cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arctic ground squirrel resist peroxynitrite-mediated cell death in response to oxygen glucose deprivation.

Abstract Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury initiates a cascade of events, generating nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide(O 2 •- ) to form peroxynitrite (ONOO - ), a potent oxidant. Arctic ground squirrels (AGS; Urocitellus parryii ) show high tolerance to I/R injury. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. We hypothesize that tolerance to I/R modeled in an acute hippocampal slice preparation in AGS is modulated by reduced oxidative and nitrative stress. Hippocampal slices (400 µm) from rat and AGS were subjected to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) using a novel microperfusion technique. Slices were exposed to NO, O 2 .- donors with and without OGD; pretreatment with inhibitors of NO, O 2 .- and ONOO - followed by OGD. Perfusates collected every 15 min were analyzed for LDH release, a marker of cell death. 3-nitrotyrosine (3NT) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE) were measured to assess oxidative and nitrative stress. Results show that NO/O 2 .- alone is not sufficient to cause ischemic-like cell death, but with OGD enhances cell death more in rat than in AGS. A NOS inhibitor, SOD mimetic and ONOO - inhibitor attenuates OGD injury in rat but has no effect in AGS. Rats also show a higher level of 3NT and 4HNE with OGD than AGS suggesting the greater level of injury in rat is via formation of ONOO - .
Posttransplant complications in adult recipients of intestine grafts without bowel decontamination.

Abstract Background Selective digestive decontamination is commonly used to decrease lumenal bacterial flora. Preoperative bowel decontamination may be associated with a lower wound infection rate but has not been shown to decrease risk of intra-abdominal abscess or lower leak rate for enteric anastomoses. Alternatively, the decontamination disrupts the normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract and may affect normal physiology, including immunologic function. This study reports complication rates of an intestine transplant program that has never used bowel decontamination. Methods All adult patients who underwent intestine transplant from 2003 to 2015 at a single center were reviewed. Posttransplant complications included intra-abdominal abscess, enteric fistula, and leak from the enteric anastomosis. Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections in the first year after transplant are reported. Results There were 184 adult patients who underwent deceased donor intestine transplant during the study period. Among these patients, 30% developed an infected postoperative fluid collection, 4 developed an enteric fistula (2%), and 16 had an enteric or anastomotic leak (8%). The rate of any bacterial infection was 91% in the first year, with a wound infection rate of 25%. Fungal infection occurred in 47% of patients. Rejection rates were 55% at 1 y for isolated intestine patients and 17% for multivisceral (liver inclusive) patients. Conclusions Among this population of intestine transplant patients in which no bowel decontamination was used, rates of surgical complications, infections, and rejection were similar to those reported by other centers. Bowel decontamination provides no identifiable benefit in intestine transplantation.
Effects of Soil NPK Supply on Pinot noir Wine Phenolics and Aroma Composition

This work evaluated the impact of vine nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) supply on Pinot noir wine composition. Pinot noir grapevines were grown in a pot-in-pot system for three years and fertigated with varying levels of N, P, or K supply while holding all other nutrients constant. N was varied from 7.50 mM total N supply (Control) to as low as 1.125 mM total N in five discreet levels, while P and K supply were each varied in four levels, with the lowest rate (0 mM) during fertigation events. Wines produced in each of the three years were analyzed. N supply had a major impact on wine composition, including effects on volatile compounds, especially fermentation-derived esters and higher alcohols. Lower rates of N supply increased the total phenolic content in wine; in general, reduced N supply led to a decrease in straight-chain esters and alcohols, but to an increase in branched-chain esters and alcohols in wine. Low-N wines also had lower levels of volatile sulfur compounds in two of the three years. N supply also affected some grape-derived compounds in wine. Reducing N supply resulted in lower concentrations of β-damascenone across all years, but the effect of N supply on monoterpenes was not consistent from year to year. Altering P supply did not have reproducible effects on wine volatiles. Changes in volatile composition in response to nutrient supply could ultimately affect aroma perception and overall wine quality, which will require further exploration.
A Dynamically Generated Rapid Response Capacity Planning Model for Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities

Some key decisions faced periodically by a semiconductor facility management team are: (1) given a forecast demand how much capital and manpower should I assign or acquire for each tool center? (2) given a fixed amount of capital and manpower what output levels should I commit to? (3) what if yield improves or degrades? (4) what if I increase or decrease starts? (5) do I have enough capacity to meet an emerging opportunity and how long will it take me to increase lineouts? (6) where are potential bottlenecks? and (7) what if I add or subtract capacity? All of these questions fall into the general area of capacity planning: Given a specified set of capital, manpower, and output requirements: (1) do I have enough capacity to meet requirement output? (2) what “contingency” capacity is available? and (3) what is the transition profile I can expect to see when I change from one state to another?
Evolution of E-Mobility in Carsharing Business Models

Carsharing continues to grow worldwide as a powerful strategy to provide an alternative to solo driving. The viability of electric vehicles, or EVs, has been examined in various carsharing business models. Moreover, new technologies have given rise to electromobility, or e-mobility, systems. This paper discusses the evolution of e-mobility in carsharing business models and the challenges and opportunities that EVs present to carsharing operators around the world. Operators are now anticipating increased EV proliferation into vehicle fleets over the next 5–10 years as technology, infrastructure, and public policy shift toward support of e-mobility systems. Thus, research is still needed to quantify impacts of EVs in changing travel behavior toward more sustainable transport.
Studies with Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor (GRF) in the Human

In 1982 Guillemin et al. (1) isolated, characterized, and synthesized an amidated, 44-amino-acid growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF44) from the pancreatic tumor of a patient with acromegaly. GRF44 and two shorter, homologous peptides that lack a C-terminal amide, GRF37 and GRF40, stimulated GH release in cultured pituitary cells and in vivo. (1) An identical 40-residue peptide was isolated by Rivier et al. (2) from the tumor of a second acromegalic patient. There is increasing evidence that these tumor-derived growth hormone-releasing factors (GRF) are identical to human hypothalamic GRF and are encoded by a single GRF gene.(3–6) The availability of synthetic GRF provides an opportunity to define further the control and dynamics of GH secretion in the human in health and disease.
Herpes Simplex and Varicella Zoster Virus

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) are DNA viruses in the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. These viruses are common causes of human mucocutaneous infections and, although central nervous system (CNS) infection occurs in only a minority of cases, are among the most common causes of meningoencephalitis in the United States [1]. The spectrum of CNS disease for both HSV and VZV ranges from a mild, self-limited meningitis to fulminant and sometimes fatal encephalitis. While these viruses share many commonalities, the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and, to some extent, treatment are distinct; therefore HSV and VZV CNS infections will be discussed separately in this chapter.
An On-Chip Built-in Linearity Estimation Methodology and Hardware Implementation

An on-chip built-in linearity estimation methodology for a hybrid baseband chain is proposed. The proposed hybrid baseband chain consists of a continuous-time low-pass filter and a discrete-time (DT) finite impulse response filter with a compacted two-stage 3-tap harmonic cancellation (HC). This HC-32 architecture achieves notching at specific programmable frequency points. To estimate the filter linearity, two-tone test signals are injected, and the spectrum power of the DT filter’s output is measured by a power detector. By changing the sampling frequency, the DT filter can switch between the normal operation mode, which allows the two test tones to pass through, or the tone suppression mode, which notches the two test tones and exposes the IM3 tone power. The proposed on-chip linearity estimation methodology is experimentally verified. A comparison between the power measured in the proposed two modes reveals how well is the filter linearity. The proposed baseband chain is fabricated in 130-nm standard CMOS technology, occupying a 0.146-mm2 silicon area. Measurement results shows a suppression of 55 dB on the test tone power.
Climate Strategy for Producer Countries: The Case of Saudi Arabia

Oil export-dependent states have adopted three near-term strategies to protect their continued receipt of lucrative oil rents from the threat of climate action. The first consists of a defensive “dig in” strategy aiming to insulate domestic oil industries from climate risk, whether by competing with rival producers or by undermining the aspirations of global climate accords, like the 2015 Paris Agreement. The second is the “join in” strategy, whereby producer governments pursue economically rational domestic energy policies that provide secondary benefits in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The third technique is described as the “throw in” strategy, by which producer states seek to convince consumers that GHG mitigation efforts should be avoided as more costly than the damage caused by fossil fuel emissions. This chapter examines Saudi Arabia’s response to global climate action and categorizes its initiatives according to the three strategy types provided.
Teachers’ Differential Treatment of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students during Sharing Time

This synthesis includes 19 studies that investigate children’s narrative styles during “sharing time.” It looks at teachers’ responses to children’s talk and how teachers’ responses affect children’s school performance and evaluation. Findings reveal that when there is a match between the language of the teacher and the student during sharing time, the student receives positive feedback and is allowed to practice her or his oral preparation for literacy. On the other hand, when there is a mismatch between the language of the teacher and that of the student during sharing time, teachers often fail to see the point of what the student is saying. In many cases, the teacher cuts off or interrupts the student, inhibiting the student’s acquisition of literacy skills. This article discusses the differential treatment students receive during sharing time depending upon whether a match or mismatch of teacher/student discourse is present.
PyODDS: An End-to-End Outlier Detection System.

PyODDS is an end-to end Python system for outlier detection with database support. PyODDS provides outlier detection algorithms which meet the demands for users in different fields, w/wo data science or machine learning background. PyODDS gives the ability to execute machine learning algorithms in-database without moving data out of the database server or over the network. It also provides access to a wide range of outlier detection algorithms, including statistical analysis and more recent deep learning based approaches. PyODDS is released under the MIT open-source license, and currently available at (this https URL) with official documentations at (this https URL).
Endothermic reactions of 1-propanamine on a zirconia catalyst

Abstract Cooling of critical engine components is important for hypersonic aircraft and endothermic reforming reactions on the fuel could play an important role by taking up some of the heat. Here, we propose using alkylamines that dehydrogenate to nitriles and H2 over ZrO2 catalysts as the endothermic fuel. Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) revealed that 1-propanamine on ZrO2 undergoes dehydrogenation at temperatures below 600 K. At 723 K and below, the selectivity to form H2 and propionitrile is greater than 90 %. Heat measurements at 60 bar show heat uptakes as large as 2000 kJ kg−1 of fuel reacted could be achieved at 723 K. Side reactions at higher conversions and temperatures lowered this value but values above 1000 kJ kg−1 were still obtained at nearly 100 % conversion of the amine. The observation of a significant endothermic effect suggests that the unconventional functional groups in the fuels merit further investigation to achieve a more profound chemical heat sink. Possible ways to apply this approach are discussed.
Genome-Wide Small Interfering RNA Screening Reveals a Role for Cullin3–Really Interesting New Gene Ligase Signaling in Heterologous Sensitization of Adenylyl Cyclase

Heterologous sensitization of adenylyl cyclase (AC) is revealed as enhanced or exaggerated AC/cAMP signaling that occurs following persistent activation of Gαi/o-coupled receptors. This paradoxical phenomenon was discovered more than 40 years ago and was proposed as a cellular mechanism to explain the adaptive changes that occur following chronic exposure to drugs of abuse. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of heterologous sensitization of AC remain largely unknown. In the present study, we performed a genome-wide cell-based RNA interference screen as an unbiased approach to identify genes associated with heterologous sensitization of AC. Following a series of validation and confirmation assays, three genes that form an E3 ligase complex, cullin3 (CUL3), neural precursor-cell–expressed and developmentally downregulated 8 (NEDD8), and really interesting new gene (RING)-box protein 1 (RBX1), were identified as specific modulators of heterologous sensitization of AC. Furthermore, based on the downstream actions of these genes, we evaluated the activity of proteasome inhibitors as well as the specific NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor, MLN4924 (Pevonedistat), in AC sensitization. We demonstrate that MG-132 and bortezomib treatments could mimic the inhibitory effects observed with gene knockdown, and MLN4924 was potent and efficacious in blocking the development of heterologous sensitization of endogenous and recombinant AC isoforms, including AC1, AC2, AC5, and AC6. Together, by using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we identified, for the first time, cullin3-RING ligases and the protein degradation pathway as essential modulators for heterologous sensitization of AC. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Through a genome-wide cell-based RNA interference screening, we identified three genes that form an E3 ligase complex, cullin3, neural precursor-cell–expressed and developmentally downregulated 8 (NEDD8), and really interesting new gene–box protein 1, as specific modulators of heterologous sensitization of AC. The effect of cullin3, NEDD8, or really interesting new gene–box protein 1 small interfering RNAs on heterologous sensitization was recapitulated by proteasome inhibitors, MG132 and bortezomib, and the specific NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor, MLN4924. These results suggest a novel hypothesis in which protein degradation is involved in the sensitization of AC signaling that occurs following chronic activation of Gαi/o-coupled receptors.
Estimation of Annual Energy Yield Roof Mount PV System on a Solar House based on CIS and Crystalline Silicon

the annual energy estimation of a roof mount Photovoltaic system with three different PV modules; Polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon and thin film CIS is studied in this paper under real weather conditions using an established model of the PV module. Basing on the achieved results, thin-film PV system presented the best performance, however all the proposed PV systems showed a good performance and their annual energy benefit is positive regarding the annual energy demand of the house. This study evaluates and compares the annual estimated energy using crystalline silicon and thin-film PV modules which leads to understanding the feasibility of this system for the selected location.
Reversal of Aplastic Anemia By Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

Abstract Aplastic anemia is a disease of bone marrow failure. Aplastic anemia remains a challenging disease as far as etiology and therapeutic approaches. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been studied for many years. These were initially felt to be cell junk largely from platelets and erythrocytes. But, more recently, intense interest has been focused on their potential for altering cell fate and reversing tissue injury. Vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been shown to affect the phenotype and induce healing of many different cell types. Our recent published work has shown that human or murine MSC-EV treatment dramatically reversed radiation damage to bone marrow both in vitro and in vivo by inhibition of DNA damage and apoptosis. In this study, we evaluated whether human MSC-EVs could reverse marrow failure in a Busulfan induced aplastic anemia mouse model. We have carried out studies on Busulfan (BU) induced marrow aplasia by administering Busulfan in doses of 9.25 mg/kg intraperitoneally (9 times over 20 days) to induce bone marrow aplasia in female Balb/cByJ mice. Mice were then infused with 4x108 human MSC-EVs at 1, 2 and 3 days after the final BU dose. We observed that the human MSC EV treatment significantly prolonged survival in these mice. 50% of the BU treated mice died by 30 days after BU injection, whereas only 30% of EV-injected mice died by this time. The mice were sacrificed to harvest WBM cells and peripheral blood for cell count at 10 days after the final BU dose. There were significant decreases in marrow cellularity from tibiae and femurs and complete blood count (CBC) including RBC, WBC, HBG and PLT in BU treated mice compared to vehicle control mice. The vesicle treatment led to a statistically significant (p Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Use of a Team-Based Video Simulation to Complement a Lecture in Motivational Interviewing to Develop Students’ Initial Attitudes and Skills

Background: Motivational interviewing (MI) is increasingly recognized for its patient-centered approach to clinician-patient communication and often effective in evoking appropriate changes in patient behavior. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs are increasingly incorporating MI education; however, doing so represents a challenge regarding availability of both time and labor capital. Case Description: This study reports on the use of a 90-minute software-based simulation and tutorial coupled with a 90-minute lecture in a 3-hour course session. In a subsequent session consisting of several brief interactions with standardized patients (SPs), students reflected upon their strengths and challenges as a result of attempting to apply the MI principles they learned during the educational intervention. Case Themes: Students’ responses to a questionnaire delivered both before and after the simulation and lecture, showed improvements in several attitudinal components related to use of MI, as well as developing self-efficacies in deploying patient-centered communication strategies. A post-intervention survey without students’ opportunity to study/prepare saw gains in student knowledge about MI. Case Impact: The measurements employed to determine student’s attitude and knowledge showed good to very good internal consistency reliably based on calculated Cronbach’s alpha and KR-20. Student reflections indicated their understanding of MI principles, even though they fell short of implementing them in large part during their encounters with SPs. Conclusion: Use of a video simulation undergone by teams of PharmD students coupled with a brief lecture might be an effective and efficient way of building a foundation for MI competency among PharmD students where instructors might lack labor capital and significant space in the curriculum.
Pay: Why People Earn What They Earn and What You Can Do Now to Make More

Part I. How Hard Can This Be?: 1. Common sense, economics, and 'HR'?: how to pay 2. Wages, the wage distribution, and wage inequality 3. The facts: who makes what and what are their characteristics? 4. The difference between wages and total compensation: is there a difference between employee value of compensation and the cost to companies? Part II. How Organizations Set Pay Structure and Why: 5. Business strategy and compensation strategy: where you work matters 6. What's in a job?: Job analysis, job evaluation, and internal comparisons 7. Matching the internal organizational structure to the right market data: how and how much to pay 8. Paying executives, athletes, entertainers and other 'superstars' Part III. How People Are Paid Can Mean As Much As How Much They Are Paid: 9. Evaluating performance, incentives, and incentive pay 10. Stock and stock options 11. Pay mix: why offer benefits? Would employees prefer cash? 12. International compensation 13. Compensation in nonprofit organizations Part IV. What You Can Do To Make More and Conclusions: 14. What you can do now to make more now and later 15. Concluding thoughts.
Trimethylamine N-Oxide as a Novel Therapeutic Target in CKD

Patients with CKD are at an increased risk for the development of cardiovascular disease even beyond traditional risk factors. Although uremic toxins have been proposed as important contributors in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and renal disease progression in CKD, the sources and the processes
Lesiones cardíacas penetrantes. Una revisión desde sus orígenes históricos hasta las últimas fronteras en el nuevo milenio

Objective: To describe the aspects involved in the management of cardiac lesions, from its historical antecedents to the latest trends in surgical treatments and their influence on current state of art. Design: Review and selection of the corresponding bibliography (17 references). Setting: Third level health care university hospital. Results: Since the first successful repair of a cardiac lesion en 1896 by Rehn, in Germany, a hallmark in cardiac surgery, this discipline has evolved until the present day protocols designed for the management of these lesions, based on the experience of different authors, which have allowed a high survival rate of cardiac patients. Beall et al. 1961, were the first to propose a thoracotomy and direct cardiac massage in patients experiencing a cardiac arrest, this is currently a procedure widely recommended by the Resumen Objetivo: Describir los aspectos en el manejo de las lesiones cardiacas, desde su historia hasta las ultimas vertientes del pensamiento quirurgico y su influencia en el manejo de las mismas. Diseno: Revision y seleccion de referencias bibliograficas (17 referencias). Sede: Hospital de tercer nivel de atencion, universitario. Resultados: Desde la primera reparacion exitosa de una herida cardiaca, en 1896 por Rehn, en Alemania, hecho que marco el inicio de la cirugia cardiaca, esta disciplina ha evolucionado hasta la realizacion de protocolos en el manejo de estas lesiones, basados en la experiencia de diferentes autores, y que hacen que la supervivencia de un porcentaje elevado de pacientes sea una realidad. Beall y cols., en 1961, fueron los primeros en proponer la realizacion de una
Anisotropy of the pairing gap of FeAs-based superconductors induced by spin fluctuations

We determine the anisotropy of the spin-fluctuation-induced pairing gap on the Fermi surface of the FeAs-based superconductors as function of the exchange and Hund's coupling ${J}_{H}$. We find that for sufficiently large ${J}_{H}$, nearly commensurate magnetic fluctuations yield a fully gapped ${s}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$-pairing state with small anisotropy of the gap amplitude on each Fermi-surface sheet, but significant variations of the gap amplitude for different sheets of the Fermi surface. In particular, we obtain the large variation of the gap amplitude on different Fermi-surface sheets, as seen in angular resolved photoemission spectroscopy experiments. For smaller values of Hund's coupling incommensurate magnetic fluctuations yield an ${s}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$-pairing state with line nodes. Such a state is also possible once the anisotropy of the material is reduced and three-dimensional effects come into play.
5-Aminosalicylic acid protects against ischemia/reperfusion-induced gastric bleeding in the rat

Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine whether the split products of sulfasalazine, sulfapyridine, and 5-aminosalicylic acid can ameliorate ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury to the gastric mucosa. Gastric mucosal damage was assessed by measuring (a) 51 Cr-labeled red blood cell leakage into the gastric lumen, (b) the area of gross mucosal lesions, and (c) the extent of histologically demonstrable mucosal damage. In rats treated with 5-aminosalicylic acid, but not in those treated with sulfapyridine, the leakage of 51 Cr-labeled red blood cells and the area of gross mucosal lesions after ischemia/reperfusion were significantly reduced as compared with untreated (control) rats. Inasmuch as 5-aminosalicylic acid (the therapeutic moiety of sulfasalazine) has been reported to be a hydroxyl radical scavenger, we also assessed the effects of dimethylsulfoxide (another hydroxyl radical scavenger) on ischemia/reperfusion-induced gastric mucosal injury. In rats treated with dimethylsulfoxide, leakage of 51 Cr-labeled red blood cells and the area of gross mucosal lesions after ischemia/reperfusion were significantly reduced as compared with control rats. The results of this study support the contention that ischemia/reperfusion-induced gastric bleeding involves the hydroxyl radical and indicate that 5-aminosalicylic acid significantly attentuates this vascular injury.
Data quality: developments and directions

This paper first examines various issues on data quality and provides an overview of current research in the area. Then it focuses on research at the MITRE Corporation to use annotations to manage data quality. Next some of the emerging directions in data quality including managing quality for the semantic web and the relationships between data quality and data mining will be discussed. Finally some of the directions for data quality will be provided.
Circulating anticoagulant glycosaminoglycans in mucopolysaccharidosis type I

*Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USATo cite this article: Tolar J, Orchard PJ, Key NS, Blazar BR. Circulating anticoagulant glycosaminoglycans in mucopolysaccharidosis type I. J ThrombHaemost 2008; 6: 893–5.
A parallel algorithm for text inference

In this paper, we describe a highly parallel method for extracting inferences from text. The method is based on a marker-propagation algorithm that establishes semantic paths between knowledge base concepts. The paper presents the structure of the system, the marker-propagation algorithm, and results that show a large degree of parallelism.
Linearized Dynamics of Symmetric Lagrangian Systems

The structure induced by the Lagrangian or Hamiltonian character of a mechanical system and its symmetries can make explicit analyses of the stability and bifurcation behavior tractable even for moderately large systems. The variational characterization of relative equilibria, i.e. steady motions generated by elements of the symmetry group, greatly simplifies many of the necessary calculations. Local minima modulo symmetries of an appropriate energy-momentum functional correspond to nonlinearly orbitally stable motions; if the second variation of the energy-momentum functional is positive (negative) definite on an appropriate subspace, the relative equilibrium is said to be formally stable. For finite dimensional systems, formal stability typically implies nonlinear orbital stability.
Timing of HIV interventions on reductions in sexual risk among adolescents.

Examined the effectiveness of an HIV intervention program among 151 adolescents ages 13 to 24 years who were randomly assigned to (a) seven sessions of 1.5 hr each (10.5 hr); (b) three sessions of 3.5 hr each (10.5 hr); or (c) a no-intervention condition. Using cognitive-behavioral intervention strategies, social skills and HIV-related beliefs, perceptions, and norms were targeted in both the three- and seven-session, small-group intervention conditions. Regression analysis indicated that over 3 months, the number of unprotected risk acts and the number of sexual partners were lower in the seven-session condition compared to the other conditions. Factors mediating risk acts changed in a complex manner: For example, perceived vulnerability increased for those with initially lower vulnerability scores among youths in the seven-session condition compared to others. Self-approval of condom use was also higher for those with initially low scores in the seven-session compared to the three-session condition. Self-efficacy for risk avoidance and condom use was significantly higher in the three-session condition for those with initially low scores compared to other groups. On the role-play measure, those with higher baseline scores in the low-pressure situation improved significantly only in the three-session intervention; in the high-pressure situation, the participants reported significantly higher scores in the seven-session intervention, and those with higher scores improved the most. Results suggest the importance of multisession HIV intervention programs to be delivered with fidelity in community settings.
Fatigue Behavior and Design of Ferrocement Beams

Extensive experiments were carried out on ferrocement beams reinforced with various amounts (volume fraction from 2% to 6%) and types of square steel meshes. The beams were subjected to fatigue flexure with three levels of loading corresponding to approx —40%, —50%, and —60% of static yield load. Particular emphasis was given to the shape of the load-deflection curve and the cracking behavior as influenced by the number of loading cycles. Based on observed results linear regression equations are proposed to predict fatigue life of ferrocement as a function of the stress range in the outermost layer of steel mesh. Also, an exponential relation with two parameters is developed to predict the increase in deflection, average and maximum crack widths as a function of applied load, and number of loading cycles. The preceding relations are shown to be usefully adaptable to reinforced concrete beams subjected to fatigue flexure.
Communication Systems Engineering

(NOTE: Each chapter concludes with Further Reading and Problems.) 1. Introduction. Historical Review. Elements of an Electrical Communication System. Communication Channels and Their Characteristics. Mathematical Models for Communication Channels. Organization of the Book. 2. Frequency Domain Analysis of Signals and Systems. Fourier Series. Fourier Transforms. Power and Energy. Sampling of Bandlimited Signals. Bandpass Signals. 3. Analog Signal Transmission and Reception. Introduction to Modulation. Amplitude Modulation (AM). Angle Modulation. Radio and Television Broadcasting. Mobile Radio Stations. 4. Random Processes. Probability and Random Variables. Random Processes: Basic Concepts. Random Processes in the Frequency Domain. Gaussian and White Processes. Bandlimited Processes and Sampling. Bandpass Processes. 5. Effect of Noise on Analog Communication Systems. Effect of Noise on Linear-Modulation Systems. Carrier-Phase Estimation with a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL). Effect of Noise on Angle Modulation. Comparison of Analog-Modulation Systems. Effects of Transmission Losses and Noise in Analog Communication Systems. 6. Information Sources and Source Coding. Modeling of Information Sources. Source-Coding Theorem. Source-Coding Algorithms. Rate-Distortion Theory. Quantization. Waveform Coding. Analysis-Synthesis Techniques. Digital Audio Transmission and Digital Audio Recording. The JPEG Image-Coding Standard. 7. Digital Transmission through the Additive White Gaussian Noise Channel. Geometric Representation of Signal Waveforms. Pulse Amplitude Modulation. Two-Dimensional Signal Waveforms. Multidimensional Signal Waveforms. Optimum Receiver for Digitally Modulated Signals in Additive White Gaussian Noise. Probability of Error for Signal Detection in Additive White Gaussian Noise. Performance Analysis for Wireline and Radio Communication Channels. Symbol Synchronization. 8. Digital Transmission through Bandlimited AWGN Channels. Digital Transmission through Bandlimited Channels. The Power Spectrum of Digitally Modulated Signals. Signal Design for Bandlimited Channels. Probability of Error in Detection of Digital PAM. Digitally Modulated Signals with Memory. System Design in the Presence of Channel Distortion. Multicarrier Modulation and OFDM. 9. Channel Capacity and Coding. Modeling of Communication Channels. Channel Capacity. Bounds on Communication. Coding for Reliable Communication. Linear Block Codes. Cyclic Codes. Convolutional Codes. Complex Codes Based on Combination of Simple Codes. Coding for Bandwidth-Constrained Channels. Practical Applications of Coding. 10. Wireless Communications. Digital Transmission on Fading Multipath Channels. Continuous Carrier-Phase Modulation. Spread-Spectrum Communication Systems. Digital Cellular Communication Systems. Appendix A: The Probability of Error for Multichannel Reception of Binary Signals. References. Index.
Current-voltage characterization of CuInSe/sub 2CdS solar cells deposited by different methods

J-V data for six CuInSe/sub 2CdS solar cells fabricated by different techniques at different laboratories have been measured over a wide range of temperature and illumination intensity. The results are analyzed to determine the junction properties and compared for the different devices. Since all the cells have nonlinear contributions in series with the main diode, the diode quality behavior is determined from the results at V/sub oc/ (J=0) where these series effects do not contribute. The devices all have the same general diode behavior described by a standard diode equation with barrier height of 1.0 eV and diode quality factor near 1.5 over the entire range of temperature and intensity. >
Ultrafast carrier recombination and generation rates for plasmon emission and absorption in graphene

Electron-hole generation and recombination rates for plasmon emission and absorption in graphene are presented. The recombination times of carriers due to plasmon emission are found to be in the tens of femtoseconds to hundreds of picoseconds range. The recombination times depend sensitively on the carrier energy, carrier density, temperature, and plasmon dispersion. Carriers near the Dirac point are found to have much longer lifetimes compared to carriers at higher energies. Plasmons in a graphene layer on a polar substrate hybridize with the surface optical phonons and this hybridization modifies the plasmon dispersion. We also present generation and recombination rates of carriers due to plasmon emission and absorption in graphene layers on polar substrates.
EBR-II driver fuel qualification for loss-of-flow and loss-of-heat-sink tests without scram

Abstract The continuing development of metallic fuel in EBR-II has led to performance of whole core transient tests which exceed normal driver fuel operating limits. Both out-of-reactor and in-reactor tests have been completed to investigate failure modes for metallic fuel elements. Equations have been developed to predict both time-to-failure and fuel element damage caused by thermal transients. These analyses have allowed operation of EBR-II in modes that demonstrate the inherent safety of both the plant design and the metallic fuel element design.
Endogenous adenosine differentially modulates 5-hydroxytryptamine release from a human enterochromaffin cell model.

Abstract Background & Aims: The aim was to determine whether adenosine receptors modulate cAMP, intracellular free calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) release in human carcinoid BON cells.Methods: Adenosine receptor (R) mRNA, proteins, and function were identified by Western blots, immunofluorescent labeling, Fluo-4/AM [Ca 2+ ] i imaging, and pharmacologic/physiologic techniques. Results: A1, A2, and A3Rs were present in BON cells and carcinoid tumors. Baseline 5-HT levels increased with adenosine deaminase, activation of A2Rs, and inhibition of A3Rs, whereas A3R activation decreased 5-HT. A2R antagonists or blockade of adenosine reuptake that elevates extracellular adenosine reduced mechanically evoked 5-HT release. In single BON cells, touch elevated [Ca 2+ ] i responses were augmented by adenosine deaminase, A1, and A3R antagonists.Conclusions: Tonic or mechanically evoked release of endogenous adenosine is a critical determinant of differential activation of adenosine receptors and may have important implications for gut mechanosensory reflexes.
Performance evaluation of short-term time-series traffic prediction model

One of the key functions of an effective Advanced Traveler and Management Information System is the ability to model short-term predictions of traffic conditions on major freeways and arterials with reasonable accuracy. The impetus of forecasting traffic information rather than relying on real-time information is to allow the traveling public to be proactive in their travel decisions at both pretrip planning stage and en route. Traffic information is usually reflected by the traditional performance measures such as travel times and delays. Such measures are well perceived by the traveling public and, hence, are adopted in most short-term traffic prediction studies. When disseminated to the traveling public, forecasted travel time information will help the travelers make better trip decisions in terms of departure time, route selection, and mode selection, when transit becomes competitive. Several traffic prediction models have been developed in the past using a wide spectrum of modeling techniques. Most s...
Ultrafast Electron Relaxation Dynamics in Coupled Metal Nanoparticles in Aggregates

We report the effect of aggregation in gold nanoparticles on their ultrafast electron-phonon relaxation dynamics measured by femtosecond transient absorption pump-probe spectroscopy. UV-visible extinction and transient absorption of the solution-stable aggregates of gold nanoparticles show a broad absorption in the 550-700-nm region in addition to the isolated gold nanoparticle plasmon resonance. This broad red-shifted absorption can be attributed to contributions from gold nanoparticle aggregates with different sizes and/or different fractal structures. The electron-phonon relaxation, reflected as a fast decay component of the transient bleach, is found to depend on the probe wavelength, suggesting that each wavelength interrogates one particular subset of the aggregates. As the probe wavelength is changed from 520 to 635 nm across the broad aggregate absorption, the rate of electron-phonon relaxation increases. The observed trend in the hot electron lifetimes can be explained on the basis of an increased overlap of the electron oscillation frequency with the phonon spectrum and enhanced interfacial electron scattering, with increasing extent of aggregation. The experimental results strongly suggest the presence of intercolloid electronic coupling within the nanoparticle aggregates, besides the well-known dipolar plasmon coupling.
ASYMMETRIC MAGNETO-OPTIC RESPONSE IN ANISOTROPIC THIN FILMS

We report asymmetric hysteresis loops measured using the magneto-optic Kerr effect from epitaxial Fe(110) and Co(110) thin films with in-plane magnetic anisotropy. This asymmetry appears to violate the invariance of the hysteresis loop under the transformation M\ensuremath{\rightarrow}-M, H\ensuremath{\rightarrow}-H (M is the magnetization and H is the applied field). The asymmetric magneto-optic response is due to a product of the longitudinal and transverse components of the magnetization and proves the existence of the transverse component of the magnetization and, therefore, of the coherent rotation model of magnetization reversal. We simulate the observed hysteresis loops with a term in the magneto-optic response second order in the magnetization that is much larger than predicted by the standard magneto-optic theory.
Research needs for the risk assessment of health and environmental effects of endocrine disruptors: a report of the U.S. EPA-sponsored workshop.

The hypothesis has been put forward that humans and wildlife species adverse suffered adverse health effects after exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Reported adverse effects include declines in populations, increases in cancers, and reduced reproductive function. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sponsored a workshop in April 1995 to bring together interested parties in an effort to identify research gaps related to this hypothesis and to establish priorities for future research activities. Approximately 90 invited participants were organized into work groups developed around the principal reported health effects-carcinogenesis, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity-as well as along the risk assessment paradigm-hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. Attention focused on both ecological and human health effects. In general, group felt that the hypothesis warranted a concerted research effort to evaluate its validity and that research should focus primarily on effects on development of reproductive capability, on improved exposure assessment, and on the effects of mixtures. This report summarizes the discussions of the work groups and details the recommendations for additional research.
Minireview: GNAS: Normal and Abnormal Functions

GNAS is a complex imprinted gene that uses multiple promoters to generate several gene products, including the G protein alpha-subunit (G(s)alpha) that couples seven-transmembrane receptors to the cAMP-generating enzyme adenylyl cyclase. Somatic activating G(s)alpha mutations, which alter key residues required for the GTPase turn-off reaction, are present in various endocrine tumors and fibrous dysplasia of bone, and in a more widespread distribution in patients with McCune- Albright syndrome. Heterozygous inactivating G(s)alpha mutations lead to Albright hereditary osteodystrophy. G(s)alpha is imprinted in a tissue-specific manner, being primarily expressed from the maternal allele in renal proximal tubules, thyroid, pituitary, and ovary. Maternally inherited mutations lead to Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) plus PTH, TSH, and gonadotropin resistance (pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A), whereas paternally inherited mutations lead to AHO alone. Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1B, in which patients develop PTH resistance without AHO, is almost always associated with a GNAS imprinting defect in which both alleles have a paternal-specific imprinting pattern on both parental alleles. Familial forms of the disease are associated with a mutation within a closely linked gene that deletes a region that is presumably required for establishing the maternal imprint, and therefore maternal inheritance of the mutation results in the GNAS imprinting defect. Imprinting of one differentially methylated region within GNAS is virtually always lost in pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1B, and this region is probably responsible for tissue-specific G(s)alpha imprinting. Mouse knockout models show that G(s)alpha and the alternative G(s)alpha isoform XLalphas that is expressed from the paternal GNAS allele may have opposite effects on energy metabolism in mice.
Predictable and consistent performance of angular packing in axial compression columns

Abstract Various silica-based angular materials were packed and tested in a dynamic axial compression (DAC) column. Effects of packing pressures and solvents on the performance of the angular packings in DAC columns were examined. Column performance ( i.e. column efficiency and bed pressure) was examined using environmentally friendly pure solvents as slurry solvents; performance was compared with theoretical predictions. Plots of the reduced plate height ( h ) vs . reduced velocity ( v ) for two silica-based packing materials, bonded-phase and bare silica, with a nominal pore diameter of 100 A and nominal particle diameter of 10 μm were established to evaluate mass transfer effects on the column performance under different packing conditions. Results were in close agreement with theoretical predictions. Stability and repacking of these two packing materials in DAC columns were also investigated.
Regulation of fatty acid β-oxidation in rat heart mitochondria

Abstract In an attempt to elucidate the mechanism by which the rate of fatty acid oxidation is tuned to the energy demand of the heart, the effects of changing intramitochondrial ratios of [acetyl-CoA] [CoASH] and [NADH] [NAD + ] on the rate of β-oxidation were studied. When 10 mm l-carnitine was added to coupled rat heart mitochondria to lower the ratio of [acetyl-CoA] [CoASH] , the rate of palmitoylcarnitine β-oxidation, as measured by the formation of acid-soluble products, was stimulated more than fourfold at state 4 respiration while β-oxidation at state 3 respiration was hardly affected. Neither oxaloacetate nor acetoacetate, added to mitochondria to lower the [NADH] [NAD + ] ratio, stimulated β-oxidation. Rates of respiration at states 3 and 4 were unchanged by additions of l-carnitine, oxaloacetate, or acetoacetate. Determinations of intramitochondrial ratios of [acetyl-CoA] [CoASH] by high performance liquid chromatography yielded values close to 10 for palmitoylcarnitine-supported respiration at state 4 and 2.5 at state 3 respiration. Addition of 10 mm l-carnitine caused a dramatic decrease of these ratios to less than 0.2 at both respiration states. Studies with purified or partially purified enzymes revealed strong inhibitions of 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase by acetyl-CoA and of l-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase by NADH. Moreover, the activity of 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase at concentrations of acetyl-CoA and CoASH prevailing at state 3 respiration was 4 times higher than its activity in the presence of acetyl-CoA and CoASH observed at state 4. Altogether, this study leads to the conclusion that the rate of β-oxidation in heart can be regulated by the intramitochondrial ratio of [acetyl-CoA] [CoASH] which reflects the energy demand of the tissue. The thiolytic cleavage catalyzed by 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase may be the site at which β-oxidation is controlled by the [acetyl-CoA] [CoASH] ratio.