OF THE SOFT X-RAY BACKGROUND WITH ROSAT DEEP OBSERVATIONS

Images from the ROSAT X-ray observatory have been used to probe the origin of the soft X-ray background below a discrete source detetion limit S(0.5-2 keV)~1X10-14 erg s-2 cm-2. By analyzing energy-dependent autocorrelation function of the background in two ROSAT deep-pointing observations, we have statistically measured the spectrum of point-like sources that are still embedded in the background. With this source spectrum, we have then decomposed the background into a point-like source contribution characterized by a power law dl/dE~~9.5E-0.7 keV s-1 cm-2 keV-1 sr-1 and a diffuse contribution represented by a two-temperature plasma. In addition to the soft thermal component that arises primarily in the 106 K gas of the Local Bubble, a hard diffuse thermal component is present in the background spectrum, characterizing an important phase of the interstellar or intergalactic medium of a temperature 2-3X106 K.
Measurements and Evaluation of the Water-to-Air Transfer and Air Concentration for Trichloroethylene in a Shower Chamber

Measurements and Evaluation of the Water-to-Air Transfer and Air Indoor-air models for the transfer of contaminants from tap water to air typically rely on physical properties such as the Henry`s Law constant, diffusion coefficients, etc. and on room-air exchange rates to determine personal-air concentrations. These models do not address other potential sinks or sources for airborne contaminants that could effect exposure. A study was conducted to examine the build-up and decay of trichloroethylene (TCE) in the air of a 1 m{sup 3} shower chamber into which water containing 210 {mu}g/L TCE flowed through nozzles of different flow rates (3--6 L/min) and droplet size (300--1500 microns). The concentrations of TCE in the air of the chamber and in the drain water were measured and the water-to-air transfer efficiency for the three nozzles was determined. The aerosol concentration and size distribution generated by the nozzles was measured. Significant differences were observed between the measured air concentrations and the concentrations predicted by the transfer efficiencies and air exchange rate. These differences are observed to depend on the aerosol concentrations for the three nozzles. Consideration is given to processes such as deposition, incomplete mixing, scavenging, and measurement precision as explanations for these differences.
Female Flight Propensity and Capability in Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) from Russia, North America, and Their Reciprocal F1 Hybrids

In the laboratory, the timing of both preflight and flight behaviors of the Asian strain of female gypsy moths, Lymantria dispar L., was regulated primarily by light intensity. The shortest times to initiation of wing fanning and flight occurred at 0.1 lux, the lowest light intensity evaluated. A gradual decrease in light intensity, compared with an instantaneous decrease, prolonged time to flight. The highest percentage of female flight was observed at 0.1 lux. A higher percentage of females initiated flight when exposed to lower light intensities after the onset of normal scotophase rather than before scotophase. Virgin females were less likely to fly than mated females. Females fanned their wings longer at lower temperatures and when they were capable of only a gliding flight. Females that were flight-tested the same day they emerged tended to take longer to initiate flight than those 1–2 d old. At 0.1 lux, the majority of the Asian females, less than 2% of the F1 hybrid females, and none of the North American females exhibited strong, directed flight. Over half of the F1 hybrids glided for a few meters while flapping their wings, whereas none of the North American females exhibited even this level of flight. Thus, female flight capability will be reduced when flighted and nonflighted forms initially hybridize.
A Review of the Food Safety of Bt Crops

There is a 50-year history of safe use and consumption of agricultural food crops sprayed with commercial Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) microbial pesticides and a 14 year history of safe consumption of food and feed derived from Bt crops. This review summarizes the published literature addressing the safety of Cry insect control proteins found in both Bt microbial pesticides and those introduced into Bt agricultural crops. A discussion on the species-specific mode of action of Cry proteins to control target insect pests is presented. This information provides the scientific basis for the absence of toxicity of Cry proteins towards non-target organisms that has been confirmed in numerous mammalian toxicology studies. A human dietary exposure assessment for Cry proteins has also been provided which includes information that food processing of Bt crops such as maize leads to loss of functionally active Cry proteins in processed food products. Lastly the food and feed safety benefits of Bt crops are briefly summarized including lower insecticide use and reduction in fumonisin mycotoxin contamination of grain.
Effect of cooling on alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic responses in canine saphenous and femoral veins.

Experiments were designed to determine the effects of cooling on alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic responses in isolated canine veins. Rings of saphenous and femoral veins were suspended for isometric tension recording in modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution, gassed with 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Cooling (from 37-24 degrees C) augmented contractions to norepinephrine in saphenous but caused depression in femoral veins. Cooling (to 24 degrees C) had no effect on alpha-1 adrenergic responses evoked by phenylephrine in saphenous veins but caused depression in femoral veins. Alpha-2 adrenergic responses produced by UK 14,304 were augmented by cooling in the saphenous but were virtually abolished by cooling in femoral veins. Cooling decreased the dissociation constant (i.e., increased affinity) of corynanthine for alpha-1 adrenoceptors in saphenous and femoral veins (approximately 3-fold), and the dissociation constant of rauwolscine for alpha-2 adrenoceptors in saphenous veins (approximately 7.5-fold). The influence of cooling on alpha adrenoceptor responsiveness was analyzed using computer-generated receptor-models. The results suggest that the differential sensitivity of cutaneous and deep blood vessels to cooling results from differences in efficiency of alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenoceptor response coupling. In the saphenous vein, there is a large alpha-1 adrenoceptor reserve which buffers the alpha-1 adrenergic response from the inhibitory influence of cooling. This coupled with a cooling-induced increase in alpha-2 adrenoceptor affinity ensures that cooling augments the response to norepinephrine. In the femoral vein, there is no alpha-1 adrenoceptor reserve and cooling therefore depresses alpha-1 adrenergic responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Naplet: a flexible mobile agent framework for network-centric applications

As an alternative distributed programming paradigm, mobile agent technology has recently received much attention with the explosive growth of the Internet. To support mobile agent oriented programming, we have developed a Java-compliant system, Naplet, for increasingly important network-centric distributed applications. The system provides programmers with constructs to create and launch agents and with mechanisms for management of agent execution. Its distinctive features include a structured navigation facility, reliable agent communication mechanism, open resource management policies, and secure service interfaces between alien agents and agent servers. This article reports the architecture of the Naplet system and its application in network management.
The Impact of Different TP53 Mutations on Outcome in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

outcomes among elderly Medicare-enrolled MDS patients in the USA. Methods: Patients were identified from the SEER-Medicare database using these criteria: 1) ICD-O-3 codes for MDS, 2) diagnosed between 1/1/2005 and 12/31/2011, 3) aged 66 years at diagnosis, and 4) enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B continuously through death or end of study (12/31/2012). Medicare payments were used to estimate costs and adjusted to 2012 US dollars. Cumulative costs were calculated as per Zhao et al (Stat Med 2007). To estimate MDS-specific costs, costs in a matched group of cancerfree Medicare beneficiaries were subtracted from costs in MDS cohort. Comorbidities were used to calculate a modified Elixhauser comorbidity and the disability status scores. KaplaneMeier estimates described overall survival (OS) probabilities from date of diagnosis. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. Tests were two-sided with an alpha of 0.05. Results: Out of 8,564 eligible patients, 86.7% were white, 53.0% males, 52.5% 80 years at diagnosis, and 15.7% received hypomethylating agents ([HMA]. Twoand 3-year observed OS rates were 48.7% and 40.6%, respectively. The 2-year MDS-specific cost per patient ranged between $43,950 and $83,961 across 12 states. Factors associated with improved 2-year survival included female gender, non-white ethnicity, younger age at diagnosis, refractory anemia (RA) and RA with ring sideroblasts subtypes, pre-diagnosis health costs, lower Elixhauser comorbidity and lower disability status scores. In contrast, zip code-median household income level, HMA use, and the two-year state-level MDS-specific costs [Reference: low costs, HR for medium costs 1.02, 95%CI, 0.93-1.12, P-value1⁄40.74, and for high costs HR was 0.99, 95%CI, 0.92-1.06, P-value1⁄40.73] were not associated with the 2-year OS probabilities. Additionally, the 2-year MDS-specific costs were also not associated with the 3-year OS probabilities. Conclusions:Medicare expenditure on elderly MDS patients varied significantly across different states in the USA during the two years post-diagnosis, but was not related to the 2-year or 3-year survival. The disconnection between cost and outcome warrants additional research.
Influence of the Safener Benoxacor on the Metabolism of Metolachlor in Corn

The herbicide safener benoxacor (CGA -154281) is effective in protecting corn from meto­lachlor injury. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity of corn seedlings was stimulated by low concentrations of benoxacor as was the formation of a polar metabolite identified as the glutathione (GSH) conjugate of metolachlor. A similar degree of enhancement of metolachlor metabolism was observed in both a metolachlor-tolerant (’Cargill 7567’) and a metolachlor-susceptible (’Northrup-King 9283’) corn line. The total GSH content of shoots of the metolachlor-susceptible corn hybrid was not affected by benoxacor treatment, but an increase was noted for shoots of the tolerant corn hybrid. The two corn hybrids with differential tolerance to metolachlor also differ in their dose response to benoxacor with higher safener concentra­tions failing to induce or inhibit GST activity of the tolerant ’Cargill 7567’ corn line. Stimula­tion of GST activity and a corresponding enhanced rate of metolachlor metabolism can ac­count for the safening effect of benoxacor. These mechanism of action of dichloroacetamide safeners.
Erectile Function Recovery after Radical Prostatectomy in Men with High Risk Features

Purpose: We describe the efficacy of radical prostatectomy to achieve complete primary tumor excision while preserving erectile function in a cohort of patients with high risk features in whom surgical resection was tailored according to clinical staging, biopsy data, preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings.Materials and Methods: In a retrospective review we identified 584 patients with high risk features (prostate specific antigen 20 ng/ml or greater, clinical stage T3 or greater, preoperative Gleason grade 8-10) who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2006 and 2012. The probability of neurovascular bundle preservation was estimated based on preoperative characteristics. Positive surgical margin rates and erectile function recovery were determined in patients who had some degree of neurovascular bundle preservation.Results: The neurovascular bundles were resected bilaterally in 69 (12%) and unilaterally in 91 (16%) patients. The remaining patients had some degree of bilateral neurovascular b...
Evaluation of a High-resolution Electrophoresis System

A high-resolution electrophoresis system (Panagel) is evaluated by comparing the results with Microzone electrophoresis and with quantitation of individual protein fractions by the radial immunodiffusion technic and by the SMA system. The high-resolution electrophoresis showed a higher percentage of gamma globulin and a lower percentage of albumin than the Microzone system, with the alpha-1, alpha-2, and beta globulins being similar in quantity. The eight protein fractions studied: albumin, alpha-1 antitrypsin, alpha-2 inacroglobulin, haptoglobin, beta-lipoprotein, C3 complement, and gamma globulin, correlated very well with the corresponding components in the various methods used. The normal values of the protein fractions were determined.
WORSENING MITRAL STENOSIS GRADIENT POST TAVR FOR AORTIC STENOSIS

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is an established therapy for high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Mitral annular calcification and degenerative mitral stenosis are commonly seen in this patient population. Concomitant mitral stenosis may pose a challenge in both patient selection