cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitrate and dissolved nitrous oxide in groundwater within cropped fields and riparian buffers

Abstract. Transport and fate of dissolved nitrous oxide (N2O) in groundwater and its significance to nitrogen dynamics within agro-ecosystems are poorly known in spite of significant potential of N2O to global warming and ozone depletion. Increasing denitrification in riparian buffers may trade a reduction in nitrate (NO3−) transport to surface waters for increased N2O emissions resulting from denitrification-produced N2O dissolved in groundwater being emitted into the air when groundwater flows into a stream or a river. This study quantifies the transport and fate of NO3− and dissolved N2O moving from crop fields through riparian buffers, assesses whether groundwater exported from crop fields and riparian buffers is a significant source of dissolved N2O emissions, and evaluates the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) methodology to estimate dissolved N2O emission. We measured concentrations of NO3−; chloride (Cl−); pH; dissolved N2O, dissolved oxygen (DO), and organic carbon (DOC) in groundwater under a multi-species riparian buffer, a cool-season grass filter, and adjacent crop fields located in the Bear Creek watershed in central Iowa, USA. In both the multi-species riparian buffer and the cool-season grass filter, concentrations of dissolved N2O in the groundwater did not change as it passed through the sites, even when the concentrations of groundwater NO3− were decreased by 50% and 59%, respectively, over the same periods. The fraction of N lost to leaching and runoff (0.05) and the modified N2O emission factor, [ratio of dissolved N2O flux to N input (0.00002)] determined for the cropped fields indicate that the current IPCC methodology overestimates dissolved N2O flux in the sites. A low ratio between dissolved N2O flux and soil N2O emission (0.0003) was estimated in the cropped fields. These results suggest that the riparian buffers established adjacent to crop fields for water quality functions (enhanced denitrification) decreased NO3− and were not a source of dissolved N2O. Also, the flux of dissolved N2O from the cropped field was negligible in comparison to soil N2O emission in the crop fields.
An improved model for supplier selection under capacity constraint and multiple criteria

Abstract Ghodsypour and O'Brien [2001. The total cost of logistics in supplier selection, under conditions of multiple sourcing, multiple criteria and capacity constraint. International Journal of Production Economics 73(1), 15–27] study multiple sourcing problem with multiple criteria and capacitated suppliers. Considering the buyer's quality requirements as a constraint, they develop a mixed integer non-linear programming model to find the least-cost cyclic ordering policy for the buyer. They propose to solve the model by enumerating over all possible supplier combinations. Although the problem is interesting and their analysis is correct, we point out two issues with their assumptions, namely, capacitated suppliers and cyclic ordering policy. We discuss two different capacitated supplier settings: (i) long-run average annual capacity, and (ii) exact annual capacity. First, under long-run average annual capacity assumption we propose a model which provides the same or a better solution and is much easier to solve than their model. Then, we discuss how to modify our and their models to handle exact annual capacity assumption.
Product Complexity as a Determinant of Transaction Governance Structure: An Empirical Comparison of Web-Only and Traditional Banks

A transaction governance structure (TGS) is a structure that mediates exchanges of goods or services among different agents or production stages (Williamson, 1979, 1981). According to transaction cost economics (TCEs), a selection of TGS for the trade of a particular product depends on the characteristics of the transaction, such as asset specificity, uncertainty, and frequency. This article argues that TCE alone is not sufficient to explain the selection of a TGS. Product complexity also plays an important role in explaining why a particular TGS is selected for a particular product. The construct of product complexity originated in the field of industrial marketing and is an important factor in the study of purchasing behaviors of buyers, decision-making processes of suppliers, and dynamic relations between buyers and suppliers. This study integrates industrial marketing with TCE and examines the impact of product complexity on TGS in the context of banking.
Teratogenicity of triamcinolone acetonide in rats

The objective of this investigation was to study the teratogenic effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) in the rat. Pregnant females were injected intramuscularly once each day for three consecutive days (days 9–11, 12–14, or 15–17 of gestation) either with vehicle alone or with 0.125, 0.25, or 0.5 mg/kg TAC. All animals were euthanized on day 20 of gestation, and the fetuses were fixed for razor blade sectioning and skeletal examination. No maternal lethality was elicited in any of the treatment groups. There were decreases in fetal viability in the two higher dose groups treated on days 12–14 and the group treated with 0.5 mg/kg on days 15–17. These same three treatment groups showed significant increases in the percentage of malformed fetuses. The most prevalent malformation was cleft palate, with both complete and partial clefts being detected. Umbilical hernias and undescended testes were also found to be significantlymore frequent in the high-dose group treated on days 12–14. A reduced degree of ossification was found in all TAC-treated groups, but no specific skeletal malformations were detected. Fetal weight was significantly reduced in all TAC-treated groups. The results demonstrate that (1) TAC affects a variety of developmental processes resulting in resorption, cleft palate, umbilical hernias, undescended testes, reduced ossification, and fetal growth retardation, (2) these teratogenic effects are elicited at doses causing no maternal lethality, and (3) fetal growth retardation can be produced at doses below those required to produce malformations and during periods of gestation where no malformations are produced, supporting the use of this parameter as a sensitive indicator of embryotoxicity.
Barium sulphate and soft-tissue radiology: allying the old and the new for the investigation of animal cutaneous microcirculation

The study of microcirculation using angiography is essential to the advancement of flap and angiogenesis research in plastic surgery. Until the mid-1980s, barium sulphate was the most commonly used contrast material, although it did not provide optimal visualisation of the vascular tree. In 1986, a new technique using lead oxide was proposed, which permitted very high-quality imaging and rapidly became the technique of choice, despite its high toxicity. We reconsider the former technique of barium-sulphate injection and combine it with soft-tissue radiology using mammographic film to achieve a radiological definition similar to that obtained with lead oxide, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods. We conclude that barium sulphate and the use of mammographic film is an accurate, simple and non-toxic method of analysing the cutaneous circulation in small animals.
Numerical and experimental studies of pellicle-induced photomask distortions

Meeting the stringent error budget of 157-nm lithography for manufacturing devices in the sub-100 nm regime requires that all mask-related distortions be minimized, corrected, or eliminated. Sources include the pellicle system, which has been previously identified as a potential cause of image placement error. To characterize pellicle-induced distortions, finite element (FE) models have been developed to simulate system fabrication, including soft pellicles as well as prototype fused silica (hard) pellicles. The main sources of distortions are: (a) temperature variations, (b) initially distorted components, and (c) sag-induced refraction. Temperature variations are an issue if pellicle mounting and exposure take place at different temperatures. Sources of attachment-induced distortions include the initial frame curvature, initial reticle shape, attachment method (mounting tools-induced), frame and gasket materials, and the hard pellicle bow. These attachment-induced distortions were modeled using experimentally measured values of Young's modulus for adhesive gaskets. Refraction aberration is an issue with bowed hard pellicles which act as optical elements and induce image degradation. These effects were assessed and found to be significant. Results from the experiments and comprehensive FE simulations have characterized the relative importance of the principal sources of pellicle-induced photomask distortions for 157-nm lithography.
Silicon nitride boundary lubrication : effect of oxygenates

A ball-on-three-flat (BTF) wear tester was used to investigate the boundary lubricating characteristics of oxygenates on a commercial silicon nitride. A wide variety of oxygen-containing compounds were tested neat and/or at 1% by weight in a paraffin oil. Compounds containing hydroxyl functional groups were more effective compared to a base case of neat paraffin oil. Decreases of up to 58% in friction coefficient, and 95% in wear were obtained. In most cases, films were observed in and around the wear scar, suggesting chemical reactions had taken place in the contact. Additional wear tests, conducted using neat shorter-chain linear primary alcohols, i.e., 6–10 carbons, demonstrated boundary lubrication protection, with longer chain length providing better antiwear performance. A study of several C8 compounds with specific oxygen-containing functional groups (primary alcohol, secondary alcohols, acid, aldehyde, and ketone) demonstrated that the primary alcohol had the strongest boundary lubricating effect....
Iodine transfer and concentration in the prepartum cow, fetus, and neonatal calf.

Abstract Information regarding iodine transfer from dam to fetus has been obtained with 21 cows. Iodine concentration in the circulation of the fetus was observed to be over five times that found in the dam's plasma. Amnionic fluid contained more iodine than fetal plasma, but chorionic fluid iodine concentration was midway between maternal and fetal plasma. The inability of the fetus to excrete iodine in urine may be a major factor in the high calf/dam ratios of iodine at birth. After birth the disappearance rate of nonbound iodine from the calf exceeded that from the cow in the first two days after dosing. Percentage of the dose retained by thyroids and total radioiodine changes in plasma from birth or day of dosing were similar in dams and calves.
Homolytic amination of benzo-1,4-dioxane

When 5,6-benzo-1,4-dioxane was reacted with N,N-dialkylchloramines in the presence of FeSO4 at 10–20‡C in a solution of acetic and sulfuric acids, 6-(N,N-dialkylamino)benzo-1,4-dioxanes and 6-chloro- and 6,7-dichloro-benzo-1,4-dioxanes were obtained. Under the conditions used in the study mainly chlorination products were synthesized. Reaction of 5,6-benzo-1,4-dipxane with the system (NH3OH)2SO4-TiCl3 resulted in the formation of 6-aminobenzo-1,4-dioxane.
Parameter sensitivity in insect population modeling

Abstract A model is presented which describes the behavior of a mosquito population in terms of details of time to mature, time to lay eggs, and survival at various levels. Total egg production and stable population levels are shown to depend only on certain combinations of these parameters and the formulation makes possible a sensitivity analysis giving the relative importance of each quantity. Daily survival of the adult is by far the most significant and must be known with precision if quantitative predictions are to be made. Survivals at different stages of adulthood are equally important. It is shown how the resulting figures help to estimate the overflooding ratio needed to guarantee success of a sterile-male release program.
Schizophrenia: the fundamental questions

Identifying the correct phentotype of schizophrenia is perhaps the most important goal of modern research in schizophrenia. This identification is the necessary antecedent of indentifying the pathophysiology and etiology. A working model is proposed, which suggests that the phenotype should be defined on the basis of abnormalities in neural circuits and a fundamental cognitive process. This type of unitary model may be more heuristic than early ones that were based on heterogeneous signs and symptoms.
Analysis of step frequency radar using ambiguity function

High range resolution capability provides many advantages in radar but it requires large bandwidth systems. However with step frequency radars it is possible to achieve high resolution of wideband systems with many of the advantages of narrow band systems. In this paper ambiguity function is employed to study step frequency radar. The mathematical expression is derived for the ambiguity function of step frequency radar receiver and processor. The processor functions included are range gating, weighting, fill pulses and inverse discrete Fourier transform. Ambiguity diagrams are plotted for step frequency receiver processor and comparison is made with traditional constant frequency radar.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
EFFECT OF FUNGI ON THE OXIDATION‐REDUCTION POTENTIALS OF LIQUID CULTURE MEDIA

BIOLOGICAL OXIDATIONS and reductions which deal with tlle energy relationships essential to all forms of life have been studied by many investigators, all aiming at an ultimate understanding of these complex processes. Since the release or building up of energy involves the transfer of electrons, it is possible to measure these phenomena in biological systems by oxidation-reduction indicators or electrical apparatus in which electron transfers result in color changes or in the building up of an electrical charge at suitable electrodes. Investigations on the effects of plants on oxidationreductioln potentials (Eh) have been confined chiefly to bacteria and yeasts. Hewitt (1933) has given an extensive review of the effects of bacteria on electrode potentials, listing over 65 references dealing with this suibject. Many. more results have been reported on oxidation-reduction phenomena in relation to bacterial metabolism since Hewitt's report was published. Potter (1912) showed that yeast cells produced redulcing conditions in their surrounding medium. Using both indicators and electrical methods of measuring Elh, Cannan, Cohen, and Clark (1926) followed the potential changes produced by yeast cells suspended in buffer solutions. They concluded that yeast cells produce "hydrogen donators " which reduce tthe media and result in the lowering of the oxidation-reduction potentials. Aubel, Aubertin, and Genevois (1929) showed that anaerobic yeast cultures had an Eh of about 160 to 200 millivolts. In a study of the relation of metabolic processes to the oxidation-reduction potentials, Kluyver and Hoogerheide (1934) found that anaerobic fermentation began at an Eh of about 90 millivolts while aerobic fermentation began at a potential of about 160-250 millivolts. They found it possible to determine the dominant type of metabolism (i.e., respiration or fermentation) carried on in a yeast culture by observing the oxidation-reduction potential. In a recent report by Tang and Lin (1936) the results are given of an investigation on the effects of the unicellular algae Chlorella vulgaris and C. pyrenoidosa on the oxidation-reduction potentials and pH of a synthetic nutrient solution. As shown with bacteria and yeasts, these algae also lowered the Eh of the media when respiration was the dominant type of metabolism-i.e., when the potentials were measured in darkness. In the presence of light, when presumably photosynthesis was the dominant process, the El values became more positive.
Central and femoral pressure pulses in aortic valve diseases: a quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Abstract A previous report 1 quantitatively described the central and femoral pressure pulses in dogs with normal and incompetent aortic valves. In the present study the technique of central aortic catheterization was used to record pressure pulses in patients with normal and diseased aortic valves. An analysis of these central and peripheral pressure pulses is presented and their possible usefulness in the study of aortic valve lesions is discussed.
GABAB antagonists diminish the inhibitory gating of auditory response in the rat hippocampus

Auditory evoked responses recorded from the CA3 region of the rat hippocampus show diminished response to repeated stimuli, suggesting the activity of an inhibitory gating mechanism. The effects on this putative gating mechanism of two GABAB receptor antagonists, CGP35348 and CGP46381, were characterized in a conditioning testing paradigm. Both compounds, administered intracerebroventricularly, antagonized the suppression of response to the test stimulus. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that this inhibitory gating of response involves GABAB receptors, which may control the release of glutamate from excitatory pathways in the hippocampus.
A Novel and Critical Role for Oct4 as a Regulator of the Maternal-Embryonic Transition

Background Compared to the emerging embryonic stem cell (ESC) gene network, little is known about the dynamic gene network that directs reprogramming in the early embryo. We hypothesized that Oct4, an ESC pluripotency regulator that is also highly expressed at the 1- to 2-cell stages in embryos, may be a critical regulator of the earliest gene network in the embryo. Methodology/Principal Findings Using antisense morpholino oligonucleotide (MO)-mediated gene knockdown, we show that Oct4 is required for development prior to the blastocyst stage. Specifically, Oct4 has a novel and critical role in regulating genes that encode transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators as early as the 2-cell stage. Our data suggest that the key function of Oct4 may be to switch the developmental program from one that is predominantly regulated by post-transcriptional control to one that depends on the transcriptional network. Further, we propose to rank candidate genes quantitatively based on the inter-embryo variation in their differential expression in response to Oct4 knockdown. Of over 30 genes analyzed according to this proposed paradigm, Rest and Mta2, both of which have established pluripotency functions in ESCs, were found to be the most tightly regulated by Oct4 at the 2-cell stage. Conclusions/Significance We show that the Oct4-regulated gene set at the 1- to 2-cell stages of early embryo development is large and distinct from its established network in ESCs. Further, our experimental approach can be applied to dissect the gene regulatory network of Oct4 and other pluripotency regulators to deconstruct the dynamic developmental program in the early embryo.
Clinical judgment survey of ment al-health professionals: I. An assessment of opinions, ratings, and knowledge

A sample of mental health professionals listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology was surveyed to examine attitudes with regard to the generalizability of findings from clinical judgment research, general beliefs and practices about clinical judgment, and knowledge of scholarly articles and books in the clinical judgment literature. Of the participants, 98.1% were doctoral-level psychologists engaged in clinical practice. Results suggested that participants consistently agreed that tasks used in studies of clinical judgment were not representative of the types of activities performed in their clinical practice. Respondents believed that the study of clinical judgment was important and that research could have meaningful implications for their clinical practice. Participants' knowledge of the judgment literature was significantly lower than expected.
Anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects of kindling—role of baseline anxiety and anatomical location of the kindling electrode in response to kindling of the right and left basolateral amygdala

Effects of kindling of right and left basolateral amygdala (BLA) on plus maze anxiety was studied. Using a validated retest paradigm, it was possible to retest rats in the plus maze without increasing anxiety on retest. This permitted determining prekindling baseline levels of plus maze anxiety. Right BLA kindling of high baseline anxiety rats was anxiolytic one week after kindling. Right BLA kindling of low baseline anxiety rats was anxiogenic. In addition, left BLA kindling was either anxiogenic or without effect on plus maze anxiety, depending on baseline anxiety. Effects in left BLA differ from previous work showing anxiolytic effects of left BLA kindling. The discrepancy could be explained in part by prekindling baseline anxiety. These findings require modification of the previous conclusion that left hemisphere (left BLA) kindling is anxiolytic and right BLA kindling is anxiogenic in the plus maze. Rather the hemisphere difference may be due to an interaction between baseline anxiety level and kindling. If true, anxious disposition in rodents may interact with amygdala kindling to change amygdala function differently. Kindling and baseline anxiety effects on other behaviors (such as risk assessment and resistance to capture) are also described. Present data in the light of past studies suggest both premorbid anxiety state and location of the kindling electrode contribute to the effects of kindling on behavior.
Terahertz metamaterials: Recent developments and new opportunities

The field of terahertz metamaterials is approximately six years old. I will overview recent developments in the design, fabrication, and characterization of metamaterials and discuss new opportunities which may help fill the ever shrinking THz gap and are, further, of fundamental interest.
Photodestruction of phaeomelanin.

. Phaeomelanin readily decomposes by the action of UV light and oxygen. This finding may explain many of the abnormal reactions of the skin of redheads and blondes to sunlight, including their high susceptibility to skin cancer. In aqueous solution, phaeomelanin displays an EPR signal rich in hyperfine splitting, consistent with structural information. SUMMARY Phaeomelanin readily, decomposes by the action of UV light and oxygen. This finding may explain many of the abnormal reactions of the skin of redheads and blondes to sunlight, including their high susceptibility to skin cancer. We have yet to identify any of the fragmentation products. Chromatographic analysis of the photolysate indicates at least 17 different compounds. Work on the reactions of phaeomelanin with superoxide, and the identification, synthesis, and physiological evaluation of these photoproducts as etiological factors in sunburn and carcinogenesis is in progress. In aqueous solutions, phaeomelanin displays an air stable EPR signal rich in hyperfine splitting. Complete analysis of this signal will provide a better understanding of the structure of the pigment.
Audit Fees and Investor Perceptions of Audit Characteristics

ABSTRACT: We investigate how audit fee disclosures affect investor perceptions of audit characteristics. We find evidence that when audit fees are presented to investors with supplementary contextu...
Tentative Identification of Insulin from Hamster Pancreatic Homografts and Pancreas of Other Vertebrates

The assay able insulin activity associated with structurally mature cheek pouch pancreatic homografts and intact pancreas of the golden hamster and other vertebrate species was characterized more definitively by biochemical procedures. Inactivation of insulin-like activity (ILA) released in vitro was achieved in the presence of optimal concentrations of l-cysteine hydrochloride and assessed by the rat epididymal fat pad (EFP) bio-assay. Pancreatic tissue was extracted with acid-ethanol by standard procedures. The extracts were fractionated on Sephadex G-75, and the resulting fractions were dialyzed and bio-assayed by the EFP and a standard radioimmunoassay procedure. ILA was inactivated by a concentration of cysteine which abolished the action of 500 mU/ml pure bovine insulin in stimulating glucose uptake by the EFP without influencing the base line rate. Fractionated pancreatic extracts yielded consistently a protein fraction similar in elution characteristics to pure bovine insulin and possessing the pr...
The Time Path and Implementation of Carbon Sequestration

We develop a dynamic model to investigate the optimal time paths of carbon emissions, sequestration, and the carbon stock. We show that carbon sinks should be utilized as early as possible, and carbon flow into sinks should last until the atmospheric carbon concentration is stabilized. We rule out any cyclical patterns of carbon sequestration and release. We propose and assess three mechanisms to efficiently introduce sequestration into a carbon permit trading market: a pay-as-you-go system, a variable-length-contract system and a carbon annuity account system. Although the three mechanisms may not be equally feasible to implement, they are all efficient.
Randomized clinical trials in esophageal cancer.

Comparisons of the prospective, randomized clinical trials (PRCT) in the treatment of esophageal cancer are limited because of great variability in diagnostic precision, staging criteria, patient selection, treatment g oals, and follow-up data, leadingto difficulties in reachinga consensus in treatment practices. A total of 72 PRCTs aimed at improvingtreatment by optimizingsurgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, novel therapies, or a combination of these modalities were reviewed (Table 1). This article begins to address the impact of these trials and critically analyze the evidence that has led to the current treatment practices in the management of esophageal cancer. In addition, further well-designed and controlled studies aimed at examiningmethods to improve prevention, early detection and diagnosis, and refining staging modalities may improve the overall prognosis in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Evidence for the treatment of esophageal cancer includes a total of 72 prospective, randomized controlled trials, published from 1980 to present. A large percentage of these trials have addressed the role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemoradiation with prolonged overall survival as the endpoint for the study. These adjuvant protocols account for 28 of the 72 identified trials. ∗ In addition, there are 12 trials addressingthe palliative local treatment of advanced esophageal cancer, including the potential benefits of radiotherapy, laser therapy, and esophageal stents. † In contrast, there is
A multi‐failure additive dependability model for transit system effectiveness analysis

Dependability has been recognized in the transportation reliability literature as an effective measure of transit system service quality. Dependability models link system dependability with reliability and maintainability characteristics of subsystems, incorporating special operating characteristics and recovery policy from failure of each particular transit system. In this paper a new transit system dependability model is proposed, which considers the possibility that a passenger may be delayed by the occurrence of more than one failure in a trip. The mathematical difficulties associated with the algebra of random variables are overcome by using the Monte Carlo method. The results of the proposed model are compared with those relative to different modelling approaches in the literature, by applying the model to a common test scenario.
Lipid and cholesterol oxidation, color changes, and volatile production in irradiated raw pork batters with different fat content

An emulsion-type product was prepared to determine the effect of irradiation on lipid and cholesterol oxidation, color change, and volatile production in raw pork with different fat contents. Lipid oxidation increased with an increase in fat content or irradiation dose. Irradiated batters had higher cholesterol oxides than nonirradiated, and the major cholesterol oxides formed in irradiated pork batters were 7α- and 7β-hydroxycholesterol. Hunter color a- and b-values of raw pork batters were decreased by irradiation regardless of fat content. Irradiation increased the amount ofvolatiles significantly. Although lipid oxidation of high fat products (10 and 15% fat) was higher than that of low fat products (4%), high fat products did not always produce greater amount of volatiles. In summary, irradiation increased lipid and cholesterol oxidation, volatiles production and had detrimental effects on the color of raw pork batters under aerobic condition.
Studies of interfacial segregation in the analytical electron microscope: A brief review

Abstract The analytical electron microscope (AEM) can be used to obtain quantitative elemental analysis with a spatial resolution of 1μm with accompanying composition changes of
Seismic analysis of concentrically braced frame systems with self-centering friction damping braces

This paper presents a special type of bracing element termed self-centering friction damping brace (SFDB) for use in seismic-resistant concentrically braced frame (CBF) systems. The SFDB is a passive energy dissipation device with its core recentering component made of stranded superelastic Nitinol wires while enhanced energy dissipation mechanism of the SFDB is achieved through friction. Compared with conventional braces for steel frame buildings, SFDB has a few desirable performance characteristics such as minimized residual drifts of the CBF system and its ability to withstand several design level earthquakes without the need for replacement. The mechanical configuration of the SFDB is first described. A comparative study of SFDB frame and buckling restrained braced (BRB) frame was carried out, which is based on nonlinear dynamic analysis of two prototype CBF buildings — a three- and a six-story steel frame. Two suites of earthquake ground motions, which represent the frequent and design basis earthquakes for Los Angeles, were considered in the nonlinear time-history analysis. The results of the nonlinear time-history and pushover analysis show that the SFDB frame can achieve a seismic response level comparable to that of the BRB frame while having significantly reduced residual drifts. The SFDB thus has a potential to establish a new type of CBF system with self-centering capability.
Far‐IR multiband dual‐polarization perfect absorber for wide incident angles

We present a frequency selective surface (FSS) based, electrically thin perfect absorber with multiband and/or broadband performance in the Far-IR band. We start by introducing small metallic loadings to the well-known crossed-dipole FSS structure. We demonstrate that these parasitic inclusions allow for much improved design flexibility for wide-angle perfect absorbers using SiC and Silicon substrates. The numerical simulation results of proposed absorbers show that the design achieves dual-band performance for wide incident angles in both transverse and transverse magnetic polarizations, with near perfect absorption characteristics. Furthermore, simple compositions of scaled versions of the proposed FSS elements are shown to achieve multiband and broadband characteristics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:632–636, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27387
The relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment and prevention of coronary heart disease--related events.

Background: According to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) treatment guidelines, patients with preexisting coronary heart disease (CHD) or other atherosclerotic vascular disease should lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to < 100 mg/dL. Recent statin trials document the benefit of cholesterol lowering on CHD events but do not address the optimal goal of LDL cholesterol.Methods: The pravastatin to simvastatin conversion-lipid optimization program (PSCOP) at the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) was a formulary-conversion program designed to increase the percentage of patients who meet their recommended NCEP LDL cholesterol goal. We compared the incidence of clinical outcome and mortality between CHD patients from the original PSCOP cohort with postconversion LDL cholesterol greater than and < 100 mg/dL. A total of 524 patients were stratified by postconversion LDL cholesterol levels (greater than [N=183]) or < 100 mg/dL [N=341]) and observed for a mean duration of 27.7 mon...
Acetylcholine, cholinesterase activity, and the aggregability of human platelets.

SummaryWashed human platelets and isolated platelet-membrane fractions have been shown to have cholinesterase activity distinct from that of erythrocytes. In intact platelets the cholinesterase activity is affected by thrombin, ADP, epinephrine, or collagen. Other agents were shown to influence cholinesterase activity and seven of these also inhibited platelet aggregation induced by thrombin, ADP, or collagen. The relationship of acetylcholine and cholinesterase activity to platelet aggregation is discussed in light of these findings.
Angiophagy Prevents Early Embolus Washout But Recanalizes Microvessels Through Embolus Extravasation

Occlusion of the microvasculature by blood clots, atheromatous fragments, or circulating debris is a frequent phenomenon in most human organs. Emboli are cleared from the microvasculature by hemodynamic pressure and the fibrinolytic system. An alternative mechanism of clearance is angiophagy, in which emboli are engulfed by the endothelium and translocate through the microvascular wall. We report that endothelial lamellipodia surround emboli within hours of occlusion, markedly reducing hemodynamic washout and tissue plasminogen activator-mediated fibrinolysis in mice. Over the next few days, emboli are completely engulfed by the endothelium and extravasated into the perivascular space, leading to vessel recanalization and blood flow reestablishment. We find that this mechanism is not limited to the brain, as previously thought, but also occurs in the heart, retina, kidney, and lung. In the lung, emboli cross into the alveolar space where they are degraded by macrophages, whereas in the kidney, they enter the renal tubules, constituting potential routes for permanent removal of circulating debris. Retina photography and angiography in patients with embolic occlusions provide indirect evidence suggesting that angiophagy may also occur in humans. Thus, angiophagy appears to be a ubiquitous mechanism that could be a therapeutic target with broad implications in vascular occlusive disorders. Given its biphasic nature-initially causing embolus retention, and subsequently driving embolus extravasation-it is likely that different therapeutic strategies will be required during these distinct post-occlusion time windows.
Glow-discharge flow visualization in low-density free jets

Glow discharges have been formed in low-density supersonic free jets for purposes of flow visualization. The free jets are formed by expansion through an orifice at high pressure ratio. Discharges are generated using d.c., 60-Hz a.c., rf, and impulsive (tesla-coil) excitation. Electrode arrangements are such that the imposed fields are well defined. The gases N2, air, CO2, He, Ar, H2, and O2 have been employed as the discharge medium, with the obtained flow-visualization quality decreasing roughly in the order listed. Flows with and without a spherical model submerged in the jet have been examined. The rf excitation yields superior flow visualization at higher relative density levels; tesla-coil excitation yields better flow visualization at lower relative densities; dc excitation is inferior at all density levels. Combinations of excitation are superior for visualizing flows about models.
The COMT Met158 allele and violence in schizophrenia: a meta-analysis.

Background The Met158 allele of catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) gene is associated with increased levels of catecholamines in the prefrontal cortex and may increase the likelihood of aggressiveness. We conducted a meta-analysis to test the hypothesis that the Met158 allele of the COMT gene is associated with aggressive and violent behavior in schizophrenia.
Euclidean hypersurfaces with reflection properties

Conic sections and certain hypersurfaces of revolution derived from them are characterized as the only nondegenerate smooth Euclidean hypersurfaces having reflection properties.
In vivo reversion to normal of inherited mutations in humans

There are increasing reports of multiple different types of somatic mosaicism detected in patients with inherited and non-inherited disorders. The characteristics of several of the major types of mosaicism will be outlined, and contrasted with somatic mosaicism, which is the focus of this article. This review examines examples of somatic mosaicism due to differences in DNA sequence arising from in vivo site specific reversion to normal of inherited mutations in humans. While several known mechanisms of reversion are evident in a number of these examples, they are not in some others. The possible significance of the role of selection, particularly in view of recent results of gene therapy, is discussed.
Changing populations of birds and mammals in North Sulawesi

The issues of habitat loss and hunting are of paramount importance to wildlife conservation in Asia. In Sulawesi, Indonesia, these problems are having a serious impact on the vertebrate fauna. Using line-transect methods, the densities of 11 species of large birds and mammals were compared between 1979 and 1994 in the Tangkoko-DuaSudara Nature Reserve in North Sulawesi. During those 15 years, populations ofanoa Bubalus depressicornis, bear cuscus Phalanger ursinus, crested black macaque Macaca nigra, maleo Macrocephalon maleo and red junglefowl Gallus gallus declined by 50–95 per cent while populations of Sulawesi pig Sus celebensis, Tabon scrubfowl Megapodius cumingii, Sulawesi tarictic hornbill Penelopides exarhatus and red-knobbed hornbill Aceros cassidix increased by 5–100 per cent. We considered hypotheses for these changes: habitat loss outside the reserve, habitat degradation inside the reserve, and hunting. Only hunting adequately explained the pattern of changing densities observed. Unless protection from hunting is enforced for these species, we may soon witness the demise of these unique animals in North Sulawesi and possibly throughout the island.
Hepatobiliary disposition of valproic acid and valproate glucuronide: Use of a pharmacokinetic model to examine the rate-limiting steps and potential sites of drug interactions

Previous work in this laboratory has suggested that the nonlinear disposition of valproic acid (VPA) in the rat may be due to nonlinear distribution of VPA into the liver. The present study was undertaken to elucidate further the hepatobiliary disposition of VPA. VPA (0.1-2 mmol/L) was incubated with isolated rat hepatocytes in vitro. Uptake of [3H]-VPA was linear from 10 to 50 seconds, with minimal (<7 percent) biotransformation. The initial velocity of VPA uptake varied in proportion with the extracellular concentration and was temperature independent, suggesting that VPA traverses the hepatocyte membrane predominantly by passive diffusion. In separate studies, the hepatobiliary disposition of VPA (20mg) was examined in the isolated perfused rat liver (IPL). A pharmacokinetic model was developed to describe the influence of phenobarbital on the hepatobiliary disposition of VPA and valproate glucuronide (V-G) in the IPL; all processes governing VPA and V-G disposition appeared to be linear. Acute administration of phenobarbital to the liver (1.12 mg) decreased the rate constant for canalicular egress of V-G (0.0489 +/- 0.0266 vs. 0.164 +/- 0.075 min-1). In vivo pretreatment with phenobarbital (75 mg/kg/d x 5 d) before liver isolation decreased the biliary excretion of both VPA (1.06E-04 +/- 0.27E-04 vs. 2.76E-04 +/- 0.45E-04 min-1) and V-G (5.63E- 03 +/- 1.98E-03 vs. 1.74E-02 +/- 0.5E-02 min-1), and increased the apparent volume of distribution of VPA (84.6 +/- 2.2 vs. 72.3 +/- 2.1 mL). In vivo phenobarbital pretreatment a changed V-G excretion from a formation to an elimination rate-limited process. These results are consistent with phenobarbital-associated impairment of canalicular egress of some organic anions. This work further supports the utility of pharmacokinetic modeling in: (1) determining the rate-limiting steps in hepatobiliary drug disposition and (2) identifying sites of drug interactions within the hepatobiliary system that may not be evident based on conventional mass-balance analysis. (Hepatology 1996 Apr;23(4):771-80)
Detection of centimeter-sized meteoroid impact events in Saturn's F ring

Voyager images reveal that three prominent clumps in Saturn's F ring were short-lived, appearing rapidly and then spreading and decaying in brightness over periods of approximately 2 weeks. These features arise from hypervelocity impacts by approximately 10-centimeter meteoroids into F ring bodies. Future ring observations of these impact events could constrain the centimeter-sized component of the meteoroid population, which is otherwise unmeasurable but plays an important role in the evolution of rings and surfaces in the outer solar system. The F ring's numerous other clumps are much longer lived and appear to be unrelated to impacts.
Organizational Goals and Expected Behavior among American, Japanese and Korean Managers—A Comparative Study

Empirical evidence is presented about organizational goals as viewed by samples of over 1,600 American, Japanese, and Korean managers. Comparative analyses of organizational goal perceptions and ex...
Some Measurements of Gamma-Ray Energies

To examine the possibility that some radio-isotopes which have been considered to decay by $K$-capture do in part decay with the emission of very slow positrons careful measurements of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays emitted by two of them have been made. Preliminary measurements were made of the $F$ and $I$ lines of ThB as a check on the spectrometer used. Also the annihilation radiation line of ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{64}$ was measured to establish its shape and position. In the course of this, good evidence was found for radiation resulting from annihilation while the positron is in flight. The weak high energy gamma-ray previously reported was found and its energy determined to be 1.34\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01 Mev. The $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-radiation of both ${\mathrm{Be}}^{7}$ and ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{51}$ consists of a single line at 485\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 kev and 320\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 kev, respectively. No evidence of annihilation radiation was found in either case.
The Reliability and Validity of a Performance Task for Evaluating Science Process Skills

The Diet Cola Test was designed as a process assessment of science aptitude. Investigations of the instrument's reliability and validity for that purpose led to the conclusion that the data did not support the use of the instrument for making decisions about aptitude for individual students. Although the instrument was not suited for decision making for the purpose of identification, examination of the reliability and the item content, and further investigation of the validity suggested that it might be a suitable instrument for assessing science process skills as part of program or curricular evaluation.
Sulfate and nitrate mixing ratios in the vicinity of the tropopause

Measurements of sulfate and nitrate in filter samples made during the Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) from aircraft flying near the tropopause over a period of 28 months beginning in early 1976 are presented. Sulfate and nitrate mixing ratios show a peak near or just above the tropopause during the winter-spring seasons. No peak is evident for sulfate during the summer-fall seasons. The sulfate mixing ratios show a constant average level in 1977-78 of 0.12 + or 0.04 ppbm above the tropopause and 0.05 + or - 0.04 ppbm below the tropopause with higher levels in the spring. Nitrate levels are similar but exhibit greater variability. Correlations between sulfate and nitrate (r = 0.78) and between sulfate and nitrate, on ozone (r = 0.80, 0.78) suggest a predominately stratospheric source for these species.
Lipid levels in patients with sudden deafness of unknown aetiology.

In 42 patients with sudden deafness of unknown aetiology five lipid fractions were examined (cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, polysaturated fats and beta-lipoproteins). In 83, 5% of the patients the levels of these fractions were increased. The results suggested that hyperlipidaemia is perhaps a coexisting damaging factor in sudden deafness.
Mannitol oxidase: Partial purification and characterization of the membrane-bound enzyme from the snail Helix aspersa

Abstract 1. 1. Mannitol oxidase, a membrane-bound oxidase has been purified 250-fold from snail digestive gland tissue. 2. 2. The activity is solubilized by a number of ionic, non-ionic, and zwitterionic detergents. 3. 3. Purification of the solubilized enzyme was by polyethylene glycol fractionation and column chromatography using anionic exchange resins, hydroxylapatite, and gel filtration. 4. 4. The enzyme is stabilized by glycerol and remains active for at least one week at —20°. 5. 5. Hydrogen peroxide is the oxygen reduction product and a mannose/hydrogen peroxide stoichiometry of 0.86 was found. 6. 6. d -Arabinitol and d -mannitol were the most active substrates of those tested. Results with these and other substrates suggest that the configuration around carbons-2 and -4 is critical for binding and reactivity. 7. 7. The apparent K m for d -mannitol is 6mM and for oxygen, 40μM. 8. 8. The pH optimum for the enzyme is between 8 and 8.5 and the isoelectric point is 5.4–5.6.
Role of the Mitochondrial Signaling Pathway in Murine Coronavirus-Induced Oligodendrocyte Apoptosis

A previous study demonstrated that infection of rat oligodendrocytes by mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) resulted in apoptosis, which is caspase dependent (Y. Liu, Y. Cai, and X. Zhang, J. Virol. 77:11952-11963, 2003). Here we determined the involvement of the mitochondrial pathway in MHV-induced oligodendrocyte apoptosis. We found that caspase-9 activity was 12-fold higher in virus-infected cells than in mock-infected cells at 24 h postinfection (p.i.). Pretreatment of cells with a caspase-9 inhibitor completely blocked caspase-9 activation and partially inhibited the apoptosis mediated by MHV infection. Analyses of cytochrome c release further revealed an activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Stable overexpression of the two antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL significantly, though only partially, blocked apoptosis, suggesting that activation of the mitochondrial pathway is partially responsible for the apoptosis. To identify upstream signals, we determined caspase-8 activity, cleavage of Bid, and expression of Bax and Bad by Western blotting. We found a drastic increase in caspase-8 activity and cleavage of Bid at 24 h p.i. in virus-infected cells, suggesting that Bid may serve as a messenger to relay the signals from caspase-8 to mitochondria. However, treatment with a caspase-8 inhibitor only slightly blocked cytochrome c release from the mitochondria. Furthermore, we found that Bax but not Bad was significantly increased at 12 h p.i. in cells infected with both live and UV-inactivated viruses and that Bax activation was partially blocked by treatment with the caspase-8 inhibitor. These results thus establish the involvement of the mitochondrial pathway in MHV-induced oligodendrocyte apoptosis.
Behavior of Three C14-Labeled Benzilate Acaricides When Applied Topically to Soybean Leaves

Three benzilate acaricides, chlorobenzilate-C14, Chloropropylate®-C14 (isopropyl 4,4’-dichlorobenzilate), and GS-19851-C14 (isopropyl 4,4’-dibromobenzilate) were applied topically to soybean leaves in situ. Analysis of the treated leaves at various intervals revealed that the 3 compounds were quite stable and that they were translocated to other plant tissues to a limited extent.