cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of SO2 on physiology, elemental content and injury development of winter wheat

Abstract The effects of sulfur dioxide on buffering capacity, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, mineral composition and leaf injury of winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum , cv. Yecora Rojo) were studied. Plants were exposed to sulfur dioxide (0, 79, 183, and 393 μg m −3 ) in open-top chambers. Exposures were conducted in Riverside, California, during the coolest part of the year when the plants are believed to be more sensitive to sulfur dioxide than during the rest of the year. Physiological measurements, injury rating and collection of leaf material for chemical analysis were carried out after 22 days of exposure. The results of these measurements were compared with yield data from the final harvest which took place after 118 days of exposure. Elevated SO 2 concentrations caused decrease of buffering capacity, increase of total sulfur content and increase of injury of wheat leaves. These changes correlated significantly with reduction of total seed weight and weight of 100 wheat seeds at the final harvest. Stomatal conductance to water vapor, chlorophyll content and two leaf mineral concentrations (calcium, potassium) were not significantly affected by sulphur dioxide exposure. The results of this study indicated that buffering capacity, total sulfur content and injury of leaves could be used as early indicators of SO 2 stress in wheat and its subsequent yield losses.
Effect of Diethylstilbestrol on Ovarian Responses to Pregnant Mare's Serum Gonadotropin in Hypophysectomized Immature Rats*

The temporal relationships between changes in ovarian cAMP content, ornithine decarboxylase activity (ODC), as well as serum sex steroid concentrations were studied in immature hypophysectomized rats treated with either diethylstilbestrol (DES) or sesame oil 72 h before an iv injection of 20 IU PMS gonadotropin (PMSG). The DES treatment produced about a 50% increase in ovarian weight over that of controls; this increase was largely due to an increased number of granulosa cells in preantral follicles. The rate of ovarian weight increase after injection of PMSG was greater in DES-treated animals than in controls, and was more pronounced after 48 h when luteinization was evident in ovaries exposed to DES. DES did not alter quantitatively or temporarily the changes in ovarian cAMP content induced by PMSG. Changes in ovarian ODC were also similar in oil- or DES-treated animals during the first 12 h after PMSG. Ovaries exposed to DES showed a significant secondary rise in ODC which was not found in controls. At...
The stress/strain behavior of aluminum matrix composites with discontinuous reinforcements

Abstract The flow properties of a ductile Al alloy reinforced with SiC particulates and randomly oriented platelets have been investigated to establish trends with such variables as reinforcement volume fraction, size and aspect ratio. The experimental results are compared with the trends predicted by recent continuum calculations. The general agreement found between experiments and the calculations has established the following characteristic features of the flow strength. This strength is strongly influenced by reinforcement volume fraction ƒ, especially when ƒ is large ( ƒ > 0.3 ). Particulates and non-aligned platelets having aspect ratio 10:1 exhibit about the same strengthening.
Sodium oxybate in the treatment of childhood narcolepsy-cataplexy: A retrospective study

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy and side effect profile of sodium oxybate in the treatment for narcolepsy–cataplexy in the pediatric age group. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 15 children and adolescents with narcolepsy–cataplexy who had been treated with sodium oxybate. The mean age at diagnosis of narcolepsy was 11years (range 3–17years). Subjects were followed for 3–90months (mean 33) after starting sodium oxybate. During this period of time they were also maintained on other medications for sleepiness ( n =14) and cataplexy ( n =6). The charts were reviewed for documentation of improvement in sleepiness or cataplexy, side effects, and functioning in daily life. Results Subsequent to the addition of sodium oxybate, sleepiness improved in 13/15 patients. In patients who had Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) assessments, the score fell from a baseline median of 18 to 12 ( n =10, p =0.01). The number of cataplexy episodes estimated by parents decreased from a median of 38/week pre-treatment to n =14, p p Two of the 15 patients (13%) discontinued sodium oxybate, one for insurance reasons and the other due to constipation and dissociative feelings. A third patient stopped the medication temporarily due to body aches and dizziness, but then resumed treatment without recurrence of symptoms. Side effects in four others included tremor, blurring of vision, nocturnal awakenings, and increased nightmares. Overall, side effects occurred in 6/15 (40%) individuals. Improvement in social/academic spheres was noted in 11/15 (73%) subjects after starting sodium oxybate. The median BMI before and after treatment remained unchanged at 23 ( n =14, p =0.99). Median values of height and weight before and after treatment also did not change significantly. The mean dose of sodium oxybate was 5±2g. Dose escalation owing to development of tolerance was not encountered. Conclusions Sodium oxybate is effective in alleviating sleepiness and cataplexy in childhood onset narcolepsy–cataplexy. The therapeutic response was sustained over time, and without development of tolerance. Forty percent of the subjects experienced adverse effects.
Production of infectious particles at the nonpermissive temperature by a temperature-sensitive mutant of bacteriophage SH-133 specific forPseudomonas facilis

The preliminary characterization of a unique temperature-sensitive (ts) mutant of bacteriophage SH-133, designatedts18, is reported. The mutant showed a substantial reduction in the ability to form plaques at the nonpermissive temperature (32°C) when compared with its plaqueforming ability at the permissive temperature (27°C). However, the supernatant fromts18-infected cells grown at 32°C exhibited significant infectivity when assayed at 27°C, which indicates that the reduced titer ofts18 at 32°C is not due to its inability to form phage particles at that temperature. Phage particles produced at 32°C, but not at 27°C, were thermolabile when tested at 32°C. The thermolability of phage yields from cells mixedly infected at 32°C with increasing wild-type/ts18 input ratios was independent of the quantity of wild-type gene product per cell. Thermostable phage particles were yielded byts18-infected cells that received short pulses of permissive temperature during the latter part of the latent period. These data indicate that the defect of the mutant is due to the production of a nonstructural assembly protein that misfunctions when viral maturation proceeds at the nonpermissive temperature.
Consumer Perceptions Regarding Generic Drug Substitution: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACTAn exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted to determine consumer perceptions regarding generic drug substitution. A survey was administered to consumers filling prescriptions at community pharmacy stores located around Houston, Texas, to examine the relationship between attitude toward generic drugs and consumer perceptions regarding generic drug substitution using a 5-item, 5-point semantic differential scale and a 12-item, 5-point Likert scale, respectively. Overall, consumers had favorable perceptions regarding generic drug substitution and attitude toward generic drugs. Consumers were more favorable regarding generic drug substitution if they had a favorable attitude toward generic drugs. However, a few consumers still believe that generic drug substitution may result in less effective medications and may compromise the quality of the medications they take. Consumers' awareness of the positive aspects of generic drugs is important in increasing their support for generic drug substituti...
Deductive Reasoning with Prose Passages: Effects of Age, Inference Form, Prior Knowledge, and Reading Skill:

This study applied knowledge about inference-making from the deductive reasoning literature to the drawing of specific inferences from prose passages. It explored the effects of age, inference form, prior knowledge, and reading skill on inferential comprehension. In Experiment 1, fourth-grade, seventhgrade, and college students read three prose passages, each containing six inferential questions based on premises expressed in the passages. Premise information was either true, false, or neutral with regard to subjects' prior knowledge. To answer the questions correctly, subjects were required to make deductive inferences with six different inference forms. Content (true, false, or neutral) and form interacted differently depending on the age of subjects, but content affected performance with at least some forms for all age groups. When reasoning with conditional forms, subjects' use of more advanced reasoning patterns with true content decreased with false and neutral content, where less advanced reasoning...
Using Solid Modeling and Rapid Prototyping in a Mechanical Engineering Outreach Program of High School Students

In an effort to attract talented high school students to the engineering profession, Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) has developed a number of outreach programs. The most successful of these, entitled ‘Focus on the Possibilities’, allows the student to select a specific engineering discipline and experience a week-long program in their chosen area. This paper details the program developed by the Mechanical Engineering Department at MSOE to attract talented high school students to the mechanical engineering discipline. The program consists of an integrated design/build/test experience, centered around the design of a scale-model race car. The program is facilitated by two key technologies available at MSOE: solid modeling and solid freeform fabrication (rapid prototyping). Through creative use of these enabling technologies, the students are able to take the design of their racer from concept to realization and testing in the span of the week-long program.
Policing Women: The Sexual Politics of Law Enforcement and the LAPD

Acknowledgments Introduction: "A Man's Job": Gender and Police Work Part I: Gender, the Police, and Criminal Justice Reform 1. "All over the Country There Is a Spirit of Cleaning Up": The Female Reform Tradition and the Origins of the Movement for Women Police 2. Preventive Justice: The Campaign for Women Police Part II: Women Police in Los Angeles 3. "Just Mothers to Everybody": The City Mother's Bureau of Los Angeles, 1914-1929 4. Double Lives: Police Women of the LAPD Juvenile Bureau 5. From City Mother to "Sgt. Tits": The Death of the Crime Prevention Model Epilogue: Out for Justice: The Legacy of the Crime Control Model Notes Index
Opportunities and challenges in exposure science

In undertaking the position of Editor-in-Chief (EiC) of the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology (JESEE), formerly the Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology (JEAEE), for the next 5 years, I am appreciative of all the fine work and devotion of my predecessors as EiC of JESEE and JEAEE during its first 20 years, that is, Myron Mehlman, Edo Pelizzari, and Dana Barr, as well as of all the past and present Associate Editors and members of the Editorial Board, too numerous to mention here. In doing so, I pledge to devote my best to efforts to build on their accomplishments. In particular, my specific aims will be to:
Heterakis gallinarum in the guinea fowl, Numida meleagris: Survival and comparative potential for transmitting Histomonas meleagridis

Abstract As measured by survival to maturity, size, and reproductive potential, Heterakis gallinarum thrived in young guinea fowl, unless concurrent infections with Histomonas meleagridis caused severe cecal lesions. Eggs of heterakids recovered from guinea fowl transmitted H. meleagridis to young turkeys. The young guinea fowl seems to be somewhat less important than the young New Hampshire chicken in spreading histomoniasis, but considerably more important than the young turkey.
Resilience in the Aftermath of The Gulf Of Mexico Oil Spill: An Academic-Community Partnership to Improve Health Education, Social Support, Access to Care, and Disaster Preparedness

ABSTRACT The Gulf of Mexico oil spill affords a unique opportunity to examine resilience from a transdisciplinary, systems perspective. In 2011, the National Research Council (NRC) in its publication “Building Community Disaster Resilience through Private-Public Collaboration” recommended research that results in quantitative risk and outcome markers, projects which strengthen community resilience, and to document best practices. Although the ecological impacts of oil spills are widely studied, the full picture displaying the impact on population health is a lesser-explored area. Disasters, both natural and technological, can result in both short-term and long-term stressors. Tulane University Transdisciplinary Research Consortium for Gulf Resilience on Women's Health (GROWH) and the Gulf Region Health Outreach Program (GRHOP) community engagement and community health navigation projects are examples of evidence-based interventions using trained community health workers (CHWs) to address NRCs recommendati...
The determination of infiltration‐rates on small agricultural watersheds

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the workability of applying the more recent techniques developed for determining, from precipitation and runoff data, the infiltration-rate during storm-runoff. The specific illustration is a continuous precipitation-period of 31.5 hours, which occurred October 30, 31, and November 1, 1941. Total precipitation from the storm was 2.03 inches. Its average intensity was 0.06 inch per hour, and the maximum intensity was 0.33 inch per hour for one tea-minute period. Six and one-half inches of rainfall during the month of October preceded the storm. This storm was of wide scope and was characteristic of storms in the late fall months. A decrease in the infiltration-rate over large areas undoubtedly caused the flood-stages reacted by many of the larger streams throughout the midwest following this prolonged storm of low intensity.
Approximations of Analytic Functions via Generalized Power Product Expansions

Let f ( x ) = 1 + ? n = 1 ∞ a n x n be a formal power series. For a fixed set of nonzero complex numbers { r k } k = 1 ∞ we convert f ( x ) into the formal product ? k = 1 ∞ ( 1 + g k x k ) r k , namely the Generalized Power Product Expansion. We provide estimates on the domain of absolute convergence of the infinite product when f ( x ) = 1 + ? n = 1 ∞ a n x n is absolutely convergent. This makes it possible to use the truncated Generalized Power Product Expansions ? n = 1 M ( 1 + g k x k ) r k as approximations to the analytic function f ( x ) . The results are made possible by certain intriguing algebraic properties characteristic of the expansions for the case of r k ? 1 . An asymptotic formula for the g k associated with the majorizing power series is provided. A combinatorial interpretation of the Generalized Power Product Expansion with { r k } k = 1 ∞ being integers is also given.
Effects of histamine receptor blockade on cardiovascular changes induced by 35 GHz radio frequency radiation heating.

Summary 1 The role of histamine in heat-induced cardiovascular changes is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of histamine H-1- and H-2-antagonism on heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), localized body temperature changes, survival times, and lethal body temperatures that occur during the exposure of anaesthetized rats to 35 GHz radio frequency radiation (RFR). 2 Forty-eight ketamine-anaesthetized Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed, in several different treatment groups (n = 8 in each), to 35 GHz RFR at a level that resulted in significant body heating and subsequent death. During irradiation, a continuous increase in heart rate and a biphasic response in blood pressure (initial increase followed by a decrease) were observed in all groups of animals. 3 An H-1-antagonist, diphenhydramine (1 mg kg−1 body wt) and an H-2-antagonist, cimetidine (5 mg kg−1), administered after sustained RFR exposure, failed to reverse the RFR-induced hypotension. High doses of the drugs (5 and 10 mg kg−1, respectively) also did not alter the response. Post-RFR survival time was significantly decreased in the high-dose drug-treated group, compared with vehicle-treated (0.9% NaCl, 50% ethanol and 50% D5W) controls. 4 In experiments in which the two drugs were administered prior to RFR exposure, MAP in animals receiving high-dose antihistamines was significantly depressed compared with that of vehicle-treated animals during the first 35 min of RFR exposure. Antihistamine pretreatment, however, did not alter the total RFR exposure time required for death to occur. 5 In summary, pharmacological blockade of H-1 and H-2 receptors is not beneficial in anaesthetized rats made hypotensive by RFR exposure. This indicates that activation of H-1 and H-2 receptors by histamine does not occur to any significant extent and does not mediate the hypotensive response developed in this model of hyperthermia.
Displacement bounds for beam-columns with initial curvature subjected to transient loads

Abstract Elastic beam-columns with initial curvature and pinned or clamped ends are considered. Upper bounds on the lateral displacement response to transient axial and distributed lateral loads are derived by means of energy-type functionals and some inequalities. The results are significant because of their generality.
Late dimethyl sulfoxide administration provides a protective action against chemically induced injury in both the liver and the kidney

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) can protect the liver from injury produced by a variety of hepatotoxicants when administered prior to or concomitant with the toxicants. This protective action has previously been attributed to DMSO-induced inhibition of bioactivation of the compounds to toxic intermediates. In these studies, the ability of DMSO to provide protection when administered 10 hr after a toxicant was evaluated in several animal models of xenobiotic-induced liver and kidney injury. In the guinea pig model of halothane-associated hepatotoxicity, male outbred Hartley guinea pigs received 2 ml/kg DMSO 10 hr after an inhalation exposure to 1.0% halothane, 40% O2 for 4 hr. DMSO decreased the extent of liver necrosis as indicated by a threefold decrease in plasma alanine aminotransferase activity 48 hr after exposure and a reduction in the incidence and extent of zone 3 necrosis. These results do not appear to be due to alterations in halothane biotransformation since DMSO administered at 10 hr after halothane had no affect on plasma concentrations of the halothane metabolite tritluoroacetic acid or covalent binding by reactive halothane biotransformation intermediates to hepatic protein. In addition, administration of the structurally analogous biotransformation inhibitor diallyl sulfide at 10 hr after halothane also had no affect on biotransformation or covalent binding but provided no protection from liver injury. Hepatic glutathione concentrations in the guinea pigs 24 hr after halothane exposure were also unaffected by late treatment with DMSO. Further studies in male Sprague-Dawley rats demonstrated the ability of DMSO to decrease the hepatic injury resulting from oral administration of 1.0 ml/kg chloroform or 0.5 ml/kg bromobenzene when administered 10 hr after either toxicant. The chloroform-treated rats also developed renal tubular necrosis with large increases in plasma creatinine and urea nitrogen, which were completely ameliorated by DMSO. Elucidating the mechanism(s) of this protective action of late DMSO administration should provide insight into the cascade of events that lead to liver and kidney injury from toxicants and, hopefully, therapeutic modalities for individuals suffering from acute, progressing, xenobiotic-induced hepatitis.
‘The Impact of Personal and Organizational Moral Philosophies on Marketing Exchange Relationships: A Simulation Using the Prisoner’s Dilemma Game’

The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of individual and firm moral philosophies on marketing exchange relationships. Personal moral philosophies range from the extreme forms of true altruists and true egoists, along with three hybrids that represent middle ground (i.e., realistic altruists, tit-for-tats, and realistic egoists). Organizational postures are defined as Ethical Paradigm, Unethical Paradigm, and Neutral Paradigm, which result in changes to personal moral philosophies and company and industry performance. The study context is a simulation of an exchange environment using a variation of the prisoners’ dilemma game. A literature review is provided in the opening section, followed by details on the simulation, discussion of the results, and the implications for theory and practice.
Crystal structure of methyl 2,6-dichloro-2,6-dideoxy-3,4- O -isopropylidene-α-D-altropyranoside. A pyranoside system close to a skew-boat conformation

Abstract The crystal structure of methyl 2,6-dichloro-2,6-dideoxy-3,4-O-isopropylidene-α- D -altropyranoside (1) has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group P212121, with unit-cell dimensions a  7.932, b  8.133, and c  20.447 A. The structure was solved by the heavy-atom method and refined by the least-squares technique to an R value of 0.047 by using 736 intensities measured on a diffractometer. The pyranoside ring is close to a skew-boat conformation, with C-2 and C-5 being maximally displaced from the least-squares plane through the remaining four atoms. The H-1H-2 dihedral angle of  158° is in agreement with the J1,2 value of 4.5 Hz. Thus the solid-state conformation appears to correspond with the conformation in solution. The dioxolane ring is in a twist form, with O-4 and, C-8 puckered on opposite sides of the plane of the other ring atoms. The pyranose-ring substituents are in equatorial and pseudoequatorial orientations. The hydrogen atoms at C-3 and C-4 are in a cis arrangement. The orientations of both the methoxyl group and the chloromethyl group with respect to the ring are gauche—trans. The exocyclic anomeric C-1O-1 bond-distance (1.39 A) is the shortest CO bond in the structure. The intracyclic CO bonds are significantly different, C-1O-5 being less than C-5O-5.
Gain-Maximizing Control in High-Order Processes

This paper describes the study of the gain-maximizing (GMAX) control system in high-order processes. The GMAX system is applied to the process where a high-order linear dynamic element is followed by a static sigmoid function. It regulates the process output at the sigmoid curve’s inflection point, where the static gain becomes maximum. Adaptive broken-line fitting based on a new high-order difference equation is developed. New feedback compensation is also proposed to improve control performance. Computer simulations show that the process output settles quite rapidly to the maximum-gain level, and reliable GMAX control can be achieved.
Tumor seeding from percutaneous biliary catheters

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary decompression has been used since 1973 as a preoperative surgical adjunct in patients with obstructive jaundice. Tumor seeding along the catheter tract is an unusual complication but it occurred recently in one of our patients who had preoperative biliary drainage for four days. Four months after his pancreaticoduodenectomy, a 2-cm nodule developed at the catheter exit site. This nodule was a metastatic focus of adenocarcinoma similar to his pancreatic tumor. He died 1 month later and at autopsy was found to have numerous metastases along the catheter tract. A review of the world literature found 17 other patients with this complication. Thirteen of the 18 total patients had catheters placed for palliation, while 5 patients underwent preoperative drainage before definitive procedures, and 4 of these patients had undergone "curative" resections. Nine of the 18 patients had biliary obstruction from cholangiocarcinoma, while seven patients had primary pancreatic carcinoma. Positioning of the catheter tip above the obstructing tumor and maintaining the catheter for only a short duration before operation (mean 8 days for resected patients, range 2 to 16 days) did not protect against catheter-related tumor seeding. Patients with suspected malignant obstruction of the biliary tract who may have resectable tumors should not undergo routine preoperative biliary decompression. If, on exploration, the tumor is found to be unresectable, then a palliative bypass may be performed.
Thermal Structure of Cometary Active Regions: Comet 1P/Halley

Abstract We develop a basic thermal model for Comet 1P/Halley aimed at explaining the secular behavior and the diurnal amplitude of the observed water production. Our model incorporates time varying insolation of five active regions as determined for 1P/Halley by the nonprincipal axis spin model of M. J. S. Belton et al. (1991, Icarus 93 , 183–193). The thermal structure internal to each of the five active regions is governed by the insolation pattern, cooling by reradiation and sublimation, and the nonlinear heat conduction. The model results are compared with the water production rates calculated from the observed OH production in 1P/Halley (D. G. Schleicher et al. , 1998, Icarus 132 , 397–419). The models are sensitive to the thermal inertia of cometary ice; an absolute upper limit to the thermal inertia of 0.016 cal cm −2 s − 1 2 K −1 is derived based on the model fits to the secular behavior of observational data. This derived thermal inertia of cometary ice is at least a factor of three smaller than that for solid crystalline water ice and therefore consistent with a porous structure for the cometary ice. This observationally based estimate of the thermal inertia of cometary ice is also consistent with the approximate thermal inertia of 0.003 cal cm −2 s − 1 2 K −1 suggested by P. R. Weissman (1987, Astron. Astrophys. 187 , 873–878) based on the “turn-on” of water production in Comet 1P/Halley. The models are insensitive to the initial temperature of the nucleus, assumed to be 60 K. We find that the secular behavior of preperihelion model water production, unlike that during the postperihelion, is strongly dependent on the thermal inertia of cometary ice. This underlines the importance of obtaining well sampled accurate preperihelion observations of water (or a daughter species of it such as OH) throughout the entire period when water is the most dominant outgassing species. We obtain approximately 10 12 cm 2 for the total active area on the nucleus, consistent with that based on spacecraft imagery and other groundbased data.
Measurement of precursor enrichment for calculating intramuscular triglyceride fractional synthetic rate.

Our goal was to assess the validity of the enrichments of plasma free palmitate and intramuscular (IM) fatty acid metabolites as precursors for calculating the IM triglyceride fractional synthetic rate. We infused U-13C16-palmitate in anesthetized rabbits for 3 h and sampled adductor muscle of legs using both freeze-cut and cut-freeze approaches. We found that IM free palmitate enrichment (0.70 ± 0.07%) was lower (P
The effect of peptidase inhibitors on bradykinin-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs in vivo

1. Bradykinin (BK) instilled directly into the airway lumen caused bronchoconstriction in anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated guinea-pigs in the presence of propranolol (1 mg kg-1 i.v.). The geometric mean dose of BK required to produce 100% increase in airway opening pressure (PD100) was 22.9 nmol (95% c.i. 11.7-44.6 nmol). 2. The dose-response curve for the effect of instilled BK was significantly shifted to the left by the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, captopril (5 and 50 nmol instillation, PD100 = 3.0, 95% c.i. 0.98-8.9, and 2.0 nmol, 95% c.i. 0.65-6.2 nmol, respectively). 3. The neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor, phosphoramidon (5 and 50 nmol instillation) also shifted the dose-response curve for the effect of instilled BK; the PD100 values = 2.2 (95% c.i. 0.40-11.7) and 1.8 nmol (95% c.i. 0.87-3.5 nmol), respectively. 4. After pretreatment with captopril (50 nmol) and phosphoramidon (50 nmol) in combination, the dose-response curve for the effect of instilled BK (PD100 = 1.1 nmol, 95% c.i. 0.37-3.2 nmol) was similar to that obtained in the presence of each inhibitor used alone. 5. The kinase I inhibitor, DL-2-mercaptomethyl-3-guanidinoethylthiopropionic acid (50 nmol instillation) failed to alter the dose-response curve to instilled BK (PD100 = 14.6 nmol, 95% c.i. 6.7-32.0 nmol). 6. These data suggest that both ACE and NEP degrade BK in the airway lumen, but that kininase I is not involved.
KK, the Godfather, and the Duke: Maintaining Positive Relations between Zambia and the USA in Spite of Nixon's Other Priorities

As the 1970s dawned, Zambian leader Kenneth Kaunda attained the apex of his international prestige. As chair of the Organization of African Unity and host of the third Non-Aligned Conference, he ch...
PhonePoint pen: using mobile phones to write in air

The ability to note down small pieces of information, quickly and ubiquitously, can be useful. This paper proposes a system called PhonePoint Pen that uses the in-built accelerometer in mobile phones to recognize human writing. By holding the phone like a pen, an user should be able to write short messages or even draw simple diagrams in air. The acceleration due to hand gestures can be converted into an image, and sent to the user's Internet email address for future reference. We motivate the utility of such a system through simple use-cases and applications, and present the design and implementation challenges towards a functional prototype. Our early results show that the PhonePoint Pen is feasible if the user is restricted to a few simple constraints.
Toward a self-healing energy infrastructure

Virtually every crucial economic and social function depends on the secure, reliable operation of energy, telecommunications, transportation, financial, and other infrastructures. The nature of electricity demand is undergoing a profound shift in industrialized nations across the globe. From a strategic R & D viewpoint, agility and robustness/survivability of large-scale dynamic networks that face new and unanticipated operating conditions are presented. A major challenge is posed by the lack of a unified mathematical framework with robust tools for modeling, simulation, control and optimization of time-critical operations in complex multicomponent and multiscaled networks. New tools and techniques are being developed to enable large national infrastructures to function in ways that are self-stabilizing, self-optimizing, and self-healing. This presentation focuses on a strategic vision extending to a decade, or longer, that would enable more secure and robust systems operation, security monitoring and efficient energy markets.
An approach for automatic grid generation in three-dimensional FDTD simulations of complex geometries

The finite-different time-domain (FDTD) method has become a popular method in computational electromagnetics because of its simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency. However, the process of generating a three-dimensional (3D) FDTD grid can be time-consuming and error-prone when manually manipulating complex geometries. In order to expedite the generation of FDTD grids, computer-graphics-based methods can alternatively be used. Starting from the geometric description of the problem domain given by a CAD file, an FDTD grid with a specific spatial resolution can be automatically produced. A simple algorithm to this end is discussed, along with sample results.
Nocturia in Adults: Etiology and Classification

Nocturia is one of the most bothersome of all urologic symptoms, yet even a rudimentary classification does not exist. We herein propose a classification system of nocturia based on a retrospective study. The records of 200 consecutive patients with nocturia were reviewed. Evaluation included history, micturition diary (including day, night, and 24-hr voided volume), postvoid residual urine (PVR), and videourodynamic study (VUDS). Functional bladder capacity (FBC) was determined to be the largest voided volume in a 24-hr period. The etiology of nocturia was thus classified into one of three groups: nocturnal polyuria ([NP] in which voided urine volume during the hours of sleep exceeds 35% of the 24-hr output), nocturnal detrusor overactivity ([NDO] defined as nocturia attributable to diminished bladder capacity during the hours of sleep), and mixed (NP+NDO); polyuria (24-hr urine output >2,500 cc) was classified separately. There were 129 women and 65 men ranging in age from 17 to 94 years (x=59). Overall 13 (7%) had NP, 111 (57%) NDO, and 70 (36%) had a mixed etiology of their nocturia (both NP and NDO). Forty-five (23%) also had polyuria. These data confirm that the etiology of nocturia is multifactorial and in many instances unrelated to the underlying urologic condition. Nocturnal overproduction of urine is a significant component of nocturia in 43% of patients, most of whom will also have NDO. We believe that treatment should be directed at both conditions.
Inhibition of development of preneoplastic lesions in the livers of rats fed a weakly carcinogenic environmental contaminant.

Abstract The effects of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), a widely used plasticiser and environmental contaminant, on the emergence of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase positive (GGT+) preneoplastic foci in the liver was investigated. Sprague-Dawley male rats initiated with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) following partial hepatectomy were placed on: (1) a choline supplemented diet (CS); (2) a CS diet containing 2% DEHP (CS + DEHP); (3) a choline deficient diet (CD); (4) a CD diet containing a 0.06% phenobarbital (CD + PHB); or (5) a CD diet containing 2% DEHP (CD + DEHP). Rats maintained on the CS + DEHP diet for 5 and 10 weeks showed no increase in GGT+ foci. The plasticiser effectively inhibited the appearance of the preneoplastic foci when it was included with the CD diet.
Use of MagneSil(TM) paramagnetic particles for plasmid purification, PCR cleanup, and purification of dideoxy and big dye DNA sequencing reactions

Traditional anion exchange purification of nucleic acids requires the elution of the DNA or RNA in a salt solution, necessitating the precipitation or desalting of the nucleic acid prior to many molecular biology applications. A pH dependent anion exchange purification method is described which allows the purification of nucleic acids at one pH, followed by the elution of the nucleic acid in a low salt buffer at a second, higher pH. The benefits of this method include the avoidance of alcohol washes and the drying steps required for alcohol removal, as well as the benefits of anion exchange purification without the need for desalting of the purified DNA or RNA.
A study of highly crosslinked Epoxy Molding Compound and its interface with copper substrate by molecular dynamic simulations

A novel Epoxy Molding Compound (EMC) with a crosslinked network structure was formed by curing tri-/tetra-functionalized EPN1180 with Bisphenol-A. A full atomistic model reflecting the network nature of the material was constructed by applying an iterative crosslinking algorithm to an amorphous cell with 3D periodic boundary condition containing the stoichiometric mixture of constitutive monomers. The geometry of the model was then optimized using the COMPASS force-field in Materials Studio [1]. The variation of system density and volume against temperature was simulated using a cooling down profile, which was employed to derive the glass transition temperature and coefficient of thermal expansion of the system. Furthermore, the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were calculated by uni-axial tensile molecular statics simulations. The material properties computed by molecular dynamics/mechanics simulations were in good agreement with experiment measurements. An epoxy resin/copper interface model was constructed and the interfacial adhesion energy was calculated as the energy difference between the total energy of the entire system and the sum of the energies of individual materials. The traction-displacement law of the interface was derived when the system was subjected to a molecular statics uniaxial tension. The work of separation and the peak traction, considered as the two key parameters required by cohesive zone finite element simulation, were extracted from the traction-displacement law.
Myelin and oligodendrocyte development in the canine spinal cord

We studied the developmental pattern of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelin formation in the fetal canine spinal cord from E40 to P0. The pattern of development matches what has been described in the spinal cord of humans, rodents, and many other species. Oligodendrocytes were first found at E40, close to the central canal, with their spread in a tangential manner to the ventral and then lateral columns. Myelin development followed the same pattern but was not seen until E46. A clear subpial zone lacking glial cells and myelin was seen in the lateral column in early development, suggesting that there may also be a radial component of migration of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) from a ventral site. This spatial-temporal developmental pattern seen in wild type matches a delay in myelination of the superficial tracts of the spinal cord seen in a canine myelin mutant, suggesting that the mutation prevents the distribution and differentiation of OPCs at an early, but narrow, window of time during fetal development.
Laser Photolytic Deposition of Thin Films

An excimer laser is used to photochemically deposit thin films of silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide, and zinc oxide at low temperatures (100–350deg;C). Deposition rates in excess of 3000 A/min and conformal coverage over vertical walled steps were demonstrated. The films exhibit low defect density and high breakdown voltage and have been characterized using IR spectrophotometry, AES, and C-V analysis. Device compatibility has been studied by using photodeposited films as interlayer dielectrics, diffusion masks, and passivation layers in production CMOS devices. Additionally, we have deposited metallic films of Al, Mo, W, and Cr over large (>5 cm 2 ) areas using UV photodissociation of trimethylaluminum and the refractory metal hexacarbonyls. Both shiny metallic films as well as black particulate films were obtained depending on the deposition geometry. The black films are shown to grow in columnar grains. The depositions were made at room temperature over pyrex and quartz plates as well as silicon wafers. We have examined the resistivity, adhesion, stress and step coverage of these films. The films exhibited resistivities at most ∼20 times that of the bulk materials and tensile stress no higher than 7 × 10 9 dynes/cm 2
Deciphering Community and Race Effects on Adolescent Premarital Childbearing

While prior research demonstrates that living in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhood increases young women's risk ofpremarital childbearing few studies have explored the mechanisms that accountfor this effect. Andfew studies have tsted Wilson's (1987) hypothesis that the pronounced racial difference in premarital childbeaning can be attributed largely to racial differences in neighborhood environments. Using longitudinal data from the National Survey of Children, wefind that over one-third of the positive effect of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage on the timing ofyoung women'sfirstpremarital birth can be attributed to the attitudes and behaviors ofpeers and to young women's more tolerant attitudes toward unmarried parenthood in distressed communities. A smallerproportion of the effect of neighborhood socioeconomic status on adolescent premarital childbearing can be attributed to higher rates of residential mobility in poor neighborhoods. Despite their centrality to theories of neighborhood effects, adolescents' educational aspirations, school attachment, and parental supervision do little to mediate the impact of community disadvantage on adolescent childbearing. We also find that about two-thirds of the racial difference in the risk of premarital childbearing can be explained by racial differences in neighborhood quality.
Homogeneous discharge between living tissue and insulated electrode

Summary form only given. Atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) have been used in many different applications during the last decade. Atmospheric pressure and room temperature operating conditions are essential for processing of biologies and especially of living tissue of humans or animals. Under these conditions, however, DBDs form micro-channels that could heat up significantly over the room temperature. Eliminating these micro-channels and formation of a uniform glow discharge is important for non-destructive treatment of living tissue. Uniform atmospheric pressure and room temperature pulsed floating electrode dielectric barrier discharge (FE-DBD) is generated in our laboratory and will be presented. Thus generated electric plasma offers significant improvement over conventional discharges in medical applications. Characterization of this uniform discharge will be presented
Effects of herbicide application on mortality and dispersive behavior of the water hyacinth weevils, Neochetina eichhorniae and Neochetina bruchi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Toxicities of commonly used water hyacinth herbicides and additives to water hyacinth weevils, Neochetina eichhorniae Warner and N. bruchi Hustache, were tested in the laboratory. Weevils were either sprayed while on water hyacinth plants or dipped directly into the compounds tested. No significant mortality resulted from exposure to 2,4-D, diquat, glyphosate, or additives including a surfactant and a polymer. Exposure to an inverting oil, and its primary component d'limonene, resulted in significant mortality of both species at concentrations tested. Effects of herbicide exposure on flight muscle development seemed to be related to time of year at which exposure occurred. Effects of herbicide application on dispersive behavior were determined by placing marked weevils on artificial weed mats in the field. Mats were subsequently sprayed with a standard concentration of 2,4-D. Weevils consistently migrated from sprayed, dying plants to adjacent healthy, unsprayed plants. Implications for biocontrol strategies of water hyacinth are discussed.
The finance growth nexus: Evidence from sub-saharan Africa

The finance-growth linkage has been sharply debated in the literature since the pioneering work of Patrick (1966), McKinnon (1973), and Shaw (1973). This study extends the debate to a sample of eight emerging economies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using cointegration tests proposed by Johansen and Juselius, and causality tests based on error-correction model. The empirical results indicate each of the finan cial development indicators and economic growth are integrated of order one. In addi tion, cointegration test results show that the two series share a long-run equilibrium association in the seven of the eight countries, thus indicating the existence of a strong link between financial development and economic growth. Causality test results also indicate the preponderance of unidirectional causality from finance to growth in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Togo, and Zambia, and growth to finance in Ivory Coast and Kenya. In general, the results show that for the majority of the countries, the financial sector development appears to lead economic develop ment. The results have important policy implications for the finance and banking sec tor development of the countries in the region.
High Dynamic Range Variable Fiber-Optical Attenuator Using Digital Micromirrors and Opto-Fluidics

To the best of the authors knowledge, proposed is the first variable fiber-optical attenuator (VFOA) using a digital micromirror device (DMD) and an opto-fluidic electronically controlled variable focus lens (ECVFL). The hybrid VFOA uses individually controllable two-state micromirrors of the DMD and the variable focal length capability of the ECVFL to control the amount of light coupled between two fiber ports leading to a high dynamic range VFOA. The demonstrated VFOA at 1545 nm has a 63.5-dB dynamic range, <0.1-dB resolution, 0.2-dB polarization-dependent loss, 4.9-dB optical loss, and < 100-ms switching time. Applications for the proposed VFOA include use in test and measurement systems.
Evaluation of a two-step iterative resampling procedure for internal validation of genome-wide association studies

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified many common genetic variants associated with complex diseases over the past decade. The 'gold standard' method for validating the top single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in GWAS is to independently replicate the findings in similar or diverse large-scale external cohorts. However, for rare diseases, it can be difficult to find an external validation cohort within a reasonable timeframe. In such situations, resampling methods, such as the two-step iterative resampling (TSIR) approach have been used to identify SNPs associated with the outcome of interest. However, the TSIR approach involves choosing several parameters in each step, which can influence the performance of the approach. In this paper, we undertook extensive simulation studies to assess the effect of choice of different parameters on the type I error and power for both binary and continuous phenotypes and also compared the TSIR approach with the traditional one-stage (OS) and two-stage (TS) GWAS analysis. We illustrate the usefulness of the TSIR approach by applying it to a GWAS of childhood cancer survivors. Our results indicate that the TSIR approach with an at least 70:30 split and a cutoff of discovering and replicating SNPs at least 20 times in 100 replications provides conservative type I error control and has near 'optimal' power for internally validated SNPs. Its performance is comparable with the TS GWAS for which an external validation cohort is available with only slight reduction in power in some situations. It has almost the same power as OS GWAS with conservative type I error which leads to fewer false positive findings. TSIR is a powerful and efficient method for identifying and internally validating SNPs for GWAS when independent cohorts for external validation may not be available.