cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic insights into Brønsted acid-induced nucleophilic substitution of aliphatic imidazole carbamate with halide ions

Abstract Herein we report interesting reactivity of imidazole carbamate towards nucleophilic substitution with halide ions under Bronsted acidic conditions. Depending upon reaction conditions, halide ions could readily attack the carboxyl position and trigger decarboxylative alkyl halide formation. Alternatively, halide ions were also found to competitively undergo nucleophilic acyl substitution, which ultimately results in the generation of carbonate dimerization product.
The coloring of the mint spirits.

The colors of three series of samples prepared with certain coal tar dyes were investigated. The colors of the samples were compared by the tristimulus method before and after storage for six weeks in containers of various types. Results of the study indicate that the color of the mint spirits is variable and unstable. Preliminary aqueous maceration of the mint leaves in two separate portions of water gives a color that is slightly more stable than that obtained by the single aqueous maceration of the official method. Of the three series of samples that were prepared with coal tar dyes, only those prepared with Fast Green FCF showed greater color stability than the official products, but the color of these samples was not a close match to that of the official spirits.
DECISION AID FOR ALLOCATION OF TRANSPORTATION FUNDS TO GUARDRAILS

We address the need for allocation of resources to run-off-road and fixed-object hazards on immense secondary road systems. In Virginia, there are 95,000km of roadway with uncharacterized hazards in need of guardrail upgrade, installation, or related warning signs or other protection. A decision aid is developed to assist the planner in guardrail resource allocation by accounting for the potential crash severities, traffic exposures, costs of treatment, and other factors. A premise is that no single benefit-cost ratio or selection criterion applies across all localities. The decision aid enables the planner to interpret the variety of benefits and costs in their own units, emphasizing the needs and preferences of individual localities. The paper describes: (1) archiving and comparison of protected and unprotected hazards; (2) regional screening of hazardous corridors and (3) multicriteria benefit-cost analyses of guardrail sites. A case study of guardrail selection is presented.
The Effects of Raking on Sugar Pine Mortality following Prescribed Fire in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California, USA

Prescribed fire is an important tool for fuel reduction, the control of competing vegetation, and forest restoration. The accumulated fuels associated with historical fire exclusion can cause undesirably high tree mortality rates following prescribed fires and wildfires. This is especially true for sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana Douglas), which is already negatively affected by the introduced pathogen white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch. ex Rabenh). We tested the efficacy of raking away fuels around the base of sugar pine to reduce mortality following prescribed fire in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, California, USA. This study was conducted in three prescribed fires and included 457 trees, half of which had the fuels around their bases raked away to mineral soil to 0.5 m away from the stem. Fire effects were assessed and tree mortality was recorded for three years after prescribed fires. Overall, raking had no detectable effect on mortality: raked trees averaged 30% mortality compared to 36% for unraked trees. There was a significant effect, however, between the interaction of raking and average pre-treatment forest floor fuel depth: the predicted probability of survival of a 50 cm dbh tree was 0.94 vs. 0.96 when average pre-treatment fuel depth was 0 cm for a raked and unraked tree, respectively. When average pre-treatment forest floor fuel depth was 30 cm, the predicted probability of survival for a raked 50 cm dbh tree was 0.60 compared to only 0.07 for an unraked tree. Raking did not affect mortality when fire intensity, measured as percent crown volume scorched, was very low (0% scorch) or very high (>80% scorch), but the raking treatment significantly increased the proportion of trees that survived by 9.6% for trees that burned under moderate fire intensity (1% to 80% scorch). Raking significantly reduced the likelihood of bole charring and bark beetle activity three years post fire. Fuel depth and anticipated fire intensity need to be accounted for to maximize the effectiveness of the treatments. Raking is an important management option to reduce tree mortality from prescribed fire, but is most effective under specific fuel and burning conditions.
Effect of carbon nanotubes on the isotropic to nematic and the nematic to smectic- A phase transitions in liquid crystal and carbon nanotubes composites

A high-resolution ac-calorimetric study on the weakly first-order isotropic to nematic (I -N and the continuous nematic to smectic-A (N -SmA phase transitions of the liquid crystal octyl-cyanobiphenyl (8CB) doped with well-dispersed multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a function of CNT concentrations is reported. Thermal scans were performed for all samples having CNT weight fraction from \( \phi_{{w}}^{}\) = 0.0005 to 0.0060 over a wide temperature range well above and below the two transitions in pure 8CB. Both the I -N and the N -SmA transitions evolve in character and have their transition temperatures qualitatively offset by ∼ 1.10 K lower as compared to that in pure 8CB for all 8CB+CNTs samples. The enthalpy change associated with each phase transition is essentially the same as that of pure 8CB and remains unchanged with increasing \( \phi_{{w}}^{}\) . However, there is an evidence that the thermal transport properties of the composites differ from the pure LC upon cooling below a \( \phi_{{w}}^{}\) -dependent temperature within the nematic phase. In addition, a new Cp feature is resolved for intermediate \( \phi_{{w}}^{}\) samples that appears to be correlated to this onset temperature.
Coronary air embolism: A case report and review of the literature

Coronary air embolism is a complication in the catheterization laboratory that can be associated with high morbidity and even mortality. A case report of air embolism and methods to prevent this complication from occurring are presented along with various management techniques.
Changes in Serum Concentrations of 3,3',5'-Triiodothyronine and 3,5,3'-Triiodothyronine during Prolonged Moderate Exercise*

The effect of moderate bicycle exercise (3.5 h) on peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism was studied under two conditions (with and without glucose infusion) in four normal (males. Serum T3, rT3, T4, total protein, plasma glucose, and FFA (were determined. Exercise induced an increase in rT3 from 29 to 40 ng/dl (P < 0.01), a decrease (in T)3 from 154 to 147 ng/dl(P< 0.01), and an increase in T4 from 7.1 to 7.5 ug/dl (P < 0.05). When glucose was infused during exercise, the changes (in rT3 were blunted (P < 0.01) and the changes in T3 and T4 were (diminished. During exercise, rT3 correlated with FFA (r = 0.95) and plasma glucose (r = -;0.87). When glucose was infused during exercise, these correlations decreased (r = 0.81 and -0.56, respectively). Since moderate, prolonged exercise induces a state of early or acute starvation it is concluded that the changes in peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism reported here are similar to those found in starvation. The temporal changes of rT3, FFA, and plasma glucose ...
Ventricular gallbladder shunts: an alternative procedure in hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is a frequently encountered problem in infancy and is most commonly treated by placement of ventriculoperionteal (VP) or ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts. Other sites for insertion of the distal shunt have included the stomach, ureter, and fallopian tube. The report describes an experience with ventricular gallbladder shunts (VGB) in 25 children performed from 1970 to 1985. There were 13 girls and 12 boys ranging in age from 6 months to 16 years. Diagnosis included meningomyelocoele (7), congenital hydrocephalus (7), postmeningitic complications (5), intracranial tumor (4), and intraventricular hemorrhage (2). Indications for operation included VP shunt infection (15), massive ascites following VP shunt (3), VA shunt infection (4), and distal shunt malfunction due to fibrinous adhesions or cysts (secondary to infection;3). Three patients had early shunt failure due to proximal obstruction (2) and gallbladder atony (1). Shunt revision was required in two and the atony was successfully treated with cholecystokinin in one. Fourteen shunts remain in place, two patients have been lost to follow-up, and three children died from unrelated causes. Seventy percent of the 20 patients available for long-term follow-up have functional shunts in place. The VGB shunt procedure remains an attractive alternative for patients with hydrocephalus in whom intraperitoneal and intravascular shunts are no longer feasible.
Finite extinction time for nonlinear parabolic equations with nonlinear mixed boundary data

The last Theorem in the article (i.e. Theorem 4.2) and the subsequent example on pp. 10–11 have to be deleted. There is an error in the construction of the upper solution u=w(t+h(x)) in the proof of Theorem 4.2. Since w′′(s)= −(1=M )p′(w)w′(s)= p′(w)p(w)=(M 2 2), condition (i) in the statement of the Theorem implies that w′′(s)≥ 0. Consequently, u is not an upper solution as claimed. Since this is the very last theorem of the paper, the rest of the article, from p.1 to the end of Theorem 4.1 on p. 10 all remain valid without any change.
Residential Control Considerations

This paper discusses the need for standards for residential-control communication systems, identifies some efforts to create a standard, and states requirements we feel the standard should meet. This paper also describes the environments-regulatory and electromagnetic-in which the systems must operate.
A technique for measuring clarity of imagery in therapy clients

A four-step procedure is presented to assess the clarity of imagery in clients undergoing covert reinforcement and covert sensitization therapy. A subjective unit of imagery (SUI) scale is described. The scale, useful for screening out those clients needing imagery practice, may also be employed at any point during therapy to assess the clients continuing ability to achieve clear imagery.
Vapor–liquid equilibria of novel chemicals and their mixtures as R-22 alternatives

Abstract Vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) vapor pressures are reported for binary mixtures; octafluoromethylethylether+1,1-difluoroethane (RE218/R152a), trifluoromethylpentafluorosulfur(VI)+1,1-difluoroethane (CF3SF5/R152a), hexafluorodimethylthioether+1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CF3SCF3/R134a), and pentafluorodimethylether+1,1,1-trifluorodimethylether (RE125/RE143a). The mixtures; (RE218/R152a), (CF3SF5/R152a), and (CF3SCF3/R134a) form minimum boiling azeotropes with the normal boiling points; 237.9 K (−35.3°C), 239.7 K (−33.5°C), and 243.0 K (−30.2°C), respectively, and gas–liquid critical temperatures of 353.3 K (80.1°C), 365.7 K (92.5°C) and 368.2 K (95.0°C), respectively. The azeotropic mixtures have sufficiently low boiling points to serve as alternatives for the refrigerant R-22 (CHF2Cl). The mole fractions of the perfluorinated component of these mixtures at the azeotropic compositions are 0.49, 0.41, and 0.46, respectively. The estimated critical mixing temperatures for liquid–liquid phase separation are 236 K (−37°C), 221 K (−52°C), and 341 K (−68°C), respectively, and are well below the corresponding boiling points. The ether mixtures, (RE125/RE143a), exhibit nearly ideal mixing behavior which contrasts the VLE behavior of mixtures of perfluorinated ether, RE218, with RE143a [I. Kul, D.D. DesMarteau, A.L. Beyerlein, ASHRAE Trans. 106 (1) (1999)]. In addition to binary mixtures, VLE data are reported on four ternary mixtures; RE125(33%)/R134a(33%)/R161(34%), RE125(33%)/RE143a(33%)/R161(34%), RE218(33%)/RE143a(33%)/R161(33%), and RE218(40%)/RE143a(40%)/R161(20%) with boiling points 240.6 K (−32.6°C), 241.6 K (−31.6°C), 236.7 K (−36.5°C), and 238.6 K (−34.6°C), respectively. The boiling points of the ternary mixtures are sufficiently low for a R-22 alternative.
Erosion mechanisms in aluminum and Al-Si alloys

Abstract Steady state erosion rates were measured for pure aluminum and an Al-12wt.%Si eutectic alloy at an impact angle of 30°. The erosion rates of the Al-12Si alloy can be significantly higher than those of pure aluminum under identical erosion conditions. Since the indentation hardness of the alloy is about a factor of 3 greater than that of pure aluminum, this implies that the hardness, or flow stress, is itself insufficient as a measure of erosion resistance in this alloy system. Cross-sectional optical micrographs of the steady state erosion surfaces show that in pure aluminum extensive folding and lateral material displacement results from repeated impacts. In Al-12Si there is much less material displacement and this is attributed to the finely dispersed silicon platelets which can act as initiation sites for micromachining chip fractures.
Local oxidative and nitrosative stress increases in the microcirculation during leukocytes-endothelial cell interactions.

Leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions and leukocyte activation are important factors for vascular diseases including nephropathy, retinopathy and angiopathy. In addition, endothelial cell dysfunction is reported in vascular disease condition. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by increased superoxide (O2•−) production from endothelium and reduction in NO bioavailability. Experimental studies have suggested a possible role for leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction in the vessel NO and peroxynitrite levels and their role in vascular disorders in the arterial side of microcirculation. However, anti-adhesion therapies for preventing leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction related vascular disorders showed limited success. The endothelial dysfunction related changes in vessel NO and peroxynitrite levels, leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction and leukocyte activation are not completely understood in vascular disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of endothelial dysfunction extent, leukocyte-endothelial interaction, leukocyte activation and superoxide dismutase therapy on the transport and interactions of NO, O2•− and peroxynitrite in the microcirculation. We developed a biotransport model of NO, O2•− and peroxynitrite in the arteriolar microcirculation and incorporated leukocytes-endothelial cell interactions. The concentration profiles of NO, O2•− and peroxynitrite within blood vessel and leukocytes are presented at multiple levels of endothelial oxidative stress with leukocyte activation and increased superoxide dismutase accounted for in certain cases. The results showed that the maximum concentrations of NO decreased ~0.6 fold, O2•− increased ~27 fold and peroxynitrite increased ~30 fold in the endothelial and smooth muscle region in severe oxidative stress condition as compared to that of normal physiologic conditions. The results show that the onset of endothelial oxidative stress can cause an increase in O2•− and peroxynitrite concentration in the lumen. The increased O2•− and peroxynitrite can cause leukocytes priming through peroxynitrite and leukocytes activation through secondary stimuli of O2•− in bloodstream without endothelial interaction. This finding supports that leukocyte rolling/adhesion and activation are independent events.
Sensitivity analysis in shape optimization of continuum structures

Abstract This paper describes an efficient method for sensitivity analysis in shape optimum design. One feature is the use of limited number of master nodes to characterize the surfaces of a set of isoparametric finite elements, and the adoption of their coordinates as design variables of the shape optimization. Another is the derivation of analytical formulations of the gradients of both the stiffness terms and the load vectors with respect to the design variables. A finite element analysis code is adapted to the purposes of the method and numerical examples are performed and comparisons made with sensitivity analysis based on forward finite differences.
Krypton bubble formation and growth in sputtered gold

Abstract The sputtering parameters were adjusted to produce a krypton content of up to several atomic per cent in sputtered gold. The as-sputtered density was approximately 17.5 g cm -3 or 91% of the theoretical density for a krypton content of approximately 5 at.%. Krypton bubble formation and growth behavior were characterized as functions of heat treatment time and temperature (below the melting point) by transmission electron microscopy, optical metallography and density measurement. Krypton bubbles as small as 50 A in diameter and densities down to 14.0 g cm -3 or 72% of the theoretical density were observed. Larger bubbles in excess of 1 μm in diameter were observed in the lowest density samples. Surface finishes to better than 20 μm were produced on the substrate sides of these sputtered deposits by replication of machined substrate surfaces. However, the surface finish was degraded with increasing deposit thickness for deposits containing up to 5 at.% Kr. Surfaces were also degraded by heat treatments sufficiently severe to produce large (1 μm in diameter) krypton bubbles intersecting the deposit surfaces.
Functional recovery after neuromuscular blockade in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients

Background An estimated 24% to 70% of individuals have prolonged paralysis or severe weakness after receiving neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) when therapy is terminated. Objectives The purposes of this study were to (1) evaluate the relationship between recovery of neuromuscular transmission (NMT) and functional muscle activity after NMBA administration; (2) evaluate the relationship between delayed recovery of NMT or muscle activity and functional performance; and (3) determine the predictors of delayed recovery of NMT, muscle activity, and functional performance. Methods This was a multisite study using a prospective, nonexperimental, descriptive design with convenience sampling techniques. Instruments used included a five-point muscle score, Actigraph, and peripheral nerve stimulator. Results Key findings were as follows: (1) NMT returned promptly, whereas muscle activity remained severely depressed; (2) only two subjects (5%) recovered functional performance within 24 hours; (3) degree of muscle weakness immediately after neuromuscular blockade was associated with prolonged time to extubation and mobility; and (4) predictors of delayed recovery included cumulative dose of aminosteroid NMBAs, age, and renal function. Conclusion Prolonged recovery of muscle activity and extreme weakness may occur despite brisk recovery of NMT after neuromuscular blockade.
In vivo pharmacodynamic studies of the disulfiram metabolite S-methyl N,N-diethylthiolcarbamate sulfoxide: inhibition of liver aldehyde dehydrogenase.

S-methyl N,N-diethylthiolcarbamate sulfoxide (DETC-MeSO) is proposed to be the metabolite of disulfiram responsible for the in vivo inhibition of liver low Km, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) in the rat. Studies were conducted in male Sprague-Dawley rats and also in vitro using both rat liver mitochondrial and purified bovine mitochondrial low Km ALDH to investigate further the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics of DETC-MeSO. Administration of DETC-MeSO to rats produced a rapid and maximal inhibition of liver mitochondrial low Km, ALDH within 2 hr, which was still inhibited 30% after 168 hr. After DETC-MeSO treatment, the maximum plasma concentration of DETC-MeSO was reached within 0.5 hr, with DETC-MeSO being undetectable 2 hr after DETC-MeSO dosing. Although a trace amount of DETC-Me was detected in the plasma 0.5 hr after DETC-MeSO administration to rats, this disappeared within 1 hr. When rats were treated with disulfiram, the maximal plasma concentration of DETC-MeSO was found within 2 hr, with only a very small quantity of DETC-MeSO still detectable after 8 hr. Rats also were given the disulfiram metabolites diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC), diethyldithiocarbamate-methyl ester (DDTC-Me), and S-methyl N,N-diethylthiolcarbamate (DETC-Me), and plasma analyzed for DETC-MeSO 2 hr after the administration of these metabolites. DETC-MeSO was detected in plasma, further illustrating that DETC-MeSO can be found in plasma after the administration of either disulfiram, or the subsequent in vivo metabolites DDTC, DDTC-Me, or DETC-Me. Rats treated with DETC-MeSO and then challenged with ethanol exhibited an increase in blood acetaldehyde similar to that found from previous studies with disulfiram. In in vitro studies, incubation of rat liver mitochondria with 0.75 μM DETC-MeSO inhibited rat liver mitochondrial low Km ALDH maximally within 2 hr, whereas purified bovine mitochondrial low Km ALDH was inhibited 90% and 99%, respectively, when incubated for 1 hr with 2 and 6 μM DETC-MeSO. These studies with rats and purified bovine ALDH show that DETC-MeSO is a potent inhibitor of mitochondrial low Km ALDH both in vivo and in vitro, providing additional evidence that DETC-MeSO is the metabolite to which disulfiram must be bioactivated for liver ALDH to be inhibited.
Evaluating viral agents in marmoset colitis

The evidence presented at this meeting suggests that knowing the cause of the acute bouts of diarrhea and of the chronic colitis in marmosets is important for the successful breeding and survival of these animals in captivity. In addition, this information could further our general understanding of the causes of chronic colitis in man. Clearly, comprehensive studies on the etiology of the colitis are needed to determine if it is caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses, dietary deficiencies, or by a combination of these factors. The current evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that viral agents may cause some of the diarrhea of marmosets. Drs. Russell and Brian presented preliminary data on the possible etiologic r01e of the coronaviruses in marmoset colitis. While their studies do not yet establish such a role, the coronaviruses were a good choice for initial investigations because these viruses can infect the colon (unlike most other enteric viruses), and they can establish persistent infections which could allow them to cause chronic disease. Russell and Brian's data, suggesting that marmoset sera contain antibodies that react with at least some of the proteins of the bovine coronaviruses, represent an important first step for their studies. If confirmed, well-characterized reagents (antibodies or cloned genes) and viral antigens prepared from the cultivatable bovine viruses will be able to be applied in a number of experimental approaches to rapidly assess whether these agents cause the colitis. Additional systematic work is required to directly demonstrate whether other known gastroenteritis viruses (rotaviruses, atypical rotaviruses, Norwalklike viruses, astroviruses, caliciviruses, enteric ade-
Radical prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate: The influence of preoperative and pathologic findings on biochemical disease-free outcome

Abstract Objective. This retrospective study evaluated the outcome for a cohort of men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy alone as primary treatment for clinical T1–2 prostate adenocarcinoma. Methods. Sixty-two patients treated at Boston University Medical Center between 1987 and 1992 underwent radical prostatectomy alone without adjuvant or neoadjuvant endocrine therapy. Actuarial and multivariate analyses were made of disease-free outcome according to preoperative tumor T stage, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and biopsy grade, and according to the pathologic findings at surgery. Recurrence was defined as the persistence or recurrence of detectable serum PSA four or more weeks following surgery. Results. Of all patients judged clinically to have localized disease (T1–2), 52 percent proved to have pathologic T3 tumors. Of these, 81 percent had positive surgical margins. The strongest preoperative predictors of pT3 disease were the biopsy Gleason grade and the initial serum PSA value. Actuarial analysis showed the overall likelihood of remaining free from detectable PSA at four years to be 43 percent (75% for those with organ-confined disease and 27% for those who were pT3). The poorest prognosis was seen in those with seminal vesicle involvement. Biopsy Gleason grade and initial PSA were independent preoperative predictors of biochemical failure in a Cox regression analysis but clinical T stage was not. Conclusions. The biopsy Gleason grade and initial PSA were identified as strong preoperative predictors of disease-free outcome. We confirmed the favorable prognosis of men with organ-confined disease, but emphasize the high likelihood of relapse in those with positive surgical margins or seminal vesicle invasion.
Of beasties and butterflies: Evidence for the stability and domain‐specificity of individual differences in categorization

Previous research has failed to demonstrate unambiguously the relative stability across time and consistency across tasks of individual differences in categorization, or categorization breadth The present study of categorizing behavior in college students assesses breadth at each of four points in time over a six-week period Results are consistent with an interpretation of breadth as a highly stable individual difference variable, but one that is constrained by the nature of the stimulus sets employed High stability coefficients were observed for each of two redundant tasks In contrast, cross-task consistency indices were generally low Personality correlates of breadth were similarly weak and inconsistent Several variables are suggested that may attenuate the generality of categorization breadth The existence of multiple styles of categorization is discussed
Physicians' and nurses' perceptions of ethics problems on general medical services.

Objective:To understand the kinds of clinical situations physicians and nurses regard as “ethics problems.”
3D genome architecture in the mammalian nucleus

Advances in DNA-sequencing technologies have made it possible to study the spatial hierarchy of genomic organization across different eukaryotic systems. Although genetic information is encrypted in the linear DNA sequence, a growing body of research suggests that the 3D genome plays an essential role in gene regulation [1]. The latest technological innovations associated with chromosome conformation capture methodologies (e.g., 3C, 4C, 5C, Hi-C and ChIA-PET) in mapping higher-order genomic communications have established new principles that describe spatial chromatin organization and its role in transcriptional control [2,3]. Experimental evidence indicates that the nuclear architecture is composed of a hierarchy of genomic interactions, from chromatin loops that connect genes and enhancers to larger chromosome territories and nuclear compartments [1,2,4].
Extra-laboratory immunoassays: Technology for rapid analyses of tests ranging from drugs to infectious diseases

Simple devices for performing immunological assays in nonlaboratory settings (e.g., home, bedside, doctor's office, out-patient clinic) are a recent innovation (1,2). There are a number of reasons for performing extra-laboratory assays and these include: a medical emergency, monitoring or screening, doctor-patient convenience, or because of financial incentives (e.g., reduction of overheads or availability of reimbursement). Immunological tests for detecting pregnancy (hCG in urine) and ovulation (FSH in urine) were the first tests to become widely available, and today many examples of these test devices can be found on the pharmacy and supermarket shelf. Their success has fueled the development of a wide range of other tests and test devices. This article briefly reviews aspects of those developments.
A solution to the dead-layer problem in ionization and phonon-based dark matter detectors

Abstract We report on a study of several different electrode technologies to avoid the “dead-layer” problem in ionization and phonon-based dark matter detectors. We have found the most success with an amorphous blocking-layer electrode structure, and have demonstrated background electron rejection of ≈95% above 20 keV.
Simulation of power delivery networks with Joule heating effects for 3D integration

In this paper, we present the first work on simulation of power delivery network (PDN) with both Joule heating and convection effects. The finite volume formulations of DC voltage drop equation and thermal equation with convection boundary conditions are explained. In thermal simulation, both Joule heating effect from the PDN and convection effect are considered in solving the steady-state heat equation. In electrical DC voltage drop simulation, by updating the temperature-dependent electrical resistivity of the PDN, voltage distribution is obtained with temperature effects. By iterating between the electrical DC voltage drop and thermal simulations until results converge, the simulation not only enables accurate estimation of system level voltage drop with convection effects, but also provides accurate temperature distribution with convection and Joule heating effects. The simulation results show that even with natural convection effects, the temperature effect on system level IR drop is about 5 – 10%.
NATURAL CONVECTION AIR COOLING OF HEATED COMPONENTS MOUNTED ON A VERTICAL WALL

The present paper discusses a numerical study of natural-convection air cooling of single and multiple uniformly heated devices. A two-dimensional, conjugate, laminar-flow model is used. The solid and fluid physical properties are assumed constant (not varying with temperature). For the multicomponent cooling, the effects of component thickness, the spacing between components, nonpowered components, and highly powered components are studied to arrive at qualitative suggestions that may improve the overall cooling of a multicomponent system.
Mast cell signal transduction from the high-affinity IgE receptor

Antigen-mediated aggregation of IgE bound to its high-affinity receptor on mast cells or basophils initiates a complex series of biochemical events, resulting in the release of mediators that cause allergic inflammation and anaphylactic reactions. Recent progress has defined the molecular pathways that are involved in stimulating these cells and has shown the importance of protein tyrosine kinases in the subsequent reactions. The activation pathways are regulated both positively and negatively by the interactions of numerous signaling molecules.
Smoothing Algorithm for Nonlinear Systems Using Gaussian Mixture Models

A smoothing method for nonlinear systems using Gaussian mixture models is presented. Problems of interest include applications with highly nonlinear dynamics and/or measurement models, and sparse measurements. Two new smoothing methods are presented that incorporate adaptive Gaussian splitting in the forward path, and condensation in the backward path. A nonlinear forward–backward smoothing algorithm with Gaussian mixture models is also enabled by a novel technique to estimate the “backward corrector.” An experiment of a robot performing indoor navigation in a sparse featured environment demonstrates the performance of the smoothing algorithms in typical applications. Experimental results demonstrate that the new smoothing algorithms give more accurate and consistent estimates than a traditional Kalman smoother, even in the presence of a sparse featured environment and sparse measurements.
Shared spaces, shared structures: Latino social formation and African American English in the U.S. south

This study examines the appropriation of grammatical structures of African American English (AAE) by adolescent Latinos attending a multi-ethnic middle school in North Carolina. The study couples quantitative variationist analysis of four ‘core’ grammatical features of AAE (invariant be, copula deletion, past-tense copula leveling, and third-person singular –s absence) with the findings of an ethnographic study of Latino adolescent identity in order to better understand the social processes leading to the incorporation of AAE grammar into English varieties spoken by Latinos. Results show that Latino students from across social formations make use of AAE grammatical features, but differ significantly from African American students in terms of sociolinguistic patterning. Ethnographic data shed light on linguistic data in three domains: (1) differences in use of AAE structures between male and female Latino/a students; (2) the prolific use of AAE by one gang-affiliated student; and (3) the racial complexities within the ethnic category ‘Latino.’ Este estudio examina las complejidades linguisticas y sociales del uso de estructuras gramaticales del ingles afroamericano entre adolescentes latinos que asisten a una escuela multi-etnica en Carolina del Norte, un estado del sur de los Estados Unidos. Un analisis cuantitativo de cuatro rasgos gramaticales del ingles vernaculo afroamericano se combina con observaciones etnograficas para esclarecer la relacion entre la identidad personal y los procesos sociales que llevan a la incorporacion de estos cuatro rasgos en las variedades del ingles que hablan los latinos. El analisis estadistico (realizado en SPSS) revelo que estudiantes latinos de diversos grupos sociales manifiestan estos rasgos en su habla, pero la distribucion de su uso difiere del patron que se evidencia en el habla afroamericana. Se exploran tres dimensiones de la identidad en relacion con estos usos diferenciales: (1) el genero de los hablantes; (2) la afiliacion con las pandillas; y (3) el concepto de raza dentro de la categoria etnica ‘latino.’ [Spanish]
Meat Pigment Changes in Intact Beef Samples

SUMMARY —Reflectance spectrophotometry was used to study pigment changes in beef samples that (1) had been oxygenated and wrapped with an oxygen-impermeable film, (2) had been treated with ferricyanide and (3) had either treatment (1) or (2) plus malonic acid. Treatment (1) showed a metmyoglobin (MetMb) accumulation of 30% in 30 min, followed by reduction of MetMb. Malonic acid inhibited oxygen utilization and MetMb-reducing activity (MRA). Treatment (2) showed MRA that was inhibited by the presence of oxygen or malonic acid. Malonic acid inhibited oxygen utilization rather than directly inhibiting MRA.
In-vitro activity of roxithromycin against respiratory and skin pathogens

The activity of roxithromycin was determined by a microdilution method, in comparison with erythromycin, spiramycin and josamycin. Roxithromycin and erythromycin showed very similar MICs against staphylococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Str. pyogenes and Haemophilus influenzae. In most cases, spiramycin and josamycin appeared similarly or more active. The activity of roxithromycin against Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella spp., Chlamydia psittaci and, to some extent, against Pasteurella spp. was also assessed, by suitable in-vitro methods. Roxithromycin has a promising potential for treating selected skin and respiratory infections.
Distributed control of formation flying spacecraft using deterministic communication schedulers

This paper is concerned with the formation flying control of spacecraft using a distributed architecture. Each agent uses an estimate of the formation state to compute its own actuation command. A simple deterministic scheduling strategy is first adopted for updating the estimates over a delayed data network, and the stability analysis is provided subsequently. A scheduling method for balancing the communication load among the agents is also proposed. It is assumed that different agents are coupled through their dynamics, as well as their control objectives, and that the output of each agent must track a desired reference input. Furthermore, an (open-loop) approximation of the parameter variation of the system is carried out throughout the control operation to improve the accuracy of state estimation. Simulations are given for a group of three spacecraft flying with leader-follower structure in deep space, and demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed scheme.
MicroRNAs contribute to the maintenance of cell-type-specific physiological characteristics: miR-192 targets Na+/K+-ATPase β1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in biological development and disease. Much less is known about their role in normal adult physiology. The proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) and the medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) in the kidney consist of epithelial cells with different transport activities. We identified 55 possible miRNA-target pairs of which the miRNAs and their predicted target proteins, many of which are involved in epithelial transport, were inversely enriched in PCT and mTAL. Some miRNAs appeared to have synergistic effects on shared targets. miR-192 and its predicted target the β-1 subunit of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (Atp1b1), an enzyme providing the driving force for tubular transport, were inversely enriched in kidney regions. In mice, knockdown of miR-192 led to up-regulation of Atp1b1 protein. When mice were fed with a high-salt diet, knockdown of miR-192 blunted the adaptational increase of urine output. Interestingly, miR-192 appeared to target Atp1b1 through the 5'-, rather than 3'-untranslated region. The study suggests a novel physiological mechanism in which miR-192 suppresses Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and contributes to renal handling of fluid balance. It supports an important role of miRNAs in determining cellular characteristics that may appear subtle yet are physiologically critical.
Clinical Heterogeneity of Pregnant, Obese, Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Women: Evidence for Identification of Syndrome X and Onset of NIDDM at a Young Age

We have prospectively studied 148 pregnant women with the heterogeneous syndrome of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) during the decade 1978-1988. The group was predominantly Mexican American, older, and heavier than insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Fasting C-pep-tide (C-P) levels were higher vs. IDDM (P = 0.000) and vs. normals (P 400 mg/dl. Exogenous insulin doses in NIDDM varied from 10-333 units a day.A subset of 14 women was identified with features of an insulin resistance syndrome (upper trunk obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension antedating pregnancy, and insulin resistance). An additional 15 women...
New product launch strategy for network effects products

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the link between launch strategy decisions and new product performance. Much of that research focuses on investigating successful launch strategies for innovative, high-tech-nology products. With the rapid growth of information technology as one high-technology sector, in certain industries,network effects occur, which change the competitive game. The existing literature offers little decisionmaking guidance to managers on how to successfully introduce a product that exhibits network effects. The authors discuss the influence of network effects on the dynamics of market competition and on consumers' consumption behaviors. They argue that, because of these changes, the priority of particular performance objectives and the impact of specific launch strategies differ for products that exhibit network effects from what current wisdom and empirical results prescribe. These ideas are formalized in a conceptual framework and a series of research propositions.
Developmental Trajectories of Maternal and Paternal Attachment and Delinquency in Adolescence

The present study sought to address two research questions: (1) Are there distinct trajectories of maternal and paternal attachment among adolescents? And if so, (2) How do these trajectories of maternal and paternal attachment relate to delinquent trajectories over the ages of 12 to 16? Using a subsample (n = 383) of the longitudinal Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) data, the results from semi-parametric group-based modeling (SPGM) suggested five groups of maternal attachment, where one trajectory exhibited little to no maternal attachment; another group appeared to have an initially low rate of maternal attachment but increased rather noticeably over time; a third trajectory demonstrated high initial levels of maternal attachment but a general decline over time; and the last two groups exhibited high and rather stable rates of maternal attachment, although one of these groups showed evidence of a decline. Comparatively, the same number of trajectory groups was estimated for paternal attach...
Superficial ulnar artery.

1010-7940/$ see front matter Q 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.ejcts.2005.02.048 * Corresponding author. Address: 10 Wolsey road, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 2HW, UK. Tel.: C44 787 031 4365. E-mail address: jjjjacob@hotmail.com (J. Jacob). bypass. This case demonstrates the risk of damage to such a superficial artery, shown in Fig. 1, and confirmed on Doppler (Fig. 2). European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery 28 (2005) 494 www.elsevier.com/locate/ejcts
Cognitive Ability is Associated with Altered Medial Frontal Cortical Circuits in the LgDel Mouse Model of 22q11.2DS

We established a relationship between cognitive deficits and cortical circuits in the LgDel model of 22q11 Deletion Syndrome (22q11DS) —a genetic syndrome with one of the most significant risks for schizophrenia and autism. In the LgDel mouse, optimal acquisition, execution, and reversal of a visually guided discrimination task, comparable to executive function tasks in primates including humans, are compromised; however, there is significant individual variation in degree of impairment. The task relies critically on the integrity of circuits in medial anterior frontal cortical regions. Accordingly, we analyzed neuronal changes that reflect previously defined 22q11DSrelated alterations of cortical development in the medial anterior frontal cortex of the behaviorally characterized LgDel mice. Interneuron placement, synapse distribution, and projection neuron frequency are altered in this region. The magnitude of one of these changes, layer 2/3 projection neuron frequency, is a robust predictor of behavioral performance: it is substantially and selectively lower in animals with the most significant behavioral deficits. These results parallel correlations of volume reduction and altered connectivity in comparable cortical regions with diminished executive function in 22q11DS patients. Apparently, 22q11 deletion alters behaviorally relevant circuits in a distinct cortical region that are essential for cognitive function.
Challenging the rules: women's prodromal and acute symptoms of myocardial infarction.

In this qualitative study the researcher identified symptoms women experienced prior to and during an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The purposive nonprobability sample for this descriptive naturalistic study consisted of 40 women. Using content analysis and constant comparison, the researcher identified specific symptoms and grouped them according to time of occurrence, prodromal and acute. Thirty-seven women experienced prodromal symptoms, beginning from a few weeks to 2 years prior to their AMI and ranging from 0 to 11 symptoms per woman. The most frequent prodromal symptoms were unusual fatigue (n = 27), discomfort in the shoulder blade area (n = 21), and chest sensations (n = 20), whereas the most frequent acute symptoms were chest sensations (n = 26), shortness of breath (n = 22), feeling hot and flushed (n = 21), and unusual fatigue (n = 18). Only 11 women experienced severe pain during their AMI. Conclusions of this study are threefold: (a) women identified classic and unique symptoms of AMI, which challenge the content of current educational literature; (b) women experienced a gradual progression of number and severity of AMI symptoms; and (c) women need sufficient time to recognize their prodromal symptoms of their AMI. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 23:135–146, 2000
Chlororespiration in Green Algae Isolated From Desert Crusts

Photosynthetic organisms enduring extreme temperatures, low water availability, or high light require photoprotective mechanisms to prevent sustained damage to photosynthetic machinery. Green microalgae living in desert crust communities of the south-western US experience all these environmental stresses, yet photophysiological studies of green algae in the literature have focused on only a handful of common aquatic and marine species. We are examining the variation in green algal photoprotective mechanisms that is the result of natural selection acting independently in multiple lineages of highly diverse desert green algae (Chlorophyta) within the classes Chlorophyceae and Trebouxiophyceae. We have found that unusually extensive dark reduction of the plastoquinone pool is a prominent photophysiological feature among these desert algae; this reduction may be linked with enhanced chlororespiration. Recently, chlororespiration in higher plants has been linked through mutant analysis to control of the carotenoid synthetic pathway, heat stress, and starch metabolism among other pathways, though the function of chlororespiration remains controversial. Given that green algae and higher plants are monophyletic, analysis of potential chlororespiration in desert green algae may help decipher the evolution of the chlororespiratory process as well as its potential role in photoprotection in desert habitats.
A "Throw-and-Catch" Hybrid Control Strategy for Robust Global Stabilization of Nonlinear Systems

We present a control strategy that combines local state feedback laws and open-loop schedules to robustly globally asymptotically stabilize a compact subset (typically a point) of the state space for a nonlinear system. The control algorithm is illustrated on the problem of global stabilization of the upright position of the pendubot and implemented in a hybrid controller containing logic variables and logic rules with hysteresis. We also present the design procedure of the hybrid controller for general nonlinear systems. Recent results in the literature on robustness of asymptotic stability in hybrid systems are used in establishing that the closed-loop system is robust to measurement noise and other external disturbances.
Myosin-1c, the Hair Cell's Adaptation Motor

Given their prominent actin-rich subcellular specializations, it is no surprise that mechanosensitive hair cells of the inner ear exploit myosin molecules-the only known actin-dependent molecular motors-to carry out exotic but essential tasks. Recent experiments have confirmed that an unconventional myosin isozyme, myosin-1c, is a component of the hair cell's adaptation-motor complex. This complex carries out slow adaptation, provides tension to sensitize transduction channels, and may participate in assembly of the transduction apparatus. This review focuses on the detailed operation of the adaptation motor and the functional consequences of the incorporation of this specific myosin isozyme into the motor complex.