cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrical properties of NiO grain boundaries

Abstract The electrical conductivity of a series of nickel oxide bicrystals was studied as a function of temperature from 400 to 1400°C and as function of oxygen pressure from 1 atm to 10 −4 atm. Measurements were made both across and along the grain boundary. The bicrystal conductance was as much as two orders of magnitude different than the crystal conductance; depending on experimental conditions, the boundary region was either more or less conductive than the bulk single crystal. The conductivity was independent of the direction of transport and the effective width of the grain boundary was very large—up to 0·3 mm wide. The results could be explained in terms of increased grain boundary diffusion and segregation of impurities. Incorporation of these two mechanisms into the donor impurity model gave theoretical results which agreed with experiment.
Restoration of the Subgenus Emphylia Koelbel for the Parasitic Isopod Nerocila Sundaica Bleeker (Flabellifera, Cymothoidae)

[L'examen du materiel-type de Nerocila sundaica et d'Emphylia ctenophora confirme les vues selon lesquelles les deux especes sont synonymes. En raison de notables differences avec les autres Nerocila, le sous-genre Emphylia est retabli pour cet Isopode, maintenant designe sous le nom de Nerocila (Emphylia) sundaica Bleeker. L'espece est redecrite, l'accent etant mis sur sa variabilite. De nouvelles captures de Hong-Kong, Singapour et du golfe Persique etendent largement l'aire de sa distribution connue., L'examen du materiel-type de Nerocila sundaica et d'Emphylia ctenophora confirme les vues selon lesquelles les deux especes sont synonymes. En raison de notables differences avec les autres Nerocila, le sous-genre Emphylia est retabli pour cet Isopode, maintenant designe sous le nom de Nerocila (Emphylia) sundaica Bleeker. L'espece est redecrite, l'accent etant mis sur sa variabilite. De nouvelles captures de Hong-Kong, Singapour et du golfe Persique etendent largement l'aire de sa distribution connue.]
Empirical Distance Attenuation and the Local-Magnitude Scale for the Central United States

Seismic waveform data from the Cooperative New Madrid Seismic Network (CNMSN), the U.S. National Seismograph Network (USNSN), and stations operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IU) are corrected to the theoretical Wood–Anderson response, and the peak amplitudes are used to determine a local-magnitude scale for the central United States. The distance-correction function can be expressed as ![Graphic][1] , with amplitude A in millimeters and hypocentral distance r in kilometers, showing a weak attenuation with distance. Synthetic seismograms are calculated based on a detailed crustal model obtained from local well log acoustic data in the Mississippi embayment to examine the effect of structure on station factors. The results show that the Mississippi embayment sediment, as a whole, may amplify seismic waves at some specific frequencies, such as 0.5 and 5.0–6.0 Hz, with a factor less than 4.0, and may not amplify seismic waves in the frequency band from 0.5 to 9.9 Hz on average, even though the amplification factors do increase with the source magnitude. Estimations for b -values and magnitudes of earthquakes with a return period of 500 yr in the central United States are performed, based on the original New Madrid catalog ( M D or m bLg ) and the newly created M L catalog. Results show that the b -value is smaller for the M L catalog (0.790) yielding one M 7.5 event every 500 yr, a result that converges with the paleoearthquake estimate for the region. On average, the relation between M L and M D or m bLg (for 1.5≤ M D≤5.0) can be expressed as M L=1.008 M D+0.0714. [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Local diffusion models for stochastic reacting systems: estimation issues in equation-free numerics

Extracting coarse-grained derivative information from fine scale, atomistic/stochastic simulations constitutes an important component of multiscale numerics for reacting systems. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of local parametric diffusion models; observing the output of short bursts of stochastic simulation, the drift and diffusion coefficients of such local models are obtained “on demand” by maximizing an approximation of the likelihood function. The parametric fit utilizes the likelihood expansion of Ait-Sahalia, giving closed-form expressions for the transition density of both scalar and multivariate processes. The fine scale simulations generating the data are the Gillespie stochastic simulation algorithm as well as stochastic differential equations (SDEs). The postulated local parametric diffusion models are SDEs with affine drift and diffusion functions; the information extracted from these (estimated) local parametric models is utilized in various “equation-free” computational tasks. We dem...
Characterisation and potential migration of silver nanoparticles from commercially available polymeric food contact materials

The potential for consumer exposure to nano-components in food contact materials (FCMs) is dependent on the migration of nanomaterials into food. Therefore, characterising the physico-chemical properties and potential for migration of constituents is an important step in assessing the safety of FCMs. A number of commercially available food storage products, purchased domestically within the United States and internationally, that claim to contain nanosilver were evaluated. The products were made of polyethylene, polypropylene and polyphenylene ether sulfone and all contained silver (0.001–36 mg kg–1 of polymer). Silver migration was measured under various conditions, including using 3% acetic acid and water as food simulants. Low concentrations (sub-ppb levels) of silver were detected in the migration studies generally following a trend characterised by a surface desorption phenomenon, where the majority of the silver migration occurred in the first of three consecutive exposures. Silver nanoparticles wer...
"Her Later Works Happily Forgotten": Rewriting Frances Burney and Old Age

This essay considers Frances Burney’s last published work, Memoirs of Doctor Burney (1832), for its sustained attention to gender, aging, and authorship. When the Memoirs is read from cover to cover, significant and previously unnoticed patterns emerge that offer new insights into Burney’s conceptions of and ruminations on authorial celebrity in old age. The narration of the Memoirs provides a compelling picture of what an aged woman author was up against in fashioning a persona in her text. Examining the complicated reception of the Memoirs also advances our discussion of Burney’s little read—and too-often misunderstood—late writings. This essay concludes that the Memoirs ought to be revalued for its importance to literary history and feminist aging studies, at the same time providing a new line of inquiry to help us make sense of its supposed failure.
Emergency contraception: knowledge and perceptions in a university population.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding emergency contraception (EC) in university men and women aged 18–21. Data sources: Data sources included responses to a 25-item questionnaire and an 8-item demographic survey completed anonymously at a public site on campus. Ninety-seven university students participated in the study. Participants were asked to respond to questions relating to knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding EC, perceived worthiness, objections, sources of information about EC, preferred birth-control method and usage, and perceptions of their personal risk of unintended pregnancy. Conclusions: Many respondents considered unintended pregnancy to be a major problem and considered EC a worthy option in the event of method failure or unprotected intercourse. While most participants were aware that there was a postcoital method of contraception, confusion existed between EC and RU-486 (the abortion pill). Almost half (49.5%) believed that EC was the same as RU-486. There was an association between advanced prescription for EC and its likelihood of use. Most women would be significantly more likely to use EC if they had a prescription on hand. Of the women who were less likely to choose EC, 100% indicated they would feel embarrassed or judged when asking for it. Only 34% of those women who have had a gynecological exam in the past 12 months had discussed EC with their provider. Implications for practice: Advanced practice nurses need to incorporate EC into preventive health counseling for both men and women. Providing women with an advanced prescription increases the likelihood that women will use EC.
The Sleep-Deprived Electroencephalogram: Evidence and Practice

Background Sleep deprivation for the initial electroencephalogram for suspected seizures is a widespread but inconsistent practice not informed by balanced evidence. Daily practice suggests that nonneurologists are confused by the meaning and value of, and indications for, "sleep" (tracing) vs "sleep deprivation" (and other alternatives). They need specific, informed guidance from general neurologists on best practices. Objectives To document illustratively the variability of neurologists' practices, the level of relevant information among nonneurologists, and the current state of published evidence; and to stimulate formulation of consensus advisories. Design and Setting I surveyed knowledge and practices of (1) nonneurologists in a community teaching hospital; (2) local and national neurologists and epileptologists; (3) electroencephalogram laboratory protocols; and (4) textbook accounts and recommendations and the relevant journal literature. National professional organizations were contacted for advisories or guidelines. Results Most nonneurologists surveyed misunderstood "sleep" vs "sleep-deprived" electroencephalograms and their actual protocols. They are unaware of evidence on benefits vs burdens. Neurologists' practices are inconsistent. Experts generally agree that sleep deprivation produces substantial activation of interictal epileptiform discharges beyond the activation of sleep per se. However, most published recommendations and interviewed epileptologists do not suggest sleep deprivation for the initial electroencephalogram because of "inconvenience" (burdens) for the patient. Evidence-based or reasoned guidance is minimal, and professional societies have not issued advisories. Conclusion Confusion over sleep deprivation, disparities between evidence and recommendations, and inconsistent practices create a need for expert consensus for guidance, as well as comparative research on alternative methods of increasing diagnostic yield.
Learning classifiers from only positive and unlabeled data

The input to an algorithm that learns a binary classifier normally consists of two sets of examples, where one set consists of positive examples of the concept to be learned, and the other set consists of negative examples. However, it is often the case that the available training data are an incomplete set of positive examples, and a set of unlabeled examples, some of which are positive and some of which are negative. The problem solved in this paper is how to learn a standard binary classifier given a nontraditional training set of this nature.Under the assumption that the labeled examples are selected randomly from the positive examples, we show that a classifier trained on positive and unlabeled examples predicts probabilities that differ by only a constant factor from the true conditional probabilities of being positive. We show how to use this result in two different ways to learn a classifier from a nontraditional training set. We then apply these two new methods to solve a real-world problem: identifying protein records that should be included in an incomplete specialized molecular biology database. Our experiments in this domain show that models trained using the new methods perform better than the current state-of-the-art biased SVM method for learning from positive and unlabeled examples.
Relative Motion of Two Spacecraft near the Earth -Moon Triangular Libration Points

Formation flying missions to the libration points are becoming common avenues of research. While nearly all of the literature explores the dynamics, navigation, and control of formations near the Sun -Earth/Moon L2, little attention has been paid to the triangular libration points. This paper explores the dynamics of relative motion near the Earth -Moon L4 point within the circular restricted three -body problem . T his research is intended to provide a baseline for and serve as a precursor to more detailed investigation of formation design, control, and navigation at the triangular libration points.
A general vision problem solving architecture: hierarchical token grouping

Both modularity and integration are indispensable aspects of vision problem solving. A set of tools for a set of problems has to be effectively integrated to achieve an overall solution. We propose a formalism called hierarchical token grouping (HTG) for such an integration purpose. A formalism is developed that establishes a consistent and systematic framework for integrating modules, cues, and knowledge, all in a globally coherent mechanism. >
An intrinsic reward mechanism for efficient exploration

How should a reinforcement learning agent act if its sole purpose is to efficiently learn an optimal policy for later use? In other words, how should it explore, to be able to exploit later? We formulate this problem as a Markov Decision Process by explicitly modeling the internal state of the agent and propose a principled heuristic for its solution. We present experimental results in a number of domains, also exploring the algorithm's use for learning a policy for a skill given its reward function---an important but neglected component of skill discovery.
Reduced Graphene Oxide-Induced Polyethylene Crystallization in Solution and Nanocomposites

We report epitaxial crystallization of polyethylene (PE) on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets via a controlled solution crystallization method. Polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to investigate morphology of RGO-induced PE crystals. The PE edge-on crystals formed from randomly distributed rodlike nuclei on the basal plane of RGO nanosheets and further grew into larger lamellae with an average dimension of a few hundreds of nanometers. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern revealed that the c-axis of polymer chain is parallel to the basal plane of the RGO nanosheets. PE/RGO nanocomposites (PGNs) with different RGO loadings were fabricated through solution crystallization/precipitation using the PE-decorated RGO hybrid as the precursor. Both nonisothermal and isothermal crystallization behaviors of PGNs were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Crystallization kinetics of PGNs w...
Host Utilization by the Walnut Fly, Rhagoletis juglandis (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Rhagoletis juglandis Cresson is a specialist that deposits its eggs into the husks of developing walnut fruit. Like other walnut infesting flies in the R. suavis group, R. juglandis actively superparasitizes its larval hosts. However, little is known regarding the degree to which hosts are reused and the ecological context under which host reuse occurs. This field study examined the pattern of host utilization by R. juglandis and how fruit variables such as volume and penetrability affect the degree that hosts are reused. Fruit on four of five study trees were synchronously infested and within 2–2.5 wk all fruit on these trees were infested. Fruit on a fifth tree were significantly less penetrable than those found among the other trees in the study and this may explain why fruit on this tree were rarely used throughout the season. Walnut hosts were commonly multiply infested and reuse of hosts occurred in as few as 1–2 d after first infestion. Infestation levels within fruit appeared to stabilize 4–5 d after fruit were first used. Fruit volume was positively correlated with both the number of punctures on hosts and the infestation levels within hosts that had been infested for either 1–2 or 4–9 d. Large fruit were infested more quickly than small fruit, although this trend was stronger on some trees than others. Finally, despite a size-penetrability correlation among two of the five trees, penetrability itself did not explain either which fruit were preferentially used throughout the season or the infestation levels within fruit.
A Sticky Situation

A 19-year-old woman presented with frontal headaches, papilledema, and binocular horizontal double vision due to a left VI nerve palsy. MRV demonstrated sagittal sinus and bilateral transverse sinus thrombosis. The clinical and neuro-radiologic signs resolved after anticoagulation.
Pair Diffusion and Kick-out: Contributions to Diffusion of Boron in Silicon

Diffusion of boron in silicon has great technological relevance to microelectronic processing. Despite considerable effort spanning over many years, the dominant mechanism for this diffusion remains strongly debated, together with the values of key activation energies. Some evidence indicates that the principal mobile species is a B-Si complex (so-called “pair diffusion”), whereas other evidence points to a lone boron interstitial (“kick-out”). An attempt to resolve the question is made by formulating a comprehensive kinetic model that incorporates both mechanisms. Rate parameters for the elementary steps are estimated systematically, based on literature reports or physical arguments. In the frequent cases where reports conflict, maximum likelihood estimation is employed to determine the best value, and multivariate statistics to quantify its accuracy. A Monte Carlo technique is used to show that kick-out very likely dominates pair diffusion in both implanted Si and unimplanted silicon. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 3248 –3256, 2004
Experimental demonstrations of semi-autonomous control

This paper describes two experimental testbeds which focus on real time verification and validation of semi-autonomous cooperative control. RoboFlag is an experimental and real time simulation of a capture the flag game using robots. The SeaScan is a long endurance UAV designed for military and commercial applications. For each testbed, details of hardware, simulators, current results, and experiment plans are given.
NEW EOCENE DECAPODS (THALASSINIDEA and BRACHYURA) FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Abstract A new decapod fauna has been recovered from Eocene rocks of San Diego County, California. Decapod faunas of Eocene age have been rare from California, although they are well described from the northern Pacific coast. Three new species, including Neocallichirus rhinos, Ctenocheles secretanae, and Minohellenus inexpressus, and two new genera and species, Acanthoportunus buchanani and Vegarthron santiago, are reported from this new fauna. A new genus has been erected to accommodate Portunites triangulum and Portunites granulifer; both are herein referred to Maeandricampus, new genus. Callianassa matsoni Rathbun has been reassigned to Neocallichirus. Portions of the cephalothorax and abdomen of a species of Ctenocheles are described from fossils for the first time. Orbitoplax weaveri, previously known from Eocene rocks of California and Oregon, is reported from the Eocene Mission Valley Formation and the Ardath Shale for the first time. In addition, one specimen of a stomatopod of indeterminate genus...
Stretch-induced contraction in pulmonary arteries

Stretch stimulates contraction of systemic blood vessels, but the response has not been described in pulmonary vessels. To determine whether pulmonary arteries contract when stretched, isolated cylindrical segments of pulmonary arteries were suspended between two parallel wires, stretched, and the active force was generated in response to stretch measured. Eighty-nine percent of segments from small (in situ diameter less than 1,000 microns) feline pulmonary arteries contracted when stretched, and in 65% of these the magnitude of stretch was related to the magnitude of contraction. Large (in situ diameter greater than or equal to 1,000 microns) feline pulmonary arteries did not contract with stretch. Multiple, rapidly repeated stretches resulted in a diminution of active force development. Stretch-induced contraction required external Ca2+ and was abolished by diltiazem (10 microns), but it was not affected by phenoxybenzamine, phentolamine, diethylcarbamazine, or mechanical removal of endothelium. Indomethacin blunted but did not abolish stretch-induced contraction, an effect that may have been nonspecific. This study suggests that stretch can act, probably directly, on smooth muscle in small feline pulmonary arteries to elicit contraction and that it may be a determinant of pulmonary vascular tone. In addition, feline pulmonary arteries are suitable for the in vitro study of stretch-induced contraction.
Cavity ringdown spectroscopy of 13C2H2 in the 12 900–13 400 cm−1 region

Abstract We have utilized an acetylene gas sample to assess the performance of a newly constructed cavity ringdown laser absorption (CRDS) spectrometer at the Arkansas Center for Laser Applications and Science (ArCLAS). During this assessment process, four overtone combination bands were observed for the 13 C 2 H 2 species, three of which have not been previously reported in the literature. For two of these previously unreported bands, a total of 85 rovibrational transitions (over 40 in each band) have been assigned using ground state combination difference theory. The data have been fit to standard energy expressions, and a set of molecular constants for each overtone combination band have been obtained. Here we present a brief description of the ArCLAS CRDS instrument along with the complete rovibrational analysis of these two combination overtone bands.
Abstract 481: Exosomes as a Potential Acellular Signaling Mechanism in the Kidney

Exosomes are small 50-90 nm vesicles containing mRNA, proteins, and other renal epithelial sub-cellular components and might serve as an intra-nephron signaling mechanism. Exosomes were isolated from cultured immortalized human renal proximal tubule cells (RPTC) by ultracentrifugation following agonist treatment. 24 hour stimulation with the dopaminergic agonist fenoldopam (1 μM) produced a 2.38±0.053 fold increase in exosome release (RFU Vehicle = 0.038±0.0072; n=15, p
Developing 3D spatial skills for engineering students

AbstractResearchers have found that 3D spatial skills are critical to success in a variety of careers, particularly in engineering and science. For engineering, the ability to mentally rotate objects in space has been found to be of particular importance. Unfortunately, of all areas of cognition, 3D spatial skills still exhibit some of the most robust gender differences favouring males, and the most pronounced gender differences are in the area of mental rotations. For this reason, poorly developed 3D spatial skills could be a hindrance to the success of women in engineering. University educators are quick to recognise deficiencies in math and chemistry, and many US universities have developed remediation programs for students with weaknesses in these areas. At a time when we are actively recruiting women for engineering programs, however, it is important to consider all possible barriers to their success. At Michigan Technological University (MTU), we have been offering a special course aimed at improvin...
Chemical and Physical Properties of Processed Sorghum Grain Carbohydrates

Sorghum grain from the same source was dry ground, steam-flaked, reconstituted to 30% moisture, stored for 21 days and then ground, or was micronized in infrared heat for 2 to 3 min and lightly rolled. The reconstituted grain had significantly less total and ethanol-soluble carbohydrates than the other forms. The 2 heat process increased ethanol-soluble carbohydrates. There were differences among the forms in the solubilities of carbohydrates and of starch in rumen fluid or 0.1 N HCl. Different physical states of the starch granules were confirmed by birefringence and viscosity. The micronized or steam-flaked starch granules were completely gelatinised. Differences were not considered sufficient to account for the difference in physiological response to the different forms of the grain. The solubilisation of the protein matrix is discussed
Erfahrungen mit porcinen Haut-Heterotransplantaten

Bei 700 A Heston und C 57 Mausen wurden Schweinehaut-heterotransplantate getestet. Untersucht wurden frische Schweinehaut, bestrahlte Schweinehaut, gefriergetrocknete Schweinehaut und Schweinehaut, die mit einer Salzlosung vorbehandelt und mit Kobaltbestrahlung sterilisiert war. Jeden 2. Tag wurden Biopsien entnommen. Die Vascularisierung wurde mit Evans-Blue-Injek-tionen untersucht. Wir fanden, das Schweinehaut nicht vascularisiert und durch Diffusion ernahrt wird, sie versucht daher keine Abstosungsreaktion. Nur eine ganz leichte Leukocyteninfiltration am 6. Tage beginnend fiel auf. Die Transplantate wuchsen nicht an, sondern wirkten etwa 3 Wochen lang als biologischer Verband. Die histologischen Befunde konnten beim Menschen bestatigt werden. Seit 1962 wurde Schweinehaut bei 153 Patienten mit drittgradigen Verbrennungen mit sehr guten Ergebnissen als Platzhalter verwendet. Nur geringe Antikorpertiter gegen Schwein konnten wahrend der ersten 2 Wochen nach der Entfernung der Transplantate festgestellt werden. Als gunstiger Nebeneffekt setzt Schweinehaut die Schmerzen, die durch Sulfamylon verursacht werden, herab, wenn das Sulfamylon auf die Schweinehaut aufgetragen wird.
Use of Multivariate Models in Differentiating Greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae) Biotypes and Morphs

Studies were conducted to determine nature and amount of morphometric variability within the greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), in an effort to further understand biotypes of this species. Data on morphometrics of the four morphs (males, apterous/viviparous, apterous/oviparous, and alate/viviparous females) were pooled for three biotypes (B, C, and E) and various multivariate statistical analyses were performed. The data suggested that the three biotypes formed significantly different groups. The four morphs were also significantly different from each other. When morphs and biotypes were considered simultaneously, the canonical discriminant analysis grouped greenbugs of different morphs into four different, well-isolated clusters. Within each cluster, individuals of each biotype were further grouped into small subclusters. The Mahalanobis distance analysis suggested that biotype E is closely related to biotype C. The distance analysis also indicated that biotype C is closely related to biotype B. Similar Mahalanobis distance analysis also suggested a close association between apterous females and alate females, as stated in the literature.
PENCEL Pressuremeter Testing for the Development of p-y Curves for Deep Foundations: Examination and Comparison of Case Histories

This paper presents the results of twelve lateral load test prediction case histories that include a mixture of both piles and drilled shafts in single or group configurations. PENCEL pressuremeter tests at the load test sites were used to develop p-y curves for analysis. The load tests were simulated using the program FB-MultiPier with the PENCEL pressuremeter based p-y curves. The quality of predictions suggests that p-y curves developed from PENCEL pressuremeter tests are viable. According to these cases, there is no difference in prediction between cohesionless and cohesive soil. The response of drilled shafts was predicted better than that of piles. The response of concrete foundations overall was modeled more accurately than that of steel foundations.
Assaying the Energies of Biological Halogen Bonds

Bromine halogen bonds (X-bonds) had previously been assayed using DNA junctions in which the X-bonds compete against hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) in defining the conformational form of the junction. Here, we show calorimetrically that the stabilizing effect of the X-bond in solution derives primarily from a negative enthalpy (−5 kcal/mol) but is opposed by a negative entropy (−8 cal/mol·K, equivalent to −2 kcal/mol for TΔS at room temperature), resulting in an overall stabilizing free energy of −3 kcal/mol for the X- vs H-bond. Quantum chemical energies for this X-bond are nearly identical to energies derived from the crystallographic and solution assays, confirming that the stabilizing potentials are primarily reflected in the components of the X-bond. A study in which the bromine is replaced by a methyl group (substituents that are similar in size and hydrophobicity) showed that the solvent and steric effects of burying these substituents in the tight pocket of the junction is nearly equivalent in energy to...
Origins of the French Protectorate over Catholic Missions in China

One of the most distinct features of European imperialism in its nineteenth century form was the peculiar alliance between missionary activity in backward areas and the political exploitation of the same for reasons of prestige, strategy or economics. No better example of this alignment can be found than in the French protectorate exercised over Roman Catholic missionary activity in China. Here the establishment of a definite political protectorate in the nineteenth century has a long historical background in which one may trace the transition from what G. L. Beer called “The Old Colonial System” to imperialism in its modern form. The question of “origins” here follows a sequence from Portuguese conquests and the Patronage (Padroado) in the Far East through the period of French expansion under Louis XIV to the final acceptance by the European world of the French protectorate over all Catholic missions in China.
A novel single nucleotide polymorphism and five probable haplotypes in the 5' flanking region of the IL-6 gene in African-Americans

In order to identify novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we sequenced a 940 bp region of the 5' flanking region of the IL-6 gene in 63 normal African-Americans. We identified a biallelic (G/C) SNP at position -573 relative to the transcription start site (-573C allele frequency 0.095). This SNP, together with SNPs at -598 and -174, allows identification of five probable haplotypes. Haplotypes containing the -174C allele, which has been associated with lower plasma IL-6 levels, were uncommon (4%). These haplotypes may influence IL-6 gene transcription and thus may contribute to racial differences in the prevalence of inflammatory diseases.
Methods of Ivories Identification and the Related Legal Action

Hunting,dealing,smuggling national first-class and second-class protective species is a crime according to state criminal law.Especially,the elephant included its products are Ι protective animal in CITES and national first-class protective animal in Chinese wilding law.Recently,because the wildlife conservation is increasing in the world and International Criminal Police Group applies stern to dealing,smuggling,handing,illegal transport the ivories,which leads ivories sell well suddenly and the price hikes.Unlawful businessman and criminal rush into danger results in illegal trading the quantity and price of ivories are very large.Chinese government should give attention to this problem.
Meta-Analysis of Usefulness of Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Devices for High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.

High-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is often offered to patients with extensive coronary artery disease, decreased left ventricular function, and co-morbid conditions that increase surgical risk. In these settings, percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (PVADs) can be used for hemodynamic support. To assess the effects of PVAD use on mortality, myocardial infarction, and complication rates in patients undergoing high-risk PCI, we systematically searched the electronic databases, MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane for prospective controlled trials and cohort studies of patients that received hemodynamic support with PVADs for high-risk PCI. The primary outcome measures were 30-day all-cause mortality, 30-day myocardial infarction rates, periprocedural major bleeding, and vascular complications. We included 12 studies with 1,346 participants who underwent Impella 2.5 L device placement and 8 cohort studies with 205 patients that received TandemHeart device for high-risk PCI. Short-term mortality rates were 3.5% and 8% and major bleeding rates were 7.1% and 3.6% with Impella and TandemHeart, respectively. Both devices are associated with comparable periprocedural outcomes in patients undergoing high-risk PCI.
Elevated AMP pyrophosphorylase activity in congenital IMP pyrophosphorylase deficiency (Lesch-Nyhan disease)

Abstract The decay of IMP pyrophosphorylase (HGPRTase) and AMP pyrophosphorylase (APRTase) in the erythrocytes of normal and IMP pyrophosphorylase-deficient children has been studied. In normal children, the 2 enzymes had half-lives (t12) of 82 and 34 days, respectively. In the patients, HGPRTase was absent even in the youngest circulating erythrocytes, and the half-life of APRTase was prolonged to 86 days. Extrapolation of the observed data indicates that at day zero, the specific activity of the APRTase was the same in erythrocytes of both groups but was about 3 times as great in patient cells at 120 days. The heat stability of both enzymes from cells of various ages did not differ between the 2 groups of children. These data suggest that the increase in AMP pyrophosphorylase in patients is due to altered enzyme stability, not to inherent differences in concentration.
ALPS DNT cells: active senior living with mTOR.

In this issue of Blood,Volkl and colleagues report extended phenotypic and functional analysis of double-negative T cells in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), and find that these cells not only resist cell death but also maintain increased mitotic activity dependent on mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling.1
Contrasting Mechanisms and Reactivity of Tl(III), Hg(II), and Co(III) for Alkane C–H Functionalization

Activation and functionalization of alkane C–H bonds has historically been dominated by transition-metal complexes. Light alkanes can also be partially oxidized by sixth-row main-group compounds, such as TlIII(TFA)3 (TFA = trifluoroacetate). Here we present density-functional calculations which demonstrate that TlIII(TFA)3 oxidizes alkanes by closed-shell C–H activation and Tl–alkyl functionalization mechanisms. The discovery of a C–H activation pathway is surprising, because TlIII often oxidizes arene C–H bonds through an electron transfer mechanism and the transition-metal complex CoIII(TFA)3, with similar oxidation state and ligand coordination, oxidizes alkanes via an open-shell radical mechanism. Comparison of TlIII(TFA)3 to the transition-metal analogue IrIII(TFA)3 reveals that key to TlIII oxidation of alkanes is a moderate barrier for C–H bond activation that is lower in energy than open-shell pathways and a subsequent metal–alkyl functionalization reaction step with a very low barrier. Our calcul...
Two-Year Mortality in Homebound Older Adults: An Analysis of the National Health and Aging Trends Study

Objectives To determine the association between homebound status and mortality. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Annual, in-person interviews. Participants A nationally representative sample of community-dwelling, Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older enrolled in the National Health and Aging Trends Study between 2011 and 2013 (N = 6,400). Measurements Two-year mortality and prevalence of homebound status in the year before death are described using three categories of homebound status: homebound (never or rarely left home in the last month), semihomebound (left home with assistance, needed help or had difficulty), and nonhomebound (left home without help or difficulty). Results In unadjusted analyses, 2-year mortality was 40.3% in homebound participants, 21.3% in those who were semihomebound and 5.8% in those who were nonhomebound. Homebound status was associated with greater 2-year mortality, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and functional status (hazard ratio = 2.08; 95% confidence interval = 1.63–2.65, P < .001). Half of older community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries were homebound in the year before death. Conclusion Homebound status is associated with greater risk of death independent of functional impairment and comorbidities. To improve outcomes for homebound older adults and the many older adults who will become homebound in the last year of life, providers and policymakers need to extend healthcare services from hospitals and clinics to the homes of vulnerable individuals.
Joint U.S.-European Future Communications Operating Concept

The growth in aviation traffic has resulted in enormous pressure on the ability of existing spectrum resources to satisfy expected air/ground communication requirements. To address this issue, EUROCONTROL and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated a joint activity under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) known as the Future Communication Study (FCS) (2004). The associated work plan identifies three parts: developing communications operating concepts and requirements; conducting a technology assessment, and developing a transition and implementation roadmap. This paper focuses on the development of initial concepts and requirements, which is one of the first steps in the process of defining a future radio system (FRS), a subject which should be of interest to planners in the avionics industry
“We’re Friends, We Have to be in This Together”: Examining the Role of Culturally Relevant Peer Interactions in Urban Youth’s College Readiness and Access

This paper analyzes how and why ten Black and Latina/o youth attending an urban public high school engage culturally relevant peer interactions (Knight and Marciano in College ready: preparing Black and Latina/o youth for higher education—a culturally relevant approach. Teachers College Press, New York, 2013) in preparing for, applying to, and/or enrolling in college. The study reconsiders culturally relevant pedagogy (Ladson-Billings in The dreamkeepers: successful teachers of African American children. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, 1994) as an analytic tool for exploring youth’s culturally relevant peer interactions as supportive of their college-going processes (Tierney and Colyar in Preparing for college: nine elements of effective outreach. SUNY Press, Albany, 2005) and new media literacy practices (Ito et al. in Living and learning with new media: summary of findings from the Digital Youth Project. The MacArthur Foundation, Chicago, 2008. http://www.macfound.org/media/article_pdfs/DML_ETHNOG_WHITEPAPER.PDF ). Research findings include: new understandings of the reciprocal nature of youth’s culturally relevant peer interactions; and new enactments of youth’s college-going new media literacy practices. Recommendations for educational policy, practice, and research supportive of students’ college readiness and access are discussed.
hGRGA: A scalable genetic algorithm using homologous gene schema replacement

Abstract In this article, we propose a new evolutionary algorithm, referred as h omologous G ene R eplacement G enetic A lgorithm (hGRGA) that includes a novel and generic operator called h omologous G ene R eplacement (hGR). The hGR operator improves the chromosomes in gene level to promote their overall functionality. The hGRGA effectively encodes the key idea of the natural evolutionary process that locates and utilizes good local schema present in the genes of a chromosome through hGR operator. The proposed hGRGA is evaluated and compared with two variants of GA and two other state-of-the-art evolutionary computing algorithms based on widely-used benchmark functions with a motivation to apply to wider varieties of optimization problems. The simulation results show that the new algorithm can offer faster convergence and better precision while finding optima. Our analysis shows that hGR is effectively a scalable operator that makes hGRGA well suited for real world problems with increasing size and complexity.
Nonneoplastic Hepatobiliary Disease

The liver is susceptible to infection by a number of agents either as a preferential site of infection as with the hepatotropic viruses and the liver flukes; or because organisms gain access through the biliary system, the portal vein or the hepatic artery as with ascending cholangitis, pyogenic infections, and certain parasitic infections. The central role of the liver in drug metabolism predisposes it to an impressive array of drug-induced injuries which may mimic any of the other known patterns of liver injury and should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of any liver disease. The liver may accumulate fat due to chronic alcohol abuse or secondary to obesity, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Steatosis may progress to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. A number of genetic, inherited and metabolic diseases result in liver disease. Some such as cystic fibrosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson disease, and genetic hemochromatosis may progress to cirrhosis. Others such as Dubin–Johnson syndrome may be benign and nonprogressive. A number of inherited diseases also affect the biliary system; these include polycystic liver disease, choledochal cyst, Caroli’s disease and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis. Finally, obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow may occur in chronic right-sided heart failure, Budd–Chiari syndrome and veno-occlusive disease, leading to portal hypertension, ascites and when chronic, to bridging fibrosis.
Losartan therapy decreases albuminuria with stable glomerular filtration and permselectivity in sickle cell anemia.

Sickle cell nephropathy begins with hyperfiltration and microalbuminuria and may progress to renal failure. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of losartan on glomerular function and albumin excretion in sickle cell anemia (SCA). Individuals with SCA on hydroxyurea with persistent albuminuria were enrolled in a 1-year study of losartan. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measured by iohexol clearance, albumin excretion rate (AER), and fractional clearance of dextran were assessed at baseline, short-term (1-2month), and long-term (≥12month) intervals. Twelve subjects (6 microalbuminuria, 6 macroalbuminuria) completed short-term studies; 8 completed long-term studies. Baseline GFR was 112ml/min/1.73m2 (71-147ml/min/1.73m2). AER decreased significantly at the short-term (median decrease -134 mcg/min, p=0.0063). GFR was not significantly-different at short-term or long-term intervals. Dextran clearance improved for diameters smaller than albumin (<36A) but not larger sizes. Losartan therapy for ≥1year in sickle nephropathy results in lower albumin excretion with stable GFR. Filtration of neutral molecules ≥36A was not changed by losartan, suggesting that the effect of losartan is a mechanism other than alteration of glomerular filtration size-selectivity.
Cost-Utility Analysis of Virtual and Mannequin-Based Simulation.

Introduction The purposes of this study were to (1) compare learning outcomes between students who participated in mannequin-based simulation activities and students who participated in virtual simulation activities and (2) describe a cost-utility analysis comparing the two types of simulation activities in terms of costs and multiple measures of effectiveness. Methods Nursing student participants were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups to complete either a mannequin-based or virtual simulation activity. The simulation scenario was the same for both groups and involved the care of a hospitalized patient experiencing a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation. Participants completed presimulation and postsimulation assessments reflecting qualitative and quantitative measures of learning. A random sample of participants from each group completed a postsimulation performance assessment during which they interacted one on one with a standardized patient. Results Eighty-four nursing students were enrolled in the study and completed the simulation activities. There were no significant differences in quantitative measures of learning or performance between participants in the mannequin-based and virtual simulation groups. Participants' qualitative responses to postintervention written reflections and questions yielded additional data for describing learning from the two interventions. In the cost-utility analysis, the virtual simulation activity had a more favorable cost-utility ratio of US $1.08 versus the mannequin-based simulation activity's US $3.62. Conclusions Healthcare educators striving to make evidence-based decisions about how to best employ simulation pedagogy may consider these findings about the cost utility of various simulation modalities. However, additional research is needed.
A Rose by Any Other Name: How Labels Get in the Way of U.S. Innovation Policy

1 SVB is the premier provider of financial services for companies in the technology, life science, venture capital and premium wine industries. Through Silicon Valley Bank and its other subsidiaries, SVB provides a comprehensive array of banking services including lending, treasury management, trade finance, foreign exchange and other banking services to its clients worldwide. Today, SVB serves more than 13,000 clients through 26 U.S. offices and through international offices located in China, India, Israel and the United Kingdom.
Factors Affecting the Regional Mechanics of the Diastolic Heart

The mechanics of the diastolic heart are introduced in the context of ventricular pump function. Since systolic contraction is directly influenced by end-diastolic volume, we discuss factors that influence the diastolic pressure-volume relation. Turning to an engineering approach, the experimental investigation of regional ventricular mechanics is described, including the analysis of local stresses and strains, and the mechanical effects of coronary perfusion. The notion of residual stress is introduced and recent measurements of residual strains are given, shedding light onto the true stress-free reference state of the left ventricular myocardium. We conclude with a brief description of a recent theoretical model for predicting wall stress in the passive left ventricle, with properties such as residual stress, fiber orientation, and measured myocardial deformations incorporated into the analysis.
Evolutionary Power Spectrum Estimation of September 19, 1985 Mexico Earthquake Accelerograms

Some preliminary results of an approach to estimating seismic evolutionary power spectra are discussed. It is assumed that the available accelerograms belong to a broad-band stochastic process. The power spectrum is estimated by determining the statistical moments of the energy of a lightly damped linear system (filter) excited by the stochastic seismic process. Some preliminary numerical data from the September 19, 1985 Mexico earthquake are presented.
Wind pressures on building envelopes

Abstract: Building envelopes of glass are subject to wind-induced loads. Wind pressures for design purposes are obtained following applicable building codes or standards. Details of wind pressures given in the ASCE 705 standard and commentary on parameters of these pressure criteria are given in this chapter. An example is also included to illustrate determination of wind loads on components of the building envelope.