cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sediment yield and land use in tropical catchments

Analysis of sediment yields from 61 Kenyan catchments allows the refinement of regional relationships between the yields and their major controls. Land use, which has been ignored in earlier regional analyses, is the dominant control, but within each land-use category it is possible to recognize the effects of the climatic and topographic variables that other writers have stressed. The long-term geologic rate of erosion in these tropical environments is estimated to vary between 20 and 200 t km−2 yr.−1, depending mainly upon climate. These values agree closely with Douglas' estimate for undisturbed catchments. An analysis of the major sources of sediment in disturbed catchments suggest that rural roads contribute a large, and commonly ignored, fraction of the sediment leaving agricultural areas. The temporal pattern of sediment transport is also affected by land use, and emphasizes the significance of rare wet periods in the removal of soil from tropical catchments.
Kelvin Helmholtz Instability in Planetary Magnetospheres

Kelvin–Helmholtz instability plays a particularly important role in plasma transport at magnetospheric boundaries because it can control the development of a turbulent boundary layer, which governs the transport of mass, momentum, and energy across the boundary. Waves generated at the interface can also couple into body modes in the plasma sheet and inner magnetosphere where they can play an important role in plasma sheet transport and particle energization in the inner magnetosphere. Kinetic and electron-scale effects are important for the development of K–H instability, leading to secondary instabilities and plasma mixing. The development of vortices that entwine magnetosheath field lines with magnetospheric field lines also allows reconnection and the interchange of plasma blobs from open to closed field lines. Dawn-dusk asymmetries in Kelvin–Helmholtz development at planetary boundary layers may result from several effects including plasma corotation, kinetic effects, magnetic geometry, or asymmetric distribution of plasma. Examples are provided throughout the solar system illustrating the pervasive effects of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability on plasma transport.
The reconstruction of Lisbon following the earthquake of 1755: A study in despotic planning

This paper is a description and analysis of the plan for the rebuilding of Lisbon following the earthquake of 1755. This tremor was so devastating that the entire city centre, the Baixa, ceased to exist. From this chaos emerged the Marques de Pombal who, with the approval of the King, immediately brought order and began to develop efforts to create the new Lisbon. The effort first focused upon the development of four options that included rebuilding the city as it was, reconstructing the city with minimal improvements to the street pattern, undertaking a total rebuilding effort or starting fresh on a new site. After considerable analysis, Pombal selected the option to build under the ‘clean slate’ option. After selection of this option, the planners created six detailed plans. After considerable review, the dos Santos concept was selected. These six plans, designed largely by military engineers, were created with the intent of furthering Pombal's goal of creating a city that reflected new values. The city...
Genotype–environment interaction and the reliability of mating signals

I t is a central tenet of animal communication theory that signals are reliable (Zahavi 1977). That is, the characteristics of a signal that are attended to by a receiver should be reasonably good predictors of the transmitter’s current physical ability, internal state or motivation, social status, or acquired information. Signal characteristics should also predict the future consequences that a receiver, responding in a particular way, is likely to experience. Whereas the range of signals that animals transmit between one another may certainly include some messages that are not fully honest (Hasson 1994; e.g. Backwell et al. 2000), and partially withholding information or identity can sometimes be in a transmitter’s best interest (Johnstone 1997), animal communications are generally expected to result in a net benefit to both signaller and receiver (see Hauser 1996; Bradbury & Vehrencamp 1998). This expectation rests on the reasoning that failure to meet the criterion of reliability, as when an ‘inferior’ individual broadcasts a ‘strong’ signal normally associated with superior physical prowess, should result in selection against receiver responses to the signal, which, in turn, would select against its continued transmission, without alteration, by the signaller. In terms of perfection, signal characteristics are expected to be reliable to the extent that an ‘ideal receiver’, one suffering no perceptual impairments, can respond in a manner that on average enhances its fitness (see Johnstone & Grafen 1993). Within the realm of sexual selection, animal mating signals are expected to indicate the signaller’s phenotype with some degree of reliability. Moreover, under the various coevolutionary mechanisms of sexual selection (wherein mate choice only yields indirect, genetic benefits), mating signals are also expected to indicate the signaller’s genotype and, more critically, the phenotype of offspring that the signaller would sire. This latter expectation is most apparent in those processes
Bulbectomy and sensitivity to estrogen: anatomical and functional specificity.

Abstract In order to clarify the influence of the olfactory system on female sexual behavior, ovariectomized rats were given sham operations (SHAM), total bilateral olfactory bulbectomy (TBULBX), partial bulbectomy (PBULBX), anterior olfactory nucleus lesions (AON) or accessory olfactory bulb lesions (AOB), and tested for lordosis behavior. Only TBULBX resulted in increased sensitivity to estradiol benzoate (EB) in that lordosis quotients (LQ) were increased and rejection behavior decreased following administration of 2, 4 or 8 μg EB/kg/day for 3 days. Only TBULBX group rats were anosmic on 2 postoperative tests. TBULBX group rats showed very mild hyperresponsiveness on an emotionality test. Effects of TBULBX on LQ are not due to general sensory hyperresponsiveness or EB-induced hyperresponsiveness since no differences in the quality of lordosis occurred, and no differences occurred in latency to paw-lift on hot plate tests with or without EB. Heightened EB sensitivity in the TBULBX group is not due to adrenal steroids since following adrenalectomy and 8 μg EB/kg treatment, TBULBX group LQ scores were still elevated relative to those of SHAM controls. The LQ scores of PBULBX group rats were intermediate to those of SHAM and TBULBX group rats. Bulbectomy-induced alterations in sensitivity to EB as measured by the LQ do not appear to be due to alterations in “arousal” mechanisms in general. While deficits in olfactory perception might exacerbate the effect, it is unlikely that anosmia per se is sufficient to induce major alterations in the degree of sexual receptivity following EB. The magnitude of behavioral effects of bulbectomy on EB sensitivity may be related, to some extent, to the amount of bulb tissue removed. It is possible that bulbectomy may enhance behavioral sensitivity to EB by disrupting biochemical responses to EB in limbic system structures which normally exert an inhibitory influence over sexual receptivity.
Codependency: A View from Women Married to Alcoholics

Intensive interviews with women married to alcoholics reveal a taken-for-granted use of the term “codependent” to describe the spouses of alcoholics, despite considerable definitional ambiguity as ...
Characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in indoor and outdoor atmosphere in the North central part of India.

Abstract Twenty-three polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured simultaneously in indoor and outdoor environment of ten homes at urban and roadside sites in the north central part of India during winter season (November 2006 to February 2007). The average concentration of total PAH (TPAH) was 1946.84 ng/m3 in kitchen, 1666.78 ng/m3 in living room and 1212.57 ng/m3 in outdoors at urban site, whereas at roadside site it was 2824.87 ng/m3, 2161.26 ng/m3, and 3294.28 ng/m3 in kitchen, living room and outdoors respectively. The two, three and four ring PAHs were predominant in vapour phase, while the five, six ring PAHs were primarily associated with the particulate phase. The concentration trends of the PAHs in present study were naphthalene > 2-methylnaphthalene > 1-methylnaphthalene > biphenyl > acenaphthylene in indoor and outdoor environment of both the sites. The spatial trend of total PAHs concentrations in the house located at urban sites, was kitchen > living room > outdoors whereas at roadside site, the trend was outdoors > kitchen > living room. Correlation analysis has been used to identify the sources of PAHs. The correlation between CO2 and ratio of living room/outdoors (L/O) and kitchen/outdoor (K/O) of total PAHs concentration for two sites was found to be significant.
New advances in the use of antimicrobial agents in surgery: intra-abdominal infections.

AbstractAdvances in both technical methods and antimicrobial therapy have significantly reduced morbidity and mortality for secondary (enterogenous) or community-acquired intra-abdominal infections. Presumptive antimicrobial therapy for most community-acquired intra-abdominal infection can be safely initiated with a single broad-spectrum antimicrobial effective against the expected Enterobacteriaceae and anaerobic flora. Beta-lactams and carbapenems are effective against Gram-negative rods and anaerobes, achieve therapeutic levels rapidly, and have low toxicity in the absence of penicillin allergy. Second generation cephalosporins (e.g. cefoxitin and cefotetan) remain useful in surgical prophylaxis and treatment of mild community-acquired pneumonia, but limitations in their spectra and antimicrobial resistance restrict their utility in more serious infections. The fourth generation cephalosporins are also effective, but should be combined with other antimicrobials such as metronidazole for adequate anaero...
Bacterial community structure and function change in association with colonizer plants during early primary succession in a glacier forefield

Abstract Plants directly interact with the soil microbial community through litter inputs and root exudates, and these interactions may be particularly important in nutrient poor soils that typically characterize early ecosystem development. However, little is known regarding how plant–microbe interactions may actually drive ecosystem processes in early succession, a perspective this study helps to define. We investigated how soil microbial communities develop and interact with the establishment of the first plants in the recently exposed soils of the Mendenhall Glacier forefield near Juneau, AK, USA. We sampled soils from under two different plant species (alder, Alnus sinuata and spruce, Picea sitchensis ) and from unvegetated areas; all samples were collected along a single soil transect that had been exposed for 6 years. The presence or absence of vegetation as well as the type of plant (i.e., alder vs. spruce) structured the soil microbial community. Furthermore, asymbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation rates, which were greater in vegetated soils, correlated with differences in bacterial community composition. Although soil microbial community composition varied with vegetation type, soil nutrient and carbon (C) pools did not correlate with bacterial community composition. Moreover, pH did not significantly vary by vegetation type, yet it was the only soil parameter that correlated with bacterial community composition. Vegetation type explained more of the variation in bacterial community composition than pH, suggesting that plant acidification of soils only partly explains the observed shifts in bacterial communities. Plant specific differences in bacterial community structure may also relate to the chemical composition of litter and root exudates. Our research reveals differences in the bacterial community composition of vegetated soils, and how such differences may promote shifts in fundamental biogeochemical processes, such as rates of asymbiotic N fixation, in early stages of primary succession where low N availability may limit bacterial and plant growth and thus constrain ecosystem development. As such, this suggests that plant–soil microbe interactions in themselves may drive processes that shape the trajectory of primary succession.
Measurement of carbon monoxide concentrations in indoor and outdoor locations using personal exposure monitors

Abstract On 15 dates, 5000 measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) were made in downtown commercial settings in four California towns and cities (San Francisco, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Angeles), using personal exposure monitoring (PEM) instruments. Altogether, 588 different commercial settings were visited, and indoor and outdoor locations were sampled at each setting. On 11 surveys, two CO PEM's were carried about 0.15–6 m apart, giving 1706 pairs of observations that showed good agreement: the correlation coefficient was r = 0.97 or greater, and the average difference was less than 1 ppm (μL/L) by volume. Of 210 indoor settings (excluding parking garages), 204 (97.1%) had average CO concentrations less than 9 ppm (μL/L); of 368 outdoor settings, 356 (96.7%) had average CO concentrations less than 9 ppm (μL/L). For a given date and commercial setting, CO concentrations were found to be relatively stable over time, permitting levels to be characterized by making only brief visits to each setting. The data indicate that most commercial settings experience CO concentrations above zero indoors, because CO tends to seep into buildings from vehicular emissions outside. Levels in these locations usually are not above 5 ppm (μL/L) and seldom are higher than the U.S. health-related ambient air quality standards for CO. However, indoor garages and buildings with attached indoor parking areas are exceptions and can experience relatively high CO concentrations.
Physical Attractiveness and Perceptions of Deviance

Summary The relationship between physical attractiveness and perceptions of deviance was examined in two school settings (416 boys and girls in grades 6–8 and 2213 boys in grade 10). Physical attractiveness was measured by strangers' ratings of pictures and classmates' sociometric choices in the younger sample, and interviewer ratings in the older sample. In contrast to a fairly extensive experimental literature, physical attractiveness was found to be unrelated to conduct grades, sociometric ratings of aggression by classmates, or student reports of teacher disciplinary actions. Experimental studies, therefore, may exaggerate the importance of appearance in judgments of deviance because they focus on strangers and because they restrict the availability of other information.
Limited reaction processing: Growth of Si1-xGex/Si for heterojunction bipolar transistor applications

Abstract Limited reaction processing (LRP) of silicon-based materials is reviewed as an alternative growth method to molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). LRP is a chemical vapor deposition technique which uses wafer temperature, rather than gas flow switching, to initiate and terminate growth. Processing takes place within a cold-wall, quartz reaction chamber, and gases are changed between successive lamp-heated growth cycles. In addition to minimizing thermal exposure, the technique allows individual layers in a multi-layer structure to be deposited at their optimum growth temperature. LRP is particularly well suited to the growth and processing of metastable layers such as strained Si1−xGex on silicon. Several properties of LRP-grown Si1−xGex are shown to be similar to those reported for MBE material, including qualitative islanding behavior and quantitative measurement of the onset of misfit dislocation formation. However, a direct comparison of thermal stability reveals larger numbers of misfit dislocations in MBE-grown films upon annealing. The electrical behavior of misfit dislocations in heterojunction diodes, and the growth and analysis of high-quality Si/Si1−xGex/Si heterojunction bipolar transistors are also discussed.
Transesterification of acrylates by heterogeneous basic catalysis

Different solid basic catalysts including CsF/αAl2O3, KF/αAl2O3, Ca(NO3)2/γAl2O3, NaNO3/γAl2O3, LiNO3/γAl2O3 were evaluated for the transesterification of ethyl acrylate by n-hexanol. All of them are active and selective in the transesterification reaction under mild conditions and without solvent, using a 1/1 molar ratio of reactants. Ca/γAl2O3 was shown to be the most selective of this set of catalysts and it could be recycled three times without lost of selectivity.
Na+‐Ca2+ exchanger mediates Ca2+ influx during anoxia in mammalian central nervous system white matter

White matter of the mammalian central nervous system suffers irreversible injury after prolonged anoxia, which can result in severe neurological impairment. This type of injury is critically dependent on Ca2+ influx into cells. We present evidence that the Na+, Ca2+ exchanger mediates the majority of the damaging Ca2+ influx into cells during anoxia in white matter. Anoxic injury was studied in the isolated rat optic nerve, and functional recovery was monitored using the compound action potential. Blockers of voltage-gated Na+ channels (tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin) significantly improved recovery, as did perfusion with zeroNa+ solution; both maneuvers would prevent intracellular [Na+] from rising and thus prevent Ca2+ influx by inhibiting reverse operation of the Na+, Ca2+ exchanger. Direct pharmacological blockade of the Na+, Ca2+ exchanger during anoxia with bepridil or benzamil also significantly improved recovery. These findings suggest that reverse operation of the Na+, Ca2+ exchanger during anoxia is a critical mechanism of Ca2+ influx and subsequent white matter injury.
Is the quest for sustainable use of the planet unworldly

SUMMARY Is the quest for sustainable use of the planet utopian and unworldly, or an act of enlightened self-interest? Few would label the attempts to increase human longevity unworldly, yet what significance will it have in an unsustainable world? Achieving sustainability will require entire societies to emulate attributes that humans profess to admire in others. Among the dictionary definitions of unworldly are: not seeking material advantage, and spiritually minded. Since our global life-support system is vulnerable to irresponsible individual and societal practices, the consequences of unethical behaviour and lack of compassion might well be catastrophic for human society. This paper consists of a preliminary exploration of some of these issues.
Caged phosphopeptides reveal a temporal role for 14-3-3 in G1 arrest and S-phase checkpoint function

Using classical genetics to study modular phosphopeptide-binding domains within a family of proteins that are functionally redundant is difficult when other members of the domain family compensate for the product of the knocked-out gene. Here we describe a chemical genetics approach that overcomes this limitation by using UV-activatable caged phosphopeptides. By incorporating a caged phosphoserine residue within a consensus motif, these reagents simultaneously and synchronously inactivate all phosphoserine/phosphothreonine-binding domain family members in a rapid and temporally regulated manner. We applied this approach to study the global function of 14-3-3 proteins in cell cycle control. Activation of the caged phosphopeptides by UV irradiation displaced endogenous proteins from 14-3-3-binding, causing premature cell cycle entry, release of G1 cells from interphase arrest and loss of the S-phase checkpoint after DNA damage, accompanied by high levels of cell death. This class of reagents will greatly facilitate molecular dissection of kinase-dependent signaling pathways when applied to other phosphopeptide-binding domains including SH2, Polo-box and tandem BRCT domains.
J, H, K Photometry of 433 Eros and Other Asteroids

Results are reported for IR photometry of nine bright asteroids, including 433 Eros, which was conducted in the J, H, K, and (for Eros) L bands with an InSb photometer on the 1.3-m Kitt Peak telescope. It is found that the J-H and H-K color indices of all nine asteroids are slightly redder than those of the sun and that three C-type objects are somewhat redder in the same color indices than four S-types and an E-type. Eros is shown to have an unusually red J-K index; the shape of its IR spectral reflectance curve is attributed in part to the presence of the weak 2-micron pyroxene absorption band in the spectrum. The results show that JHK photometry is less diagnostic of asteroidal composition than higher-resolution IR spectrophotometry.
Application of the Hagen-Poiseuille equation to fluid feeding through short tubes

The Hagen-Poiseuille equation has been widely applied to the study of fluid feeding by insects that have sucking (haustellate) mouthparts. However, the equation is valid only when the length of the cylinder is much longer than the entrance length (the length of the entrance region within which the flow is not fully developed). To estimate under what circumstances the flow through short tubular mouthparts would be slower than predicted from the Hagen-Poiseuille equation, we determined the empirical relationship between the relevant parameters using physical models made of glass micropipets. Fluid flow was measured while applying known pressure differences to cylinders of different geometries for a range of entrance lengths. We found a simple relationship between the flow and the entrance length in dimensionless terms for the range of experimental conditions (length:diameter range, 5:1-150:1; Re range, 18-1100). Thus, it is now possible to estimate easily correction factors resulting from the effects of the entrance region. The resistance to flow within the entrance region is sufficiently high that if the entrance length is one-half of the total length, the expected flow is only ≈80% of that predicted from the Hagen-Poiseuille equation. Reported flow rates through channels in insect mouthparts are sufficiently slow that the predicted entrance lengths are extremely small relative to their total lengths. Therefore, with the possible exception of some gigantic extinct insects, the Hagen-Poiseuille equation may be applied safely to fluid flow through even short feeding tubular structures (when the other assumptions are satisfied).
Special Feature: Putting Petri Nets to Work

Today's modeling tools, appropriate for conventional sequential systems, will be inadequate for the complex concurrent systems of the 80's. Petri nets may offer a solution.
On the design of input prices: Can TELRIC prices ever be optimal?

Abstract The optimal design of input prices is analyzed in a simple setting where the regulator has limited knowledge of efficient production costs. Under some conditions, input prices are optimally set equal to expected efficient production costs, as under the Federal Communications Commission’s TELRIC pricing policy in the U.S. telecommunications industry. More generally, input prices optimally reflect, but do not parallel exactly, realized production costs.
Design of an unmanned ground vehicle, bearcat III, theory and practice

The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and implementation of an unmanned ground vehicle, called the Bearcat III, named after the University of Cincinnati mascot. The Bearcat III is an electric powered, three-wheeled vehicle that was designed for the Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition and has been tested in the contest for 5 years. The dynamic model, control system, and design of the sensory systems are described. For the autonomous challenge line following, obstacle detection and pothole avoidance are required. Line following is accomplished with a dual camera system and video tracker. Obstacle detection is accomplished with either a rotating ultrasound or laser scanner. Pothole detection is implemented with a video frame grabber. For the navigation challenge waypoint following and obstacle detection are required. The waypoint navigation is implemented with a global positioning system. The Bearcat III has provided an educational test bed for not only the contest requirements but also other studies in developing artificial intelligence algorithms such as adaptive learning, creative control, automatic calibration, and internet-based control. The significance of this effort is in helping engineering and technology students understand the transition from theory to practice. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computational and experimental study of a captive annular eddy

Results of calculations and experiments on the flow of a viscous liquid through an axisymmetric conduit expansion are reported. The streamlines and vorticity contours are presented as functions of the Reynolds number of the flow. The dynamic interaction between the main flow and the captive eddy between it and the walls is analysed, and it is concluded that, for laminar flow, the main role of the eddy is that of shaping the flow with a rather small energy exchange.
Electromechanical and statistical modeling of turbulence-induced vibration for energy harvesting

Preliminary experimental studies have shown that piezoelectric structures excited by turbulent flow can produce significant amounts of useful power. The research presented in this paper could benefit applications such as powering self-sustained sensor networks in small rivers or air flow environments where turbulent fluid flow is a primary source of ambient energy. A novel prototype called piezoelectric grass was designed to be a robust solution for harvesting energy in turbulent fluid flow environments. In this paper, the authors present an experimentally validated theoretical analysis of the piezoelectric grass harvester modeled as a single unimorph cantilever beam exposed to turbulent cross-flow. Lastly, a brief parameter optimization study will be presented. This study will demonstrate how the unimorph harvester design could be modified to achieve maximum power output in a given turbulent fluid flow condition.
Distributions for moment simulation of aerosol evaporation

Abstract A new class of particle size distributions is proposed having the necessary properties for simulation of aerosol evaporation by the moment method. A distribution from this class is used in moment simulation of free molecule aerosol evaporation. Results are compared with the exact analytical solution. It is demonstrated that it is possible to use the moment method to simulate aerosol evaporation with reasonable accuracy.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are associated with elevated standardized mortality ratios: a meta-analysis.

Background Evidence regarding all-cause and cause-specific mortality in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is conflicting, and debate exists over appropriate study design to examine these important outcomes. We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in both Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), and additionally examined various effects of study design on this outcome.
Lunar Scout Infrared Detector (LSIRD): simple low-cost imaging spectrometer

A novel design for a compact, light weight, imaging spectrometer has been proposed for an orbiting Lunar mapping mission. Simple in design, its dual arm optical system employs a transmission grating and a dichroic mirror to provide continuous two-octave spectral response. The grating's first order wavelengths are reflected into the SWIR arm, while the second order wavelengths are transmitted to the VNIR arm. The instrument design is that of a push broom camera. It uses one of the detector(s) dimensions for spectral selection, the other detector(s) dimension for cross-track spatial selection, and the forward motion of the platform (in this case, a spacecraft) for down-track spatial coverage.
Dynamic multi-channel assignment using network flows in wireless data networks

Abstract The radio frequency spectrum, a scarce resource in mobile communications, has to be efficiently utilized with the objectives of increasing the network capacity and minimizing the interference. A variety of channel assignment strategies have been developed to achieve these objectives. As the cell sizes get smaller, there is a greater need for efficient channel assignment algorithms which are desired to dynamically balance the load of the system. We propose a dynamic multi-channel assignment (DMCA) algorithm where the assignment decision is assisted by the mobiles. Our algorithm is based on the concept of network flows and handles all the events in the system gracefully. Several existing channel assignment algorithms can be easily modeled in the proposed network flow framework model. Simulation results show that DMCA algorithm performs well under heavy traffic conditions and handles different traffic classes gracefully.
The second decade of prostate brachytherapy: Evidence and cost based outcomes

Permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB) is an established and successful treatment option for localized prostate cancer. Under ultrasound guidance, the procedure can be performed in the ambulatory setting and represents a conformal, ablative technique. For low-risk patients, PSA control is expected in over 90% with outcomes now reported past 12 years. High-risk patients can benefit from PPB as part of a program that may include external beam therapy and androgen ablation. Morbidity tends to center on urinary function, but with modern adaptive techniques, this can be minimized. Sexual functioning is likely disturbed less with PPB than with surgery or external beam radiation therapy. Finally, cost benefit analysis confirms PPB as the most attractive radiation option. With the incidence of prostate cancer still rising, PPB remains a key treatment option in the successful management of prostate cancers.
UTILIZATION OF THERMOGRAVIMETRY IN THE STUDY OF REACTION MECHANISM

Thermogravimetry is often used to study polymer degradation. Most often the information obtained may have some practical application but is of limited value for the determination of fundamental processes which may be occurring. A kinetic expression or activation parameters for a complex process which may involve consecutive or parallel reactions provides almost no information about any of the reactions that might be occurring. However, for single, well-defined processes, thermogravimetry, in conjugation with other analytical methods, can be effectively utilized in the determination of reaction mechanism. The thermal degradation of vinylidene chloride barrier polymers corresponds to the elimination of hydrogen chloride initiated at an allylic dichloromethylene unit in the mainchain. This process is uncomplicated by competing reactions.
Impact of High-Dose Statin Pretreatment in Patients with Stable Angina during Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass

Background: Periprocedural treatment with high-dose statins is known to have cardioprotective and pleiotropic effects, such as anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory actions. We aimed to assess the efficacy of high-dose rosuvastatin loading in patients with stable angina undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Materials and Methods: A total of 142 patients with stable angina who were scheduled to undergo surgical myocardial revascularization were randomized to receive either pre-treatment with 60-㎎ rosuvastatin (rosuvastatin group, n=71) or no pre-treatment (control group, n=71) before OPCAB. The primary endpoint was the 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). The secondary endpoint was the change in the degree of myocardial ischemia as evaluated with creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) and troponin T (TnT). Results: There were no significant intergroup differences in preoperative risk factors or operative strategy. MACEs within 30 days after OPCAB occurred in one patient (1.4%) in the rosuvastatin group and four patients (5.6%) in the control group, respectively (p=0.37). Preoperative CK-MB and TnT were not different between the groups. After OPCAB, the mean maximum CK-MB was significantly higher in the control group (rosuvastatin group 10.7±9.75 ng/mL, control group 14.6±12.9 ng/mL, p=0.04). Furthermore, the mean levels of maximum TnT were significantly higher in the control group (rosuvastatin group 0.18±0.16 ng/mL, control group 0.39±0.70 ng/mL, p=0.02). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that high-dose rosuvastatin loading before OPCAB surgery did not result in a significant reduction of 30-day MACEs. However, high-dose rosuvastatin reduced myocardial ischemia after OPCAB.
Infanticide following male takeover event in Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi)

Two infanticides occurred after a male takeover in a population of Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi) at Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. The first infant was found dying from wounds received to the chest and groin after three adult males had immigrated into the group. The second infanticide was directly observed 2 weeks later when one of the immigrant males targeted and attacked the infant after it was separated from its mother. The directed nature of the attack suggests that the infant’s death was not a result of generalized aggression during a period of increased group instability. Although the sexual selection argument does not fully explain infanticidal events in seasonally breeding lemurs, such as Verreaux’s sifaka, it is clear that transferring males present a measurable threat to infant survival and female reproductive success in this species.
Experimental observation of local electrical signature of suspended graphene grown via chemical vapour deposition method

We employ electrostatic force microscope (EFM) techniques to explore local electrical properties of suspended graphene on Cu foil, SiO2/Si and PET substrate. By using electrical modulation of amplitude in a tapping mode atomic force microscope tip, we can obtain distinguished electrostatic force amplitude mapping of graphene on various substrates. In particular, at nano-valley domains on Cu and a SiO2/Si surface, relatively weaker electrostatic attractive interaction is observed than at nano-peak domains. In SiO2/Si, we find that electrostatic force distribution of graphene still follows the substrate surface morphology. Furthermore, employing EFM to graphene on a PET system can be suggested as a facile tool to investigate electrical performance of graphene.
Entanglement increases the error-correcting ability of quantum error-correcting codes

If entanglement is available, the error-correcting ability of quantum codes can be increased. We show how to optimize the minimum distance of an entanglement-assisted quantum error-correcting (EAQEC) code, obtained by adding ebits to a regular quantum stabilizer code, over different encoding operators. By this encoding optimization procedure, we found a number of EAQEC codes, including a family of entanglement-assisted quantum repetition codes and several optimal EAQEC codes.
Thermodynamics and phase diagram of the Fe-C system

A critical review of published data provides a fairly accurate knowledge of the thermodynamic properties of all of the phases of the system Fe-C that are stable or metastable at atmospheric pressure. Selected data are shown as tables and equations. A proposed phase diagram differs only slightly from others recently published but has the following features. Peritectic compositions and the α-γ equilibrium are shown to agree with measured values of the activity of iron in the solid and liquid solutions and the thermodynamic properties of pure iron. Of all the reported carbides of iron only two may be studied under equilibrium conditions. The solubilities of cementite and of χ-carbide in α-Fe are deduced from measured equilibria. Both are metastable at all temperatures with respect to graphite and its saturated solution in iron. The χ-carbide becomes more stable than cementite below about 230° Certain published data on e-carbide permit an estimate of its free energy as a precipitate during the aging process.
Authoritarianism of Parents and Offspring: Intergenerational Politics and Adjustment to College ☆

Abstract The authoritarianism scores (RWA) of parents and their college-aged children were hypothesized to interact to affect the intergenerational transmission of political attitudes and offspring adjustment to college. Parent and offspring dyads who matched on RWA (both scored high or low) agreed about the importance of social events and on the mechanisms by which political attitudes were transmitted from parent to offspring. Disagreeing dyads (parent scored high on RWA and offspring scored low or parent scored low on RWA and offspring scored high) did not show this pattern. In addition, 2-year longitudinal data revealed that offspring who mismatched with their parents on authoritarianism had a more difficult time adjusting to college than did offspring who matched with their parents on authoritarianism. Discussion stresses the importance of examining the implications of home context on the authoritarianism of adolescent children.
Comparative demography of an epiphytic lichen: support for general life history patterns and solutions to common problems in demographic parameter estimation

Lichens are major components in many terrestrial ecosystems, yet their population ecology is at best only poorly understood. Few studies have fully quantified the life history or demographic patterns of any lichen, with particularly little attention to epiphytic species. We conducted a 6-year demographic study of Vulpicida pinastri, an epiphytic foliose lichen, in south-central Alaska. After testing multiple size-structured functions to describe patterns in each V. pinastri demographic rate, we used the resulting estimates to construct a stochastic demographic model for the species. This model development led us to propose solutions to two general problems in construction of demographic models for many taxa: how to simply but accurately characterize highly skewed growth rates, and how to estimate recruitment rates that are exceptionally difficult to directly observe. Our results show that V. pinastri has rapid and variable growth and, for small individuals, low and variable survival, but that these traits are coupled with considerable longevity (e.g., >50 years mean future life span for a 4-cm2 thallus) and little deviation of the stochastic population growth rate from the deterministic expectation. Comparisons of the demographic patterns we found with those of other lichen studies suggest that their relatively simple architecture may allow clearer generalities about growth patterns for lichens than for other taxa, and that the expected pattern of faster growth rates for epiphytic species is substantiated.
Benefits of polyspecific associations for the Goeldi's monkey (Callimico goeldii).

Polyspecific associations are an important component of Callimico goeldii behavior and ecology. On average, Callimico goeldii was found in proximity to or in vocal contact with Saguinus troops (S. fuscicollis and S. labiatus) during 53% of all time intervals sampled. Polyspecific associations varied considerably between seasons, however, with association rates peaking during the wet-season month of February (89%) and declining in the dry season, with the lowest rate (13%) in July. The primary benefits of associations appear to be an increased use of the lower and middle canopy, and an increase in feeding behaviors during the wet season. Thus, Callimico goeldii appear to benefit most from associations during the wet season when fruits are its principal food source. Fruits are eaten more in the forest canopy than in the understory; thus, an increase in height use likely permits an increase in the fruit resources on which Callimico goeldii can forage and feed. In addition, Saguinus groups, with their smaller home ranges, are likely to be more knowledgeable than Callimico goeldii about the location and abundance of ripe fruits in their home ranges. Thus, Callimico goeldii may parasitize Saguinus for their fruit knowledge by following them through their ranges. In the dry season, limited dietary overlap between Callimico goeldii and Saguinus groups is likely to make associations less beneficial for Callimico goeldii as they adopt different foraging and ranging strategies.
Absence of Seasonal Variation in Serum Concentrations of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D Despite a Rise in 25- Hydroxyvitamin D in Summer*

The serum concentrations of the vitamin D metabolites 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25OHD2), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol) have been measured in normal subjects whose ages varied from 18 months to 35 yr. Samples were obtained in all months of the year in order to assess the effects of season on serum concentration. During the months of April to September, 25OHD3 levels are higher than in the winter months. No seasonal variation in the 25OHD2 or calcitriol serum concentration was observed. Age-related differences in 25OHD2 and D3 concentrations did not exist. The levels of calcitriol are higher in adolescence and increase from 35 ± 19 pg/ml (SD) at 1.5–10 yr of age to 54 ± 21 pg/ml at 10–20 yr of age. In young adults, the levels fall again to 28 ± 16 pg/ml. Accordingly, despite a seasonal variation in the precursor of calcitriol, the levels of this most active metabolite of vitamin D do not change in relation to sunlight exposure. This lack of seasonal variation is further...
Sodium Hydrogen Sulfide

(anhyd) [16721-80-5] HNaS (MW 56.07) InChI = 1S/Na.H2S/h;1H2/q+1;/p-1 InChIKey = HYHCSLBZRBJJCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M (hydrate) [140650-84-6] (a nucleophile and reducing agent derived from H2S; a reagent for the synthesis of thiols1 and other divalent sulfur compounds,2 including thiocarbonyl derivatives;3 reduces aromatic nitro groups to amines4) Physical Data: mp (hydrate) 52–54 °C; anhyd, 350 °C; d 1.79 g cm−3; pKa (HS− ⇌ S2− + H+) 14.15. Solubility: v sol H2O; sol EtOH, DMF (colored solution). Form Supplied in: yellow chips (NaSH·xH2O, may be principally NaSH·2H2O); also available anhydrous; may contain Na2S, Na2S2O3 Na2CO3. Analysis of Reagent Purity: iodometric titration.5 Preparative Methods: saturation of ethanolic Sodium Hydroxide with Hydrogen Sulfide;5 anhydrous NaSH is obtained by precipitation with ether. Saturation with H2S shifts the equilibrium, 2NaSH ⇌ Na2S + H2S, to the left, as does operation in a solvent less polar than water or addition of NaHCO3 to Na2S. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: store in cool, dry place under nitrogen. Exposure to air forms Na2S2O4 and Na2CO3; very hygroscopic. Flammable; produces SO2 on combustion. Stench. A reducing agent. Incompatible with acids (produces H2S), with strong oxidizing agents, and with Zn, Al, and Cu. Corrosive (NaSH + H2O ⇌ NaOH + H2S). Use in a well-ventilated fume hood. Toxicity like that of Na2S. Extremely destructive to mucous membranes, eyes, upper respiratory tract, and skin. Can cause blindness; inhalation can be fatal. Decontamination with FeCl3 (production of insoluble iron sulfides).
Formulation of l 1 Optimal Control Problems without Interpolation

The solution of many l 1 problems requires Smith decompositions of l 1 matrices. In this note, we describe a class of problems, including many practical problems, for which this is not true. We also show generally how to pose and obtain approximate solutions to l 1 problems without Smith decomposition.
Characterization of the Murine C3a Receptor Enhancer-Promoter: Expression Control by an Activator Protein 1 Sequence and an Ets-Like Site

The complement anaphylatoxins, C3a and C5a, exert their effects by binding to their respective receptors. A number of studies have implicated these proteins in human disease, yet little is known about anaphylatoxin receptor gene regulation. In this report, we demonstrate that most of the regulatory functions in the murine C3aR gene lie within 50 bp of the transcription start site. This region is critical for macrophage expression but does not have activity in a non-expressing melanoma cell line. Within this small region are putative consensus binding sites for AP-1, NF-kappaB, Ets, and GATA transcription factors. Lack of a corresponding NF-kappaB site in the human sequence and lack of DNA binding activity in macrophage nuclear extracts suggests that the NF-kappaB site is nonfunctional. Luciferase data demonstrate that the GATA site functions as a negative regulatory element in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The AP-1 and Ets sites are critical for C3aR reporter gene expression, such that when each is mutated, a significant loss of activity is observed. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these sequences cooperate to mediate both basal and LPS-induced expression of C3aR. Interestingly, EMSA analyses demonstrate that the AP-1 site binds to c-Jun, and in vivo footprinting shows a typical footprint in this site, but the Ets site does not have a "typical" Ets footprint and does not bind to Ets-1/2 proteins in RAW 264.7 extracts. These data suggest that, although the control region for C3aR is small, interaction of several transcription factors can lead to complex patterns of gene regulation.
Reevaluation of a quantitative structure pharmacokinetic model for biliary excretion in rats.

Quantitative structure pharmacokinetic relationship (QSPKR) modeling can be used to predict the biliary clearance and percentage of dose eliminated in bile (PDb) in humans before clinical studies. Recently, a QSPKR model based on in-house compounds was derived using simple physicochemical descriptors to predict the PDb in rats (Drug Metab Dispos 38:422–430, 2010). Our objective was to evaluate the QSPKR model derived for the prediction of PDb for our larger dataset of 164 compounds in the rat and for the 97 compounds in our human dataset (AAPS J 11:511–525, 2009). Re-analysis of the published QSPKR model revealed the model to be statistically insignificant (Drug Metab Dispos 38:422–430, 2010). Thus, a new statistically significant QSPKR model, consisting of one less descriptor than the published model, was derived from the published data. The newly derived model performed as well as the published model in predicting the PDb for the training and test sets (Drug Metab Dispos 38:422–430, 2010). In contrast, the new model performed poorly in predicting the PDb for our larger rat (r2 = 0.253) and human dataset (r2 = 0.013). The poor predictions for our datasets may be due, in part, to the quality and diversity of the data used to derive and test the model. Our reevaluation suggests that hepatobiliary excretion is a process that cannot truly be captured by simple physicochemical descriptors when examining chemically dissimilar compounds. A simple approach involving a limited number of physicochemical predictors may be useful when examining a structurally similar series of compounds.
Determination of Grid Driving Power in Radio-Frequency Power Amplifiers

An approximate method of determining the power required to drive the grid circuit of a vacuum tube power amplifier of the class C type when operating at radio frequencies is developed, and a comparison given between the results obtained by this method, and more exact measurements made at sixty cycles. The only quantities which need to be known for the method described are the grid excitation voltage and the direct grid current, the driving power being given by the formula W d = √2E g I c .