cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Presumptively Better Approach to Arbitrability

One of the most complex problems in the arbitration field is the question of who decides disputes over the scope of an arbitrator’s purported authority. Courts in Canada and the United States have taken different approaches to this fundamental question of “arbitrability” that necessarily arises when one party disputes the contractual validity of the underlying “container” contract carrying the arbitration clause. If arbitration is a creature of contract, and contract is a product of consensual agreement, then any dispute that impugns the underlying consent of the parties to the container contract implicates the arbitration agreement itself (i.e., no contract, no arbitration agreement). The U.S. approach of “separability” dates back a half-century to a Supreme Court case that was controversial when it was decided and remains so today. The Supreme Court has added several more decisions trying to clarify its arbitrability rules within just the past few years. The Canadians too have tried to sort out this mess, seizing upon the hoary legal distinction between law and fact, also offering recent Supreme Court pronouncements. Neither country’s approach is normatively or functionally satisfying.After discussing and critiquing the two approaches comparatively, we offer our own proposal. We too deploy legal presumptions, but in our case we focus on what we contend are the two most relevant criteria: (1) the nature of the legal challenge to the underlying container contract, and (2) the type of contract at issue. Challenges to consent in contract formation and contracts involving adhesion should be specially scrutinized by the courts before carting parties off to arbitration, whereas commercial agreements between sophisticated actors should presumptively be for arbitral resolution, even for “constitutive” challenges to the underlying contract.
Bushing Current Transformers for Oil Circuit Breakers [includes discussion]

A new line of improved bushing current transformers for modern oil circuit breakers has been developed incorporating increased knowledge in materials, manufacturing techniques, and construction methods. In the advancement of circuit breaker designs to meet the growing requirements of industry, the design of bushing current transformers has likewise been advanced to meet the demand for improved performance characteristics and for better construction features. This paper outlines the objectives established to guide the development program and describes the new line of bushing current transformers. Distributed windings and moisture resistant materials are the important new features of the transformers. A high degree of resistance to mechanical damage has been provided and impregnation processes have been eliminated. The new transformers are designed to meet American Standards Association (ASA) standards for multiratio transformers for class-L relaying accuracy. The performance characteristics and construction features have been proved by an extensive test program.
Teaching anatomy in the digital world.

Today, the teaching of anatomy is at a crossroads, explains Dr. Kitt Shaffer. As we explore new "virtual" methods of teaching anatomy, the educational challenges will be different for gross anatomy and microscopical anatomy.
Role of Religious Attendance and Identity Conflict in Psychological Well-being

A sample of individuals who identified as gay or lesbian were administered measures of church attendance, their religious organization’s view of homosexuality, perceived conflict between religious faith identity and sexual orientation identity, social support, depression, and generalized anxiety. Among participants who rated their church as rejecting of homosexuality, greater frequency of attendance was related to a higher incidence of GAD symptoms, but not depression. No correlation was found for those attending accepting faith communities. Those who attend rejecting faith communities attended services less often, experienced greater identity conflict, and reported significantly less social support than those of the Accepted group. Regression analyses indicated that identity conflict and social support did not fully account for the relationship between attendance and GAD symptoms. Overall, findings from the current study support previous suggestions that participation in conservative or rejecting religious communities may adversely affect the emotional well-being of GL individuals.
Stacking faults in quaternary InxAlyGa1-x-yN layers

Abstract Quaternary In0.12Al0.29Ga0.59N and In0.10Al0.02Ga0.88N layers ∼200 nm thick were grown on (0 0 0 1) GaN/sapphire composites using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The layers were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM results indicate that the quaternary layers contain high-density stacking faults (SFs). Weak-beam dark-field analysis coupled with high-resolution electron microscopy reveal that SFs have zinc-blende structures bounded by Shockley partials. Compared with In0.10Ga0.90N layers, SF density increases substantially in the In0.10Al0.02Ga0.88N layer with only 2% additional Al. Z-contrast annular dark-field images showed that SFs are Al-rich in the In0.12Al0.29Ga0.59N layer, but not in the In0.10Al0.02Ga0.88N layer. Two reference AlxGa1−xN layers were grown using identical conditions except the carrier gases. Using H2 carrier gas resulted in a ∼400 nm thick Al0.45Ga0.55N layer with no SFs, while using N2 carrier gas resulted in a ∼250 nm thick Al0.25Ga0.75N layer with SFs. It is suggested that the low surface mobility of (CH3)2Al:NH2 species in the N2 environment led to SF formation in the quaternary layers.
Applying Single-Case Design Innovations to Research in Sport and Exercise Psychology

The purpose of this article is to illustrate how two innovations in single-case research design, the range-bound changing criterion and the distributed criterion designs, have recently emerged and how these designs might apply to sport and exercise psychology and sport performance. Both design innovations appear most suited to interventions that use, or include, common psychological skills training techniques, such as self-talk and goal-setting, together with more general behavioral self-management approaches. Investigators are encouraged to consider applying these two design innovations to contexts where researchers are interested in shaping or developing behaviors within sport and exercise participants.
Gene expression in the brain across the sleep–waking cycle

Sleep and waking differ significantly in terms of behavior, metabolism, and neuronal activity. Recent evidence indicates that sleep and waking also differ with respect to the expression of certain genes. To systematically investigate such changes, we used mRNA differential display and cDNA microarrays to screen approximately 10000 transcripts expressed in the cerebral cortex of rats after 8 h of sleep, spontaneous waking, or sleep deprivation. We found that 44 genes had higher mRNA levels after waking and/or sleep deprivation relative to sleep, while 10 were upregulated after sleep. Known genes that were upregulated in waking and sleep deprivation can be grouped into the following categories: immediate early genes/transcription factors (Arc, CHOP, IER5, NGFI-A, NGFI-B, N-Ras, Stat3), genes related to energy metabolism (glucose type I transporter Glut1, Vgf), growth factors/adhesion molecules (BDNF, TrkB, F3 adhesion molecule), chaperones/heat shock proteins (BiP, ERP72, GRP75, HSP60, HSP70), vesicle- and synapse-related genes (chromogranin C, synaptotagmin IV), neurotransmitter/hormone receptors (adrenergic receptor alpha(1A) and beta(2), GABA(A) receptor beta(3), glutamate NMDA receptor 2A, glutamate AMPA receptor GluR2 and GluR3, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor beta(2), thyroid hormone receptor TRbeta), neurotransmitter transporters (glutamate/aspartate transporter GLAST, Na(+)/Cl(-) transporter NTT4/Rxt1), enzymes (aryl sulfotransferase, c-jun N-terminal kinase 1, serum/glucocorticoid-induced serine/threonine kinase), and a miscellaneous group (calmodulin, cyclin D2, LMO-4, metallothionein 3). Several other genes that were upregulated in waking and all the genes upregulated in sleep, with the exception of the one coding for membrane protein E25, did not match any known sequence. Thus, significant changes in gene expression occur across behavioral states, which are likely to affect basic cellular functions such as RNA and protein synthesis, neural plasticity, neurotransmission, and metabolism.
Thermoplastic aromatic polyimide composites

ULTEM® polyetherimide resin is characterized by a combination of high performance mechanical, thermal, flammability, and electrical properties. The exceptional mechanical properties are typified by a 15,000 psi tensile strength and 480,000 psi flexural modulus. Because of its amorphous structure and outstanding adhesion to glass, ULTEM® proves to be a very desirable matrix material for glass fiber reinforcement. Addition of fiber glass enhances most mechanical properties and provides a readily processible reinforced thermoplastic.
Traumatic stress: A theory based on rapid loss of resources

Applied Hobfoll's (1988; 1989) Conservation of Resources (COR) stress theory to the instance of traumatic stress. COR theory posits that stress occurs when resources are threatened, when resources are lost, or when individuals invest resources without gaining adequate resources in return. Traumatic stress is seen as particularly threatening to resources and results in rapid resource depletion when it occurs. The rapidness of resource loss is related to the fact that traumatic stressors (1) often attack people's basic values, (2) often occur unexpectedly, (3) make excessive demands, (4) are outside of the realm for which resource utilization strategies have been developed, and (5) leave a powerful mental image that is easily evoked by cues associated with the event. Results from research on traumatic stress are used to illustrate these points and implications for treatment are discussed.
Antioxidant and vasodilatory effects of heme oxygenase on mesenteric vasoreactivity following chronic hypoxia.

Objective: Chronic hypoxia (CH) results in impaired vasoconstriction associated with increased expression of heme oxygenase (HO). We hypothesized that enhanced HO activity minimizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) in arteries from CH rats, thereby normalizing endothelium-dependent vasodilation and concurrently produces carbon monoxide (CO), resulting in tonic vasodilation.Methods: ROS were quantified in mesenteric arteries from control and CH Sprague-Dawley rats. Reactivity to the endothelium-dependent vasodilator, acetylcholine (ACh), and the vasoconstrictor, phenylephrine (PE), were also assessed.Results: Basal ROS levels did not differ between groups and were similarly increased by HO inhibition. In contrast, catalase inhibition increased ROS in CH rats only. Vasodilatory responses to ACh were not different between groups. Combined inhibition of catalase and HO impaired PE-induced vasoconstriction in both groups. CH-induced impairment of vasoconstriction was reversed by either catalase or HO inhibition s...
Data Aggregation Scheduling in Wireless Networks with Cognitive Radio Capability

Complicated collisions and spectrum uncertainty con- strain the usage of Cognitive Radio Networks (CRNs) on heavy transmission and time sensitive applications. On the other hand, data aggregation has been considered as an essential operation in wireless networks. A large amount of effort has been dedicated to the investigation of CRNs and data aggregation in wireless networks. However, the existing literatures rarely concentrate on how to use cognitive radio technique to promote the performance of data aggregation in conventional wireless networks. In this paper, we investigate the Minimum Latency Data Aggregation Scheduling in wireless networks with Cognitive Radio capabil- ity (MLDAS-CR) problem. As the first try, an approximation scheduling algorithm based on Integer Linear Programming (ILP) and Linear Programming (LP) is proposed. According to the simulation results, this method performances great, however, it is difficult to theoretically evaluate the solution. Therefore, a heuristic scheduling algorithm with guaranteed latency bound is presented in our further investigation. The performance of the proposed solutions are evaluated through extensive simulations.
Tectonic geomorphology: The hills came tumbling down

Large earthquakes can build mountains, but they can also trigger landslides that wear landscapes away. An analysis from the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake shows that landslides destroyed more topography than was created by uplift.
Surfactant Protein A Binds Flagellin Enhancing Phagocytosis and IL-1β Production

Surfactant protein A (SP-A), a pulmonary collectin, plays a role in lung innate immune host defense. In this study the role of SP-A in regulating the inflammatory response to the flagella of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) was examined. Intra-tracheal infection of SP-A deficient (SP-A-/-) C57BL/6 mice with wild type flagellated PA (PAK) resulted in an increase in inflammatory cell recruitment and increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, which was not observed with a mutant pseudomonas lacking flagella (fliC). SP-A directly bound flagellin, via the N-linked carbohydrate moieties and collagen-like domain, in a concentration dependent manner and enhanced macrophage phagocytosis of flagellin and wild type PAK. IL-1β was reduced in the lungs of SP-A-/- mice following PAK infection. MH-s cells, a macrophage cell line, generated greater IL-1β when stimulated with flagellin and SP-A. Historically flagella stimulate IL-1β production through the toll-like receptor 5 (TLR-5) pathway and through a caspase-1 activating inflammasome pathway. IL-1β expression became non-detectable in SP-A and flagellin stimulated MH-s cells in which caspase-1 was silenced, suggesting SP-A induction of IL-1β appears to be occurring through the inflammasome pathway. SP-A plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PA infection in the lung by binding flagellin, enhancing its phagocytosis and modifying the macrophage inflammatory response.
Extraction and colorimetric determination of nitrilotriacetate (NTA) in soils 1

Abstract A simple colorimetric method of determining nitrilotriacetate (NTA) in soils is described. The soil sample is extracted by treatments with 0.025M NaOH and CaCl2 solution, and the extract is analyzed for NTA by measurement of the absorbance at 620 tun of the blue color obtained when an aliquot is treated with borate buffer (pH 9.2), zinc sulfate, and 2‐carboxy‐2'‐hydroxy‐5'‐sulfoformazylbenzene (Zincon) after removal of interfering cations by a resin treatment (Na+ Dowex 50). The method gives quantitative recovery of NTA added to soils.
On Structure/Representatlon Linkages For Small Towns In The Deep South

: What effect do ward versus at-large cig council elections have on minority representation for small towns in the deep South? The findings support the traditional wisdom: blacks face a more difficult path to office in smaller rural areas than they do in the large urban cities of the South.
Automated endmember determination and adaptive spectral mixture analysis using kernel methods

Various phenomena occur in geographic regions that cause pixels of a scene to contain spectrally mixed pixels. The mixtures may be linear or nonlinear. It could simply be that the pixel size of a sensor is too large so many pixels contain patches of different materials within them (linear), or there could be microscopic mixtures and multiple scattering occurring within pixels (non-linear). Often enough, scenes may contain cases of both linear and non-linear mixing on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Furthermore, appropriate endmembers in a scene are not always easy to determine. A reference spectral library of materials may or may not be available, yet, even if a library is available, using it directly for spectral unmixing may not always be fruitful. This study investigates a generalized kernel-based method for spectral unmixing that attempts to determine if each pixel in a scene is linear or non-linear, and adapts to compute a mixture model at each pixel accordingly. The effort also investigates a kernel-based support vector method for determining spectral endmembers in a scene. Two scenes of hyperspectral imagery calibrated to reflectance are used to validate the methods. We test the approaches using a HyMAP scene collected over the Waimanalo Bay region in Oahu, Hawaii, as well as an AVIRIS scene collected over the oil spill region in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon oil incident.
Biological Aspects of Conformal Therapy

Both conformal and intensity-modulated radiation therapy have great potential to further increase tumor control rates and decrease morbidity. A homogeneous escalation of 'biological' dose within a tumor should increase the likelihood of local cure, especially within the mid-range (e.g. 15% to 80%) of tumor control rates, and conversely, a lower control rate should follow a homogeneously reduced dose. However, when the dose to critical normal tissues is tightly constrained, the dose distributions within the treatment volume may necessarily be heterogeneous, and the effect on tumor control probability will depend upon the magnitude of over- or underdosage, and on the proportions of the tumor clonogen population receiving higher or lower than the nominal dose. Dose-volume histograms provide a measure of heterogeneity of dose within the planned treatment volume, but tumor control probability is also influenced by other variables, e.g. inherent tumor clonogen radiosensitivity and growth rates during a course of treatment, alpha/beta ratios, oxygenation and clonogen density throughout the target volume. Heterogeneity in these factors introduces heterogeneity in tumor responses and a less steep change in tumor control probability with change in dose, reducing the gains or losses that would be predicted to result from heterogeneity of dose. Similarly, modeling the effect of inhomogeneous dose distributions on estimates of probability of complications in normal tissues is hindered by uncertainty of estimates for alpha/beta ratios, especially for late-responding tissues, and lack of data on volume effects. Although the effects of dose inhomogeneity cannot be presented with sufficiently reliable quantitation to be directly applicable to dose prescriptions in radiation therapy, the relative influences of heterogeneities in dose and volume can be modeled to provide a framework for clinical decision-making. The magnitude of a dose reduction is the major determinant of decline in tumor control probability. A large dose reduction to even a small volume of tumor can profoundly decrease tumor control probability. Conversely, the most rapid improvement in tumor control probability occurs the closer to 100% the amount of tumor exposed to an increased dose. Escalation of dose is of little value unless it is distributed through most of the tumor: even very large increases in dose to small volumes are of little benefit.
Solvent and salt effects on the morphological structure of polyaniline

Extensive gel permeation chromatography coupled with surface structure and mechanical property measurements clearly indicate that polyaniline in the base form has a tendency to aggregate or agglomerate as a result of intermolecular hydrogen-bonding. The aggregation is present in the solid state powder. The degree of aggregation is found to be dependent on the prior history of the base powder material. In solution, the degree of aggregation is found to be dependent on the solvent, concentration, and temperature. As the solvent becomes a better solvent for the base material, the less aggregated is the structure. LiCl complexes the polymer via a 'pseudo-doping' process, thereby disrupting the internal polyaniline hydrogen-bonding and as a result, deaggregates the structure. As the polymer is deaggregated to different levels by a solvent or by LiCl, the individual chains can better be solvated and thus a conformational change occurs. The chains adapt a more expanded coil type of conformation. The degree of expansion depends on the solvation power of the solvent. These morphological changes have a dramatic effect on the surface structure properties of polyaniline as well as on bulk properties such as mechanical properties and UV/visible/near IR absorbance. As the level of deaggregation and subsequent chain extension increases, the surface structure becomes smoother, the glass transition temperature decreases and a significant red shift is observed in the (lambda) maximum of the absorbance. It is also found that the LiCl induced morphological changes result in increased conductivity upon doping polyaniline base with protonic acid.
CP-263,114 synthetic studies. Construction of an isotwistane ring system via rhodium carbenoid C - H insertion

Abstract Described is a rhodium carbenoid C–H insertion strategy for the construction of an isotwistane ring system needed for a late-stage fragmentation en route to the total synthesis of CP-263,114.
Stochastically Resilient Design of Mixed H2-Dissipative Observers for Discrete-Time Nonlinear Systems

Abstract A linear matrix inequality based mixed H 2 -Dissipative type state observer design approach is presented for smooth discrete time nonlinear systems with finite energy disturbances. This observer is designed to maintain H 2 type estimation error performance together with either H ∞ or a passivity type disturbance reduction performance in case of randomly varying perturbations in its gain. A linear matrix inequality is used at each time instant to find the time-varying gain of the observer. Simulation studies are included to explore the performance in comparison to the extended Kalman filter.
Determination of Common Analgesics in Serum and Urine by Liquid Chromatography/Electrochemistry

Abstract A reverse phase LC method with amperometric electrochemical detection is described for determination of several common analgesics in blood serum and urine. The retention properties as a function of organic mobile phase modifier and pH are graphically illustrated and discussed. Electrochemical properties of the analgesics and possible internal standards are also presented. Step-gradient elution was used to facilitate simultaneous determination of analgesics with a wide range of hydrophobicities. Parallel dual-electrode detection with two glassy carbon working electrodes enables acetaminophen to be selectively determined in the same chromatographic run at +0.75 V while several other analgesics are determined at +1.15 V.
Calcium ion concentration of machine perfusate predicts early graft function in expanded criteria donor kidneys

Pulsatile preservation offers the advantage of pretransplant assessment of donor kidneys. Selected electrolyte concentrations of machine perfusate were measured over time in order to: (1) describe electrolyte changes in perfusate during the pulsatile preservation of expanded-criteria donor (ECD) kidneys, and (2) to assess the prognostic significance of these characteristics to early graft function. One hundred and fifty ECD kidneys were preserved in our laboratory between 1 January 1995 and 11 January 1997. ECD kidneys were defined as those requiring pretransplant biopsy. Kidneys were grouped by the presence or absence of delayed graft function (DGF), and perfusion parameters were measured every hour during pulsatile perfusion. All kidneys were preserved by continuous hypothermic pulsatile perfusion using Belzer II solution. Renal flow is decreased and renal resistance is increased in the presence of DGF in machine-preserved ECD kidneys. In addition, ionized calcium concentration of the machine perfusate is significantly elevated in the DGF group compared with the No DGF group (0.091 vs 0.054, P = 0.0016). The incidence of DGF is significantly lower in the ECD kidney. Among the pretransplant variables of donor characteristics, perfusion parameters and histology, perfusion parameters are highly predictive of early graft function. In addition, we found that ionized calcium concentration in the perfusate is significantly elevated in kidneys exhibiting DGF, which may have implications for assessing the suitability of donor kidneys for transplantation.
Optical linewidth measurements using a polarizing microscope with crossed polarizers

Attention is called to an optical linewidth measurement procedure based on diffraction imagery by a polarizing microscope with crossed polarizers.
A GAP in our knowledge of vascular signaling in acute kidney injury

Injury resulting from ischemia–reperfusion injury is a multifactorial process involving compromised function in both the tubular and the vascular compartments. Multiple vasoactive compounds have been implicated in the profound vasoconstriction that occurs in response to ischemia–reperfusion injury, and many of these factors signal through common G protein-coupled receptors. The report by Siedlecki et al. highlights the important roles of RGS4, a GTPase-accelerating protein (GAP), in the regulation of vascular tone in the setting of acute kidney injury.
Media matters: evaluating the role of the media in Ghana's 2000 Elections

The role of the media, both state-owned and private, is an important and often overlooked component of any election, particularly those occurring in developing countries. Unfortunately, the existing academic literature on the subject is thin, especially concerning the recent flurry of democratic elections in Africa. This article briefly reviews the history of the media in Ghana’s Fourth republic and then examines the crucial role the media played in Ghana’s historic 2000 presidential and parliamentary elections. It details how the media contributed to the general success of the elections in which John Kufuor’s New Patriotic Party defeated Jerry Rawlings’ incumbent National Democratic Congress. Then, drawing on untapped public opinion survey data from the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, the Afrobarometer in Ghana, and the University of Ghana, it demonstrates how the various forms of the mass media are ‘consumed’ by Ghanaians, and how they affect citizens differently. Despite persistent romanticizing of the role of the media in many quarters, it concludes that, while the media are extremely important to certain segments of the Ghanaian population, they are virtually irrelevant to others. The state-owned media are supposed to support the government, because they are paid from government resources. Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, former First Lady of Ghana1 For an election to be truly fair, different parties and candidates should have equal access to the media. Neither state power nor the power of money should determine that one party gets a hearing while another is denied it. The media must actively seek out the truth on the public’s behalf, and be free to tell it as they see it. Kofi Annan, Secretary General, United Nations2 585 African Affairs (2002), 101, 585–605 © Royal African Society 2002 05Temin (bc/dk) 10/22/02 8:54 AM Page 585
Effect of polyamines on in vitro platelet aggregation and in vivo thrombus formation.

Abstract Introduction: Polyamines are polycations present in all living organisms and have been shown to play an important role in various physiological functions. Previous studies have shown that various amines including polyamines inhibited platelet activation, but there were no definitive studies testing their efficacy in an in vivo thrombosis model. We carried out detailed in vitro platelet aggregation studies using various concentrations of polyamines as well as agonists. Methods: Platelet aggregation was measured by a turbidimetric method. Electric current induced in vivo thrombosis model is used for assessing antithrombotic effect. Incidence of bleeding was evaluated by template bleeding and incisional bleeding. Results: Polyamines inhibited agonist-induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of polyamines is inversely proportional to the concentration of the agonist used. Among the polyamines, spermine is the potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation. A partially occlusive thrombus was generated by application of electric current in canine coronary artery. In control animals, the artery was completely occluded in 70±11 min after the current was discontinued. Blood flow remained patent for >240 min when 2 mg/kg spermine was given immediately after stopping the current. The antithrombotic effect of spermine was not associated with increased bleeding tendency. Conclusion: These results indicate that apart from inhibiting in vitro platelet aggregation polyamines can also inhibit in vivo thrombus formation. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating this phenomenon.
High-quality gene assembly directly from unpurified mixtures of microarray-synthesized oligonucleotides

To meet the growing demand for synthetic genes more robust, scalable and inexpensive gene assembly technologies must be developed. Here, we present a protocol for high-quality gene assembly directly from low-cost marginal-quality microarray-synthesized oligonucleotides. Significantly, we eliminated the time- and money-consuming oligonucleotide purification steps through the use of hybridization-based selection embedded in the assembly process. The protocol was tested on mixtures of up to 2000 oligonucleotides eluted directly from microarrays obtained from three different chip manufacturers. These mixtures containing 95% pure column-synthesized oligonucleotides by the standard protocol. Both averaged only 2.7 errors/kb, and genes assembled from microarray-eluted material without clonal selection produced only 30% less protein than sequence-confirmed clones. This report represents the first demonstration of cost-efficient gene assembly from microarray-synthesized oligonucleotides. The overall cost of assembly by this method approaches 5¢ per base, making gene synthesis more affordable than traditional cloning.
Expanding Airstar capability for flight research in an existing avionics design

The NASA Airborne Subscale Transport Aircraft Research (AirSTAR) project is an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) test bed for experimental flight control laws and vehicle dynamics research. During its development, the test bed has gone through a number of system permutations, each meant to add functionality to the concept of operations of the system. This enabled the build-up of not only the system itself, but also the support infrastructure and processes necessary to support flight operations. These permutations were grouped into project phases and the move from Phase-III to Phase-IV was marked by a significant increase in research capability and necessary safety systems due to the integration of an Internal Pilot into the control system chain already established for the External Pilot. The major system changes in Phase-IV operations necessitated a new safety and failsafe system to properly integrate both the Internal and External Pilots and to meet acceptable project safety margins. This work involved retrofitting an existing data system into the evolved concept of operations. Moving from the first Phase-IV aircraft to the dynamically scaled aircraft further involved restructuring the system to better guard against electromagnetic interference (EMI), and the entire avionics wiring harness was redesigned in order to facilitate better maintenance and access to onboard electronics. This retrofit and harness re-design will be explored and how it integrates with the evolved Phase-IV operations.
Disulfide/thiol switches in thiosemicarbazone ligands for redox-directed iron chelation

A disulfide bond is incorporated in the scaffold of thiosemicarbazone iron chelators as a reduction/activation switch. Following reduction, thiol-containing ligands stabilize iron ions in their trivalent oxidation state. The antiproliferative activity of the new chelating systems is assessed in human cancer cell lines and in normal tissue.
Meditation as a Coping Intervention for Treatment of Addiction

Addiction is a complex problem that can affect all realms of life and calls for a holistic response. Stress can contribute to addiction, and stress also results from the consequences of addiction. Mindfulness meditation has been successfully utilized to reduce stress among people with medical problems. Using a stress and coping framework, this article discusses meditation as a coping intervention for clients in treatment for substance abuse. Research on meditation as a substance abuse treatment intervention is reviewed and limitations are addressed. A mindfulness meditation group intervention model is set forth.
Loss of sexually dimorphic liver gene expression upon hepatocyte-specific deletion of Stat5a-Stat5b locus.

Hepatocyte-specific, albumin-Cre recombinase-mediated deletion of the entire mouse Stat5a-Stat5b locus was carried out to evaluate the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5a and 5b (STAT5ab) in the sex-dependent transcriptional actions of GH in the liver. The resultant hepatocyte STAT5ab-deficient mice were fertile, and unlike global STAT5b-deficient male mice, postnatal body weight gain was normal, despite a 50% decrease in serum IGF-I. Whole-liver STAT5ab RNA decreased by approximately 65–85%, and residual STAT5 immunostaining was observed in a minority of the hepatocytes, indicating incomplete excision by Cre-recombinase. Quantitative PCR analysis of 20 sexually dimorphic, liver-expressed genes revealed significant down-regulation of 10 of 11 male-specific genes in livers of male hepatocyte STAT5ab-deficient mice. Class I female-specific liver genes were markedly up-regulated (de-repressed), whereas the expression of class II female genes, belonging to the Cyp3a subfamily, was unaf...
Silver Ions Increase Auxin Efflux Independently of Effects on Ethylene Response

Silver nitrate and aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) are often used to inhibit perception and biosynthesis, respectively, of the phytohormone ethylene. In the course of exploring the genetic basis of the extensive interactions between ethylene and auxin, we compared the effects of silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) and AVG on auxin responsiveness. We found that although AgNO 3 dramatically decreased root indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) responsiveness in inhibition of root elongation, promotion of DR5-β-glucuronidase activity, and reduction of Aux/IAA protein levels, AVG had more mild effects. Moreover, we found that that silver ions, but not AVG, enhanced IAA efflux similarly in root tips of both the wild type and mutants with blocked ethylene responses, indicating that this enhancement was independent of ethylene signaling. Our results suggest that the promotion of IAA efflux by silver ions is independent of the effects of silver ions on ethylene perception. Although the molecular details of this enhancement remain unknown, our finding that silver ions can promote IAA efflux in addition to blocking ethylene signaling suggest that caution is warranted in interpreting studies using AgNO 3 to block ethylene signaling in roots.
Scintillator slurries of barium fluoride sand and index matched liquids

The authors investigated some of the scintillation properties of small quantities of crushed and ground crystalline barium fluoride powders or sands, wetted with a variety of fluid solutions closely matched in refractive index to the barium fluoride, forming a clear scintillator slurry with a density of about 3.8 g/cm/sup 3/ and a radiation length estimated to be about 2.8 cm. Some successful mixtures used novel liquid scintillators as the fluid base, providing a totally active scintillator detector matrix with a light output on a small sample about 30% of that produced by NaI. It is concluded that these heavy fluid or gel-like materials have the potential of creating relatively dense, short-radiation-length, fast, radiation-hard scintillators for large-scale calorimetric radiation detectors, with much lower cost than single-crystal detectors. >
Mortality studies of machining fluid exposure in the automobile industry I: A standardized mortality ratio analysis

Machining fluids are widely used in a variety of common industrial metalworking operations to lubricate and cool both the tool and the working surfaces. Previous studies have suggested elevated respiratory, digestive, and skin cancers in exposed populations. This cohort study was initiated to assess whether long-term exposure to machining fluids in the course of machining, grinding, and other cutting operations is associated with excess cancer mortality. The cohort includes more than 45,000 automobile production workers from 3 plants, almost 1 million years of follow-up, over 10,000 deaths, and an extensive exposure assessment component. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) have been estimated for each of the 3 plants, using both U.S. as well as local populations as reference. Relative risks of 1.2-3.1 have been observed for several specific respiratory and digestive cancers of a priori interest, including cancer of the stomach, large intestine, pancreas, lung, and larynx. In addition, elevated risks for leukemia and asthma were noted. Future exposure-response analyses will provide the opportunity to identify relatively modest excesses in cause-specific mortality risk associated with exposure to specific types (straight, soluble, or synthetic), additives, or components of machining fluids.
Sex steroids and vascular responses in hypertension and aging.

Abstract Background: Sex hormones play a significant role in human physiology. Estrogen may have protective effects in the cardiovascular system, as evidenced by the decreased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in premenopausal compared with postmenopausal women. Objective: This review highlights the acute and long-term effects of sex hormones on the vascular endothelium and vascular smooth muscle (VSM) in adults. Changes in the sex hormone mix, their receptors, and their effects on vascular function in hypertension and aging are also discussed. Methods: Literature collected from the National Centers for Biotechnology Information as identified by a PubMed database search, as well as our experimental work, was used to highlight current knowledge regarding vascular responses to sex hormones in hypertension and in aging. Results: Experiments in adult female animals have shown that estrogen induces endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation via the nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin, and hyperpolarization pathways. Also, surface membrane estrogen receptors (ERs) decrease intracellular free Ca2+ concentration and perhaps protein kinase C-dependent VSM contraction. However, clinical trials such as the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS), HERS-II, and the Women's Health Initiative did not support the experimental findings and demonstrated adverse cardiovascular events of hormone therapy (HT) in aging women. The lack of vascular benefits of HT may be related to the hormone used, the ER, or the patient's cardiovascular condition or age. Experiments on vascular strips from aging (16-month-old) female spontaneously hypertensive rats have shown reduced ER-mediated NO production from endothelial cells and decreased inhibitory effects of estrogen on Ca2+ entry mechanisms of VSM contraction. The age-related decrease in ER-mediated vascular relaxation may explain the decreased effectiveness of HT on CVD in aging women. Conclusions: New HT strategies should further examine the benefits of natural estrogens and phytoestrogens. Transdermal estrogen may be more effective than the oral form, and specific ER modulators may maximize the vascular benefits and reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer. Variants of vascular ERs should be screened for genetic polymorphisms and postmenopausal decrease in the amount of downstream signaling mechanisms. HT may be more effective during the menopausal transition than in late menopause. Progesterone, testosterone, or their specific modulators may be combined with estrogen to provide alternative HT strategies. Thus, HT type, dose, route of administration, and timing should be customized, depending on the patient's cardiovascular condition and age, thereby enhancing the vascular benefits of HT in aging women.
IC diagnosis using multiple supply pad I/sub DDQ/s

An I/sub DDQ/ technique is proposed based on an extension of a V/sub DDT/-based method called transient signal analysis. The method, called quiescent signal analysis, uses I/sub DDQ/s measured at multiple supply pins as a means of localizing defects.
Models of Coulomb screening and exciton binding in conjugated polymers

Abstract The effects of interchain interactions on the exciton binding energy are investigated using a model system consisting of a solvent polyene with 24 carbon atoms and a solute polyene with between 2 and 18 carbon atoms, separated by 4 Angstroms. It is shown that the time scales of electron-hole motion on the solute and the polarization of the solvent chain are such that a separation of time scales, for instance by screening the electron-hole potential, is not valid. Using a model that does not assume a separation of time-scales, interaction with the single solvent chain lowers the exciton binding energy by 0.36eV. Given this large value for a single solvent chain, it seems likely that interchain interactions play an important role in establishing the solid-state exciton binding energy.
Redox-inactive metals modulate the reduction potential in heterometallic manganese–oxido clusters

Redox-inactive metals are found in biological and heterogeneous water oxidation catalysts, but, at present, their roles in catalysis are not well understood. Here, we report a series of high-oxidation-state tetranuclear-dioxido clusters comprising three manganese centres and a redox-inactive metal (M). Crystallographic studies show an unprecedented Mn_3M(µ_4-O)(µ_2-O) core that remains intact on changing M or the manganese oxidation state. Electrochemical studies reveal that the reduction potentials span a window of 700 mV and are dependent on the Lewis acidity of the second metal. With the pK_a of the redox-inactive metal–aqua complex as a measure of Lewis acidity, these compounds demonstrate a linear dependence between reduction potential and acidity with a slope of ∼100 mV per pK_a unit. The Sr^(2+) and Ca^(2+) compounds show similar potentials, an observation that correlates with the behaviour of the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II, which is active only if one of these two metals is present.
The effects of anti-vibration gloves on vibration-induced disorders: A case study

Abstract This study assessed the effects of anti-vibration gloves on vibration-induced disorders and identified any adverse effects on the participants. The article also highlights the difficulties of conducting research in an occupational environment. Ten missile assemblers (range 22–56 years of age) wore anti-vibration gloves for a 3-week trial. Each worker underwent an initial evaluation and a subsequent evaluation after the trial. The company was asked to measure changes in direct and indirect costs. The data were analyzed using paired t-tests and cross-tabulations. Although the statistical results were not significant, no significant adverse effects on symptoms of vibration-induced disorders were observed. The assemblers reported decreased discomfort, increased torque generation, and improved absorption of impact, heat, and vibration without interference with dexterity. Research in an occupational environment is complicated by incomplete records and limited controls with respect to duration, compliance, and subject morbidity. Sound research requires cooperation of employer and employees, meticulous record-keeping, complete medical histories, and minimal changes in worker production and absenteeism. Cost benefit analysis should include expenses for medical care, workers’ compensation, and insurance.
Evaluation of risk factors in smokeless tobacco-associated oral lesions.

Abstract Smokeless tobacco (ST) users and nonusers were recruited to evaluate the contribution of various risk factors (ST use, cigarettes, alcohol, and diet) in the development of oral mucosal lesions. Ninety-eight ST users with no lesion, 29 ST users with an oral lesion, and 33 nonusers were enrolled in the study. ST users with lesions, when compared with users with no lesion, were more likely to have used snuff than chewing tobacco (p = 0.01) and to have used more ST (p
Thermal effects investigation of microcantilevers actuated by boron-nitride nanotubes

A new actuation mechanism utilizing piezoelectric properties of boron-nitride nanotube (BNNT) for microcantilever beams is proposed here and modeled using a multiple-scale, multi-physic approach. Using the developed model, specific attention is placed on thermal effects on the microbeams made of aluminum and titanium and the results are compared with each other. Different studies are conducted on the microbeams response characteristics such as frequency response, resonance frequency and heat transition effects while the microbeam tip temperature varies. It is found that Titanium microbeam possesses smaller peak frequency response that occurs at lower frequency. Also, it is demonstrated that increasing the temperature will lower resonance frequency in both beams. Finally, the temperature gradient through the beams with respect to time is studied and it is found that Titanium beam can be stabilized in a longer time period.
Growth Fault-Bend Folding at Southeast Lost Hills, San Joaquin Valley, California

Synsedimentary deformation has created complex structural and stratigraphic relationships along the west side of the San Joaquin Valley, California. This case study of Lost Hills anticline documents how a simple structural process--fault-bend folding--results in complex growth stratigraphy. Lost Hills anticline is a fault-bend fold caused by a step in the Lost Hills thrust. The thrust steps up to the northeast at 27° from a detachment at the base of the Tertiary to an upper detachment in the Reef Ridge formation. The lower and upper detachments are at 20,000 ft (6 km) and 13,000 ft (4 km). Displacement on the lower detachment is approximately 4 mi (6.5 km); folding consumes 1.2 mi (2 km) and the remaining 2.8 mi (4.5 km) continues northeast beneath the San Joaquin Va ley. Forward- and back-limb dips of 42° and 27°, respectively, are consistent with fault-bend fold theory. Pliocene-Pleistocene sediments onlap a time-transgressive unconformity on the northeast (front) limb, but have uniform dip and thickness on the southwest (back) limb. This characteristic growth fault-bend fold geometry indicates basinal sediments rolled through an axial surface onto the back limb, whereas contemporaneous sediments deposited above the front limb are undeformed. Basinal sediments onlapping the fold crest indicates fault slip is greater than ramp length. Onlapping growth sediments indicate folding began during deposition of the Etchegoin Formation (~8 Ma) and continued to the late Pleistocene or Holocene, corresponding to an average displacement rate on the Lost Hills thrust of 2,700 ft/m.y. (820 m/m.y.). Continuous burial of the fold during growth caused each material ( .e., physical) point in the fold to be at its maximum depth of burial. Contours of equal density and seismic velocity are relatively flat, so that the anticline causes little or no gravity anomaly and less-than-expected pullup in seismic time sections. The geometry of growth sediments imaged on seismic lines indicates Lost Hills and adjacent anticlines grew by uniform displacement to the northeast with no significant rotation. Oblique convergence between the Pacific and North American plates is manifested as synchronous, but spatially separate, transcurrent and compressive displacements. Thus, Lost Hills anticline and perhaps other folds in the area are more appropriately described as compressive folds in a transpressive region than as transpressive folds. Duplicated lower Tertiary strata beneath the Lost Hills-Kettleman Hills trend are potential targets for petroleum exploration.