cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the superposition of strengthening mechanisms in dispersion strengthened alloys and metal-matrix nanocomposites: Considerations of stress and energy

Yield strength improvement in dispersion strengthened alloys and nano particle-reinforced composites by well-known strengthening mechanisms such as solid solution, grain refinement, coherent and incoherent dispersed particles, and increased dislocation density resulting from work-hardening can all be described individually. However, there is no agreed upon description of how these mechanisms combine to determine the yield strength. In this work, we propose an analytical yield strength prediction model combining arithmetic and quadratic addition approaches based on the consideration of two types of yielding mechanisms; stress-activated and energy-activated. Using data available in the literature for materials of differing grain sizes, we consider the cases of solid solutions and coherent precipitates to show that they follow stress-activated behavior. Then, we applied our model with some empirical parameters to precipitationhardenable materials of various grain sizes in both coherent and incoherent precipitate conditions, which demonstrated that grain boundary and Orowan-strengthening can be treated as energy-activated mechanisms.
Interior Regularity of the Dirichlet Problem for the Tricomi Equation

For the Tricomi equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions, we study the relationship between singularites at the boundary and singularities in the interior of a bounded planar region with smooth non-characteristic boundary. Necessary and sufficient conditions for interior smoothness are stated in terms of microlocal regularity at the boundary and are proven via known microlocal propagation of singularities results along the generalized bicharacteristic flow. In particular, a trapped gliding ray phenomenon at parabolic boundary points is demonstrated under a sharp geometric hypothesis, which provides a microlocal explanation for the possibility of having only isolated singularities at the boundary, which is a question left open in the work of Morawetz.
Characterizing redox status of paddy soils with incorporated rice straw

Redox status is one of the more difficult soil quality criteria to characterize especially in paddy soils. The soil system chosen in this study was an ongoing paddy field trial on alternative practices of incorporating rice straw instead of traditional burning of straw. Upon flooding, rapid changes in redox potential (Eh) occur in paddy soil due to the decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM), including rice straw. This investigation evaluated three methods of characterizing redox status: (i) Eh, a conventional method using Pt black electrode; (ii) terminal electron-accepting processes (TEAPs), a method of diagnosing microbially mediated electron acceptor (oxidized species) consumption, intermediate product concentration of H2 and accumulation of final products (reduced species); and (iii) oxidative capacity (OXC), a comprehensive analysis of the algebraic sum of oxidized and reduced species into a single descriptive parameter. There was a need to develop a sampling technique for anaerobic soil pore water in rice paddy (without exposure to the atmosphere) to measure all the redox parameters required by these methods. The setup comprised of a capped piezometer (sampling well) back-filled with sand and sealed with bentonite, and vacuum extraction of pore water containing dissolved constituents. The pore water containing dissolved gases was collected into previously evacuated 400-ml two-port PVC bags from which gaseous phase sub-samples were withdrawn with a syringe into 10-ml vacutainers previously flushed with N2 gas for H2 and CH4 determinations in the laboratory. Unstable water quality parameters such as DO, Eh, pH and S2− were measured on site using fresh samples, while other parameters such as NO3−, SO42−, EC, Fe(II) and Fe(III), and Mn(II) were analyzed in the laboratory. The above three methods of evaluating redox status were applied to monitoring the paddy pore water over 3 years of field observations (1997–1999). Eh is a simple measure, but it gives at best only qualitative assessment of redox status because this electrode may not respond to many of the important redox couples. The adaptation of TEAPs to assess non-equilibrium redox conditions in flow pathways in large-scale ground water systems to small-scale rice rootzone was not entirely successful because of differences in the two systems and the significant overlapping among electron acceptors in paddy soils. OXC, a non-equilibrium capacity-type redox parameter, clearly identified geochemical redox classes of oxic, post-oxic, sulfidic and methanic conditions in the paddy pore waters during the course of the rice-growing season. Based on data observed for 3 years, it is concluded that straw incorporation does enhance more reducing conditions development compared to that without straw incorporation. We conclude that OXC provides a better characterization of redox status in paddy soils.
Mineralogy of Apollo 15415 “Genesis Rock” : Source of Anorthosite on Moon

Results of electron microprobe analyses of plagioclase points and pyroxene grains of Apollo 15415 ?genesis rock.' It is pointed out that no evidence of cumulate textures has yet appeared to support suggestions of extensive crystal-liquid differentiation producing an anorthositic crust or a lunar crust composed of a mixture of plagioclase-rich rock, basalts and minor ultramafic material, which require that plagioclase crystals float in a basaltic liquid. The plagioclase in 15415 does not show cumulate texture either. It is noted that it remains to be seen whether rock 15415 is correctly named the ?genesis rock.'
Supercontinuum multiple frequency channel generation for WDM system

The coherent multiple-frequency channels generation is experimentally demonstrated using two time-delayed, 120 fs pump pulses at 1560 nm. When the pump wavelength is in the anomalous dispersion region far from the zero-dispersion wavelength, stable variable-frequency channels generation using two time delayed pump pulses is achieved.
Influence of preconditioning on rat heart subjected to prolonged cardioplegic arrest

Background. Ischemic preconditioning (IP) can reduce lethal injury to the myocardium induced by prolonged ischemia. However, little is known about the effect of preconditioning on the heart subjected to cardioplegic arrest and hypothermic preservation. We evaluated the effect of IP on myocardial metabolism, mechanical performance, and coronary endothelial function after cardioplegic arrest and prolonged hypothermic preservation. Methods. An isovolumic Langendorff perfused rat heart model was used, and hearts were divided into two groups. The first group (IP, n=14) was preconditioned by 5 minutes of global normothermic (37°C) ischemia followed by 10 minutes of normothermic reperfusion before 6 hours of cold (4°C) preservation, followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. The second group (control, n=15) was subjected to 6 hours of cold preservation followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion without preconditioning. Mechanical function was assessed using left ventricular balloon by constructing pressure-volume curves in two ways: at defined left ventricular volumes or at defined left ventricular end-diastolic pressures. Initially, the volume of the balloon was increased incrementally from 0 to 150 /gmL in 25-μL steps. Measurements were then repeated with loading balloon to achieve left ventricular end-diastolic pressure of 5, 10, 15, or 20 mm Hg. Myocardial function was assessed before ischemia and at 15 or 60 minutes of reperfusion. Metabolic status of the heart was evaluated by measuring the release of purine catabolites during the initial 15 minutes of reperfusion and concentrations of myocardial nucleotides at the end of reperfusion. Endothelium-mediated vasodilatation was evaluated using 10 μmol/L 5-hydroxytryptamine before and after ischemia. Results. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure values were significantly lower in the IP group, by 20% to 40%, during the reperfusion phase at each volume of the balloon compared with the control group. The rate-pressure product was more favorable during reperfusion in the IP than in the control group because of a 15% increased heart rate in the IP group. The release of purine catabolites from the heart during the reperfusion phase was reduced ( p Conclusions. Under conditions of cardioplegic arrest and hypothermic preservation, IP can offer additional protection for the heart by preventing an increase in diastolic stiffness. However, metabolic improvement or better preservation of the systolic or endothelial function was not observed in this model.
Development and in Vitro Evaluation of a Novel Multiparticulate Matrix Controlled Release Formulation of Theophylline

AbstractA novel multiparticulate matrix controlled release preparation of theophylline was formulated and evaluated in-vitro. The preparation which consisted of spherical drug pellets in a size range of 1.18-1.70 mm diameter was produced using an extrusion-spheronisation technique. The drug was embedded in a mixture of nonsoluble matrix materials forming the pellets to control the drug release. For this purpose, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and its mixture with glyceryl monostearate (GMS) were evaluated. When microcrystalline cellulose was used alone, the drug release was not sufficiently sustained and was essentially complete within 6 hours. However, incorporation of glyceryl monostearate significantly retarded the rate of drug release. Moreover, the rate of drug release could be readily modified in a predictable manner by varying the amount of glyceryl monostearate. The rate of the drug release was relatively insensitive to changes in the drug to matrix ratio. Drying of the drug pellets at temperatu...
Fail Safe, High Temperature Magnetic Bearings

This paper contributes to the magnetic bearing literature in two distinct areas: high temperature and redundant actuation. Design considerations and test results are given for the first published combined 538 C (1000 F) high speed rotating test performance of a magnetic bearing. Secondly, a significant extension of the flux isolation based, redundant actuator control algorithm is proposed to eliminate the prior deficiency of changing position stiffness after failure. The benefit of the novel extension was not experimentally demonstrated due to a high active stiffness requirement. In addition, test results are given for actuator failure tests at 399 C (750 F), 12,500 rpm. Finally, simulation results are presented confirming the experimental data and validating the redundant control algorithm.
p300 and p300/cAMP-responsive element-binding protein associated factor interact with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 Tax in a multi-histone acetyltransferase/activator-enhancer complex.

Abstract The human T-cell lymphotropic virus, type (HTLV)-1 trans-activator, Tax, coordinates with cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) and the transcriptional co-activators p300/CBP on three 21-base pair repeat elements in the proviral long terminal repeat (LTR) to promote viral mRNA transcription. Recruitment of p300/CBP to the activator-enhancer complex, however, is insufficient to support Tax-dependent LTR trans-activation. Here, we report that the p300/CBP-associated factor (P/CAF) is a critical and integral component of the functional HTLV-1 activator-enhancer complex. The HTLV-1 Tax protein directly binds P/CAFin vitro and co-immunoprecipitates with this co-activatorin vivo. The Tax mutants (K88A and V89A) defective for p300/CBP-binding and LTR trans-activation, retained their abilities to interact with P/CAF. The M47 mutant (L319R, L320S) protein, which has previously been shown to interact with p300/CBP, by contrast, failed to form complexes with P/CAF and is impaired in LTR trans-activation. Furthermore, LTR trans-activation by Tax is competitively inhibited by the adenoviral E1A 12S gene product, which displaces P/CAF from p300/CBP and inhibits the histone acetyltransferase activities of both P/CAF and p300/CBP. This inhibition is partially reversed by exogenously added P/CAF. These results imply that simultaneous recruitment of two distinct co-activators (p300/CBP and P/CAF) by Tax is essential for the assembly of a trans-activation competent, nucleoprotein complex.
Thermophysical properties of Apollo 12 fines

The vacuum thermal conductivity of the Apollo 12 fines is presented as a function of temperature for densities of 1300, 1640 and 1970 kg/cu m. It is found to vary from about .001 W/m-K at 100 K to about .003 W/m-K at 400 K. The conductivity of the fines is found to be close to that of terrestrial basalt both under vacuum and at higher pressures. The thermal diffusivity is calculated from conductivity and specific heat data. Average values of the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and thermal parameter are also presented.
Hardiness and the Concept of Courage.

The purpose of the present study was to develop a measure of courage in order to examine the relationship between hardiness and physiological functioning, as hardiness has been proposed to buffer the physical effects of stress on the body. An empirically derived instrument that measures courage was constructed. A pool of potential scale items was administered to 200 college students and reduced to an optimal grouping. Four main factors were identified. An additional sample of 80 college students was administered the reduced Courage Scale, the Personal Views Survey (S. Maddi, 1990), the Courage Scale (N. B. Schmidt & M. Koselka, 2000), and the Seriousness of Illness Survey (A. R. Wyler, M. Masuda, & T. H. Holmes, 1968). Results indicated that there were relationships among these various measures. However, courage did not add to the amount of the variance of physiological health accounted for by hardiness. Possible uses of the Courage Scale developed in the present study are discussed.
The TEL patch of telomere protein TPP1 mediates telomerase recruitment and processivity

Human chromosome ends are capped by shelterin, a protein complex that protects the natural ends from being recognized as sites of DNA damage and also regulates the telomere-replicating enzyme, telomerase. Shelterin includes the heterodimeric POT1-TPP1 protein, which binds the telomeric single-stranded DNA tail. TPP1 has been implicated both in recruiting telomerase to telomeres and in stimulating telomerase processivity (the addition of multiple DNA repeats after a single primer-binding event). Determining the mechanisms of these activities has been difficult, especially because genetic perturbations also tend to affect the essential chromosome end-protection function of TPP1 (refs 15-17). Here we identify separation-of-function mutants of human TPP1 that retain full telomere-capping function in vitro and in vivo, yet are defective in binding human telomerase. The seven separation-of-function mutations map to a patch of amino acids on the surface of TPP1, the TEL patch, that both recruits telomerase to telomeres and promotes high-processivity DNA synthesis, indicating that these two activities are manifestations of the same molecular interaction. Given that the interaction between telomerase and TPP1 is required for telomerase function in vivo, the TEL patch of TPP1 provides a new target for anticancer drug development.
The Steering Wheel as a Touch Interface: Using Thumb-Based Gesture Interfaces as Control Inputs While Driving

Different types of gesture interfaces have been investigated in the context of human vehicle interaction. This paper highlights the differences among current approaches and introduces a new interface using a small set of thumb-based gestures on the steering wheel in conjunction with explicit mode selection.
Natural History of Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis: A Two Dimensional Echocardiographic Study

Sixteen patients with tricuspid valve endocarditis were studied to define (1) what clinical or echocardiographic subsets are at risk for complications or need for tricuspid valve surgery, and (2) the long-term two dimensional echocardiographic course of tricuspid vegetations. There were 18 episodes of tricuspid endocarditis in the 16 patients; 12 patients had a history of intravenous drug abuse. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common infecting organism (11 patients). Persistent infection, cardiomegaly or radiography and right-sided heart failure were present in all patients undergoing tricuspid valve surgery and in none of the medically treated patients. Echocardiographic studies demonstrated tricuspid vegetations in 10 patients by M mode and in all 16 by two dimensional technique. Vegetation size, right ventricular enlargement and abnormal septal motion were not of prognostic significance. Two dimensional echocardiographic measurements of vegetation size correlated with surgical pathologic measurements in the four patients who underwent surgery. Serial two dimensional echocardiographic studies were available in eight patients a mean of 10.6 (range 2 to 19.5) months after the initial study: Vegetations had decreased in size or disappeared in seven patients and were essentially unchanged in one patient. It is concluded that (1) two dimensional echocardiography increases the detection of tricuspid valve vegetations and accurately estimates their size; (2) persistent infection, cardiomegaly and right-sided heart failure identify a subgroup of patients with tricuspid endocarditis who may have increased risk; (3) no M mode or two dimensional echocardiographic feature is a predictor of outcome; and (4) tricuspid valve vegetations tend to resolve with time.
Inhibitors for Bacterial Cell-Wall Recycling.

Gram-negative bacteria have evolved an elaborate process for the recycling of their cell wall, which is initiated in the periplasmic space by the action of lytic transglycosylases. The product of this reaction, β-d-N-acetylglucosamine-(1→4)-1,6-anhydro-β-d-N-acetylmuramyl-l-Ala-γ-d-Glu-meso-DAP-d-Ala-d-Ala (compound 1), is internalized to begin the recycling events within the cytoplasm. The first step in the cytoplasmic recycling is catalyzed by the NagZ glycosylase, which cleaves in a hydrolytic reaction the N-acetylglucosamine glycosidic bond of metabolite 1. The reactions catalyzed by both the lytic glycosylases and NagZ are believed to involve oxocarbenium transition species. We describe herein the synthesis and evaluation of four iminosaccharides as possible mimetics of the oxocarbenium species, and we disclose one as a potent (compound 3, Ki = 300 ± 15 nM) competitive inhibitor of NagZ.
Privatizing Federal Credit Programs: Why Sallie Mae?

The federal government subsidizes lending to a number of borrowers—notably students, farmers, and homeowners. Government-sponsored enterprises issue the securities that channel capital to many of these privileged borrowers. One of the largest of these enterprises, the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae), is scheduled to be wholly privatized by September 30, 2008. What explains the privatization of this enterprise? To identify distinctive features of Sallie Mae that permitted or abetted privatization, we investigate the structure, related capital market innovations, and growth of three government-sponsored enterprises. We conclude that a unique structural feature of Sallie Mae may explain the pace of privatization. The core asset of Sallie Mae, the student loan, is guaranteed and subsidized by the government. The case of Sallie Mae is an instructive yet poorly understood example of how the federal government can leverage private-sector assets and incentives to achieve public policy missions.
Single parent students: Obstacles and opportunities

In this exploratory study the life situation of 25 women will be described in terms of role interaction, motivation and self perceptions of women college students who are also single parents. Interviews were conducted from September to December 1985 at two universities in a Southern state. The institutions were both medium sized; one was in a small town and the other in an SMSA of over 150,000. While the urban/rural character of the two research sites differed, the perceptions and problems of the women studied were similar. This paper looks at both the commonality as well as unique responses to the demanding life of a single parent student.
Nonlinear vibrations of beams with various boundary conditions.

Amplitude frequency relations of nonlinear vibrations in uniform beams with various boundary conditions using perturbation method
Intravenous administration of aminophylline in asthmatic children taking theophylline orally

INTRAVENOUS AMINOPHYLLINE is commonly recommended for the treatment of children with acute exacerbations of asthma. 1:~ However, enthusiasm for this agent is tempered by concern for its relatively narrow therapeutic margin? In spite of advances in understanding the pharmacokinetics of theophylline, serious toxic effects continue to occur?" ~ Some authors explicitly caution that the usual dose must be adjusted downward if the patient has received a recent oral dose of theophylline?" :~ particularly if given within six hours. It was the purpose of this study to assess the safety of intravenous administration of aminophylline in the child who recently has received theophylline orally. METHODS Forty children with asthma were studied in the emergency room at The Children's Hospital of Buffalo. The patients ranged in age from 0.5 to 20.9 years (mean 6.6 years). Each patient received beta adrenergic bronchodilators in the emergency room and continued to have signs of bronchoconstriction and respiratory distress, necessitating intravenous use of aminophylline. Each child had received a theophylline preparation orally at home and had taken a dose within six hours of coming to the hospital. Nine children were taking sustained release preparations. Oral doses ranged from 2.7 to 9.6 mg/kg of anhydrous theophylline equivalent (mean -- 5.4 mg/kg). Prior to the intravenous administration of aminophylline, blood was drawn for determination of serum theophylline level ("time zero" level). An aminophylline dose of 6.0 mg/kg of the patient's total body weight (equivalent to 5.1
Measured Velocities of Interplanetary Dust Particles

AN interplanetary dust particle experiment was flown on the OGO-I satellite launched in September 1964. The primary purpose of the experiment was to measure the speeds and directions of arrival of dust particles within 120,000 km of the Earth's surface, and thus determine the orbits of these particles. If sufficient orbits had been measured, the nature of the apparent dust cloud around the Earth1 could have been determined. Troubles were encountered with both the spacecraft and the experiment, however, and only three probable dust particle impacts were recorded. This communication briefly describes the instrument and the limited amount of results obtained.
Changes in the fatty acid composition of rat lung lipids during development and following age-dependent lipid peroxidation.

Analyses of the fatty acid content and composition of various lung lipids were conducted in rats 1 day, 5 days, and 12 days after birth and in adult animals in order to define more clearly the specific lipid peroxidizing system found in neonatal rat lungs. Lipid peroxidation occurs in the 900×g supernatant fraction of rat lung homogenates in an age-dependent manner independent of the addition of any factor and is maximal at 5 days of age. No lipid peroxidation is evident in similar preparations of either newborn or adult lung tissue. As the animals develop, arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids, fatty acids which are both highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation in the presence of a suitable catalyst, decrease gradually when measured as the percentage of the total fatty acids in the triglyceride fraction of the lung. The total quantity of triglycerides, however, is significantly lower in lungs from 1-day-old rats than at any other age. The fatty acid composition and total quantity of both lung phospholipids and lung free fatty acids do not show similar changes. Following in vitro incubation of the 900×g supernatant fraction of peroxidizing lung homogenates, an appreciable decrease in the amount of arachidonic and docosa-hexaenoic acid could be detected in lung triglycerides. Less extensive decreases were observed in the phospholipid fraction. No changes in these components were observed in newborn or adult animals. The addition of triarachidonin to the 900×g supernatant fraction of lung homogenates resulted in increased malondialdehyde release at all ages tested while added arachidonic acid increased the formation of malondialdehyde only in 5- and 12-day-old rat lung preparations. The addition of triolein, cholesterol arachidonate, and diarachidonyl phosphatidylcholine had no effect on malondialdehyde formation at any age. The age-dependent lipid peroxidation observed after in vitro incubation of rat lung homogenate preparations, therefore, may result from the relatively high concentration of triglycerides containing polyunsaturated fatty acids present in the neonatal tissue. As the susceptible polyunsaturated fatty acids of lung triglycerides are replaced by less unsaturated species, this activity may diminish concomitantly.
Uric acid as a danger signal in gout and its comorbidities

Uric acid is a waste product of purine catabolism. This molecule comes to clinical attention when it nucleates to form crystals of monosodium urate (MSU) in joints or other tissues, and thereby causes the inflammatory disease of gout. Patients with gout frequently suffer from a number of comorbid conditions including hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Why MSU crystals trigger inflammation and are associated with comorbidities of gout has been unclear, but recent studies provide new insights into these issues. Rather than simply being a waste product, uric acid could serve a pathophysiological role as a local alarm signal that alerts the immune system to cell injury and helps to trigger both innate and adaptive immune responses. The inflammatory component of these immune responses is caused when urate crystals trigger both inflammasome-dependent and independent pathways to generate the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1. The resulting bioactive IL-1 stimulates the inflammation of gout and might contribute to the development of other comorbidities. Surprisingly, the same mechanisms underlie the inflammatory response to a number of irritant particles, many of which also cause disease. These new insights help to explain the pathogenesis of gout and point to potential new therapeutic targets for this and other sterile inflammatory diseases.
Echocardiography of the superior vena cava

The anatomy and applied echocardiographic anatomy of the superior vena cava (SVC) are briefly described. Right supraclavicular interrogation of the SVC has been in use for many years, but supraclavicular two-dimensional (2-D) imaging of the SVC has been virtually ignored. We have recently shown that supraclavicular 2-D imaging can provide excellent views of the SVC and its main tributaries. Transthoracic echocardiography (TEE) is suitable for imaging of the lower (juxtaatrial) SVC. Persistence of a left SVC is an uncommon variant, diagnosed echocardiographically by coronary sinus dilatation and passage of contrast into it from a left arm vein. Extensive SVC compression by mediastinal masses is well known, but recently intravascular SVC obstruction has been increasingly reported as a complication of radiofrequency ablation for ectopic atrial tachycardia, for thrombosis of the SVC or its main tributaries following indwelling catheters, or following insertion of pacemaker leads. Doppler interrogation or TEE imaging of the SVC have been used in recent years to elucidate such pathology.
The retention of metallic mercury vapor by soils

Abstract Five surface soils from southeastern Montana were exposed to air containing elemental mercury vapor. The majority of the sorbed Hg was found to volatilize at 100–200°C. The sorbed Hg was resistant to extraction by water, neutral salts, methanol or DTPA. Cysteine, acetylacetone and cupferron showed limited extraction of sorbed Hg, while benzene and to a greater extent, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide demonstrated high removals of sorbed Hg. The observed behavior suggests that elemental Hg may be retained by soils as an organo-complex.
The relationship of alexithymia to emotional dysregulation within an alcohol dependent treatment sample.

Difficulties regulating emotions have implications for the development, maintenance, and recovery from alcohol problems. One construct thought to impede the regulation of emotion is alexithymia. Alexithymia is characterized by difficulties identifying, differentiating and expressing feelings, a limited imagination and fantasy life, and an externally-oriented thinking style (e.g., prefer talking about daily activities rather than feelings). Given that poor emotion regulation skills have been found to predict posttreatment levels of alcohol use, and that several defining characteristics of alexithymia bear similarity to deficits in emotion regulation skills, it is possible that alexithymia may predict poorer alcohol treatment outcomes. Thus, the present study first examined the relationship of alexithymia to several other emotion regulation measures and then investigated the impact of alexithymia on attrition and alcohol treatment outcomes in men and women (N = 77) enrolled in a 12-week cognitive-behavioral intervention for alcohol dependence. At baseline, higher scores on alexithymia were associated poorer emotion regulation skills, fewer percent days abstinent, greater alcohol dependence severity, and several high-risk drinking situations. Alexithymia was unrelated to attrition and to level of alcohol consumption at posttreatment. Overall, the construct of alexithymia is shown to be related to several theoretically-related constructs (e.g., emotion regulation, mindfulness) but demonstrated a limited relationship to drinking outcomes in those seeking treatment for alcohol dependence.
Regulation of plasma aldosterone concentration in anephric man and renal transplant recipients

Regulation of plasma aldosterone concentration in anephric man and renal transplant recipients. Regulatory factors controlling plasma aldosterone in the anephric state were further examined in bilaterally nephrectomized patients and renal transplant recipients. The effect of supine and upright posture on the concentration of plasma aldosterone, and the possible role of potassium in these responses in the anephric patients, was studied on the first and either the third or fourth day post-dialysis (anephric patients) and during periods of high and low sodium intake (renal transplant recipients). As previously reported, a significant correlation between plasma aldosterone and serum potassium concentration (r = 0.871, P Regulation de la concentration plasmatique d'aldosterone au cours de l'anephrie et apres la transplantation renale. Les facteurs regulateurs controlant la secretion d'aldosterone au cours de l'anephrie ont ete etudies chez des malades ayant subi une nephrectomie bilaterale et chez des transplantes. L'effet de la position couchee ou debout sur la concentration plasmatique d'aldosterone et le role possible du potassium dans ces reponses chez le malade anephrique ont ete etudies le premier et le troisieme ou quatrieme jour apres dialyse (malades anephriques) et durant des periodes de regime riche puis pauvre en sodium (receveurs de reins transplantes). Ainsi que nous l'avons anterieurement rapporte il existe une correlation significative entre les concentrations plasmatiques d'aldosterone et de potassium (r = 0,871; P
Japan debates the Korean peninsula: implications for future policy and U.S.–Japan relations

Abstract Japan's debate about South and North Korea grew livelier in 2007–2008. As the strategic environment changed, right-wing opposition to Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's supposed “Asianism” and center/left renewed hope for regional reconciliation produced a sharp exchange centering on the Korean peninsula, in which the U.S. figured importantly. Anxieties about national identity deeply rooted in history were compounded by the triple shock of the U.S. delisting the North as a terror-sponsoring state, the U.S.-caused global financial crisis, and Barack Obama's election victory. Troubled by George W. Bush's second-term foreign policy shifts, many Japanese people were unprepared for a new president more sympathetic to multilateralism. On North Korea, conservatives warned that U.S. policy was isolating Japan, but instead of refocusing on broad national interests, they pointed to the abductions issue as justification for a more independent foreign policy. On South Korea they welcomed the election of Lee Myung...
Against Biopolitics: Walter Benjamin, Carl Schmitt, and Giorgio Agamben on Political Sovereignty and Symbolic Order1

While Walter Benjamin's equation of law with violence leads to his affirmation of a kind of un-mediated divine violence and Giorgio Agamben's notion of sovereignty links politics directly with the body, Carl Schmitt's idea of sovereignty does not concern itself primarily with bare life but with an acculturated subject that links law and politics to a particular tradition. Because he is always concerned about this relationship between culture and politics, Schmitt offers a concept of the political that is better able to explain the kinds of ideological and cultural factors that impact upon politics in situations such as the Weimar Republic or the civil war in Iraq, in which cultural conflict leads to political instability. His thinking suggests that the cultural analysis of both religious and secular literary traditions can throw light on the ideological commitments that motivate political conflict.
Pathologic response to preoperative chemotherapy in colorectal liver metastases: fibrosis, not necrosis, predicts outcome.

Background Pathologic response to preoperative chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases (CLM) is associated with survival after hepatectomy. Histologically, dominant response patterns include fibrosis, necrosis and/or acellular mucin, but some of these changes can appear without previous chemotherapy and their individual correlation with outcome is unknown.
Analysis of scalar mixing dynamics in LES using high-resolution imaging of laser Rayleigh scattering in turbulent non-reacting jets and non-premixed jet flames

Abstract Imaging of turbulent jet flames has provided insights into the dynamic structure of the thermal dissipation field. These insights motivated studies of scalar mixing in non-reacting jets, with emphasis on comparing measurements to large eddy simulations (LES). We use a progressively refined set of calculations to investigate how filter size affects the LES representations of scalar mixing. Results are analyzed using three grids that are successively refined by a factor of two in space and time. The coarsest grid contains 1.3-million cells and provides resolution similar to that used in current LES. The refined grids contain 10- and 82-million cells. Imaging measurements of the instantaneous mixture fraction and dissipation fields provide insights into scalar mixing dynamics and key length scales. They show that dissipation structures reside on the resolved- and subgrid-scales of the LES, and they provide order of magnitude estimates of the relationship between the dissipation layer thickness (the smallest relevant mixing scale), the integral scale (the largest relevant mixing scale), and the filter width. For all grid distributions, the longitudinal dimension of the dissipation layers spans multiple cells, but the ratio of the layer thickness to filter width is of order 1, which is not consistent with typical modeling assumptions. Measurements of mixture fraction were filtered to isolate the effects of spatial averaging on the dissipation field from the combined effects of spatial and temporal averaging. Statistical analysis reveals that the average mixture fraction and dissipation fields for the coarsest grid deviate significantly from the measured profiles as the flow evolves. On the finest grid, however, good agreement is obtained. Trends suggest that temporal damping and dispersion errors compound as the flow evolves downstream, which is directly related to the relationship between the dissipation layer thickness, filter width, and integral scale of the local mixing field.
Case study of plume dispersion over elevated terrain

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the ability of a steady-state Gaussian model to simulate plume dispersion over elevated terrain. MULTIMAX, a multisource model equivalent to the Environmental Protection Agency's CRSTER model, was used in the study. The effects of using different combinations of onsite and offsite meteorological data with six different terrain treatment techniques were investigated. The modeling results are compared with measured data obtained during an intensive field study conducted at the Tennessee Valley Authority's Widows Creek Steam Plant. Although the model initially failed to simulate the various dispersion conditions, the results improved significantly after modifications were made to the model and the meteorological preprocessor program.
Thrombin activation of factor VIII. II. A comparison of purified factor VIII and the low molecular weight factor VIII procoagulant

The current experiments examine the reaction between purified human alpha-thrombin and purified human factor VIII and compare this with the reaction between alpha-thrombin and the low molecular weight factor VIII procoagulant activity obtained by high ionic strength dissociation. The reaction patterns of both procoagulants are similar, demonstrating in initial increase in factor VIII activity followed by a decay of procoagulant activity. The extent of activation which is observed in the initial phase decreases with lower temperatures and with lower thrombin concentrations. A pseudo-first order relationship is demonstrated for the activation phase. The labile factor VIII procoagulant activity produced by the initial action of thrombin appears to be intrinsically unstable, since the addition of hirudin or diisopropylfluorophosphate does not prevent the subsequent decay of the procoagulant activity. The similar activation and decay patterns of purified factor VIII and the dissociated low molecular weight factor VIII procoagulant support the concept that the low molecular weight procoagulant itself represents the functional coagulant moiety of the factor VIII complex.
Teacher qualifications and student achievement in urban elementary schools.

Abstract Teacher quality is a key element of student academic success, but few specific teacher characteristics influence classroom outcomes. This research examines whether teacher licensure test scores and other teacher attributes affect elementary student achievement. The results are based on longitudinal student-level data from Los Angeles. California requires three types of teacher licensure tests as part of the teacher certification process; a general knowledge test, a subject area test (single subject for secondary teachers and multiple subject for elementary teachers), and a reading pedagogy test for elementary school teachers. The student achievement analysis uses a value-added approach that adjusts for both student and teacher fixed effects. The results show large differences in teacher quality across the school district, but measured teacher characteristics explain little of the difference. Teacher licensure test scores are unrelated to teacher success in the classroom. Similarly, student achievement is unaffected by whether classroom teachers have advanced degrees. Student achievement increases with teacher experience, but the linkage is weak and largely reflects poor outcomes for teachers during their first year or two in the classroom.
Yeast metallothionein in transgenic tobacco promotes copper uptake from contaminated soils

Metallothioneins (MTs) are metal-binding proteins that confer heavy metal tolerance and accumulation in yeast. To augment higher plant metal sequestration, the yeast metallothionein (CUP 1) was introduced into tobacco plants. The CUP 1 gene expression and copper and cadmium phytoextraction were determined. To confirm transformation, selfed and kanamycin-resistant third generation plants were subjected to DNA blot and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. A 4 mM CuSO(4) stress for 7 days resulted in a decline in CUP 1 transcripts versus nonstress conditions. Despite low mRNA levels, CUP 1 transformants accumulated up to seven times more copper in older versus younger leaves during copper stress. Pooled leaves of transgenic plants grown in soils from copper stamp-sands contained two to three times the copper content as that of the control plants. Unlike some previous reports featuring MT overexpression in plants, CUP 1 seedlings did not significantly sequester or demonstrate tolerance to CdCl(2). Using this transgenic approach, yeast CUP 1 expression under nonstressed conditions contributed to copper metal phytoextraction during a subsequent copper challenge. This strategy could be incorporated into plants designed for enhanced phytoremediation of metal contaminants.
Origin of Mojave Desert dust plumes photographed from space

Six dust plumes, arising from a Santa Ana wind and covering an area of 1,700 km 2 of the western Mojave Desert, were photographed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration LANDSAT/ERTS-1 satellite on January 1,1973. The cause of the erosion was identified as man9s destabilization of the natural surface through road-building, agriculture, urbanization, stream-channel modification, and off-road vehicle recreation. The extensive, and growing, destabilization of the California desert surface provides for ever-increasing dust yield in storms of the future.
Systematic notes on the philippine slow loris, Nycticebus coucang menagensis (Lydekker, 1893) (Primates: Lorisidae)

The slow loris described asmenagensis (genusNycticebus), which was collected as part of the Menage Scientific Expedition to the Philippines in the early 1890s by Frank S. Bourns and Dean C. Worcester, has had a wide variety of problems associated with the authorship of the description, the lack of a type specimen, and the lack of a type locality. Herein we review the published and unpublished field notes from the collectors, all subsequent publications, and all extant specimens. We (1) reconfirm that the correct name for the Philippine slow loris isNycticebus coucang menagensis (Lydekker, 1893); (2) designate the type locality as the vicinity of Tataan, Tawitawi Island, Republic of the Philippines, and the date of collection between 5 October and 5 November 1891; (3) conclude that the specimen upon which the name menagensis is based no longer exists; and (4) report a series of 17 additional specimens from the vicinity of Tataan (topotypes) collected in late October and early November 1892, which are deposited at the Bell Museum of Natural History in Minneapolis and at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Most of these extant specimens are adults with crania in excellent condition; some include postcranial elements. We provide cranial measurements for them.
Modeling and reduction of complex timing constraints in high performance digital circuits

Complex timing constraints that refer to multiple clocks and/or edges are often used in the design of modern high performance processors. Such constraints complicate the design of downstream algorithms such as logic synthesis. The complexity of the overall CAD system can be reduced considerably if we can optimally transform the timing constraints so that they refer only to a single clock and edge. In this paper, we show how to model these multi clock/edge timing constraints and describe algorithms to reduce the number reference clocks/edges. We address the important problems of accurately handling signal transitions, sequential elements, input slope variations and timing overrides, which have not been addressed before.
RF measurements of the speed of light

Modern RF measurements of the speed of light are reviewed, with emphasis on those methods capable of attaining an accuracy of 1.0 km/s or better. The geodimeter and microwave interferometer methods are discussed in some detail because of the significant role they have played in arriving at our present value for c. Serious limitations of the microwave resonant cavity method are pointed out and brief mention is made of the electrical units and band spectrum methods. A recent measurement by Karolus and Helmberger, who obtained the value 299 792.1±0.2 km/s, is mentioned. Some experimental factors that should be considered in planning future speed-of-light measurements are presented, and an experiment involving lasers, now in progress at the Joint Institute of Laboratory Astrophysics, is described briefly. The conclusion is that the presently accepted value of 299 792.5±0.3 km/s is still valid. Only two or three measurements have been completed since its adoption nearly ten years ago and they are not of sufficient accuracy to warrant a re-evaluation of c.
Buffered memory: a hypothesis for the maintenance of functional, virus-specific CD8(+) T cells during cytomegalovirus infection.

Chronic infections have been a major topic of investigation in recent years, but the mechanisms that dictate whether or not a pathogen is successfully controlled are incompletely understood. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpesvirus that establishes a persistent infection in the majority of people in the world. Like other herpesviruses, CMV is well controlled by an effective immune response and induces little, if any, pathology in healthy individuals. However, controlling CMV requires continuous immune surveillance, and thus, CMV is a significant cause of morbidity and death in immune-compromised individuals. T cells in particular play an important role in controlling CMV and both CD4+ and CD8+ CMV-specific T cells are essential. These virus-specific T cells persist in exceptionally large numbers during the infection, traffic into peripheral tissues and remain functional, making CMV an attractive vaccine vector for driving “CMV-like” T cell responses against recombinant antigens of choice. However, the mechanisms by which these T cells persist and differentiate while remaining functional are still poorly understood, and we have no means to promote their development in immune-compromised patients at risk for CMV disease. In this review, I will briefly summarize our current knowledge of CMV-specific CD8+ T cells and propose a mechanism that may explain their maintenance and preservation of function during chronic infection.
Potential carbon gain of shingle leaves in juveniles of the vine Monstera tenuis (Araceae) in Costa Rica.

The amount of light intercepted by vertically oriented, shingle leaves of juvenile Monstera tenuis vines growing in forest understory was compared to the amount of light the leaves would intercept if they were horizontal. Light levels were monitored using quantum sensors and hemispherical photography. Shingle leaves absorb less light than they would if the leaves were horizontal at the same positions, and the difference increases with height in the forest. Modeling based on measured photosynthetic light responses and light interception suggests that a t 1 m height, 75% more carbon could be gained if leaves were horizontal instead of vertical. Because the vertical leaf orientation reduces light interception, other selective factors are likely of greater importance in favoring the evolution of the shingle-leaved growth form.