cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research Entry: A 20-Year Longitudinal Study of the Rural Elderly

A difficult research entry problem was analyzed sociologically which caused the authors to reject the traditional natural science methodological solutions in favor of a set of qualitative techniques grounded in the social relations between researcher and respondent. Facing the last of three face-to-face interviews with very elderly respondents over a 20-year time frame, the authors turned to the sociology of social relations which develop between researcher and the everyday lives of the respondents. The time frame was very long, the respondents were very old and frail, and the traditional methodological wisdom of gaining entry did not work under these conditions. Telephone contact, letters, and other traditional yet impersonal techniques produced refusals. In contrast, personal face-to-face interaction established through a social relations model produced excellent access to the respondents. The specific qualitative techniques for gaining entry and establishing rapport are described and interpreted sociologically.
Comparison of the immunotoxicity of propanil and its metabolite, 3,4-dichloroaniline, in C57Bl/6 mice.

Propanil (3,4-dichloropropionaniline), used extensively as a postemergence herbicide in rice and wheat, has as its major metabolite, 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA). Propanil has previously been shown to affect the T cell-dependent antibody response. To determine the immunotoxicity of DCA, as well as extend the previous immunotoxicity studies, several T cell-dependent and -independent immune responses were determined after DCA or propanil exposure. Unlike propanil, DCA caused a significant reduction in T-dependent antibody production (anti-SRBC response) only at a high dose (150 mg/kg). DCA or propanil at 150 or 200 mg/kg, respectively, caused a significant reduction in the number of anti-DNP antibody producing cells. However, doses of 37 or 50 mg/kg of DCA or propanil, respectively, caused an increase in the number of anti-DNP antibody producing cells. These data indicate that both propanil and DCA have a differential effect on the T-independent antibody response depending on the dose. Similar to propanil, DCA (at 150 mg/kg) caused a significant increase in spleen weight and cellularity. The effect of DCA or propanil on selected cellular immune functions was also determined. DCA caused a significant decrease in the natural killer (NK) cell activity at doses of 75 or 150 mg/kg, and propanil caused a significant decrease at 100 or 200 mg/kg. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, however, was unaffected even at 150 or 200 mg/kg DCA or propanil, respectively. Thus, it appears that T cells are relatively resistant to the effects of propanil and DCA, whereas, other immune cell types, e.g., NK cells are sensitive to its effects.
Hemodynamic Effects of Direct Biventricular Compression Studied in Isovolumic and Ejecting Isolated Canine Hearts

Background —Biventricular direct cardiac compression (DCC) can potentially support the failing heart without the complications associated with a blood/device interface. The effect of uniform DCC on left and right ventricular performance was evaluated in 7 isolated canine heart preparations. Methods and Results —A computer-controlled afterload system either constrained the isolated heart to contract isovolumically or simulated hemodynamic properties of physiological ejection. Biventricular DCC was provided by a chamber surrounding the heart that allowed adjustment of the compression pressure, onset time, and duration. Through a series of ventricular preloads, the effect of DCC on the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR) was evaluated under isovolumic and ejecting conditions. Under both conditions, DCC shifted the ESPVR of the left and right ventricles upward by an amount approximately equal to the compression pressure. The augmentation of end-systolic pressure for each initial preload tested, however, was less under ejecting conditions, because reductions in end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes occurred with ejection. Nevertheless, the net effect was to increase stroke volume. Measurement of MVo2 demonstrated that at a given ventricular volume, MVo2 did not change with DCC; however, peak ventricular pressure increased substantially, so that the effective pressure-volume area increased. Conclusions —Biventricular DCC can augment end-systolic pressure with no added costs of MVo2. Under ejecting conditions, this augmentation of ventricular contracting ability manifests as increases in stroke volume. Thus, DCC represents a feasible alternative form of ventricular assist, and devices that support the heart in this manner should be further explored.
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor normalizes neurochemical changes in injured dorsal root ganglion neurons and prevents the expression of experimental neuropathic pain.

Abstract Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is necessary for the development of sensory neurons, and appears to be critical for the survival of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells that bind the lectin IB4. Intrathecal infusion of GDNF has been shown to prevent and reverse the behavioral expression of experimental neuropathic pain arising from injury to spinal nerves. This effect of GDNF has been attributed to a blockade of the expression of the voltage gated, tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium channel subtype, NaV1.3, in the injured DRG. Here we report that GDNF given intrathecally via osmotic-pump to nerve-injured rats (L5/L6 spinal nerve ligation) prevented the changes in a variety of neurochemical markers in the DRG upon injury. They include a loss of binding of IB4, downregulation of the purinergic receptor P2X3, upregulation of galanin and neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity in large diameter DRG cells, and expression of the transcription factor ATF3. GDNF infusion concomitantly prevented the development of spinal nerve ligation-induced tactile hypersensitivity and thermal hyperalgesia. These observations suggest that high dose, exogenous GDNF has a broad neuroprotective role in injured primary afferent. The receptor(s) that mediates these effects of GDNF is not known. GDNF's ability to block neuropathic pain states is not likely to be specific to NaV1.3 expression.
Usefulness of tomography in the evaluation of patients with temporomandibular disorders: A retrospective clinical study*

Objecives. To evaluate the effect of temporomandibular joint tomography on the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders and to determine whether there were any clinical predictors of usefulness of tomography in providing new information helpful in the treatment of these patients. Study design. The charts of 116 patients with temporomandibular joint tomograms were reviewed retrospectively for presenting signs and symptoms, initial clinical diagnosis, and alterations in diagnosis and management as a result of tomography. Results. Common clinical diagnoses included osteoarthrosis (54%) and internal derangement (42%). Tomography changed the diagnosis in 24%, mainly adding or subtracting osteoarthrosis, and altered the management in 17%. Most of the latter were minor changes in treatment recommendations. There were few clinical variables that were related to whether tomography changed diagnosis or management. Conclusions. Tomography seems to have a minimal effect on the diagnosis or management of temporomandibular disorders based on the results of this retrospective study.
Directional Preference Following Epidural Steroid Injection in Three Patients with Acute Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is typically characterized by neurologic symptoms that are traced to disturbances of discrete spinal nerve root(s) due to inflammatory or mechanical etiologies. Here we present three patients diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy, whose directional preference only surfaced after either a cervical transforaminal or intralaminar nerve root epidural steroid injection. This retrospective observational case series describes three men who presented with cervical radiculopathy with 7-9/10 neck pain, neck disability index (NDI) ranging between 44% and 90%, and an irreducible derangement upon McKenzie mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MMDT) evaluation. These patients demonstrated weaknesses, sensory changes, and/or decreased reflexes in the C5, C6, or C7 distributions. They each underwent a cervical transforaminal or intralaminar epidural injections at one or two levels, which uncovered their directional preference and facilitated further conservative treatment. These three patients experienced drastic improvements with each postinjection physical therapy session. They demonstrated decreased pain scores, centralization of pain, and a decreasing NDI trends throughout their treatments. They were all discharged with stable 0-3/10 pain severity after four physical therapy sessions and NDI scores of 0%. These cases suggest an interplay between inflammatory and mechanical contributors to spine-mediated pain and the treatment challenge this presents. Dissecting the components of spine pain can be challenging; however, delivery of skilled multidisciplinary care in an algorithmic fashion may be beneficial and provide the future framework for the management of cervical radiculopathy and other spine-related conditions.
State Estimation for Vehicle Stability Control: A Kinematic Approach Using Only GPS and VSC Sensors

It is well known that the vehicle sideslip and roll angles are very important for vehicle stability control systems. There has been much work focusing on estimating these states, however much of this work assumes knowledge of vehicle parameters or requires sensors which are currently not available on passenger vehicles for cost reasons. This paper presents a method of applying GPS/INS integration strategies to this particular estimation problem. Using a single antenna GPS receiver with a reduced set of INS sensors common to vehicle stability control systems, estimates of the roll and sideslip angles which are robust to different road geometries and changing vehicle parameters can be achieved. While the future may afford the luxury of using more sensors of higher quality, this work offers results which are applicable in today’s market and which would also serve as a means of redundancy in the future.© 2010 ASME
Immunocytochemical localization of a rhodopsin-like protein in the lipochondria in photosensitive neurons of Aplysia californica

Polyclonal antibodies directed against squid opsin were used in immunocytochemical and immunoblot experiments to identify a rhodopsin-like protein in photosensitive neurons of Aplysia. Aldehyde-fixed abdominal and cerebral ganglia were embedded in paraffin for peroxidase anti-peroxidase analysis or used whole for immunofluorescence studies. Ganglia were embedded in Lowicryl K4M for electron-microscope immunocytochemistry. In both the cerebral and abdominal ganglia, light-microscope immunocytochemical results showed reaction product deposited around the neuronal cell periphery corresponding in position to the lipochondria. In the abdominal ganglion, the giant cell R2, located in the right rostral quarter, and neurons in the right caudal quarter were consistently labeled with anti-opsin. Electron-microscopic studies demonstrated ferritin-labeling of the lipochondria in R2 and other immunoreactive neurons. Immunoblot analysis of R2 and cerebral neuron extracts was used to identify two prominent immunoreactive protein bands at 85000 and 67500 molecular weight.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factors Regulate Filaggrin Expression and Epidermal Barrier Function

A functional epidermal skin barrier requires the formation of a cornified envelope from terminally differentiating keratinocytes. During this process, multiple genetic and environmental signals coordinately regulate protein expression and tissue differentiation. Here we describe a critical role for hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in the regulation of filaggrin expression and skin barrier formation. Similar to other mammalian tissues, fetal epidermis in mice is normally O2 deprived. Simultaneous deletion of Hif1a and Hif2a in murine epidermis revealed defects in keratinocyte terminal differentiation and epidermal barrier formation. Mice lacking Hif1a and Hif2a in the epidermis exhibited dry flaky skin, impaired permeability barrier, and enhanced sensitivity to cutaneous allergens. These defects were correlated with stratum granulosum attenuation and reduced filaggrin expression. Hypoxic treatment of primary keratinocytes induced filaggrin (Flg) gene expression in a HIF1α- and HIF2α-dependent manner, suggesting that one mechanism by which Hif1a and Hif2a loss causes epidermal barrier defects in mice lies in Flg dysregulation. Therefore, low O2 tension is an essential component of the epidermal environment that contributes to skin development and function.
Resolvin D1, protectin D1, and related docosahexaenoic acid-derived products: Analysis via electrospray/low energy tandem mass spectrometry based on spectra and fragmentation mechanisms.

Resolvin D1 (RvD1) and protectin D1 (Neuroprotectin D1, PD1/NPD1) are newly identified anti-inflammatory lipid mediators biosynthesized from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In this report, the spectra-structure correlations and fragmentation mechanisms were studied using electrospray low-energy collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for biogenic RvD1 and PD1, as well as mono-hydroxy-DHA and related hydroperoxy-DHA. The loss of H2O and CO2 in the spectra indicates the number of functional group(s). Chain-cut ions are the signature of the positions and numbers of functional groups and double bonds. The observed chain-cut ion is equivalent to a hypothetical homolytic-segment (cc, cm, mc, or mm) with addition or extraction of up to 2 protons (H). The α-cleavage ions are equivalent to: [cc + H], with H from the hydroxyl through a β-ene or γ-ene rearrangement; [cm − 2H], with 2H from hydroxyls of PD1 through a γ-ene rearrangement, or 1H from the hydroxyl and the other H from the α-carbon of mono-HDHA through an α-H-β-ene rearrangement; [mc − H], with H from hydroxyl through a β-ene or γ-ene rearrangement, or from the α-carbon through an α-H-β-ene rearrangement; or [mm] through charge-direct fragmentations. The β-ene or γ-ene facilitates the H shift to γ position and α-cleavage. Deuterium labeling confirmed the assignment of MS/MS ions and the fragmentation mechanisms. Based on the MS/MS spectra and fragmentation mechanisms, we identified RvD1, PD1, and mono-hydroxy-DHA products in human neutrophils and blood, trout head-kidney, and stroke-injury murine brain-tissue.
Sympathetic response to chemostimulation in conscious rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia.

Abstract Exposure to cyclic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is associated with elevated arterial pressure and sustained sympathoexcitation, but the causes of the augmented sympathetic activity remain poorly understood. We recorded arterial pressure, heart rate, and renal sympathetic nerve (RSN) activity in conscious rats previously exposed to either CIH or Sham for 3 weeks during acute exposure to hypoxia (15% and 10% O2) or hypercapnia (7% CO2). Hemodynamic responses to both hypercapnia and hypoxia were similar between CIH-exposed and Sham-exposed rats, although the pattern of response was different for hypoxia (tachycardia with no change in arterial pressure) and hypercapnia (bradycardia and increased arterial pressure). RSN responses as a percent of the baseline were, however, significantly greater in CIH-exposed animals (CIH-exposed: 15% O2 – 123.4 ± 0.06%; 10% O2 – 136.7 ± 0.12%; 7% CO2 – 138.3 ± 0.18%; Sham-exposed: 15% O2 – 106.6 ± 0.03%; 10% O2 – 107.6 ± 0.01%; 7% CO2 – 103.0 ± 0.14% P
A shaft culling tool

Abstract Shaft culling is a means to accelerate the testing of visibility between two objects. This paper briefly describes an algorithm for shaft culling and various implementation options. The code and test harness for the algorithm is available online.
Effect of estrogen on exercise electrocardiograms in healthy postmenopausal women.

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Wide-area damping control of large power systems using a model reference approach

In this paper we present some initial results on the design of dynamic controllers for electromechanical oscillation damping in large power systems using Synchronized Phasor Measurements. Our approach consists of three steps, namely - 1. Model Reduction, where phasor data are used to identify second-order models of the oscillation clusters of the system, 2. Aggregate Control, where state-feedback controllers are designed to achieve a desired closed-loop transient response between every pair of clusters, and finally 3. Control Inversion, where the aggregate control design is distributed and tuned to actual realistic controllers at the generator terminals until the inter-area responses of the full-order power system matches the respective inter-machine responses of the reduced-order system. Although a general optimization framework is needed to formulate these three steps for any n-area power system, we specifically show that model reference control (MRC) can be an excellent choice to solve this damping problem when the power system consists of two dominant areas, or equivalently one dominant interarea mode.
Structure of laminar coflow spray flames at different pressures

Experiments were conducted on laminar spray diffusion flames of ethanol/argon burning in oxygen at pressures of 1 and 3 atm. The flames were physically characterized by measuring droplet velocities and sizes by phase-Doppler anemometry, and gas temperature by thin-filament pyrometry and thermocouples. The flames exhibited a cold core, where little vaporization occurred, surrounded by a primary diffusion flame enveloping most of the droplet cloud. Their structure was strongly influenced by the Peclet number for heat transfer that, by regulating the heat penetrating into the core, and, consequently., the growth of the thermal boundary layer, affected the droplet vaporization history. At pressures above the atmospheric, because of density effects on thermal diffusivity, the boundary layer growth above the burner was reduced and so was the vaporization region. Complete evaporation of the droplets before they reached the primary diffusion flame was ensured if a suitably defined Damkohler number of evaporation, Da v , was smaller than 1. Conversely, if Da v >1, droplets penetrated the flame, ignited by a flame transfer process that was captured photographically, and burned isolated on the oxidizer side. These conditions of internal or partial group combustion prevailed in the lower part of the flame. Farther up in the flame, this combustion regime progressively shifted toward that of external group combustion, with fewer and fewer direct droplet/flame interactions.
Selective recognition of metal complexes by macrocyclic ethers: further observations on the macrocycle size dependence and the first-sphere ligand composition dependence of recognition thermodynamics

Abstract Additional studies of solution phase recognition of Ru(NH3)x(pyridine)y2+, Ru(NH3)x(2,2′-bipyridine)y2+ and Ru(NH3)4(1,10-phenantroline)2+ species by dibenzo crown ethers are reported. The factors most closely examined were crown size, ammine ligand content and ancillary ligand composition. The overall study confirms that recognition or association derives primarily from H-bond formation (ammine hydrogen/ether oxygen. Evidently opposing these interactions, however, are crown conformational rearrangements. Consequently, straight-forward correlatins between association strength and potential number of H-bond interactions are found only in selected cases. Based on comparisons of association constants for (bis) pyridine, bipyridine and phenanthroline ligand-containing species with dibenzo crowns, evidence is also found for favorable polypyridine/benzene interactions. NMR (NOE) measurements indicate that the preferred association geometrics in solution are those that make each of the benzenes of the crown coplanar (or nearly coplanar) with the ligated polypyridine.
Extended KdV equation for transient axisymmetric water waves

Abstract The equation for non-linear water waves in shallow water with cylindrical symmetry is established in the form of the Extended KdV (EKdV) equation. The method of solution is based on the Split Step Fourier Algorithm. It is applicable in both directions; that is, given a wave record near the origin, the theory predicts the wave evolution. Similarly, given a wave record at a distance from the origin, the method is able to predict the original wave near the origin. Theory is applied to and verified by transient wave records obtained from underwater explosions and by dropping a large cylindrical plate in very shallow water. The difference between the KdV and the Extended KdV equation is emphasized for small valuev of Ursell parameter.
Theory of Orthotropic and Composite Cylindrical Shells, Accurate and Simple Fourth-Order Governing Equations

A pair of complex conjugate fourth-order differential equations that govern the deformation of orthotropic circular cylindrical shells is presented. As shown in the paper, this pair of equations is as accurate as equations can be within the scope of the Kirchhoff assumptions. Also presented for the first time are several pairs of accurate and simple fourth-order equations which can be systematically and explicitly deduced from the previously mentioned pair of equations. Because of their accuracy and simplicity, these simple equations are of practical importance. The advantage in applying those fourth-order equations presented herein is that their solutions can be easily found in simple closed forms. This considerably simplifies calculations for solving problems of orthotropic and composite cylindrical shells as well as isotropic shells as a special case. Unlike other equations known in the literature, their general solutions remain unknown because of the algebraic complexities involved. The present method of deducing simple fourth-order equations improves upon the one used for isotropic shells in the first author’s previous paper entitled “Accurate Fourth-Order Equations for Circular Cylindrical Shells,” Journal of the Engineering Mechanics Division , ASCE, 1972.
Just a near attack conformer for catalysis (chorismate to prephenate rearrangements in water, antibody, enzymes, and their mutants).

Standard free energies for formation of ground-state reactive conformers (ΔGN°) and transition states (ΔG⧧) in the conversion of chorismate to prephenate in water, B. subtilis mutase, E. coli mutase, and their mutants, as well as a catalytic antibody, are related by ΔG⧧ = ΔGN° + 16 kcal/mol. Thus, the differences in the rate constants for the water reaction and catalysts reactions reside in the mole fraction of substrate present as reactive conformers (NACs). These results, and knowledge of the importance of transition state stabilization in other cases, suggest a proposal that enzymes utilize both NAC and transition state stabilization in the mix required for the most efficient catalysis.
Cloud Fragmentation and Proplyd-like Features in H II Regions Imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope

We have analyzed Hubble Space Telescope ACS and WFPC2 new and archival images of eight H II regions to look for new protoplanetary disks (proplyds) similar to those found in the Orion Nebula. We find a wealth of features similar in size (although many are larger) to the bright cusps around the Orion Nebula proplyds. None of them, however, contains a definitive central star. From this, we deduce that the new cusps may not be proplyds but instead fragments of molecular cloud material. Out of all the features found in the eight H II regions examined, only one, an apparent edge-on silhouette in M17, may have a central star. This feature might join the small number of bona fide proplyds found outside the Orion Nebula, in M8, M20, and possibly M16. In line with the results found recently by Smith et al., the paucity of proplyds outside the Orion Nebula can be explained by their transient nature, as well as by the specific environmental conditions under which they can be observed. Several fragments are seen as dark silhouettes against a bright background. We have reanalyzed those found in IC 2944 by Reipurth et al. and found new, similar ones in M16. None of these fragments contains a central star, and we exclude the possibility that they are disks. Reipurth et al. concluded that the IC 2944 silhouettes are not star forming. We argue here that their assumption of a constant optical depth for these fragments is not physical and that it is more likely that these fragments are star forming, a condition that is supported, although not proved, by their shapes and distributions. The process of cloud fragmentation and photoevaporation produces a large number of small fragments, while the size hierarchy expected in a photoevaporative environment would not favor small fragments. The size distributions observed will constrain any future theories of cloud fragmentation. One bright microjet candidate is found in M17, protruding from a large, limb-brightened fragment. A second, larger, jetlike feature, similar in shape and size to a Herbig-Haro jet, is found in Pismis 24. No central star appears to be associated with either of these jet candidates.
Cs promoted oxidation of Zn and CuZn surfaces: a combined experimental and theoretical study

Abstract The interaction of O2 with Zn, Cs Zn and Cs CuZn surfaces was investigated using photoemission and ab initio self-consistent-field (SCF) calculations. On zinc films, the sticking probability of O2 is extremely low (10−3–10−2), and O2 exposures in the range of 103 to 104 langmuirs are necessary to produce a significant adsorption of oxygen and the transformation of metallic zinc into zinc oxide. The presence of sub monolayer coverages of cesium enhances the oxidation rate of zinc by 2–3 orders of magnitude. In the Cs Zn system, the alkali atom donates electrons to zinc. This charge transfer facilitates the formation of Zn→O2 dative bonds and breaking of the OO bond. For the coadsorption of Cs and O2 on Zn(001), the larger the electron transfer from Zn into the O2 (1πg) orbitals, the bigger the adsorption energy of the molecule and the elongation of the OO bond. In general, cesium does not promote the oxidation of copper. In the Cs CuZn system, copper withdraws electrons from zinc. The presence of copper in the Cs CuZn system inhibits the oxidation of the Zn component compared with the Cs Zn system by lowering the electron density on the Zn atoms. After exposing the Cs CuZn system to O2, zinc is oxidized at a rate that is larger than that found for clean CuZn surfaces and smaller than seen in Cs Zn surfaces. Molecular hydrogen is found to have no effect on oxidized Cu, Zn and CuZn films. However, atomic hydrogen reduces ZnO to metallic zinc and CuO to Cu2O. In the oxidized CuZn alloy, CuO is reduced first followed by the reduction of ZnO. A comparison of the behavior of O2/Cs/Zn and H2O/Cs/Zn systems shows that while O2 causes severe oxidation of Cs promoted Zn surfaces, H2O has little or no effect.
Die Isolierung von 3α, 17α, 21‐Trioxy‐pregnanon‐(20) (THS) aus menschlichem Harn

The isolation of a new adrenocortical metabolite from the urine of two women suffering from Cushing's syndrome due to adrenal carcinoma has been described. The substance has been characterized as 3α, 17α, 21-trihydroxypregnane-20-one (tetrahydro Compound S; THS). Since it was isolated after β-glucuronidase hydrolysis of the urines, this metabolite was apparently excreted in the form of its glucuronoside conjugate. The possible relationship between the occurence of THS in the urine of these patients with Cushing's syndrome and the excessive edema they exhibited has been noted. In addition THS has been isolated in 5% yield from the urine of a bilaterally adrenalectomized patient to whom Reichstein's Compound S was administered orally.
The NASA altitude wind tunnel - Its role in advanced icing research and development

Currently experimental aircraft icing research is severely hampered by limitations of ground icing simulation facilities. Existing icing facilities do not have the size, speed, altitude, and icing environment simulation capabilities to allow accurate studies to be made of icing problems occurring for high speed fixed wing aircraft and rotorcraft. Use of the currently dormant NASA Lewis Altitude Wind Tunnel (AWT), as a proposed high speed propulsion and adverse weather facility, would allow many such problems to be studied. The characteristics of the AWT related to adverse weather simulation and in particular to icing simulation are discussed, and potential icing research programs using the AWT are also included.
Improvement of the Temperature and Moisture Retrievals in the Lower Troposphere Using AIRS and GPS Radio Occultation Measurements

Abstract Accurate temperature and water vapor profiles in the middle and lower troposphere (LT) are crucial for understanding the water cycle, cloud systems, and energy balance. Global positioning system (GPS) radio occultation (RO) is the first technique that can provide a high-vertical-resolution all-weather refractivity profile, which is a function of pressure, temperature, and moisture. However, in the moist LT over the Tropics, the refractivity retrievals from GPS RO data are often significantly negatively biased because of tracking errors and propagation effects related to sharp vertical moisture gradients that may result in superrefraction (SR). The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) is a nadir-viewing sounder that can measure vertical temperature and moisture profiles with about 1–2-km vertical resolution. However, AIRS observations cannot usually obtain accurate temperature and water vapor profiles in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) because of the poor resolving power in the LT. This study us...
Impact of cold air surges on rainfall variability in the Sahel and wet African tropics: A multi-scale analysis

Satellite-derived rainfall estimates and the ERA-Interim reanalysis are used to better understand cold air surge/precipitation interactions and to identify the implications for rainfall variability in the Sahel and tropical Africa on synoptic to seasonal timescales. At the synoptic timescale, cold air surges are associated with cold conditions over the eastern Sahara throughout the year due to the eastward passage of surface low pressure systems over the Mediterranean and the subsequent ridging over northern Africa. Rainfall decreases over central and eastern Africa approximately 4–5 days after the cold air first arrives in northeastern Africa. These precipitation anomalies persist for 4 or more days. At the seasonal timescale, a significant relationship between eastern Saharan low-level temperatures and rainfall in the Sahel and tropical Africa is identified, with colder conditions associated with reduced convection on the northern flank of the primary convergence zone, and vice versa. During boreal winter, the anomalous rainfall occurs over tropical Africa (0°N–8°N). During the summer, rainfall anomalies associated with cold air surges occur over the Sahel (10°N–16°N). These relationships are mediated by anomalous anticyclonic flow over northwestern Africa and western Europe. The analysis shows that cold air surges are significantly associated with summertime cooling over the Sahara, but less so during the winter.
Absorption by self-broadened rotational lines in the v4-fundamental of 12CH4☆

Abstract Spectral transmission measurements at 300°K in the v 4 -fundamental of 12 CH 4 are presented for pure samples of the gas. A line-by-line computation using S 0 v = 145 cm -2 atm -1 at STP, measured by us earlier, is in good agreement with the present data on self-broadened lines.
Enhancement of hepatic microsomal esterase activity following soman pretreatment in guinea pigs

Soman (pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate), a highly toxic organophosphate compound, has been found to be a strong inhibitor of hepatic microsomal carboxylesterase in vitro, but an enhancer of carboxylesterase when administered in vivo. In response to this paradoxical observation, the objective of this study was to determine if soman could cause true enhancement of the metabolism of drugs in the guinea pig and, if so, to characterize the enhanced enzyme activity. Following the pretreatment of guinea pigs with 90% LD50 soman, enhancement of microsomal esterase activity was noted 12 and 24 hr after pretreatment. Using Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetic studies, enhancement was found to occur with liver carboxylesterase and procaine esterase, but not with aniline hydroxylase. Since the soman-enzyme complex was known to undergo aging with the release of pinacolyl alcohol and the subsequent formation of pinacolone, the effects of these metabolites on the activity of liver microsomal enzymes in vitro were explored. Pinacolone and pinacolyl alcohol produced enzyme enhancement in vitro in a manner similar to that produced by soman pretreatment. These effects were compared with those made by acetone in the same incubations, since the enhancing influence of acetone has already been well documented. Similarity was found between the in vitro effects of acetone and the effects of pinacolone and pinacolyl alcohol. Lastly, the in vivo effects of pinacolone on the activities of the same liver microsomal enzymes were studied following pretreatment of the guinea pigs with 90% LDLo (lowest published lethal dose) pinacolone. Pretreating guinea pigs with pinacolone prior to killing them enhanced liver microsomal carboxylesterase and procaine esterase activities, but had no effect on microsomal aniline hydroxylase activity. This pattern of enzyme enhancement was similar to that observed after soman pretreatment. Therefore, soman was found to enhance hepatic microsomal esterase activity in the guinea pig in a manner similar to that seen with its metabolites, as well as acetone. This information may give insight into how the efficacy and toxicity of therapeutic drugs, other xenobiotics, and endogenous materials may be altered in individuals who survive an exposure to soman.
Observation of chirped soliton dynamics at {lambda}= 1.55 {mu} m in a single-mode optical fiber with frequency-resolved optical gating

We present an experimental observation of the dynamics of an initially chirped optical soliton at 1.55 µm that is propagating through a single-mode optical fiber, using frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG).?FROG permits observation of both the amplitude and the phase profiles of ultrashort pulses, providing complete information on the pulse evolution. The features that are detected, which include what is believed to be the first experimental observation of phase slips, are in quantitative agreement with numerical simulations that employ the nonlinear Schrodinger equation.
The Proliferative and Toxic Effects of Ultraviolet Light and Inflammation of Epidermal Pigment Cells

The ear of the mouse is useful for studying the effects of ultraviolet light on epidermal pigment cells. The quantity of light penetrating into the skin causing an inflammatory response can be assessed easily by measuring with an engineering calipers the swelling of the ear. The inflammatory response of the ear exhibits a linear relationship to the dose of light delivered. We observed that doses of shortwave ultraviolet light which are noninflammatory when repeated at daily intervals induce moderate to severe inflammation. Small doses of psoralen and prolonged exposure to UVA (PUVA) were more inflammatory than larger amounts of psoralen and short exposure to light. Doses of shortwave ultraviolet light and PUVA which produce only a minimal inflammation of the skin stimulate the proliferation of epidermal melanocytes. In contrast, PUVA in doses sufficiently large to cause a marked inflammatory reaction in the skin seems injurious to pigment cells and kills them or causes only a minimal proliferative response. The inflammatory reaction itself does not seem to stimulate or inhibit the proliferation of melanocytes. Prostaglandins A, E, and F2 α have no effect on the proliferation of epidermal pigment cells. In contrast, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and allergic contact dermatitis increase the numerical density of pigment cells. Steroids may block the function of the enzyme tyrosinase. Our experiments indicate that pigment cells, like many other varieties of cells, are susceptible to injury and can be killed at least by large doses of PUVA.
Milk Production and Reproductive Performance of Cows Hormonally Induced into Lactation

Abstract Eleven cows and five heifers were induced to lactate by the administration of 17 β -estradiol and progesterone for 7 days followed by dexamethasone on days 18 to 20. Subsequent milk production varied from two animals which produced over 30 kg/day (approximately equal to previous production) to two animals which failed to lactate (
Paediatric and adolescent horse-related injuries: does the mechanism of injury justify a trauma response?

Objective: To identify the frequency, variety and disposition of horse-related injury presentations to the ED and to use this information to evaluate the existing institutional trauma team activation criteria following horse-related injuries. Methods: A retrospective case analysis was performed of all horse-related injury presentations to the ED of Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia, in the 5 year period between January 1999 and December 2003. Results: A total of 186 children presented with horse-related injuries during the 5 year study period. The median age of injury was 9 years (range 1-17 years), with 81% of presentations female and 60% of patients hospitalized. The mechanism of injury was divided into four groups: 148 falls (79%), 28 kicks (15%), 7 tramples (4%) and 5 bites (3%). There was one death. Seven presentations rated an Injury Severity Score>15, with full trauma team activation occurring for two of these presentations. Conclusion: Although horse-related injury presentations are uncommon, severe injuries do occur. Patients presenting with severe horse-related injuries do not always activate a full trauma team response based on current trauma team activation criteria. These severe injury presentations are supported by a limited trauma team response, which activates on the mechanism of injury. The effectiveness of this as a contingency system needs to be evaluated. Language: en
The dynamics of lead-screw drives: Low-order modeling and experiments

The closed-loop performance of a lead-screw drive is usually limited by a resonance in which the carriage oscillates in the direction of motion as the screw undergoes longitudinal and torsional deformation. In this paper, we develop a model of lead-screw system dynamics that accounts for the distributed inertia of the screw and the compliance and damping of the thrust bearings, nut, and coupling. The distributed-parameter model of the lead-screw drive system is reduced to a low-order model using a Galerkin procedure and verified by experiments performed on a pair of ball-screw systems. The model is found to accurately predict the presence of a finite right-half plane zero in the transfer function from motor torque to carriage position. A viscoelastic damper incorporated into one of the lead-screw support bearings is shown to give rise to significant, deterministic damping in the system transfer functions.
Randomness of nuclear distribution in conidia ofNeurospora heterokaryons

1. Random distribution of nuclei in the macroconidial populations of heterokaryons ofNeurospora crassa has been shown. 2. Randomness is unaffected by either the genotype of mutants constituting the heterokaryon or by an increase in the relative proportions of homokaryotic conidia. 3. The estimates of nuclear frequency as determined by two different statistical methods were in very close agreement.
Salmonella selectively stops traffic

The intracellular pathogen Salmonella replicates in infected host cells within a specialized vacuole referred to as the Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV). Effector molecules encoded by the Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 (SPI-2) type III secretion system (TTSS) are essential for Salmonella to survive in the intracellular environment. It was previously shown that SPI-2 allows Salmonella to inhibit the recruitment of NADPH phagocyte oxidase-containing vesicles to SCVs. New research has now revealed that SPI-2 effectors also interfere with the colocalization of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) to SCVs, thus protecting the pathogen from the antimicrobial actions of reactive nitrogen species.
Toward electrochemical resolution of two genes on one electrode: using 7-deaza analogues of guanine and adenine to prepare PCR products with differential redox activity.

The 7-deaza analogues of guanine and adenine were incorporated into polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products by substitution of the appropriate nucleotide triphosphates into the reaction. These PCR products can be immobilized on ITO electrodes and detected by catalytic cyclic voltammetry with ruthenium polypyridyl complexes. Immobilization on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes of 330- and 1200-base pair (bp) PCR amplicons from the E. coli dacA gene containing one or both of the 7-deazapurines was effected by precipitation from a 9:1 DMF/acetate solution. Amplicons containing the 7-deazaguanine base were detected by observing current enhancement in the cyclic voltammogram of Ru(dmb)33+/2+ (dmb = 4,4‘-dimethyl-2,2‘-bipyridine) due to the selective oxidation of the modified base by this mediator. Oxidation of incorporated 7-deazaadenine bases in addition to native guanines gives rise to a higher current enhancement in the cyclic voltammogram of Ru(bpy)33+/2+ (bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine) compared to the enhancement...
Repeated acquisition of three‐response chains for food reinforcement in the rat

Adult male hooded rats responding on three contact sensors for food reinforcement were trained to acquire a different three-response sequence each day. Twelve three-response sequences were used; with minor exceptions, the series of 12 was run four times in two rats and twice in one rat. Elapsed time and error rate for a given sequence declined over sessions and within sessions. Some sequences generated higher error rates than others. Results were generally consistent with previous results from pigeons emitting four-response sequences. Application to the testing of drugs for therapeutic effects on cognitive deficits associated with aging is discussed.
Restructuring of the US Meat Processing Industry and New Hispanic Migrant Destinations

Findings from the 2000 US Census indicate high rates of Hispanic population increase beyond urban areas and traditional immigrant-receiving states. The diversity of new destinations raises questions about forces attracting migrants to rural areas and links between economic structural change and Hispanic population growth. Our conceptual framework applies dual labor market theory to the meat processing industry, a sector whose growing Hispanic labor force offers an illustrative case study for analyzing how labor demand influences demographic change. We document the industry's consolidation, concentration, increased demand for low-skilled labor, and changing labor force composition over three decades. We then position meat processing within a broader analysis that models nonmetropolitan county Hispanic population growth between 1980 and 2000 as a function of changes in industrial sector employment share and nonmetro county economic and demographic indicators. We find that growth in meat processing employment exhibits the largest positive coefficient increase in nonmetro Hispanic population growth over two decades and the largest impact of all sectors by 2000.
Inheritance of apomeiosis (diplospory) in fleabanes (Erigeron, Asteraceae).

Unreduced egg formation (apomeiosis) in flowering plants is rare except when it is coupled with parthenogenesis to yield gametophytic apomixis via apospory or diplospory. Results from genetic mapping studies in diverse apomictic taxa suggest that apomeiosis and parthenogenesis are genetically linked, a finding that is compatible with the conventional rationale that apomeiosis is unlikely to evolve independently because of deleterious fitness consequences. An Erigeron annuus (apomictic) × E. strigosus (sexual) genetic mapping population, however, included a high proportion of plants that were highly apomeiotic (diplosporous) but nonapomictic; that is, they lacked autonomous seed production. To evaluate the function and inheritance of diplospory in Erigeron, a diplosporous triploid (2n=3x=27) seed parent was crossed with a sexual diploid (2n=2x=18) E. strigosus pollen parent to produce an F1 of 31 plants. Chromosome numbers and molecular markers (AFLPs) document the inheritance of the maternal genome through unreduced eggs resulting in recombinant but predominantly (77%) tetraploid F1s (2n=4x=36; 2n+n, BIII). Quantitative evaluation shows continuous variation in the proportion of diplosporous (vs meiotic) ovules (41–89%) in tetraploid F1s despite the presumed equal genetic contribution from the diplosporous mother. These findings demonstrate the functional independence of diplospory and suggest that variation in the trait in F1s is likely due to segregating paternal modifiers. In addition, of six aneuploid (4x−1, 4x−2) F1s, three lack a subset of maternal AFLP markers. These plants likely arose from aberrant megagametogenesis resulting in the loss of maternal chromatin prior to fertilization.
Meeting the Nutritional Needs of the Low-Birth-Weight Infant

Delivering adequate amounts of nutrients to premature infants at all times is challenging because the infant’s immature gastrointestinal tract is initially unable to accept feedings, necessitating the