cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Channel catfish liver monooxygenases: Immunological characterization of constitutive cytochromes P450 and the absence of active flavin-containing monooxygenases

Multiple drugs and pesticides are used in the aquaculture of channel catfish in the Southeastern United States. However, little is known regarding the enzymatic metabolism of these chemicals in the fish. Western blots, utilizing polyclonal antibodies raised against five purified rainbow trout liver cytochrome P450 enzymes, revealed at least two protein bands that were approximately 50 kDa (CATL-1) and 53 kDa (CATL-2). Anti-trout LMC3 and LMC4 only hybridized with the 53 kDa protein, whereas anti-trout LMC1, LMC2, and LMC5 recognized both proteins. Cytochrome P450-catalyzed activities (testosterone and progesterone hydroxylases) associated with LMC1 and LMC5 were also found in catfish liver microsomes. These data suggest that at least two constitutive forms of cytochrome P450 are present in the liver of juvenile channel catfish. Western blots utilizing antibodies raised against rabbit-lung flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMO) showed hybridization with two proteins from rainbow trout liver microsomes, but no cross-reaction with microsomes from catfish liver. N,N,-Dimethylaniline N-oxidase and methimazole oxidase were observed in microsomes from trout, but were absent in catfish liver microsomes prepared in three different laboratories. Consequently, FMO do not appear to be present in liver microsomes from channel catfish or they are rapidly degraded during tissue homogenization.
The Solar Sources of Geoeffective Structures

We review our current understanding of the solar sources of interplanetary structures that result in geomagnetic disturbances, especially storms. These sources have been broadly classified as: 1) transient or sporadic, or 2) recurrent, although we now know that these categories are not exclusive. Transients usually refer to coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Recurrence refers to disturbances that repeat with the 27-day synodic rotation period of the Sun. CMEs are expulsions of large quantities of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona. The occurrence rate of CMEs approximately follows that of the solar (sunspot) activity cycle. Recurrent sources are usually attributed to high-speed solar wind streams emanating from coronal holes. However, compression at the leading edge of the stream as it runs into the higher-density slow flow surrounding the heliospheric current sheet leads to a corotating interaction region (CIR), and it is passage of the CIR, not the high speed flow, that results in enhanced recurrent geomagnetic disturbances. Moreover, the largest recurrent geomagnetic storms are actually caused by CMEs caught up in the CIRs.
Reactions of FeS2, CoS2, and NiS2 Electrodes in Molten LiCl ‐ KCl Electrolytes

The electrochemistry of the , , and electrode phases in molten electrolyte at 400°C was studied using cyclic voltammetry at sweep rates of 0.02–1 mV/sec. Emf's, polarization characteristics, and nucleation overpotentials were obtained for each major electrode reaction; the anodic nucleation overpotentials increased with emf for all three electrodes. The disulfide electrodes lost sulfur during the extended cyclic‐voltammetry tests. These losses appear to be associated with a nonequilibrium species that is involved in the electrochemical formation of the disulfides from their precursors.
Periodic orbits in trigonometric series

A method is given for the study of families of periodic motion using trigonometric series to represent the individual solutions. The continuous deformations of a periodic orbit along a family are represented by the variations of the trigonometric coefficients with respect to a parameter.
Decreased glutamate uptake in subcortical areas deafferented by sensorimotor cortical ablation in the cat

Evidence that L-glutamate is a neurotransmitter of corticofugal fibers was sought by measuring changes in several biochemical markers of neurotransmitter function after pericruciate (sensorimotor) ablations in cats. Two weeks after cortical ablation, samples from various brain regions were analyzed for high affinity uptake of glutamate, gama- aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, alanine, and tyrosine. Amino acid levels and the activity of choline acetyltransferase (CAT) also were determined. High affinity glutamate uptake is decreased relative to the opposite side in areas of the nervous system which lost a predominantly unilateral corticofugal projection. These areas include the caudate nucleus, ventrolateral thalamic nucleus, red nucleus, basis pontis, and cervical and lumbar spinal cord. No significant changes were found in the uptake of other amino acids or in CAT in these regions. Changes in the levels of amino acids were significant only in ventrolateral thalamus where there was a 33% decrease in glutamate on the deafferented side. The data suggest that L-glutamate is a neurotransmitter of corticofugal fibers to many subcortical areas related to motor control.
Herbivore pressure on goldenrod (Solidago altissima L., Asteraceae): its effects on herbivore resistance and vegetative reproduction

Summary 1. Ecological and physiological costs of resistance to herbivory are core concepts in the study of plant–insect interactions, but identifying them remains challenging. These costs are most obvious when trade-offs in resource allocation occur between different growth and resistance traits. 2. We used plant genotypes collected from long-term herbivore exclusion plots and from plots with natural herbivory. We evaluated putative trade-offs between resistance to two different herbivore species (the larvae of the beetle Trirhabda virgata and the moth Spodoptera exigua), and between resistance and growth as a potential outcome of differential natural selection. 3. We hypothesized that long-term exclusion of herbivores would result in differential natural selection on plant resistance traits that are expressed by marked differences in mean resistance between plants from populations with and without herbivores. The results supported this hypothesis. Genotypes from herbivore exclusion plots were less resistant to the more common herbivore in the system, T. virgata, than genotypes from control plots. In contrast, the genotypes from the two herbivory regimes were equally resistant to the rarer S. exigua caterpillars. As a consequence, resistance to one herbivore species did not correlate with resistance to another, suggesting independent evolution of resistance to multiple herbivores. 4. Plant growth correlated positively with resistance to Trirhabda, but not to Spodoptera, and only in plants from herbivore exclusion plots, leading us to reject the hypothesis of a growth resistance trade-off. 5. Synthesis. Our results suggest that correlations between growth and resistance are context dependent and may only be apparent in populations relieved from certain natural pressures, such as in natural populations relieved from natural selection by herbivores.
Performance-oriented decomposition of sequential circuits

A synthesis procedure which partitions a given finite state machine (FSM) into an interconnection of submachines in order to improve the timing performance of the circuit is presented. A decomposition via factorization which decomposes a given machine of any size by extracting and merging groups of states having similar I/O transition edges and representing them in separate submachines is discussed. These submachines are interconnected in a parallel, but interactive, fashion to realize the original terminal behavior. Timing improvements are achieved by optimally identifying and sharing common logic blocks in the eventual realization of a given FSM. The complete procedure operates solely at the state transition graph level, thus constituting a high-level, or global timing optimization step in the synthesis of FSMs. Results which illustrate the efficacy of this procedure are presented. Based on a set of benchmark examples, the factorization procedure, on the average, decreases the critical-path delays of the original FSMs by 26% while keeping the area increase in the decomposed FSMs within 33% under both two-level and multilevel logic implementations. >
Detecting phase coupling of sleep EEG via bispectra

Bispectral analyses were utilized to study the rat electroencephalogram (EEG) to extract information regarding phase coupling. The results indicate that the EEG recorded from the hippocampus exhibits a strong phase coupling between frequencies in the theta band (6-8 Hz) primarily during REM sleep, while the cortical EEG exhibits a weak coupling between flow frequencies in the delta band (0-3 Hz) during quiet-waking. The degree of phase coupling was further quantified using the biocoherence function. This study provides data not available from traditional power-spectral analysis. >
Out on the Slopes: Activism, Identity, and Money in Whistler’s Gay Ski Week, 1992-2012

In twenty years, Whistler's gay ski week grew from a handful of skiers into the largest gay ski week in the world and the largest annual event for Whistler resort. Academics have ignored Whistler’s gay ski week and similar events elsewhere in North America and Europe, preferring to focus on urban grassroots LGBT organizations. An analysis of the growth of Whistler’s gay ski week not only illuminates a forgotten piece of British Columbia’s queer history, it also complicates the common assertion that the relationship between the marketplace and LGBT civil rights will ultimately undercut the goals of the LGBT civil rights movement.
Heart disease and single-vitamin supplementation

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States and has long been recognized to be multifactorial. A growing body of evidence suggests that not only free radical-mediated reactions but also inflammatory responses play major roles in atherogenesis. Vitamin E has both antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties and is the most widely studied vitamin in clinical trials and thus will be the primary example used in this review. Clinical trials of vitamin E efficacy, in hindsight, have been overly optimistic in their expectation that a vitamin could reverse poor dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle as well as provide benefit beyond that of pharmaceutical agents in treating heart disease. However, it is also apparent that most Americans do not consume dietary amounts adequate to meet established vitamin E requirements. In response to oxidative stressors, vitamin E can decrease biomarkers of lipid peroxidation, is itself killed, and requires optimal vitamin C status to function most effectively. Thus, adequate vitamin E intakes are clearly needed, but what is adequate for what function has yet to be defined. It is noteworthy that in most trials, biomarkers were not used nor were oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation markers used or plasma vitamin E concentrations measured.
Decomposing, Comparing, and Synthesizing Access Control Expressiveness Simulations

Access control is fundamental to computer security, and has thus been the subject of extensive formal study. In particular, relative expressiveness analysis techniques have used formal mappings called simulations to explore whether one access control system is capable of emulating another, thereby comparing the expressive power of these systems. Unfortunately, the notions of expressiveness simulation that have been explored vary widely, which makes it difficult to compare results in the literature, and even leads to apparent contradictions between results. Furthermore, some notions of expressiveness simulation make use of non-determinism, and thus cannot be used to define mappings between access control systems that are useful in practical scenarios. In this work, we define the minimum set of properties for an implementable access control simulation, i.e., a deterministic "recipe" for using one system in place of another. We then define a wide range of properties spread across several dimensions that can be enforced on top of this minimum definition. These properties define a taxonomy that can be used to separate and compare existing notions of access control simulation, many of which were previously incomparable. We position existing notions of simulation within our properties lattice by formally proving each simulation's equivalence to a corresponding set of properties. Lastly, we take steps towards bridging the gap between theory and practice by exploring the systems implications of points within our properties lattice. This shows that relative expressive analysis is more than just a theoretical tool, and can also guide the choice of the most suitable access control system for a specific application or scenario.
Video Deficit in Toddlers’ Object Retrieval: What Eye Movements Reveal About Online Cognition

The purpose of this study was to determine whether toddlers exhibit different eye-movement patterns when watching real events versus video demonstrations in an object-retrieval task. Twenty-four-month-olds (N = 36) searched for a sticker on a felt board after watching an experimenter hide it behind a felt object in person or via video. Eye movements during the hiding event were recorded. Compared to those watching in-person events, children watching video spent more time looking at the target location overall, yet they had relatively poor search performance. Visual attention to the target location predicted search performance in the video condition only; children who watched in-person hiding events had high success rates even if they paid relatively little visual attention to the correct location. Findings are consistent with the hypothesis that toddlers process information more quickly for in-person (versus video) events, enabling them to learn as well (or better) despite relatively low selective attention. Thus, relatively poor encoding, as well as memory retrieval, may underlie the video deficit.
Raman spectroscopic study of barium fluorapatite

The vibrations of phosphate (PO 4 -3 ) ions in single crystals of hexagonal Ba 5 (PO 4 ) 3 F have been investigated by means of polarized Raman scattering and compared to Raman frequencies observed in fluorapatite analogs Sr 5 (PO 4 ) 3 F and Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 F. The Raman vibrational frequencies decrease upon substitution of Ba 2+ for Sr 2+ or Ca 2+ in the lattice, asymptotically approaching the Raman frequencies for vibrations of the free ion. The observed splitting is in accord with predictions made by a group theory analysis of the factor group of the unit cell. The effects of the host lattice environment on the magnitude of the Davydov splittings and frequency shifts of phosphate ions within different crystals with the fluorapatite structure are demonstrated to be inversely proportional to the unit cell volume.
Heavy-ion cascade effects on radiation-induced segregation kinetics in Cu-1%Au alloys

Abstract Various dual ion irradiations were conducted to investigate the effect of heavy-ion cascades on the fluxes of freely migrating defects which drive radiation-induced segregation (RIS) in Cu–1at.%Au alloys. In situ Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) was used to measure the RIS suppression effect of heavy-ion bombardment (with 300-keV Al + , 800-keV Cu + , and 1.2-MeV Ag + ) on 1.5-MeV He + -RIS of Au in the near-surface region of the alloy during concurrent He + and heavy-ion irradiations at 400°C. Results demonstrated that the suppression of He + -RIS correlated well with the cascade volume produced by concurrent Al + , Cu + , and Ag + irradiation per second and was independent of the weighted average primary recoil energy. Model calculations of the kinetics of RIS during dual beam irradiation were also performed and compared with the measurements. Information regarding the energetics of freely migrating point defects and their relative production efficiencies was obtained from systematic fitting. Using the values previously reported for the energies of formation and migration for vacancies and interstitials in Cu, the binding and migration energies of Au-interstitial and Au-vacancy complexes in the alloy were found to be −0.14, 0.15, and 0.03 and 0.76 eV, respectively. The respective derived efficiencies of freely migrating defect production by energetic He + , Al + , Cu + , and Ag + ions were 0.25, 0.12, 0.09, and 0.08.
SYMPOSIUM Experimental Biology 1995 Endothelin Receptors: Role in Renal Function and Dysfunction SIGNALLING PATHWAYS ACTIVATED BY ENDOTHELIN STIMULATION OF RENAL CELLS

SUMMARY 1. Endothelin mediates its effects in a variety of renal cells via a multiplicity of intracellular signalling pathways. 2. Stimulation of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), resulting in the activation of inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol, can be detected even at picomolar concentrations of peptide. 3. Endothelin activation of cPLA2 is sensitive to ambient [Ca2+]i, is not contingent upon protein kinase C activation and is independent of PI-PLC stimulation, being coupled to the endothelin receptor in a yet to be determined manner. 4. Activation by endothelin of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D is under the dual regulation of protein kinase C and [Ca2+]i, with protein kinase C being the major regulator and [Ca2+]i playing a secondary, modulatory role. 5. Phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) is stimulated by endothelin and accounts for the prolonged activation of diacylglycerol by this peptide. PC-PLC activity is critically dependent upon [Ca2+]i, whereas protein kinase C plays no role in modulating the activity of this enzyme. 6. Endothelin enhances the phosphorylation of protein tyrosine kinases, with evidence that phosphorylation of pp60 Src may be an important early event.
Oscillations in scattered 4He+ ion yield curves from HgCdTe

Abstract Ion scattering spectra using 4 He + from Te and from epitaxial HgCdTe on CdTe were measured. A nearly smooth featureless curve was obtained for 4 He + → Te in the metal, but in the HgCdTe the 4 He + → Te curve showed oscillatory fine structure similar to that obtained from Sn. Apparently the Te molecular orbital energies have changed allowing quasiresonant interactions between ion and atom. Ion scattering spectrometry may provide bonding information as well as elemental analysis capability.
Orthopedic manifestations and implications for individuals with Costello syndrome

Costello syndrome is a rare genetic condition caused by heterozygous alterations in HRAS and characterized by multi-system abnormalities. Individuals with Costello syndrome usually present with severe feeding difficulties in infancy, short stature, coarse facial features, increased tumor risks, cardiac and neurological complications, intellectual disability and orthopedic complications. This study further defines the orthopedic manifestations affecting individuals with Costello syndrome. We studied 43 participants and performed medical records review, clinical examinations and orthopedic inquiry forms. In 23 participants, hip and or spinal imaging assessments were completed. Serial radiographs were analyzed when available. A total of 25 orthopedic manifestations were identified. Ten manifestations were seen in the majority of the participants: hypotonia (87%), ligamentous laxity (85%), scoliosis (63%), kyphosis (58%), characteristic hand deformities (85%), ulnar deviation of the wrist (63%), elbow (55%) and shoulder contractures (65%), tight Achilles tendon (73%), and pes planus (53%). Other characteristics of special note were hip dysplasia (45%), foot deformities requiring surgical intervention (38%) and osteopenia/osteoporosis (47%). We also studied the development of the hips and spine. Uni- or bilateral hip dysplasia was congenital in some, while it developed throughout childhood in others. Spinal involvement included scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, and curvature reversal (thoracic lordosis and lumbar kyphosis). Based on these findings, we recommend routine referral to an orthopedic surgeon as well as instituting screening protocols for hips and spine for individuals with Costello syndrome.
STRESS FACTORS IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANES ERIN AND OPAL : DATA FROM SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Hurricanes Erin and Opal struck the same coastal region in the Northwest Florida Panhandle in late summer of 1995. The study examined the stressors that most affected small businesses in the region in the aftermath of the storms. Power outages, telephone disruptions, employees' availability, debris removal, and lack of customers were the major problem areas reported by business owners (N = 57 of 500 potential respondents). The results indicate that most of the stress factors were transitory and the findings are discussed in light of Murphy's 1985 conceptual model of disaster research.
Synthesis of marine humic substances from unsaturated lipids

The origin and structure of the dissolved blue-fluorescent yellow organic substances (Gelbstoff) in seawater have long eluded characterization1. The fact that this class of organic matter, which comprises 10–50% of the organic carbon in the sea2, became known as marine humus (fulvic and humic acids) has led to much confusion because of the implied relationship with soil humus3. Based on chemical and spectral studies of oceanic and coastal humus we recently proposed a class structure and a mechanism by which these marine humic substances could form2. The hypothesis was that they are water soluble, aliphatic organic acids formed by the autoxidative cross-linking of two or more unsatur-ated lipids released into seawater. We have now confirmed that hypothesis by allowing pure marine lipids and a diatom to autoxidize in seawater in the laboratory. We report here that the yellow substances obtained are similar in all respects to marine humus.
The influence of jurors' perceptions of auditor tenure on blame

Abstract This study investigates whether jurors' judgments of auditor blameworthiness are influenced by the length of an auditor's tenure with a client. We use an experiment to determine whether tenure affects juror perceptions of an auditor's competence and independence. We then examine whether these perceptions influence the attribution of blame. Results, consistent with both sides of the mandatory auditor rotation debate, indicate that tenure has a positive impact on perceptions of competence and a negative impact on perceptions of independence. Further, as juror perceptions of the auditor's competence and independence decrease, attributions of blame increase. These results have implications for auditor tenure research as well as for auditors involved in litigation. By utilizing structural equation analysis, we find that the effects of auditor tenure on perceptions of audit quality are complex. Perceptions of both competence and independence are significantly related to extended tenure; however, these perceptions independently affect the assignment of blame. While longer tenure improves perceptions of competence and lessens blame, it decreases perceptions of independence resulting in greater blame. From a litigation perspective, the auditor's tenure with a client is a double-edged sword that must be addressed strategically in court.
A reconsideration of the shadow response of a larval crustacean

The objectives of the study were to determine whether the shadow response and phototaxis of stage I zoeae of the crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii occurred in an optical arrangement that simulated the natural underwater angular light distribution. Negative but not positive phototaxis was observed in a natural light field. The shadow response did occur and consists of an initial sinking response followed by negative phototaxis. The sinking response was initiated by relative rates of light intensity decrease which were much faster than rates at sunset, while negative phototaxis occurred at a particular intensity level. At the termination of the descent during the shadow response, larvae reversed direction and showed a pronounced negative geotaxis, which is hypothesized to represent a depth maintenance response.
Nanowire array for wireless neural probe: modeling and simulation

Recent advances in nanotechnology have stimulated a renewed interest in multisite recording of electrical activity of network of neurons, particularly using nanobiomaterials. This paper presents the simulation of electrical response of neurons cultured on microelectrode arrays based on the electronic equivalent model using Cadence PSD 15.0. The results were compared with those previously published models such as Kupfmuller and Jenik's model, McGrogan's Neuron Model which are based on the Hodgkin and Huxley model. We have developed and equivalent circuit model using discrete passive components to simulate the electrical activity of the neurons. It is observed that present equivalent model gives more accurate results with short computation time.
Enzymatic spectrophotometric assay for dihydroorotic acid in serum and urine

Eine enzymatische, spektrophotometrische Bestimmungsmethode fur Dihydroorotsaure im Urin und Serum wird beschrieben.
The Effect of Markovian and Discrete-Climate Assumptions on the Performance Analysis of Solar Heating Systems

Abstract Analysis of the performance of a solar heating system is considered by means of a first-order Markov chain model for climatic and thermal-balance conditions. Computational limitations require extremely restrictive modeling for the climate, involving constant ambient temperature and two-valued discretization of insolation. Despite the restrictiveness of the assumptions, the results closely match those from dynamic simulations of system performance.
Sovereign wealth funds and national security: the Great Tradeoff

One of the most striking financial developments in recent years was the emergence of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) – large publicly owned investment portfolios, which until recently were growing rapidly in both number and size. In a global environment already roiled by a prolonged credit crisis, SWFs raise tricky and potentially controversial new questions for international financial regulation. One issue of concern to many in host countries is the possibility that some SWFs might be used for overt or tacit political purposes, posing a challenge for global monetary governance: a Great Tradeoff between, on the one hand, the world community’s collective interest in sustaining the openness of capital markets; and on the other hand, the legitimate national security concerns of individual host countries. Can some balance between the two be found that will be both stable and acceptable to all concerned? Individually as well as collectively, recipient countries have begun to address the regulatory challenge directly. To date, however, accomplishments have been slight and have failed to stem a noticeable drift toward financial protectionism. A review of some recent proposals suggests that there is no foolproof solution to the Great Tradeoff. But the potential for controversy could be significantly reduced by a negotiated agreement among host governments addressing three key issues: (1) definitions; (2) risk assessment; and (3) dispute resolution. The most logical venue for such an exercise would be the OECD, building on its already extensive experience with international investment issues.
Perceptual category mapping between English and Korean prevocalic obstruents: Evidence from mapping effects in second language identification skills

Abstract The current study develops an approach to quantify the extent to which native language (L1) categories are used in second language (L2) category identification, and uses this approach to examine the identification of a set of English obstruents by Korean learners of English as a foreign language. Forty native Koreans listened to nonsense English CV words consisting of /p b t d f v θ ð/ and /a/, and were asked to identify the consonant with both Korean and English labeling. They also gave gradient evaluations of the goodness of the Korean labels to the stimuli. The results of the Korean labeling task were analyzed to predict what confusion patterns would be expected if listeners used L1 categories and probabilistically mapped them onto L1 category responses. Results show the perceptual patterns of L2 stops can be successfully predicted by use of L1 categories alone if the listeners’ goodness rating scores were used to weight the probabilistic mapping from L1 to L2 in the predictions. Accuracy for other segments, such as /p/ and /f/, was higher than predicted. In general, this increase in accuracy over what is predicted from the L1 mapping data was negatively correlated with the average goodness-of-fit to the Korean. These results provide quantitative corroboration of acquisition models claiming that some L2 categories can function by using existing L1 categories alone while others must be indicative of the addition of a new linguistic category.
Packing a Box with Bricks

(See [2]. The problem is C/i on p. 14; a combinatorial solution is given on pp. 99-100.) Suppose the hole in the wall is replaced by a box. If the box is assumed to have a fixed orientation (as in Problem 1 below), packing the box is identical to filling the hole. However, in box-packing it seems natural to take rigid motions into account. That is, we consider two packings to be the same if a rigid motion of the box transforms one packing into the other. (See Problem 2 below.) In this note, we present a solution of Problem 2 based on Burnside's Theorem and our matrix algebra solution of Problem 1. Our approach illustrates an interaction among several areas of undergraduate mathematics: geometry, combinatorics, linear algebra, and group theory.
Diffusion and electrotransport of carbon in γ-phase iron-nickel alloys

The diffusivity and electrotransport behavior of carbon in an iron-32.5 wt pct nickel alloy was investigated for the temperature range of 1220 to 1415 K for two carbon concentrations. The electrical resistivity was measured as a function of temperature between room temperature and 1625 K for carbon contents of 0.002, 0.10, and 0.21 wt pct. Values for the activation energy for diffusion of 32.0 ± 5.8 and 36.0 ± 5.2 kcal per mole were determined for alloys containing 0.10 and 0.21 wt pct carbon respectively, with slightly smaller values being found for the activation energy for electrotransport. The sign of the effective valence indicates that carbon migrates toward the cathode.
Engineering Core Analysis

Core analysis has come a long way from the days when reservoir productivity was determined by blowing through a piece of cable-tool-produced core. Core analysis today uses X-ray computerized tomography (CT) to determine two- and three-dimensional porosity distributions, while continuing to apply Boyle's law and Archimedes' principle to determine porosity. Mercury injection is used routinely to descrobe pore throat distributions, but nuclear magnetic resonence (NMR) is becoming a popular method to delineate relationships between pore radii and permeability.
Image-guided drainage versus antibiotic-only treatment of pelvic abscesses: short-term and long-term outcomes

Objective To determine the efficacy of image-guided drainage versus antibiotic-only treatment of pelvic abscesses. Design Retrospective cohort analysis. Setting An academic, inner-city medical center. Patient(s) Women ages 11–49, admitted between 1998 and 2008 with ICD9 code 614.x (inflammatory diseases of ovary, fallopian tube, pelvic cellular tissue, and peritoneum). Intervention(s) Medical records search, chart review, and phone survey. Main Outcome Measure(s) Surgical intervention. Result(s) We identified 6,151 initial patients, of whom 240 patients met inclusion criteria. Of the included patients, 199 women received antibiotic-only treatment, and 41 received additional image-guided drainage. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index, parity, incidence of diabetes, obesity, endometriosis, or history of sexually transmitted infection excluding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Abscesses in the drainage cohort were noted to be larger in dimension (5.9 cm vs. 8.5 cm); 16.1% of patients who received antibiotics alone required surgical intervention versus only 2.4% of the drainage cohort. Patients who received drainage had longer hospital stays, but the time from treatment to discharge was similar in both groups (7.4 days vs. 6.7 days). We successfully contacted 150 patients, and the differences in long-term pregnancy outcomes, pain, or infertility were not statistically significant. Conclusion(s) Patients who received antibiotics alone were more likely to require further surgical intervention when compared with patients who additionally received image-guided drainage. There were no observable long-term differences.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Draft Medium-Term Plan ( 1977-1982)

Nuntempaj disputoj pri la politikoj de Unesko eble helpas klarigi gian emon, eviti novajn disputojn pri lingvaj problemoj. La provizora piano de Unesko celas akceli la kondicojn por egaleca kaj partopren-plena mond-ordo, sed gnerale neglektas la obstaklojn lingvajn. Gi volas forigi la analfabetecon sed ne garantii la por tio necesan rajton, lerni skriblegi en la lingvo denaska. oi volas apogi la afrikajn Iingvojn, sed ne difini la rolojn ludendajn de ili post la periodo de apogado. Gi antauvidas novan homan rajton - la 'rajton komuniki' - sed ne mencias la lingvajn barojn. Gi volas plibonigi la edukadon kaj la eblecojn de amasa aktivado en la kultura vivo - ree sen indiko pri la lingvaj aspektoj.La piano tusetas lingvajn rajtojn, lingvajn problemojn de rifugintoj, la neceson pli tradukigi librojn ktp, sed ne montras komprenon pri la profunda penetro de lingvaj problemoj en la aferojn, kiujn gi celas influi. La plej granda espero estas, ke la lingvajn aspektojn prilumos la pluraj antauvidataj konferencoj kaj sciencaj studoj.
Research guiding principles in modern physics: Case studies in elementary particle physics

Some case studies in elementary particle physics are presented in this work, that can be used for the critical appraisal of specific criteria which were proposed to account for the development of Heisenberg's work. It is attempted to define the philosophical problems associated with and emerging from the structures of theories, rather than analyse the philosophical aspects of concepts used in elementary particle physics. This necessitates the discussion of the relationship between theory and experiment, and the role of the mathematical framework being used. The question of elementarity is studied in this connection. Popper's tetradic schema and his concept of world three are modified, and it is shown that the new schema can accommodate the development of certain research programs in a much more satisfactory manner. As a result of the systematic treatment of specific research programs, the principle of contextual re-interpretation is expanded by specifying the different kinds of interpretations at the various stages of development of theories. It is also shown that principles such as those of simplicity and beauty can be understood in terms of the mathematical structure of the theories, and their methodological importance is emphasized.
Ground state properties of dilute classical fcc Heisenberg antiferromagnets with nearest‐neighbor interactions

We investigate the ground state properties of a classical fcc Heisenberg antiferromagnet with nearest‐neighbor interactions. It is assumed that a fraction x of the sites are occupied at random. The ground state energy and rms magnetization are obtained as a function of x for 0.1⩽x⩽1. Numerical calculations are carried out on finite arrays of 102−103 spins. Equilibrium configurations are obtained by successively rotating each spin into the direction of its local field. Unusual features of the ground states of the fully occupied lattice (x = 1) are pointed out and a comparison is made with comparable results for the analogous fcc Ising antiferromagnet.
A review of methane and gas hydrates in the dynamic, stratified system of the Blake Ridge region, offshore southeastern North America

Abstract The Blake Ridge region lies on the passive margin of southeastern North America and contains a large amount of methane gas hydrate. The methane and methane gas hydrate are predominantly biogenic, apparently produced by CO2 reduction. Reflection seismics indicate that bottom-simulating reflectors (BSRs) enclose ∼55,000 km2, with high-amplitude BSRs covering ∼26,000 km2. Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 164 drilled three deep holes on a 10-km-long transect (Sites 994, 995, and 997; water depth 2770–2798 m). Based on sampling and geochemical, thermal, seismic, and borehole geophysical measurements, gas hydrates are most likely present between ∼190 and 450 m in sediment column. Gas hydrate is most often disseminated throughout the sediment column, although concentrations occur within specific sedimentary horizons, within supposed fault zones, and at the base of gas hydrate stability (BGHS) where methane recycling produces more pervasive concentrations of gas hydrate. Estimates of gas hydrate inventory are based on a variety of methods including geochemical proxies, vertical seismic profiling, electric logging, and measurements of in situ methane. Over the entire sediment column, at least ∼2–4% of pore space volume (1–2% sediment volume) is occupied by methane gas hydrates, but average and maximum estimates are 5.4% and 12%, respectively. Extrapolation of vertical gas hydrate and methane inventory over the area containing high-amplitude BSRs yields estimates of 67–406 Gt (gigatons, 1015 g) of methane gas hydrate (or 9–52 Gt of methane) and 2.6–27 Gt of methane occurring as gas bubbles below the BGHS. Average values are 185 Gt of gas hydrate and 24 Gt of methane as gas hydrate. Any gas hydrate occurring outside the area underlain by BSRs (as suggested by geochemical evidence) or that associated with low-amplitude BSRs may increase these estimates by an unknown factor. Various data give conflicting pictures of mass transport with Blake Ridge sediments. The data can be reconciled by viewing the upper sedimentary section ( Accumulation of gas hydrate in the Blake Ridge sediments depends on the amount of methane leaving the system versus the amount of methane entering the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) over geologic time. Although there are some point sources of methane loss from the sediments (e.g., seafloor seeps, ODP Site 996) of unknown magnitude, most of the documented methane loss occurs through diffusion and consumption at the sulfate–methane interface (SMI) by anaerobic methane oxidation (AMO; ∼2×108 mol year−1). Methane entering the GHSZ at a rate of ∼1.3×109 mol year−1 indicates a methane-trapping efficiency of ∼85%. 129I measurements suggest that the Blake Ridge system has accumulated gas hydrate over as much as 55 million years.
Photoaffinity labeling and biochemical characterization of binding proteins for pheromones, juvenile hormones, and peptides

Abstract Radiolabeled photoaffinity analogs can be used to purify and characterize proteins involved in pheromone perception, juvenile hormone (JH) action, and neuropeptide reception. Several photoaffinity analogs and purification strategies are described for each of these physiological targets. First, a diazoacetate photoaffinity label is used to selectively modify the pheromone binding protein of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar. Reverse-phase HPLC is then employed to fractionate the male antennal proteins. Second, a tandem procedure involving preparative isoelectric focusing (IEF) and ion-exchange (IEX) HPLC is employed for the purification of the Manduca sexta hemolymph juvenile hormone binding protein (JHBP), which has now been cloned and sequenced. A separate application of this strategy for the purification of the 29 kDa JH I/methoprene receptor proteins from epidermal nuclei of M. sexta larvae is outlined. A new photolabel, farnesyl diazoketone, has been employed for the characterization of crustacean hemolymph methyl farnesoate binding proteins. Third, the development of neuropeptide photoaffinity labels is described for two systems: (1) the red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH) of shrimp and (2) the allatostatins isolated from the brain of the cockroach Diploptera punctata.
Learning abstract models for system design

Though simulation models are extensively used for detailed design analysis, they find limited role in preliminary design decisions. We have developed a machine learning based approach to enable detailed simulation models to be harvested for supporting early-stage design of engineering systems.
A 3400 year paleolimnological record of prehispanic human-environment interactions in the Holmul region of the southern Maya lowlands

Abstract The timing, magnitude and drivers of late Holocene environmental change in the Holmul region of the southern Maya lowlands are examined by combining paleoenvironmental and archeological data. Environmental proxy analyses on a ~ 3350 cal yr lacustrine sediment record include pollen, charcoal, loss on ignition, magnetic susceptibility, and elemental geochemistry. Archeological evidence is derived from extensive settlement surveys conducted near the study site. Results indicate nearby settlement and agricultural activity taking place in an environment characterized by open forest from around 3350 to 950 cal yr BP. The fire history shows a dramatic increase in burning during the Classic period, possibly reflecting changing agricultural strategies. A distinct band of carbonate deposited from 1270 to 1040 cal yr BP suggests decreased hydrologic input associated with drier conditions. Abrupt changes in proxy data around 940 cal yr BP indicate a cessation of human disturbance and local abandonment of the area.
Physical and antimicrobial properties of spray-dried zein–casein nanocapsules with co-encapsulated eugenol and thymol

Abstract Encapsulation of essential oil components in zein/casein complex nanoparticles using an anti-solvent precipitation method is well-established, but the properties of nanocapsules after spray-drying have not been studied. In the present work, eugenol and thymol were co-encapsulated in zein/casein nanoparticles at pH 6.0–8.0, and the properties of resulting spray-dried powders were characterized. The spray-dried zein/casein complexes were hydrated easily and the resulting dispersions with particles smaller than 200 nm were stable. The encapsulated EOCs showed the controlled release in 24 h, with the encapsulated eugenol showing a higher release rate than thymol. The encapsulated eugenol and thymol were present in milk whey at a concentration much lower than their overall concentrations (2.5 mg/mL each) and solubility but bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects were observed for Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes Scott A, respectively. Therefore, the spray-dried capsules may have the potential to be used as antimicrobial preservatives in food products.
Strategies to reduce product proliferation

Abstract Major problems associated with product proliferation include higher production, inventory, and record-keeping costs; increased expenses associated with trade promotions and slotting fees; added consumer confusion and stress; and increased susceptibility to stockouts. This article describes how a firm can limit product proliferation without incurring reduced sales or lowering consumer loyalty. An effective product proliferation reduction program needs to be based on several principles: resisting the temptation of asking consumers if a greater assortment is required; classifying goods into consumer behavior-based tiers; using interfunctional product pruning teams; practicing mass customization, where appropriate; placing absolute limits on product choice; and implementing effective strategies for product pruning.
Performance of Fuzzy ART neural network for group technology cell formation

This study investigates the performance of Fuzzy ART neural network for grouping parts and machines, as part of the design of cellular manufacturing systems. Fuzzy ART is compared with ART1 neural network and a modification to ART1, along with direct clustering analysis (DCA) and rank order clustering (ROC2) algorithms. A series of replicated clustering experiments were performed, and the efficiency and consistency with which clusters were identified were examined, using large data sets of differing sizes and degrees of imperfection. The performance measures included the recovery ratio of bond energy and execution times, It is shown that Fuzzy ART neural network results in better and more consistent identification of block diagonal structures than ART1, a recent modification to ART1, as well as DCA and ROC2. The execution times were found to be more than those of ART1 and modified ART1, but they were still superior to traditional algorithms for large data sets.
Investigation of adhesion hysteresis in poly(dimethylsiloxane) networks using the JKR technique

The JKR technique was used to determine the source and nature of the adhesion hysteresis present in modified poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) networks. As controlled excess amounts of the tetrafunctional crosslinker were added to the networks, the adhesion hysteresis increased. It was found that by poisoning the catalyst with a thiol the hysteresis could be significantly lowered, and completely removed in some cases. We believe that the adhesion hysteresis in this system stems from a complexation between the excess crosslinker and the catalyst. We found that the work of adhesion in this case is a function of the unloading rate. The unloading rate dependence of this chemical adhesion hysteresis was attributed to the rate of bond dissociation.
Sustaining Community Participation: What Remains After the Money Ends?

SUSTAINING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION: WHAT REMAINS AFTER THE MONEY ENDS? – A major concern confronting development specialists in the education sector is the sustainability of project activities and outcomes, that is, their ability to persist once external funding ends. The increased attention of international development-assistance organizations to sustainability reflects the greater recent focus on outcome-based funding. The present study investigates differences between six communities in Ghana that varied in their ability to sustain externally initiated community-participation activities beyond the life of the external development-assistance project that promoted those activities. It was hypothesized that high- and low-sustaining communities differ in eight managerial and socio-cultural dimensions suggested by earlier research to be important for sustainability of community-level activities: planning, transparency, leadership, and participation, on one hand, and, on the other, social cohesion, resources, community skills, and valuing of education. Findings indicate that leadership and social cohesion are the two most vital elements in the sustainability of organizational structures intended to promote community participation in the oversight of local schools. Other factors suggested by the model are largely subsumed under leadership, so that the model can be simplified.
Comparative effects of transient body surface cooling, recumbency, and induced obstruction in allergic rhinitis and control subjects

Abstract Using a quantitative measurement of nasal air flow resistance, nasal obstruction has been objectively demonstrated in response to body surface chilling, with recumbency, and following transient interruption of nasal ventilation. Persons with concurrent allergic rhinitis showed significantly greater decreases in airway patency than were observed in comparable control subjects. Meaningful analyses of the circumstances in which allergic rhinitis occurs should include consideration of the nasal effects of nonimmunologic factors.