cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A study of deuterium distribution in deuterated polyolefins by pyrolysis-photoionization mass spectrometry

The saturation of polydienes with deuterium produces labeled polyolefins that, when studied with the identical hydrogenated polydienes, have proven quite useful for the understanding of many of the basic properties of these materials. However, until now the only way to determine the amount of deuterium substitution on the labeled molecules has been to compare the densities of the hydrogenated and deuterated polymers, which gives no information on how the deuterium is distributed along the chains. The information is important, since it is clear from the density results that with some saturation catalysts (Pd) there must be some H-D exchange since there are more than two deuterium atoms per diene monomer on the labeled species, while for others (Wilkinson's) there appears to be no exchange. In this work, pyrolysis-photionization mass spectrometry has been used to examine the structure of the hydrogenated and deuterated polydienes in more detail. The deuterium distributions were determined using a modified Bernoullian model that takes into account the first two D's that were added by the saturation event. The most revealing data come from the tetramer C 4 H 8-x D x , which confirm the average level of deuteration as measured by density. For polymers saturated with Pd catalysts, the pyrolysis-photionization mass spectra show that the deuterium was randomly distributed by the H-D exchange. Perdeuteriopolyisobutylene was also examined, as was its blend with hydrogenous polyisobutylene, which helped to confirm that exchange had occurred during the saturation of the polydienes using the catalyst rather than during the measurement step. The data for the polydiene deuterated using Wilkinson's catalyst confirmed that there was little, if any, exchange.
Postbuckling analysis of stiffened laminated composite panels, using a higher-order shear deformation theory

The investigation aims at: (i) constructing a modified higher-order shear deformation theory in which Kirchhoff's hypotheses are relaxed, to allow for shear deformations; (ii) validating the present 5-parameter-smeared-laminate theory by comparing the results with exact solutions; and (iii) applying the theory to a specific problem of the postbuckling behavior of a flat stiffened fiber-reinforced laminated composite plate under compression. The first part of this paper is devoted mainly to the derivation of the pertinent displacement field which obviates the need for shear correction factors. The present displacement field compares satisfactorily with the exact solutions for three layered cross-ply laminates. The distinctive feature of the present smeared laminate theory is that the through-the-thickness transverse shear stresses are calculated directly from the constitutive equations without involving any integration of the equilibrium equations. The second part of this paper demonstrates the applicability of the present modified higher-order shear deformation theory to the post-buckling analysis of stiffened laminated panels under compression. to accomplish this, the finite strip method is employed. A C 2-continuity requirement in the displacement field necessitates a modification of the conventional finite strip element technique by introducing higher-order polynomials in the direction normal to that of the stiffener axes. The finite strip formulation is validated by comparing the numerical solutions for buckling problems of the stiffened panels with some typical experimental results.
Evaluation of measurement uncertainties in human diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-derived parameters and optimization of clinical DTI protocols with a wild bootstrap analysis

Purpose To quantify measurement uncertainties of fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and principal eigenvector orientations in human diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data acquired with common clinical protocols using a wild bootstrap analysis, and to establish optimal scan protocols for clinical DTI acquisitions. Materials and Methods A group of 13 healthy volunteers were scanned using three commonly used DTI protocols with similar total scan times. Two important parameters—the number of unique diffusion gradient directions (NUDG) and the ratio of the total number of diffusion-weighted (DW) images to the total number of non-DW images (DTIR)—were analyzed in order to investigate their combined effects on uncertainties of DTI-derived parameters, using results from both the Monte Carlo simulation and the wild bootstrap analysis of uncertainties in human DTI data. Results The wild bootstrap analysis showed that uncertainties in human DTI data are significantly affected by both NUDG and DTIR in many brain regions. These results agree with previous predictions based on error-propagations as well as results from simulations. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that within a clinically feasible DTI scan time of about 10 minutes, a protocol with number of diffusion gradient directions close to 30 provides nearly optimal measurement results when combined with a ratio of the total number of DW images over non-DW images equal to six. Wild bootstrap can serve as a useful tool to quantify the measurement uncertainty from human DTI data. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:422–435. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Genotypic differences in host immunoreactivity and their effect on the development of polycyclic hydrocarbon-induced tumors.

Abstract Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that are known primarily for their mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. In mice, when applied to the skin, they also act as antigenic substances, capable of initiating a cell-mediated immune response (contact hypersensitivity). Using dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) as a prototype, studies from this laboratory have found that genetic polymorphisms, at the Ah receptor locus, the major histocompatibility complex and the Lps locus, control the magnitude of the cell-mediated immune response to these carcinogenic compounds. Strains of mice that metabolize polyaromatic hydrocarbons well and can be immunized to them are less likely to develop cutaneous tumors when subjected to a polyaromatic hydrocarbon-initiation, TPA-promotion cutaneous carcinogenesis protocol. It may thus be possible to assess individual susceptibility to polyaromatic hydrocarbon-induced tumors by characterizing one’s ability to metabolize polyaromatic hydrocarbons and his or her immune response to these agents.
FDICS: A Vision-based System for the Identification and Classification of Fabric Defects

In today's global market, the key to a manufacturing enterprise's success lies in being competitive. To achieve this, the enterprise must make use of state-of-the-art techniques such as computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), just-in-time (JIT), and total quality management (TQM). Computer vision is a relatively new technology that combines computers and video cameras to acquire, analyze, and interpret images in a way that parallels human vision. The objective of the research reported in this paper was to develop an automated defect-inspection and classification system using the principles of machine vision, image-processing, and pattern recognition. In this paper, the design, development, and use of a Fabric Defect Identification and Classification System (FDICS), a vision-based system for the identification and classification of fabric defects, is discussed. FDICS is made up of an image-acquisition module, a feature-extraction module, and a classification module. The image-acquisition module obtains th...
Every day is like survival: here, there and everywhere

Satisfying the expectations of both the IT organization and the department, while maintaining the momentum of our own professional development, is often tricky. We strive to align our work with the goals of the organization, but are interrupted by the immediate needs of our department. We work to strategize long-term but are asked to put out fires at a moment's notice. We struggle to reconcile the disparities between following the goals of upper management and the, sometimes-conflicting, edicts of direct management. We wonder if it is possible to provide superb customer service, apply innovation in our work, and simply produce, in spite of often conflicting goals. Pursuing institutional goals often gets interpreted by our immediate peers and management as us not being team players. Our commitment to the team is then called into question. We are caught between a rock and hard place. And what does this mean for our own professional growth and learning opportunities? It is possible to both rock and roll even while being pulled in many directions. Even when we are urged to spend more time embracing the foxhole, we can shine while contributing beyond the silo. Reaching the area of optimal production is a never-ending experiment where the target moves daily. However, it can be done by increasing self-awareness, aligning our activities with our truth, and a applying a bit of political savvy.
Reaching them Early: Identifying and supporting prospective teachers

A group of students planning to become teachers at Montclair State University (MSU) in New Jersey were provided with a supportive community through the transition to college in the hope of increasing their retention in teacher education. The elements of their course found to be particularly important were the development of a sense of belonging in the university, the building up of their self-confidence and the focus on teaching and learning and becoming teachers.
BDNF val66met polymorphism affects aging of multiple types of memory

The BDNF val66met polymorphism (rs6265) influences activity-dependent secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the synapse, which is crucial for learning and memory. Individuals homozygous or heterozygous for the met allele have lower BDNF secretion than val homozygotes and may be at risk for reduced declarative memory performance, but it remains unclear which types of declarative memory may be affected and how aging of memory across the lifespan is impacted by the BDNF val66met polymorphism. This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of BDNF polymorphism on multiple indices of memory (item, associative, prospective, subjective complaints) in a lifespan sample of 116 healthy adults aged 20-93 years. Advancing age showed a negative effect on item, associative and prospective memory, but not on subjective memory complaints. For item and prospective memory, there were significant age×BDNF group interactions, indicating the adverse effect of age on memory performance across the lifespan was much stronger in the BDNF met carriers than for the val homozygotes. BDNF met carriers also endorsed significantly greater subjective memory complaints, regardless of age, and showed a trend (p<.07) toward poorer associative memory performance compared to val homozygotes. These results suggest that genetic predisposition to the availability of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, by way of the BDNF val66met polymorphism, exerts an influence on multiple indices of episodic memory - in some cases in all individuals regardless of age (subjective memory and perhaps associative memory), in others as an exacerbation of age-related differences in memory across the lifespan (item and prospective memory). This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Memory & Aging.
"Flexiball" toolkit: a modular approach to self-assembling capsules.

We report the synthesis and characterization of new, self-assembling molecular capsules. The modular strategy makes use of glycoluril building blocks available in multigram amounts combined with aromatic spacer elements. The lengthy syntheses encountered with earlier generations of capsules are avoided, and several capsules of nanometer dimensions are now accessible. Single bond attachments between spacers and glycoluril modules result in monomers as dimeric capsules that are less rigid than their earlier counterparts. The host−guest properties of the homo- and heterodimeric capsules were studied using a combination of NMR and ESI-mass spectrometry. They show a less pronounced selectivity for guests of different sizes, and their increased flexibility prevents self-assembly when no rigidifying elements are present on the central spacer unit. Some of the new capsules bear inwardly directed, secondary amide N−H protons. These can be further functionalized, as shown by their methylation to give tertiary analo...
PHENOLIZATION OF BLADDER IN TREATMENT OF MASSIVE INTRACTABLE HEMATURIA

Intractable hemorrhagic cystitis secondary to radiation or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) therapy could lead to serious complications; however, intravesical instillation of phenol has reduced the dilemma of this life-threatening problem. We present a case of intractable hemorrhagic cystitis secondary to cyclophosphamide therapy treated with 100 per cent phenol with no untoward side effects. Since formalin instillation into the bladder has been associated with severe complications, phenol appears to be safer and more effective in the treatment of intractable hematuria, and, therefore, its clinical trial is recommended.
The experience of South American mothers who have a child being treated for malignancy in the United States

This phenomenological study examined the experience of South American mothers who brought their children to the United States for cancer treatment. Five mothers were interviewed twice about their subjective experiences. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method of phenomenology. Thirty-two significant statements were grouped into eight themes. The South American mothers brought their children to the United States in hopes of finding effective treatment, illustrating the major theme of our findings that no effort or sacrifice was too great to save their children's lives. The diagnosis of cancer had an overwhelming impact on the child and the family. This was made worse by the uncertainty of treatment outcome. Although the decision to come disrupted family life and caused economic and cultural hardship, it was uniformly believed to have been the right decision. The greatest challenges experienced by the mothers were language difficulties and the constant preoccupation with the child's illness. Through faith and a variety of coping strategies, these South American mothers succeeded in adapting. They transcended life disruption and focused on the critical goal of restoring their child's health. Central to their experience is that everything humanly possible be done to preserve the life of their child.
Sulindac sulfide–induced apoptosis is enhanced by a small-molecule Bcl-2 inhibitor and by TRAIL in human colon cancer cells overexpressing Bcl-2

Sulindac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that induces apoptosis in cultured colon cancer cells and in intestinal epithelia in association with its chemopreventive efficacy. Resistance to sulindac is well documented in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying such resistance remain unknown. We determined the effect of ectopic Bcl-2 expression upon sulindac-induced apoptotic signaling in SW480 human colon cancer cells. Sulindac sulfide activated both the caspase-8-dependent and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways. Ectopic Bcl-2 attenuated cytochrome c release and apoptosis induction compared with SW480/neo cells. Coadministration of sulindac sulfide and the small-molecule Bcl-2 inhibitor HA14-1 increased apoptosis induction and enhanced caspase-8 and caspase-9 cleavage, Bax redistribution, and cytochrome c and second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase release. Given that sulindac sulfide activated caspase-8 and increased membrane death receptor (DR4 and DR5) protein levels, we evaluated its combination with the endogenous death receptor ligand tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Coadministration of sulindac sulfide and TRAIL cooperatively enhanced apoptotic signaling as effectively as did HA14-1. Together, these data indicate that HA14-1 or TRAIL can enhance sulindac sulfide-induced apoptosis and represent novel strategies for circumventing Bcl-2-mediated apoptosis resistance in human colon cancer cells.
Effects of Psychiatric Care for Dual Diagnosis Patients Treated in a Drug Dependence Clinic

This study examines outcome of treatment for psychoactive substance dependence in a clinic which made psychiatric care readily available. Veterans entering outpatient treatment for substance dependence (n = 222) received psychiatric evaluation for additional Axis I disorders using DSM-III-R criteria. Patients provided urine toxicology specimens at least weekly. Outcome (urinalysis results and treatment retention) was compared for patients with dual diagnosis (n = 103, 46.4%) and with substance only diagnosis (n = 119, 53.6%). Psychotropic medications were prescribed for 80.4% of the dual diagnosis subjects. In the first 6 months of treatment, dual diagnosis subjects compared to substance only diagnosis subjects gave a significantly greater percentage of urines positive for cocaine and opioids. In the second 6 months, dual diagnosis subjects who remained (n = 72, 70.0%) significantly reduced from the first 6 months their percentage of cocaine and opioid positives and did not differ in percent positives fro...
A knowledge based approach for representing and reasoning about signaling networks

Motivation: In this paper we propose to use recent developments in knowledge representation languages and reasoning methodologies for representing and reasoning about signaling networks. Our approach is different from most other qualitative systems biology approaches in that it is based on reasoning (or inferencing) rather than simulation. Some of the advantages of our approach are, we can use recent advances in reasoning with incomplete and partial information to deal with gaps in signal network knowledge; and can perform various kinds of reasoning such as planning, hypothetical reasoning and explaining observations. Results: Using our approach we have developed the system BioSigNet-RR for representation and reasoning about signaling networks. We use a NFκB related signaling pathway to illustrate the kinds of reasoning and representation that our system can currently do. Availability: The system is available on the Web at http://www.public.asu.edu/~cbaral/biosignet
Theorizing the role of the ‘war on drugs’ in US punishment

Numerous scholars have described how the ‘war on drugs’ has played a central role in US penal change, especially its racialized impact. Yet there remain aspects of this ‘war’ that are under-explored in punishment and society scholarship. This article delineates five distinct modes by which the contemporary regulation of drugs in the USA speaks to penal change, and in so doing suggests that its reach is much more diffuse, insidious, and variegated than suggested by prevailing conceptualizations of the drug war–punishment relationship.
Physically based grasping control from example

Animated human characters in everyday scenarios must interact with the environment using their hands. Captured human motion can provide a database of realistic examples. However, examples involving contact are difficult to edit and retarget; realism can suffer when a grasp does not appear secure or when an apparent impact does not disturb the hand or the object. Physically based simulations can preserve plausibility through simulating interaction forces. However, such physical models must be driven by a controller, and creating effective controllers for new motion tasks remains a challenge. In this paper, we present a controller for physically based grasping that draws from motion capture data. Our controller explicitly includes passive and active components to uphold compliant yet controllable motion, and it adds compensation for movement of the arm and for gravity to make the behavior of passive and active components less dependent on the dynamics of arm motion. Given a set of motion capture grasp examples, our system solves for all but a small set of parameters for this controller automatically. We demonstrate results for tasks including grasping and two-hand interaction and show that a controller derived from a single motion capture example can be used to form grasps of different object geometries.
Training support vector machines: an application to face detection

We investigate the application of Support Vector Machines (SVMs) in computer vision. SVM is a learning technique developed by V. Vapnik and his team (AT&T Bell Labs., 1985) that can be seen as a new method for training polynomial, neural network, or Radial Basis Functions classifiers. The decision surfaces are found by solving a linearly constrained quadratic programming problem. This optimization problem is challenging because the quadratic form is completely dense and the memory requirements grow with the square of the number of data points. We present a decomposition algorithm that guarantees global optimality, and can be used to train SVM's over very large data sets. The main idea behind the decomposition is the iterative solution of sub-problems and the evaluation of optimality conditions which are used both to generate improved iterative values, and also establish the stopping criteria for the algorithm. We present experimental results of our implementation of SVM, and demonstrate the feasibility of our approach on a face detection problem that involves a data set of 50,000 data points.
Keeping the Peace: Regional or Global Responsibility?

The United Nations and Regional Security: Europe and Beyond. Edited by Michael Pugh, Waheguru Pal Singh Sidhu. Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2003. 309 pp., $49.95 cloth (ISBN: 1-58826-207-3), $22.50 paper (ISBN: 1-58826-232-4). The explosion of international peace and security operations after the Cold War has led to some complex changes in the ways in which the international system seeks to contain conflict and rehabilitate societies devastated by conflict situations. The institution of choice for these purposes has been the United Nations (UN), which has had decades of experience with peace and humanitarian operations. Since the 1990s, however, the UN has not always been the lead institution in these operations. By choice or by political necessity, other multilateral mechanisms have come to the fore—including a variety of regional institutions. The United Nations and Regional Security: Europe and Beyond , edited by Michael Pugh and Waheguru Sidhu, examines these cases. Commissioned by the International Peace Academy, the contributions to the volume look at how these post-Cold War regional arrangements have functioned, either instead of the UN or as part of larger UN-led operations. The United Nations and Regional Security is the latest of several studies over the past decade that have tried to draw lessons from the experiences of United Nations peace and security operations (see, for example, Diehl 1994; Ratner 1996; Otunnu and Doyle 1998). Many of these studies have been internal reports of the UN, such as the Brahimi report (Panel of Experts 2000), and most, including those sponsored by the United Nations University (Thakur and Schnabel 2002), have focused on the operations undertaken by the UN itself. Regional peacekeeping, in part because it has been less frequent, has been given less attention, (see, for example, Mackinley and Cross 2003). By comparing operations involving nonuniversal institutions and by documenting the functions performed, The United Nations and Regional Security helps fill the gaps. Although regional arrangements were foreseen in the UN Charter, their application is relatively recent. In fact, there have …
Transport properties of nitrile polymers

The transport properties of gases and vapors in high barrier polymers and copolymers containing nitrile functionalities are discussed. The permeation behavior of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor are given in detail. Polymers containing methacrylonitrile as well as acrylonitrile units are included: Relationships of structure to permeability are given, in the light of known parameters for other polymers. A discussion of the Permachor values of nitrile polymers is presented, and methods of predicting permeation are given. Some anomalous behavior of transport under certain conditions are also presented.
Drying rates of tablet granulations I: Effect of certain granulating adjuvants on drying rates

Abstract The design and construction of a laboratory size dryer and other accessories suitable for investigating the drying rate kinetics of granules under controlled external conditions are described. Granulations of lactose and sulfathiazole, representing water‐soluble and insoluble materials, were prepared using various commonly used binders, and their drying rates were determined. The binders and diluents affected the drying rate curves for these granulations both qualitatively and quantitatively. Granules made with starch paste and gelatin solution required maximum time and energy for drying and those made with simple syrup USP required the least among the binders studied. Generally, three linear slopes were observed when the drying rate was plotted against the moisture remaining, indicating that granulation drying may be considered as occurring through three distinct phases.
Effect of amplitude modulation of the CDMA IS-95 signal on SAR measurements

Miniature probes employed for specific absorption rate (SAR) measurements are typically calibrated using a sinusoidal waveform (SW), even though they may be employed to measure a wide variety of communication signals with complex waveforms. This paper shows that the compression produced by the nonlinear response of the probe versus SAR, due to its diode detector, may introduce a significant overestimation of the SAR produced by CDMA IS-95 waveforms when the diode detector operates well into the compression region. This finding is demonstrated theoretically, verified numerically and experimentally, and physically interpreted. The effect is typically small and may be neglected in many practical circumstances involving low-power RF energy emitters, such as mobile phones or two-way dispatch radios
Ultrastable atomic force microscopy: Improved force and positional stability

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an exciting technique for biophysical studies of single molecules, but its usefulness is limited by instrumental drift. We dramatically reduced positional drift by adding two lasers to track and thereby actively stabilize the tip and the surface. These lasers also enabled label-free optical images that were spatially aligned to the tip position. Finally, sub-pN force stability over 100 s was achieved by removing the gold coating from soft cantilevers. These enhancements to AFM instrumentation can immediately benefit research in biophysics and nanoscience.
Remote Purchase Environments: The Influence of Return Policy Leniency on Two-Stage Decision Processes:

Abstract The growth of catalog sales and the enormous potential of e-commerce elevates the importance of understanding remote purchase. Remote purchase environments differ from traditional bricks-and-mortar purchases in that the purchase decision is more likely to be framed as two separate decisions: consumers’ decisions to order and, upon receipt, their decisions to keep or return the item. These two decisions are separated by a period of time, and crucial experiential information often is available only at the second decision point (i.e., after receipt). Consumers’ initial lack of experiential information makes product choice more risky. Return policy leniency is one way to minimize the inherent consumer risk, but retailers may avoid instituting overtly lenient policies because they expect increased return rates. However, the endowment effect suggests some surprising benefits of return policy leniency to the retailer. Results from three experiments provide support for the idea that product ownership dep...
Minimal Degrees For Honest Polynomial Reducibilities

The existence of minimal degrees is investigated for several polynomial reducibilities. It is shown that no set has minimal degree with respect to polynomial many-one or Turing reducibility. This extends a result of Ladner [L] whew reciirsive sets are considered. An "honest" polynomial reducibility, ⩽is defined which is a strengthening of polynomial Turing reducibility. We prove that no recursive set, (or igeeand P-immune set) has minimal < ;-degree. However, proving this same fact for all Δs sets (or even all 3 sets) would imply P 2 .y/l. Finally, a partial converse of this result is obtained, proving that if a certain class of one-way functions exists then no set has minimal (h/t)-degree.
Downstaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prior to Liver Transplant: Is There a Role for Adjuvant Sorafenib in Locoregional Therapy?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a common cause of mortality worldwide. Liver transplantation has emerged as the optimal treatment for cirrhotic patients with HCC; however, the shortage of donor organs leaves waitlisted patients at risk for disease progression beyond transplant criteria. Prevention of waitlist dropout has fueled investigation into a wide array of locoregional therapies for the management of HCC in candidates awaiting liver transplantation. We present a patient with HCC who underwent treatment with sorafenib, which resulted in a remarkable reduction in tumor burden to allow for liver transplant listing.
A graph-theoretic approach to distributed control over networks

We consider a network of control systems connected over a graph. Considering the graph structure as constraints on the set of permissible controllers, we show that such systems are simply constrained by a certain sparsity pattern. We provide conditions for which such systems are well-posed, and, under the appropriate assumptions, we show that such systems are quadratically invariant. This allows for efficient solution via convex programming, and we provide a construction for the optimal controllers.
Notes on the Just War Theory: Whose Justice, Which Wars?

Dr. Myers challenges the legitimacy of the traditional concept of the “just war,” revived during the Vietnam War and with the publication of Michael Walzer's Just and Unjust Wars in 1977. The doctrine's major flaw, says Myers, is that it allows self-interested interpretation in a world of sovereign states - “Whose justice are we talking about?” he asks. Myers nonetheless validates the theory's intention and its utility in coping with war
EFFICACY OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2a AND ITS ANALOGS IN ENHANCING REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY OF DOE RABBITS

The efficacy of prostaglandin F 2a . (PGF 2a .) and two analogs for inducing parturition in does to increase long-term rabbitry efficiency was studied. For the two-year trial, 40 single doe cages were used as experimental units. There were four treatments - does injected on day 29 of gestation with 5 mg PGF 2a . 35 µg fenprostalene, 35 µg cloprostenol, or 1 mi saline as a control. Attempts to remate does began at 7 days post partum and were continuad daily until the doe accepted service. Ali does housed in a particular cage during the trial received the same treatment. The model included the fixed main effects of treatment, year, and season, with doe within treatment and residual error as random effects. The linear effect of parity was included as a covariate for those traits where it was significant (number of kits weaned and nest score). Doe repeatability accounted for significant varlation in litter birth weight (16.9±5.1 %), total kits born per litter (22.5±5.1%), kits born live per litter (19.5±5.0%), nest score (24.4±5.2%), and kits weaned per litter (14.6±4.8%). The 31.9±0.1 d gestation seen in the Jul-Sep season was graatar (P<0.05) than tha other saasons (31.2±0.1 to 31.6±0.1 d). Litter birth weight was greater (P<0.05) in Jan-Mar (338±19 g) than in Jul-Sep. (279±19 g) and followed a pattern similar to the number of kits born. At 63.5 d, tha kindling interval in the Oct.-Dec. period was longar than the othar seasons (P<0.01). During tha same period, the conception rate was lowar (P<0.01) as indicated by the higher number of servicas per litter (2.3±0.1 vs. 1.7±0.1, 1.6±0.1 and 1.6±0.1 for Jan.-Mar., Apr.-Jun. and Jul.-Sap., respectively.) Gestation length for saline treated does was 31.9±0.2 d vs. 31.4±0.4, 31.1±0.3 and 31.3±0.2 for the fenprostalene, cloprostenol and PGF 2a . traated does, respactively (P<0.01). Fenprostalene and cloprostenol treated does kindled 7.3±0.5 and 7.2±0.5 kits per litter while PGF 2a . treated does had only 5.8±0.5 kits per litter (P<0.01). Fenprostalene treatad does had larger (P<0.05) litters born live (6.0±0.5) than PGF 2a . treated does (4.8±0.5). At 330±21 g, the litter birth weight of salina treatad does was greater than PGF2a. treated does (285±20) (P<0.05). Treatment had no effect on the quality of the nest constructed and little effect on subsequent reproductiva performance, although the fenprostalene treated does showad the least degrae of lordosis (P<0.05). Treatment with PGF 2a . and the two analogs did not significantly shorten the kindling interval nor affect the number of services requirad for each litter. There were no differences among long-term responses to PGF 2a . and its synthetic analogs nor any effect on conception rate. However, the differences in litter size born and born aliva indicate sorne differences may exist. Using our procedures, and breeding by natural service, routine use of prostaglandins or prostaglandin analogs did not improve reproductive efficiency in maat rabbits.
Infestation of Wheat and Downy Brome Grass by Wheat Stem Sawfly and Subsequent Larval Performance

Wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), oviposition patterns and larval development in downy brome grass, Bromus tectorum L., and wheat, Triticum aestivum L., were compared in a commercially grown wheat field infested with downy brome grass in Montana. Seven weekly randomly selected samples of stems for each plant species were collected at points where both plants were growing together. The level of infestation in downy brome grass was almost two-fold higher than for wheat throughout the growing season. Larval mortality was not detected in either plant species early in the season, but mortality was more frequent in downy brome grass as the host plants matured. Mortality of late-instar larvae late in the season was significantly higher in mature downy brome grass than in mature wheat stems. The weight of these late-instar larvae from wheat was almost four-fold heavier than larvae from downy brome grass. Stem height and seed weight in wheat were significantly reduced by larval sawflies feeding. In contrast, stem height, stem diameter, seed weight, and seed number in grass stems were significantly greater in infested downy brome grass stems compared with uninfested plants. Our results suggest that downy brome grass, a serious weed in wheat cropping, may play an important role in the survival and dynamics of wheat stem sawfly populations in the northern Great Plains.
Effect of dietary theophylline on pyruvate metabolism and respiratory activities in liver mitochondria. 1.

SummaryDiets containing theophylline were fed ad libitum to rats. Theophylline caused a significant decrease in body weight and adipose tissue weight. A significant decrease in the blood and liver β-hydroxybutyrate level and the β-hydroxybutyrate to acetoacetate ratio was noted for rats fed theophylline. Theophylline feeding also elevated the blood glucose level and the concentration of liver glycogen.Rat liver mitochondria from control and theophylline fed rats were incubated in the presence of ATP, Mg+, pyruvate and radioactive bicarbonate. Theophylline significantly decreased pyruvate utilization and radioactive bicarbonate incorporation. Addition of L-octanoylcarnitine decreased pyruvate utilization and increased the total ketone bodies as well as their ratio in both groups.Respiratory activities for control and theophylline fed rats were determined using succinate, α-ketoglutarate, and pyruvate as substrates. The efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation was significantly increased in the theophylline ...
Design and Validation of a Bomb Reactor for Liquid Hypergolic Propellants

Inspired by early research in hypergolic propellants, a bomb reactor was developed to investigate their combustion under conditions of rapid mixing. The goal of this effort is to provide insight into ignition mechanisms for hypergolic propellants and allow for comparison between potential propellant combinations. In this work we present the first step in this effort focused on measuring the liquid phase reaction rates of monomethylhydrazine and red fuming nitric acid. To accomplish this goal, various concentrations of monomethylhydrazine, diluted with deionized water, were reacted with pure red fuming nitric acid. Chamber pressure and temperature were measured during experiments and the resulting pressurization rates were analyzed to provide insights into the reaction rates. In addition, since the mixing time is a controlling variable in the ignition process of hypergolic propellants, several experiments were performed with simulants to characterize the system operation prior to reactive testing. Experiments with concentrations of monomethylhydrazine greater than 80% appeared to have pressurization rates dominated by vigorous gas phase reactions while 60% showed a repeatable induction time followed by a rapid pressure rise. A lack of rapid pressure rise was observed for concentrations of 20% and 40% but the pressurization rate did increase with concentration. Future work is discussed to improve understanding of the liquid phase reaction rates investigated in this work.
Al-Ge Phase Separation During Vapor Deposition

The phase- and grain microstructure and surface morphology of Al-Ge films formed by electron beam co-deposition have been studied as a function of the deposition temperature. X-ray diffraction, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy with x-ray fluorescence analysis were used to characterize the films. At room temperature and above, crystalline, phase separated films are obtained. The phase dimensions and surface roughness were observed to increase with the deposition temperature and the dependence yields activation energies for atomic migration consistent with a surface diffusion mechanism. The surface roughness is observed to reflect the microstructure under the surface.
Conscious inhibitions: Freud, anti-Semitism, and Hobbesian imagination

ABSTRACTThis work aims to portray the effects of Freud’s anxiety about anti-Semitic violence on his political theory and metapsychology. Taking as its entry point Freud’s reorientation of anti-Semitism as aggressive action, I argue that Freud’s fear of the violent mob can be located in three interconnected dimensions of his work, all deeply informed by Hobbesian imagination. First, Freud accepted a Hobbesian vision of social antagonism into his political theory; second, he formulated a deeper, more efficient defence mechanism against mob violence with his notion of psychical guilt; third, Freud’s fears penetrated his metapsychology. Suffering from anti-Semitism, Freud was not only quick to accept a Hobbesian perspective – he also reconstructed it to a degree that radically changed its meaning. Freud’s third and most pervasive manoeuvre destabilized one of Hobbes’s fundamental theoretical tenets by suggesting that the Hobbesian State of Nature is inherently a non-human reality.
Processing ribonucleotides incorporated during eukaryotic DNA replication.

The information encoded in DNA is influenced by the presence of non-canonical nucleotides, the most frequent of which are ribonucleotides. In this Review, we discuss recent discoveries about ribonucleotide incorporation into DNA during replication by the three major eukaryotic replicases, DNA polymerases α, δ and e. The presence of ribonucleotides in DNA causes short deletion mutations and may result in the generation of single- and double-strand DNA breaks, leading to genome instability. We describe how these ribonucleotides are removed from DNA through ribonucleotide excision repair and by topoisomerase I. We discuss the biological consequences and the physiological roles of ribonucleotides in DNA, and consider how deficiencies in their removal from DNA may be important in the aetiology of disease.
Autologous bone marrow transplantation for Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

We treated 115 patients in a phase I/II dose-escalation study of ifosfamide/carboplatin/etoposide (ICE) followed by autologous stem cell rescue. Patients treated had a variety of diagnoses, including breast cancer (high-risk stage II disease with eight or more positive nodes, stage III disease, and responsive metastatic disease), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, acute leukemia in first remission, and various solid tumors that were responsive to induction therapy. Patients received autologous bone marrow stem cells or peripheral blood stem cells primed by one of several methods. The maximum tolerated dose of ICE was determined to be ifosfamide 20,100 mg/m2, carboplatin 1,800 mg/m2, and etoposide 3,000 mg/m2 when administered as a 6-day regimen. The dose-limiting toxicities included acute renal failure, severe central nervous system toxicity, and "leaky capillary syndrome" with hypoalbuminemia, profound fluid overload, and pulmonary insufficiency. Analysis of hematologic recovery based on stem cell source and influence of hematopoietic growth factor administration was undertaken. Hematopoietic growth factor use significantly reduced neutrophil engraftment time for patients receiving bone marrow stem cells, with evidence of earlier recovery times for patients receiving granulocyte colony-stimulating factor compared with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Neutrophil recovery times varied based on the source of stem cells used, with the earliest engraftment times seen for patients receiving peripheral blood stem cells primed with cyclophosphamide and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Platelet recovery times were not statistically different for any of the subsets. In conclusion, the maximum tolerated dose of ICE has been defined, and the source of stem cells and the use of hematopoietic growth factors influence hematopoietic recovery.
The Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy on the Microbiological Flora of Urinary Calculi

AbstractTo determine whether extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can sterilize infection stones and, thus, decrease the recurrence rate we investigated its impact on the microbiological flora of staghorn calculi. Fragments from 17 staghorn calculi retrieved percutaneously were divided into paired sets. One set was fractured by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy at 18kv. and with increasing numbers of shock waves up to 1,000. One set was fractured mechanically with a surgical clamp. Bacterial cultures were then compared between the 2 groups.Of the 17 staghorn calculi 10 showed significant bacterial growth (59%). The number of colony forming units was not significantly different between stones fragmented by lithotripsy and those that were mechanically fractured. Furthermore, exposing fragments to an increasing number of shock waves did not alter the colony count. We conclude that extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy has no discernible effect on the microbiological flora of infected staghorn calculi.
Utilization of ACL Injury Biomechanical and Neuromuscular Risk Profile Analysis to Determine the Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training

Background:The widespread use of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention interventions has not been effective in reducing the injury incidence among female athletes who participate in high-risk sports.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to determine if biomechanical and neuromuscular factors that contribute to the knee abduction moment (KAM), a predictor of future ACL injuries, could be used to characterize athletes by a distinct factor. Specifically, we hypothesized that a priori selected biomechanical and neuromuscular factors would characterize participants into distinct at-risk profiles.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:A total of 624 female athletes who participated in jumping, cutting, and pivoting sports underwent testing before their competitive season. During testing, athletes performed drop-jump tasks from which biomechanical measures were captured. Using data from these tasks, latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify distinct profiles based ...
Metallurgical Interconnections for Extreme High and Low Temperature Environments

The material properties and requirements for wire bond and flip chip interconnections that can be used in packaging chips for extreme high and low temperature environments [from +460°C (HTE) down to −200°C (LTE)] are described. The most commonly used Au–Al wire bonds should be avoided in the HTE range, along with any other metallurgical interfaces that form brittle intermetallics and/or Kirkendall voids. Gold–gold bonds improve with time and temperature. Thus, a clear preference is given for gold (or other noble metals) in the HTE environment for both wire and flip–chip bonds. For LTE and intermediate temperature ranges, such as on Mars and most earth satellites, conventional interconnections (Au and Al wire bonds) to Al chip metalization (bond pads) are acceptable. Also, normal flip-chip solder bumps are acceptable, but without plastic underfill. Information and techniques for using extreme temperature range materials, such as coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matching between chip and substrate, high temperature polymers, etc., are presented. Unusual failure mechanisms, such as possible electromigration of wire interconnections in HTE, are described. It is concluded that, with proper selection of materials, interconnections can be reliable in both extreme environments.
Whistleblowers and Safety at Work: An Analysis of Section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act

Because the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lacks sufficient resources to enforce the OSH Act effectively in all workplaces, OSHA must rely on workers to bring hazardous conditions to the agency’s attention. Section 11(c) of the Act is designed to protect workers who face retaliation because of safety-related activities. This article provides an analysis of this provision, including a review of administrative interpretations, data on cases that are processed by OSHA, and a summary of the remarkably sparse litigation under this statutory section. The article then compares Section 11(c) to other whistleblower laws that are investigated by OSHA and explores the statute’s troubling weaknesses. Of these weaknesses, the most important is that complainants have no right to pursue a claim on their own after exhausting administrative remedies, and therefore must rely on the Solicitor of Labor to file claims in federal court. A very short statute of limitations and relatively heavy burden of proof for complainants further weaken the effectiveness of this law. While common law or state remedies may be available to employees facing retaliation in some states, the federal statute is a key component of the federal occupational safety and health regulatory regime, and it is in need of amendments that would make it consistent with the stronger whistleblower laws that have been enacted since 1970. In the alternative, OSHA preemption does not preclude states from extending legal protections to safety whistleblowers.