cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of a pre-exercise energy drink (Redline®) on muscular endurance of the trunk

Background Muscular endurance of the trunk is associated with successful performance in athletics, as well as activities of daily living. Furthermore, muscular endurance of the trunk may also play a critical role in injury prevention by allowing individuals to better withstand the effects of repetitive stressors. Pre-exercise, high energy supplements are frequently consumed as a method of improving exercise performance during an acute bout of exercise. Thus, the use of such supplements prior to an exercise session may allow the lifter to perform a greater total volume of work during training sessions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a high energy liquid supplement on a muscular endurance exerciseof the trunk. Methods Forty-one (n=41) healthy males (21.73 ± 1.74 yrs; 176.48 ± 7.54 cm; 81.16 ± 10.94 kg) volunteered to participate in this study. All test subjects completed a health history and caffeine usage questionnaires, as well as a consent form prior to participation. Subjects completed a pre and post sit-up to fatigue test within a week of one another. During the post-test session subjects were either given four ounces of an energy supplement (Redline by VPX) or a placebo, 30 minutes prior to testing. Administration of the supplement was double blind. Twenty-three (n=23) subjects received the supplement, while eighteen (n=18) subjects received the placebo. A 2 x 2 factorial ANOVA was used to determine between group differences for the muscular endurance assessments,at an alpha level of 0.10. Results
Class-Size Caps, Sorting, and the Regression-Discontinuity Design

This paper examines how schools' choices of class size and households' choices of schools affect regression-discontinuity-based estimates of the effect of class size on student outcomes. We build a model in which schools are subject to a class-size cap and an integer constraint on the number of classrooms, and higher-income households sort into higher-quality schools. The key prediction, borne out in data from Chile's liberalized education market, is that schools at the class-size cap adjust prices (or enrollments) to avoid adding an addi? tional classroom, which generates discontinuities in the relationship between enrollment and household characteristics, violating the assumptions underly? ing regression-discontinuity research designs. (JEL D12,121,128, 015)
Using the Dimensions of Health to Assess Motivation Among Running Moms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008) reported that 60% of American women did not engage in the recommended daily amount of physical activity and 25% are not physically active at all. The concept of holistic health or wellness refers to an active process in which an individual's life is influenced by dimensions that include physical, emotional, social, mental, and spiritual factors.
Characterization of Interfacial Bond Strength by Dynamic Analysis

Short beam shear, double cantilever beam, and torsional dynamic mechanical (DMA) tests were performed on composite materials systems to characterize the interfacial bond strength. The composite materials were unidirectional flat laminate with different fiber surface treatments and sizings. The results indicated that the DMA test was superior to the short beam shear and double cantilever beam test for measuring fiber/ matrix bonding. The DMA tests detected the effect of surface treatment with much greater accuracy than the standard mechanical tests. Also, DMA tests readily detected the differ ence in fiber/matrix bonding of PAN-based and pitch-based fibers. The DMA test had the additional feature of being able to isolate fiber/matrix interface effects from matrix and fiber effects.
Oral pretreatment with recombinant human lactoferrin limits trauma-hemorrhagic shock–induced gut injury and the biological activity of mesenteric lymph

Abstract Background Lactoferrin (LF) is a pleiotropic glycoprotein that is found in bodily secretions and is postulated to enhance the gastrointestinal barrier and promote mucosal immunity. Thus, the ability of talactoferrin, an oral recombinant form of human LF, to limit gut injury and the production of biologically active gut-derived products was tested using a rat model of trauma–hemorrhagic shock (T/HS). Methods Male rats were orally dosed with vehicle or talactoferrin (1000 mg/kg, every day) for 5 d before being subjected to T/HS or trauma–sham shock (T/SS). Subsequently, rats were subjected to a laparotomy (trauma) and hemorrhagic shock (mean arterial pressure, 30–35 mm Hg × 90 min) or to T/SS, followed by resuscitation with their shed blood. Before inducing shock, the mesenteric lymphatic duct was catheterized for collection of mesenteric lymph. Four hours after the end of the shock or sham-shock period, rats were sacrificed, a segment of the distal ileum was collected for morphologic analysis, and lymph samples were processed and frozen. Subsequently, lymph samples were tested in several pharmacodynamic assays, including endothelial cell permeability, neutrophil respiratory burst activity, and red blood cell (RBC) deformability. Total white blood cell counts in lymph samples were also quantified. Results Pretreatment with talactoferrin reduced the incidence of T/HS-induced morphologic injury of ileum to T/SS levels. Post-T/HS lymph from vehicle-treated rats increased endothelial monolayer permeability and neutrophil priming for an augmented respiratory burst, and induced loss of RBC deformability, compared with T/SS groups. Talactoferrin pretreatment significantly reduced the biological activity of T/HS lymph on respiratory burst activity and RBC deformability, but had no effect on the lymph cell count or endothelial cell permeability. Conclusions These results provide a proof of principle that prophylactic dosing of oral talactoferrin can potentially protect the gut in a T/HS model and limit the production of biologically active factors in rat gastrointestinal tissue subjected to ischemia-reperfusion–type injuries.
Evaluating the Performance of WSR-88D Severe Storm Detection Algorithms

This paper discusses some important issues and problems associated with evaluating the performance of radarbased severe storm detection algorithms. The deficiencies of using Storm Data as a source of verification are examined. Options for equalizing the time- and space scales of the algorithm predictions and the corresponding verification data are presented. Finally, recommendations are given concerning the different evaluation procedures that are available.
Climatological conditions and crime: The forecast is…?

A common question among both academicians and practitioners concerns the relationship between the weather and crime. Although early researchers, including Durkheim, introduced climatological factors in their discussions of human behavior and deviance, contemporary criminology tends to ignore these factors as possible contributors to changes in crime despite the ease with which weather variables fit into the routine activities and sociobiological perspectives. The present study investigates the weather-crime relationship, using daily weather figures (e.g. precipitation, humidity, temperature, barometric pressure) and crime data for a large eastern city. The results are discussed in terms of both direct and indirect effects on levels of deviance and the potential usefulness of the analysis for future sociobiological and environmental design approaches to crime control.
Fatigue of polycrystalline silicon for microelectromechanical system applications: crack growth and stability under resonant loading conditions

Abstract Although bulk silicon is not known to exhibit susceptibility to cyclic fatigue, micron-scale structures made from silicon films are known to be vulnerable to degradation by fatigue in ambient air environments, a phenomenon that has been recently modeled in terms of a mechanism of sequential oxidation and stress-corrosion cracking of the native oxide layer. To date, most stress-life (S/N) fatigue tests on such silicon films have been conducted using resonant-loaded specimens. Consequently, there is a need to establish the interaction between the dynamic loading and the driving force for fatigue-crack growth. In this paper, finite element models are used to establish the relationship between natural frequency, specimen compliance, and linear-elastic stress–intensity factor for a commonly used micron-scale, micromechanical fatigue characterization structure. These results are then incorporated into a general, lumped parameter model to evaluate the stability of fatigue cracks in resonant-loaded structures. It is well known that the applied stress amplitude and corresponding driving force for crack advance depend on the system damping, as well as sample geometry. Consequently, changes in damping caused by cycling in different environments can have a significant mechanical effect on the stability of fatigue cracks. In the case of the fatigue characterization structure used by the authors, the models show that tests conducted at atmospheric pressure subject cracks to a monotonically increasing driving force for crack advance. However, when the damping in the system is reduced (e.g., by testing in vacuo) fatigue cracks may arrest, independent of environmental effects on crack growth. Therefore, testing of structures loaded in resonance at a fixed natural frequency in vacuum should not be considered equivalent to an “inert” atmosphere. Finally, the finite element models are applied to polycrystalline silicon structural films to determine the critical crack lengths (∼5.5–66 nm) and an average fracture toughness (∼0.85 MPa √m) from specimens subjected to fatigue cycling at stress amplitudes ranging from ∼2.2 to 3.5 GPa.
New polymer architectures: Polyrotaxanes

Our objective is to prepare polymeric rotaxanes, materials in which many macrocycles are threaded by a linear macromolecule, in quantities sufficient to investigate the unique properties that we expect this unusual supramolecular architecture to confer. The design and synthesis of the macrocyclic components, “blocking groups” to constrain the macrocycles, and the polyrotaxanes are described. Model monomeric system has been synthesized and studied to ascertain their conformation. Step growth and chain growth approaches are described.
Mechanisms of dominant congenital neutropenias

The two major inherited forms of human neutropenia are cyclic neutropenia, in which neutrophil numbers oscillate in three-week cycles, and severe congenital neutropenia (SCN), where the neutropenia is static. Mutations in the gene ELA2, which encodes the protease neutrophil elastase, are the major cause of both. Recent findings that mutations in the genes for the Gfi1 transcriptional repressor and the intracellular transporter AP3B1 also cause neutropenia suggest a mechanistic model involving mistargeting of neutrophil elastase to membranes. The hypothesis that neutrophil elastase can be a membrane protein has implications for its catalytic mechanism.
Temperature Trends in the NARCCAP Regional Climate Models

AbstractThe skill of six regional climate models (RCMs) in reproducing short-term (24-yr), observed, near-surface temperature trends when driven by reanalysis is examined. The RCMs are part of the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP). If RCMs can reproduce observed temperature trends, then they are, in a way, demonstrating their ability to capture a type of climate change, which may be relevant to their ability to credibly simulate anthropogenic climate changes under future emission scenarios. This study finds that the NARCCAP RCMs can simulate some resolved-scale temperature trends, especially those seen recently in spring and, by and large, in winter. However, results in other seasons suggest that RCM performance in this measure may be dependent on the type and strength of the forcing behind the observed trends.
Receipt of human papillomavirus vaccine among privately insured adult women in a U.S. Midwestern Health Maintenance Organization

Abstract Objectives To describe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage among adult privately insured women including variation in coverage by race/ethnicity. Methods This cross-sectional, observational study included women 18–26 years of age with continuous enrollment in a U.S. Midwestern health insurance plan and at least one visit to a plan affiliated practice. Vaccination data came from insurance claims and the electronic medical record. Primary outcomes were: receipt of at least 1 HPV vaccine (HPV1) and completion of the 3-dose HPV vaccine series (HPV3). Coverage was described for the entire cohort and stratified by race/ethnicity. For a subset of women, automated data was compared to personal recall. Results As of June 2010, among 2546 privately insured women 18–26 years, 72.7% had received their first HPV vaccine and 57.9% completed the 3-dose series. Compared to white women, African American and Asian women had significantly lower coverage for HPV1 and HPV3. There was 94.5% (95% CI: 88.5–100%) agreement between personal recall and claims/EMR for receiving HPV1. Conclusions In this cohort of privately insured women, a majority received HPV1 and more than half completed the 3-dose vaccine series. Marked disparities in receipt of HPV vaccine by race/ethnicity were observed.
How to Draw Energy Level Diagrams in Excitonic Solar Cells.

Emerging photovoltaic devices based on molecular and nanomaterials are mostly excitonic in nature. The initial absorption of a photon in these materials creates an exciton that can subsequently dissociate in each material or at their interfaces to give charge carriers. Any attempt at mechanistic understanding of excitonic solar cells must start with drawing energy level diagrams. This seemingly elementary exercise, which is described in textbooks for inorganic solar cells, has turned out to be a difficult subject in the literature. The problem stems from conceptual confusion of single-particle energy with quasi-particle energy and the misleading practice of mixing the two on the same energy level diagram. Here, I discuss how to draw physically accurate energy diagrams in excitonic solar cells using only single-particle energies (ionization potentials and electron affinities) of both ground and optically excited states. I will briefly discuss current understanding on the electronic energy landscape respons...
Using UWB Radios as Sensors for Disaster Recovery

This paper considers the sub-problem of estimating the interior structure of a collapsed building by using embedded UWB radios as sensors. We created an extensive database of UWB propagation data through various building materials. Then, using this data and a novel algorithm, we demonstrate that we can indeed determine material type, thickness and cavity dimensions using UWB radios. This paper presents the algorithm and the evaluation results. As we show, for most common building materials such as concrete and reinforced concrete, the presented algorithm has a very small estimation error.
Choroid plexus arteriovenous malformation presenting with intraventricular hemorrhage

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) uncommonly occurs in an otherwise healthy term neonate. We report a case of IVH in a term infant that was the result of an angiographically demonstrated arteriovenous malformation (AVM) despite the infant having a cranial ultrasonogram and magnetic resonance angiogram, which did not demonstrate the AVM.
Speckle averaging by spatially multiplexed holograms

Abstract Speckle averaging by simultaneous reconstruction of many sequentially recorded, independent, diffuse wavefronts representing the same object can be accomplished without loss of power using a particular form of space division multiplexing.
St. Augustine and Martianus Capella: Continuity and change in fifth‐century Latin rhetorical theory

St. Augustine and Martianus Capella are the two most important Latin rhetorical theorists of the fifth century A.D. Analysis of their theories reveals an interaction between the Ciceronian rhetorical tradition and the changing cultural environment of the fifth century.
Machine Design Project and Mechanics Education

Traditional machine design is essentially applied mechanics and builds upon engineering mechanics topics: strength of materials, statics and dynamics. The current Mechanical Engineering Technology program includes a sequence of mechanics courses leading to the upper level course of Machine Design. Our program emphasizes strong background in computer aided modeling and drafting as well as manufacturing, a combination much appreciated by the employers in the region. Thus our senior class is well prepared for the capstone machine design course which requires not only an electronic design solution but also a prototype. A design group was assigned the design of a beam testing device which would load an instrumented beam in various ways and the results will be measured in terms of stress and deflection. Moreover the group was charged with the task of visualizing this device being used in the junior level strength of materials laboratory class. It would require the student team to conceive, design, model using CAD, analyze, prototype, test and finally develop a set of laboratory experiments. The project will not only train the design team with the design process and modern analysis and simulation tools, but also the mechanics education behind beam loading and resulting stress will be reinforced. Developing the Instructor’s User Manual was also an exercise in thoughtful insight into the mechanics of beams. The completed rig is being used in our Strength of Materials laboratory class which virtually eliminated the 15 feet beam that was used earlier. The test rig made it possible to simulate multiple loading conditions and tested within one lab session which was impossible using the large beams. The design team took special interest and pride in completing this ‘practical’ project. This paper describes the design course, the prerequisite structure, the design project format and expectations, the design and engineering specifications and summary features of the test rig. Limited usability survey data demonstrates the ease and versatility of the new rig compared to the large beam testing setup.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Cyclosporine for plaque-type psoriasis. Results of a multidose, double-blind trial

Abstract Background. Severe plaque-type psoriasis has been successfully treated with orally administered cyclosporine, but there has been no comparative, controlled evaluation of various dosages and their efficacy and side effects. Methods. In a 16-week, double-blind trial, we randomly assigned 85 patients with severe psoriasis to receive 3, 5, or 7.5 mg of cyclosporine per kilogram of body weight per day or a placebo consisting of the vehicle for the drug. After eight weeks the dose could be adjusted to improve safety or efficacy while maintaining blinding. Results. The psoriasis improved in a dose-dependent fashion. After eight weeks of fixed-dose therapy, 36, 65, and 80 percent of the patients receiving 3,5, and 7.5 mg of cyclosporine per kilogram per day, respectively, were rated as being clear or almost clear of psoriasis; each group had significant improvement (P<0.0001) as compared with the group receiving vehicle, in which none of the patients were rated as clear or almost clear. The patients who ...
Ultraviolet and optical spectroscopy of NGC 5548 and the nature of the broad-line region

The structure of the broad-line region in NGC 5548 is investigated by analysis of the integrated flux and profile variations observed in optical and ultraviolet emission lines. It is shown that the observations do not appear to be consistent with models which identify the variable part of the emission lines with a simple rotating disk structure. The variable continuum, and integrated emission-line fluxes are highly correlated and suggest a small broad-line region (18 light days = 5 x 10 to the 16th cm), although the size of the line-emitting region is not well-determined. At least some of the broad emission arises in a component which at times appears very prominently and distinctly in difference spectra. This emission component appears to arise in a region which is physically distinct from the rest of the broad-line region. Although the integrated fluxes in the various optical and ultraviolet emission lines seem to vary together, there clearly are differences between the profiles of various lines, which suggests that there is at least some ionization stratification within the broad-line region.
Carboplatin pharmacokinetics in a patient receiving hemodialysis.

With refinements and advances in hemodialysis techniques, survival for patients with end-stage renal disease has improved significantly. To our knowledge, however, no prospective trials have been performed in patients receiving hemodialysis who are also diagnosed with cancer and are candidates for chemotherapy. We describe a 73-year-old man who was diagnosed with high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma, metastatic to the bone and lymph nodes, and was undergoing hemodialysis. Although cisplatin is more commonly used in the treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine cancers, it may not be the best option in patients who suffer from renal insufficiency. Carboplatin is a second-generation, nonnephrotoxic platinum analog that can be hemodialyzed, although no formal guidelines are available regarding the dosing for patients receiving hemodialysis. This case describes a patient who was treated with five cycles of combination carboplatin 115 mg/m2 on day 1 and etoposide 50 mg/m2 on day 1 and day 3 of a 28-day cycle. Dialysis was performed for 3.5 hours starting 90 minutes after completion of carboplatin on day 1. Pharmacokinetic assessments were performed at 1, 2, 4, and 12 hours after chemotherapy infusion on day 1 of cycle 1. Total carboplatin concentrations in plasma and platinum ultrafiltrate were measured. The plasma concentration of free platinum at the end of the infusion was 31,000 ng/ml, and the area under the plasma concentration–time curve was 2.9 minute·mg/ml. No significant carboplatin-related toxicities were reported. This case report indicates that carboplatin can be safely administered in patients receiving hemodialysis.
Stimulatory Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Norepinephrine Biosynthesis in Digitonin-Permeabilized Adrenal Medullary Chromaffin Cells

: The regulatory role of ascorbic acid in norepinephrine biosynthesis was studied using digitonin permeabilized chromaffin cells. When permeabilized chromaffin cells were incubated with [3H]3,4-dihydroxyphen-ylethylamine ([3H]dopamine) in calcium-free medium, the amounts of radioactive dopamine and norepinephrine measured in the cell fraction were increased as a function of incubation time and dopamine concentration. Both the accumulation of dopamine and the formation of norepinephrine were shown to require the presence of Mg-ATP in the medium. These results indicate that the permea-bilization of chromaffin cells by digitonin treatment does not disrupt the functions of chromaffin granules, including dopamine uptake, norepinephrine formation, and storage of these amines. Using this permeabilized cell system, the effect of ascorbic acid on the rates of dopamine uptake and hydroxylation was investigated. The formation of norepinephrine was stimulated by ascorbic acid at concentrations of 0.5–2 mM in the presence of Mg-ATP. By contrast, dopamine uptake was not affected by the presence or absence of ascorbic acid in the medium. These findings provide evidence that ascorbic acid may stimulate the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine by increasing dopamine beta monooxygenase activity rather than by increasing the substrate supply of dopamine. These observations also suggest that the rate of norepinephrine biosynthesis in adrenal medullary cells may be regulated by the concentration of ascorbic acid within the cell cytoplasm.
Effects of feeding lactating dairy cows diets containing whole soybeans and tallow.

Abstract Four multiparous Holstein cows averaging 133 d postpartum and fitted with ruminal cannulas were utilized in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing whole soybeans and tallow. Treatments were 1) control, no added fat; 2) control and 10% whole raw soybeans; 3) control, 10% whole raw soybeans, and 2.5% tallow; and 4) control, 10% whole raw soybeans, and 4.0% tallow. Cows were fed for ad libitum intake a diet of alfalfa haylage, corn silage, and concentrate (45:5:50, DM basis). Intakes of DM and production of milk, milk CP, milk SNF, and 4% FCM were not affected by feeding supplemental fat. Production of milk fat and weight percentages and yields of long-chain fatty acids in milk fat were increased, whereas weight percentages and yields of short- and medium-chain fatty acids were decreased by feeding supplemental fat. Digestibilities of DM, OM, energy, cellulose, and fatty acids were decreased slightly when fat was added to the diet, but utilization of energy and N for production of milk was not altered. Supplemental fats increased concentrations of NEFA and cholesterol in plasma. These data indicate that relatively large amounts of unprotected fat can be added to the diet of lactating dairy cows without deleterious effects on milk composition, ruminal fermentation, or nutrient digestibilities.
Clinical trials in near infrared fluorescence imaging with IRDye 800CW

A monofunctional, heptamethine dye, IRDye® 800CW, is being manufactured under GMP conditions for use in human clinical trials. When attached to a suitable targeting agent and paired with an appropriate camera system, the dye allows Near Infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging of tumor tissue during surgery. The talk will describe the properties of the dye and give an overview of current and planned clinical trials in Europe and the USA. The dye is available in both the NHS ester and carboxylate forms for conjugation to targeting molecules. A GMP toxicology study of the dye was described in a previous publication.
Incremental reduction in the incidence of stroke in children supported with the Berlin EXCOR ventricular assist device.

Background Cerebrovascular events (CVEs) are common among children supported with the Berlin EXCOR (Berlin Heart GmbH, Berlin, Germany) ventricular assist device (VAD). Given the high incidence of CVEs associated with this device, we sought to describe our institutional experience in incrementally reducing CVEs in children supported with the Berlin EXCOR VAD. Methods We collected pertinent data on 39 consecutive patients who underwent Berlin EXCOR VAD implantation at a single center. Frequency of CVEs was described in risk per implantation, per day, and in reference to the time of therapeutic anticoagulation. Risk factors were analyzed for association with CVEs. Results Of the initial 39 Berlin EXCOR VAD implantations, 16 CVEs occurred in 12 patients. The incidence of CVEs decreased with institutional experience per patient ( R 2 = 0.6909, p = 0.007) and per patient-day ( R 2 = 0.8051, p = 0.002). CVEs occurred more frequently before therapeutic anticoagulation targets were achieved (4.1%/day) compared with after therapeutic anticoagulation targets were achieved (0.9%/day; p = 0.044). Conclusions Incidence of CVEs decreased with institutional experience. The risk of CVE is highest in the immediate postoperative period before therapeutic anticoagulation is achieved. Further studies are warranted in pediatric patients supported with the Berlin EXCOR VAD to confirm our findings in a larger cohort.
Fast and Highly-Available Stream Processing over Wide Area Networks

We present a replication-based approach that realizes both fast and highly-available stream processing over wide area networks. In our approach, multiple operator replicas send outputs to each downstream replica so that it can use whichever data arrives first. To further expedite the data flow, replicas run independently, possibly processing data in different orders. Despite this complication, our approach always delivers what non-replicated processing would produce without failures. We call this guarantee replication transparency. In this paper, we first discuss semantic issues for replication transparency and extend stream-processing primitives accordingly. Next, we develop an algorithm that manages replicas at geographically dispersed servers. This algorithm strives to achieve the best latency guarantee, relative to the cost of replication. Finally, we substantiate the utility of our work through experiments on PlanetLab servers as well as simulations based on real network traces.
The structure of cardiological revolutions. James B. Herrick Lecture.

Four revolutions are transforming the cardiology of our day. The first is a social revolution. It has resulted in plummeting esteem for the medical profession reflecting disenchantment coupled with the rapid emergence of the recognition that health care is a right rather than a privilege. The second revolution, interventional cardiology, has provided powerful therapeutic tools demanding technical as well as cognitive expertise. The third, the revolution in molecular and cellular biology, is transforming our understanding of mechanisms underlying disease. Because of the seminal importance of progress in basic science to advances in clinical cardiology, features of these three revolutions are being synthesized in a fourth, a revolution transforming cardiology itself. Novel approaches are needed for optimal training of clinicians with diverse areas of interest, investigators in fundamental and clinical research, house staff, and students; for optimal use of clinical and research resources; and for optimal re...
Philosophical underpinnings: Ramifications of a pluralist paradigm

Abstract This article attempts to explore the pluralism paradigm which undergirds both the systems and rhetorical perspectives in public relations. The pluralism paradigm is explored in order to reveal how the pluralistic assumptions affect these two important theoretical approaches/perspectives to the study of organization-stakeholder relationships. More specifically, pluralism is used to show how defenders of the systems and rhetorical perspectives wrongly dismiss powerbased criticisms of these two perspectives. The call is for a more serious consideration of power's impact on the organization stakeholder relationship and a complication of theories to match the complexity reflected in power-based concerns.
Israel's maritime boundaries

Abstract While land boundaries have occupied the attention of Israelis since 1948 and even earlier, they have been little concerned with the sea, and the legislation concerning their maritime boundaries is vague and incomplete. In addition, since the Six Day War Israel occupies territory with several different territorial seas, resulting in a quite complex ad hoc situation. The sea is becoming more important to Israel and she is gradually turning her attention more and more to maritime matters. It would be well if an orderly system of maritime boundaries and cooperation in utilizing the resources of the sea could be arranged with her neighbors, but that seems impossible for the forseeable future. It does seem likely, however, that in connection with or shortly after the forthcoming Law of the Sea Conference, Israel will as a minimum extend her territorial sea from six miles to twelve, while stoutly maintaining the right of free transit through international straits.
Ethanol-induced inhibitions of testicular steroidogenesis in the male rat: mechanisms of actions.

Abstract Ethanol markedly inhibits the biosynthesis of testosterone in the male of several species. Since several in vitro studies have suggested that ethanol per se is not a gonadal toxin and that it must be metabolized to exert its effects, we examined this possibility under in vivo conditions in the present studies. We found that the administration of the alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor, pyrazole, to adult male rats significantly elevated blood ethanol levels. However, rather than resulting in a potentiation of the effects of ethanol on testicular steroidogenesis, pyrazole-induced elevations in blood ethanol concentrations produced a significant attenuation of ethanol's effects. In view of these observations, it is difficult to maintain that ethanol itself is responsible for inhibiting the production of testosterone. On the contrary, our results may provide the first in vivo support for the hypothesis that ethanol must be metabolized to exert its effects on testicular steroidogenesis.
A new approach for gene prediction using comparative sequence analysis

The availability of large fragments of genomic DNA makes it possible to apply comparative genomics for identification of protein-coding regions. In this work, a comparative analysis is conducted on homologous genomic sequences of organisms with different evolutionary distances and the conservation of the non-coding regions between closely related organisms is found. In contrast, more distance shows much less intron similarity but less conservation on the exon structures. This study sought to illuminate the impact of evolutionary distances on the performance of the proposed gene-finding program based on the cross-species sequence comparison. Base on the finding from comparative study and training of data sets, we proposed a model by which coding sequence could be identified by comparing sequences of multiple species, both close and approximately distant. The reliability of the proposed method is evaluated in terms of sensitivity and specificity, and results are compared to those obtained by other popular gene prediction programs. Provided sequences can be found from other species at appropriate evolutionary distances, this approach could be applied in newly sequenced organisms where no species-dependent statistical models are available.
Non-Tuberculous Cavitary Disease of the Lungs

Introduction Cavitary disease of the lungs is so frequently of tuberculous etiology that its demonstration almost invariably suggests an initial diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. However, a wide variety of other conditions may produce or simulate cavity-formation within the lungs. In some cases, of course, the non-tuberculous nature of the underlying pathology may be readily apparent but in others the masquerade may be difficult to penetrate. Since therapy varies greatly, depending upon the etiology, it is important to avoid the pitfall of treating as tuberculous a cavity which is the result of a different pathologic process. The purpose of this study is to re-emphasize the multiplicity of non-tuberculous conditions which may produce or simulate cavitary disease of the lungs on x-ray examination. The essential feature of pulmonary cavitation is necrosis of lung parenchyma with evacuation’ of the resultant detritus and the development of a surrounding zone of reaction which largely determines the characteristics of the residual structural defect or “cavity.” The classical pulmonary cavity is that seen in tuberculosis and in the strict pathologic sense the application of this term to non-tuberculous diseases should perhaps be limited to instances which closely parallel the tubercubous process. In this paper, however, the term has been used broadly and includes any condition of the lungs which may either produce excavation of pulmonary parenchyma or resemble it on x-ray film. In addition, extra-pulmonary entities which may be confused with pulmonary cavitation roentgenologically are briefly considered.
The Functions of Calcium Across Phyla

Abstract The Comparative Endocrinology of Calcium Regulation Edited by C. Dacke, J. Danks, I. Caple and G. Flik. Bristol, UK , Society for Endocrinology, 1996, $85.00/£40.00 (220 pages), ISBN 1-898099-08-1 .
Crystallization of reaction center from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides: preliminary characterization.

Abstract Reaction centers (RCs), integral membrane proteins that mediate the conversion of light into chemical energy, were crystallized by two different vapor diffusion techniques. In one method, small amphipathic molecules (1,2,3-heptanetriol and triethylammonium phosphate) were added to the RCs that had been solubilized in detergent. In the second method, crystallization occurred near the phase boundaries of a two-phase system created by the addition of polyethylene glycol and NaCl to RCs in octyl beta-D-glucoside. Several different crystal forms were obtained; two were analyzed by x-ray diffraction. One was monoclinic (space group P2) with beta = 105 degrees, and a = 70 A, b = 105 A, and c = 85 A, two RCs per unit cell, and one RC per asymmetric unit; the crystal diffracted to 3.5 A at 17 degrees C. The other crystal form was orthorhombic (space group C222) with a = 185 A, b = 170 A, and c = 105 A, with eight RCs per unit cell and one RC per asymmetric unit. Reversible light-induced EPR signals of the primary donor (bacteriochlorophyll dimer) showed that the RCs in the crystal were fully active. From the angular dependence of the EPR signal the molecular g anisotropy of the bacteriochlorophyll dimer was deduced to be g perpendicular - g parallel = (64 +/- 3) X 10(-5). Linear dichroism measurements were performed on the monoclinic crystal. The two bands at 535 and 544 nm assigned to the Qx transitions of the bacteriopheophytins were resolved and preliminary orientations of some of the pigments were obtained.
Evaluating pedestrian crashes in areas with high low-income or minority populations

In this paper, we present an analysis of the relationship between pedestrian-vehicle crashes and characteristics of areas with high low-income and minority populations in the Chicago metropolitan area (also called environmental justice or EJ areas in the United States). While related research has indicated that pedestrian crashes occur more frequently in these areas than in non-EJ areas, this paper attempts to relate the incidence to environmental characteristics and behavioral factors through a better understanding of the contributing factors present in crash occurrences in EJ versus non-EJ areas. Specially constructed small-area factors from a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) are used to explain pedestrian-vehicle crashes. Using a Poisson model that corrects for underreporting, we find that pedestrian crash incidents in EJ areas are related to variables of exposure (including the suitability of the area for walking and transit accessibility), crime rates, transit availability, and general population demographics such as income and presence of children. Results suggest that it may be necessary to better incorporate a safety perspective or measures of safety improvements in pedestrian and transit improvements and expansion programs within EJ areas.
Temperature dependence of host-associated luminescence from YAG transparent ceramic material

We have prepared yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) in the form of a transparent optical ceramic and measured its spectroscopic properties as a function of temperature. The measurements reveal the presence of at least three distinct types of luminescent defects. These defects are both distinct in nature and more abundant in number than in the corresponding single crystal. While all three emit at low temperatures, only one persists all the way up to and above room temperature. We have demonstrated that energy transfer processes take place between some of the centers. And finally, from the temperature-dependent shapes of the emission and excitation spectra, we have derived an energy level schematic that accurately describes the transfer processes that occur upon stimulation of the various centers.
Magnetically induced subsequent fault in utility line topology with inclined spans

Abstract As an electric fault occurs, a strong magnetic force and torque exerted on three-phase overhead power line conductors would make them to swing and may bring them to close proximity or in contact with one another, causing a subsequent fault. A computer simulation has been developed for the analysis of the magnetically induced subsequent fault and presented in the authors’ earlier work, for level spans. However, the power line construction in mountainous areas requires the use of inclined spans. In this paper, we present an analysis of the magnetically induced subsequent fault in inclined-span utility line topologies. This analysis is in a transformed coordinate system, making use of electromagnetic theory and fundamental laws of mechanics as well as numerical methods. Power lines with different inclined angles are studied and the numerical results are compared with that for level spans. To validate the accuracy of the numerical results, they are checked with the energy conservation law requirement.
Carbon-deuterium bonds as probes of dihydrofolate reductase.

Much effort has been directed toward understanding the contributions of electrostatics and dynamics to protein function and especially to enzyme catalysis. Unfortunately, these studies have been limited by the absence of direct experimental probes. We have been developing the use of carbon−deuterium bonds as probes of proteins and now report the application of the technique to the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which catalyzes a hydride transfer and has served as a paradigm for biological catalysis. We observe that the stretching absorption frequency of (methyl-d3) methionine carbon−deuterium bonds shows an approximately linear dependence on solvent dielectric. Solvent and computational studies support the empirical interpretation of the stretching frequency in terms of local polarity. To begin to explore the use of this technique to study enzyme function and mechanism, we report a preliminary analysis of (methyl-d3) methionine residues within dihydrofolate reductase. Specifically, we characterize the IR...
Selective fluorescence detection of citrus oil components separated by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract The analysis of citrus oils is aided by the use of selective fluorescence detection with high-pressure liquid chromatography. The differing fluorescence properties of the nonvolatile components present in the oil make detection at one excitation and emission wavelength unsuitable. Therefore, replicate chromatograms are obtained at particulare wavelength combinations for the classification of those components based on peak intensity variations. From results with lime oil, this technique is successfully appied to lemon, grapefruit and bergamot oils.
Echocardiographic Contrast Enhancement of Poor or Weak Continuous-Wave Doppler Signals

Summary Echocardiography contrast enhancement of poor continuous-wave Doppler signals was demonstrated with peripheral venous dye injections in a patient undergoing balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. The use of intracardiac dye injections for contrast enhancement of poor or weak continuous-wave Doppler signals also was demonstrated. Simultaneous continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography, with dual-catheter measurement of the outflow tract gradient during the echocardiographic contrast injections (indocy-anine green dye and saline), confirmed the accuracy of the spectral signals obtained with contrast enhancement. These preliminary findings– that peripheral venous echocardiographic enhancement of weak or poor continuous-wave Doppler signals can provide added information for evaluation of stenotic lesions, valvular regurgitation, and ventricular septal defect–are encouraging.
Process analysis and scaling of occupational desirability: An example using information integration theory

Information integration theory was used to study how qualitatively different job characteristics (salary, work load, and prestige) combine to influence occupational desirability in a task requiring the rating of unidentified occupations. In a second task, subjects were asked to rate overall desirability and component factors for a series of actual occupations. The data were used to generate a graphic scale of desirability for a variety of occupations and to analyze the weighting of factors affecting occupational desirability. “Prestige” was much more important in rating actual occupations than in rating unidentified occupations.
A mechanism for freshening the Caribbean Sea in pre-Ice Age time

Many believe that the Central American Seaway closed near 4 Ma and that that closure led to increased salinity in the Caribbean Sea and stronger Meridional Overturning Circulation in the Atlantic, which facilitated the waxing and waning of ice sheets in the Northern Hemisphere. We offer an alternative explanation for Caribbean salinification. The atmosphere transports approximately 0.23 Sv (1 Sv = 106 m3s−1) of fresh water (moisture) from the Caribbean to the Pacific today, but that amount varies by >20% during El Nino–Southern Oscillation events. Regressions of moisture transport against the Nino-3 index, a measure of the sea surface temperature in the eastern tropical Pacific, show less moisture transport from the Caribbean during El Nino events than average. Abundant evidence indicates that at 3–4 Ma the eastern tropical Pacific was 3.5–4°C warmer than today, and if so, an extrapolation of such regressions suggests that smaller moisture transport across Central America might account for paleoceanographic inferences of a smaller salinity difference between the Caribbean and Pacific at that time. Accordingly, that decreased salinity difference at ~3–4 Ma would not require blockage of relatively fresh Pacific water at ~2–4 Ma by the closure of the Central American Seaway, but rather would be consistent with a transition from El Nino to La Nina-like conditions in the eastern tropical Pacific around that time.
An improved algorithm for optimization problems with functional inequality constraints

This paper presents an algorithm for optimization problems with distributed constraints. The algorithm is of the combined phase I-phase II feasible directions type, similar to one proposed by Polak and Mayne. It was developed as an improved version of the Polak-Mayne algorithm; by performing certain approximations in a different way it was possible to eliminate an expensive test required by Polak and Mayne.
A comparison of crystallization behavior for melt and cold crystallized poly (l-Lactide) using rapid scanning rate calorimetry

Abstract A unique rapid scanning rate differential scanning calorimeter is used to examine the differences in melt and cold crystallized poly ( l -Lactide) (PLLA), a biodegradable semi-crystalline polymer. After isothermal melt and cold crystallization at various temperatures, both melt and cold crystallized PLLA are characterized by similar melting temperatures (Tm) and exhibit multiple melting behavior on heating at 500 °C/min. However, cold crystallization results in a higher degree of crystallinity (wc) compared to melt crystallization. While the overall amorphous fraction is higher for melt crystallization, the mobile amorphous fraction (wa) is found to be higher for cold crystallization. The rigid amorphous fraction (wraf) in PLLA is determined to be higher for melt crystallization than for cold crystallization at almost all temperatures. The higher values of wraf also appear to result in higher values of the glass transition temperature (Tg) for melt crystallized samples due to a reduction in mobility of amorphous phase. These dramatic differences depending on whether the material is brought to the crystallization temperature from the melt or the glassy state, could have profound implications for processing and optimizing the properties of PLLA.