cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of Organic Amendments To Reduce Volatile Pesticide Emissions from Soil

Atmospheric emission of volatile pesticides such as soil fumigants contributes to air pollution, and feasible strategies to reduce their emission are urgently needed. In this study, we investigated the potential of applying organic wastes to reduce the emission of two important fumigants, methyl bromide (MeBr) and methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), by enhancing their degradation in surface soil. The degradation of both compounds was significantly accelerated in composted manure or biosolid-manure amended soils, and the enhancement was greater for MITC than for MeBr. The difference in degradation kinetics between sterile and nonsterile amended soils indicates that degradation of MeBr in amended soils was chemically mediated, while that of MITC was mainly a result of stimulated microbial degradation. Applying 5% of composted manure to the 5 cm surface soil in packed columns reduced MeBr emission by 12%, and almost completely eliminated the volatilization of MITC. As certain organic amendments can suppress soil p...
Multi-functional, electrically small, near field resonant parasitic antennas and their applications

We have developed a variety of electrically small, near-field resonant parasitic (NFRP) antennas. Their NFRP elements are based on different types of metamaterial unit cells and both electric and magnetic couplings between the driven and NFRP elements. High radiation efficiencies and nearly complete matching to the source is achieved with no external matching circuit. Passive and active metamaterial unit cells have been investigated. Multi-functional systems based on a single driven element and on multiple NFRP elements have been reported. Both low profile and conformal versions have been demonstrated. Electrically small antenna applications, including power harvesting, have been explored. Examples of these different classes of small antenna systems and their performance characteristics will be presented.
Probing transmural myocardial perfusion with CMR.

The cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) studies of Mordini et al. [(1)][1] in this issue and Chiribiri et al. [(2)][2] in the May 2013 issue of iJACC probe 2 approaches for evaluating transmural perfusion in humans. The importance of subendocardial reductions in myocardial blood flow in the
Young adult women who report childhood intrafamilial sexual abuse: subsequent adjustment.

Young adult women who had experienced incest and a matched comparison group were examined for differences in interpersonal functioning, sexual functioning, self-esteem, and emotional adjustment. Those reporting incest reported significantly poorer general social adjustment, especially in dating relationships. They had significantly lower levels of sexual satisfaction, lower self-esteem, and distorted body images, as well as greater depression and lower positive affect. These characteristics may be related not only to the incest experience but to the general family environment in which incest occurred, as significant differences in family characteristics were also observed. Language: en
CARCINOSARCOMA AND SARCOMATOID CARCINOMA OF THE BLADDER: CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF 41 CASES

AbstractPurpose: Carcinosarcoma of the bladder is a rare neoplasm characterized by an intimate admixture of carcinoma and malignant soft tissue neoplasm. The clinical usefulness of separating carcinosarcoma (carcinoma with sarcomatous component) from sarcomatoid carcinoma (carcinoma with spindle cell carcinomatous component) is uncertain, and it comprises the subject of this report.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the clinical and pathological records of 10 men and 5 women a mean of 66 years old with carcinosarcoma, and 21 men and 5 women a mean of 66.5 years old with sarcomatoid carcinoma of the bladder, as documented in the files of the Mayo Clinic between 1936 and 1995.Results: Of the 15 patients in the carcinosarcoma group 9 had urothelial carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, 3 had squamous cell carcinoma and 2 had more than 1 type. The sarcomatous component included chondrosarcoma in 3 cases, leiomyosarcoma in 3, malignant fibrous histiocytoma in 3, osteosarcoma in 2, fibrosarcoma in 1, rhabdomyosarcom...
Resource Management in the Petrochemical Industry

The petrochemical industry is a system of chemical processes that convert petroleum and natural gas into chemicals from which plastics, elastomers, and other synthetic materials can be made. As petroleum and natural gas supplies dwindle, this industry must look elsewhere for its raw materials. A linear-programming model of the industry is described, in which the objective is the efficient use of feedstocks. Four feedstock alternatives are evaluated with this model; the results of these studies are analyzed with respect to changes in the optimal process technology resulting from changes in feedstock availability. The model solutions also indicate the net change in feedstock requirement for the industry, per unit increase in demand for each product. This “feedstock efficiency index” indicates areas of incentive for developing new process technology; these areas are different for different feedstock alternatives. Analysis such as this should provide government planners with information for long-range planning and resource management.
Are Well-Calibrated Users Effective Users? Associations Between Calibration of Trust and Performance on an Automation-Aided Task

Objective:We present alternative operationalizations of trust calibration and examine their associations with predictors and outcomes.Background:It is thought that trust calibration (correspondence between aid reliability and user trust in the aid) is a key to effective human–automation performance. We propose that calibration can be operationalized in three ways. Perceptual accuracy is the extent to which the user perceives the aid’s reliability accurately at one point in time. Perceptual sensitivity and trust sensitivity reflect user adjustment of perceived reliability and trust as the aid’s actual reliability changes over time.Method:One hundred fifty-five students completed an X-ray screening task with an automated screener. Awareness of the aid’s accuracy trajectory and error type was examined as predictors, and task performance and aid failure detection were examined as outcomes.Results:Awareness of accuracy trajectory was significantly associated with all three operationalizations of calibration, b...
Surface wave multipath signals in near-field microwave imaging

Microwave imaging techniques are prone to signal corruption from unwanted multipath signals. Near-field systems are especially vulnerable because signals can scatter and reflect from structural objects within or on the boundary of the imaging zone. These issues are further exacerbated when surface waves are generated with the potential of propagating along the transmitting and receiving antenna feed lines and other low-loss paths. In this paper, we analyze the contributions ofmulti-path signals arising from surface wave effects. Specifically, experiments were conducted with a near-field microwave imaging array positioned at variable heights from the floor of a coupling fluid tank. Antenna arrays with different feed line lengths in the fluid were also evaluated. The results show that surface waves corrupt the received signals over the longest transmission distances across the measurement array. However, the surface wave effects can be eliminated provided the feed line lengths are sufficiently long independently of the distance of the transmitting/receiving antenna tips from the imaging tank floor. Theoretical predictions confirm the experimental observations.
Elastic Pavement Analysis Using Infinite Elements

A numerical analysis of a multilayered rigid pavement system is presented. To efficiently model the behavior of the subgrade soil layers in the horizontal direction, infinite elements are used to represent the decaying feature of the field variables (displacements and stresses) in the far field. Ordinary finite elements are used in a relatively small region around the applied loads to accurately capture the stress field. Compared with a conventional finite-element analysis of pavements, wherein a finite size of the computational domain must be chosen and artificial boundary conditions must be assumed at the truncated boundary, the current approach can significantly reduce the total number of elements, saving considerable computation time and thereby making feasible more extensive analysis.
Laminar distribution of geniculo-cortical afferents in visual cortex of the postnatal kitten

Summary The intracortical distribution of degenerating processes in immature visual cortex has been examined with light (Fink-Heimer method) and electron microscopy following the production of electrolytic lesions in the lateral geniculate body or perigeniculate regions in kittens ranging in age from 4 days to 2 weeks. In very young kittens (less than 2 weeks of age) degenerating processes were largely confined to superficial layers of cortex (layers I and II). The distribution of degeneration in layer IV was noticeable in older kittens. A close correspondence was observed between light and electron microscopic findings in respect to the distribution of degeneration. The data obtained suggest that the development of geniculo-cortical afferents occurs as a two-stage temporally overlapping process consisting of an early phase of axodendritic input to superficial cortical elements and a later developing input to layer IV. These morphological observations are discussed in relation to postnatal alterations in the electrographic characteristics of visual evoked responses in the kitten.
Deaccessioning: A Policy Perspective

The concept of removing artwork from a museum's collection (deaccessioning) has been the topic of much discussion and debate over the last several years. However, the conversation has mostly focused on the ethics of deaccessioning. Notably, the primary professional associations governing museums position their policies on deaccessioning within their ethical standards. Yet little has been studied on the history and motivation of the development of such policy. Through the tracing of deaccessioning history and public debates, this research examines the practice of deaccessioning from a policy perspective. Through the examination of the actions at national, state, local, and institutional levels, this study considers the history and future of deaccessioning policy.
Assertion and aggression in adult offenders

Assertive and aggressive behavior were assessed by role-playing and self-report techniques in groups of convicted offenders and demographically similar participants in a publicly supported vocational retraining program. Results revealed significantly higher aggression among offenders on role-playing measures. Although there was no significant univariate difference in assertiveness ratings, this result was complicated by significant and varying relationships between assertion and aggression in the two groups. With this relationship controlled, there was a higher level of rated assertion among nonoffenders. The findings suggest the advisability of including an emphasis on aggression reduction in assertiveness training programs for offenders and the importance of including measures of aggression in outcome studies of assertiveness training.
Optimized fluorescent-based waveguide: design parameters for the single-mode tapered optical fiber loop for chemical sensing

Previous work has discovered that the silanization of material onto a tapered single mode fiber can form a new effective waveguide that is optimized for capture of fluorescent energy. Such a system actually generates fluorescent energy captured into a fluorescent mode. The adiabatic nature of the taper allows this energy to be efficiently coupled into the fiber fundamental mode, and propagated to the detector end of the sensor. Approaches to determine the optimal design of the tapered fiber loop are considered, both from a fabrication standpoint and theoretical analyses.
A High-Throughput In Vitro Drug Screen in a Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Identifies BMS-754807 as a Promising Therapeutic Agent

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) represent a particularly lethal type of pediatric brain cancer with no effective therapeutic options. Our laboratory has previously reported the development of genetically engineered DIPG mouse models using the RCAS/tv-a system, including a model driven by PDGF-B, H3.3K27M, and p53 loss. These models can serve as a platform in which to test novel therapeutics prior to the initiation of human clinical trials. In this study, an in vitro high-throughput drug screen as part of the DIPG preclinical consortium using cell-lines derived from our DIPG models identified BMS-754807 as a drug of interest in DIPG. BMS-754807 is a potent and reversible small molecule multi-kinase inhibitor with many targets including IGF-1R, IR, MET, TRKA, TRKB, AURKA, AURKB. In vitro evaluation showed significant cytotoxic effects with an IC50 of 0.13 μM, significant inhibition of proliferation at a concentration of 1.5 μM, as well as inhibition of AKT activation. Interestingly, IGF-1R signaling was absent in serum-free cultures from the PDGF-B; H3.3K27M; p53 deficient model suggesting that the antitumor activity of BMS-754807 in this model is independent of IGF-1R. In vivo, systemic administration of BMS-754807 to DIPG-bearing mice did not prolong survival. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated that tumor tissue drug concentrations of BMS-754807 were well below the identified IC50, suggesting that inadequate drug delivery may limit in vivo efficacy. In summary, an unbiased in vitro drug screen identified BMS-754807 as a potential therapeutic agent in DIPG, but BMS-754807 treatment in vivo by systemic delivery did not significantly prolong survival of DIPG-bearing mice.
Non-Linear Smoothing Filters And Noise Structure In Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning: A Preliminary Report

Preliminary results have been obtained with a non-linear filter system for projection data in computed tomography imaging. The non-linear filter system consists of a sequence of three filters: a non-linear median smoother, a linear smoother and a non-linear correction filter. The non-linear correction filter is a modified Kalman filter. Both patient data and simulated phantom data have been used in evaluating and designing the non-linear filter system. There are six parameters to be adjusted to the type of projection data considered. Additional work is required to optimize the filter system. Our preliminary results show a significant improvement in image resolution for a noise reduction comparable to what is obtained with conventional linear filtering techniques. However, this is at the cost of enhancing the streak artifacts.
Heat convection in a 180-deg turning duct with different turn configurations

The numerical results for secondary flow patterns and heat transfer distribution in a two-pass, square duct with a 180-deg sharp turn are presented to examine the effects of three different turning configurations: 1) straight-corner turn, 2) rounded-corner turn, and 3) circular turn. The simulation employs a nonstaggered grid, pressure-based, finite difference method and solves for three-dimensional transport equations in curvilinear coordinates. Modeling of turbulence uses an extended version of k-? model. The computed results reveal that secondary flow in the post-turn region displays combined features of a bend-induced, Dean-type circulation and a form-induced separation behind the partition wall. The detailed flow structure as well as its effect on the local heat transfer varies significantly with different turn configurations. At the turn, the straight-corner case has the strongest turn-induced heat transfer enhancement, while the circular turn has the weakest. In the post-turn region heat transfer with circular turn surpasses those of the other two configurations by almost the same difference in the turning region. Average heat transfer results from the present numerical modeling agree favorably with experimental data.
Is antidepressant plus sildenafil a recipe for priapism

(2004). Is antidepressant plus sildenafil a recipe for priapism? Postgraduate Medicine: Vol. 116, No. 6, pp. 11-12.
Selectivity of 4‐methylhistamine at H1‐ and H2‐receptors in the guinea‐pig isolated ileum

The selectivity of 4-methylhistamine (4-MH) as an agonist at histamine H1- and H2-receptors has been evaluated in the guinea-pig isolated ileum. The EC50 values of 4-MH on H1- and H2-receptors that mediate contractile responses were determined. The EC50 at H1-receptors was estimated after selective blockade of H2-receptors by tiotidine and the EC50 at H2-receptors estimated after selective blockade of H1-receptors by mepyramine. The -log EC50 values at H1- and at H2-receptors were 4.57 and 5.23, respectively. The dissociation constants for the interaction of 4-MH with H1- and H2-receptors were determined. The -log KD values at H1- and H2-receptors were 3.55 and 4.27, respectively. These results suggest that 4-MH is only about 5 times as potent at H2- as it is at H1-receptors in the guinea-pig ileum and that 4-MH should be used with caution to discriminate between H1- and H2-receptors.
Large enhancements in the current response of primary alcohols caused by the interactions of unlike anions

A trend is revealed for the electrochemical oxidation of methanol and primary alcohols. The percent increase in current, which is achieved by replacing some of the supporting electrolyte with a more inhibiting one, becomes larger with respect to the number of carbon atoms in the alcohol. This trend is correlated to increases in the ratio of the amount of aldehydes and carboxylic acids produced to the amount of CO intermediates formed. Localized interactions of unlike anions substantially enhance the rate of production of aldehydes and carboxylic acids. Because of the requirement of a larger number of sites and the adsorption of large surface intermediates, comparable rate increases are not achieved for the formation and removal of CO intermediates.
A Program to Effect Vocational Restoration of “Unemployable” Cardiac Cases

A rehabilitation center in a general hospital setting provided to “unemployable” cardiac patients a program including the comprehensive application of all its diagnostic and therapeutic services in close cooperation with the patients' personal physicians. A graded program of increasing general and prevocational activity concurrent with psychosocial services led to a general increase in tolerance for physical performance. Of the first 45 patients entering the program, 20 were discontinued. Discontinuance was as frequent for bona fide medical causes as it was for personality maladjustment. Of the remaining 25 patients, 17 completed the center program and were either working, entered into vocational retraining programs, or were assigned for direct employment activity in an industrial workshop. It appears evident that with a continuing uninterrupted rehabilitation program under medical supervision involving the “total” patient and his circumstances, certain individuals considered unemployable can become gainfully employed.
Becoming accountable—opportunities and obstacles for ACOs.

The Patient Protection and Accountable Care Act (ACA) requires the secretary of health and human services to establish a program within Medicare in which savings from efficient, high-value care are shared with accountable care organizations (ACOs). No demonstration project, this is the start of an ongoing way of paying for care; the program is to be launched in January 2012. The concept is appealing, but right now ACOs don't exist, and regulations regarding qualification as an ACO have not yet been published. Much needs to be done to make this new approach to payment and delivery a reality. In principle, . . .
The compleat cyber-angler: a guide to phishing

In his seventeenth-century treatise on fishing, The Compleat Angler, Izaak Walton made many observations about the principal types of fish that an angler could catch, and the methods for catching them. Although serious in his purpose, he admitted that in writing of fishing “I have made myself a recreation of a recreation ….” 1
BRILLOUIN ZONE EFFECTS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY, AND FERMI SURFACE OF INDIUM ALLOYS

A Fermi surface-- Brillouin zone interaction in the indium-rich solid solution of In-Sn and In-Pb systems that is reflected in both lattice parameter and superconducting properties is described. The specific nature of the electronic effect is discussed. The lattice parameter data also lead to a reinterpretation of the existing magnetoacoustic data on the Fermi surface of In. (C.E.S.)
Effects of back-contacting method and temperature on CdTe/CdS solar cells

In this study, we use three common types of back contacts to CdTe—a ZnTe:Cu back-contact interface layer, a Cu/Au bilayer, and HgTe:Cu-doped graphite paste—to enable us to gain greater understanding of how back-contact processing affects the entire CdTe/CdS device. Current density-voltage (J-V) and quantum efficiency (QE) measurements are used to examine device performance and carrier collection. Variations in the CdTe net acceptor density are examined using capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements. Temperature-dependent current density-voltage (JVT) characterization is used to investigate the back-contact barrier height. These methods enhance our understanding of contacts to CdTe and the effects of these contacts on CdTe photovoltaic devices.
Raman study of effect of phospholipid chain unsaturation on bilayer phase transitions

Raman scattering has been used to study the gel to liquid-crystalline transition in several unsaturated mixed-chain, saturated mixed-chain, and unsaturated symmetric phospholipids. The results show that the large transition temperature widths in membranes containing unsaturated mixed-chain phospholipids in which the two acyl chains do not differ significantly in length are due mainly to the presence of the double bond and not to the asymmetry in the chains.
Advances in Genetics 2010

The last year has seen several advances in genetics relevant to understanding the pathophysiology of stroke and to advancing diagnosis, prognosis, and care. ### Chromosome 9p21.3 Locus One of the most intriguing associations is that of a risk locus on chromosome 9p21.3 with ischemic stroke. This locus was first discovered by genomewide association to be a risk factor for coronary artery disease1,–,3 before studies showed a relationship with ischemic stroke.4,5 The locus also associates with intracranial and aortic aneurysms.6 The causative variant remains unknown. Recently, chromosome 9p21.3 has also been associated with platelet reactivity.7 This increased platelet reactivity may explain the association with myocardial infarction and stroke; it is less clear how increased platelet reactivity might relate to aneurysm formation. The 9p21.3 locus includes a noncoding RNA known as ANRIL, which in turn alters expression of several genes related to cellular proliferation.8 A richer explanation for the pleiotropic effects of the 9p21.3 locus on multiple vascular beds should emerge in the near future. ### Cerebral Autosomal-Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy and Conventional Risk Factors Cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) remains incurable. However, recent clinical observations suggest that the …
Barriers to advancing nanotechnology to better improve and translate nanomedicines

Engineered nanomaterials and nanotechnologies promise many benefits to enhance both in vitro and in vivo performance. This is now manifest in the increasing number of reported biomedical products under development and testing that contain nanotechnologies as their distinguishing performance—enhancing components. In many cases, nano-sized materials are selected to provide a specific functional aspect that contributes to improved medical performance, either in vitro or in vivo. Nanoparticles are most commonly exploited in diverse roles in topical lotions and creams, solubilization aids, for in vitro and in vivo diagnostic and targeting agents in nanomedicines and theranostics. Despite fundamental scientific excitement and many claims to nanotechnology-based improvements in new biomedical applications, several fundamental and long-standing challenges remain to be addressed using nanomedicines to make clinically important progress. This review addresses several issues that must be fairly and objectively reported and then overcome to provide truly credible performance for nanomedicines.
A groundwater nonpoint source pollution modeling framework to evaluate long‐term dynamics of pollutant exceedance probabilities in wells and other discharge locations

[1] Understanding the long-term effect of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution on groundwater of agricultural regions is an increasing challenge of global importance. A novel groundwater modeling framework is developed to assess and evaluate the dynamic, spatio-temporally distributed linkages between nonpoint sources above a groundwater basin and groundwater discharges to wells, streams, or other compliance discharge surfaces (CDSs) within a groundwater basin. The modeling framework allows for efficient evaluation of NPS pollution scenarios and of their short- and long-term effects on pollutant exceedance probabilities in CDSs. Using the model, we investigate the effect of aquifer heterogeneity, well design variability, and spatio-temporal nitrate source variability on nitrate in domestic and large production wells of a semiarid, irrigated agricultural region. Results show that the timing of nitrate breakthrough in wells is significantly controlled by aquifer recharge and pumping rates in NPS areas and by the effective porosity of the aquifer system. Results further show that mixing within a domestic or large production well is a dominant source of dispersive behavior in pollutant breakthrough. In production wells with shorter screens, macrodispersivity due to aquifer heterogeneity accelerates the earliest breakthrough. Variability in well construction and spatio-temporal variability of nitrate sources most strongly control the temporal dynamics of the nitrate exceedance probability and the variability of nitrate between wells, regardless of the degree of aquifer heterogeneity. Hence, characterization of the heterogeneity of external sources and sinks is critical to understand variability and uncertainty about nonpoint source pollution in groundwater discharge locations across basins.
A copositivity probe

Abstract The paper explores ways of determining whether a given symmetric matrix is copositive. In particular, a computational procedure is proposed for determining (if it exists) a representation of the matrix as a sum of a positive semidefinite matrix and a nonnegative matrix. The procedure is found to be successful in a significant number of cases.
Friction-Stir Welding and Processing

With nearly twenty years of international research and collaboration in friction stir welding (FSW) and processing industrial applications have spread into nearly every feasible market. Currently applications exist in aerospace, railway, automotive, personal computers, technology, marine, cutlery, construction, as well as several other markets. Implementation of FSW has demonstrated diverse opportunities ranging from enabling new materials to reducing the production costs of current welding technologies by enabling condensed packaging solutions for traditional fabrication and assembly. TMS has sponsored focused instruction and communication in this technology area for more than fifteen years, with leadership from the Shaping and Forming Committee, which organizes a biannual symposium each odd year at the annual meeting. A focused publication produced from each of these symposia now comprises eight volumes detailing the primary research and development activities in this area over the last two decades. The articles assembled herein focus on both recent developments and technology reviews of several key markets from international experts in this area.
Traumatic shattering of intrastromal corneal ring segments.

Long-term stability of intrastromal corneal ring segments is important in maintaining patients' corrected distance visual acuity and avoiding injury to the local tissues. We report a case of traumatic shattering of intrastromal segments due to blunt trauma, with successful removal of the fragments. Financial Disclosure Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Enzyme-linked fluorescence immunoassays using beta-galactosidase and antibodies covalently bound to polystyrene plates

A solid-phase enzyme-linked immunoassay using a fluorogenic substrate (4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside) was developed. Antibodies were covalently linked to glutaraldehyde-activated 96-well aminopolystyrene plates. Antigens from test samples were adsorbed to the solid phase and detected using antibodies conjugated with E. coli beta-galactosidase. Glutaraldehyde, N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio)-propionate or N-succinimidyl-6-(4-azido-2-nitrophenylamino)-hexanoate were used as linkers between antibodies and the enzyme. The measurement of fluorescence can be automated for rapid screening of many specimens. The sensitivity limit of the test for HBsAg is about 5-10 pg.
Ectonucleotidase NTPDase3 is abundant in pancreatic β-cells and regulates glucose-induced insulin secretion

Extracellular ATP released from pancreatic β-cells acts as a potent insulinotropic agent through activation of P2 purinergic receptors. Ectonucleotidases, a family of membrane-bound nucleotide-metabolizing enzymes, regulate extracellular ATP levels by degrading ATP and related nucleotides. Ectonucleotidase activity affects the relative proportion of ATP and its metabolites, which in turn will impact the level of purinergic receptor stimulation exerted by extracellular ATP. Therefore, we investigated the expression and role of ectonucleotidases in pancreatic β-cells. Of the ectonucleotidases studied, only ENTPD3 (gene encoding the NTPDase3 enzyme) mRNA was detected at fairly abundant levels in human and mouse pancreatic islets as well as in insulin-secreting MIN6 cells. ARL67156, a selective ectonucleotidase inhibitor, blocked degradation of extracellular ATP that was added to MIN6 cells. The compound also decreased degradation of endogenous ATP released from cells. Measurements of insulin secretion in MIN6 cells as well as in mouse and human pancreatic islets demonstrated that ARL67156 potentiated glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Downregulation of NTPDase3 expression in MIN6 cells with the specific siRNA replicated the effects of ARL67156 on extracellular ATP hydrolysis and insulin secretion. Our results demonstrate that NTPDase3 is the major ectonucleotidase in pancreatic β-cells in multiple species and that it modulates insulin secretion by controlling activation of purinergic receptors.
Photofission of 209Bi

Abstract The fragment yields of 91 Sr, 92 Sr, 92 Y, 93 Y, 97 Zr, 99 Mo, 105 Ru, 109 Pd, 112 Pd, 111 Ag and 113 Ag were determined radiochemically for the photofission of 209 Bi by bremsstrahlung produced from 28, 30, 32, 35, 36, and 40 MeV electrons impinging on a tungsten converter. A 65 Cu(γ, n ) 64 Cu reaction on thin copper foils served to measure the integrated photon dose. A symmetric mass yield curve of about 19 mass units width was observed throughout the energy region studied. The total fission cross section increased from 1 × 10 −8 barns at 28 MeV to 1 × 10 −5 barns at 40 MeV.
The Economics of Water Transfer

implications of transferring water from low-yielding, conventional uses (mainly agricultural) to newly-emerging and more productive uses (industrial and recreational) in order to enhance the value and productivity of water. The limited supply of water in relation to the fastexpanding demand for it makes this type of transfer almost imperative for the optimum utilization of water resources. This paper is primarily an attempt to study the economic underpinnings of the allocation of water among competing uses. First, the impact of transferring water from low-productive to high-productive uses on the pace and pattern of economic development is examined in some detail. This is followed by a discussion of the economic implications of water transfer. First, the allocation of water in terms of the market for water rights is studied. Second, the various ramifications involved in water pricing are identified. The final section views the problem of water transfer and its consequences from the standpoints of both efficiency and eouity and highlights some of the relevant issues.
Contraction of guinea pig inferior vena cava by eicosanoids

Guinea pig inferior vena cava contracted in response to leukotriene (LT)C4, LTD4, LTE4 U46619, phenylephrine, histamine, and KCl. Although LTC4, LTD4, and U46619 were the most potent agonists, active tension generated by these eicosanoids was only about half that of histamine or KCl. LTE4 and phenylephrine were marginally active. Biochemical analysis showed vena cava able to convert about 23% LTC4 to LTD4 and LTE4 in 45 min. Pretreatment with acivicin prevented this by abrogating conversion of LTC4 to LTD4. A subthreshold concentration of LTE4 reduced responses to LTC4 and LTD4. LY171883 and WY-48252 competitively antagonized LTD4-induced contractions of vena cava. In contrast, these antagonists blocked contractions to LTC4 in a biphasic manner. Lower segments of the LTC4 concentration-response curves were less affected than the upper portion suggesting the possibility of 2 LTC4 receptor subtypes. Our results indicate that LTE4 is a weak or partial agonist in this tissue and furthermore they suggest a lack of high affinity receptors for LTE4 favoring LTC4 and LTD4. Indomethacin did not influence contractions to the leukotrienes or histamine. However, the response to U46619 was greatly enhanced suggesting release of a vasodilator prostaglandin as part of the overall response of the vena cava to the thromboxane A2 mimetic.
A Plea for More Research and Less Diagnosis

Intuitive processes have their place in the clinical judgments of the therapist. They are also necessary in the scientific analysis of personality. But in diagnostic classification for the purpose of deciding the treatments to be given to patients, intuitive processes are ineffective and should be replaced by objective procedures whose efficiency has been established empirically.
Acetocarmine squash method for observing sugar beet chromosomes

Based on successful results of an acetocarmine squash method for staining chromosomes of many plant species, the method was applied to chromosomes of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). This simple method proved to be applicable to the relatively small chromosomes of sugar beet. Several known disadvantages of acetocarmine staining techniques are overcome by applying acid hydrolysis and maceration. Squashing the stained specimens in 45% acetic acid increases the contrast between stained chromosomes and destained cytoplasm. The advantages of this method are its simple procedure and applicability to both somatic and meiotic chromosomes. Uniform and high quality preparations make detailed analysis possible even with the relatively small chromosomes of sugar beet.
Daily targeting of intrahepatic tumors for radiotherapy.

Abstract Introduction : A system has been developed for daily targeting of intrahepatic tumors using a combination of ventilatory immobilization, in-room diagnostic imaging, and on-line setup adjustment. By reducing geometric position uncertainty, as well as organ movement, this system permits reduction of margins and thus potentially higher treatment doses. This paper reports our initial experience treating 8 patients with focal liver tumors using this system. Methods and Materials : The system includes diagnostic X-ray tubes mounted on the wall and ceiling of a treatment room, an active matrix flat panel imager, in-room control for image acquisition and setup adjustment, and a ventilatory immobilization system via active breathing control (ABC). Eight patients participated in the study, two using an early prototype ABC unit, and the remaining six with a commercial ABC system and improved setup measurement tools. Treatment margins were reduced, and dose consequently increased because of increased confidence in target position under this protocol. After daily setup via skin marks, orthogonal radiographs were acquired at suspended ventilation. The images were aligned to the CT model using the diaphragm for inferior-superior (IS) alignment, and the skeleton for left-right (LR) and anterior-posterior (AP) alignment. Adjustments were made for positioning errors greater than a threshold (3 or 5 mm). After treatment, retrospective analysis determined the final setup accuracy, as well as the error in initial setup measurement performed before setup adjustment. Results : Two hundred sixty-two treatment fractions were delivered on eight patients, with 171 treatments requiring repositioning. Typical treatment times were 25–30 min. Patients were able to tolerate ABC throughout the course of treatment. Breath holds up to 35 s long were used for treatment. The use of on-line imaging and setup adjustment reduced setup errors (σ) from 4.0 mm (LR), 6.7 mm (IS), and 3.8 mm (AP) to 2.1 mm (LR), 3.5 mm (IS), and 2.3 mm (AP). Prescribed doses were increased using this system by an average of 5 Gy. Conclusions : Daily targeting of intrahepatic targets has been demonstrated to be feasible. The potential for reduction in treatment margin and consequential safe dose escalation has been demonstrated, while maintaining reasonable treatment delivery times.
The protective influence of spirituality and "Health-as-a-Value" against monthly substance use among adolescents varying in risk.

Abstract Purpose To investigate the influence of two potentially protective factors, Health-as-a-Value and spirituality, on monthly alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use in two multiethnic groups of adolescents varying in risk. Methods Three-hundred-eighty-two students from continuation/alternative high school, a population considered at risk for drug use, participated in the study. The other sample of 260 students was drawn from a medical magnet high school, and is considered to be at lower risk. Similar surveys containing measures of spirituality, “Health-as-a-Value,” and monthly substance use, were distributed. Logistic regression analyses were performed. Results The analyses revealed that spirituality was protective against monthly alcohol use and marijuana use in the lower risk sample. In the higher risk sample, spirituality was protective against all monthly use. “Health-as-a-Value” (HAV) was protective against monthly alcohol use in the low risk sample, and protective against all monthly use in the higher risk sample. Importantly, when both constructs were entered into the same model, spirituality and HAV were independently protective of all monthly use for the higher risk sample and of monthly alcohol use in the lower risk sample. Conclusions These findings extend earlier work on protective factors. “Health-as-a-Value” and spirituality may be protective against substance use in environments with different levels of use. Future studies should explore these findings in longitudinal analyses.
Carbonylation of amines and diamines catalyzed by nickel carbonyl

Abstract The carbonylation of amines and diamines was carried out using nickel carbonyl as the catalyst. Reaction of butylamine, diethylamine, and diphenylamine with carbon monoxide all lead exclusively to the corresponding formamide derivative. Benzylamine reacts with carbon monoxide to yield urea and 1,2-diphenylethane. Diamines such as ethylenediamine 1,2-diaminopropane, and 1,3-propylenediamine react to yield a cyclic condensation product, a cyclic urea, and a carbamic acid.
Variation in human β‐defensin genes: new insights from a multi‐population study

Human β-defensin 2 (hBD-2) and hBD-3, encoded by DEFB4 and DEFB103A, respectively, have shown anti-HIV activity, and both genes exhibit copy number variation (CNV). Although the role of hBD-1, encoded by DEFB1, in HIV-1 infection is less clear, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DEFB1 may influence viral loads and disease progression. We examined the distribution of DEFB1 SNPs and DEFB4/103A CNV, and the relationship between DEFB1 SNPs and DEFB4/103A CNV using samples from two HIV/AIDS cohorts from the United States (n = 150) and five diverse populations from the Coriell Cell Repositories (n = 46). We determined the frequencies of 10 SNPs in DEFB1 using a post-PCR, oligonucleotide ligation detection reaction-fluorescent microsphere assay, and CNV in DEFB4/103A by real-time quantitative PCR. There were noticeable differences in the frequencies of DEFB1 SNP alleles and haplotypes among various racial/ethnic groups. The DEFB4/103A copy numbers varied from 2 to 8 (median, 4), and there was a significant difference between the copy numbers of self-identified whites and blacks in the US cohorts (Mann-Whitney U-test P = 0.04). A significant difference was observed in the distribution of DEFB4/103A CNV among DEFB1 -52G/A and -390T/A genotypes (Kruskal-Wallis P = 0.017 and 0.026, respectively), while not in the distribution of DEFB4/103A CNV among -52G/A_-44C/G_-20G/A diplotypes. These observations provide additional insights for further investigating the complex interplay between β-defensin genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to, or the progression or severity of, HIV infection/disease.
The E. coli gene encoding heat stable toxin is a bacterial transposon flanked by inverted repeats of IS1.

Restriction endonuclease subclones of the Escherichia coli gene encoding the heat stable (ST) toxin exhibit a stem and loop structure similar to those seen in many procaryotic transposons. An EcoRI DNA fragment encoding tetra-cycline (Tc) resistance but no transposition functions was spliced into the ST gene in one of these subclones. By monitoring Tcr, we were able to show that the ST gene transposes. Restriction and DNA sequence data strongly suggest that the ST transposon, Tn1681, is flanked by inverted repeats of IS1.
Structural and functional vulnerability analysis for survivability of Smart Grid and SCADA network under severe emergencies and WMD attacks

A Novel or Methodological approach to comprehensively analyze the vulnerability of interdependent infrastructures is introduced in our paper; two types of vulnerability are considered: structural vulnerability and functional vulnerability. For structural vulnerability, infrastructures topologies are the only information while operating regimes of different infrastructures are further taken into consideration to analyze functional vulnerability. In this paper, we propose a flexible and extensible framework for network survivability testing and evaluation based interdependency modeling of Smart Grid and SCADA network. We developed novel approach for vulnerability reduction considering both structural and functional vulnerability. We computed interdependent effect between these networks under different conditions. We used MATLAB for simulation and analysis of methodology developed by us for interdependency analysis. The contribution of this paper provides a feasible research approach for the normalization of network survivability testing and evaluation and the promotion of network survivability research.
Stewart and beyond: New models of acid-base balance

Stewart and beyond: New models of acid-base balance. The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and the base excess have been used traditionally to describe the acid-base balance of the blood. In 1981, Stewart proposed a new model of acid-base balance based upon three variables, the "strong ion difference" (SID), the total weak acids (A Tot ), and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO 2 ). Over 20 years later, Stewart's physiochemical model still remains largely unknown. In this review, we will present both the traditional and the Stewart models of acid-base balance and then derive each using an "ion equilibrium method." Modern theories of acid-base balance may be useful toward the understanding of complex acid-base disorders.
Swim test immobility in a genetic rat model of depression is modified by maternal environment: A cross-foster study

The Flinders sensitive line (FSL) genetic animal model of depression exhibits marked immobility during forced swimming, an accepted index of depressive like behavior in rodent depression models. The present experiment tested the hypothesis that swim test behavior in the FSL rats is influenced in part by early experience, specifically maternal environment. Male FSL and control Flinders resistant line (FRL) pups were cross fostered onto dams of the same or complementary strain. Nest quality and dam behavior during pup retrieval were measured on PN5 and PN8, and swim test behavior assessed in the adult males on PN60. FSL rats reared by foster FRL dams were significantly less immobile than FSL rats raised by FSL dams, but still significantly more immobile that the two FRL groups, which did not differ from each other. FSL dams took significantly longer to retrieve their pups and dropped them more often than the FRL control dams. Moreover, strain differences in maternal retrieval behavior significantly predicted later swim test immobility in the FSL animals. These findings suggest that swim test immobility in the FSL rats is modified by maternal environment. In contrast, the FRL control rats were relatively insensitive to the influence of maternal environment. The FSL model offers promise for understanding the interactions of genetic vulnerabilities and environmental influences in the etiology of clinical depression.
The Efficiency Side of Separated Powers

Considered the cornerstone of the American governmental system and an article of political faith for the Founding Fathers, the concept ‘separation of powers’ nevertheless has few rivals for ambiguity. There are wide differences of opinion as to what the Framers intended by the expression. We are told that they embraced the doctrine of Montesquieu, but there is a good deal of doubt as to what he meant and whether they borrowed from him in the first place. Moreover, the question remains: how should one apply a principle from 1787 to the issues of today?.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE ITALIAN SOUTH: A GEOGRAPHIC CASE STUDY

(1955). RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE ITALIAN SOUTH: A GEOGRAPHIC CASE STUDY. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 45, No. 2, pp. 127-151.
IRAS 06562?0337, the Ironclad Nebula: A New Young Star Cluster

IRAS 06562-0337 has been the recent subject of a classic debate: is it a proto–planetary nebula or a young stellar object? We present the first 2 μm image of IRAS 06562-0337, which reveals an extended diffuse nebula containing approximately 70 stars inside a 30'' radius around a bright, possibly resolved, central object. The derived stellar luminosity function is consistent with that expected from a single coeval population, and the brightness of the nebulosity is consistent with the predicted flux of unresolved low-mass stars. The stars and nebulosity are spatially coincident with strong CO line emission. We therefore identify IRAS 06562-0337 as a new young star cluster embedded in its placental molecular cloud. The central object is likely a Herbig Be star, M ≈ 20 M⊙, which may be seen in reflection. We present medium-resolution high signal-to-noise ratio 1997 epoch optical spectra of the central object. Comparison with previously published spectra shows new evidence for time-variable permitted and forbidden line emission, including Si II, Fe II, [Fe II], and [O I]. We suggest that the origin is a dynamic stellar wind in the extended stratified atmosphere of the massive central star in IRAS 06562-0337.