cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of soil properties on heavy metal sequestration by biochar amendment: 2. Copper desorption isotherms.

Abstract Contaminant desorption constrains the long-term effectiveness of remediation technologies, and is strongly influenced by dynamic non-equilibrium states of environmental and biological media. Information is currently lacking in the influence of biochar and activated carbon amendments on desorption of heavy metal contaminants from soil components. In this study, copper sorption–desorption isotherms were obtained for clay-rich, alkaline San Joaquin soil with significant heavy metal sorption capacity, and eroded, acidic Norfolk sandy loam soil having low capacity to retain copper. Acidic pecan shell-derived activated carbon and basic broiler litter biochar were employed in desorption experiments designed to address both leaching by rainfall and toxicity characteristics. For desorption in synthetic rain water, broiler litter biochar amendment diminished sorption–desorption hysteresis. In acetate buffer (pH 4.9), significant copper leaching was observed, unless acidic activated carbon (pHpzc = 3.07) was present. Trends observed in soluble phosphorus and zinc concentrations for sorption and desorption equilibria suggested acid dissolution of particulate phases that can result in a concurrent release of copper and other sorbed elements. In contrast, sulfur and potassium became depleted as a result of supernatant replacements only when amended carbon (broiler litter biochar) or soil (San Joaquin) contained appreciable amounts. A positive correlation was observed between the equilibrium aluminum concentration and initial copper concentration in soils amended with acidic activated carbon but not basic biochar, suggesting the importance of cation exchange mechanism, while dissolution of aluminum oxides cannot be ruled out.
Haversian osteons: size, distribution, internal structure, and orientation.

Measurements of Haversian osteons in human tibial cortical bone specimens from seven donors demonstrate that, for this study: 1 Haversian osteonal area, as a proportion of cross-sectional area of cortical bone, increases with the age of the donor, whether or not the area of the central Haversian canal is taken into account. 2 Haversian canal area, as a proportion of cross-sectional area of cortical bone, either remains the same or increases with the age of the donor. 3 The number of osteons present per unit cross-sectional area has no observable age dependence. 4 The percent inorganic content or cortical bone increases with the age of the donor. Optical studies on thin sections of cortical bone, utilizing crossed polarizing filters, suggest that the classification of osteons as light, dark and intermediate, as proposed by others (Anat. Rec., 161, 377 (1968)) is incorrect in that only one general type of Haversian osteon structure was detected in this study.
The Art and Science of Home Infant Apnea Monitoring in the 1990s

The use of home apnea monitoring (HAM) continues as an accepted or recommended intervention for infants with certain signs and symptoms or medical diagnoses. Results of HAM in terms of case outcomes versus cost-effectiveness and efficacy remain matters of controversy in relation to the limited number of studies that show conflicting results. There are no studies that document the effectiveness of apnea monitoring. When an apnea monitor is prescribed, nursing can provide quality care through education and emotional support of families using HAM.
6-Keto-PGE1 exhibits more potent bronchodilatory activity in the cat than its precursor, PGI2

In anesthetized, vagotomized and mechanically ventilated cats, we investigated the bronchodilatory activity of the PGI2 metabolite, 6-keto-PGE1, relative to PGI2 and PGE2. In a range of doses from 0.3–10.0 μg, i.v. injection of 6-keto-PGE1 produced a dose-related decrease in central airway resistance (RL) in animals bronchoconstricted by 5-HT. This effect on RL was 3–10 times greater than that produced by i.v. PGI2. At the lower doses, 6-keto-PGE1 was also more potent than PGI2 in increasing dynamic lung compliance; their effects upon semi-static compliance were not significantly different. Comparison of the bronchopulmonary effects of the two prostanoids did not show any consistent difference in their temporal patterns. In contrast to PGI2 or PGE2, 6-keto-PGE1 had minimal pulmonary vasomotor activity. Inhibition of the cyclooxygenase pathway with sodium meclofenamate had no effect on the bronchopulmonary actions of 6-keto-PGE1 or on its duration of action. These data indicate that 6-keto-PGE1 is a more potent bronchodilator than PGI2 in the cat. They further suggest that conversion of PGI2 to 6-keto-PGE1, if it occurs to an appreciable extent in the lung in vivo, could enhance bronchodilatory activity.
Unusually weak metal-hydrogen bonds in HV(CO)4(P-P) and their effectiveness as H(*) donors.

The V−H bonds in HV(CO)4(P−P) are unusually weak (55 to 58 kcal/mol). They transfer H• to styrene more rapidly than CpCr(CO)3H does and are effective stoichiometric reagents for the cyclization of appropriate 1,6-dienes.
Facile Fabrication of Ordered Crystalline‐Semiconductor Microstructures on Compliant Substrates

Buckling and wrinkling of thin films on a compliant material has proved to be a resource in several applications, such as flexible electronics, thin-film metrology and fabrication of tunable optical components. A versatile approach for the fabrication of two-dimensional and linear arrays of buckled structures is demonstrated here using a stiff material, in the form of a nanomembrane, on a compliant substrate. The novelty of the fabrication process is that the substrates are strained by isotropic volume expansion in solvents. This work illustrates in detail the potential of our technology to fabricate ordered arrays of 3D structures on large-area compliant substrates, with important implications for a large number of fields. Furthermore, this paper discusses the interesting interface chemistry and mechanics leading to controllable and reproducible fabrication of our 3D structures.
Tgw: a webcast transcoding gateway

Internet webcasting is gaining attention as the cost of communications and computer processing declines. The UC Berkeley Multimedia, Interfaces, and Graphics Seminar is webcast worldwide on the Internet using IETF standards on the Multicast Backbone (Mbone). Many potential viewers are unable to receive the webcast due to network problems and/or the lack of software supporting the Mbone protocols and codecs. The Transcoding Gateway, called tgw , simplifies the management of simulcasting several transmissions that use different transport protocols, media formats, and network bandwidth. Tgw incorporates transmission bandwidth allocation, transcoding to alternative formats, and redirection of streams to alternate addresses to manage transmission of a webcast.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analog Signals Transmission Over Optical Fiber Systems

A theoretical and experimental investigation is made to determine the feasibility of transmitting analog video signal over fiber at 1.3 µm. Effects of LED current and optical modulation index on various parameters such as second and third order intetmodulation, and differential gain (DG) and differential phase (DP) were evaluated. Preemphasis effects on signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and DG and DP were also presented. Experimental results were in close agreement with theory.
Quantitative Histology and Cytochrome P-450 Immunocytochemistry of the Lung Parenchyma Following 6 Months of Exposure of Strain A/J Mice to Cigarette Sidestream Smoke

AbstractMale strain A/J mice were exposed for 6 h/day, 5 days/wk to aged and diluted cigarette sidestream smoke (ADSS) at a chamber concentration of 4 mg/m3 of total suspended particulate matter (TSP). After 6 mo, the lungs were examined for altered expression of cytochrome P-450 isozymes and for differences in total alveolar tissue volume or surface area, as well as changes in the numbers of epithelial type II cells and alveolar macrophages. Morphologic measurements showed no statistically significant differences for the air, alveolar tissue, or capillary volumes of the lungs or changes in the total number of epithelial type II cells or alveolar macrophages. In contrast, cytochrome P-4501A1 was elevated in the lungs of ADSS-exposed animals and localized in capillary endothelial cells. CYP2B1 was present in airway epithelial cells as well as in epithelial cells throughout the lung parenchyma, but its distribution was not changed by ADSS exposure. Isozyme CYP2E1 was also found in airway epithelial cells, b...
Analysis of usage and associated cost of external fixators at an urban level 1 trauma centre.

Abstract Objective To determine the usage, indication, duration, and cost associated with external fixation usage. Additionally, to show the significant cost associated with external fixator use and reinvigorate discussions on external fixator reuse. Design, setting, and patients A retrospective review of a prospectively gathered trauma database was undertaken to identify all patients treated with external fixation frames for pelvic and lower extremity injuries between September 2007 and July 2010. Main outcome and measures We noted the indications for frame use, and we determined the average duration of external fixation for each indication. The cost of each frame was calculated from implant records. Results 341 lower extremity and pelvic fractures were treated with external fixation frames during the study period. Of these, 92% were used as temporary external fixation. The average duration of temporary external fixation was 10.5 days. The cost of external fixation frame components was $670,805 per year. The average cost per external fixation frame was $5900. Conclusions The majority of external fixators are intended as temporary frames, in place for a limited period of time prior to definitive fixation of skeletal injuries. As such, most frames are not intended to withstand physiologic loads, nor are they expected provide a precise maintenance of reduction. Given the considerable expense associated with external fixation frame components, the practice of purchasing external fixation frame components as disposable “single-use” items appears to be somewhat wasteful. Level of evidence Level II.
Strategic Management Innovations in State Transportation Departments

Building a strong capacity for strategic management is critical for governmental agencies in this era of results-oriented management, but considerable confusion remains about what strategic management involves and how to go about doing it. This article provides a framework for a holistic approach to strategic management in the public sector and explores innovative approaches along these lines in selected leading edge state transportation departments that are proactive in this area. Several guiding principles are distilled from their collective experience that are generalizable to other kinds of public agencies.
Loss of D1/D2 dopamine receptor synergisms following repeated administration of D1 or D2 receptor selective antagonists: electrophysiological and behavioral studies.

Many effects resulting from D2 dopamine (DA) receptor stimulation are manifest only when D1 DA receptors are stimulated by endogenous DA. When D1 receptor stimulation is enhanced by administration of selective D1 receptor agonists, the functional effects of selective D2 agonists are markedly increased. These qualitative and quantitative forms of D1/D2 DA receptor synergism are abolished by chronic DA depletion when both D1 and D2 DA receptors are supersensitive. Using both electrophysiological and behavioral methods, the present study examined the effects of selective D1 and D2 renaptnr supersensitivity, induced by repeated administration of selective D1 or D2 receptor antagonists, on the synergistic relationships between D1 and D2 receptors. Daily administration of the selective D2 antagonist eticlopride (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.) for 3 weeks produced a selective supersensitivity of both dorsal (caudate-putamen) and ventral (nucleus accumbens) striatal neurons to the inhibitory effects of the D2 agonist quinpirole (applied by microiontophoresis). This treatment also abolished the normal ability of the D1 agonist SKF 38393 to potentiate quinpirole-induced inhibition, and relieved D2 receptors from the necessity of D1 receptor stimulation by endogenous DA (enabling), as indicated by significant electrophysiological and behavioral (sterotypy) effects of quinpirole in eticlopride-pretreated, but not saline-pretreated, rats that were also acutely depleted of DA. Daily administration of the selective D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.) caused supersensitivity of striatal neurons to the inhibitory effects of SKF 38393 and also abolished both the ability of SKF 38393 to potentiate quinpirole-induced inhibition and the necessity of D1 receptor stimulation for such inhibition. However, both quinpirole-induced inhibition of striatal cells and stereotyped responses were also somewhat enhanced in SCH 23390-pretreated rats. When such Dl-sensitized rats were acutely depleted of DA, the behavioral effects of quinpirole were intermediate between saline-pretreated rats with acute DA depletion and SCH 23390-pretreated rats without acute DA depletion. Based upon these and related results, it is argued that the enhanced effects of quinpirole in D1-sensitized rats are due to a heterologous sensitization of D2 receptors rather than to enhanced enabling resulting from supersensitive D1 receptors. It is suggested that supersensitivity of either D1 or D2 receptors can lead to an uncoupling of normal qualitative and quantitative D1/D2 synergisms and that the heterologous regulation of D2 receptor sensitivity by D1 receptors may be related to uncoupling of functional D1/D2 synergisms.
Experimental evaluation of two-layer anastomosis in microarterial surgery

Abstract Upon completion of a micro-arterial anastomosis and after release of the arterial clamps, bleeding at the suture line due to widely spaced sutures is frequently noted. The bleeding often ceases spontaneously or may be stopped with the application of a "Saran Wrap" (R) , as described by McLean and Buncke (1973). However, if these measures fail, we have found that the placing of 1 or 2 additional sutures to include only the adventitia of the arterial ends is simple and effective, both in man and in the experimental animal. By this manoeuvre we hoped to avoid 2 potential hazards of microvascular anastomosis: transfixion of the back wall of the vessel and insertion of an excessive number of sutures through the media and intima. The first error invariably causes immediate anastomotic failure; the second, by damaging the media and intima, may cause thrombus formation and late anastomotic failure (MacMillan and Sim, 1970; Spaet and Gaynor (1970); Spaetet al., 1974). In order to evaluate the advantages and potential risks of the adventitial sutures in micro-arterial anastomoses, the following experimental study was undertaken.
Pattern of Fos and Jun expression in the female rat forebrain after sexual behavior

Abstract Previous studies indicated that sexual behavior in female rats primed with estradiol and progesterone induced expression of the immediate early gene (IEG) c-Fos in various brain areas rich in estradiol receptors, including the medial preoptic area (MPA), the medial amygdala (AMe), and the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN), and to a lesser extent areas with low densities of estradiol receptors, such as the caudate nucleus, the dentate gyrus and the cingulate cortex. The goal of the present experiment was to compare this pattern of expression with the distribution of other IEG products within the Jun family. The results indicate that in non-mated animals, Jun-B, c-Jun and Jun-D were differentially present in several forebrain areas. As previously reported for c-Fos, there was little effect of estradiol and progesterone treatment on the brain expression of these Jun proteins. The most striking result was that sexual behavior stimulated expression of Jun-B and c-Jun, but not Jun-D, in areas containing high densities of estradiol receptors. Specifically, after sexual behavior the MPA and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis co-expressed c-Fos, Jun-B, c-Jun. c-Fos was co-induced with Jun-B in the VMN, and with c-Jun in the AMe. In contrast, there was no detectable increase in Jun-B, c-Jun or Jun-D in either the caudate nucleus, dentate gyrus or cingulate cortex after sexual behavior, although these regions expressed weak to moderate levels of either Jun-B, c-Jun, or Jun-D basally. Thus, the presence of estradiol receptors coincides with the co-expression of Fos and Jun proteins after sexual behavior. The biological basis for the differential expression of AP-1 components in various brain areas after sexual behavior may reside in either the cellular phenotypes or the neurochemical afferent stimulation invoked by sexual behavior in these brain areas. These differences in IEG expression, in turn, may contribute to differential regulation of gene expression.
Synthesis of suspended carbon nanotubes on silicon inverse-opal structures by laser-assisted chemical vapour deposition

Suspended single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been synthesized on Si inverse-opal structures by laser-assisted chemical vapour deposition (LCVD). A CW CO2 laser at 10.6 µm was used to directly irradiate the substrates during the LCVD process. At a laser power density of 14.3 MW m−2, suspended SWNT networks were found predominantly rooted at the sharp edges in the Si inverse-opal structures. Raman spectroscopy indicated that the SWNT networks were composed of high-quality defect-free SWNTs with an average diameter of 1.3 nm. At a lower laser power density (6.4 MW m−2), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were grown on the entire surface of the substrates. The preference for the synthesis of SWNTs or MWNTs was attributed to the difference in the catalyst sizes as well as the growth temperature in the LCVD process.
An Examination of Potential Attractions of Women's Marital Infidelity

Due to the growing prevalence and potential negative effects of marital infidelity, it is important for both clinicians and researchers to understand its occurrence. This study focused on examining the process an individual goes through when making the decision to have an affair. Semi-structured interviews were audio taped, transcribed, and analyzed using the transcendental phenomenological model (Moustakas, 1994). The women reported developing relationships outside of their marriage, having support from family/friends for the extramarital relationship, and receiving positive attention from their affair partner. Clinical and research implications are discussed as well as the limitations of the current study.
Effect of parental smoking classification on the association between parental and adolescent smoking.

Abstract Prior studies of the relationship between smoking by parents and their children have considered only current smoking by parents. In this study of 12- to 14-year-old adolescents, however, lifetime parental smoking was more strongly correlated with adolescent smoking than was current parental smoking. Indeed, lifetime parental smoking was a strongly correlated as peer smoking with adolescent smoking, and peer smoking is often considered to be the main determinant of adolescent smoking. These findings suggest that the relative role of parent smoking in adolescent smoking has been underestimated, and that new explanations for the association between parental and adolescent smoking are necessary.
Phase shift errors in the theory and practice of surface intensity measurements

The surface acoustical intensity method (sometimes known as the microphone-accelerometer cross-spectral method) is a relatively new noise source/path identification tool. Several researchers have had difficulties implementing this method because of instrumentation phase mis-match. A simple technique for measuring and correcting instrumentation phase mis-match has been developed. This new technique has been tested recently on a noise source identification problem of practical interest. The results of the experiments indicate that the surface acoustic intensity method produces reliable data and can be applied to a variety of noise source/path problems.
An equation-based nonlinear model for non-flat MEMS fixed–fixed beams with non-vertical anchoring supports

Anchor supports in MEMS beams are often far from the ideally assumed built-in or step-up conditions. Practical fabrication processes often result in non-vertical anchoring supports (referred to as inclined supports in the following text) which significantly influence the post-release performance of the beam. This paper brings attention to the presence of the inclined supports in surface micromachined fixed–fixed beams and models the mechanical and electromechanical effects of inclined supports for the first time. Specifically, we calculate and validate the effects of residual stress and loading on the post-release beam behavior including their nonlinear large-displacement characteristics. In addition the model accounts for non-flat beam profiles caused by residual stress and/or a non-flat sacrificial layer profile. Inclined supports are modeled as cantilever beams connected to a horizontal beam. The Euler–Bernoulli equations for all beams are simultaneously solved to calculate the axial stress of the horizontal beam and the axial, translational, and rotational compliance of the supports. Nonlinear effects due to stretching and residual stress are also included. The calculated beam displacements agree with FEM models to within 1.1% in both the linear and nonlinear regimes. Furthermore, experimentally-obtained displacements of six fabricated beams with inclined supports agree to within 5.2% with the presented model.
A PROCESS FOR PRODUCING DEHYDRATED PUMPKIN FLAKES

Single strength pumpkin puree is difficult to drum dry due to its low solids content. It was found in this investigation that the rate of dehydration and quality of the finished product were improved by the addition of corn syrup solids and starch to the puree in amounts sufficient to raise the total solids to around 16%. The quality of pies made from flakes containing added starch and corn syrup solids was also improved over those made from unmodified single strength pumpkin puree. Best results were obtained with pumpkin flakes containing approximately 46% pumpkin solids, 38% corn syrup solids and 16% starch. Based on the average overall acceptable drying conditions and product quality, a ratio of 1 part starch to 2.5–3.0 parts corn syrup solids appeared to be in the optimum range.
Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation disorders: clinical presentation of long-chain fatty acid oxidation defects before and after newborn screening

The different long-chain fatty acid oxidation defects present with similar heterogeneous clinical phenotypes of different severity. Organs mainly affected comprise the heart, liver, and skeletal muscles. All symptoms are reversible with sufficient energy supply. In some long-chain fatty acid oxidation defects, disease-specific symptoms occur. Only in disorders of the mitochondrial trifunctional protein (TFP) complex, including long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A (CoA) dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency, neuropathy and retinopathy develop that are progressive and irreversible despite current treatment measures. In most long-chain fatty acid oxidation defects, no clear genotype-phenotype correlation exists due to molecular heterogeneity. However, some isolated mutations have been identified to be associated with only mild phenotypes, e.g., the V243A mutation in very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency. LCHAD deficiency is due to the prevalent homozygous 1528G>C mutation and presents with heterogeneous clinical phenotypes, suggesting the importance of other environmental and genetic factors. For some disorders, it was shown that residual enzyme activity measured in fibroblasts or lymphocytes correlated with severity of clinical phenotype. Implementation of newborn screening has significantly reduced morbidity and mortality of long-chain fatty acid oxidation defects. However, the severest forms of TFP deficiency are still highly associated with neonatal death. Newborn screening also identifies a great number of mildly affected patients who may never develop clinical symptoms throughout life. However, later-onset exercise-induced myopathic symptoms remain characteristic clinical features of long-chain fatty acid oxidation defects. Disease prevalence has increased with newborn screening.
Schwinger Terms and {Slavnov-Taylor} Identities

Abstract A systematic treatment of the Schwinger terms is attempted by gauging the relevant symmetry. The Slavnov-Taylor identity arising from the BRS symmetry plays a central role in this approach. We also present a direct derivation of the Virasoro algebra from the (anomalous) Slavnov-Taylor identity by converting the Weyl anomaly into a spurious reparametrization anomaly.
Just‐cause provisions, severance pay, and the efficiency wage hypothesis

A simple model of employment contracting is employed to examine the effectiveness of just-cause provisions in alleviating employer opportunism in two types of efficiency wage contracts—standard contracts, in which wages exceed the worker's marginal contribution, and deferred wages, which are paid after a period of tenure in the firm. It is argued that just-cause employment policies are necessary and sufficient to prevent employer opportunism when standard efficiency wages are utilized. However, just-cause policies are not sufficient to deter employer opportunism when employment contracts are of the delayed-payment type. In these contracts, other contractual provisions, such as severance provisions, are also necessary. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening Police Applicants: A Study of Reliability with the MMPI

The problem of selecting candidates for law enforcement agencies is difficult and poorly understood. Behavioral scientists are becoming more involved as consultants to police departments and are being asked to validate current selection procedures. The MMPI is being used as a screening device. This study explored the interrater reliability of two experienced judges using the MMPI “clinically” in a simulated selection procedure. The judges used markedly different selection strategies and disagreed on nominal placement into two classes on about one-third of the cases. They reached the near maximum non-chance agreement possible, given that they used the nominal classes at different rates. Neither judge was more accurate in his selections than the other despite different selection strategies. They could not improve their over-all individual performances when collaborating. Criterion variables require improved definition before the search for valid predictors can be objectified.
Detection of gratings hidden by diffusers using photon-correlation techniques

Photon-correlation experiments have verified the theoretical prediction of Baltes et al. that a phase grating hidden by a diffuser can be detected by correlation measurements. We have additionally demonstrated that a simpler method of detecting the presence of the grating, valid for arbitrarily fine diffusers, is to measure the temporal autocorrelation of the intensity of the scattered field at a single point.
Photoacoustic biopsy: A feasibility study

Photoacoustic (PA) measurements encode the information associated with both physical microstructures and chemical contents in biological tissues. A two-dimensional physio-chemical spectrogram (PCS) can be formulated by combining the power spectra of PA signals acquired at a series of optical wavelengths. The analysis of PCS, or namely PA physio-chemical analysis (PAPCA), enables the quantification of the concentrations and the spatial distributions of a variety of chemical components in the tissue. The chemical components and their distribution are the two major features observed in the biopsy procedures which have been regarded as the gold standard of the diagnosis of many diseases. Taking non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and prostate cancer for example, this study investigates the feasibility of PAPCA in characterizing the histopathological changes in the diseased conditions in biological tissue. A catheter based setup facilitating measurement in deep tissues was also proposed and tested.
Statistical flow-oscillator modeling of vortex-shedding

Abstract The very important engineering problem of modeling the fluid-structure interaction occurring during the shedding of vortices has defied, and will probably continue to defy, a closed form exact solution for the foreseeable future. Therefore, an attempt must be made to extract relevant information about the process in order to be able to have a basic understanding of it for the purpose of analysis. A useful method involves the flow-oscillator concepts of Hartlen and Currie [1] redefined here for stochastic processes. The fluid-structure system is assumed to be governed by the cross-coupled equations x (t)+2ξω n x (t)+ω 2 n =C e (t)pV 2 0 (t)DL/2m (i) C e (t)+{α − βC 2 e (t)+γC 4 e (t)} C e (t)+ω 2 0 C e (t)=b x (t), (ii) where these equations govern the structure and fluid oscillators, respectively. The fluid damping is non-linear. These equations are taken as stochastic differential equations because of the many unpredictable, random effects that determine the loading and response. The lift coefficient C l (t) is assumed to be a zero mean, narrow band process and the velocity V0, composed of a uniform, constant velocity current plus oscillating wave, a broad band process. The analysis is based on solving equation (i) for x(t) by using Duhamel's integral and substituting its derivative x (t) into equation (ii). This equation is then used to derive the Fokker-Planck equation for the process C l (t). To obtain the Fokker-Planck equation, slowly varying variables are replaced by their long-time averages [2] and then the method of stochastic averaging is employed [3, 4]. The moment equation for the lift-oscillator process is derived from the Fokker-Planck equation and, as equation (ii) is non-linear, one finds the moment equation to be in terms of higher order moments. A truncation scheme [5] is used to derive the moment generating function. It is possible then to generate the first and second order statistics of the lift coefficient and the structure response in terms of the empirical parameters of fluid damping. This work was carried out in conjunction with an analysis of ocean wave-current forces with application to offshore fixed structures [6].
Fertile Ground: Homegrown Loyalty Makes For Globally Competitive Industry

This paper proposes a theory to explain how rural sociality has influenced workforce behavior and productivity at a Global Manufacturing Systems' automotive assembly plant in mid-Michigan. The paper argues that for over 100 years, rural and farming families in the region have been appropriating GM factories in order to sustain their rural life ways and remain part of their own ‘moral’ community. Loyalty to the company is conceptualized from the families' perspective as a requirement of sustainable communities, motivated by an intergenerational desire to keep GM in Michigan. Employee loyalty also benefits the company by ensuring high performance and quality. The link between sociality and performance is illustrated through statistical modeling of attendance data and maps produced through ArcGIS.
A revision of the structural formulation of vicine and its pyrimidine aglucone, divicine.

Abstract The formulation of the pyrimidine glucoside, vicine, by P. A. Levene as a 3-N-glucoside of 2,5-diamino-4,6-dioxypyrimidine is now shown to be incorrect. Concrete evidence has been obtained for the first time that the aglucone portion, divicine, is a pyrimidine, and that it is 2,4-diamino-5,6-dioxypyrimidine. In addition to the findings of numerous investigators over the past 83 years, new evidence is furnished which indicates that vicine is 2,4-diamino-6-oxypyrimidine-5-(s- d -glucopyranoside). This conclusion is based upon a. the striking similarity in the ultraviolet absorption spectra of vicine and 2,4-diamino-5-ethoxy-6-oxypyrimidine and 2,4-diamino-5-bromo-6-oxypyrimidine; syntheses of the latter two compounds are described; b. periodate titration data; c. the presence of a phenolic hydroxyl in divicine and its absence in vicine; d. the reduction of phosphomolybate and dichlorophenolindophenol by divicine, but not by vicine; e. the instability in neutral or alkaline aqueous solutions of divicine, but not of vicine. The colour reactions given by divicine and described by T. B. Johnson as specific for the 5-amino group of pyrimidines, are shown, rather, to be given by other reducing agents including ascorbic acid.
Changes in digestive enzyme activities during early development of the American lobster Homarus americanus Milne Edwards

Abstract Activities of digestive protease, lipase, and amylase from the foregut and midgut gland were measured during the course of early development in the American lobster Homarus americanus Milne Edwards. Total enzyme activities were very low among embryos sampled 3 days prior to hatching. Protease and amylase activities increased slightly at the time of hatching and again during larval Stage I; lipase activity did not change. Activity of the three enzymes more than doubled among Stage II larvae and although there were slight increases in enzyme activities during Stage III, they were not significant. Protease activity peaked during Stage IV, whereas lipase and amylase activities were greatest among Stage V juveniles. Different patterns were observed when specific enzyme activities (normalized on the basis of protein) are examined. Specific activities of the three enzymes were very low in embryos just prior to hatching and increased slightly during the hatching process. During Stage I, the specific activity of protease doubled, lipase specific activity increased by a factor of 10, and that of amylase increased slightly. Activities of both protease and amylase more than doubled in Stage II larvae; in general, there were no significant differences in specific activities measured in Stages II through V. Lipase specific activity did not change significantly among Stages I through V. The increase in enzyme activities among the hatching stages correlates well with morphological changes observed in the midgut gland (hepatopancreas), specifically in regard to the presence of enzyme-producing B-cells. Changes in enzyme activities among the postmetamorphic Stages IV and V may be related to changes in body form, habitat, or patterns of energy storage and utilization. Lobster larvae normally hatch during early summer but embryonic development can be accelerated in the laboratory by maintenance at high (21°C) rather than ambient temperature. Temperature conditions during embryonic development, however, had no effect on digestive enzyme activities of larvae that were induced to hatch out of season.
Bounds on the responses of nonlinear control systems

Abstract It is shown how a frequency domain criterion can be used to obtain meaningful bounds on the responses of nonlinear feedback systems. If the system is disturbed by a known input or nonzero initial condition from its state of equilibrium, bounds are obtained on overshoot and settling time as the system returns to its state of equilibrium. The method presented also permits to compute bounds for responses to bounded inputs which do not bring the system to a state of equilibrium. The bounds have a graphical interpretation in the Nyquist-plane which is similar in concept to M-circles for linear systems. This graphical interpretation can be used advantageously in the design nonlinear feedback systems.
Three-year change in inflammatory markers in elderly people and mortality: the Invecchiare in Chianti study.

Inflammation contributes to the development of atherosclerosis1 and is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease2–4 and mortality,5–7 but research has typically relied on a single measurement of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), to predict mortality.5–7 Several studies have estimated variability in inflammatory markers,8–15 but little is known about how long-term variability is related to mortality. If changes in levels of inflammatory markers reflect underlying disease processes, such as instability of atherosclerotic lesions, accelerating disease severity, or progressive immune dysregulation, patterns of change in inflammatory levels might better reflect mortality risk than values assessed at one time point. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in IL-6 and CRP in older persons over 3 years and to determine whether changes in inflammatory markers predict subsequent all-cause mortality.
Increasing participation of women in early phase clinical trials approved by the FDA.

Background Historically women were excluded from participation in phase 1 clinical trials. The goal of this study was to determine the participation of women and evaluate if participation has increased over time. Methods Clinical trial data submitted to the FDA for New Molecular Entities (NMEs) for adult, non-sex specific indications between January 2006 and December 2007 were reviewed. Electronic data available on phase 1 trial were evaluated for proposed indications, sex of participants, and doses tested. Therapeutic doses were obtained from the approved labeling. Results FDA approved 34 NMEs in 2006–2007. Data for 352 phase 1 trial of 30 NMEs were obtained. Data for 1 NME was not available electronically , 2 did not include new phase 1 data, and 1 provided only summary demographic data. All NMEs reviewed were for drugs used to treat conditions occurring in both men and women. Overall 120 (34.1%) trials had only male participants while 232 (65.9%) trials also enrolled female participants. 30.6% (3106/10,134) of participants were women. 149/352 (42.3%) of trials included safety and tolerability testing above the highest approved dose. In those trials, 32.5% (1628/5011) of the participants were women. An evaluation of trial start date illustrated the number of trials that enrolled women (p = 0.01) and the number of female participants (p Conclusion Females subjects have traditionally been underrepresented in phase 1 trials. The number trials enrolling women and the number of women participating in phase 1 trials has increased since 2001, however, women are still underrepresented.
Modular logic controllers for machining systems: formal representation and performance analysis using Petri nets

The machining systems considered are high volume transfer lines which are widely used in automotive manufacturing. In these machining systems, several machines linked together provide complete processing of a part. A logic controller is a discrete event supervisory system which controls parallel and synchronized sequences of elementary operations of each machine to achieve the goal of the machining system. Normal operation is governed by the auto-cycle function of a logic controller. A modular logic controller is introduced and formalized for high volume transfer lines. Its event-based functional properties are verified and its reconfigurability is considered. A live and safe marked graph can be directly transformed into a sequential function chart (which is one of the IEC 1131-3 languages) and, using this SFC representation, a modular logic controller can be implemented. The performance analysis of the modular logic controller is also introduced. The cycle time during normal operation is used as the performance metric of a transfer line. By adding time specifications to the model, a timed modular logic controller is generated. The time-based cyclic behavior of high volume transfer lines is thus characterized using timed Petri nets. Two efficient algorithms to compute the cycle time and critical operations are developed.
Closed areas as a conservation strategy in the Newfoundland lobster fishery

The Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) reviewed lobster resource conservation in Atlantic Canada and concluded in its 1995 report that under current management regimes the risk of recruitment failure was unacceptably high because of the low level of egg production. It recommended implementation of measures to reduce the overall level of exploitation on the resource. Closed areas were included among several management measures identified to increase egg production. In 1997, at stakeholder initiative, two closed areas were established near Eastport, Bonavista Bay, as part of a co-management agreement between a committee representing local lobster fishers and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Newfoundland Region. These received formal marine protected area (MPA) status and protection under Canada's Oceans Act in fall 2005. Following the closures at Eastport, a series of initiatives by local stakeholders resulted in seven additional closed areas being established elsewhere around Newfoundland by ...
Direct Excitation of High-Amplitude Chirped Bucket-BGK Modes

For the first time, high amplitude (Δn/n ≈ 40%), high Q (up to 100,000) BGK modes have been controllably excited in a plasma. The modes are created by sweeping an excitation voltage downwards in frequency, thereby dragging a phase space “bucket” of low density into the bulk of the plasma velocity distribution. The modes have no linear limit, and differ markedly from plasma waves and Trivelpiece‐Gould modes.
An elixir for development? Olive oil policies and poverty alleviation in the Middle East and North Africa

The evolution of olive oil markets has sparked interest in policies that promote olive oil as a means of inducing rural development across the Middle East and North Africa. This article describes policies that link olive oil markets to rural development in Morocco, Syria and Tunisia and evaluate their effectiveness. It uses a framework that combines producer heterogeneity and market differentiation to describe how rural poverty impacts will be shaped by production, quality and marketing constraints. While the flow of olive oil from producers to the market may have increased, that of information and incentives in the reverse direction is still limited, something that too few olive oil policies aim to improve.
TIP on books

Miles, Matthew B., editor. Innovation in Education. New York: Bureau of Publications, Teachers College, Columbia University, 1964 (In press). Rogers, Everett M. Diffusion of Innovations. New York: Free Press of Glencoe, 1962. ix + 367 pp. $6.50. Lippitt, Ronald; Watson, Jeanne; and Westley, Bruce. The Dynamics of Planned Change: A Comparative Study of Principles and Techniques. New York: Harcourt, Brace, and Company, 1958. viii + 312 pp. $6.50. Bennis, Warren G.; Benne, Kenneth D.; and Chin, Robert, editors. The Planning of Change: Readings in the Applied Behavioral Sciences. New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, Inc., 1961. 781 pp. $8.50.
A critical assessment of docking programs and scoring functions

Docking is a computational technique that samples conformations of small molecules in protein binding sites; scoring functions are used to assess which of these conformations best complements the protein binding site. An evaluation of 10 docking programs and 37 scoring functions was conducted against eight proteins of seven protein types for three tasks: binding mode prediction, virtual screening for lead identification, and rank-ordering by affinity for lead optimization. All of the docking programs were able to generate ligand conformations similar to crystallographically determined protein/ligand complex structures for at least one of the targets. However, scoring functions were less successful at distinguishing the crystallographic conformation from the set of docked poses. Docking programs identified active compounds from a pharmaceutically relevant pool of decoy compounds; however, no single program performed well for all of the targets. For prediction of compound affinity, none of the docking programs or scoring functions made a useful prediction of ligand binding affinity.
Capture time, size and hooking mortality of bottom longline-caught sharks

The primary gear type used to harvest coastal sharks in the U.S. Atlantic shark fishery is bottom longline. Recent stock assessments have found several species of coastal sharks in U.S. Atlantic Ocean waters have declined from 60% to 80% of virgin levels. To aid in stock rebuilding, alternative gear restriction measures such as reduced soak time, restrictions on the length of gear, and fishing depth restrictions have been considered but not implemented. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of some of these management measures, controlled experiments were performed using hook timers and time depth recorders, assessing the factors affecting mortality during longline capture for the four most abundant species that incurred at-vessel mortality: sandbar (Carcharhinus plumbeus), blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus), bull (Carcharhinus leucas), and blacknose (Carcharhinus acronotus). Our results indicate that as hook time and shark size increased mortality rates for the sandbar and blacktip sharks increased. Predicted models indicated mortality rates increased steadily for the three species but appeared to increase the most after 10, 6, and 1 h on the hook for sandbar, blacktip and blacknose shark, respectively. Sandbar sharks larger than approximately 170 cm FL are more susceptible to hooking mortality. Blacknose shark mortality rates increased as hook time increased but bull shark mortality rates were not affected by any factor. The probability of a hook being bitten increased the most between 5 and 12 h after the fishing gear had been set and the mean amount of time hooks were in the water prior to being bitten was 4, 5 and 9 h for sandbar and blacknose sharks, blacktip, and bull sharks, respectively. A significant difference was found between these means for sandbar and bull sharks and between blacknose and bull sharks. Shark species were commonly caught at different temperature and depth ranges. These results could be used by fisheries management to implement restrictions of fishing depth and soak time to aid in the recovery of coastal sharks species.
Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism in Pregnant Rats Ingesting a High Protein Diet

In both nonpregnant and pregnant rats as dietary protein increased, increases in urinary calcium were observed. In nonpregnant rats, urinary calcium excretion was significantly increased as the level of dietary protein increased from 16 to 24 to 32%, but in the pregnant rats increases in urinary calcium as protein intake was raised from 24 to 32% were not observed. The present data indicated that the increase in urinary calcium was probably a result of a shift of the endogenous excretion of calcium from the feces to urine and not from intestinal absorption of dietary calcium or bone resorption of calcium. Responses of parameters indicative of intestinal absorption either were inconsistent or were not affected as protein intake increased. A high protein diet had no effect on the amount of calcium lost from the bones. Although the results were inconsistent with regard to calcium retention, a positive calcium balance was achieved by all rats fed the three different levels of dietary protein. Urinary phosphorus excretion increased with increased protein intake, but the response was modified by the physiological state. In pregnant rats, the increase from 16 to 24% dietary protein had a greater influence on urine phosphorus than the increase from 24 to 32%; this pattern was reversed in the nonpregnant rats.