cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PRODUCTION OF HIGH QUALITY LIQUID FUELS FROM COAL BY MILD PYROLYSIS OF COAL-LIME MIXTURES

Abstract The most recent studies of coal devolatilization processes have emphasized maximisation of liquids yield by use of extreme process conditions such as high heating rate. The liquids produced by such processes are often unsuitable for utilization without extensive upgrading. The aim of the study reported here was to optimize product quality by use of relatively mild conditions. Low-temperature devolatilization (slow heating to 500° to 650°C in a batch reactor) of coal in the presence of CaO (10 to 20 weight percent) can produce a relatively high-quality liquid fuel (containing low sulfur, low oxygen, low viscosity, low Conradson carbon residue, and low pour point). Compared to that occurring in rapid heat-up processes, the residence time of both the liquid and gaseous products is significantly greater in a batch or fixed-bed slow-heating system. It is proposed that this increased residence time facilitates greater secondary reactions of the primary products in the coal bed with the added CaO. The H...
Algorithmic approach to system state monitoring via multiple-sensor integration

Monitoring the state of health of systems is an increasingly difficult problem as the complexity of systems grows. This paper presents an algorithmic approach based upon a variation of multidimensional scaling which allows for the integration of multiple sensor values into composite values for system state monitoring purposes. Whereas the number of composite values is much less than the number of raw sensor values, the task of a human state monitor is facilitated. Configural display techniques that are used to present the resulting composite values to the operator are presented.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Behavioral and Access Barriers to Seeking Chiropractic Care: A Study of 3 New York Clinics

Abstract Objective The overall objectives of this study are 3-fold: (1) attempt to identify the behavioral and access barriers and their resultant delay to seeking chiropractic care; (2) determine which type of delay is most common in different populations and the variables related to this delay; (3) obtain demographic information on patient populations. Methods A 16-question survey was administered to new patients at the Depew Health Center, Lighthouse Free Chiropractic Clinic, and University of Buffalo Student Clinic. The data were entered in Microsoft Excel 2003 and analyzed via SPSS 14.0 for Windows. Results A total of 240 surveys were collected and showed that the referral source, severity, home treatments, belief of discomfort, and effectiveness did not affect delay in care. Transportation, cost, insurance, and belief symptoms would resolve increased delay in care. Discussion The 3 populations analyzed were demographically different. Access barriers and hope of symptom resolution increased delay in seeking chiropractic care. Conclusion In this study, access barriers and hope of symptom resolution increased delay in seeking chiropractic care. Utilization delay and appraisal delay appeared to increase treatment time. Demographic characteristics of the various populations were significantly different, and only younger age decreased delay in seeking chiropractic care. Condition variables had no effect in increasing or decreasing delay in seeking chiropractic care in this study.
On the essential dimension of cyclic groups

Abstract In this paper we find an upper bound for the essential dimension ed ( G ) of finite cyclic groups G = Z / p 1 n 1 ⋯ p r n r Z over a field F of characteristic different from p i containing all the primitive p i -th roots of unity, where p i are distinct prime numbers. We then provide a lower bound for ed ( G ) in terms of the canonical dimension cdim ( A ) of some central division algebra A . This lower bound coincides with the upper bound thus giving the value of ed ( G ) if a conjecture for cdim ( A ) holds.
Locoregional recurrence after mastectomy with immediate transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction.

Background The locoregional recurrence (LRR) rate after mastectomy is reported to be similar with immediate reconstruction. We aimed to identify characteristics of LRR after transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) reconstruction.
Catalytic activity of coal ash on steam methane reforming and water-gas shift reactions

Abstract The catalytic activity of Clarion 4A coal ash on water-gas shift, steam methane reforming and carbon dioxide methane reforming reactions was studied in an atmospheric fluidized bed over temperatures ranging from 370°C to 900°C. The rates of steam methane reforming and water-gas shift reactions over ash were found to be several times the corresponding non-catalytic reactions but were one order of magnitude lower than the reactions over commercial catalysts. Also, it was found that the ash affected the water-gas shift reaction more significantly than the steam methane reforming reaction probably because of the larger amount of iron oxide in the coal ash. However, there was no appreciable reaction for carbon dioxide reforming up to 900°C.
Determination of residual stresses using incremental linear elasticity

Abstract An incremental linear elastic constitutive equation was used to calculate the residual stresses generated in polymer systems, with emphasis on thermosetting systems which are curing under dimensionally constrained conditions. The equations necessary to calculate the stress due to cure, shrinkage due to cure, thermal stress, glass transition temperature and thermal expansion coefficient as functions of the polymerization history are derived. Residual stress data are presented for an epoxy cured under conditions of uniaxial (one-dimensional) and volumetric (three-dimensional) constraint. It was found that for anhydridecured epoxies the unaxial stresses due to cure are small, especially in comparison to the residual uniaxial thermal stress. For conditions of volumetric constraint it was found that both cure stresses and thermal stresses are large in amine-cured epoxy resins.
New Techniques for Private Stream Searching

A system for private stream searching, introduced by Ostrovsky and Skeith, allows a client to provide an untrusted server with an encrypted search query. The server uses the query on a stream of documents and returns the matching documents to the client while learning nothing about the nature of the query. We present a new scheme for conducting private keyword search on streaming data which requires O(m) server to client communication complexity to return the content of the matching documents, where m is an upper bound on the size of the documents. The required storage on the server conducting the search is also O(m). The previous best scheme for private stream searching was shown to have O(m logm) communication and storage complexity. Our solution employs a novel construction in which the user reconstructs the matching files by solving a system of linear equations. This allows the matching documents to be stored in a compact buffer rather than relying on redundancies to avoid collisions in the storage buffer as in previous work. This technique requires a small amount of metadata to be returned in addition to the documents; for this the original scheme of Ostrovsky and Skeith may be employed with O(m logm) communication and storage complexity. We also present an alternative method for returning the necessary metadata based on a unique encrypted Bloom filter construction. This method requires O(m log(t/m)) communication and storage complexity, where t is the number of documents in the stream. In this article we describe our scheme, prove it secure, analyze its asymptotic performance, and describe a number of extensions. We also provide an experimental analysis of its scalability in practice. Specifically, we consider its performance in the demanding scenario of providing a privacy preserving version of the Google News Alerts service.
Effect of Admixed Indium on Mercury Vapor Release from Dental Amalgam

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of admixed indium on the amount of mercury vapor released from dental amalgam. We made amalgam specimens according to ADA Specification Number 1. We added various amounts (0-14% by weight) of indium to the alloy powder. We also tested the commercial amalgams Dispersalloy, Valiant, and Indiloy. Specimens were held at 37°C and 100% humidity. We used a Jerome Mercury Vapor Analyzer (model 411) to measure the mercury vapor released. We analyzed the data by means of AN-OVA and Student-Newman-Keuls procedures. Admixed indium significantly decreased the amount of mercury vapor released from dental amalgams; the period of the greatest effect on mercury vapor released was during the setting phase of amalgam; and dental amalgams with greater than or equal to 8% admixed indium released the least amount of mercury vapor.
Intellectual Property Rights in a North-South Economic Context

There is a need for strong intellectual property rights in less developed countries, particularly for production-related innovations. Intellectual property protection can solve market failure probl...
Extinguished operant responding shows stimulus specificity

The experiment tested for stimulus specificity in extinguished operant responding. Eight pigeons pecked keys for food reinforcers delivered by a variable interval (VI) 60-s schedule. The key was illuminated with red light during some sessions and white light during others. Then, responding was placed on extinction. During some sessions of extinction, the color of the key light remained constant throughout the session (red or white). During other sessions the color changed at 30 min into the session (red to white or white to red). Response rate increased after the change of key color in extinction. If it is assumed that key color is part of the stimulus to which subjects habituate, then these results are consistent with McSweeney and Swindell's [J. Gen. Psychol. 129 (2002) 364] suggestion that responding declines in extinction partly because subjects habituate to the stimuli that support conditioned responding. Habituation is relatively specific to the exact nature of the stimulus presented. Therefore, changes in the stimulus violate stimulus specificity and restore habituated responding. The results are also consistent with other theories that attribute extinction to a reduction of stimulus control [e.g., Psychol. Bull. 114 (1993) 80; J. Exp. Psychol.: Anim. Behav. Process. 16 (1990) 235], but considerations such as parsimony and testability favor the habituation hypothesis over these theories.
The Policymaking Role of State Supreme Courts in Education Policy

In this article, I examine the relationship between courts and legislatures from a comparative perspective. Specifically, I discuss how (1) the ideological composition of the bench, (2) the propensity of court involvement in a given policy area, and (3) the presence of an advisory opinion affect the number of bill introductions and policy enactments by state legislatures. Examination of education policy in the American states reveals that ideologically distant courts limit the number of bill introductions and bill enactments in state legislatures. Alternatively, the presence of an advisory opinion increases policy introduction and enactment in state legislatures. A fundamental implication of these findings is that courts exert the greatest impact on policy during the introduction stage of the legislative process. Previous studies have not examined the introduction stage and have therefore marginalized the real impact of court influence on policy.
Mott—Schottky analyses on n- and p-GaAs/room temperature chloroaluminate molten-salt interfaces

Mott—Schottky analyses were performed on n- and p-GaAs electrodes in room temperature molten-salt electrolytes comprising mixtures of AlCl3 and n-butyl pyridinium chloride (BPC) in approx. the 2:1molar ratio. These analyses revealed that the two interfaces, n-GaAs/AlCl3BPC and p-GaAs/ AlCl3-BPC, conformed with the behavior expected from the simple depletion layer model after suitable etching of the electrode surfaces. The flat-band potentials (Vfb) thus determined for interfaces were: −0.20 ± 0.03 V (vs Al03+) for n-GaAs and +1.22 ± 0.01 V (vs Al03+) for p-GaAs, respectively. The doping densities obtained from the slope of the Mott—Schottky plots, however, were 2–3 times higher than those predicted from the Hall data supplied by the manufacturer. Possible reasons for these discrepancies are discussed. The difference between the Vfb values for the n- and p-type GaAs correspond to the energy band-gap of the semiconductor—a behavior consistent with the absence of significant band-edge unpinning effects in the two cases. Alternatively, the data were seen to be consistent with a behavior such that the band-edges are fixed at the surface for n- and p-GaAs electrodes and all or most of the applied voltage drops across the depletion layer in the semiconductor. The present data are compared with results from cyclic voltammetry obtained in a previous study. In this study, photocurrents were sustained on n-GaAs at potentials significantly positive of the valence band-edge in the presence of certain electroactive species in the AlCl3BPC electrolyte. This behavior may be understood in terms of accumulation at the interface such that the semiconductor band-edges no longer remain fixed, unlike in the situation above in the absence of redox species. The mechanisms underlying charge accumulation could involve the presence of either a high density of surface states or an inverted p-type surface region caused by hole injection from highly oxidizing redox species as discussed by previous authors.
Complexes of bis-(chlorodimethylstannyl)- and bis(dichloromethylstannyl)methanes with aromatic nitrogen heterocycles

[(CH 3 ) 2 ClSn(CH 2 )Sn(NC 5 H 5 )Cl(CH 3 ) 2 ] et [(CH 3 ) 2 ClSn(CH 2 )SnCl(CH 3 ) 2 ] 2 (N 2 C 4 H 4 ) cristallisent dans le systeme triclinique groupe d'espace P1 avec R=0,037 et R=0,026 respectivement. [(CH 3 ) 2 ClSn(CH 2 )(N 2 C 4 H 4 )SnCl(CH 3 ) 2 ] et [(CH 3 )Cl(bpy)Sn(CH 2 )SnCl 2 (CH 3 )] cristallisent dans le systeme monoclonique, groupe d'espace P2 1 /n avec R=0,036 et R=0,051. [(CH 3 )Cl 2 Sn(CH 2 )(N 2 C 4 H 4 ) 2 SnCl 2 (CH 3 )], [(CH 3 ) 2 Cl(N 2 C 3 H 3 )Sn(CH 2 )Sn(N 2 C 3 H 3 )Cl(CH 3 ) 2 ] et (CH 2 (Cl 2 MeSn) 2 .N 2 C 4 H 4 ] n cristallisent dans le systeme orthorhombique, groupes d'espace Pnam, P2 1 2 1 2 1 et Pbnb avec R=0,026; R=0,046 et R=0,022 respectivement
DECOMPOSITION OF CHANGE IN SPATIAL EMPLOYMENT CONCENTRATION: AN INFORMATION-THEORETIC EXTENSION OF SHIFT-SHARE ANALYSIS

This paper develops a Kullback-based information-theoretic framework for the extended shift-share models of the Esteban-Marquillas/Areelus variety It also outlines an interpretative structure for managing the findings in model applications. In so doing, the method frees shift-share from some of the criticisms that have been leveled against it. and broadens and generalizes its applicability in economics, regional science, and geography.
Homograft conduit failure in infants is not due to somatic outgrowth.

Abstract Objective: It has been assumed that the need for homograft replacement is due to somatic outgrowth, but this has not been adequately studied. Our objective was to identify reasons for homograft conduit failure. Methods: The records and imaging studies of 40 patients undergoing homograft conduit replacement of the right ventricular outflow tract from 1996 to 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The majority of patients had a diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot (n = 20) and truncus arteriosus (n = 13). The median age at the initial operation was 8 months (0.25-108 months). The initial homograft sizes ranged from 9 to 22 mm, and 28 conduits were of pulmonary origin. When comparing size of the initial homograft with patients' expected pulmonary valve diameter ( z = 0), oversizing was noted to be +3 (range, 0.83-5.4). Median interval to conduit failure was 5.3 years (0.83-11.3 years). At homograft replacement, only 12 patients had an existing conduit that was 1 SD below the homograft conduit size needed ( z ≤ −1). Most conduits had important regurgitation, but this was rarely a primary reason for reintervention (n = 1). Reoperation was usually required for stenosis, with a median gradient of 53 mm Hg (20-140 mm Hg). Stenosis was further categorized angiographically as follows: homograft valvular stenosis (shrinkage; 21/40 [53%]), distal anastomotic stenosis (4/40 [10%]), conduit kinking (3/40 [8%]), sternal compression (3/40 [8%]), posterior shelf impingement (2/40 [5%]), and somatic outgrowth (3/40 [8%]). Replacement in 2 patients was for proximal hood aneurysm. Several patients (7/40 [18%]) had stenosis at multiple levels. The average decrease in conduit diameter was 47% (28%-73%). Conclusions: Somatic outgrowth is seldom a primary reason for homograft conduit replacement of the right ventricular outflow tract. The most common cause for failure is conduit obstruction with thickening and shrinkage at the annular area. Conduit stenosis was responsible for failure in 53% of patients, technical issues were responsible for 30%, and only 8% failed as a result of somatic outgrowth. Placement of a smaller homograft ( z = 0) at the initial operation may decrease the incidence of conduit kinking, sternal compression, and posterior shelf impingement. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002;124:88-96
Optimization of machine descriptions for efficient use

A machine description facility allows compiler writers to specify machine execution constraints to the optimization and scheduling phases of an instructionlevel parallelism (ILP) optimizing compiler. The machine description (MDES) facility should support quick development and easy maintenance of machine execution constraint descriptions by compiler writers. However, the facility should also allow compact representation and efficient usage of the MDES during compilation. This paper advocates a model that allows compiler writers to develop the MDES in a high-level language, which is then translated into a low-level representation for efficient use by the compiler. The discrepancy between the requirements of the high-level language and the low-level representation is reconciled with a collection of transformations that derive efficient lowlevel representations from the easy-to-understand high-level descriptions. In order to support these transformations, a novel approach to representing machine execution constraints has been developed. Detailed and precise descriptions of the execution constraints for the HP PA7100, Intel Pentium, SUN SuperSPARC, and AMD-K5 processors, as well as two hypothetical wider-issue processor configurations, are analyzed to show the advantage of using this new representation. The results show that performing these transformations and utilizing the new representation allow easy-to-maintain detailed descriptions written in high-level languages to be efficiently used by ILP-optimizing compilers.
Identifying genetic predictors of depression risk: 5-HTTLPR and BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms are associated with rumination and co-rumination in adolescents

Background: Despite research supporting moderate heritability of depression, efforts to replicate candidate gene associations to depression have yielded inconsistent results. We tested whether Val66Met and 5-HTTLPR exhibit utility as genetic markers of depression risk, testing for replicable associations to cognitive and interpersonal endophenotypes of depression (rumination and co-rumination), and further exploring developmental and sex moderation. Method: In Study I, 228 youth (ages 8-14) of mothers with or without a history of MDD during the child’s lifetime were recruited from the community. Replication tests were carried out in Study II, a sample of 87 youth with similar recruitment. Results: In Study I, the Val66Met SNP was associated with rumination in adolescents, but not children, such that adolescents homozygous for the Val allele reported higher rumination levels. Further, a cumulative genetic score (Val66Val and 5-HTTLPR) predicted higher levels of co-rumination, specifically among adolescent girls. Both genetic associations maintained significance after covarying for current depressive symptomology, and the other endophenotype. Finally, both genetic associations exhibited similar effect sizes in Study II, although results did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Results replicate a previously reported association between the BDNF Val allele and rumination in adolescents, and provide preliminary support for a cumulative genetic score predictive of co-rumination in adolescent girls. The current study indicates that candidate genes may demonstrate utility as consistent genetic markers of depression risk when focused on specific phenotypes, and supports the need to explore potential differential effects of developmental stage and sex. However, given the small sample sizes and possibility of chance findings, these results should be interpreted with caution pending replication.
Single crystal growth and electrical transport properties of intermediates in the spinel system CO1+δV2−δO4

Single crystals of intermediates in the mixed spinel system Co1+δV2−δO4(0.11 < δ < 0.56) were grown by fused-salt electrolysis in order to test the predicted application of polytungstate fluxes to the growth of solid solution intermediates. A discussion of this application is presented in terms of solubility principles previously described and application to other systems is suggested. In addition, some of the electrical transport properties of the crystals are reported and compared with previous results obtained on polycrystalline materials. A large discrepancy between activation energies obtained on polycrystalline vs. single crystal samples was found. The single crystal data is shown to be considerably more consistent with expected behavior for “mixed-valency” semi-conductors.
The use of multi-temporal Landsat Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data for mapping fuel models in Yosemite National Park, USA

The objective of this study was to test the applicability of using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values derived from a temporal sequence of six Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) scenes to map fuel models for Yosemite National Park, USA. An unsupervised classification algorithm was used to define 30 unique spectral-temporal classes of NDVI values. A combination of graphical, statistical and visual techniques was used to characterize the 30 classes and identify those that responded similarly and could be combined into fuel models. The final classification of fuel models included six different types: short annual and perennial grasses, tall perennial grasses, medium brush and evergreen hardwoods, short-needled conifers with no heavy fuels, long-needled conifers and deciduous hardwoods, and short-needled conifers with a component of heavy fuels. The NDVI, when analysed over a season of phenologically distinct periods along with ancillary data, can elicit information necessary to distinguish fuel mo...
Noise removal in extended depth of field microscope images through nonlinear signal processing

Extended depth of field (EDF) microscopy, achieved through computational optics, allows for real-time 3D imaging of live cell dynamics. EDF is achieved through a combination of point spread function engineering and digital image processing. A linear Wiener filter has been conventionally used to deconvolve the image, but it suffers from high frequency noise amplification and processing artifacts. A nonlinear processing scheme is proposed which extends the depth of field while minimizing background noise. The nonlinear filter is generated via a training algorithm and an iterative optimizer. Biological microscope images processed with the nonlinear filter show a significant improvement in image quality and signal-to-noise ratio over the conventional linear filter.
Interaction of Turing patterns with an external linear morphogen gradient

We investigate a simple generic model of a reaction–diffusion system consisting of an activator and an inhibitor molecule in the presence of a linear morphogen gradient. We assume that this morphogen gradient is established independently of the reaction–diffusion system and acts by increasing the production of the activator proportional to the morphogen concentration. The model is motivated by several existing models in developmental biology in which a Turing patterning mechanism is proposed and various chemical gradients are known to be important for development. Mathematically, this leads to reaction–diffusion equations with explicit spatial dependence. We investigate how the Turing pattern is affected, if it exists. We also show that in the parameter range where a Turing pattern is not possible, the system may nevertheless produce 'Turing-like' patterns.
Reconciling the global terrestrial water budget using satellite remote sensing

Recent retrievals of multiple satellite products for each component of the terrestrial water cycle provide an opportunity to estimate the water budget globally. In this study, we estimate the water budget from satellite remote sensing over ten global river basins for 2003–2006. We use several satellite and non-satellite precipitation (P) and evapo-transpiration (ET) products in this study. The satellite precipitation products are the GPCP, TRMM, CMORPH and PERSIANN. For ET, we use four products generated from three retrieval models (Penman–Monteith (PM), Priestley–Taylor (PT) and the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS)) with data inputs from the Earth Observing System (EOS) or the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) products. GPCP precipitation and PM (ISCCP) ET have less bias and errors over most of the river basins. To estimate the total water budget from satellite data for each basin, we generate merged products for P and ET by combining the four P and four ET products using weighted values based on their errors with respect to non-satellite merged product. The water storage change component is taken from GRACE satellite data, which are used directly with a single pre-specified error value. In the absence of satellite retrievals of river discharge, we use in-situ gauge measurements. Closure of the water budget over the river basins from the combined satellite and in-situ discharge products is not achievable with errors of the order of 5–25% of mean annual precipitation. A constrained ensemble Kalman filter is used to close the water budget and provide a constrained best-estimate of the water budget. The non-closure error from each water budget component is estimated and it is found that the merged satellite precipitation product carries most of the non-closure error.
Impaired M. tuberculosis-mediated apoptosis in alveolar macrophages from HIV+ persons: potential role of IL-10 and BCL-3

The mechanism of increased MTb disease susceptibility in HIV+ persons remains poorly understood. Apoptosis of macrophages in response to MTb represents a critical host defense response, and decreased apoptosis may represent a mechanism of increased susceptibility to MTb in HIV. In the current study, MTb-mediated apoptosis of human AM was reduced in HIV+ subjects compared with healthy subjects in a TNF-α-dependent manner. IL-10 levels in BALF from HIV+ persons were significantly elevated compared with HIV– persons, and exogenous IL-10 reduced MTb-mediated apoptosis in healthy AM, suggesting that IL-10 could mediate decreased apoptosis observed in HIV. Further study showed that IL-10 reduced TNF release in response to MTb in AM through a reduction in TNF mRNA levels, and exogenous TNF could partially reverse IL-10-associated effects on AM apoptosis. IL-10 did not influence p-IRAK, IκB degradation, or NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation in response to MTb, but IL-10 did increase levels of AM BCL-3, an inhibitor of NF-κB nuclear activity. BCL-3 knockdown in human macrophages increased MTb-mediated TNF release. Importantly, BCL-3 levels in AM from HIV+ subjects were higher compared with healthy subjects. Taken together, these data suggest that elevated lung levels of IL-10 may impair MTb-mediated AM apoptosis in HIV through a BCL-3-dependent mechanism. BCL-3 may represent a potential therapeutic target to treat or prevent MTb disease in HIV+ persons.
Shopping orientation segmentation of the elderly consumer

Elderly consumers are generally acknowledged as a growing force in the marketplace. Research on the elderly, to date, has been rather narrow in focus and considers this group as homogeneous. This research extends earlier research and identifies distinct sub-segments of elderly consumers, based on their shopping orientations. These segments are then profiled with respect to other aspects of their marketplace behavior. The results indicate a viable segment which should not be ignored by retailers.
Two-photon-excited absolute emission cross-sectional measurements calibrated with a luminance meter

A fluorescence-based method to measure an absolute two-photon emission cross section is reported in which we measured the absolute fluorescence power using a commercial luminance meter. An analytical expression between the average fluorescence power and the average pump power is derived. The expression is valid for any arbitrary-shaped pump-laser profile. It was also found that the origin of deviation of fluorescence intensity from expected quadratic dependence on pump power is thermal in nature. The method is used to measure the absolute two-photon-excited (TPE) emission cross section of Rhodamine 6G at an 800-nm excitation wavelength. The measured TPE emission cross section at 800 nm is ηδ=(36±6)× 10-50 (cm4/s)/photon. Within experimental error, the result obtained with this method is quite close to the previously reported TPE cross section obtained with the fluorescence method.
Specificity of cholesterol and analogs to modulate BK channels points to direct sterol–channel protein interactions

The activity (Po) of large-conductance voltage/Ca(2+)-gated K(+) (BK) channels is blunted by cholesterol levels within the range found in natural membranes. We probed BK channel-forming α (cbv1) subunits in phospholipid bilayers with cholesterol and related monohydroxysterols and performed computational dynamics to pinpoint the structural requirements for monohydroxysterols to reduce BK Po and obtain insights into cholesterol's mechanism of action. Cholesterol, cholestanol, and coprostanol reduced Po by shortening mean open and lengthening mean closed times, whereas epicholesterol, epicholestanol, epicoprostanol, and cholesterol trisnorcholenic acid were ineffective. Thus, channel inhibition by monohydroxysterols requires the β configuration of the C3 hydroxyl and is favored by the hydrophobic nature of the side chain, while having lax requirements on the sterol A/B ring fusion. Destabilization of BK channel open state(s) has been previously interpreted as reflecting increased bilayer lateral stress by cholesterol. Lateral stress is controlled by the sterol molecular area and lipid monolayer lateral tension, the latter being related to the sterol ability to adopt a planar conformation in lipid media. However, we found that the differential efficacies of monohydroxysterols to reduce Po (cholesterol≥coprostanol≥cholestanol>>>epicholesterol) did not follow molecular area rank (coprostanol>>epicholesterol>cholesterol>cholestanol). In addition, computationally predicted energies for cholesterol (effective BK inhibitor) and epicholesterol (ineffective) to adopt a planar conformation were similar. Finally, cholesterol and coprostanol reduced Po, yet these sterols have opposite effects on tight lipid packing and, likely, on lateral stress. Collectively, these findings suggest that an increase in bilayer lateral stress is unlikely to underlie the differential ability of cholesterol and related steroids to inhibit BK channels. Remarkably, ent-cholesterol (cholesterol mirror image) failed to reduce Po, indicating that cholesterol efficacy requires sterol stereospecific recognition by a protein surface. The BK channel phenotype resembled that of α homotetramers. Thus, we hypothesize that a cholesterol-recognizing protein surface resides at the BK α subunit itself.
The Regulatory Particle of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteasome

The proteasome is a multisubunit protease responsible for degrading proteins conjugated to ubiquitin. The 670-kDa core particle of the proteasome contains the proteolytic active sites, which face an interior chamber within the particle and are thus protected from the cytoplasm. The entry of substrates into this chamber is thought to be governed by the regulatory particle of the proteasome, which covers the presumed channels leading into the interior of the core particle. We have resolved native yeast proteasomes into two electrophoretic variants and have shown that these represent core particles capped with one or two regulatory particles. To determine the subunit composition of the regulatory particle, yeast proteasomes were purified and analyzed by gradient sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Resolution of the individual polypeptides revealed 17 distinct proteins, whose identities were determined by amino acid sequence analysis. Six of the subunits have sequence features of ATPases (Rpt1 to Rpt6). Affinity chromatography was used to purify regulatory particles from various strains, each of which expressed one of the ATPases tagged with hexahistidine. In all cases, multiple untagged ATPases copurified, indicating that the ATPases assembled together into a heteromeric complex. Of the remaining 11 subunits that we have identified (Rpn1 to Rpn3 and Rpn5 to Rpn12), 8 are encoded by previously described genes and 3 are encoded by genes not previously characterized for yeasts. One of the previously unidentified subunits exhibits limited sequence similarity with deubiquitinating enzymes. Overall, regulatory particles from yeasts and mammals are remarkably similar, suggesting that the specific mechanistic features of the proteasome have been closely conserved over the course of evolution.
Duke Surgery Patient Safety: an open-source application for anonymous reporting of adverse and near-miss surgical events

Background Studies have shown that 4% of hospitalized patients suffer from an adverse event caused by the medical treatment administered. Some institutions have created systems to encourage medical workers to report these adverse events. However, these systems often prove to be inadequate and/or ineffective for reviewing the data collected and improving the outcomes in patient safety.
A 4×4 radial dipole array fed by double-sided parallel-strip line

This work presents a 4×4 array of radial dipole antennas fed by double-sided parallel-strip transmission lines. This dipole array has a center frequency of 3.00 GHz and a 530 MHz bandwidth, corresponding to a fractional bandwidth of 17.7%. The side-lobes of the array were minimized by choosing a λ/2 element spacing and by unequally feeding the antenna elements with a half-power matrix weighting scheme. Minimal side-lobes were measured at 3.05 GHz, and they were found to be 21.5 dB below the main lobe in the θ = 0° plane and 15.0 dB below the main lobe in the θ = 90° plane. The maximum gain at 3.05 GHz was measured to be 13.7 dBi. These measured results confirm the expected values from simulation.
Attributions for real and hypothetical events: their relation to self-esteem and depression.

The association between attributional style, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and general distress was examined to test hypotheses derived from a learned helplessness model and Weiner's (1979) attributional model of motivation. After answering questionnaires on depression, general distress, and self-esteem, 178 male and female undergraduate students were asked to make causal attributional ratings about 12 hypothetical events; 151 subjects also were asked to make diary ratings on 14 real events. Results revealed that attributional ratings were internally consistent across events; however, attributions about positive outcomes were either uncorrelated or positively correlated with attributions about negative outcomes, failing to support learned helplessness predictions that a single process underlies attributions about positive and negative events. As predicted, internal attributions for positive outcomes were primarily associated with high self-esteem. Only internal stable attributions for negative outcomes were related to depressive symptoms, consistent with Weiner's model. The pattern of correlation between attributions and general distress was essentially identical to that obtained with depressive symptoms. Attributions for real events were similar in their effects to ratings of hypothetical events.
A brief history of psychology

The strength of this brief text is in its versatility. It can be used as a brief text for the History of Psychology course, either on its own or as a supplement to a full-size text (such as Schultz and Schultz A History of Modern Psychology 7/e). It can also be used in combination with a history of psychology reader (such as Huber's Psychology's Cornerstones 1/e), for those instructors who prefer to teach from primary sources. Finally, with a length of about 200 pages and a net price of 18.00, it can be used as a supplemental text for a variety of courses (e.g., Theories of Personality) in which the instructor wishes to provide a historical context for the subject matter.This is an updated version of a succinct text that has been popular for the last 3 decades, written by the son of famous Gestalt psychologist Max Wertheimer. The most important aspect of this revision is the addition of an analytical overview of the past 50 years in psychology.
Afterword: (E)Racing Education

(2002). Afterword: (E)Racing Education. Equity & Excellence in Education: Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 181-194.
Is It Time to Screen the General Population for Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by destruction of insulin-producing β cells in the pancreas. The incidence of T1D is increasing dramatically, and the prevalence has doubled in the last 2 decades, further increasing the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. T1D is now predictable with the measurement of antibodies directed against β cell proteins. Islet autoantibodies (IAs) are detectable from the peripheral blood months to years before clinical diagnosis. With the presence of two or more antibodies, the risk for developing T1D is nearly 100 % given enough time. Targeted screening for T1D risk has been carried out in first-degree relatives and those with a significant genetic risk. However, more than 85 % of individuals who are diagnosed with T1D do not have a family history. In light of the predictability of T1D and recent advances in IA measurement, general population screening is on the horizon. We provide an overview of the history of general population screening and discuss the rationale for and arguments against screening the general population for T1D risk.
Lotteries Gone Wild: The Legality of Online Lottery Tickets

Gambling in the U.S. will always be a controversial issue; none more so than American lotteries. Although lotteries are more socially acceptable than at any point in our nation’s history, states continue to push the boundaries on social acceptance. Now, the growing issues concern the legality and moral implications surrounding the recent surge of online lottery markets. Currently, state legislators, judges, and governors in at least twenty states are confronting questions related to online lotteries for their specific state. The reason: in 2011 the Department of Justice issued a memorandum, which overturned a fifty-year stance on a federal anti-gambling statute, particularly related to internet gambling.This paper analyzes the legality for states to enter into the unique gambling venture of online lottery tickets. Specifically, it seeks to effectively articulate not only a clear path states should follow to adopt online lottery sales, but also analyzes whether states that currently offer virtual lottery tickets satisfy federal provisions.In Part I, this paper traces the history and development of state sponsored lotteries. Part II explores the federal statutes that implicate the legal status of online lottery sales. In Part III, this paper illustrates the current regulatory path for legalization, but also offers additional concerns states should consider in their quest to legalize online lottery sales. Finally, Part IV analyzes whether the states that currently sale online lottery tickets comply with federal law.
The Worst Excess of Cartesian Dualism

Since I cannot separate the influence of Marjorie Grene’s writings and conversation on me from her influence as a human being, I cannot write a paper to be presented to her, even one in which she is referred to in the third person, without addressing it to her. And to address her in the common philosophical mode, even on topics of shared philosophical interest, would be like putting on academic dress to lunch with her at the Algonquin.
Total, Phospholipid and Labile Phosphorus in Serum and Tissue Employing Chloric Acid and N-Phenyl-P-Phenylenediamine.

SummaryA method is described for determination of serum total and organic bound phosphorus using chloric acid digestion and subsequent formation and reduction of a phosphomolybdate complex with p-semidine. The advantages of the method are ease of digestion and color development and stability of color-complex. This method compares well with the Fiske-Subbarow method.
Effects of the nuclear factor-κB p65 subunit p65 small interference RNA on telomerase activity of gastric cancer cell

Objective: To study the effects of siRNA directed against the p65 subunit of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)on telomerase activity of gastric cancer cell line.Methods: Gastric cancer AGS cells were transfected with different dose of p65 siRNA by use of oligofecamine.The expression of p65 protein and NF-κB activity were detected by western blot or electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA),respectively.The cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay.TRAP-ELISA assay was performed to evaluate the telomerase activity of cancer cells. Results: The expression of p65 protein and NF-κB activity of tranfected cell were down-regulated significantly in a dose-dependent manner.The growth of gastric cancer cell inhibited in a dose-dependent manner.The telomerase activity of transfected cancer cells inhibited in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Conclusion: These data indicated that siRNA directed against the p65 subunit of NF-B might suppress telomerase activity of gastric cancer cell.
The lncRNA PVT1 Contributes to the Cervical Cancer Phenotype and Associates with Poor Patient Prognosis.

The plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 gene (PVT1) is an lncRNA that has been designated as an oncogene due to its contribution to the phenotype of multiple cancers. Although the mechanism by which PVT1 influences disease processes has been studied in multiple cancer types, its role in cervical tumorigenesis remains unknown. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the role of PVT1 in cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. PVT1 expression was measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in 121 invasive cervical carcinoma (ICC) samples, 30 normal cervix samples, and cervical cell lines. Functional assays were carried out using both siRNA and LNA-mediated knockdown to examine PVT1’s effects on cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, apoptosis, and cisplatin resistance. Our results demonstrate that PVT1 expression is significantly increased in ICC tissue versus normal cervix and that higher expression of PVT1 correlates with poorer overall survival. In cervical cancer cell lines, PVT1 knockdown resulted in significantly decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while apoptosis and cisplatin cytotoxicity were significantly increased in these cells. Finally, we show that PVT1 expression is augmented in response to hypoxia and immune response stimulation and that this lncRNA associates with the multifunctional and stress-responsive protein, Nucleolin. Collectively, our results provide strong evidence for an oncogenic role of PVT1 in cervical cancer and lend insight into potential mechanisms by which PVT1 overexpression helps drive cervical carcinogenesis.
Surgery for Stress Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence—the involuntary loss of urine through the intact urethra as a result of a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure—creates a social problem to the patient. It is the end result of a deficient urinary control system in which the intra-abdominal pressure exceeds the resistance produced by the urethral closure mechanisms. Normal continence in the female results from the delicate balance of several forces, including closing forces of the urethra, a critical functional and anatomical urethral length, the ability of the pelvic floor and the urethra to increase urethral resistance at the time of stress, and the proper anatomical location of the sphincteric unit. We like to organize these factors in what we call the UCLA theory of female continence, in which the U signifies the urethral changes that occur during stress, the C represents the closing function of the urethra, the L is its functional and anatomical length, and A stands for anatomy. These factors are briefly described below.
Mollusc models I. The snail Ilyanassa

Ilyanassa obsoleta has been a model system for experimental embryology for over a century. Here we highlight new insight into early cell lineage specification in Ilyanassa. As in all molluscs and other spiralians, stereotyped cleavage patterns establish a homunculus of regional founder cells. Ongoing studies are beginning to dissect mechanisms of asymmetric cell division that specify these cells' fates. This is only part of the story: overlaid on intrinsic cell identities is a graded 'organizer' signal, and emerging evidence suggests wider roles for short-range intercellular signaling. Modern methods, combined with the intrinsic experimental advantages of Ilyanassa, offer attractive opportunities for studying basic developmental cell biology as well as its evolution over a wide range of phylogenetic scales.
Animal Pain: The Limits of Meaning

The biomedical literature on animal pain is thin, despite widespread reliance on animal models in pain medicine. The International Association for the Study of Pain distinguishes sharply between nociception and pain. Pain, says the IASP, is “always subjective” and “always a psychological state.” It traffics with meaning. This essay distinguishes human pain from the pain of animals and concludes that animal pain is largely unknowable: an instance of the otherness of the other. Biases against racial and ethnic minorities demonstrated in the undertreatment of pain suggest that dismissive attitudes toward animal pain reflect wider anthropocentric and biomedical difficulties in responding to otherness. The difficulties of understanding animal pain would advise caution in clinical applications of research based on animal models. It also suggests—in a speculative conclusion—that we will not effectively address human pain until we have already adequately addressed the other-ed pain of animals.
Virus-Induced Autoimmunity: Cross-Reactivity of Antiviral Antibodies with Self-Components

There are a number of important human diseases that have an autoimmune component. In some of these diseases, the autoimmune response is very broad, with autoantibodies present against a number of tissues and organs. For example, in systemic lupus erythematosus, autoantibodies against DNA, RNA, cytoplasmic proteins, lymphocytes, and erythrocytes are often found. Similarly, patients with polyendocrinopathy have autoantibodies to pancreas, thyroid, pituitary, and gastric mucosa. In contrast, patients with myasthenia gravis show a far more restricted autoimmune component with the predominant response directed against the acetylcholine receptor.