cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Silt fraction heavy-mineral distributions in a lateritic environment: the rivers and insular shelf of north-central Puerto Rico

Abstract Mineralogical studies of sediments from the rivers and insular shelf in north-central Puerto Rico examine the effects of lateritic weathering and assess the silt fraction for economically important heavy minerals. This fraction, which is enriched in heavy minerals relative to the sand fraction, is mainly detrital but contains a strong authigenic component. The detrital silt heavy-mineral fraction in the rivers is dominated by an amphibole-garnet-pyroxene-epidote assemblage. Amphiboles are more abundant in the Rio Cibuco; pyroxenes are more abundant in the Rio de la Plata; and epidote and ilmenite are more abundant in the Rio Grande de Manati. The authigenic silt heavy-mineral fraction is largely a product of the lateritic weathering and dominated by iron oxides and alterites. Grains of bladed rutile and leached ilmenite are common. Spatial variability in silt-fraction mineralogy is considerable. Within the Rio Cibuco system variability is related to compositional differences in rapidly eroding source rocks. On the shelf, silt heavy-mineral abundances are greatest at the river mouths and decrease seaward. Variability in the shelf samples is controlled primarily by source rivers and shelf sorting processes. Compositional differences exist between the silt heavy-mineral assemblages in the rivers and the shelf, and between the heavy-mineral assemblages in the silt- and sand-sized fractions from these areas. Minerals of economic importance that occur in the silt fraction within the study area include cerargyrite, chromite, gold, magnetite, and rutile.
In Brief: Fractures in Brief: Scaphoid Fractures

The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone, accounting for approximately 60% of all carpal fractures [2]. The injury is commonly seen in active young adults after a fall on an outstretched hand. These fractures sometimes are missed or misdiagnosed as simple wrist sprains. Left untreated or poorly reduced, a scaphoid fracture may develop a malunion or nonunion. Malunions and nonunions may lead to altered carpal kinematics (with resultant pain), diminished ROM, grip strength, and carpal arthrosis [2]. Accordingly, displaced, nonunited, and sometimes malunited fractures are treated surgically. Furthermore, because cast immobilization may be prolonged and associated with stiffness, some surgeons and patients prefer early surgery even for nondisplaced fractures.
On the Maintenance of Anomalous Fluid Pressures: II. Source Layer at Depth

Physico-chemical mechanisms have been suggested to account for anomalous fluid pressures in the geologic environment which require a fluid source at depth. The persistence of anomalous pressure is a problem that involves nonsteady fluid flow. The hydrodynamics and particular boundary conditions control the time rate of pressure change and its maintenance. A series of mathematical solutions germane to the maintenance of anomalous pressure caused by the injection of fluids into the system from a source layer are presented. The phase change, gypsum to anhydrite plus water, is used as an example of a fluid source at depth. The thermodynamics of the gypsum-dehydration reaction indicates that conversion will probably occur at shallow depths and produce fluid at a constant rate. The dehydration of montmorillonite will also produce fluids at a constant rate under geologic conditions where the reaction can occur. If horizons of material of low permeability are missing or scarce, it is doubtful that anomalous pore pressures can be maintained for more than a geologic instant. The creation and continuation of anomalous pressure depend largely upon the hydraulic conductivity and, to a lesser extent, upon the specific storage of clay layers within the system.
Group formation and communication in mobile wireless environments

Use of Wi-Fi-capable mobile handheld devices is gaining momentum on university campuses and other campus-like environments. In addition, users often work as a group to perform collaborative tasks. Consequently, there is a demand for group communication applications in mobile devices and a need to provide middleware support for such group communication. This paper presents two common grouping scenarios as observed on campuses. We then present data dissemination strategies for these grouping scenarios. We concentrate on update-based applications such as updates for file repositories and version controlling systems. Thus, the group communication protocols for data dissemination will use short messages encapsulating control messages and updates. We evaluate the effectiveness of the protocols through an Android based middleware implementation as well as simulations. Our experiments demonstrate that the protocols deliver the updates to the entire group of users within desired(low) time bounds in real life scenarios. 1
Highly Charged Swelling Mica-Type Clays for Selective Cu Exchange

There is a need to develop highly CU2+ selective materials which can potentially remediate copper contaminated soils and water. Here we show that several highly charged synthetic swelling mica-type clays are highly selective for copper exchange. The synthetic micas have cation exchange capacities (CECs), which are close to their theoretical values. Both Na-saturated and Mg-saturated micas were investigated for Cu ion exchange selectivity. Ion exchange isotherms and Kielland plots were constructed using the equilibrated solution analyses. From these studies it was found that Na-4-mica and Na-3-mica could selectively exchange copper at lower concentrations from solution, whereas Na-2-mica sample performed better by showing Cu ion exchange selectively to almost its capacity. The EPR spectra of Cu-exchanged micas coincide with the mica's charge characteristics that predict increased binding strength of exchangeable Cu in Na-4-mica and Na-3-mica than in Na-2-mica.
Temporal sequence of cell shape changes in cultured rat sertoli cells after experimental elevation of intracellular cAMP

Abstract The ability of FSH and pharmacological agents to induce changes in the shape of cultured rat Sertoli cells has been studied by using time-lapse phase-contrast microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Morphological studies were combined with an immunocytochemical method for the localization of cAMP in Sertoli cells and the results correlated with determinations of protein-bound cAMP in Sertoli cells. A variable number of Sertoli cells were converted from a flat, epithelial-like morphology into a stellate morphology after exposure to FSH, isobutyl-methylxanthine (MIX), dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db-cAMP) and an FSH-MIX mixture. The morphological changes followed a time- and biological agent-dependent alteration and recovery pattern. While a 120 min exposure to FSH induced shape changes in 38% of the cells, MIX, db-cAMP and FSH-MIX effected shape changes in 75 % of cells. The morphological conversion induced by MIX, db-cAMP and FSH-MIX persisted as long as these biological agents were present in the medium, whereas the effects induced by FSH alone were transient. The flat-to-stellate transition was preceded by an increase in intracellular protein-bound cAMP, a form of cyclic nucleotide which may account for cAMP immunoreactivity observed in morphologically responsive and non-responsive Sertoli cells. From these data and from previous experimental findings of androgen-binding protein (ABP) immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of responsive and non-responsive Sertoli cells, we conclude that a surge of cAMP triggers a still undefined mechanism by which Sertoli cells modify their shape in coincidence with a progressive depletion of cytoplasmic secretory granules.
Critical Point Corrections for Two- and Three-Dimensional Systems

Adsorption, the equilibrium between two-dimensional and three-dimensional fluids, is considered in the framework of Ono−Kondo lattice theory. A critical point correction to Ono−Kondo theory is proposed, and new approximations for binodals and spinodals are derived. These approximations describe the phase behavior near the critical point more accurately including two-dimensional and three-dimensional binodals. They also improve the prediction of adsorption behavior.
Stability of Radioactive Waste Glasses Assessed from Hydration Thermodynamics

Assessment of the geologic performance of radioactive waste glasses requires extrapolation of finite tests to very long times. Hydration thermodynamics provides a means to compare the stability of waste glasses to natural analogues and to ancient synthetic glasses. The glass composition is separated into structural components of known free energy of hydration. These are then summed to provide a discrete measure of the stability of a given glass to aqueous attack. Hydration thermodynamics can be used to extend the results of laboratory tests of Savannah River waste glass to the repository environment. 15 references, 3 figures, 1 table.
A global metabolite profiling approach to identify protein-metabolite interactions.

Understanding the biochemical functions of proteins is an important factor in elucidating their cellular and physiological functions. Due to the predominance of biopolymer interactions in biology, many methods have been designed to interrogate and identify biologically relevant interactions that proteins make to DNA, RNA, and other proteins. Complementary approaches that can elucidate binding interactions between proteins and small molecule metabolites will impact the understanding of protein−metabolite interactions and fill a need that is outside the scope of current methods. Here, we demonstrate the ability to identify natural protein−metabolite interactions from complex metabolite mixtures by combining a protein-mediated small molecule enrichment step with a global metabolite profiling platform.
Autoregressive Estimation of Short Segment Spectra for Computerized EEG Analysis

The hypothesis that an electroencephalogram (EEG) can be analyzed by computer using a series of basic descriptive elements of short duration (1-5 s) has prompted the development of methods to extract the best possible features from very short (1 s) time intervals. In this paper, the merits of three alternative methods for estimating spectral features are compared to the fast Fourier transform (FFT). These procedures, based on autoregressive (AR) modeling are: 1) Kalman filtering, 2) the Burg algorithm, and 3) the Yule-Walker (YW) approach. The methods are reportedly able to provide high resolution spectal estimates from short EEG intervals, even in cases where intervals contain less than a ful period of a cyclic waveform. The first method is adaptive, the other two are not. Using Akaike's final prediction error (FPE) criterion, it was demonstrated that a fifth-order filter is sufficient to estimate EEG characteristics in 90 percent of the cases. However, visual inspection of the resulting spectra revealed that the order indicated by the FPE criterion is generally too low and better spectra can be obtained using a tenth-order AR model. The Yule-Walker method resulted in many unstable models and should not be used. Of two remaining methods, i.e., Burg and Kalman, the first provides spectra with peaks having a smaller bandwidth than the Kalman-flter method. Additional experiments with the Burg method revealed that, on the average, the same results were obtained using the FFT.
The Effects of Age and Household Income on the Use of Literate Language Features

This study examined the use of literate language features (LLFs) in the oral narratives of African American and Caucasian American preschoolers residing in either low- or middle-income homes to det...
Line Finding With Subpixel Precision

Abstract An intermediate level vision system that utilises grey scale levels (typically 8 bits or 256 levels in our case)has been implemented which locates and links intensitydiscontinuities in a digitized image to subpixel precision.The discontinuities are located and localised by utilizingthe zero crossings in the laterally inhibited image of thedigitized picture.Introduction As has recently been pointed out in earlier work in the literature (Nevatia & Babu 1978), the effectivenessof many machine vision systems is often limited by thelow level processing that constitutes the first stage of thesystem. Typically, this stage consists of operations suchas edge detection, thinning, thresholding, and linking -inother words- line finding.Given this current state of the art and the inspira-tion of earlier MIT work (Binford -Horn 1972, Binford1970, Herskovitz & Binford 1970), we have undertaken thetask of seeking an improvement to this stage of vision sys-tems. The processing reported here, a simplification of theBinford -Horn approach, differs markedly from most sys-tems reported in the literature but has similarities to some
Monolithic valves for microfluidic chips based on thermoresponsive polymer gels

The direct preparation of thermoresponsive monolithic copolymers by photopatterning of a liquid phase consisting of an aqueous solution of N-isopropylacrylamide, N-ethylacrylamide, N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide, and 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid) has been studied and the products used as valves within the channels of microfluidic devices. The volume change associated with the polymer phase transition at its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) leads to the rapid swelling and the deswelling of the 2.5% cross-linked monolithic gel thus enabling the polymer to close or open the channel and to function as a nonmechanically actuated valve. The LCST at which the valve switches was easily adjusted within a range of 35 degrees C-74 degrees C by varying the proportions of the monovinyl monomers in the polymerization mixture. The closed valve holds pressures of up to 18 MPa without noticeable dislocation, structural damage, or leakage. In contrast, following deswelling by raising the temperature above LCST the valve offers no appreciable flow resistance since its large, micrometer-size pores are open. Laser-triggered photobleaching of a fluorescent dye contained in the liquid phase enabled monitoring of flow through the device and determination of the times required to open and close the valve. The valves are characterized by very fast actuation times in a range of 1-4 s depending on the type of device. No changes in performance were observed even after repeated open-close cycling of the valves.
Calling All Academic Music Library Reference Desks

Reference desks are standard features in general academic libraries, but are they staples in academic music libraries? The following study answers this question and also provides insight into the f...
Screening for borderline personality disorders with the MMPI-168

Investigated the possible use of the MMPI-168 as a screening instrument for identifying individuals (N = 27) with DSM III diagnosed borderline personality disorder. Using previously reported percentile norms for bright young college graduates as a reference, borderline patients as a group fell above the 98th percentile on the F, Hypochondriasis, Depression, Hysteria, Psychopathic Deviate, Psychasthenia and Schizophrenia scales, as well as the general psychopathology scale (PSY). Additionally, the borderline sample's mean score on the Paranoia scale was above the 95th percentile, and the mean Social Introversion scale was above the 90th percentile. Almost equally distinguishing was the finding that the mean K scale score for the borderline sample fell as low as the 8th percentile for the normative college sample. These results demonstrate that the MMPI-168 response pattern of borderline patients was clearly distinguishable from the great majority of college graduates.
Selective localization of radioiodinated alkylphosphocholine derivatives in tumors.

Abstract We have designed and synthesized two radioiodinated analogs of hexadecylphosphocholine in order to evaluate their tumor imaging potential. 12-(m[125I]iodophenyl)dodecyl phosphocholine (NM-324) and hexadecyl-2-[N,N-dimethyl-N-(m[125I]iodobenzyl-ammonium]ethyl phosphate (NM-326) demonstrated the ability of such compounds to localize in and thereby visualize the Walker 256 tumor in rats. However, the tumor avidity of NM-324 was far superior to NM-326. In addition, NM-324 showed excellent tumor localization in athymic mice bearing subcutaneous human tumors.
Factor analysis of the Beck Depression Inventory-II with patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

This study examined the properties of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) in a sample of 111 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Exploratory factor analysis identified two factors. The mean score for the Somatic-Affective factor was significantly higher than the Cognitive factor. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed for BDI-II total score, the two factor scores, and the BDI for Primary Care (BDI-PC). The BDI-PC and Cognitive factor demonstrated superior validity. Results suggest patients endorse BDI-II somatic items that overlap with CFS symptoms at a high rate. Factor scores should be evaluated separately, or the BDI-PC should be utilized with this population.
INSALUBRIOUS CALIFORNIA: PERCEPTION AND REALITY

ABSTRACT Such great emphasis was attached to the “salubriousness” of California during the nineteenth century that attention seems to have been diverted from the fact that not all of the state was viewed as outstandingly healthful. Indeed, during the first fifty years or so of American occupance a substantial section of California, mainly the Central Valley, was regarded as inherently insalubrious. Perception of this insalubrity mainly involved malaria together with certain other diseases with which malaria was diagnostically confused. During the nineteenth century malaria was one of the most common diseases of North America and reached a peak of endemicity in California about 1880. The governing doctrine among medical practitioners was that malaria was caused by “bad air” or miasma. According to this doctrine, miasma was believed to be produced by decaying organic matter and was most abundant in marshes or in areas of newly disturbed soil. In California, the region of highest malarial endemicity was the ...
Vibrational relaxation of NH2|X2B1(O, v2, O)| radicals

Abstract Energy transfer processes in NH 2 radicals have been studied using the sensitive laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technique. The NH 2 radicals were generated by infrared multiple-photon dissociation (IR MPD) of monomethylamine (CH 3 NH 2 ), and the state-selected NH 2 ( v ″ 2 = 1) decay was observed by the LIF detection of [NH 2 ]. The vibrational relaxation processes studied are NH 2 ( v ″ 2 = 1) + M → NH 2 ( v ″ 2 = O)+M, with M  He, Ne, Ar, Kr, H 2 , D 2 , CO, O 2 , and total decay rate of NH 2 ( v ″ 2 = 1) in the presence of excess of CH 3 NH 2 . Rate constants of (3.41±0.03)×10 −13 , (1.75±0.09)×10 −13 , (3.03±0.08)× 10 −13 , (3.58±0.06)×10 −13 , (13.4±0.5)×10 −13 , (4.70±0.19)×10 −13 , (4.3±0.3)×10 −13 , (5.9±-0.4)×10 −13 , (9.2±0.5)×10 −13 ), and 8.4×10 −11 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 were determined for the vibrational deactivation of NH 2 ( v ″ 2 = 1) by He, Ne, Ar, Kr, H 2 , D 2 , N 2 , CO, O 2 , and CH 3 NH 2 , respectively. The effect of the different collision partners on the relaxation rate is discussed. The results can be qualitatively well understood in terms of strong vibration—rotation coupling, due to the small moment of inertia of the NH 2 radicals.
Quality of Communication Life in Adolescents With High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome: A Feasibility Study

Purpose This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of using the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Quality of Communication Life Scale (QCL; Paul et al., 2004) for a group of i...
Improved target-detection signal-to-noise ratio via quantum illumination

We report the first experimental demonstration of quantum illumination's signal-to-noise ratio advantage over classical (laser-light) illumination for target detection in a lossy, noisy scenario.
Effects of oxygenation on PDT efficacy as a function of reactive oxygen species formation

ABSTRACT Using two agents that preferentially target lysosomes for photodamage but produce different reactive oxygenspecies (ROS) upon irradiation, we examined effects of the degree of oxygenation on photokilling. Irradiation ofthe chlorin NPe6 results in a high yield of singlet oxygen but the bacteriopheophorbide WST11 forms only oxygenradicals. We found that PDT efficacy of WST11 wa s impaired when the ambient oxygen concentration wasreduced to1%, while that of NPe6 was essentially unaffected. These result were correlated with photobleachingeffects. Use of fluorescent probes for singlet oxygen vs. OH radical revealed that photobleaching was correlatedwith 1 O 2 but not ! OH formation during irradiation of solutions containing NPe6. Photoproduct formation could befollowed by changes in absorbance spectra. In the presence of mercaptoethanol, different photoproducts wereformed, showing that environmental factor s could influence photochemical reactions. Key words: photobleaching, photodynamic therapy, reactive oxygen species
Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Smooth Muscle Tumor of the Larynx: Report of a Rare Case Mimicking Leiomyosarcoma

We present a patient (male 54 years) with a history of renal transplant who 14 years post transplantation developed a symptomatic (stridor) laryngeal Epstein Barr virus (EBV)—associated smooth muscle tumor (EBV-SMT) in the absence of concomitant disease elsewhere. Nine years post transplantation the patient developed a subcutaneous EBV-SMT tumor located on the calf. The laryngeal tumor displayed low-grade nuclear atypia and was infiltrating into the surrounding soft tissue, focally ulcerating through the overlying epithelium. Histologic features included: neoplastic cells with myoid differentiation, a component of primitive appearing small mesenchymal cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, mitotic activity, intralesional small to medium sized blood vessels and T-lymphocytes. Both the myoid and small cell mesenchymal components strongly expressed smooth muscle actin and h-caldesmon, but not desmin, cytokeratins, CD34 or S-100 protein. There was strong positive nuclear reaction for EBV-RNA on in situ hybridization (EBER). No other tumor was detected on clinical and radiological examinations and no evidence of tumor in other sites, over 8 months of follow-up, till death was detected. This case emphasizes the importance of considering this pathologic entity when solitary smooth muscle actin-expressing tumors are encountered in the larynx of immunocompromised patients.
The Caenorhabditis elegans Myc-Mondo/Mad Complexes Integrate Diverse Longevity Signals

The Myc family of transcription factors regulates a variety of biological processes, including the cell cycle, growth, proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the “Myc interaction network” consists of two opposing heterodimeric complexes with antagonistic functions in transcriptional control: the Myc-Mondo:Mlx transcriptional activation complex and the Mad:Max transcriptional repression complex. In C. elegans, Mondo, Mlx, Mad, and Max are encoded by mml-1, mxl-2, mdl-1, and mxl-1, respectively. Here we show a similar antagonistic role for the C. elegans Myc-Mondo and Mad complexes in longevity control. Loss of mml-1 or mxl-2 shortens C. elegans lifespan. In contrast, loss of mdl-1 or mxl-1 increases longevity, dependent upon MML-1:MXL-2. The MML-1:MXL-2 and MDL-1:MXL-1 complexes function in both the insulin signaling and dietary restriction pathways. Furthermore, decreased insulin-like/IGF-1 signaling (ILS) or conditions of dietary restriction increase the accumulation of MML-1, consistent with the notion that the Myc family members function as sensors of metabolic status. Additionally, we find that Myc family members are regulated by distinct mechanisms, which would allow for integrated control of gene expression from diverse signals of metabolic status. We compared putative target genes based on ChIP-sequencing data in the modENCODE project and found significant overlap in genomic DNA binding between the major effectors of ILS (DAF-16/FoxO), DR (PHA-4/FoxA), and Myc family (MDL-1/Mad/Mxd) at common target genes, which suggests that diverse signals of metabolic status converge on overlapping transcriptional programs that influence aging. Consistent with this, there is over-enrichment at these common targets for genes that function in lifespan, stress response, and carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, we find that Myc family members are also involved in stress response and the maintenance of protein homeostasis. Collectively, these findings indicate that Myc family members integrate diverse signals of metabolic status, to coordinate overlapping metabolic and cytoprotective transcriptional programs that determine the progression of aging.
Contransmitters: differential effects of serotonin (5-HT)-depleting drugs on levels of 5-HT and TRH and their receptors in rat brain and spinal cord

Following codepletion of endogenous serotonin (5-HT, >90%) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH, 66%) by neonatal treatment with the serotonergic neurotoxin, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (DHT), a 33% (n = 12, P < 0.01) increase in specific TRH receptor binding was observed in adult rat spinal cord (SC) homogenates. A 20–21% increase in TRH receptors was also observed in the medulla/pons (MP) (n = 12, P < 0.05) and midbrain (MB) (n = 12, P < 0.02), but no changes were detected in 6 rostral brain regions. The depletion of 5-HT after DHT-treatment was also accompanied by a 34–42% increase in 5-HT1 binding in the SC, MP and MB. Eadle-Hofstee analysis revealed that the changes in TRH receptor levels observed after DHT-lesions were due to an increase in receptor number rather than any significant changes in receptor affinity. Chronic treatment of adult rats with the 5-HT-depleting drugs, p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) and reserpine, produced a 90–97% decrease in 5-HT in the SC, MP and MB and elevated 5-HT1 binding in any of these tissues. In conclusion, these results have provided further support for the coexistence of 5-HT and TRH in the MP and SC and revealed possible new areas of such colocalization in the MB. Furthermore, these data have demonstrated that only DHT-treatment, as apposed to PCPA or reserpine, can produce long-lasting codepletion of 5-HT and TRH with simultaneous compensatory up-regulation of their receptor systems in the SC and other caudal tissues.
Detection and mapping of homologous, repeated and amplified DNA sequences by DNA renaturation in agarose gels.

A new molecular hybridization approach to the analysis of complex genomes has been developed. Tracer and driver DNAs were digested with the same restriction enzyme(s), and tracer DNA was labeled with 32P using T4 DNA polymerase. Tracer DNA was mixed with an excess amount of driver, and the mixture was electrophoresed in an agarose gel. Following electrophoresis, DNA was alkali-denatured in situ and allowed to reanneal in the gel, so that tracer DNA fragments could hybridize to the driver only when homologous driver DNA sequences were present at the same place in the gel, i.e. within a restriction fragment of the same size. After reannealing, unhybridized single-stranded DNA was digested in situ with S1 nuclease. The hybridized tracer DNA was detected by autoradiography. The general applicability of this technique was demonstrated in the following experiments. The common EcoRI restriction fragments were identified in the genomes of E. coli and four other species of bacteria. Two of these fragments are conserved in all Enterobacteriaceae. In other experiments, repeated EcoRI fragments of eukaryotic DNA were visualized as bands of various intensity after reassociation of a total genomic restriction digest in the gel. The situation of gene amplification was modeled by the addition of varying amounts of lambda phage DNA to eukaryotic DNA prior to restriction enzyme digestion. Restriction fragments of lambda DNA were detectable at a ratio of 15 copies per chicken genome and 30 copies per human genome. This approach was used to detect amplified DNA fragments in methotrexate (MTX)-resistant mouse cells and to identify commonly amplified fragments in two independently derived MTX-resistant lines.
Troubles under the water: Sino‐japanese conflict of sovereignty on the continental shelf in the East China sea

Abstract The discovery and production of offshore hydrocarbon resources are significant for both China (PRC) and Japan in meeting energy requirements for higher economic development. Because the claims of both countries to the continental shelf in the East China Sea overlap, there is a maritime conflict which hinders cooperation in the Asian region. The paper briefly describes the geographical characteristics of the East China Sea. It then dwells on the development of the legal criteria for delimiting continental shelf boundaries by examining major cases of international adjudication and both the 1958 Geneva Convention on the Continental Shelf and the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea. After presenting both countries’ positions the author attempts to review and analyze certain options which can be employed in resolving the sovereignty conflict.
Unstable petite and grande variants of Candida shehatae

Two strains of Candida shehatae (ATCC 22984 and CSIR Y492) exhibit marked variability in colony size (petite, grande) and respiratory activity (tetrazolium reaction) when grown on glucose, xylose, and--especially--xylitol agar. The transitions occur in both directions at high frequency. Strains showing a negative or weak tetrazolium reaction on xylitol ferment xylose better than those showing a strong tetrazolium reaction. The type strain (ATCC 34887) shows stable colonial morphology with moderate respiratory and fermentative activities. The objective of this report is to demonstrate these variations.
Management of Critical Alarms: Connecting the Dots

In the aftermath of some high profile national security incidents, investigations starting with the catastrophe or near miss and working backward have shown a clear series of events or warning signs which if recognised may have allowed the incident to be prevented. The security services have subsequently been criticised for being “unable to connect the dots” and intervene appropriately. Similarly, investigations into process safety incidents that work backward from the loss of containment or other more serious outcome often show a clear series of events or warning signs which if recognised and acted upon may have prevented the incident. In the build-up to both security and process safety events; however, the pattern that is so clear after the fact is often obscured or perhaps unrecognisable due to the other activities that are happening and all of the extraneous information that is available at the same time. In process safety, control room alarms often fall into the category of important information that is visible after the fact but missed or obscured leading up to the event. There are two broad approaches for improving the effectiveness of alarms. The first is to reduce the extraneous information for the operator by reducing the total number of alarms or addressing the rate at which alarms come in during a plant upset. The second approach is to improve the visibility of the alarm and ensure clear expectations for response for the most important or critical alarms. This article focuses on the latter and outlines principles for improving the effectiveness of “critical alarms,” defined here as those where the alarm and the expected operator response are considered to be a “layer of protection” against a major accident hazard scenario. These principles include aspects of the process design, ergonomics and the human machine interface, training, safety culture, and auditing. In an operating company, responsibility for these elements and the associated work processes are often “owned” by different parts of the organisation. It is therefore important that the management systems and organisational structure provide strong linkages to ensure the different work processes or departments mesh effectively to deliver a robust alarm system and associated operating discipline. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 66–71, 2013
Design of nano webs for hybrid sensor devices

Hybrid organic/inorganic nanostructures are engineered to function as two terminal devices with enhanced functionality. The devices are the building blocks for designing hybrid organic/inorganic circuits in the nanoscale. In our work, we have demonstrated the sensing capabilities of polymer nanocomposite thin films for designing nanoweb devices towards detection of biomolecules. Biomolecules with surface charge such as troponin-T were detected on this device by interfacing them with the polymer/metal composites. The change in electrical properties due to modulation in charge transport at the crossbar junction was identified as the measured electrical signal for designing switch based sensors. Nanotextured surface offers strong charge carrier transport and hence enhances the strength of the detected signal. The antibodyantigen interactions at the junction effectively modulate the charge transfer kinetics and modify the junction characteristics due to the surface potential associated with the organic molecules. The net change in surface charge can be measured either as changes in the diode current in the two terminal configuration or as changes in the source- drain current in the three terminal configuration. Detection sensitivity in the order of pg/mL was targeted by measuring the voltammetric current response (in microamperes).
The inclusion of non-nearest neighbor ß terms in pariser-parr-pople type S.C.M.O. calculations

The calculation of π-electron properties by an S.C.M.O. method including all β core terms has been extended to nitrogen and oxygen containing systems. The singlet π * →π electronic transitions and π-ionization potentials (where available) are in reasonable agreement with experiment. A comparison is made with the non-empirical all electron calculations of Clementi for pyrrole, pyridine and pyrazine.
Chemokines and Transplant Vasculopathy

Transplant vasculopathy (TV) remains the leading cause of late death among heart transplant recipients. Transplant vasculopathy is characterized by progressive neointimal proliferation, leading to ischemic failure of the allograft. Multiple experimental and clinical studies have shown that injury to the graft at various stages of transplantation can be a risk factor for development of transplant vasculopathy. The hallmark of cardiac allograft injury is the infiltration of leukocytes. Recruitment of leukocytes requires intercellular communication between infiltrating cells, endothelium, parenchymal cells, and components of extracellular matrix. These events are mediated via the generation of adhesion molecules, cytokines, and chemokines. The chemokines, by virtue of their specific cell receptor expression, can selectively mediate the local recruitment/activation of distinct leukocytes/cells, allowing for migration across the endothelium and beyond the vascular compartment. This report provides a comprehensive review of the chemokines that participate in the development of transplant vasculopathy.
A neutron study of the antiferromagnetic order in CrSi alloys

Abstract Neutron diffraction measurements were made on polycrystalline CrSi alloys containing 0.90, 1.37, 1.85 and 2.74 at.% Si to establish the types of antiferromagnetic order in this system. The results show that three types of antiferromagnetic order occur in this concentration range. Below 1 at.% Si the behavior is similar to that of pure Cr with a transversely polarized spin density wave at high temperatures and a spin-flip to longitudinal polarization at low temperatures. Above 1.8 at.% Si only the commensurate structure develops while both the commensurate and incommensurate structures occur in the intermediate concentrations. The magnitude of the modulation wave vectors and also the average moments increase with increasing Si content. Within the rigid-band extension of the Fermi surface “nesting” model of Cr this implies that Si behaves as an electron donor in Cr.
Subpulmonic Obstruction in Complete (d) Transposition Produced by Redundant Tricuspid Tissue

Two cases are reported in which complete transposition of the great vessels was associated with an unusual form of subpulmonic obstruction. In each case, redundant tricuspid valvular tissue protruded through a ventricular septal defect into the left ventricular outflow tract, producing severe obstruction to the outflow of blood from the left ventricle. The clinical course suggested the presence of left ventricular outflow obstruction. Both patients demonstrated progressive clinical deterioration characterized by increasing cyanosis, respiratory distress, and decrease in intensity of the cardiac murmur. Serial laboratory determinations revealed increasing hemoglobin and decreasing systemic oxygen saturation. The clinical deterioration was relieved only temporarily by atrial balloon septostomy. The angiographic findings appear to be specific for this type of subpulmonic obstruction. In each case, a large asymmetric filling defect was demonstrated at the anterior border of the left ventricular outflow tract below the pulmonic valve. When the clinical and laboratory findings suggest pulmonary or subpulmonary obstruction, careful evaluation of the outflow tract is indicated. If diagnosed clinically, redundant tricuspid tissue could perhaps be resected during a definitive operation, thus relieving the outflow obstruction.
Spirituality in alcoholics during treatment

The purpose of this study was to measure spiritual well-being (SWB), private religious practices (PRP), positive religious coping, abstinence self-efficacy (AASE), affiliation with AA (AAA), and their associations with alcoholics in treatment. Seventy-four adults in a three-week outpatient addiction treatment program were assessed at admission and discharge. Wilcoxon signed rank and t tests demonstrated significant increases in all variables. Spearman correlation coefficients detected significant associations between the spiritual variables, SWB and AASE, as well as PRP and AAA. Findings suggest that spiritual variables can change during treatment and that there may be connections between spiritual variables and variables associated with longer-term recovery.
Smallpox and public health: a reality check.

The United States is considering the vaccination of hundreds of thousands of medical and emergency personnel against smallpox as a preventative measure. The CDC has released guidelines for vaccinating the entire U.S. population in the case of a smallpox attack ([1][1]). Before we begin such a
Optimizing production smoothing decisions via batch selection for mixed-model just-in-time manufacturing systems with arbitrary setup and processing times

This paper is concerned with the production smoothing problem that arises in the context of just-in-time manufacturing systems. The production smoothing problem can be solved by employing a two-phase solution methodology, where optimal batch sizes for the products and a sequence for these batches are specified in the first and second phases, respectively. In this paper, we focus on the problem of selecting optimal batch sizes for the products. We propose a dynamic programming (DP) algorithm for the exact solution of the problem. Our computational experiments demonstrate that the DP approach requires significant computational effort, rendering its use in a real environment impractical. We develop three meta-heuristics for the near-optimal solution of the problem, namely strategic oscillation, scatter search and path relinking. The efficiency and efficacy of the methods are tested via a computational study. The computational results show that the meta-heuristic methods considered in this paper provide near-optimal solutions for the problem within several minutes. In particular, the path relinking method can be used for the planning of mixed-model manufacturing systems in real time with its negligible computational requirement and high solution quality.
Interference and binding effects in decays of possible molecular component of X(3872)

Abstract It is pointed out that the internal structure of the narrow resonance X(3872) at the D 0 D ∗0 threshold can be studied in some detail by measuring the rate and the spectra in the decays X(3872)→D 0 D 0 π 0 and X(3872)→D 0 D 0 γ . In particular, if this resonance contains a dominant “molecular” component D D ∗ ± D D ∗ , this component can be revealed and studied by a distinct pattern of interference between the underlying decays of D ∗0 and D ∗0 whose coherence is ensured by fixed (but yet unknown) C parity of the X(3872).
The antioxidant BHT — A new factor disturbing plant morphogenesis?

Abstract The antioxidant BHT — commonly used as a food stabilizer — when applied in aqueous solution to the tips of 5-day-old pea seedlings, to young apple seedlings or to germinating lettuce seeds, produced a suden cessation of growth that, when growth was resumed, was followed by certain morphological changes. Treatments with BHT caused the formation of (1) a bunch of new shoots arising at the apex of apple seedlings, (2) 2 or 3 adventitious fast-growing shoots from the base of the pea hypocotyl, and (3) adventitious growing points in lettuce plants. This multiplication of growing points was followed, during further development, by splitting of the apple seedling stems and lettuce leaf blades into independently growing organs.
The Interindustry Employment Demand Variable: An Extension of the I-SAMIS Technique for Linking Input—Output and Econometric Models

Moghadam and Ballard's I-SAMIS (integrated small-area modeling of the industrial sector) approach of linking input—output and econometric models is extended in three ways: (1) the interindustry dem...
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS OF A DIPOLE SOURCE IN A CIRCULAR TUNNEL CONTAINING A SURFACE WAVE LINE

We present a boundary value analysis for the fields excited by a dipole in a circular tunnel that contains a dielectric coated axial conductor. The integral form of the solution is generally valid provided the outer radius of the dielectric coated conductor is small compared with its distance to the tunnel wall. The propagation mode that behaves as an axial surface wave at high frequencies is examined for a frequency range from 1 MHz to 1 GHz. The attenuation reaches a maximum value at frequencies of the order of 100 MHz where the absorption loss by the tunnel wall is most significant. In the range from 1 to about 10 MHz, the attenuation rate is approximately proportional to frequency and is only weakly dependent on the conductivity of the region external to the tunnel walls. The results are consistent with earlier investigations for surface wave lines located over a homogeneous half-space.
Impaction surface coatings intercomparison and measurements with cascade impactors

Abstract Intercomparison tests of aerosol particle sampling using single-orifice cascade impactors of the Battelle design have been made with different impaction surface coatings. Results from two runs in Tallahassee, Florida and data representative of 40 South American runs show that Vaseline is the preferred coating to use for cascade impactors and elemental analysis by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis. Uncoated and paraffin coated impaction surfaces were 25–45% and 50–75%, respectively, as effective in particle retention as Apiezon L grease and Vaseline from tests run in Tallahassee. The South American and Tallahassee data show that the aerosol particle sources and relative humidity are important factors in determining the efficiency of particle collection and retention in cascade impactors. For optimal sampling results, sample loading in cascade impactors should be kept to a minimum.
Learning diagnostics expert system for plasma arc welding machines

A versatile model to diagnose the performance failures of a plasma arc welding machine is presented in this paper. The understanding of the functional structure of the machine under consideration plays a vital role in the use of an expert system as a tool. The torch is the focal point of action in such a welding machine. Therefore, the fundamental analysis is based on the torch with the rest of the functions built around it. We have introduced a dynamic learning concept based on the recurrence of problems. The learning model includes a facility index, a function based on the complexity of the troubleshooting associated with the machine under consideration. The increase in frequency of problem events can supersede the facility index. The probability parameters at each node of the structure is computed and dynamically updated at the end of each diagnostic operation. The system is designed to be used by a maintenance technician and tailored for an expert to interact and alter the probability parameters in the logical reasoning domain. The model can be implemented either on new machines without any historical background or on old machines with a troubleshooting history.
Confirmation of multiple sulfonamide residues in bovine milk by gas chromatography–positive chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using positive chemical ionization was utilized to confirm the presence of 10 ng ml(-1) of nine sulfonamides (SFAs) in bovine milk (50 ml). After the addition of a surrogate and hydroxylamine hydrochloride, the SFAs are extracted with ethyl acetate followed by cyclohexyl solid-phase extraction clean-up. The methylamidotrifluoroacetyl derivatives are prepared and analyzed in selected ion monitoring mode. For regulatory confirmation, the required specificity was achieved by monitoring the molecular ion plus three to five fragment ions for each SFA. Retention times for all SFAs were within 0.1 min of their respective standard. The relative ion abundances were within 10% of those obtained with standards diluted to the same concentration, analyzed on the same day. Concentration was critical, especially for the early eluting SFAs, as the enhancement of the relative abundance of the parent was more pronounced in extracted samples then in the standards. The sensitivity of the mass spectrometer for the different SFAs varied greatly. The amount of SFA necessary to obtain spectra that would meet the confirmation criteria varied from 25 ng on column for the least sensitive to less than 3 ng for the more robust.
Long-term outcome of vaginal reconstruction: Comparing techniques and timing

Abstract Objective In a retrospective review, to analyse the long-term outcomes of vaginal reconstruction, comparing techniques and timing. Patients and methods We identified 63 patients who underwent a total of 71 vaginoplasties in 1985–2000. The techniques used were posterior skin flap (42), intestinal replacement (21) and pull through (8). The majority of operations were performed before puberty (63%) and as primary procedures (79%). Presenting diagnoses were congenital adrenal hyperplasia (23), cloacal exstrophy (8), true persistent cloaca (12), androgen insensitivity (8), urogenital sinus anomaly (6), mixed gonadal dysgenesis (3), true hermaphroditism (2) and sacrococcygeal teratoma (1). Results The mean age at operation was 83.9 (2–235) and mean follow up was 116.8 (48–232) months. Strictures and discharge were the most common problems. Nine patients underwent revision surgery and a fistula repair was required in two patients. Mucosal prolapse was observed in one ileo- and one colovaginoplasty patient, and diversion colitis occurred after colovaginoplasty in one patient. More complications occurred in operations performed prior to than following puberty. Conclusion If vaginoplasty is the only indicated operation, delaying until puberty may minimize complications. When other genital surgery is indicated or in the presence of symptoms pre-pubertal vaginoplasty should be performed, since the second procedure usually involves simple dilatations and is associated with good results.