cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Skin flap closure by dermal laser soldering: A wound healing model for sutureless hypospadias repair

Abstract Objectives. Laser tissue soldering (LTS) with the diode laser and human albumin-hyaluronate-indocyanine green solder is a safe and effective method of providing an immediate leak-free closure during hypospadias repair. In this report, we compare the physiology, histology, and immunohistochemistry of wound healing following LTS and suturing in a rat skin flap model. Methods. A 4 x 5-cm skin flap was raised and bisected (4 cm) on the dorsum of 48 Sprague-Dawley rats. The central wound was either closed from a dermal approach by suturing or LTS or left open, and studied at 0, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days postoperatively. An intraoperative comparison was made between suturing and LTS with respect to operative time. Postoperatively, flaps were excised for tensiometric analysis, and sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin to define wound architecture. Resting skin temperature, laser exposed temperature without solder, and maximum temperature with solder (one drop) were measured at the level of the deep dermis, superficial striated muscle layer, and within the solder. Mean peak temperatures were recorded during a 1-minute laser activation time. Results. Mean continuous suturing time (4.9 ±1.1 minutes) was significantly (P Conclusions. Our results indicate that sutureless dermal LTS of skin flaps provides increased tensile strength for up to 7 days, with relatively greater tensile strength provided within the first 3 days. Our laser technique does not appear to alter the normal wound healing process. Rather, solder-tissue interaction initially, and extracellular matrix infiltration of solder later, provide the basis for improved wound strength. For hypospadias repair using skin flaps, these wound attributes may permit sutureless surgery. UROLOGY 50: 263-272, 1997.
A self-consistent eikonal treatment of photodissociation by visible radiation

A theoretical treatment of photodissociation of polyatomic molecules by visible radiation is developed, starting with an electron-field representation, where the electromagnetic field is quantized. The dissociation dynamics are described with a generalized eikonal treatment that accounts for the self-consistent coupling of quantal electronic transitions with classical nuclear motions, and that provides dissociation times. A simple model of C-I bond breaking is developed to illustrate the theory. Results are presented for position, momenta, and electronic probabilities versus time, for two examples of photodissociation.
Preparation of an imidazole-conjugated oligonucleotide.

Postsynthetic modification of an oligonucleotide with an imidazole functional group was achieved by formation of an amide bond between the functional group and a single 2‘-amino-2‘-deoxyuridine, d-aU, of the oligonucleotide. The succinimidyl ester of N-glutaryl-histamine was synthesized under anhydrous conditions and added to the oligonucleotide in an acetonitrile-containing buffer at pH 8.0. Formation of the conjugate was assayed by digestion with snake venom phosphodiesterase and bacterial alkaline phosphatase, followed by reversed-phase HPLC to resolve constituent nucleosides. The disappearance of a peak corresponding to d-aU and the appearance of a peak that coelutes with authentic 2‘-(N-glutaryl-N‘-histaminyl)-2‘-deoxyuridine confirmed the formation of the conjugate. Imidazole-conjugated oligonucleotides may have utility as antisense agents capable of hydrolyzing RNA.
A Peer-to-Peer Approach to Web Service Discovery

Web Services are emerging as a dominant paradigm for constructing and composing distributed business applications and enabling enterprise-wide interoperability. A critical factor to the overall utility of Web Services is a scalable, flexible and robust discovery mechanism. This paper presents a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) indexing system and associated P2P storage that supports large-scale, decentralized, real-time search capabilities. The presented system supports complex queries containing partial keywords and wildcards. Furthermore, it guarantees that all existing data elements matching a query will be found with bounded costs in terms of number of messages and number of nodes involved. The key innovation is a dimension reducing indexing scheme that effectively maps the multidimensional information space to physical peers. The design and an experimental evaluation of the system are presented.
Effect of Dietary Boron Supplementation on Egg Production, Shell Quality, and Calcium Metabolism in Aged Broiler Breeder Hens

Three experiments were conducted using aged broiler breeder hens (greater than 60 wk) to investigate the effects of supplemental B on egg production (EP), shell quality, and Ca metabolism. Experiment 1 had a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: 1) high Ca (3.5%); 2) high Ca plus B; 3) low Ca (1.5%); and 4) low Ca plus B; using 32 60-wk-old hens. The B levels were basal and 100 ppm supplemental for the first 2 wk of the experiment and reduced to 60 ppm for the remaining 3 wk. Egg production, shell thickness (ST), and egg specific gravity (SG) were recorded weekly. In Experiment 2, 40 60-wk-old hens were divided into two groups: high and low shell quality. Each group was further divided into two subgroups and fed a low-Ca basal diet with or without supplemental B. The level of B supplementation and the experimental period was the same as in Experiment 1. In Experiment 3, 52 75-wk-old hens were force-molted. After molting, 36 hens were fed a commercial layer diet with the remaining 16 hens fed the control diet supplemented with 100 ppm B. Blood samples were taken during the nonlaying and laying periods, respectively. The results showed that B significantly (P less than .05) depressed EP in Experiment 1 but not in Experiments 2 and 3. Supplemental B decreased plasma Ca when hens were fed a diet containing high Ca levels (3.5%). Supplemental B did not affect SG, ST, or Ca retention, but did significantly increase tibial bone ash percentage (P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A comparison of ground-level air quality data with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation monitoring stations data in South Bronx, New York

Abstract The South Bronx is a low-income, minority community in New York City. It has one of the highest asthma rates in the country, which community residents feel is related to poor air quality. Community residents also feel that the air quality data provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) through its network of monitoring stations do not reflect the poor quality of the air they breathe. This is due to the fact that these monitoring stations are located 15 m above ground. In the year 2001 this project collected air quality data at three locations in the study area. They were collected close to ground-level at a height of 4 m by a mobile laboratory placed in a van as part of the South Bronx Environmental Health and Policy Study. This paper compares data collected by the project with data from DEC's monitoring stations in Bronx County during the same periods. The goal of the comparison is to gain a better understanding of differences in measured air quality concentrations at these different heights. Although there is good agreement in the data among DEC stations there are some important differences between ground-level measurements and DEC data. For PM 2.5 the measured concentrations by the van were similar to those recorded by DEC stations. In the case of ozone, the concentrations recorded at ground level were similar or lower than those recorded by DEC stations. For NO 2 , however, the concentrations recorded at ground level were over twice as high as those recorded by DEC. In the case of SO 2 , ground level measurements were substantially higher in August but very similar in the other two periods. CO concentrations measured at ground-level tend to be 60–90% higher than those recorded by DEC monitoring stations. Despite these differences, van measurements of SO 2 and CO concentrations were well below EPA standards.
Target cell membrane modification and susceptibility to lymphokine activated killer cell mediated lysis. I. Trinitrophenyl has no effect on murine normal cells and tumors.

Abstract Lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells selectively recognize and lyse a wide variety of tumor cells, including syngeneic, allogeneic, and xenogeneic cells, by a mechanism which remains unknown. It has been shown that trinitrophenyl modification of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and murine blasts induces sensitivity to lysis by LAK cells. We undertook these studies to examine the effects of trinitrophenyl (TNP) on murine normal cells and tumors. Fresh murine PBLs are resistant to LAK mediated lysis and TNP modification of the cell surface has no effect, in direct contrast to results with human cells. However, the addition of anti-TNP antibody demonstrated lysis of the TNP modified cells by an antibody dependent cellular toxicity mechanism showing that these cells can be lysed by LAK cells. Furthermore, TNP did not induce sensitivity to LAK cell mediated lysis on other normal murine tissues including kidney and bone marrow. The lysis of YAC tumor cells is not inhibited by the addition of TNP modified PBLs. A single cell assay demonstrated no conjugation of LAK effector cells and TNP modified PBLs. LAK cells derived from murine PBLs, as is done in the human, were unable to lyse the TNP modified PBLs, ruling out the origin of the LAK cells as the reason for the different results in humans and mice. These observations represent a difference in the spectrum of target cells lysed by human and murine LAK cells, and also demonstrate a response to TNP modification by fresh murine normal tissues and tumors that differs from that observed with murine blasts. This may be a manifestation of an underlying immunologic disparity partially responsible for observed differences in therapeutic efficacy, and may be of importance in the design of future studies.
Simulation of a grassland sulfur-cycle

Abstract A simulation model was developed as a conceptual tool for organizing information on sulfur-cycling in a grassland ecosystem. The model successfully simulated the concentration of sulfur in shoots of two plant-functional-groups over the course of two growing seasons, and seemed to represent realistically such processes as microbial mineralization—immobilization, sulfate adsorption by soil, and nematode consumption. The greatest transfers of sulfur in the system were between soil sulfate and microorganisms. Various turnover rates were calculated, ranging from 3 × 10 −5 yr −1 (of the total labile sulfur) for the most resistant components of humus, to 10 yr −1 for the highly labile metabolic litter component. Only 2–4% of the total system-flux of sulfur was reapportioned among system components, indicating that the model system was near equilibrium.
Perceived price fairness of dynamic pricing

Purpose – This study aims to adopt illusion of control and lateral consumer relationship in order to investigate their effects on price fairness in online auction and group buying context. These two variables have been known to have strong influences in fairness perception on consumers' decision‐making processes and outcomes.Design/methodology/approach – The authors draw their conceptual foundations from previous studies, supplement this from the electronic commerce literature, and test the model through laboratory experiments.Findings – The study demonstrates that consumers' perception on illusion control in price determination and advantageous lateral consumer relationship significantly affect price fairness perception in both the online auction and group buying environments.Research limitations/implications – The findings are expected to provide researchers with useful insights to conduct future studies on uncovering the nomological networks associated with price fairness perception.Practical implicati...
Improved synthesis of 5β-cholestane-3α, 7α, 12α, 26(27)-tetrol isomers from cholic acid

Abstract Synthesis of a mixture of the 25(R) and 25(S) isomers of 5β-cholestane-3α,7α,12α, 26(27)-tetrol from cholic acid in four steps, including a Wittig reaction, is described.
Affirmative action strategies and professional schools: case illustrations of examplary programs

Increases of women and minority students at professional schools have been reported but disadvantaged populations still suffer underrepresentation. The literature indicates that effective affirmative action may be realized through early identification programs and pre-professional contact during recruitment; role modeling, and mentoring used from early identification through professional licensure; resocialization techniques for both faculty and students used after matriculation; and academic, social, and psychological support services used during the program that aid retention. A survey of law, medical, dental, and veterinary schools revealed various affirmative action strategies used for the recruitment, admission, and retention of women and minorities. Seven case illustrations of affirmative action programs are detailed. These cases demonstrate that an eclectic grouping of strategies is less effective than a concise, directed program of strategies complementary to the professional school, its faculty, their geographic location, their targeted clientele, and their specific goals for cultural diversity.
CORONERS' DECISIONS AND SUICIDE RATES

It has often been argued that national suicide rates are not valid because of different biases in the medical examiners in each nation (Douglas, 1967). To explore chis, the results of a study of the decisions made by medical examiners in eight countries was used. Brooke (1974) reported a study of suicide certification in which coroners from eight countries were given a sample of 40 case reports of death. Each mas asked to classify each death as natural, accidental, homicide or suicide (or open verdict). For each nation, the average number of suicide verdicts was calculated and correlated with the suicide rate of the nation in 1971 obtained from che World Health Organization (1974). Suicide rates were available for seven of the eight nations (Denmark, England and Wales, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and the USA). As the Spearman rho correlation coefficient of 0.47 was nonsignificant, we cannot conclude on the basis of these data that coroner biases are related to official national suicide rates.
Estrogen-Induced Retinoic Acid Receptor α1 Gene Expression: Role of Estrogen Receptor-Sp1 Complex

Retinoic acid receptor α1 (RARα1) gene expression is induced by 17β-estradiol (E2) in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells, and the −100 to −49 region of the RARα1 gene promoter was previously shown to be required for E2-responsiveness. This region of the RARα1 promoter was further analyzed using the following oligonucleotides: −100 to −49 (RAR4); −79 to −56 (RAR3); −79 to −49 (RAR2); −100 to −58 (RAR1); and their derived promoter reporter constructs (pRAR4, pRAR3, pRAR2, and pRAR1). In transient transfection studies in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, pRAR2 and pRAR1 were E2-responsive; both of the RARα1 gene promoter inserts contained two GC-rich sites and bound Sp1 protein in gel mobility shift assays. Using wild-type[ 32P]RAR2 and oligonucleotides mutated in one or both GC-rich sites, it was shown that ER enhanced Sp1 binding to both sites, but a ternary ER-Sp1-DNA complex was not observed in gel mobility shift assays. In transient transfection assays, each of the GC-rich motifs were su...
Computer‐aided engineering challenges for wireless transceivers

This work explores potential errors arising in the application of modern computer-aided engineering (CAE) software to the simulation of RF-communication system hardware. A hardware set comprising a 915-MHz transmitter and a corresponding 915-MHz receiver is analyzed by comparing system-level simulations from commercially available software to various linear and nonlinear performance measurements. It is shown that after the determination of the subsystem computer-aided design parameters using the measured component behavior, good predictions of in-band performance can be achieved for all analog parameters examined. Discrepancies, in some cases significant ones, are revealed in the out of band response predictions of the output frequency spectral content caused by system nonlinearities. Ideal filter and mixer models, in particular, are shown to be inadequate for high accuracy system simulation work. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 13: 86–100, 2003.
Intraoperative Radiotherapy Following Lumpectomy for Breast Cancer

Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is a promising approach for delivering accelerated, partial breast irradiation (APBI). Condensing the entire therapeutic dose into a single fraction, delivering the treatment at the time of lumpectomy in the operating room, and with the ability to spare normal surrounding tissue to a greater extent than perhaps any other form of APBI, IORT offers many potential benefits. Whether a single fraction is able to provide effective local control, and whether long term tissue tolerance to a large single dose is acceptable, are the greatest concerns for this approach. Breast IORT trials conducted thus far are encouraging. This review will first describe the clinical trials that provided the groundwork for single-fraction breast IORT, and will then summarize ongoing phase I/II and phase III clinical trials evaluating this potentially safe and effective form of APBI.
The relationships among need for privacy, loneliness, conversational sensitivity, and interpersonal communication motives

The present study explored the relationships among privacy, loneliness, and interpersonal communication. Specifically, it examined the relationships among individuals' preferences for six types of privacy, loneliness, conversational sensitivity, and interpersonal communication motives. The results revealed that preferences for different types of privacy were most strongly related to interpersonal communication motives or the uses to which people put interpersonal communication. Loneliness was also related to interpersonal communication motive. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for the study of privacy and interpersonal communication.
1994 Northridge earthquake bridge damage assessment efforts

On January 17, 1994, an earthquake registering 6.8 Ms on the Richter Scale centered near the city of Northridge struck the metropolitan Los Angeles area. For several days afterward, aftershocks as large as 5.2 continued to rock the region. The earthquake caused the collapse of seven major highway bridge structures and damaged many others, resulting in a paralyzing disruption of the northwest Los Angeles freeway system. A rapid and thorough assessment of damage to all highway bridge structures was required to safely re-open critical highways and restore the full capacity of the system. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)'s Division of Structure Maintenance and Investigations organized and mobilized a bridge damage assessment effort within hours of the quake. This consisted of equipping and dispatching 14 teams of experienced bridge maintenance and design engineers to perform rapid, thorough field investigations of all highway bridges within about a 40km radius of the quake epicenter. The intent of the investigations was to first rapidly assess the structural condition and determine the safe load capacity of all bridges affected by ground motions and then prepare comprehensive repair recommendations and cost estimates for quake damaged bridges. Systematic, organized investigations began within 24 hours of the earthquake and continued for over 25 days. During the first few days after the initial quake, aftershocks repeatedly shook the bridges, requiring frequent re-inspections. These aftershocks highlighted the need to establish the condition and serviceability of bridge seismic restraint systems, which were, in most cases, not easily accessible and required innovative investigation techniques. At the conclusion of each day, bridge damage reports and cost estimates were prepared by the field staff and transmitted to local district and headquarters units. After 15 days and some 2200 bridges, investigations began to subside. The rapid emergency response, systematic structural investigations and smooth flow of information from the field to Caltrans managers were critical in ensuring public safety and restoring full capacity to the crippled transportation system.
Abnormal cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with migraine and cluster headache.

SYNOPSIS Cerebral vasomotor responsiveness to 5% CO 2 or 100% 0 2 inhalation or hyperventilation was tested in groups of patients with either migraine or cluster headache. Regional cerebral blood flow was measured by the 133 Xe inhalation method before and during hypercapnia, hypocapnia or hyperoxia. A series of 79 headache patients were tested (18 classic, I complicated, 37 common, 16 cluster and 7 muscle contraction). For purposes of comparison, cerebral vasomotor responsiveness was likewise tested in 48 age and sex matched healthy volunteers. CO 2 responsiveness was expressed as D%Fg (gray matter blood flow) per mmHg PECO 2 (end-tidal CO 2 tension). Normal response was 3.6 ± 0.8% during 5% CO 2 inhalation and 3.0 ± 0.9% during hyperventilation. Inhalation of 100% O 2 inhalation reduced mean hemispheric Fg by 9.4 ± 5.4%. During the prodrome of migraine (N = 1) there was bilateral impairment of hemispheric CO 2 responsiveness. During the headache phase of migraine (N = 5) CO 2 responsiveness was impaired throughout both hemispheres but recovery occurred 24 hours after headache had subsided. During the headache-free interval of migraine (N = 21) there was excessive cerebrovascular CO 2 responsiveness (5.1 ± 2.2%). The cerebral hemisphere on the side of predominant head pain showed significantly greater excessive CO 2 response than the “non-headache” hemisphere. During cluster headache (N = 2) hemispheric CO 2 responsiveness was similarly impaired, but returned to normal immediately after the headache subsided. Unlike migraineurs, during cluster headache the cerebral vasoconstrictive response to 100% O 2 was excessive with marked reduction of Fg (33 ± 11%), with relief of headache. Two different types of abnormality in cerebral vascular receptor sites are hypothesized, which make it possible to differentiate migraine from cluster headache.
A Bcl-xS Adenovirus Demonstrates Therapeutic Efficacy in an Ascites Model of Human Breast Cancer:

To determine whether a Bcl-xS adenoviral vector has therapeutic potential in an ascites model of human breast cancerin nude mice. Advanced ascites were developed by injecting mice intraperitoneally (IP) with MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells. Mice received sequential IP injections of the Bcl-xS virus or a control lac-Z adenovirus. A third group of mice received no virus. Tumor burden and survival were monitored. Histopathology and necropsies were performed on mice. A single injection of the Bcl-xS adenovirus produced no systemic or local toxicity and no abnormal histopathology in normal mice. However, abdominal organs within these mice were transduced with the Bcl-xS vector. Adenoviral gene transduction efficiency in MDA-MB-231 ascites was 36 ± 6.40% (n = 3). Percent weight change differences revealed that ascites bearing mice injected three times with the Bcl-xS vector. Adenoviral gene transduction efficiency in MDA-MB-231 ascites was 36 ± 6.40% (n = 3). Percent weight change differences revealed that ascites bearing mice injected three times with Bcl-xS vector showed a statistically significant decrease in tumor burden compared with lac-Z-injected mice (n = 7; P = .012 on days 10–15 after the virst injection). Mice injected with the Bcl-xS vector had significantly greater survival relative to lac-Z-injected mice (n = 7; P = .0004). Bcl-xS protein expression was detected in aspirates of mice injected with the Bcl-xS vector but not the lac-Z vector. Necropsies revealed that ascites bearing mice injected with Bcl-xS vector lacked carcinoma in the peritoneal cavity compared with control mice. The Bcl-xS adenovirus can reduce tumor burden and increase survival in an ascites model of advanced stage breast cancer.
Generalized harmonic wavelet as an adaptive filter for machine health diagnosis

This paper presents an adaptive filtering technique for the health diagnosis of mechanical systems, based on the generalized harmonic wavelet transformation. Through selection of two wavelet level parameters, a series of sub-frequency band wavelet coefficients corresponding to equi-bandwidth vibration signals measured from a machine were constructed. The energy and entropy associated with each sub-frequency band were then calculated, and the band with the maximum energy-to-entropy ratio was chosen to form a band-limited filter for the vibration signals. Experimental studies using rolling bearings that contain structural defects have confirmed that, the developed new technique enables high signal-to-noise ratio for effective machine failure detection and health diagnosis.
Corporate Responsibility in Scandinavian Supply Chains

This article examines corporate responsibility in the supply chains of four of the largest Scandinavian multinational corporations – IKEA, Nokia, Novo Nordisk, and StatoilHydro – and offers two key findings. First, these Scandinavian companies have all implemented responsible supply chain practices where suppliers in developing nations, and the communities of these suppliers, are engaged as key stakeholders and treated as partners. Second, these supply chain practices all share the common bond of having honesty and the establishment of trust-based relationships at their foundation. As a result, these Scandinavian companies have developed a “cooperative advantage” in their ability to form successful, long-term partnerships in their respective supply chains.
Global attractor and determining modes for a hyperbolic MHD turbulence Model

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)-α models are regularized systems used to study the turbulent flow of a magnetofluid, because of the impossibility to handle non-regularized models either analitically or numerically. In order to establish the validity of a model as a large eddy simulation model, one needs to test properties related to the number of degrees of freedom of long-time dynamics of the solutions. Preliminary information is provided by estimates concerning the number of determining modes. We consider the MHD–Voight model for an incompressible fluid and find estimates for a number of asymptotically determining modes and modes on global attractor.
High-Temperature Stress and Soybean Leaves: Leaf Anatomy and Photosynthesis

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) genotype K 03-2897 was grown in a controlled environment to study the effects of high-temperature (HT) stress on ultrastructural changes in leaves and its relationship with photosynthetic rate. The objectives of this study were to (i) quantify the effects of HT stress during fl owering stage on photosynthetic rate and (ii) observe the anatomical and ultrastructural changes in leaves of soybean grown under HT. Plants were exposed to HT (38/28°C) or optimum temperature (OT; 28/18°C) for 14 d at fl owering stage R2. High-temperature stress signifi cantly decreased the leaf photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance by 20.2 and 12.8%, respectively, compared with those at OT. However, HT stress signifi cantly increased the thicknesses of the palisade and spongy layers and the lower epidermis above those at OT. In addition, HT stress damaged the plasma membrane, chloroplast membrane, and thylakoid membranes. The mitochondrial membranes, cristae, and matrix were distorted under HT stress. High-temperature stress increased the content of leaf reducing sugars by 82.6% above that at OT. Leaves under HT stress had a higher carbon isotope ratio compared with that at OT. Decreases in photosynthesis at HT stress were mediated through anatomical and structural changes in the cell and cell organelles, particularly the chloroplast and mitochondria.
Grab versus composite sampling: A primer for the manager and engineer

Effluent subsamples are usually aggregated into flow or time proportional samples before analysis. Although this provides information on average process conditions, that on process variability is lost by compositing. Fisher's information is defined and used to estimate the loss due to compositing. The results of simulations based on parameters derived from actual waste streams support the fact that random grabs serve as well as composite samples for monitoring purposes. These findings favor changes in regulatory practice to allow compliance to be demonstrated by grab sample averages. Reporting requirements based on moving averages are shown to be inferior to those based on averages taken over nonoverlapping time periods.
A chemiluminescence-based continuous flow aqueous ozone analyzer using photoactivated chromotropic acid

Ozone has become the oxidant of choice for water disinfection, especially in large water treatment facilities. This paper describes a fast and sensitive method for the determination of ozone content by reaction with photoactivated chromotropic acid (CA, 4,5-dihydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid), which results in intense chemiluminescence (CL). Freshly ozonated water from a recirculating ozonizer/reservoir is injected into a carrier stream of deionized water in the flow-injection mode. This flow mixes with a stream of photoactivated CA solution in a spiral cell placed directly on top of an inexpensive miniature (8mm diameter active area) photomultiplier tube (PMT). Alkaline CA is photoactivated by passing it through a FEP-Teflon((R)) coil (residence time approximately 50s) wrapped around a 1W UV lamp emitting at 254nm; without photoactivation, the signal is approximately 70-fold lower. The S/N=3 limit of detection for aqueous ozone is 3mugl(-1) and good response slope is obtained up to an ozone concentration of 1.4mgl(-1), the highest that could be made in this study. The response obeyed a quadratic equation with r(2)=0.9984. No interference from permanganate ion is observed. The proposed system was applied to the monitoring of ozonation status of a playa lake water that exhibited significant ozone demand.
Adult Men's Self-Esteem: The Relationship with the Father:

This study examined 80 men to determine if their relationship with their fathers during childhood/adolescence could predict self-esteem in adulthood. Adult men's perceptions of their fathers were m...
Auroral bremsstrahlung spectra in the atmosphere

Abstract A procedure for computing the bremsstrahlung X-ray flux generated by auroral electrons in a plane, parallel atmosphere is described in detail. An integral expression which gives the X-ray flux at a specified photon energy and atmospheric depth for an arbitrary incident electron spectrum is set up. Some examples of X-ray spectra obtained from the numerical solution of this multidimensional integral are illustrated and in several cases are compared with previous Monte Carlo results. The energy deposition by bremsstrahlung X-rays can be determined from their local flux spectra.
Direct frequency comb measurements of absolute optical frequencies and population transfer dynamics.

A phase-stabilized femtosecond laser comb is directly used for high-resolution spectroscopy and absolute optical frequency measurements of one- and two-photon transitions in laser-cooled $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms. Absolute atomic transition frequencies, such as the $5{S}_{1/2}$ $F=2\ensuremath{\rightarrow}7{S}_{1/2}$ ${F}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}=2$ two-photon resonance measured at 788 794 768 921 (44) kHz, are determined without a priori knowledge about their values. Detailed dynamics of population transfer driven by a sequence of pulses are uncovered and taken into account for the measurement of the $5P$ states via resonantly enhanced two-photon transitions.
Strategies and models for cutting satellite insulation in telerobotic servicing missions

Research on the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) addresses techniques that allow us to robotically refuel and service existing satellites in space. In preparation for refueling, it is necessary to cut the tape that binds a patch of satellite insulation (Multilayer Insulation or MLI) over the fuel access port. It is desirable to cut only the tape, leaving the MLI intact, so that the satellite does not incur thermal stress. This task is performed telerobotically, with an operator located at a ground station, and therefore is subject to communication time delays of several seconds. In our approach, the ground-based operator interacts with a simulated environment and his/her desired actions are replicated by the remote (on-orbit) robot a few seconds later. This paper focuses on developing and modeling two effective cutting strategies, with the goal of using the models to predict the forces that should occur during cutting. These models can serve two purposes: (1) to enable the on-orbit robot system to stop if the measured forces are not consistent with the predicted forces, without waiting several seconds for the human operator to discover and react to the problem, and (2) to provide realistic haptic feedback to the operator at the ground station. The strategies and models are validated on a ground-based platform that uses the master console of a da Vinci® Surgical System to teleoperate a Whole Arm Manipulator (WAM) that emulates the on-orbit robot.
A symmetrical six-base-pair target site sequence determines Tn10 insertion specificity

Transposon Tn10 inserts at many sites in the bacterial chromosome, but preferentially inserts at particular hotspots. We believe we have identified the target DNA signal responsible for this specificity. We have determined the DNA sequences of 11 Tn10 insertion sites and identified a particular 6 base pair (bp) symmetrical consensus sequence (GCTNAGC) common to those sites. The sequences at some sites differ from the consensus sequence but only in limited and well defined ways. The sequences at some sites differ from the consensus sequence than do sequences at other sites, and the consensus sequence and closely related sequences are generally absent from potential target regions where Tn10 is known not to insert. Other aspects of the target DNA can significantly influence the efficiency with which a particular target site sequence is used. The 6 bp consensus sequence is symmetrically located within the 9 bp target DNA sequence that is cleaved and duplicated during Tn10 insertion. This juxtaposition of recognition and cleavage sites plus the symmetry of the perfect consensus sequence suggest that the target DNA may be both recognized and cleaved by the symmetrically disposed subunits of a single protein, as suggested for type II restriction endonucleases. There is plausible homology between the consensus sequence and the very ends of Tn10, compatible with recognition of transposon ends and target DNA by the same protein. The sequences of actual insertion sites deviate from the perfect consensus sequence in a way which suggests that the 6 bp specificity determinant may be recognized through protein-DNA contacts along the major groove of the DNA double helix.
Erratum: Detailed architecture of a DNA translocating machine: The high-resolution structure of the bacteriophage φ29 connector particle (Journal of Molecular Biology (2002))

The recent paper by Guasch et al.1 describing the structure of the ϕ29 bacteriophage head–tail connector at 2.1 A resolution (PDB code 1h5w), makes reference to the original 3.2 A resolution structure (PDB code 1fou) published by Simpson et al.2 and used by Guasch et al. to solve the 1h5w structure by molecular replacement. The Guasch paper states that there are marked differences between the 1h5w and 1fou structures in the chain tracing and the side-chain positioning in the wide domain. As these and a number of other statements in the Guasch paper may have led to the impression that these differences are larger than they really are, we give here Tables summarizing the similarities and differences (Tables 1 and ​and22). Table 1 Statistical comparison of the ϕ29 connector wide domains in different structures Table 2 Superposition of the entire monomers in the four reported structures Another paper by Simpson et al.,3 which was accidentally omitted from the text of the Guasch et al. paper, reports two additional structures of the ϕ29 connector: at 3.2 A resolution and at 2.9 A resolution (PDB codes 1jnb and 1ijg, respectively). The 2.9 A resolution structure shows no significant differences from the structure subsequently reported by Guasch et al. (Figure 1; Tables 1 and ​and22). Figure 1 Stereo diagram showing the superposition of the Cα back-bone of monomer A in the 2.1 A resolution structure 1h5w (green) and the 2.9 A resolution 1ijg structure (red).
Uveitis seroreactivity to candidate pANCA antigens: mycobacterial HupB and histone H1(69-171).

Purpose: Certain uveitis patients express the disease-marker antibody pANCA. Histone H1 (H1) and mycobacterial HupB (HupB) are recently identified candidate pANCA antigens. This study addresses the hypothesis that H1 and HupB are targets of disease-associated seroreactivity in pANCA+ uveitis. Methods: Sera from 293 uveitis patients were categorized for pANCA activity. H1(69-171) and HupB recombinant proteins were used as antigenic targets in ELISA studies. Selected sera were analyzed for reactivity by Western blot. Results: Seroreactivities to ANCA, H1(69-171), and HupB were frequently detected in uveitis patients. No significant relationship existed between the level of ANCA antibody and reactivity to either recombinant antigen. There was, however, a significant, positive correlation between H1(69-171) and HupB seroreactivities. Conclusions: Correlation between H1(69-171) and HupB reactivities suggests the presence of a shared dominant epitope, which is recognized by antibodies in a substantial number of...
Half-range solutions of indefinite Sturm-Liouville problems

Abstract For diffusion equations of indefinite Sturm-Liouville type, we develop two equivalent methods of constructing explicit representations for the solutions. The first method is based on an eigenfunction expansion whereas the second uses a Wiener-Hopf-type integral equation and factorization. Some illustrative examples are worked out.
External and Internal Scanning: Identifying Variables that Affect Your School.

In this, the third in a series on school-based management, the author discusses the importance of collecting data from inside and outside the school building to assist in identifying trends, arriving at projections, and targeting needs that must be met in the future.
The Role of Social Science in Successfully Implementing Watershed Management Strategies

Successful watershed management and changes in water quality conditions are dependent upon changes in human behaviors. Those tasked with managing watersheds and other natural resources often assume that people are not acting to protect or restore their resources because they lack the necessary knowledge and understanding. However, individual behaviors are impacted by a variety of social, psychological, institutional, and economic factors that need to be understood for successful implementation of watershed management strategies. This paper provides an introduction to the field of human dimensions of watershed management, an overview of social science concepts that have been found to explain water-related behaviors, and how social information can be translated into actionable items in a management plan.
Modeling and Analysis of Post-Conflict Reconstruction

The forces at play in reconstruction operations are a complex system of time-phased interlocking cause and effect relationships that are not always completely understood. A model capable of capturing the general dynamics involved in post-conflict reconstruction would provide insight to decision makers regarding potential policy alternatives. This paper demonstrates the viability of using systems dynamics modeling techniques to simulate the establishment of public order and safety in a post-conflict reconstruction operation (Phase IV operations). A high-level generic framework is developed that can be used as a general template for modeling post-conflict reconstruction. It is then demonstrated with a notional test case based on the Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Moving-target detection from a moving sensor

This paper presents a motion estimation and analysis technique for moving target detection in image sequences acquired from a moving electro-optical sensor. Imagery from the visible or infrared region is processed to yield a ranked target list consisting of detected target centroid, bounding box dimensions, and a confidence measure for each detection.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ablation of materials in the low-earth orbital environment

Abstract The ablation of materials exposed on external ram surfaces of a spacecraft in orbit by gas particles in the atmosphere is investigated. A spacecraft in low-earth orbit moves through the atmosphere at about 8 km sec , allowing gas particles to impinge upon spacecraft surfaces with kinetic energies comparable to the cohesive energies of elementary materials. Experiments flown on Space Shuttle missions indicate that certain materials can undergo significant mass loss due to exposure to the atmospheric particle flux. These exposure experiments are reviewed. A physical sputtering model is presented for use in predicting the behaviors of materials in the low-earth orbital environment. The physical sputtering rates of a number of elementary materials are estimated as a function of orbital altitude in the 100–1000 km range. It is shown that the physical sputtering rates of certain materials may result in significant mass loss after only a few months or years of exposure time. For many materials the effect of physical sputtering in the low-earth orbital environment is not observable even after many tens of years of exposure time. Chemical sputtering rates by atomic oxygen in the low-earth orbital environment are compared with calculated physical sputtering rates, and it is noted that the model presented here is a lower bound calculation since chemical sputtering generally causes mass loss at a higher rate. The need for physical sputtering data on polymer materials for comparison with ablation rates measured in Shuttle exposure experiments is also discussed. This work has implications for the Tethered Satellite System, Space Station, and Long-Duration Exposure Facilities to be deployed in the low-earth orbital environment, and may be extended to orbiting spacecraft in non-terrestrial atmospheres as well.
Mathematical Modeling of Borehole And Bed Boundary Effects In Induction Logging

And~~n. W. L., 1979. Numerical integratwn of rril;wd Hunkel tranyforms of orders 0 and I by adaptive digital filtering: Geophysics. 44. 1287-1305. Hamett. C T.. Davidson. M. J.. McLaughlin. G. H.. and Nabighian. M. N., 1978, Exploration with the Newmount EMP System: Geophys. Projp.. 26. 686-697. Danielb. J. J.. 1977. Three-dimensional resistivity and Induced polariLatlon modrlling usmg buried electrodes: Geophysics, 42, 1006-1018. DameI\. J. I., 1978, Interpretation of buried electrode resistivitydata using a layered model: Geophysics. 43, 988-1001. Doll. H. G.. 1949, Introduction to induction logging and application to logging of wells drilled with oil base mud: J. of Petrol. Tech. Duesterhoeft, Jr.. W. C., and Smith, J., 1961, Propagation effects in inductlon logging: geophysics 26, 192-204. Dyck, A. V., 1981, A method for quantitative interpretation of wideband. drill-hole E M surveys in mineral exploration: Ph.D thesis, Univ of Toronto. Goldman, M. M.. 1983, The integral-finite-difference method for calculating transient electromagnetic fields in a horisontally stratified medium. Geophys. Prosp., 31, 664-686. Hohmann, G. W., Van Voorhis, G. D., and Nelson. P. H., 1978, A vector E.M. system and its field applications: Geophysics. 43, l418I440 Raichc. A. P and Spies, B. R., 1981, Coincident loop transient eiectromagnetic master curves for interpreration of two layer earths: Geophysics. 46, 53-64. Roy. A.. and Dhar. R. L.. 1970, Relative contributions to signal by ground elements in a two coil induction logging system: Gsophyi, Prosp.. 18, 389-404. Stayer: C. H., 1977, Electromagnetic fields of dipoles in stratified media: IEEE Trans anten. propag., 547-5.52. Vanyan, L. L.. 1967, Fundamentals of electromagnetic sounding in electromagnetic depth soundings: Selected. transl. G. V. Keller, Consultan& Bureau.
Fluid leakage past tracheal tube cuffs: evaluation of the new Microcuff endotracheal tube

This study compared the recently introduced Microcuff endotracheal tube HVLP ICU featuring an ultrathin (7-µm) polyurethane cuff membrane with endotracheal tubes from different manufacturers regarding fluid leakage past the tube cuff. In vitro setup. The following endotracheal tubes (ID 7.5 mm) were compared: Mallinckrodt HiLo, Microcuff HVLP ICU, Portex Profile Soft Seal, Rusch Super Safety Clear, and Sheridan CF. A vertical PVC trachea model (ID 20 mm) was intubated, and cuffs were inflated to 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 60 cmH2O. Colored water (5 ml) was added to the top of the cuff. The amount of leaked fluid past the tube cuff within 5, 10, and 60 min was recorded. Experiments were performed four times using two examples of each tube brand. Fluid leakage past tube cuffs occurred in all conventional endotracheal tubes at cuff pressures from 10 to 60 cmH2O. In the Microcuff tube cuff pressure fluid leakage was observed within 10 min only at 10 cmH2O. Results with the Microcuff tube were significantly better than all other tube brands at cuff pressures of 10–30 cmH2O. Within the acceptable upper limit for tracheal cuff pressure (25–30 cmH2O) the Microcuff endotracheal tube was the only one of the tested tubes to prevent fluid leakage in our in vitro setup. In vivo studies are required to confirm these findings.