cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Branches of positive solutions of quasilinear elliptic equations on non-smooth domains

Abstract We prove existence of an unbounded global branch (i.e. connected set) of weak solutions of a second order quasilinear equation depending on a real parameter λ on an arbitrary (possibly non-smooth) bounded domain in R N , with a Leray–Lions operator as the leading part. Here, we can allow lower order nonlinearities which depend on first derivatives, satisfying appropriate growth conditions including the critical case. Furthermore, we give sufficient conditions for the existence of a branch consisting entirely of nonnegative solutions for positive λ . Our approach also yields a new existence result in the case of critical growth in derivatives of lower order.
SU-FF-I-77: Photon and Electron Specific Absorbed Fractions From the UF Pediatric Tomographic Phantoms

Purpose: To calculate photon and electron specific absorbed fractions (SAF) by utilizing series of realistic tomographic phantoms of pediatric patients. Method and Material: The series of UF tomographic phantoms, 9‐month male, 4‐year female, 8‐year female, 11‐year male, and 14‐year male, developed at University of Florida, were imported into the EGSnrc Monte Carlo code for this study. Monoenergetic photons and electrons were simulated as homogeneously distributed in various source organs. All possible source‐target organ pairs were considered to calculate absorbed fractions at the target organs from both internal electron and photon emitters localized in source organs.Results: The new sets of photon and electron SAFs were tabulated for the particle energies from 0.01 MeV to 4 MeV. The photon SAFs were compared with those from the ORNL phantoms. It was shown that ORNL phantoms failed to correctly represent the proximities of certain organ pairs and caused significant discrepancies from the UF phantom in terms of photon SAF values. The electron self‐absorbed fractions calculated from the UF phantoms were compared to that given in the ICRP Publication 30 assumptions. For higher electron energies, the assumption of 100% self‐absorption in the ICRP schema was shown to be incorrect, especially for the smaller phantoms and smaller organs with large surface‐to‐volume ratios. For example, the thyroid self absorption was only 21% for 4 MeV electrons in the UF 9‐month phantom. Conclusion:Photon and electron SAFs were calculated for various ages of pediatric patients by utilizing realistic tomographic computational phantoms. It was shown that the tomographic phantoms accurately represent the shapes of various internal organs and their proximities to surrounding organs. The explicit consideration of electron transport demonstrates that the traditional assumption of full energy deposition by energetic beta‐particles can be in error, especially for the younger and smaller patients of this age series.
Doppler-free nonlinear absorption in ethylene by use of continuous-wave cavity ringdown spectroscopy.

We report what we believe to be the first systematic study of Doppler-free, nonlinear absorption by use of cavity ringdown spectroscopy. We have developed a variant of cavity ringdown spectroscopy for the mid-infrared region between 9 and 11 µm, exploiting the intracavity power buildup that is possible with continuous-wave lasers. The infrared source consists of a continuous-wave CO2 laser with 1-mW tunable infrared sidebands that couple into a high-finesse stable resonator. We tune the sideband frequencies to observe a saturated, Doppler-free Lamb dip in the ν7, 111,10 ← 112,10 rovibrational transition of ethylene (C2H4). Power studies of the Lamb dip are presented to examine the intracavity effects of saturation on the Lamb-dip linewidth, the peak depth, and the broadband absorption.
β-adrenoceptor-mediated modulation of calcium ionophore activated polymorphonuclear leucocytes

Beta-adrenoceptor-mediated modulation of calcium-mediated stimulus-response coupling was studied using calcium ionophore (A23187) activation of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL). Oxygen metabolite generation was measured with luminol- and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence in both whole blood and isolated PMNL. Isoprenaline reduced PMNL response by 53% in a dose-dependent fashion. The effect was saturable, stereoselective, antagonized by propranolol and significant at isoprenaline concentrations as low as 0.01 nM. Fifty % maximal response was induced by 0.26 nM, 3 nM, and 125 nM isoprenaline, adrenaline and noradrenaline respectively. Because the effects of beta-adrenoceptor agonists in PMNL have not consistently correlated with measurements of cyclic AMP, alternative means of increasing cyclic AMP were studied. Forskolin and dibutyryl cyclic AMP inhibited PMNL with significant effects at 1.0 microM and 10 microM respectively. The effects of beta-adrenoceptor agonists were much greater when PMNL were activated by calcium ionophore compared with opsonized zymosan. Isoprenaline had no effect upon 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol activated PMNL. Because catecholamine modulation of oxygen metabolite generation can be characterized pharmacologically, PMNL activation by calcium ionophore is an excellent model for study of beta-adrenoceptor function in viable human cells. In contrast to previously described beta-adrenoceptor agonist modulation of PMNL function, inhibition of calcium-mediated activation is significant at physiological concentrations. The clinical consequences of such catecholamine effects are dependent upon the mechanism of PMNL activation in a specific circumstance.
Metronidazole validates drugs targeting hypoxic bacteria for improved treatment of tuberculosis

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) affects one-third of the world population and poses a major challenge for TB control (1). People with LTBI have a 10% lifetime risk of developing active TB disease, but the risk is greatly increased in immunocompromised conditions such as HIV infection, which has a 10% annual risk. Prophylactic treatment of LTBI is increasingly recognized as an important strategy for prevention of active disease in high-risk populations, such as HIV-positive individuals, and more effective disease control in endemic areas. LTBI, where the number of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria in the lesions is considered small, can be treated with the single drug isoniazid (INH) for 6 or 9 mo or rifampin (RIF) for 4 mo, or it can be treated with INH and rifapentine weekly for 3 mo to prevent reactivation of TB in humans (2). In PNAS, the work by Lin et al. (3) shows that metronidazole (MTZ), a drug that is only active against nonreplicating bacteria (persisters) under hypoxic/anaerobic conditions, can prevent reactivation of LTBI to active disease in an anti-TNF antibody-induced reactivation model in macaques, and it could potentially improve treatment of active TB disease.
Prediction of Patient-Reported Outcome After Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify preoperative and intraoperative factors that predict patient-oriented outcome as measured by the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods We identified 402 subjects who had undergone primary single-bundle arthroscopic ACL reconstruction at a mean follow-up of 6.3 years (range, 2 to 15 years). The IKDC Subjective Knee Form was used to measure patient-reported outcome and was dichotomized as above or below the patient-specific age- and gender-matched population mean. Potential predictor variables included subject demographics, activity level before surgery, previous meniscectomy, and surgical variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the best subset of predictors for determining the likelihood that the IKDC score was better than the age- and gender-matched population mean. Results The dichotomized IKDC score was associated with body mass index (BMI), smoking status, education, previous medial meniscectomy, and medial chondrosis at the time of ACL reconstruction. The multivariate model containing only factors known before surgery included BMI and smoking status. Subjects with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m 2 had 0.35 times the odds of success as subjects with a normal BMI. Subjects who smoked had 0.36 times the odds of success as subjects who did not smoke. A model including medial chondrosis at the time of surgery had a slightly higher discriminatory power (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.65 v 0.61) and negative predictive value (71.4% v 60.0%) but similar positive predictive power (86.3% v 85.9%). Conclusions Lower patient-reported outcome after ACL reconstruction was strongly associated with obesity, smoking, and severe chondrosis at the time of surgery. Level of Evidence Level III, prognostic case-control study.
Chemical conversion of arachidonic acid to slow reacting substances

Abstract The synthesis of slow reacting substances, leukotrienes C, D, and E, can be accomplished conveniently by a stereoselective biomimetic route. Details are provided for the conversion of 5-HPETE methyl ester 4 to leukotriene methyl ester (2) and thence to leukotrienes C and D.
Role of carotenoid excited states and radicals in antioxidant activities

Carotenoids are linear polyenes that occur in nature and are known to have powerful antioxidant properties. They react efficiently with the excited states of many organic molecules. In the photosynthetic apparatus of plants they quench reactive excited states that may be formed and release the energy as heat. In photodynamic therapy they may be used to ameliorate the associated skin photosensitivity that is a consequence of many photosensitizers. This protection may be either through reaction with the sensitizer triplet state or through quenching of singlet oxygen. Carotenoids also form relatively stable radical species and react efficiently with the hydroxyl radical, superoxide and the solvated electron. In cells they are associated with the lipid core of the cell membrane and are effective against lipid peroxidation. The importance of the thermodynamic properties of these compounds and their organization within biological systems is pivotal to understanding carotenoid antioxidant activity. The present paper reviews some recent work on the energy level of (beta) -carotene, electron transfer involving the one electron reduced species and the resonance Raman spectra of some carotenoids in micellar solution.
Kinetics and mechanism of methane oxidation in supercritical water

We oxidized methane in supercritical water at 250 atm and at temperatures between 525 and 587 °C. The methane conversions ranged from 3 to 70%. CO was the product present in the highest yields at low conversions (< 10%), but CO2 became the most abundant product at higher conversions. These experimental results were used to test the predictions of a detailed chemical kinetics model, which is based on gas-phase oxidation mechanisms and kinetics and comprised 150 elementary reaction steps. The model predicted methane disappearance rates that were about 30–50% faster than those observed experimentally. This behavior led to consistently high predictions of the methane conversion and the CO2 yield. However, the model accurately predicted the yields of CO and CO2 as a function of the methane conversion. The predicted activation energy for the pseudo-first-order rate constants of 36 ± 3 kcal/mol is similar to the experimental value of 44 ± 6 kcal/mol. Overall, the ability of the model to predict several of the experimental observations demonstrates that the analogy between gas-phase oxidation and oxidation in supercritical water is a good one. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the calculated methane concentration is most sensitive to the kinetics of OH + H2O2 = HO2 + H2O, OH + HO2 = H2O + O2, H2O2 = OH + OH and HO2 + HO2 = O2 + H2O2. These reactions control the concentration of OH radical, which is the main oxidant under SCWO conditions.
Primary Endpoints for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Trials: A Review of Performance of Endpoints

The choice of primary endpoint for a clinical trial is one of the most important determinants of the ability of a clinical trial to demonstrate efficacy of therapeutic agents. Although there are still no clear, universally accepted guidelines on the definition of clinical benefit for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), consensus guidelines stress the importance of using validated endpoints. This article reviews the evidence available in the literature on the psychometric validation and performance of the 3 endpoints recommended by the Rome III Committee for use as primary endpoints in treatment trials of IBS. The Rome III Committee recommends 2 types of measures: binary endpoints addressing the construct of relief (that is, adequate relief and satisfactory relief) and an integrative symptom questionnaire that addresses the change in severity of a representative group of symptoms of IBS (that is, the IBS Severity Scale). The current evidence suggests that at present, adequate relief should be recognized by regulatory authorities as an acceptable primary endpoint in clinical trials. This analysis also suggests that data from individual clinical trials should be pooled and undergo meta-analysis, and that prospective studies should be considered to further characterize the performance of available endpoints as outcome measures in pharmacotherapeutic trials in IBS.
Models for the predatory behaviour of some reduviids from Southern India (Insecta-Heteroptera-Reduviidae)

The predatory behaviour of three reduviids, the millipede-feedingHaematorrhophus nigroviolaceus (Reuter) (Ectrichodiinae), the insectivorousPirates affinis Serville (Piratinae) and the haematophagousTriatoma rubrofasciata (De Geer) (Triatominae), both under natural and laboratory conditions, is discussed. Visual stimuli elicited by the moving prey appear important for the initiation of feeding response. The olfactory stimuli from the defensive secretions of the prey appear to enhance the response and help in the continuation of feeding. In the haematophagousTriatoma rubrofasciata, while feeding responses are elicited only by the temperature gradient around their vertebrate hosts, the visual and olfactory senses play only a minor role. On the basis of observations on feeding behaviour, appropriate predatory behaviour models for the three reduviid species have been constructed.
Duration of Automated Suprathreshold vs Quantitative Threshold Field Examination: Impact of Age and Ocular Status

• We investigated the impact of age and ocular status on the duration of automated threshold and suprathreshold testing of the visual field in a study of 57 eyes with glaucomatous field loss, 58 eyes with ocular hypertension, and 190 eyes of normal controls. It was faster to run a three-zone threshold-related suprathreshold 120-point full-field screening test on younger subjects and normal controls than on older subjects or subjects with early glaucomatous field loss. In contrast, the time required for full quantitative thresholding of 76 points within the central 30° was unaffected by either age or ocular status. Normal individuals required 40% more time to complete the quantitative threshold test than the "full-field" screening test.
Impact on Shoreline Region by Waves Generated From Submarine and Surface Piercing Slides

The generation of single large waves by a forced motion of solid bodies in a three-dimensional, rectangular channel is investigated. The moving bodies can have simple (idealized) or more complex shapes. The shape and characteristics of the imposed motion are shown to affect the dynamics of the resulting single wave. Waves generated by three different types of landslides are compared by recording the hydrodynamic force and run-up height on a solid plane wall. The three types of landslides investigated are: (i) bottom movement (submarine landslide), (ii) falling mass (partially submerged landslide), and (iii) sliding mass (subaerial landslide).Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Crystallization pressure versus “crack seal” as the mechanism for banded veins

Banded fibrous veins are often pointed to as evidence for episodic crack opening driven by oscillations in fluid pressure or bulk strain. Advances in understanding the geochemistry of precipitation, data on veins, and experiments suggest that pressure due to growing crystals may be an alternate explanation for many observations on these types of veins. We propose that some veins originate at sites of precipitation and then propagate due to the pressure exerted by the crystal growth. As materials precipitate, the vein walls are pushed apart. The resulting veins have shapes typical for mode I cracks except that, mechanically, crystallization pressure replaces the role of internal fluid pressure in their propagation. A nonzero remote differential stress serves to align veins. Mechanical and geochemical considerations suggest that this process will be most important in fine-grained rocks such as greenschist-grade pelites where diffusion from sites of dissolution rather than advection is the dominant mass-transport process. Veins may owe their orientation to tectonism, but their initiation and growth are due to processes that supersaturate the pore fluid. Veins formed by this mechanism involve cracking to the extent that precipitation forces an original flaw to extend during precipitation. Cyclic quartz-mica bands may indicate geochemical self-organization at the vein wall driven by pressure-solution-enhanced supersaturation in the pore fluid and nonlinear precipitation kinetics at the vein wall.
Some metric aspects of the permanent and deciduous dentition of the pygmy chimpanzee (Pan paniscus)

A search of the literature reveals that odontological data on the pygmy chimpanzee is almost completely lacking. The great usefulness of such data for the interpretation of fossil pongids is recognized. This investigation presents some basic descriptive statistics of five crown dimensions of the permanent and deciduous teeth of the pygmy chimpanzee. A sample of 140 individuals (composed of males and females of all ages) was investigated. No marked degree of sexual dimorphism was noted in any of the measurements of the deciduous dentition. Only the permanent canine exhibited a significant degree of sexual dimorphism. In individuals showing pronounced dental wear it was observed that mesiodistal tooth dimensions were reduced as a result of dental wear. Statistical comparisons of dental dimensions between Pan paniscus and Pan troglodytes suggest significantly larger teeth for the latter species.
The formation of frazil and anchor ice in cold water

Observations are presented concerning the formation of frazil and anchor ice under natural conditions and several methods are described for studying their physical properties. Photomicrographs show that the stable form of frazil ice is a thin, free-floating, rounded disk and that accumulations of these simple forms followed by regelation probably account for most of the underwater structures forming in bulk water super-cooling to about −0.01°C. Frazil ice particles tend to gather on the upstream side of underwater objects with low adhesion between the collector and the ice mass. Anchor ice forms as thin crystalline sheets firmly attached to underwater objects. Those observed were unlike frazil ice in appearance and general characteristics. A method is described for inducing the formation of frazil ice on a large scale by seeding supercooled water with small fragments of solid CO2. Practical applications are suggested to determine whether this method may have economic importance wherever frazil ice causes trouble to hydroplants and similar installations in flowing streams which develop super-cooling.
In vitro induction of proinflammatory cytokine secretion by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid immune complexes

Objective To characterize juvenile rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid (SF) immune complexes and to examine their interaction with leukocytes. Methods SF immunoglobulin-containing fractions were prepared by sequential chromatography on protein A and Sephacryl 300. Fractions were subdivided according to molecular weight, characterized for immunoglobulin and complement content, and incubated with either promonocytic U937 cells or normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Results High molecular weight SF immunoglobulin-containing fractions stimulated the release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) from U937 cells. These same complexes stimulated tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) from PBMC. Lower molecular weight material was less efficient in inducing any of the cytokines. TNFalpha and IL-1beta were the earliest of the messenger RNAs examined to be induced by the high molecular weight complexes. However, the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and GM-CSF stimulated by the complexes was not completely dependent upon the secretion of IL-1beta. Addition of IL-1 receptor antagonist to the cell cultures reduced GM-CSF and IL-6 production by 40% and IL-8 production by 25% in PBMC. Conclusion SF immunoglobulin fractions contain immune complexes that vary in size, composition, and phlogistic potential. High molecular weight complexes are capable of inducing a spectrum of proinflammatory cytokines, all of which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatic disease.
Haemodynamic stability with midazolam-sufentanil analgesia in cardiac surgical patients.

Although sufentanil in high doses may result in deep coma sufficient to conduct coronarybypass surgery painlessly in patients, its side effects, e.g., bradycardia and hypotension, may lead to complications in some patients. Since ketamine causes central sympathetic stimulation, we attempted to counteract the vagomimetic effects of sufentanil by ketamine. Anaesthesia was induced in patients, (n = 15), for elective coronary arterybypass surgery with 0.12 mg · kg−1 midazolam IV, followed by 1 mg · kg−1 ketamine and 0.6 μg · kg−1 sufentanil IV eight minutes later. Subsequently, pancuronium 0.1 mg · kg−1 was given to facilitate tracheal intubation. Three minutes later, the trachea was intubated, and ketamine 1 mg · kg−1 · hr−1 IV infusion was started. Incremental doses of 0.6 μg · kg−1 sufentanil were given whenever a greater than 15 per cent increase in ratepressure product was observed. The mean ± S.E.M. dose of sufentanil before cardiopulmonary bypass was 6.5 ± 0.6 μg · kg and 9.1 ± 0.9 μg · kg for the entire procedure. Although midazolam alone caused reductions in systolic BP, SVR and LVSWI, other haemodynamic variables were not altered. The administration of this anaesthetic technique caused no clinically important adverse haemodynamic changes and/or STsegment changes and prevented the adverse haemodynamic changes caused by intubation, skin incision, sternotomy and periaortic dissection. Adequate analgesia, complete amnesia and early recovery of wakefulness were observed.
Investigating the link between cognitive skills and learning in non-comorbid samples of ADHD and SLI

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate how two cognitive skills—working memory and IQ—are linked to learning in students with ADHD or SLI. Although there has been much research examining ADHD and its co-morbidity with language impairment, little research has been conducted on their learning profiles when these two conditions occur independently. The data confirmed that those with ADHD performed better in some tasks of verbal abilities (learning outcomes), compared to those with SLI. In contrast, children with SLI had relative strengths in some nonverbal tasks (WM and IQ) compared to those with ADHD. However when looking at academic performance, there were domain-specific links between cognitive abilities and learning outcomes: verbal skills predict verbal-based academic tests and visuo-spatial skills predict visuo-spatial-based academic tests, in both ADHD and SLI groups. This finding can have important implications for how intervention is tailored in the classroom, as domain-specific support could yield important gains in learning.
Absence of Connate Water in Michigan Reefs Attributed to Anhydrite: ABSTRACT

Dehydrated gas stored in depleted reef reservoirs behaves uniquely in that the gas comes out essentially as dry as when injected. This observation leads to the conclusion that the major part of the reservoir does not contain connate water. However, the base of the reservoir, usually of low porosity, is filled with brine. Reef rocks contain anhydrite. A study of anhydrite occurrence leads to the relation of gypsum to anhydrite. A review is made of the controversial views held as to this relation in the earth. One concludes anhydrite in the earth must react with liquid water to form gypsum. Further, it is believed the anhydrite conversion to gypsum forms the seal to project salt layers. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1286------------
Open cherry picker simulation results

The Open Cherry Picker (OCP) is a manned platform, mounted at the end of the Remote Manipulator System (RMS), which is used to enhance extravehicular activities. The objective of the simulation program described was to reduce the existing complexity of those OCP design features that are mandatory for initial Space Shuttle applications. The OCP development test article consists of a torque box, a rotating foot restraint, a rotating stanchion that houses handholds, and a tool storage section with an interface with payload modules. If the size or complexity of the payload increases, payload handling devices may be added at a later data. The simulations have shown that the crew can control the RMS from the Aft Flight Deck of the Shuttle, using voice commands from the EVA crewman. No need for a stabilizer was evident, and RMS dynamics due to crew-induced workloads were found to be minor.
Another View of the Gender-Status Relation

Taking an interdisciplinary approach, Gerber (2009) proposes an integration of status and gender stereotypes with status mediating the influence of gender. In her model, status is assumed to explain gender stereotypes, as well as self perceptions of such traits and their evaluation. The person-situation personality literature, cross-cultural gender research, and developmental studies of gender stereotypes and behavior are reviewed. A different model, based on Mischel and Shoda’s (1995) Cognitive-Affective Personality System (CAPS), is proposed in which status has a moderating effect, but gender plays the more critical role in determining how gendered behaviors and characteristics develop and are evaluated.
Neural mechanisms of rapid sensitivity to syntactic anomaly.

Recent psycholinguistic models hypothesize that anticipatory processing can speed the response to linguistic input during language comprehension by pre-activating representations necessary for word recognition. We investigated the neurocognitive mechanisms of anticipatory processing by recording event-related brain responses (ERPs) to syntactically anomalous (The thief was caught by for police) and well-formed (e.g., The thief was caught by the police) sentences. One group of participants saw anomalies elicited by the same word in every instance (e.g., for; low-variability stimuli), providing high affordances for predictions about the word-form appearing in the critical position. A second group saw anomalies elicited by seven different prepositions (at, of, on, for, from, over, with; high-variability stimuli) across the study, creating a more difficult prediction task. Syntactic category anomalies enhanced the occipital-temporal N170 component of the ERP, indicating rapid sensitivity—within 200 ms of word onset—to syntactic anomaly. For low-variability but not the high-variability stimuli, syntactic anomaly also enhanced the earlier occipital-temporal P1 component, around 130 ms after word-onset, indicating that affordances for prediction engendered earlier sensitivity to syntactic anomaly. Independent components analysis revealed three sources within the ERP signal whose functional dynamics were consistent with predictive processing and early responses to syntactic anomaly. Distributed neural source modeling (sLORETA) of these early-active sources produced a candidate network for early responses to words during reading in the right posterior-occipital, left occipital-temporal, and medial parietal cortex.
Carbaryl residues in tissues and cholinesterase activities in brain and blood of rats receiving carbaryl.

Abstract The diagnostic value of measuring insecticide levels and cholinesterase activity in carbaryl-poisoned rats was studied. Mature, male rats received 450, 800, or 1200 mg carbaryl/kg orally, and carbaryl residues in liver, heart, and brain and/or cholinesterase (ChE) activity in brain, red blood cells, and plasma of sacrificed, moribund, and dead rats were compared. Significant tissue residues were still present 24–48 hr after dosing. The lowest liver, heart, and brain carbaryl levels were 11.7, 3.6, and 5 ppm, respectively, in fatally poisoned rats. The brain ChE activity of fatally poisoned rats was less than 35% of normal, while surviving rats had greater than 55% of normal ChE activity 48 hr after dosing. Following dosing, red blood cells and plasma ChE activity was near 30% of normal. Cholinesterase activity in brain, red blood cells, and plasma was back to 70% of normal 96 hr after dosing. Blood studies on gastrointestinal tract absorption of carbaryl indicated that prolonged absorption may account for extended clinical signs observed. Whole blood was superior to plasma for carbaryl determination.
Sustaining Labor-Environmental Coalitions: Banana Allies in Costa Rica

What is required for sustaining an alliance between union and environmental activists? Applying grounded theory to a case study in the Costa Rican banana sector, this article reveals five historical phases. First, unions and environmentalists identify common opportunity structures for joint action. Second, a preexisting network becomes a resource for mobilization. Third, the new coalition engages in communicative action that leads to shared identity and cultural framing and a foundation for handling exogenous global forces. Market policy changes in the fourth phase stimulate a transnational activist network and framing linkages. Dramatic supply disruptions in the fifth precipitate autonomous organizational approaches that require reframing, identity extension, and flexibility. This study argues that the Costa Rican case can be generalized to other labor-environmental coalitions if such alliances create simple, open structures that agilely adapt to external opportunity structures and expand frames that encourage collaborative autonomy and dualistic collective definitions.
Decaying eigenstates for simple chaotic systems

Abstract We introduce a new approach to the study of chaotic classical dynamical systems. The method, based on the resolvent formalism of kinetic theory, expresses the time evolution of a probability distribution in terms of exponentially decaying eigenstates of the Perron-Frobenius operator. We illustrate the method by applying it to some simple chaotic maps.
Mothers of Children With Down Syndrome: Constructing the Sociocultural Meaning of Disability

Abstract A qualitative study explored mothers' experience of the birth of a child with Down syndrome within a sociocultural context. Nine mothers of children with Down syndrome were interviewed. Mo...
Histamine modulates NMDA-dependent swelling in the neostriatum

In the present study, infrared differential interference contrast videomicroscopy was used to examine the effect of histamine on N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced swelling in neostriatal neurons in a brain slice preparation. Histamine caused a concentration-dependent increase in swelling evoked by N-methyl-D-aspartate. By itself, histamine did not cause swelling. Electrical stimulation also caused N-methyl-D-aspartate-dependent swelling which was enhanced by histamine. In addition, histamine was found to enhance N-methyl-D aspartate-induced swelling from postnatal day 7 to 28 but not at postnatal day 3. Finally, this histamine-induced enhancement was prevented by treatment with either the H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine or with the potassium channel blocker tetraethylammonium chloride. Overall, these findings suggest that histamine modulates N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function in the neostriatum through a H2 receptor-mediated regulation of potassium channels.
Ozone photochemistry: production and deactivation of O(21D2) following photolysis at 248 nm

Abstract The quantum efficiency of O(2 1 D 2 ) production in the laser photolysis of O 3 at 248 nm has been measured as 0.99 ± 0.01. The rate constant for O(2 1 D 2 ) collisional deactivation by O 3 is (2.41 ± 0.11) × 10 −10 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 . The removal of one excited oxygen atom is associated with the production of one ground state atom, suggesting the possible importance of a physical quenching and concomitant energy transfer in the deactivation process.
I. Le Diable Boiteux: French society behind a Spanish facade

In 1836 Jean Coralli and Edmond Burat de Gurgy created a ballet called Le Diable boiteux (known in English as The Devil on Two Sticks),* loosely based on the novel of that name written by AlainRene Lesage in 1707.1 While at the time Le Diable boiteux may have been, as Theophile Gautier said, "familiar to all as forming the subject of Le Sage's clever romance," and while it was perceived to supply "abundant materials for a ballet of first-rate celebrity,"2 its conversion into a ballet left little resemblance to the original. The only characters from the novel who appear in the ballet are the devil, Asmodee, and the student, Cleophas, who, having rescued the devil from his prison in a bottle, is treated to Asmodee's worldly lessons. The chief reason for borrowing the title from Lesage, besides that of arousing public curiosity, seems to have been to incorporate an ingenious narrative
Development and psychometric properties of the PROMIS® pediatric fatigue item banks

Purpose This paper reports on the development and psychometric properties of self-reported pediatric fatigue item banks as part of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS).
Some characteristics of the purinergic nervous system in normal and sensitized airway smooth muscle

Abstract Supramaximal electrical field stimulation was employed to produce biphasic response in segments of cervical and thoracic tracheas and in first generation of bronchi isolated from guinea pigs. This response consists of contraction (as measured by maximal active tension, ATmax) followed by relaxation (as measured by maximal active relaxation, ARmax). First, the effect of electrical stimulation was studied in relation to frequency and duration of impulse. Highest degree of relaxation (ARmax) was achieved with a frequency of stimulus of 40 pulses per sec for segments of trachea, and 60 pulses per sec for first generation bronchi, and with duration of pulse of 1.0 msec for segments of trachea, and 2.0–2.5 msec for bronchi. Secondly, mean length-tension relationship was determined. It was found that maximal relaxation (ARmax) occurred at 160±5% of Lmax in case of tracheal segments and 160±2% of Lmax for bronchial preparations. Using propranolol pretreatment (10−4 M), which inhibited participation of adrenergic receptors in relaxation, it was determined that approximately 50% relaxation of airway smooth muscle of the normal guinea pig is mediated through the purinergic nervous system. Both tracheas and bronchi isolated from sensitized guinea pigs, chronically exposed to antigen, showed a significant decrease in overall relaxation (P The data suggest that relaxation of segments of airways isolated from animals chronically exposed to antigen is decreased in consequences of alterations in both purinergic and adrenergic nervous systems.
Antiproton- and Pion-Induced Fission at 2.5 GeV/c

Mica track detectors were used to measure the fission cross sections of U, Bi, and Au irradiated with 2.5-GeV/c antiprotons and negative pions. The binary-fission results in mb are: U, 2170 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 330 for $\overline{p}$ and 1090 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 160 for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$; Bi, 293 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 60 for $\overline{p}$ and 191 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 40 for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$; Au, 210 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 40 for $\overline{p}$ and 107 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 20 for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. The ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ cross sections are about the same as for protons but the $\overline{p}$ cross sections are higher by about a factor of 2. Approximate ternary-fission results in mb are: U, 8 for $\overline{p}$ and 4 for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$; Bi, 6 for $\overline{p}$ and 1.5 for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$; Au, 6 for $\overline{p}$ and 2 for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. Ternary fission induced by antiprotons appears to be about an order of magnitude more probable than that induced by protons of the same momentum. The results are discussed relative to the large annihilation cross section of antiprotons.
Brain Imaging in the Courtroom: The Quest for Legal Relevance

This article addresses the question of the relevance of brain imaging to legal criteria that are behavioral, that is, that require evaluation of a defendant's actions or mental states. It begins with the legal standard for the admissibility of scientific and technical evidence. Then it considers the relevance of imaging to behavioral legal criteria. The problem is translating mechanistic neuroscience data into the law's folk psychological standards. It uses examples from the criminal law, but the analysis generalizes to behavioral criteria in the civil law. The central question is, “How, precisely, does the proffered scan or data based on scanning answer the specific legal question it supposedly helps answer?” I conclude that, at present, brain imaging has little relevance to behavioral legal criteria. The final section takes note of a rampant disorder, brain overclaim syndrome, and offers a remedy, cognitive jurotherapy.
Progressive Inequality: Rich and Poor in New York, 1890–1920

This boldly argued and meticulously researched volume makes a persuasive case for more urgently ‘bringing class back in’ to studies of Progressive Era reform. Although previous studies have not ign...
Toxin Detection by a Miniaturized in Vitro Protein Expression Array

A novel concept for toxin detection is presented that is based on the inhibitory effects of certain toxins on protein synthesis. Biological synthesis of proteins is called protein expression, which consists of the steps of DNA transcription and protein translation. In the toxin detection concept, a group of proteins are expressed simultaneously in a device consisting of an array of miniaturized wells. The expression yields of these proteins are inhibited by presence of a toxin. Differential inhibitory effects of each toxin on the expression of proteins in wells result in a response pattern (or signature) of the array device, which can be used as a tool for detection and identification of known and unknown agents. The concept has been demonstrated by in vitro protein expression of three proteins, including green fluorescent protein (GFP), chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), and luciferase. The production yields of these proteins in a cell-free medium were inhibited differentially by two toxin simulant...
Coverage and effectiveness of family-responsive workplace policies

Abstract In this article, we review what is and what is not known about “family-responsive” employment practices. What is claimed about the benefits of these practices? What evidence is available to evaluate the effectiveness of new employment practices in fostering increased employee productivity or lowered business costs? What do we still need to know, and what is the best way to obtain good evaluative information? This essay is divided into three parts: The first covers the market-based model for accommodating employee family responsibilities and available information on unmet employee needs, the second covers the literature on the types of new employment practices and their effectiveness in fostering organizational productivity, and the third provides a framework for future evaluation research that might better provide us with the information that we need to effectively fashion family-responsive workplaces that best meet the needs of employees and employers.
Learning to Detect Conversation Focus of Threaded Discussions

In this paper we present a novel feature-enriched approach that learns to detect the conversation focus of threaded discussions by combining NLP analysis and IR techniques. Using the graph-based algorithm HITS, we integrate different features such as lexical similarity, poster trustworthiness, and speech act analysis of human conversations with feature-oriented link generation functions. It is the first quantitative study to analyze human conversation focus in the context of online discussions that takes into account heterogeneous sources of evidence. Experimental results using a threaded discussion corpus from an undergraduate class show that it achieves significant performance improvements compared with the baseline system.
β-Endorphin: Characteristics of binding sites in the rabbit cerebellar and brain membranes

Specific binding of human beta-endorphin to rabbit cerebellar and brain membranes was measured using [3H2-Tyr27]-beta h-endorphin as the primary ligand. In both tissues binding was time dependent and saturable, with apparent equilibrium dissociation constants of 0.275 nM and 0.449 nM in the cerebellum and brain, respectively. The binding capacity of cerebellum is greater than that of brain. Kinetic studies showed that the association rate constants were 2.7 X 10(7) M-1min-1 for cerebellum and 2.4 X 10(7) M-1min-1 for brain. Dissociation of tritiated beta h-endorphin from both cerebellum and brain is not consistent with a first order decay from a single site. In the cerebellum there is a time-dependent increase in slowly dissociating complex. The potency of several opioid peptides and opiates to inhibit the binding of tritiated beta h-endorphin was determined. Ligands with preference for mu, delta, and kappa opiate receptor (morphine, Metenkephalin and ethylketocyclazocine) all have similar affinities toward beta h-endorphin sites in both brain and cerebellar membranes.
Soudan 2 observations of muons from the direction of cygnus X-3 during the January 1991 radio flare

Abstract On the days of January 20 and 23, 1991, the Soudan 2 underground detector observed 32 underground muons coming from within 2° of the direction of Cygnus X-3. Based on background studies, 11.4 were expected. These days coincide with a large outburst in radio emissions from Cygnus X-3.
All-weather long-wavelength infrared free-space optical communications

ORNL is developing a high-speed, full-duplex all weather communications link for ranges up to 5 kilometers. To accomplish this project, we have constructed an RF-driven waveguide CO2 laser and a dielectric-waveguide Stark modulator. The 10-micron wavelength was selected for its ability to penetrate smoke, fog, and rain. The modulator is based on the Stark shift of NH2D (deuterated ammonia). The laser is driven by a 60 MHz RF amplifier at a power level of approximately 50 watts. The resonator cavity of the laser is formed by a 2.4 mm internal diameter ceramic waveguide with external optics. The RF electrodes are formed from aluminum heatsink extrusions that also provide cooling for the discharge. Details of the laser design will be presented.
Compositional dependence of the optical conductivity of Ni1 − xPtx alloys (0 < x < 0.25) determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry

We measured the ellipsometric angles as a function of photon energy from 0.76 to 6.6 eV of 10 nm thick Ni1 − xPtx alloy (0 < x < 0.25) films deposited on thick thermal oxides. Using basis spline functions and Drude–Lorentz oscillator fitting, we determined the dielectric functions and optical conductivities of our alloy films. We describe techniques to increase the accuracy of our measurements and data analysis. We find absorption peaks near 1.6 and 4.8 eV due to interband optical transitions. There is a significant broadening of these peaks with increasing Pt content. Annealing the metals at 500 °C for 30 s increases the optical conductivity.
Marijuana Legalization: Impact on Physicians and Public Health

Marijuana is becoming legal in an increasing number of states for both medical and recreational use. Considerable controversy exists regarding the public health impact of these changes. The evidence for the legitimate medical use of marijuana or cannabinoids is limited to a few indications, notably HIV/AIDS cachexia, nausea/vomiting related to chemotherapy, neuropathic pain, and spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Although cannabinoids show therapeutic promise in other areas, robust clinical evidence is still lacking. The relationship between legalization and prevalence is still unknown. Although states where marijuana use is legal have higher rates of use than nonlegal states, these higher rates were generally found even prior to legalization. As states continue to proceed with legalization for both medical and recreational use, certain public health issues have become increasingly relevant, including the effects of acute marijuana intoxication on driving abilities, unintentional ingestion of marijuana products by children, the relationship between marijuana and opioid use, and whether there will be an increase in health problems related to marijuana use, such as dependence/addiction, psychosis, and pulmonary disorders. In light of this rapidly shifting legal landscape, more research is urgently needed to better understand the impact of legalization on public health.
A virtual network (ViNe) architecture for grid computing

This paper describes a virtual networking approach for grids called ViNe. It enables symmetric connectivity among grid resources and allows existing applications to run unmodified. Novel features of the ViNe architecture include: easy virtual networking administration; support for physical private networks and support for multiple independent virtual networks in the same infrastructure. The requirements of an application-friendly virtual network environment are presented and it is shown how the proposed solution meets them. Qualitative arguments are provided to justify all design decisions. Also presented is an experimental evaluation of the round-trip latencies and bandwidths achieved by a reference implementation. Measurements are reported for WAN-scenarios involving three different institutions. Under favorable conditions, ViNe bandwidths are within 90 to 100% of the available physical network bandwidth.
Inhibitory effects of hyperthermia on mechanisms involved in autoresuscitation from hypoxic apnea in mice: a model for thermal stress causing SIDS

The physiological mechanisms that might be involved in an association between heat stress and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are obscure. We tested the hypothesis that a combination of acute h...
Demonstration of MLS advanced approach techniques

Instrument approach designs and flight-test results using the microwave landing system (MLS) are presented. A general-aviation aircraft was flown on linear computed centerline and curved approach paths with MLS guidance displayed on basic course-deviation indicator and horizontal situation indicator instruments. Approach performance was documented using a ground tracker system, recording three-dimensional position information. These tests demonstrated the flyability of such advanced paths with basic cockpit instrumentation. >