cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of MODIS NDVI to evaluate changing latitudinal gradients of rangeland phenology in Sudano-Sahelian West Africa

Abstract This study is concerned with the implications of changing latitudinal gradients in vegetative phenology (green-up, senescence, and length of growing season) for the management of long-distance seasonal movements of livestock herds in Sudano-Sahelian West Africa. For a study area covering much of the southern half of Mali, phenological parameters were estimated using a double-logistic function fitted to seasonal NDVI trajectories for 1 km 2 MODIS data over the period 2000–2010. Green-up dates, senescence dates and length of growing season were all found to more strongly vary by latitude (+ 9 days/degree, − 5 days/degree and − 14 days/degree, respectively) than across years (+ 0.42 days/year, + 0.86 days/year and + 0.44 days/year respectively). Interannual and spatial variability of these parameters are highest at lower latitudes within the study area. The slopes of the relationship of phenological parameters with latitude change across the latitudinal range studied. Breakpoint analysis of annual green-up versus latitude curves identifies a mean inflection point of 13° north latitude above which the positive slope declines significantly. This previously-undescribed pattern is consistent with recent work on monsoonal dynamics showing rainfall onset being associated with an abrupt shift in the location of the ITCZ (monsoon onset) at latitudes north of 13° north latitude. The effects of the observed variation in latitudinal gradients of phenological variables on the direction and timing of regional livestock movements are discussed.
A DESIGN METHOD FOR AN ANCHOR PILE IN A MOORING SYSTEM

This study was directed toward resolving the problem of insufficient holding power experienced by ships anchoring at locations where the bottom consists of soft soil. A procedure is described by the authors for the design of a pile in soft clay to provide an anchor for a moored vessel. Behavior of a pile under lateral loading and axial loading and the interaction of an embedded chain are examined. A method is presented for computing the angle of incidence of the anchor chain with the pile, and theories are presented for computing the behavior of the pile under the aforementioned conditions. The procedures outlined in this paper can be applied to compute the dimensions of the pile and optimum positioning of the chain bracket along the pile. An example problem is presented and discussed to illustrate the procedure. Based on a number of experiments concerning the behavior of piles under axial loading and lateral loading, the authors conclude that these portions of the problem can be solved with reasonable accuracy. The authors recommend that the analytical procedure can be improved if such a mooring system is instrumented and data are obtained on the field behavior of the components of the system.
“Sequential isocratic step” liquid chromatography: A highthroughput, problem-solving approach with sensitive, near-universal detection for wide polarity mixtures

Abstract A technique called “sequential isocratic step” (SIS) liquid chromatography (LC) is introduced that provides a significant advantage for industrial laboratories of substituting automation for manpower to potentially triple the problem solving time available to a laboratory by systematically running “pilot separations” at nights and over weekends. Separations of completely unknown, wide-polarity mixtures are obtained with high sensitivity and with the near-universal detection possible with 190nm UV absorption. Conventionally, for samples showing good 254 nm UV absorption, as aromatics, gradients from full aqueous buffer to full acetonitrile frequently give good separations and can serve as a “pilot-run” for isocratic conditions for faster repetative analyses. However, many compounds show only poor detectability at 254 nm but 190 nm allows sensitive detection for all but a few functional groups. The SIS chromatography approach involves having a microprocessor LC sequentially create a series of isocratic eluent steps, 20% apart, of acetonitrile in aqueous buffer. The sample is injected for each of the steps with unattended operation during the night, and the resulting series of 6 chromatograms compared the next day. While each segment spans only a short polarity range of ca 10 K′ units, the 6 segments taken together cover the polarity range from full acetonitrile to full aqueous elution in less than 45 min. Since no gradient is used, SIS-LC overcomes two limitations of gradient elution using 190 nm detection, which are (1) the large shift in the background gradient baseline makes it impossible to detect sample peaks and (2) “ghost” peaks collected from the impure water at the beginning of the gradient elute later in the gradient and obscure sample peaks. The SiS-LC approach eliminates the effects of both ghost peaks and baseline shifts. Further, we demonstrate that with SIS-LC the “detection window” between the solvent background UV absorbance and the upper linear limit of the detector is usually large enough so that inexpensive commercial distilled water and water with amine additivies can be used at 190 nm for general detection. Examples show how SIS-LC can be used to quantify components or quickly establish log k′ vs. % acetonitrile plott, or compare lots of chemicals.
Pathogenesis and differential diagnosis of the swan-neck deformity.

the increased tonicity of the muscles is the cause of the grotesque distortions of the fingers and toes which are so commonly observed in the later stages of [rheumatoid arthritis]. These muscular deformities are by no means peculiar to rheumatoid arthritis, being met with in the course of a number of lesions of the nervous system, as well as in long-standing articular disease of other kinds, such as chronic gout, and the chronic articular rheumatism [described] by Jaccoud. The kind of deformity produced depends upon the relative strength of the different muscles, especially of the long flexors and extensors and the interossei.
FIXED-POINT ITERATION METHOD FOR NONLINEAR ROBUST CONTROL PROBLEMS IN FLUID MECHANICS

ABSTRACT In this article we study the convergence of an iterative method recently proposed in Bewley et al. (Bewley, T.R.; Temam, R.; Ziane, M. A General Framework for Robust Control in Fluid Machanics. Phys. D 2000, 138(3–4), 360–392) for the numerical solutions of a class of nonlinear robust control problems in fluid mechanics. Using the contraction mapping principle, we prove the convergence of the algorithm and we obtain an estimate to the convergence rate. Numerical solutions of a robust control problem related to data assimilation in oceanography are presented to illustrate the method.
A model membrane system to investigate antioxidants in bovine rod outer segments.

Abstract The antioxidant activities of compounds endogenous to bovine rod outer segments (ROS) were investigated by measuring the loss of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) from membranes exposed to the water-soluble oxidant 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). Osmotically intact ROS, ROS membranes, and unilamellar liposomes prepared from ROS phospholipids (PL) were compared. Intact ROS were most resistant to oxidative loss of PUFA's, followed by ROS membranes and then PL liposomes. The development of a model membrane system allowed the investigation of putative antioxidants singly and in combination. These lipid-soluble compounds were incorporated into PL liposomes, and it was found that normal physiological concentrations of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and free fatty acids (16:0, 18:0, 18:1, 22:6) significantly decreased oxidative loss of PUFA's. When all the major free fatty acids were added to PL liposomes at the same concentrations found when ROS phospholipase A is stimulated, the oxidative loss of PUFA's was reduced by 31%. The antioxidant effect of free fatty acids suggests that endogenous phospholipase A's may act to protect membranes by releasing esterified fatty acids in proportions and concentrations that afford protection to membrane lipids.
Maximum Bladed Disk Forced Response From Distortion of a Structural Mode

A method is presented for obtaining maximum bladed disk forced response from distortion of a structural mode. It is shown that maximum response from mode distortion in a bladed disk occurs when the harmonic components of a distorted mode superimpose in a certain manner, causing localization of the mode and strong response in a particular blade. In addition, it is shown that the response of an intentionally mistuned system with maximum response does not change significantly when small random mistuning is added to the system. A method is described for calculating the structural mistuning necessary to obtain the distorted mode that gives maximum response. The theory is validated numerically.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The Treatment Continuum

Objectives To provide a comprehensive review of the current and most up-to-date clinical trial evidence supporting use of the treatment continuum approach for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Data Sources Original scientific papers and abstracts, practice guidelines, and review articles. Conclusion The treatment continuum is the most promising approach currently available for the management of patients with mCRC. Success of the approach depends on up-front planning, individualization of therapy, appropriate sequencing of first-line and subsequent regimens, and the strategic use of all available agents, weighing both their risks and benefits. Implications for Nursing Practice Because sound clinical judgment must continue to guide clinician treatment decisions until more definitive data regarding the optimal combination and sequencing of current agents become available, oncology nurses are in a unique position to assist with the implementation of this treatment approach. It is therefore imperative that they become familiar with the clinical data to better assist patients with decisions regarding therapeutic options and potential risks and benefits, along with the effect on the individual’s quality of life.
Synthesis of quinoline derivatives: discovery of a potent and selective phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) mediates the degradation of cGMP in a variety of tissues including brain. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of the nitric oxide/cGMP/cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) pathway to the process of learning and memory. Thus, PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) are thought to be promising new therapeutic agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss. To explore this possibility, a series of quinoline derivatives were synthesized and evaluated. We found that compound 7a selectively inhibits PDE5 with an IC50 of 0.27 nM and readily crosses the blood brain barrier. In an in vivo mouse model of AD, compound 7a rescues synaptic and memory defects. Quinoline-based, CNS-permeant PDE5Is have potential for AD therapeutic development.
An economic analysis of air pollution from coal-fired power plants☆

Abstract The benefits of air pollution control techniques on a coal-fired power plant are Simulated with a scientifically based environmental model. Air pollution abatement techniques are assessed in terms of their resource cost (measured in dollars) and their effectiveness in reducing environmental damage (measured in dollars and healthy days lost). Which air pollution techniques are most efficient depend upon how much a day of health should be valued. Other factors of potential interest such as uncertainty and equity are also simulated through the model. The paper demonstrates that scientific evidence can be organized around economic principles in order to develop more rational and effective environmental policies.
Attribute sampling: A review in light of SAS no. 39

Abstract This paper takes the opportunity offered by the recent issuance of SAS No. 39 to review attribute sampling instruction. In our experience, a common problem among auditing students is understanding attribute sampling. We believe the problem is partially due to the procedural or “cookbook” approach used to explain attribute sampling in auditing textbooks. SAS No. 39 provides the basis for a clearer presentation of attribute sampling. In this paper, the presentation of attribute sampling in auditing textbooks is reviewed, and a straightforward theoretical explanation of attribute sampling is presented which should prove to be a useful supplement to material covered in existing auditing textbooks.
Instabilities of the Fermi-liquid and staggered flux phases in the large-N t-J model

Determination des limites de stabilite de l'etat de liquide de Fermi. Proposition d'un diagramme de phase pour le modele t-J dans le plan δt/J, δ. Caracterisation des differentes transitions possibles entre les etats d'onde de densite de flux et d'onde de densite de liaison
Bacterial transglycosylase inhibitors

The spread of bacterial resistance to known antibiotics has inspired interest in previously under-exploited drug targets. The transglycosylation reaction remains a 'black box' in the generally well-studied process of bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis, which is a very attractive target for chemotherapeutic intervention. Here, we summarize recent progress in the study of bacterial transglycosylases and the compounds that inhibit them. The transglycosylation reaction is readily targeted by several different classes of natural products, implying that it should be possible to develop drugs that inhibit this process once efficient high-throughput screens and appropriate compound libraries have been developed.
A high-performance droplet router for digital microfluidic biochips

In this paper, we propose a high-performance droplet router for digital microfluidic biochip (DMFB) design. Due to recent advancements in bio-MEMS, the design complexity and the scale of a DMFB are expected to explode in near future, thus requiring strong support from CAD as in conventional VLSI design. Among multiple design stages of a DMFB, droplet routing which schedules the movement of each droplet in a time-multiplexed manner is a critical challenge due to high complexity as well as large impacts on performance. Our algorithm first routes a droplet with higher bypassibility which less likely blocks the movement of the others. When multiple droplets form a deadlock, our algorithm resolves it by backing off some droplets for concession. A final compaction step further enhances timing as well as fault-tolerance by tuning each droplet movement greedily. Experimental results on hard benchmarks show that our algorithm achieves over 35x and 20x better routability with comparable timing and fault-tolerance than the popular prioritized A* search [2] and the state-of-the-art network-flow based algorithm [18], respectively
PP180. Maternal plasma endotoxin increases significantly across pregnancy with no association with obesity, inflammation, or insulin sensitivity.

Introduction Endotoxin activates innate immunity, decreases insulin sensitivity and is associated with obesity. Recent data indicates that subclinical endotoxemia is associated with inflammation in obese women in late pregnancy. Objectives The objective of this study was to quantify circulating endotoxin across pregnancy in lean and obese women, and assess the relationship between endotoxin and markers of inflammation and insulin sensitivity. Methods Endotoxin was measured in sterile maternal EDTA plasma samples from 24 lean pregnant women (BMI=22.4±1.9kg/m 2 ) and 45 obese pregnant women (BMI= 32.6±2.1kg/m 2 ), and 6 non-pregnant women. Samples were collected at 10.5±3.1, 21.3±4.6 and 35.2±2.1weeks gestation. Endotoxin was quantified using the PyroGene Recombinant Factor C endotoxin detection assay from LONZA, inter-assay variability p Results Endotoxin was significantly increased in both lean (10.4±5.3EU/ml) and obese (9.1±5.3EU/ml) pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women (4.3±2.6EU/ml, p Data are mean±SD. Repeated measures ANOVA p Endotoxin (EU/ml)First trimester (10.5±3.1weeks)Second trimester (21.3±4.6weeks)Third trimester (35.2±2.1weeks)Lean pregnant (n=24)10.4±5.315.5±8.816.6±5.9Obese pregnant (n=45)9.1±5.315.2±9.218.3±11.5 Conclusion Circulating endotoxin increases significantly during pregnancy, but endotoxin is not associated with markers of systemic inflammation or insulin resistance. Pregnancy may represent a condition of metabolic endotoxemia, however the causes and biologic activity of these increasing levels of endotoxin are unclear.
Acid–base equilibria of tetracycline in sodium montmorillonite suspensions

Changes in the partial molar free energy of the ionic species of tetracycline as a result of interaction with sodium-saturated montmorillonite were monitored by UV spectroscopic titrations. The stronger interaction between the clay and the protonated (H3T+) species relative to the zwitterionic (H2T0) species is responsible for the apparent displacement of pK1 in clay suspensions. The displacement of the first equilibrium favors the H3T+ species due to its stabilization by the negative clay surface. Little effect of the clay was observed on pK2 and pK3, because the ionic species of tetracycline associated with these equilibria (H2T0, HT−, and T2-) did not interact strongly with the negative clay surface. Therefore, the ionic species distribution of tetracycline in a sodium montmorillonite suspension is significantly different than that expected based on solution equilibria. The degree of equilibrium displacement depended on the accessibility of the negative charge at the clay surface. Fraction bound curves support the hypothesis that the clay surface causes a change in tetracycline equilibria. The H3T+ form of tetracycline was highly bound to the sodium montmorillonite, but little adsorption was observed for the H2T0 species.
Long-term outcomes of carpal tunnel release: a critical review of the literature

Background Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is widely accepted as an effective surgical treatment method for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. While the short-term literature is well substantiated, the “long-term” literature has rarely exceeded 2 years of follow-up, which may be inadequate for a chronic and potentially recurring disease such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Reliability and Maintainability analysis of a high air pressure compressor facility

This paper discusses a Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) independent assessment conducted to support the refurbishment of the Compressor Station at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). The paper discusses the methodologies used by the assessment team to derive the repair by replacement (RR) strategies to improve the reliability and availability of the Compressor Station (Ref.1). This includes a RAPTOR simulation model that was used to generate the statistical data analysis needed to derive a 15-year investment plan to support the refurbishment of the facility. To summarize, study results clearly indicate that the air compressors are well past their design life. The major failures of Compressors indicate that significant latent failure causes are present. Given the occurrence of these high-cost failures following compressor overhauls, future major failures should be anticipated if compressors are not replaced. Given the results from the RR analysis, the study team recommended a compressor replacement strategy. Based on the data analysis, the RR strategy will lead to sustainable operations through significant improvements in reliability, availability, and the probability of meeting the air demand with acceptable investment cost that should translate, in the long run, into major cost savings. For example, the probability of meeting air demand improved from 79.7 percent for the Base Case to 97.3 percent. Expressed in terms of a reduction in the probability of failing to meet demand (1 in 5 days to 1 in 37 days), the improvement is about 700 percent. Similarly, compressor replacement improved the operational availability of the facility from 97.5 percent to 99.8 percent. Expressed in terms of a reduction in system unavailability (1 in 40 to 1 in 500), the improvement is better than 1000 percent (an order of magnitude improvement).
Rationality, Awe, and the Demand for Biotechnology

of the consequences the intervention may portend for natural processes. The economics of biotechnology is a study of poorly observable and poorly predictable events. Although some molecular research is communicable in print, much is vested in the scientist's know-how and transmissible only in person. Even patentable discoveries are constituted as ideas--descriptions of the characteristics and uses of laboratory processes or genetic elements. Decisions about which are real discoveries and which are not, and how many occurred, change with the vagaries of legal philosophy, administration policy, and entrepreneurial strategy. Still more difficult are judgments about the significance of these technical claims. For just as the radical character of the transgenic revolution has boosted the scientist's prestige, it also has militated against the experience necessary for seeing where innovations will lead. Perceptions about the environmental impacts of GM farming and the safety of GM foods must then be hostage to a hundred arguments.
Fish communities in coastal freshwater ecosystems: the role of the physical and chemical setting

We explored how embayment watershed inputs, morphometry, and hydrology influence fish community structure among eight embayments located along the southeastern shoreline of Lake Ontario, New York, USA. Embayments differed in surface area and depth, varied in their connections to Lake Ontario and their watersheds, and drained watersheds representing a gradient of agricultural to forested land use. We related various physicochemical factors, including total phosphorus load, embayment area, and submerged vegetation, to differences in fish species diversity and community relative abundance, biomass, and size structure both among and within embayments. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and centrarchids numerically dominated most embayment fish communities. Biomass was dominated by piscivorous fishes including brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), bowfin (Amia calva), and northern pike (Esox lucius). Phosphorus loading influenced relative biomass, but not species diversity or relative abundance. Fish relative abundance differed among embayments; within embayments, fish abundance at individual sampling stations increased significantly with submerged vegetative cover. Relative biomass differed among embayments and was positively related to total phophorus loading and embayment area. Fish community size structure, based on size spectra analysis, differed among embayments, with the frequency of smaller-bodied fishes positively related to percent vegetation. The importance of total phosphorus loading and vegetation in structuring fish communities has implications for anthropogenic impacts to embayment fish communities through activities such as farming and residential development, reduction of cultural eutrophication, and shoreline development and maintenance.
Individual versus community orientation in the prevention of injuries.

Abstract Traditional health program efforts toward the prevention of injury have been based on assumptions of individual responsibility for safety. The degree of impact which such programs have on injury incidence rates has not been determined. Health personnel are urged to adopt an orientation to the community, rather than to individuals, in approaching problems in injury control. The theoretical implications of individual versus community orientation are discussed using illustrative material from injury problems in childhood.
Devices in the management of advanced, chronic heart failure

Medical devices are often life-saving therapies in patients with advanced heart failure whose condition worsens despite optimal medical therapy. Drs Abraham and Smith expertly review the development of cardiac resynchronization therapy and left ventricular assist devices, describe the current challenges associated with these treatment strategies, and speculate on future advances in this fast-moving field.
Informational energy flow as an aspect of the ecological efficiency of marine ciliates.

Abstract General systems optimization principles predict that informationally encoded energy might be scavenged by efficient consumers and might play an important role in ecosystem trophic dynamics. Model microcosms were set up to study the informational processing potential of two microherbivores from the same habitat. The experimental design enabled parallel measurements of both information and calorimetric transfers in the same systems. The two experimental animals, Uronema marinum and Euplotes vannus , were grown separately in synchronous culture and were fed non-limiting quantities of various food organisms of equal calorific value but potentially different informational content for the consumers in order to detect potentially different efficiencies of utilization. Information utilization was reflected by cell cycle advancement and changes in rate of growth. The synchronously growing ciliates were also switched from one food species to another to study induction time for informational processing. Uronema was the ecologically more efficient of the two species tested. When logarithmically growing and fed certain strains of chlorophytes, its ecological efficiency approached 20%, while on diets of other chlorophyte species it dropped to only 6%. Ecological efficiency for Euplotes on various diets ranged from 2–12%. Induction time lags were found when switching both animals from one diet to another. The data clearly show that nutritional quality factors (molecular information) is part of energy flow in at least some food webs since the reproduction of the ciliates studied was neither a strict function of feeding rate nor strictly coupled with the calorific values of the food organisms themselves. A theoretical construct was designed to quantitatively evaluate the informational gain in food-consumer relationships. The difference between the energetic cost of growth for the consumer on the diet most informationally impoverished and other foods was chosen as a base to which all other foods could be compared. The difference between the energetic cost of growth on the base food and other food species can therefore be expressed in terms of energy saved per food organism processed per consumer generation. A new unit of information gain in food web transformations, the Cyberon, can be translated to other energy units through fundamental respiration relations. The theoretical energetic implications for resource distribution and utilization at the nanno, micro and meio levels of marine communities are discussed.
Electoral and Congressional Incentives and Arms Control

This article presents and tests two arguments about how the democratic institutions of the United States influence arms control bargaining. Principal-agent models of elections with retrospective voters form the basis of a formal model linking elections and arms control. It implies that the United States offers additional concessions as economic conditions deteriorate, but also that this effect declines as conditions get worse. Congress' control of the defense budget provides a way to affect the Soviets' reservation level for negotiations. But if the Soviets anticipate congressional actions, the only effects are reduced Soviet concessions immediately before critical votes on defense and a response to the outcome of the vote. An empirical examination of U.S. and Soviet bargaining behavior during the 1970s supports these hypotheses. The United States increases its concessions as inflation heightens. The Soviets reduce their concessions during periods with critical votes on defense in Congress, offer addition...
Use of thematic mapper data for the detection of forest damage caused by the pear thrips

Abstract This study evaluates the potential of measuring, mapping, and monitoring hardwood damage caused by pear thrips in southern Vermont and northwestern Massachusetts using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data. Images displayed using the TM 1.65/0.83 μ (TM5/4) band ratio, the 1.65 μ band, and the 0.66 μ band (TM Band 3), in the order of red, green, and blue, were found to clearly distinguish between high and low damage areas. Imagery employing a TM 0.83 μ band difference data set (which was produced by subtracting coregistered 1988 from 1984 0.83 μ band data) in the red plane, in conjunction with 1988 1.65 μ and 0.66 μ bands in the green and blue planes, respectively, was also found to clearly distinguish between high and low damage areas. The 0.83 μ band difference data set was used to estimate the amount of damage in the region. of approximately 0.83 million acres (0.33 million ha) of deciduous forest in the study area, 39.4% was classified as medium damage, and 9.7% was classified as high damage.
Improvement in the lightfastness of dyed and pigmented materials—part 2: Effect of singlet oxygen quenchers on the photostabilisation of organic pigm

Abstract The effect of some singlet oxygen quenchers on the photostabilisation of C.I. Pigment Red 3 and C.I. Pigment Red 49 in coating films prepared from cellulosic lacquer, alkyd resin and polyurethane-type paints was examined. The rates of photodegradation of the pigments were retarded by adding effective singlet oxygen quenchers, such as nickel diethyldithiocarbamate, nickel bis(dithiobenzil) and nickel bis(N-n-dodecylsalicylaldimine). The coexistence of an equal amount of the singlet oxygen quencher and a hindered phenol (good radical scavenger) was effective in improving the light resistance of the pigments, but the addition of a hindered phenol alone was not effective.
A Practical Synthesis of 2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-acetyl-1-O-(2-propenyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside Using ZnCl2

2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-acetyl-1-O-(2-propenyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (1a), which is a useful raw material in the synthesis of a bioactive agent, has been synthesized in 50% yield by reacting β-d-glucose pentaacetate and 3 mol equiv of an allyl alcohol with 0.9 mol equiv of ZnCl2 in toluene at 80 °C for 2 h followed by recrystallization from diisopropyl ether. This method is suitable for the large-scale preparation of 1a due to its efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Spectropolarimetric Variability in OB Stars

Data from the Wisconsin spectropolarimetric monitoring program provide information about the polarimetric variability of numerous types of stars. Examining the data that exist thus far, we find, not surprisingly, that many OB stars, especially OB supergiants and Be stars, are polarimetric variables. Be stars show the most extreme variability as a class. Results from the Be star π Aqr are presented which illustrate the dramatic polarimetric variability that such stars can exhibit. Contemporaneous IUE data show that the development of low velocity discrete absorption components in the UV wind lines may be associated with the onset of polarimetric outbursts. These preliminary findings add further support to the picture that winds from hot stars are non-homogeneous and variable.
Documenting Fair Use: Has the Statement of Best Practices Loosened the Fair Use Reins for Documentary Filmmakers?

The United States Copyright Act allows for fair use of copyrighted material under certain circumstances, but federal courts have been inconsistent in rulings on copyright infringement cases in which documentary filmmakers claim fair use. This can be problematic for documentarians, who often use copyrighted materials. The 2005 “Documentary Filmmakers’ Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use” addressed this inconsistency by providing guidelines for filmmakers. This article analyzes relevant federal cases before and after the statement in which a documentary filmmaker was sued under the Copyright Act for infringement and in which a court addressed the issue of whether the use was fair. A case analysis shows that federal rulings have become slightly more accommodating toward the use of copyrighted material in documentaries and the use of copyrighted video in general since the statement was introduced. The statement's relevance to fair use case law is also examined.
Reactive oxidant species in piriform cortex extracellular fluid during seizures induced by systemic kainic acid in rats.

Kainic acid (KA) administered systemically to rats produces seizures and brain damage. We measured an increase in reactive oxidant species (ROS) during KA-induced seizures in the extracellular fluid (ECF) of the piriform cortex, a brain region known to be subsequently damaged. Intracerebral microdialysis samples were collected and assayed for isoluminol-dependent chemiluminescence before and after injection of KA (16 mg/kg, ip). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations were calculated from catalase-sensitive chemiluminescence, the difference between total and catalase-resistant chemiluminescence. During generalized tonic-clonic seizures, both total and catalase-resistant chemiluminescence increased significantly in samples from brain ECF. Catalase-resistant chemiluminescence, most likely produced by ascorbic acid, increased for a full hour during sustained seizure activity. H2O2 concentrations showed a trend towards elevation during seizures. Increased ROS suggest that oxidative stress occurs in brain ECF during sustained seizure activity.
Connecting chain chemistry and network topology with the large deformation mechanical response of elastomers

Elastomers are polymers able to undergo large, reversible deformations, and their mechanical properties depend on the chemistry of individual chains as well as the topology of the crosslinked network. In this work we analyze the connection between micro-scale network structure and the macroscopic mechanical properties by performing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using the Kremer & Grest bead-spring model. The chain length and the density at which crosslinking is performed are varied in order to produce systems ranging from crosslink-dominated to highly entangled, and stress-stretch results are obtained via MD in the large deformation regime. In analogy with recent work on social, technological, and biological networks, we apply mathematical graph theory to describe elastomer networks in a multi-scale modeling framework. A matrix formulation of crosslinked polymers is presented and applied in order to identify the network structure resulting from both chemical crosslinks and physical crosslinks (entanglements). We show that spectral analysis of the crosslink and chain entanglement adjacency matrices along with the corresponding degree distributions can be used to identify and differentiate between the different materials. The spectrum of the crosslink adjacency matrix resembles a sparse regular graph, and spectrum of the intermolecular chain entanglement matrix for the highly entangled systems is shown to resemble a random graph; however, deviations are noted which require further study. A comparison of the network properties with the stress-stretch response demonstrates the influence of both crosslinks and entanglements on the large deformation mechanical behavior of an elastomer material.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Optimal norms and the computation of joint spectral radius of matrices

The notion of spectral radius of a set of matrices is a natural extension of spectral radius of a single matrix. The finiteness conjecture (FC) claims that among the infinite products made from the elements of a given finite set of matrices, there is a certain periodic product, made from the repetition of the optimal product, whose rate of growth is maximal. FC has been disproved. In this paper it is conjectured that FC is almost always true, and an algorithm is presented to verify the optimality of a given product. The algorithm uses optimal norms, as a special subset of extremal norms. Several conjectures related to optimal norms and non-decomposable sets of matrices are presented. The algorithm has successfully calculated the spectral radius of several parametric families of pairs of matrices associated with compactly supported multi-resolution analyses and wavelets. The results of related numerical experiments are presented.
Experimental and computational studies of strain-conduction velocity relationships in cardiac tissue.

Abstract Velocity of electrical conduction in cardiac tissue is a function of mechanical strain. Although strain-modulated velocity is a well established finding in experimental cardiology, its underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this work, we summarized potential factors contributing to strain–velocity relationships and reviewed related experimental and computational studies. We presented results from our experimental studies on rabbit papillary muscle, which supported a biphasic relationship of strain and velocity under uni-axial straining conditions. In the low strain range, the strain–velocity relationship was positive. Conduction velocity peaked with 0.59 m/s at 100% strain corresponding to maximal force development. In the high strain range, the relationship was negative. Conduction was reversibly blocked at 118 ± 1.8 % strain. Reversible block occurred also in the presence of streptomycin. Furthermore, our studies revealed a moderate hysteresis of conduction velocity, which was reduced by streptomycin. We reconstructed several features of the strain–velocity relationship in a computational study with a myocyte strand. The modeling included strain-modulation of intracellular conductivity and stretch-activated cation non-selective ion channels. The computational study supported our hypotheses, that the positive strain–velocity relationship at low strain is caused by strain-modulation of intracellular conductivity and the negative relationship at high strain results from activity of stretch-activated channels. Conduction block was not reconstructed in our computational studies. We concluded this work by sketching a hypothesis for strain-modulation of conduction and conduction block in papillary muscle. We suggest that this hypothesis can also explain uni-axially measured strain–conduction velocity relationships in other types of cardiac tissue, but apparently necessitates adjustments to reconstruct pressure or volume related changes of velocity in atria and ventricles.
Sight for seniors: A summary of findings and challenges to providing community-based eye care to low-income seniors

Abstract Purpose The Sight for Seniors (SFS) program was developed to provide eye care and eyeglasses to low-income seniors. Methods Residents from a Chicago Housing Authority senior development participated in SFS. A community liaison promoted SFS and enrolled residents. Patients received transportation, eye care that took place at the Illinois Eye Institute, and spectacles at no out-of-pocket cost. Results Eighty-nine patients were seen. The mean age was 71.8 years (standard deviation, 7.2). Fifty-six (62.9%) patients were women, and 73 (82.0%) were black. The last eye examination was reported within a year by 16 (18.0%), and 44 reported that their last medical examination was within 1 year. All patients required and received eyeglasses. Seventy-four (83.1%) improved Snellen distance visual acuity by 1 line or more and 26 (29.2%) by 3 lines or more. Twenty (22.5%) had glaucoma, and 9 had diabetic retinopathy. Sixty-three (70.8%) reported a history of hypertension (HTN) and 33 (37.1%) type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). HTN was controlled in 4 (15%) of those with HTN and DM and 12 (34.3%) of those with HTN but not DM. Conclusions Last reported eye examination, medical history, and examination findings support the need for eye care in this population. These findings are applicable to similar populations.
Substantial non-electrostatic forces are needed to induce allosteric disruption of thrombin’s active site through exosite 2

Sulfated β-O4 lignin (SbO4L), a non-saccharide glycosaminoglycan mimetic, was recently disclosed as a novel exosite 2-directed thrombin inhibitor with the capability of mimicking sulfated tyrosine sequences of glycoprotein Ibα resulting in dual anticoagulant and antiplatelet activities. SbO4L engages essentially the same residues of exosite 2 as heparin and yet induces allosteric inhibition. Fluorescence spectroscopic studies indicate that SbO4L reduces access of the active site to molecular probes and affinity studies at varying salt concentrations show nearly 6 ionic interactions, similar to heparin, but much higher non-ionic contribution. The results suggest that subtle increase in non-electrostatic forces arising from SbO4L's aromatic scaffold appear to be critical for inducing allosteric dysfunction of thrombin's active site.
Selective labeling of central and peripheral sensory neurons in the developing zebrafish using P2X3 receptor subunit transgenes

The two paralogous P2X receptor subunit genes p2rx3.1 and p2rx3.2 are selectively expressed in overlapping, but unique, patterns of sensory neurons in the developing zebrafish. We constructed a series of transgenes derived from both genes using the recombineering technique. Transgenes utilizing either enhanced green fluorescent protein or monomeric red fluorescent protein-1 were shown to be expressed with the same spatial and temporal patterns as the native genes. The p2rx3.1-derived transgenes labeled the vast majority of the Rohon-Beard neurons in the spinal cord and neurons of the trigeminal ganglia. The p2rx3.2-derived transgene labeled fewer Rohon-Beard and trigeminal neurons than what was observed for the p2rx3.1-derived transgenes, but was also detected in neurons of the epibranchial ganglia. Three distinct populations of sensory neurons were detected: those expressing only one or the other paralog, and those expressing both paralogs. The fluorescent proteins encoded by the transgenes allowed for visualization of the neuronal somas as well as their peripheral and central projections. These reagents should prove extremely useful in providing the basis for future studies aimed at elucidating the developmental and physiological attributes of sensory neurons.
Cost of quality

ABSTRACTThe Cost of Quality (COQ) is one of the fundamental tools in the Total Quality Management process. How a company calculates the COQ for research and development (R&D) and the role R&D plays in calculating COQ, in general, is the subject of this article. A method that uses the COQ and technical limits analysis (TLA) to choose among prevention alternatives is proposed. A cost/benefit classification is proposed, and technical limits are equated to the COQ for capital-intensive prevention projects. R&D could be involved in calculating the scientific limits, and engineering economics can be used to calculate “economic incentives.” These then should be used in the management of technology.
Phlebotomist's block

> normally for him at least > > the process > > is relatively painless > normally in his skilled hands > > life's essence > > is captured easy and free > this time is different though > > he is stuck > > at a loss for where to start > his subject is a woman > > on chemo > > lymphoma at
Diagnostic Development for Advanced Power Systems

The high temperatures, pressures, and particulate densities present in coal-fired advanced power systems place severe limitations on conventional probe techniques for thermometry, velocimetry, and gas and particulate analysis. Although laser-based techniques for measuring gas temperature, velocity, and composition have been demonstrated in relatively clean flame gases, little is known regarding their applicability to measurements in the product streams from coal-fired combustors. Hence, a program has been established at Sandia to develop and assess advanced physical sampling and laser-based optical diagnostic techniques. This paper describes some of the techniques under development, including a small-angle near-forward scattering optical arrangement for particle sizing and a system for making Raman-scattering measurements of gas temperature using a pulsed laser and a gated detection system. Also described here is the atmospheric combustor exhaust simulator (ACES) facility being constructed as the test bed for the diagnostic techniques.Copyright © 1980 by ASME
Variables associated with effects on morbidity in older adults following disasters.

INTRODUCTION: Older adults are vulnerable to disproportionately higher morbidity following disasters. Reasons for this vulnerability are multifaceted and vary by disaster type as well as patient comorbidities. Efforts to mitigate this increased morbidity require identification of at-risk older adults who can be targeted for intervention. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed using the search terms "geriatric, disaster" and "morbidity, disaster" to identify published articles that reported variables associated with increased morbidity of older adults during and after disasters. A review of article titles and abstracts was then conducted to identify those articles that contained evidence-based variables that render older adults vulnerable to poor health outcomes during disasters. RESULTS: A total of 233 studies was initially identified. After applying exclusion criteria, nine studies were chosen for the comprehensive review. Based on the synthesis of the literature, factors were identified that were repeatedly associated with morbidity and mortality among older adults during and shortly after disasters. CONCLUSION: Older adults, especially those with multiple co-morbidities, are at risk of increased morbidity after disasters and catastrophic events. Factors such as the need for prescription medications, low social support, visual and hearing impairment, impaired mobility, and poor economic status are associated with an increased risk of morbidity. Language: en
Catalytic inhibitors of topoisomerase II are DNA-damaging agents: Induction of chromosomal damage by merbarone and ICRF-187

Merbarone is a catalytic inhibitor of topoisomerase II (topo II) that has been proposed to act primarily by blocking topo II-mediated DNA cleavage without stabilizing DNA-topo II-cleavable complexes. In this study merbarone was used as a model compound to investigate the genotoxic effects of catalytic inhibitors of topo II. The clastogenic properties of merbarone were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo micronucleus (MN) assays combined with CREST staining. For the in vitro MN assay, ICRF-187, a different type of catalytic inhibitor, and etoposide, a topo II poison, were used for comparison. Treatment of TK6 cells with all three of these drugs resulted in highly significant dose-related increases in kinetochore-lacking MN and, to a lesser extent, kinetochore-containing MN. In addition, a good correlation between p53 accumulation and MN formation was seen in the drug-treated cells. A mouse MN assay was performed to confirm that similar DNA-damaging effects would occur in vivo. Bone marrow smears from merbarone-treated B6C3F1 mice showed a dose-related increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes with a mean of 26 MN per 1000 cells being seen at the 60 mg/kg dose. Almost all MN lacked a kinetochore signal, indicating that merbarone was predominantly clastogenic under these conditions in vivo. The present study clearly shows that merbarone is genotoxic both in vitro and in vivo, and demonstrates the inaccuracy of earlier statements that merbarone and other catalytic inhibitors block the enzymatic activity of topo II without damaging DNA.