cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regional Cooperation in the Caribbean: The Association of Caribbean States

Abstract The newly formed Association of Caribbean States' (ACS) prospects for success at increasing cooperation among its members is evaluated. A combination of internal and external factors such as common concern with the deteriorating environmental quality of the Caribbean Sea and surrounding land areas, creation of NAFTA and Mercosur, and changing international political alliances contributed to formation of the ACS. Despite the stress placed on diversity and fragmentation as obstacles to cooperation within the region, it is argued that the Caribbean is less diverse than a number of individual countries elsewhere in the world. Past efforts to achieve international cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean are discussed and compared with the current effort. The paper concludes that the ACS faces numerous obstacles in the way of success but that, if these obstacles can be overcome, the new organization may pave the way for cooperation or even economic integration within this important region.
An FIIR study of the mechanism for the gas phase reaction between HO2 radicals

Abstract Product studies of the self-reaction of HO2 were made using the FTIR method in the photolysis of Cl2 in the presence of H2 and O2 at 700 Torr total pressure and 298 K. The nature of the transition state involved in the formation of H2O2 via an H2O4 adduct was determined by an 18O-labeling technique, i.e. H16O2 + H18O2 → H216O2 + 18O2 and H218O2 + 16O2 but not H216O18O + 16O18O. An alternative reaction path 2HO2 → O3 + H2O was determined to be less than 0.1% of the total reaction of HO2.
An intelligent modeling system for simulation manufacturing processes

This paper presents the development of an intelligent system for simulating manufacturing processes. The emphasis of this paper is placed on the following elements of the intelligent system: the natural language interface, especially the parser, the simulation analyzer, and the simulation writer. An application of the intelligent manufacturing simulation system in an industrial environment is also presented.
Quantum-beat spectroscopy with coherent and incoherent radiation fields

The effects of partial or complete incoherence in the radiation field on quantum-beat spectroscopy of intermediate-size molecules are analyzed. A unified expression which interpolates between the coherent and the incoherent limits is derived for a radiation field whose phase undergoes a stochastic random modulation. The quantum-beat pattern is broadened and partially eroded as the degree of incoherence increases, but it does not diappear even in the extreme incoherent case, where simple rate equations apply. The effects of incoherence vanish completely if the excitation pulse has a sufficiently short duration.
Enhancement of radiation response on human carcinoma cells in culture by pentoxifylline

Abstract Purpose: Pentoxifylline, a methylxanthine, has been shown to improve tumor tissue oxygenation in hypoxic murine tumors and prevent the late radiation injury of normal tissues in mice. The present cell culture studies were carried out to determine whether pentoxifylline would enhance the cellular radiation response of several human carcinoma cells in culture under various culture conditions. Methods and Materials: Experiments were carried out with three human carcinoma cells grown in Eagle's MEM supplemented with 10% FCS. Cell survival was assayed by the colony forming ability of single plated cells to obtain dose-survival curves. Results: Cells irradiated and exposed to pentoxifylline for 24 hr showed a significant enhancement of radiationinduced cytotoxicity. Pre-irradiation treatment with the drug did not change cellular response to radiation. The magnitude of radiation enhancement was dependent on the concentration of drug and exposure time up to the time corresponding to one cell cycle time. Among the three human carcinoma cells used (HeLa S-3 cervix carcinoma, MCF-7 breast carcinoma, and HT-29 colon carcinoma), HeLa S-3 cells were most susceptible to the combined treatment with the enhancement ratio of 1.4 at 1 mM. Among the derivatives of methylxanthines, caffeine and pentoxifylline were equally effective on a molar basis. The combined effect of pentoxifylline and purine nucleosides, including guanosine and deoxguanosine, further enhanced the sensitizing effect of pentoxifylline. Conclusion: The present data along with other radiobiological effects of the drug suggest that pentoxifylline should be considered as a radiation enhancer for clinical radiotherapy.
Physiological responses of tom turkeys to temperature and humidity change with age

Abstract 1. 1. Using a 3-factor uniform-precision rotatable central composite design, male turkeys at 5 ages (5–20 weeks) subjected to 5 temperatures (T, 25–40°C) and 5 relative humidities (RH, 40–80%) during 2 h exposure periods were assessed for body temperature (BT), moisture production (MPM), CO 2 production, respiration rate (RR) and heart rate (HR). Prediction equations based on thermal conditions were developed for each physiological response. 2. 2. For the temperature range selected, RH had a stronger effect than T. Maximum RR occurred at lower T and RR was more variable in older, heavier birds. 3. 3. Twenty-week-old birds used compound ventilation in addition to panting, which may have reduced the severity of heat stress and the consequent lack of a significant change in body temperature.
A CLASSIFICATION OF NON-HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI

1. No connection can be demonstrated between grouping of non-hemolytic streptococci based upon fermentation reactions, and grouping based upon immunological reactions. 2. A classification of non-hemolytic streptococci can be effected by studying the complement fixation reactions between the streptococci and their antisera. 3. The arrangement of the streptococci in such a classification depends on the fact that two diverse elements are present in the group. Some strains partake entirely of one of these elements, some entirely of the other, while other strains partake of both. 4. The arrangement is further determined by the fact that among the strains composed of one element there are differences in complexity, some strains being made up of many molecules or features, others having much simpler structure. This gives rise to an inverse ratio between the fixing capacity of a serum and the capacity of the corresponding antigen to be fixed.
Nickel based CdSe, CdS, and CdSe1−x semiconductor separator in two-compartment electrochemical photocells

A two-compartment electrochemical photocell using nickel-based polycrystalline CdSe, CdS, and mixed chalcogenides showed promising potential for constructing regenerative and/or storage batteries. The cell was able to generate photovoltages of up to 700 mV and photocurrent of 2–6 mA/cm2 when different aqueous electrolytes were used in the dark compartment. The illuminated compartment was filled with polysulphide electrolyte and light intensity used was 70 mW/cm2. Properties such as the open-circuit voltage, the short-circuit current, the efficiency, and the effect of applied voltages in different redox couples are reported.
Characterizing composition modulations in InAs/AlAs short-period superlattices

The formation of quantum wires has much interest due to their novel electronic properties which may lead to enhanced optoelectronic device performance and greater photovoltaic efficiencies. One method of forming these structures is through spontaneous lateral modulation found during the epitaxial growth of III/V alloys. In this paper, we report and summarize our investigations on the formation of lateral moduation in the MBE grown InAlAs/InP(001) system. This system was grown as a short-period superlattice where n-monolayers of InAs are deposited followed by m-Monolayers of AlAs (with n and m~2) and this sequence is repeated to grown a low strain InAlAs ternary alloy on InP(001) that exhibits lateral modulation. Films were grown under a variety of condition (growth temperature, effective alloy composition, superlattice period, and growth rate). These films have been extensively analyzed using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and microcharacterization, in addition to photon-based spectroscopes. Here we present results of several microstructural characterizations using a wide range of TEM-based techniques, and compare them to results from the other methods to obtain a unified understanding of composition modulation. Two strong points consistently emerge: 1) The lateral modulation wavelength is insensitive to growth temperature and effective alloy composition, but the strength of the lateral modulation is greatest near an effective alloy composition of In(0.46)Al(0.54)As, which corresponds to a slightly tensile global strain with respect to InP. 2) The composition variation for the strongly modulated films is as much as 0.38 InAs mole fraction. In addition, for these strongly modulated films, the modulation wave is asymmetric showing strongly peaked, narrower InAs-rich regions separated by flat AlAs-rich regions. We discuss these results and their possible implications in addition to detailing the techniques used to obtain them.
Resistance in field strains of the parasitoid Anisopteromalus calandrae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and its host, Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), to malathion, chlorpyrifos-methyl, and pirimiphos-methyl.

Abstract A glass vial bioassay was used to evaluate and compare the sensitivities of laboratory and field strains of the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and an associated parasitoid, Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) to three grain protectants, chiorpyrifos-methyl, pirimiphos-methyl, and malathion. The laboratory strain of A. calandrae was very sensitive to the three pesticides. Lethal dose ratios at the LD50 indicated that, relative to the laboratory strain of the host rice weevil, A. calandrae was 22.4-fold more sensitive to chiorpyrifos-methyl and about 8-fold more sensitive to both pinmiphos-metbyl and malathion. However, despite the sensitivity of the laboratory strain of this pteromalid to the pesticides, a field strain of A. calandrae collected near Bambeng, South Carolina in September 1992, survived doses of malathion of 172 μg/vial and was > 1240-fold resistant to malathion at the LD50, relative to the laboratory strain. This field strain of A. calandrae was about 90-fold more resistant to malathion than the field strain of its weevil host. Relative to the laboratory strain, the field strain of A. calandrae was also 5.1-fold resistant to chlorpyrifos-methyl and 7.3-fold resistant to pirimiphos-methyl. The field strain of S. oryzae (collected with the parasitoid) was only weakly resistant to the three grain protectants. A hypothesis for the development of naturally occurring pesticide resistance in the parasitoid A. calandrae and the lack of significant resistance in its associated weevil host is discussed in terms of a stored grain ecosystem.
Thyroid carcinoma found at parathyroidectomy : association with primary, secondary, and tertiary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND Frequent reports of an association between primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and well differentiated thyroid carcinoma, compared with the few reports of associated secondary HPT and thyroid carcinoma, may have implications for different etiologic relationships between the conditions. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent surgery for HPT between 1975 and 1996 in a single institution. The prevalence of well differentiated thyroid carcinoma diagnosed at the time of parathyroidectomy (PTX) was compared for patients with primary, secondary, or tertiary HPT. RESULTS There were 845 operations for HPT in 824 patients. Twenty-two patients were found to have thyroid carcinoma at the time of PTX. Thyroid carcinoma was found in 2.6% of the patients with primary and 3.2% of the patients with either secondary or tertiary HPT (P = 0.550). Twenty-one of the patients had papillary carcinoma and 1 had a follicular carcinoma. Eighteen of the carcinomas were <1 cm in size. A prior history of head and neck irradiation was associated with the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma at the time of PTX (P < 0.001). Neither renal failure, organ transplantation, female gender, lymphocytic infiltration, nor follicular adenoma of the adjacent thyroid were significant in the association between HPT and thyroid carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the association between thyroid carcinoma and HPT is coincidental and possibly related to the closer surveillance of the thyroid gland due to PTX and often concomitant removal of thyroid tissue. Patients with HPT and a history of head and neck irradiation are at increased risk of thyroid carcinoma. Cancer 1997; 79:1611-6. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Family instability and school readiness in the United Kingdom

I investigate the prevalence of family instability in the United Kingdom and its association with children's school readiness at age 5. Data are from three sweeps of the Millennium Cohort Study (2001-2007). Family instability is measured by mother's self-report of union status changes since her child's birth. Outcome measures include mother assessments of child behavior and standardized scores on cognitive assessments. Maternal education and household income explained the association of family instability with children's emotional behavior and nonverbal ability, but conduct problems and verbal ability remained associated with family instability after accounting for explanatory factors. Compared to children born to married parents, the verbal ability of children born to cohabiting parents was less affected by later family structure change.
Pre-dispersal seed predation in Central AmericanAcacia farnesiana: factors affecting the abundance of co-occurring bruchid beetles.

Pre-dispersal seed predation of the leguminousAcacia farnesiana byMimosestes nubigens andM. mimosae (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) was investigated in Santa Rosa National Park, northwestern Costa Rica. The purpose of the study was to determine the patterns of resource utilization by the seed predators and the mechanisms causing such patterns. Immature, mature, and fallen fruits were monitored during the dry seasons of 1987 and 1988 from different shrubs and areas. Parameters describing plant size, fecundity, and relative plant isolation were measured on each shrub. No evidence of spatial or temporal segregation was found between the two species and the intensity of seed predation was independent of the variables measured from each plant.M. mimosae was scarcer and always occurred withM. nubigens. Both were present in areas with low and high densities of the host plant, and the frequency distributions of their emergences from the fruits overlapped through the fruiting season.urosigalphus sp., a hymenopteran parasitoid, represented ca. 40% of all insect emergences in 1987 and ca. 30% in 1988. This wasp attacked a greater proportion of bruchid eggs on pods on the shrub than on pods beneath it, and more on green than on mature fruits. Parasitism thus appears to select against bruchid females that oviposit at an early stage of pod maturation. The harsh conditions of the dry season, namely heat and desiccation, also accounted for a high level of bruchid pre-emergence mortality, especially in fallen fruits, where survival from egg to adult was only about 18%. Beneath the shrubs, bruchid females exhibited selectivity, ovipositing more on pods in the shade than on those exposed to direct sunlight. In contrast to parasitoids, abiotic factors probably impose a selective force against those bruchid females that oviposit at a late stage of maturation or on pods already dropped. Both bruchid species can have more than one generation during the fruiting period. The intensity of seed predation did not, however, change during the season. The data obtained in this study suggest that factors like natural enemies and severe weather are more likely to limit the bruchid population densities than intra- or interspecific competition.
Determination of deoxycholic and cholic acids in bile

Abstract A method is described for the simultaneous quantitative determination of cholic acid and deoxycholic acid by ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry. The method is similar to the published procedure of Kier (2) with the exception that the bile acid samples to be analyzed are heated in 65% sulfuric acid at 60 °C. before measurement of the ultra-violet absorption. Under the conditions of the modified procedure, cholic acid has an absorption peak at 3200 A., while deoxycholic acid shows maximum absorption at 3850 A. The absorption spectra of sodium taurocholate and of other bile acids of physiological importance were also determined. The spectrophotometric method was tested by means of recovery experiments and by comparison with a chromatographic procedure.
Accentuated antagonism between beta-adrenergic and vagal effects on ventricular refractoriness in humans.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is accentuated antagonism between sympathetic and vagal effects on ventricular refractory periods (VRPs) in humans. The effects of 0.04 mg/kg of atropine on the right ventricular effective and functional refractory periods were determined in the setting of beta-adrenergic blockade by propranolol (0.15 mg/kg loading dose, then 0.1 mg/min continuous infusion, group 1) and in the setting of beta-adrenergic stimulation by 25 or 50 ng/kg/min isoproterenol (groups 2 and 3, respectively). Groups 4 to 6 served as control groups. In group 4, VRPs were determined on three occasions separated by 10 min each in the absence of drug. VRPs also were determined on two occasions after infusion of propranolol (group 5) or 25 ng/kg/min of isoproterenol (group 6). Groups 1 to 4 consisted of 10 subjects each, and groups 5 and 6 consisted of five subjects each. VRPs were determined with the use of basic drive cycle lengths of 600, 500, 400, and 350 msec. Because of sinus tachycardia, sufficient data for comparison of groups 1 to 3 were available only at drive cycle lengths of 400 and 350 msec. Atropine significantly shortened the VRPs in groups 1 to 3, but the magnitude of atropine's effects in group 3 (5.3% to 5.8% shortening at drive cycle length of 350 msec) was significantly greater than in group 1 (2.6% to 3.0% shortening, p less than .05) Data from the control groups demonstrated that there was no effect of time on measurement of VRPs either in the drug-free state or in the presence of propranolol or isoproterenol. The results of this study indicate that cholinergic tone lengthens VRPs in the absence of background sympathetic activity and that this lengthening of VRPs may become accentuated during beta-adrenergic stimulation.
The Effect of Race, Sex, and Career Goal Differences on Sex Role Attitudes at Home and at Work.

Abstract Male and female blacks and whites whose career goals differed as to sex role stereotypy were administered two sex role inventories. One measured attitudes toward women's expanding sex roles in the home/personal environment, while the other measured sex role attitudes in the working environment. The major finding of the present study is that black women had more traditional sex role attitudes in the home environment than white women but the same sex role attitudes about working, whereas both black and white women were more liberal in their sex role attitudes in both environments than black and white men.
Classification of Gaussian data with sieve-regularized estimates

Many classification problems use image or other high-dimensional data, and must be designed from training data. The design and analysis of such systems parameterized by unknown functions, based on a method of sieves to regularize the function estimates, is described. The test statistic is assumed to be the ideal test statistic with estimated functions substituted for the truth. The test statistic is decomposed into approximation error and estimation error components, providing analytical tools for determining the optimal sieve size.
Editorial: Vasodilator therapy of myocardial infarction.

Recent interest in pharmacologic interventions to alter the course of acute myocardial infarction has led to the consideration of arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance as factors controlling left ventricular function. In the first 24 hours after the onset of symptoms, the circulatory pattern of extensive transmural acute myocardial infarction is characterized by increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, reduced stroke volume and normal or even elevated arterial pressure.1 Maintenance of the arterial pressure in the face of a reduction in cardiac output implies an increase in peripheral resistance that may, in part, represent the vascular consequence of activation of the . . .
An extension of Chevalley's theorem to congruences modulo prime powers

Abstract Olson determined, for each finite abelian p-group G, the maximal length of a sequence of elements of G such that no subsequence has zero sum, thus settling (at least for these groups) a problem raised by Davenport in connection with factorization in number fields. This problem is equivalent to one on simultaneous linear congruences to which one seeks solutions with the variables restricted to the values 0 and 1. In the present note, the analogous problem for forms of arbitrary degree is settled, again with best possible results. The main tool is an extension of Chevalley's theorem on finite fields to congruences modulo prime powers. This in turn is deduced from Chevalley's theorem by a simple device which circumvents the use of Witt vectors.
Fuzzy-field extensions

Abstract We introduce the concept of fuzzy-field extension, linear disjointness for fuzzy-field extensions, and the composite of two fuzzy subfields. The concepts of pure inseparability and separability for fuzzy-field extensions are introduced.
SMALL‐SAMPLE DIF ESTIMATION USING LOG‐LINEAR SMOOTHING: A SIBTEST APPLICATION

The purpose of the current study was to examine whether log-linear smoothing of observed score distributions in small samples results in more accurate differential item functioning (DIF) estimates under the simultaneous item bias test (SIBTEST) framework. Data from a teacher certification test were analyzed using White candidates in the reference group and African American candidates in the focal group. Smoothed and raw DIF estimates from 100 replications under seven different sample-size conditions were compared to a criterion to determine the effect of smoothing on small-sample DIF estimation. Root-mean-squared deviation and bias were used to evaluate the accuracy of DIF detection in the smoothed versus raw data conditions. Results indicate that, for most studied items, smoothing the raw score distributions reduced variability and bias of the DIF estimates especially in the small-sample-size conditions. Implications of these results for actual testing programs and future directions for research are discussed.
Combustion wave propagation in mixtures of JSC-1A lunar regolith simulant with magnesium

Abstract Combustion of lunar regolith mixed with energetic additives is a potential method for production of construction materials in future moon missions. Recently, self-sustained combustion in the mixtures of JSC-1A lunar regolith and magnesium has been demonstrated. However, the concentration of magnesium in those mixtures was as high as 26 wt%. Note that magnesium must be either transported from Earth or recovered from lunar minerals or used structures. The present paper focuses on the minimization of magnesium content in JSC-1A/Mg mixtures. The mixtures were compacted into pellets and ignited in argon environment. Initial attempts to decrease magnesium concentration resulted in the observations of a spinning combustion wave at 23 wt% Mg. The observed spin combustion involved periodical motion of two counterpropagating hot spots along a helical path on the sample surface. These observations, including features such as formation of a faster hot spot after collision of the counterpropagating spots, confirm theoretical predictions for spin combustion in solid–solid mixtures. High-energy mechanical milling of JSC-1A in a planetary ball mill significantly increased its reactivity and improved combustion of its mixtures with magnesium. Mixtures of the obtained powder (the median diameter of about 3 μm) with 26 wt% Mg exhibit easy ignition and vigorous combustion. The minimum concentration of magnesium required for self-sustained propagation of a planar combustion front is as low as 13 wt%.
Hymenolepis diminuta in a gray squirrel from Indiana.

A single specimen of Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819) was recovered from a gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in Indiana. This represents the first confirmed report of this species of tapeworm in the gray squirrel.
Determination of metalloporphyrins in rocks, sediments and other geological materials using total reflectance spectrophotometry

This paper presents a high resolution method for obtaining diagnostic spectra of metalloporphyrins from geologic materials using total reflectance spectrophotometry. The technique is simple, straightforward and inexpensive, and does not require extracting the porphyrin from the material being investigated. Diffuse reflectance spectra from 250 to 850 nm have been measured for nickel, vanadium and copper porphyrins. Spectra of pure porphyrins, porphyrins mixed with geologic matrices and several hydrocarbon reservoir rocks are presented. These measurements may be valuable in determining the origin of organic material in rocks containing hydrocarbons.
Identification of membrane-bound carbonic anhydrase in white matter coated vesicles: the fate of carbonic anhydrase and other white matter coated vesicle proteins in triethyl tin-induced leukoencephalopathy.

We have extended our studies on the content of white matter derived coated vesicles (WMCVs) to show that they are enriched in membrane-bound carbonic anhydrase. Within the myelin complex membrane-bound carbonic anhydrase is concentrated in the periaxolemmal domain; however, this protein is enriched almost sevenfold in the bilayer of coated vesicles even relative to this myelin membrane region. These data suggest that some vesicles are derived from a site at which this enzyme is highly localized. The enrichment observed for membrane-bound carbonic anhydrase is unique since other periaxolemmal proteins such as CNPase and plasmolipin are only present in equal amounts in periaxolemmal-myelin fractions and WMCVs. Based on their known localization, the presence of CNPase coupled with the absence of MAG in WMCVs suggest that these vesicles are derived from the paranodal region. The identification in WMCVs of periaxolemmal-myelin proteins associated with ion and fluid movement, such as carbonic anhydrase, Na+, K+ ATPase, and the putative K+ channel protein plasmolipin, prompted us to examine the status of these vesicles in triethyl tin (TET)-induced myelin edema. Coated vesicles and other membrane fractions were isolated from whole brains of control and TET-treated rats. Whole brains were used so we could compare the effects of TET on WMCV proteins with the effect on proteins enriched in gray matter coated vesicles. The results indicated that TET had no detectable effect on compact or periaxolemmal-myelin, however, Western blot analysis showed that WMCV proteins, such as carbonic anhydrase, CNPase, and plasmolipin, were virtually absent or greatly diminished from the whole brain coated vesicle fraction. In contrast, gray matter coated vesicle proteins such as synaptophysin, SV2, and the general vesicle protein, cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor were unchanged. These results indicate that coated vesicles may be a useful probe for membrane changes associated with leukopathologies. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Use of Mini‐Case Studies to Illustrate Key Systems Engineering Principles

Robust systems architecture (SA) and systems engineering (SE) processes are necessary for the development of successful engineering systems. Many notable product failures can be traced to breakdowns in the architectural or systems engineering practices of the design team. Despite the increased emphasis being placed on systems engineering, many systems engineering textbooks and references focus on specific tools (such as requirements or interface management systems). The few case studies included in these works are typically not exhaustive. However, for individuals in a given working environment, developing expertise in a specific tool not used by one's workgroup adds little value. The presenters believe that it is more useful to help individuals cultivate an intuitive understanding of architectural and systems engineering issues. For that reason, they have augmented traditional SE textbooks and teaching resources with mini- and maxi-case studies. Using topics drawn from throughout human history (from ancient tombs and medieval cathedrals to the Airbus A380/Boeing 787 and NASA space missions), the presenters showcase both notable successes and failures. This enhances learning and retention of key topics and enables students to internalize key SA/SE principles. Cases may be presented using a variety of media (including PowerPoint slides, audio-visual presentations, or show-and-tell artifacts). They may be used as lead-ins to a traditional classroom lecture or as the kernel of a roundtable discussion among peers in the workplace. This tutorial will demonstrate the principles the presenters use to identify case study candidates, research methods used to develop the framework of the presentations, and techniques used to develop a holistic SE mindset. Several case studies will be interleaved with the presentation; one maxi-case (intended to be the focus of an entire class period) will be presented as the capstone of the tutorial.
Regional yield estimation using a crop simulation model: Concepts, methods, and validation

Crop simulation models are increasingly being used in the analysis of regional agricultural production systems. The purpose of this study was to develop and test an approach to estimate regional crop yields using a crop simulation model. Potential average annual maize (Zea mays L.) yields for the period 1960–1989 in the Eastern crop reporting district of Illinois were estimated using a maize simulation model. Historical climate data were used, and representative soil series, crop varieties, and planting times for this region were considered in the simulations. The simulated potential yield was adjusted for economically efficient nitrogen use, disease, insect, and harvest losses to derive a final regional simulated yield. The simulated yield for each year of the study was compared to the historical average yield levels obtained by farmers in the region. To assess the value of incorporating varying levels of soil and planting date information in the model, four scenarios were considered: (1) one soil, one planting date; (2) three soils, one planting date; (3) one soil, seven planting dates, and (4) three soils, seven planting dates. The most detailed scenarios, (3) and (4), provided the best estimation of maize yields.
Dysregulation of glutathione synthesis during cholestasis in mice: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Glutathione (GSH) provides important antioxidant defense and regulates multiple critical processes including fibrogenesis. There are conflicting literature studies regarding changes in GSH during cholestasis. Here we examined changes in the GSH synthetic enzymes during bile duct ligation (BDL) in mice and how treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and/or S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) affects the expression of these enzymes and liver injury. The hepatic expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) subunits and GSH synthase (GS) increased transiently after BDL but fell to 50% of baseline by 2 weeks. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) trans-activates gene expression by way of the antioxidant response element (ARE), which controls the expression of all three genes. Despite increased Nrf2 nuclear levels, Nrf2 nuclear binding to ARE fell 2 weeks after BDL. Nuclear levels of c-Maf and MafG, which can negatively regulate ARE, were persistently induced during BDL and the dominant proteins bound to ARE on day 14. UDCA and SAMe induced the expression of GCL subunits and raised GSH levels. They increased nuclear Nrf2 levels, prevented c-Maf and MafG induction, and prevented the fall in Nrf2 nuclear binding to ARE. Combined treatment had additive effects, reduced liver cell death, and prevented fibrosis. Conclusion: GSH synthesis falls during later stages of BDL due to lower expression of GSH synthetic enzymes. UDCA and SAMe treatment prevented this fall and combined therapy was more effective on preserving GSH levels and preventing liver injury. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Experimental study of a crossover from nonclassical to classical chemical kinetics: An elementary and reversible A+B C reaction-diffusion process in a capillary.

We study an elementary and reversible A+B\ensuremath{\leftrightarrows}C reaction-diffusion process with initially separated reagents, in a convectionless capillary, using an inorganic chemical reaction. We show that the dynamics of the system can be described in terms of a crossover between an ``irreversible regime'' and a ``reversible regime.'' We measured the critical exponents in both regimes. In the irreversible regime we demonstrate the nonclassical phenomena of reactant segregation and depletion-zone formation. In the reversible regime we observed the effect of a local equilibrium where the classical prediction is confirmed. The experimental results are in good agreement with values predicted by theory and simulation. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Acute alcohol intoxication in adolescents: frequency of respiratory depression.

, Abstract—Background: Adolescents and young adults are frequent users of alcohol. Younger patients may be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than their adult counterparts, and toxicity has been known to occur at lower doses. Respiratory depression is a serious adverse effect of alcohol intoxication; however, current monitoring practices may not adequately detect respiratory depression. Objective: Our objective was to determine the frequency of hypoventilation as measured by capnography among adolescents with acute alcohol intoxication. Our secondary objective was to determine if an association exists between alcohol levels and incidence of hypoventilation. Methods: This was a prospective observational pilot study of patients 14–20 years of age with acute alcohol intoxication. Blood or breath alcohol measurements were obtained on arrival. Hourly measurements of vital signs including capnography were recorded. Results: Sixty-five subjects were analyzed. Mean alcohol level was 185 mg/dL. Twenty-eight percent of subjects had episodes of hypoventilation. Episodes occurred in similar proportions on arrival and during the first 5 h of measurements. There was no difference in alcohol levels between subjects who did and did not hypoventilate (185 mg/dL vs. 186 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval 29 to 25). Oxygen desaturations occurred in 14 subjects and were associated with hypoventilation (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Hypoventilation is common among adolescents who are acutely intoxicated with alcohol. It is independent of alcohol level and occurs at a steady rate during the first several hours of intoxication. Capnography should be consideredasanadditionalmonitoringdevicetodetectthese episodes and enhance patient safety. 2013 Elsevier Inc.
Prodromal Symptoms in Adolescents with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Adolescents with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS) and Schizotypal Personality Disorder (SPD) are at increased risk for the development of psychosis based, respectively, on genetic or behavioral factors. Thus both groups would be expected to manifest heightened rates of the prodromal signs that typically precede psychosis. Although there are now standardized procedures for assessing prodromal symptoms, there has been little research on the manifestation of these symptoms in 22q11.2DS patients, and no studies of differences in prodromal symptom patterns between genetically and behaviorally defined at-risk groups. In this study, demographically matched groups of 23 SPD, 23 22q11.2DS, and 23 control participants were administered the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS). Both risk groups showed elevated positive, negative, disorganized, and general prodromal symptoms, as well as elevations on 10 of the same individual symptom items, relative to the control group. Approximately 60% of individuals in the 22q11.2DS group and 70% of individuals in the SPD group met symptom criteria for a prodromal psychosis syndrome. The 22q11.2DS group scored significantly higher than the SPD group on the "decreased ideational richness" item and showed a trend toward greater motor abnormalities. The results suggest that these two high-risk groups are similar in prodromal symptom presentation, possibly as a result of overlapping causal mechanisms, and that standardized measures of prodromal syndromes like the SIPS can be used to identify 22q11.2DS patients at greatest risk for conversion to psychosis.
Analysis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease infectious fractions by gel permeation chromatography and sedimentation field flow fractionation

Abstract Gel permeation chromatography and sedimentation field flow fractionation (SF3) were used to further analyze highly infectious fractions from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) infected hamster brain. These analyses defined the relative molecular mass and physical size of the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent with greater precision than previously possible. Highly purified disaggregated fractions yielded single, homogeneous Gaussian peaks with both methods. The relevant analytical peaks contained protein-nucleic acid complexes with an M r r of ~ 1.5 × 10 7 daltons and a mean radius of ~ 30 nm. The experimental evidence further solidifies the concept of an infectious agent that resembles a viral core rather than a simple protein.
Low Thermal Conductivity in Garnets

The thermal conductivity of dense, polycrystalline garnet ceramics with compositions of Y3AlxFe(5−x)O12(x = 0.0, 0.7, 1.4, and 5.0) was measured in the temperature range 23° to 1000°C. The high-temperature thermal conductivity of some of these garnets was found to be as low as 2.4 W·m-1K-1. The effects of temperature and composition on the observed thermal conductivity are discussed with reference to established theories of thermal conduction. The potential use of yttrium aluminum garnet or YAG (Y3Al5O12), in particular, for a specific application of advanced thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with improved durability is considered.
Complementary DNA cloning and analysis of carnation mottle virus RNA.

Abstract A 3850-base pair (bp) cDNA fragment, representing most of the carnation mottle virus (CarMV) genome, was molecularly cloned in Escherichia coli using a modification of the plasmid-primer method of Okayama and Berg ( H. Okayama and P. Berg (1982), Mol. Cell. Biol. 2, 161–170 ). Poly(dT)-tailed pUC8 was used to prime cDNA synthesis from polyadenylated CarMV RNA template. Oligo(dC) was added to the cDNA 3′ end, and second-strand synthesis was specifically primed using an oligo(dG)-tailed linker fragment. cDNA inserts of 3250 and 1950 by were identified from a clone bank as apparently overlapping and were fused at a common BglII restriction site to produce pCarMV-1C. Confirmation that this plasmid harbored CarMV cDNA sequences was achieved by Southern blot hybridization with a randomly primed cDNA probe. Nick-translated pCarMV-1C was used to probe virion and total single-stranded RNA extracts from infected Chenopodtium quinoa leaves by “Northern” blot hybridization. Besides the full-length genomic RNA, two additional species of approximately 1600 and 1750 bases were associated with CarMV. Based on a series of Northern blots with nick-translated subclones derived from pCarMV-1C as probes, these subgenomic RNAs were found to originate from the 3′ domain of the virus genome.
Is every cycle basis fundamental

A collection of (simple) cycles in a graph is called fundamental if they form a basis for the cycle space and if they can be ordered such that Cj(C1 U … U Cj-1) ≠ O for all j. We characterize by excluded minors those graphs for which every cycle basis is fundamental. We also give a constructive characterization that leads to a (polynomial) algorithm for recognizing these graphs. In addition, this algorithm can be used to determine if a graph has a cycle basis that covers every edge two or more times. An equivalent dual characterization for the cutset space is also given.
Are Household Services Overvalued

. It has been argued that estimates of the magnitude of household services relative to the Gross National Product (GNP) are generally overstated. Although under certain conditions this conclusion is justified, the explanations given are sometimes questionable. It is shown here that when overstatements do occur it is due to the need for valuation adjustments rather than quantity adjustments to the estimates. Moreover, depending on the points to be demonstrated it is equally correct to express such estimates as a percentage of the GNP or as a percentage of GNP plus household services. Some have argued to the contrary. It is further shown here that when valuations are adjusted to reflect labor market conditions and other factors, estimates of household services are reduced considerably.
The equivalent generator components of uniform double layers

An analytic approach is described for resolving a uniform double layer with known rim configuration into a series of equivalent generator components. Using the principles developed in this report, it should be possible to estimate the intrinsic electrocardiographic characteristics of ventricular depolarization in the dog heart from available physiological data. In the case of a double layer with planar rim, the first three orders of approximation (dipolar, quadripolar, and octapolar) can be completely specified from the following properties of the plane area enclosed by the rim: magnitude of the area, direction cosines of a normal line, location of the center of gravity, and the momental ellipse of the area. All quadripolar components and position-variable octapolar components disappear when the coordinate origin coincides with the centroid of the rim area. In the non-planar case, an electrical center is specified for which three of the five quadripolar components vanish, and the residual second-order effects due to non-planarity may be equated withX-,Y-, andZ-oriented axial quadripoles. Non-planarity affects octapolar components also, but in a less easily defined manner.
Top‐down and bottom‐up influences on demographic rates of Antarctic fur seals Arctocephalus gazella

Two major drivers in population dynamics are bottom-up processes, such as environmental factors that affect foraging success, and the top-down impacts of predation. Many populations of marine mammal and seabird species appear to be declining in response to reductions in prey associated with the bottom-up effects of climate change. However, predation, which usually occurs at sea and is difficult to observe, may also play a key role. We analysed drivers of population dynamics of Antarctic fur seals Arctocephalus gazella at Cape Shirreff from 1997 to 2009, including a predator that targets pre-weaned pups and bottom-up environmental effects in an ecosystem particularly sensitive to small changes in temperature. We use Bayesian mark-recapture analysis to demonstrate that although large-scale environmental variability affects annual adult survival and reproduction, first year survival appears to be driving the current decline in this population (as defined by a decline in the annual number of pups born). Although the number of pups increased during the first third of the study, first year survival and recruitment of those pups in later years was very low. Such low survival may be driven by leopard seal Hydrurga leptonyx predation, particularly prior to weaning. Our results suggest that without leopard seal predation, this population would most likely increase in size, despite the observed bottom-up effects of climate changes on adult vital rates. More broadly, our results show how age-targeted predation could be a major factor in population decline of K-selected colonial breeders.
Mechanical properties of surface-functionalized SWCNT/epoxy composites

Abstract Well-dispersed epoxy/single-walled carbon nanotube (epoxy/SWCNT) composites were prepared by oxidization and functionalization of the SWCNT surfaces using polyamidoamine generation-0 (PAMAM-0) dendrimer. For comparison purposes, neat epoxy, epoxy/PAMAM-0 and epoxy/pristine-SWCNTs were also prepared. The morphology and mechanical properties of the above composite systems were investigated and correlated with the surface characteristics of SWCNTs. It is found that surface functionalization can effectively improve the dispersion and adhesion of SWCNTs in epoxy. This leads to enhancement in mechanical properties of epoxy, but the improvement is not as significant as expected. It is also found that surface functionalization agent will have an undesirable effect on the physical and mechanical properties of epoxy/SWCNT composites. Issues regarding optimization of mechanical properties of epoxy/SWCNT composites are discussed.
Flight Test of an L(sub 1) Adaptive Controller on the NASA AirSTAR Flight Test Vehicle

This paper presents results of a flight test of the L-1 adaptive control architecture designed to directly compensate for significant uncertain cross-coupling in nonlinear systems. The flight test was conducted on the subscale turbine powered Generic Transport Model that is an integral part of the Airborne Subscale Transport Aircraft Research system at the NASA Langley Research Center. The results presented are for piloted tasks performed during the flight test.
Specific Gut Commensal Flora Locally Alters T Cell Tuning to Endogenous Ligands

Differences in gut commensal flora can dramatically influence autoimmune responses, but the mechanisms behind this are still unclear. We report, in a Th1-cell-driven murine model of autoimmune arthritis, that specific gut commensals, such as segmented filamentous bacteria, have the ability to modulate the activation threshold of self-reactive T cells. In the local microenvironment of gut-associated lymphoid tissues, inflammatory cytokines elicited by the commensal flora dynamically enhanced the antigen responsiveness of T cells that were otherwise tuned down to a systemic self-antigen. Together with subtle differences in early lineage differentiation, this ultimately led to an enhanced recruitment of pathogenic Th1 cells and the development of a more severe form of autoimmune arthritis. These findings define a key role for the gut commensal flora in sustaining ongoing autoimmune responses through the local fine tuning of T-cell-receptor-proximal activation events in autoreactive T cells.