cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Space Infrared Telescope Facility structural design requirements

An effort is currently being carried out by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to study mission feasibility and to define functional requirements for various subsystems of the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). As a major part of this effort, structural design requirements have been derived based on the stated mission objectives. Design concerns addressed by these requirements include the limits on mass and location of the center of gravity, launch stiffness and dynamic characteristics, design loads and analysis criteria, survivability of the TITAN IV/Centaur launch environment, thermal control for maintaining a near absolute-zero operating temperature, and helium cryogen volume and storage for a five-year mission. To illustrate how the structural design requirements can be met, a point design of the SIRTF flight hardware system was developed, modeled, and analyzed. A description of the key features of this point design, along with pertinent modeling and analysis results, are discussed in this Paper.
Np-incorporation into uranyl phases: A quantum–mechanical evaluation

Abstract Density functional theory calculations are used to compare mechanisms of charge-balanced Np 5+ -incorporation into boltwoodite [K(UO 2 )(SiO 3 OH)(H 2 O) 1.5 ]. The charge-balancing mechanisms considered include: (i) H + addition (Np 5+ + H + ↔ U 6+ ), (ii) interlayer substitution (Np 5+ + Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ ↔ U 6+ + K + ), and (iii) intra-layer substitution (Np 5+ + P 5+ ↔ U 6+ + Si 4+ ). The choice of the source (of Np 5+ , H + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , P 5+ ) and sink (of substituted U 6+ , K + , Si 4+ ) phases, the reference phases, for the cations involved in the incorporation reaction greatly affects the final calculated incorporation energy (Δ E rxn ) . The incorporation energies using oxide (Δ E rxn = 183.5 kJ/mol) and silicate (Δ E rxn = 67.5 kJ/mol) reference phases are compared for the interlayer substitution mechanism. Since both the source of Np in environmental systems and the cations released are typically aqueous complexes, a newly-developed approach of combining cluster and periodic simulations was employed to model exchange with aqueous complexes. For the H + addition mechanism, incorporation from oxides reference phases (Δ E rxn = 93.6 kJ/mol) is less favorable than from aqueous (Δ E rxn = 12.5 kJ/mol) reference species. Estimates of the solid-solution behavior of Np 5+ /P 5+ - and U 6+ /Si 4+ -boltwoodite and Np 5+ /Ca 2+ - and U 6+ /K + -boltwoodite solid solutions are used to predict the limit of Np-incorporation into boltwoodite. For the interlayer and intra-layer substitution mechanisms, the substitution energies are 67.5 and −2.9 kJ/mol, respectively, resulting in a maximum amount of incorporation at 300 °C of 172 ppm and 768 ppm, respectively.
Expression of a phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase promoter from Mesembryanthemum crystallinum is not salt-inducible in mature transgenic tobacco.

The 5′ flanking region of a salt-stress-inducible, CAM-specific phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) gene from the facultative halophyte Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, was fused to the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and introduced into Nicotiana tabacum SR1. The Ppc1 promoter displayed high levels of expression in transgenic tobacco quantitatively and qualitatively similar to a full-length 35S CaMV-GUS construct. Histochemical assays revealed that the full-length Ppc1-GUS fusions expressed GUS activity in all tissues except in root tips. While tobacco is capable of utilizing the Ppc1 cis-acting regulatory regions from M. crystallinum to yield high levels of constitutive expression, this glycophyte fails to direct a stress-inducible pattern of gene expression typical of this promoter in its native, facultative halophytic host.
Neurotransmitter changes in guinea-pig brain regions following soman intoxication.

The effects of the organophosphate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor soman (31.2 micrograms/kg s.c.) on guinea-pig brain AChE, transmitter, and metabolite levels were investigated. Concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh) and choline (Ch), noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and their metabolites, and six putative amino acid transmitters were determined concurrently in six brain regions. The brain AChE activity was maximally inhibited by 90%. The ACh content was elevated in most brain areas by 15 min, remaining at this level throughout the study. This increase reached statistical significance in the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. The Ch level was significantly elevated in most areas by 60-120 min. In all regions, levels of NA were reduced, and levels of DA were maintained, but those of its metabolites increased. 5-HT levels were unchanged, but those of its metabolites showed a small increase. Changes in levels of amino acids were restricted to those areas where ACh levels were significantly raised: Aspartate levels fell, whereas gamma-aminobutyric acid levels rose. These findings are consistent with an initial increase in ACh content, resulting in secondary changes in DA and 5-HT turnover and release of NA and excitatory and inhibitory amino acid transmitters. This study can be used as a basis to investigate the effect of toxic agents and their treatments on the different transmitter systems.
Putting Science in Its Place: Geographies of Scientific Knowledge

David N. Livingstone. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003. xii and 234 pp., figs., bibliog., essay, and index. $27.50 cloth (ISBN 0-226-48722-9).
Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia in Patients Without Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: Associated Illnesses and Prior Corticosteroid Therapy

Objective To determine the clinical spectrum of immunosuppressive conditions and systemic corticosteroid therapy associated with the development of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in a consecutive series of patients without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Design We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of 116 patients without AIDS who were assessed at Mayo Medical Center for a first episode of P. carinii pneumonia between 1985 and 1991. Methods Medical records were examined to determine underlying immunosuppressive disorders, premorbid corticosteroid dosage and duration of therapy, associated infections, and subsequent respiratory failure and in-hospital mortality. Results Conditions associated with a first episode of P. carinii pneumonia were hematologic malignant disorders (30.2%), organ transplantation (25.0%), inflammatory disorders (22.4%), solid tumors (12.9%), and miscellaneous conditions (9.5%). Regardless of the associated underlying disease, corticosteroids had been administered systemically in 105 patients (90.5%) within 1 month before the diagnosis of P. carinii pneumonia. The median daily corticosteroid dose was equivalent to 30 mg of prednisune; however, 25% of patients had received as little as 16 mg of prednisone daily. The median duration of corticosteroid therapy was 12 weeks before the development of pneumonia; however, P. carinii pneumonia developed after 8 weeks or less of corticosteroid therapy in 25% of these patients. Respiratory failure occurred in 43%, and in-hospital mortality was 34% for patients with P. carinii pneumonia in conditions other than AIDS. Conclusion Although these results do not suggest that premorbid administration of corticosteroids is the only factor that contributes to the development of P. carinii pneumonia in these patients, they show that, in this large consecutive series, systemic corticosteroid therapy, even in moderate doses, was administered to most patients during the month preceding the onset of P. carinii pneumonia. Consideration should be given to instituting P. carinii prophylaxis (when not contraindicated) in patients for whom prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy is prescribed.
Induction of antibody‐secreting cells and T‐helper and memory cells in murine nasal lymphoid tissue

Intranasal (i.n.) immunization is an effective route for inducing mucosal immune responses especially in the upper respiratory tract and mouth. To characterize the cells involved in these responses, nasal lymphoid tissue (NALT; considered to be the equivalent of Waldeyer's ring in humans) of normal mice, and of mice immunized intranasally with a bacterial protein antigen conjugated to cholera toxin B subunit, was isolated and the lymphoid cells analysed according to surface phenotype, immunoglobulin and antibody secretion, and cytokine profile. Compared with cells obtained from Peyer's patches (PP), NALT cells contained a higher proportion of T cells, especially naive (CD45RB+hi) T-helper cells, and fewer surface (s)IgA+ cells. Both tissues contained high proportions of sIgM+ IgD+ unswitched B cells. After i.n. immunization, IgA antibody-secreting cells were increased, indicating that isotype switching and differentiation of B cells to IgA-secreting cells occurred in NALT, whereas smaller numbers of antibody-secreting cells were found in PP after intragastric (i.g.) immunization. Antigen-specific memory cells persisted in NALT for at least 8 months after initial immunization. The cytokine expression profiles of antigen-stimulated NALT and PP cells of immunized mice, revealed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis of mRNA, were similar. Both NALT and PP cells tended to express type 2 earlier or for longer than type 1 cytokine mRNA, but NALT cells tended to express interleukin-4 (IL-4) earlier, and IL-5 for a longer period, than PP cells. Thus NALT shares with PP cell populations typical of a mucosal inductive site, including unswitched B cells and naive T-helper (Th) cells. After i.n. immunization, NALT has the capacity to provide help for B-cell maturation and differentiation, as well as to maintain immune memory.
Kidney disease and maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancy.

Background Pregnancy in kidney disease is considered high risk, but the degree of this risk is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that kidney disease in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Study Design Retrospective study comparing pregnant women with and without kidney disease. Setting & Participants Using data from an integrated health care delivery system from 2000 through 2013, a total of 778 women met the criteria for kidney disease. Using a pool of 74,105 women without kidney disease, we selected 778 women to use for matches for the women with kidney disease. These women were matched 1:1 by age, race, and history of diabetes, chronic hypertension, liver disease, and connective tissue disease. Predictor Kidney disease was defined using the NKF-KDOQI definition for chronic kidney disease or International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes prior to pregnancy or serum creatinine level > 1.2mg/dL and/or proteinuria in the first trimester. Outcomes & Measurements Maternal outcomes included preterm delivery, delivery by cesarean section, preeclampsia/eclampsia, length of stay at hospital (>3 days), and maternal death. Fetal outcomes included low birth weight (weight Results Compared with women without kidney disease, those with kidney disease had 52% increased odds of preterm delivery (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.16-1.99) and 33% increased odds of delivery by cesarean section (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.06-1.66). Infants born to women with kidney disease had 71% increased odds of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit or infant death compared with infants born to women without kidney disease (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.17-2.51). Kidney disease also was associated with 2-fold increased odds of low birth weight (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.64-3.44). Kidney disease was not associated with increased risk of maternal death. Limitations Data for level of kidney function and cause of death not available. Conclusions Kidney disease in pregnancy is associated independently with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes when other comorbid conditions are controlled by matching.
A functional relation among the pair correlations of the two-dimensional one-component plasma

We map the classical two-dimensional one-component plasma of charged particles with coupling constant Γ an even positive integer onto a one-dimensional fermionic system. We then show that, in the thermodynamic limit of the fluid regime, translational invariance of the two-body density implies an infinite sequence of interrelations among the coefficients of its short-distance expansion. The existence of these sum rules turns out to be related to a general symmetry of the Coulomb system, providing a functional relation for the two-body density for arbitrary coupling Γ.
Young women's risk for first HPV infection was high and increased when the first male partner was sexually experienced

Source Citation Winer RL, Feng Q, Hughes JP, et al. Risk of female human papillomavirus acquisition associated with first male sex partner. J Infect Dis. 2008;197:279-82. 18179386
Associations of ankle-brachial index with clinical coronary heart disease, stroke and preclinical carotid and popliteal atherosclerosis: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

The resting ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a non-invasive method to assess the patency of the lower extremity arterial system and to screen for the presence of peripheral occlusive arterial disease. To determine how the ABI is associated with clinical coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, preclinical carotid plaque and far wall intimal-medial thickness (IMT) of the carotid and popliteal arteries, we conducted analyses in 15 106 middle-aged adults from the baseline examination (1987-1989) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. The prevalence of clinical CHD, stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) and preclinical carotid plaque increased with decreasing ABI levels, particularly at those of 0.90 (age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) ranging from 2.2 (95% CI: 1.0-5.1) in African-American men to 3.3 (95% CI: 2.1-5.0) in white men). Men with ABI 0.90 (age-adjusted OR: 4.2 (95% CI: 1.8-9.5) in African-American men and 4.9 (95% CI: 2.6-9.0) in white men). In women the association was weaker and not statistically significant. Among those free of clinical cardiovascular disease, individuals with ABI 0.90 (age-adjusted ORs ranging from 1.5 (95% CI: 1.0-1.9) in white women to 2.6 (95% CI: 1.0-6.6) in african-american men). The ABI was also inversely associated with far wall IMT of the carotid arteries (in both men and women) and the popliteal arteries (in men only). The associations of ABI with clinical CHD, stroke, preclinical carotid plaque and IMT of the carotid and popliteal arteries were attenuated and often not statistically significant after further adjustment for LDL cholesterol, cigarette smoking, hypertension and diabetes. These data demonstrate that low ABI levels, particularly those of < 0.90, are indicative of generalized atherosclerosis.
Induction of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase reduces early endosome autoantigen 1 (EEA1) recruitment to phagosomal membranes.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis survives in the infected host by parasitizing macrophages in which the bacillus resides in a specialized phagosome sequestered from the phagolysosomal degradative pathway. Here we report a role of the stress-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) in the component of M. tuberculosis phagosome maturation arrest that has been linked previously to the reduced recruitment of the endosomal and phagosomal membrane-tethering molecule called early endosome autoantigen 1 (EEA1; Fratti, R. A., Backer, J. M., Gruenberg, J., Corvera, S., and Deretic, V. (2001) J. Cell Biol. 154, 631–644). A pharmacological inhibition of M. tuberculosis var. bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-induced p38 MAPK activity caused a marked increase in EEA1 colocalization with mycobacterial phagosomes. Consistent with the increase in EEA1 association and its role in phagosomal maturation, the pharmacological block of p38 activity caused phagosomal acidification and enrichment of the late endocytic markers lysobisphosphatidic acid and CD63 (lysosomal integral membrane protein 1) on mycobacterial phagosomes. A negative regulatory role of p38 MAPK activation in phagosome maturation was further demonstrated by converse experiments with latex bead phagosomes. Artificial activation of p38 MAPK caused a decrease in EEA1 colocalization with model latex bead phagosomes, which normally acquire EEA1 and subsequently mature into the phagolysosome. These findings show that p38 MAPK activity contributes to the arrest of M. tuberculosis phagosome maturation and demonstrate a negative regulatory role of p38 in phagolysosome biogenesis.
Communicating affection in dyadic relationships: An assessment of behavior and expectancies

Affectionate communication is critical for the development and maintenance of personal relationships. However, affectionate behavior varies widely across relationships. While the limited extant research on affectionate communication has suggested variables that influence what affectionate expressions are typical in various relationships, no studies have looked specifically at what influences individuals' expectations for affectionate communication. The present study examines affectionate behavior in platonic friendships and individuals' perceptions of the appropriateness and importance of affection in such friendships. It hypothesizes that when levels of relational closeness are held constant, biological sex and the sex composition of the dyad will influence actual affectionate behavior, perceived affectionate behavior, the reported appropriateness of affectionate behaviors, and the intensity of the behaviors accounted for in each effect. Substantial support for the predictions was obtained.
Intrinsic-defect photoluminescence in amorphous and crystalline SiO2

Abstract Photoluminescence (PL) originating from intrinsic defects in neutron-irradiated crystalline (x-)SiO2 is observed and compared with that from amorphous (a-)SiO2. The PL and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra of x-SiO2 are qualitatively similar to those of a-SiO2. This suggests that PL centers, similar to those found in amorphous systems, are present in ordered systems. In addition, the PL and PLE spectra of a-SiO2 and a-As2S3 scale with energy band gap, suggesting that the radiative processes in a-SiO2 and semiconducting chalcogenide glasses are alike. The similarity of the PL from x-SiO2 to that from a-SiO2 and the scaling of the PL from a-SiO2 and a-As2S3 with energy band gap strongly suggest that PL centers are unique bonding configurations which primarily depend on the chemistry of the system rather than on the degree of long range order.
Low-temperature blueschist-facies mafic blocks in the Franciscan melange, San Simeon, California: Field relations, petrology, and counterclockwise P-T paths

Dozens of mafic blueschist blocks are found in the Franciscan melange, which is well exposed along 6+ km of nearly continuous sea cliffs and wave-cut benches near San Simeon, California. Thirty-four blocks were studied to discover all the varieties in this classic locality of melange. The Na-amphibole and lawsonite ± epidote–rich schists were dynamically deformed, folded, and veined (including lawsonite and aragonite) before becoming incorporated into the shale-matrix melange. Tectonically driven flowage of the matrix caused all lithologic components to pinch and swell, forming boudins that separated to become isolated ellipsoidal blocks. This megascopically ductile style of deformation was accommodated in mafic blocks by cataclasis concurrent with alteration to chlorite and pumpellyite. Shearing and alteration were most intense along block margins and within block faults. Petrographic analyses, aided by backscattered electron imaging, microprobe mineral analyses, bulk chemistry, and thermodynamic calculations, reveal these blueschists traveled along a counterclockwise pressure-temperature ( P - T ) path. Na-amphiboles have actinolitic cores that indicate an early greenschist-facies stage. Peak T and P conditions for the epidote-bearing blueschists were ∼350 °C at pressures of 5–9 kbar. Many blocks have textural evidence of lawsonite replacing epidote and Na-amphibole with Fe 3+ -rich rims. This indicates epidote replacement occurred as the rocks cooled below ∼250 °C at ∼5 kbar. It is evident that the phase of dynamic epidote-blueschist-facies recrystallization that nearly obliterated evidence of an earlier greenschist-facies stage was followed by retrograde recrystallization under much less dynamic to nearly static, but still high- P , conditions. Cooling and much of the observed veining must have happened after these rocks were deeply underplated along the bottom of the ophiolitic leading edge of the North American plate. Pieces of the underplated blueschist terrane were probably detached from the hanging wall as slabs that boudinaged and reboudinaged while entrained in shale-matrix melange upwelling from depths of at least 15 km.
Characterization Of Snow For Evaluation Of Its Effect On Electromagnetic Wave Propagation

Snow as an obscurant presents some interesting challenges to those attempting to characterize it. The wide range of particle sizes which can he present at any instant, and the intricate and varied particle geometry, which makes particle orientation an important consideration in snow characterization and extinction measurements, both call for the use of special measurement techniques. The application of particle size spectrometer probes to the measurement of distributions and area concentrations for snow crystals and flakes in the 12.5- to 6200 -μM size range is described.
Use of radar profilers in multi-sensor ground validation for TRMM and GPM

Realistic simulation of the hydrologic cycle in global climate models remains a difficult challenge since climate models cannot resolve convective systems. Only satellites can provide global precipitation estimates needed to validate global climate models. The algorithms used to relate precipitation estimates to satellite observables require ground-based observations for development and validation purposes. In this paper we outline how profilers can be used in combination with other ground- based instruments to support the retrieval of precipitation estimates from satellites. The profilers provide quantitative information on the vertical structure and temporal variability of reflectivity and precipitation parameters related to drop-size distributions (DSD) that are essential for quantitative precipitation estimation. The profilers are most naturally calibrated by reference to a collocated disdrometer and are in turn useful for providing calibration for scanning radars. The use of profilers for ground validation is illustrated by examples drawn from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Ground Validation field campaigns and the Global Precipitation (GPM) Front Range Pilot Project conducted in Colorado in 2004. Keywords-precipitation; profiler; TRMM; GPM; Ground Validation.
Associations between Watershed Characteristics and Angling Success for Sport Fishes in Mississippi Wadeable Streams

Abstract We developed and evaluated multiple linear regression models to describe the associations between watershed land use and geomorphology and angling success (catch per unit effort [CPUE; fish/h]) for sport fishes in wadeable streams in Mississippi. The mean angler CPUE for all species combined, sunfishes Lepomis spp., and black bass Micropterus spp. was strongly and positively associated with the percentage of forest cover, stream density, total road density, and primary highway density. The mean angler CPUE of largemouth bass M. salmoides and longear sunfish L. megalotis was negatively associated with the percentage of agricultural land but positively associated with rural road density. The mean CPUE of spotted bass M. punctulatus was negatively associated with elevation and the number of road crossings in the watershed but positively associated with rural road density. Model validation procedures revealed that the prediction errors were relatively large, so that the ability to predict mean angler...
Controlled partial embedding of carbon nanotubes within flexible transparent layers.

Applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) like field emission displays, super-capacitors, and cell growth scaffolds can benefit from controllable embedding of the CNTs in a material such that the CNTs are anchored and protrude a desired length. We demonstrate a simple method for anchoring densely packed, vertically aligned arrays of CNTs into silicone layers using spin-coating, CNT insertion, curing, and growth substrate removal. CNT arrays of 51 and 120 μm in height are anchored into silicone layers of thickness 26 and 36 μm, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy are used to characterize the sample morphology, a 5. 5ms −1 impinging water jet is used to apply shear stress, and a tensile test shows that the silicone layer detaches from the substrate before the CNTs are ripped from the layer. The CNTs are thus well anchored in the silicone layers. The spin-coating process gives control over layer thickness, and the method should have general applicability to various nanostructures and anchoring materials. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Single nucleotide polymorphisms for assessing genetic diversity in castor bean (Ricinus communis)

Background: Castor bean (Ricinus communis) is an agricultural crop and garden ornamental that is widely cultivated and has been introduced worldwide. Understanding population structure and the distribution of castor bean cultivars has been challenging because of limited genetic variability. We analyzed the population genetics of R. communis in a worldwide collection of plants from germplasm and from naturalized populations in Florida, U.S. To assess genetic diversity we conducted survey sequencing of the genomes of seven diverse cultivars and compared the data to a reference genome assembly of a widespread cultivar (Hale). We determined the population genetic structure of 676 samples using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 48 loci. Results: Bayesian clustering indicated five main groups worldwide and a repeated pattern of mixed genotypes in most countries. High levels of population differentiation occurred between most populations but this structure was not geographically based. Most molecular variance occurred within populations (74%) followed by 22% among populations, and 4% among continents. Samples from naturalized populations in Florida indicated significant population structuring consistent with local demes. There was significant population differentiation for 56 of 78 comparisons in Florida (pairwise population jPT values, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Low levels of genetic diversity and mixing of genotypes have led to minimal geographic structuring of castor bean populations worldwide. Relatively few lineages occur and these are widely distributed. Our approach of determining population genetic structure using SNPs from genome-wide comparisons constitutes a framework for high-throughput analyses of genetic diversity in plants, particularly in species with limited genetic diversity.
A uniqueness theorem for an inverse boundary value problem in electrical prospection

We show that a near constant conductivity of a two-dimensional body can be uniquely determined by steady state direct current measurements at the boundary. Mathematically, we show that the coefficient γ in the operator ∇.γ∇ is uniquely determined by its Dirichlet integrals.
Kodály, Literacy, and the Brain: Preparing Young Music Students to Read Pitch on the Staff

The principles of Hungarian music educator Zoltan Kodaly can be particularly useful not only in teaching children how to read music notation but also in creating curiosity and enjoyment for reading...
A torsional vibration measurement system

At the development stage of building an automobile, many power-train configurations are considered, and problems may arise when the different components are assembled. Torsional vibration, which can cause unforeseen problems, is difficult to measure when a shaft is rotating. A torsional measurement system designed so that measurements of translational and torsional motion can be taken at points along a rotating shaft is described. Extensive probe tests revealed accuracy errors of less than 1% in the rotational speed measurement, and shaft speed capabilities of at least 3400 r.p.m. The hardware selected restricts the data transfer to 1 byte per 13 mu s. For a three-channel station with 64 stripes per revolution, the maximum theoretical rotation speed at which reliable measurements can be taken is 8000 r.p.m. Results of preliminary tests showed good agreement between a commercially available torsional vibration measurement system and the prototype system. >
Effects of oscillating waveforms on surge voltage endurance

Although voltage endurance is usually viewed in terms of a power frequency test, the increasing use of power electronics has highlighted the awareness of the loss of insulation life due to the application of repetitive surges. An experimental study is reported to quantify the voltage endurance of bisphenol A electrical casting resin when subjected to oscillating impulse voltages in a divergent electric field. Surge voltage endurance has been quantified as a function of pulse width (0.05 /spl mu/s-100 /spl mu/s), repetition rate (30 Hz-1 kHz), and polarity. The results suggest, at least for positive polarity impulses, that estimates of endurance under surge conditions can be made from conventional power frequency data provided that the appropriate corrections are made to the conventional voltage endurance curves. A theoretical treatment is provided to allow this correction to be estimated based on a consideration of the life removed by the multiple application of a damped train of impulses.
Bayesian Model Scoring in Markov Random Fields

Scoring structures of undirected graphical models by means of evaluating the marginal likelihood is very hard. The main reason is the presence of the partition function which is intractable to evaluate, let alone integrate over. We propose to approximate the marginal likelihood by employing two levels of approximation: we assume normality of the posterior (the Laplace approximation) and approximate all remaining intractable quantities using belief propagation and the linear response approximation. This results in a fast procedure for model scoring. Empirically, we find that our procedure has about two orders of magnitude better accuracy than standard BIC methods for small datasets, but deteriorates when the size of the dataset grows.
Gender Differences in Perceived Business Success and Profit Growth Among Family Business Managers

Using data from the 1997–2000 National Family Business Surveys (NFBS), this study investigated the effect of gender on business success and profit growth among family businesses. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) results indicate that all else being equal, female managers perceived their businesses as more successful than male managers, and they reported more profit growth between 1996 and 1999 than male managers. The results of the dummy variable interaction approach also show that a differential response existed in profit growth over time between female and male managers in relation to health status, business liabilities, business size, and whether the business was home-based. This study concludes that there are many distinct differences between male and female managers in business performance.
Synthesis and Thermal Behavior of a Fused, Tricyclic 1,2,3,4‐Tetrazine Ring System

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a fused, tricyclic 1,2,3,4-tetrazine ring system. The molecule is synthesized in a three-step process from 5,5'-dinitro-bis,1,2,4-triazole via a di-N-amino compound. Oxidation to form the azo-coupled fused tricyclic 1,2,3,4-tetrazine is achieved using tert-butyl hypochlorite as the oxidant. The di-N-amino compound and the desired fused tricyclic 1,2,3,4-triazine display interesting thermal behavior and are predicted to be high-performance energetic materials.
From Countertransference to Social Theory: A Study of Holocaust Thinking in U.S. Business Dress

Observer countertransference is discussed as the nexus of ethnographic knowing. Psychoanalytic approaches are situated in relation to embodiment theory and knowing via the senses. Alongside the official view of managed social change as "nothing personal, just business," U.S. workers draw upon Holocaust imagery to make sense of what is happening to them. Several ethnographic vignettes from the U.S. workplaces consti- tute the evidential core of the paper. Observer countertransfer- ence is seen as a vital instrumentfor comprehending the psychic reality behind the invocation of Holocaust images that are camouflaged by business euphemisms. More broadly, observer countertransference, judiciously used, (1) serves as a bridge be- tween cultural levels (say, individual, workplace, nation) and (2) contributes to the wider interpretation of culture. First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.
Differentiation of MDMA or 5-MeO-DIPT induced cognitive deficits in rat following adolescent exposure

The so-called "club drug" Foxy or Methoxy Foxy (5-Methoxy-N,N-di(iso)propyltryptamine hydrochloride; 5-MeO-DIPT) is a newer drug of abuse that has recently gained in popularity among recreational users as an alternative to MDMA (Ecstasy). While considerable research into the consequences of MDMA use is available, much remains unknown about the neurobiological consequences of 5-MeO-DIPT use. In the present study, beginning at 35 days of age adolescent rats were given repeated injections of 10 mg/kg of 5-MeO-DIPT, MDMA, or a corresponding volume of isotonic saline. Adult animals (135 days old) were trained and tested on a number of tasks designed to assess the impact, if any, and severity of 5-MeO-DIPT and MDMA, on a series of spatial and nonspatial memory tasks. Both the 5-MeO-DIPT- and the MDMA-treated rats were able to master the spatial navigation tests where the task included a single goal location and all groups performed comparably on these phases of training and testing. Conversely, the performance of both groups of the drug-treated rats was markedly inferior to that of the control animals on a task where the goal was moved to a new location and on a response learning task, suggesting a lack of flexibility in adapting their responses to changing task demands. In addition, in a response learning version of a learning set task, 5-MeO-DIPT rats made significantly more working memory errors than MDMA or control rats. Results are discussed in terms of observed alterations in serotonin activity in the forebrain and the consequences of compromised serotoninergic systems on cognitive processes.
Sound Production during the Spawning Season in Cavity-Nesting Darters of the Subgenus Catonotus (Percidae: Etheostoma)

Abstract The cavity-nesting darters Etheostoma nigripinne, Etheostoma crossopterum, and their hybrid (E. nigripinne × E. crossopterum) were found to produce sounds associated with reproduction. Males produced sounds during aggressive encounters and courtship activities. All three taxa produced nonpulsed sounds categorized as drums and shorter, usually pulsed, sounds categorized as knocks. In addition, E. nigripinne produced pulsed sounds referred to as purrs that differ from knocks in having a higher pulse number and rate. All sound types were made under both aggressive and courtship contexts by males of all three taxa. The dominant frequency and duration of sounds differed by sound type (drums, knocks, purrs) for all taxa. In addition, within the drum sound type, the dominant frequency differed between contexts (aggression vs courtship) and among taxa. Although sound production has been documented for numerous fish species, this is the first time sounds have been described for percids. The mechanism and ...
Dopamine, Glutamate, and Aggression

Dopamine (DA) and glutamate are part of intricate neurobiological mechanisms mediating different kinds of aggressive behavior, involving the canonical amines and acids, neuropeptides, and neurosteroids in corticomesolimbic circuits (1). Beginning with invertebrates, the critical role of serotonin (5-HT) for aggression-inhibiting mechanisms has emerged, and it is important to understand how other transmitters, such as DA and glutamate, interact with serotonergic mechanisms. The two major sources of information for delineating the role of glutamate and DA in aggressive behavior are (1) neurobiological studies of preclinical model systems, mostly in rodents and cats, and (2) investigations into the mechanisms for pharmacotherapeutic interventions in clinical settings. The epidemiological statistics on criminal violence, emergency room visits, and public health records of treating violent individuals and victims of violence document the magnitude and urgency of the problem and the need for increasing the understanding the neurobiological basis of these adaptive and pathological behaviors. Although most acts of violence are committed by individuals who are not in mental health settings, and although most mentally ill patients are not violent, the rate of injury resulting from violent acts is higher for mental health staff than injurious accidents for heavy construction and mining professions (2,3). Up to 22% of psychiatric inpatients committed aggressive acts within the last 2 wk (4).
Does the spinal cord generate functionally significant sympathetic activity in the awake rat

Previous studies reach conflicting conclusions regarding the presence of physiologically significant sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in conscious rats with transection of the cervical spinal cord (CST). The objective of the current study was to determine whether either spinally generated SNA or nonspecific effects of antagonists are responsible for the natriuresis and decreased heart rate that accompany adrenergic blockade in CST rats. To test the first possibility, adrenergic antagonists (phentolamine and propranolol) were administered to three groups of CST rats: 1) renal denervated, 2) adrenalectomized or sham-adrenalectomized, and 3) rats who received the ganglionic blocker hexamethonium. Neither renal denervation, adrenalectomy, nor ganglionic blockade prevented either the three- to fivefold increase in sodium excretion or the 25-50 beats/min decrease in heart rate previously reported. We then administered combinations of different adrenergic antagonists to CST rats to test for nonspecific effects of the drugs. Whereas idazoxan+propranolol reproduced the natriuresis seen with phentolamine+propranolol, prazosin+yohimbine+propranolol did not. We conclude that there is no evidence for functionally significant spinally generated SNA in conscious CST rats and that the natriuresis observed with phentolamine administration is due to imidazoline binding.
Neutrophils and the mechanism of IUD action in rats.

To determine if the effect of an IUD is due to a low-grade polymorphonuclear-rich endometritis a silk suture was inserted into 1 horn of the uterus of each of 50 Sprague-Dawley rats. Vaginal smears were taken daily for 10 days postoperatively. Every second day for 12 days several rats with IUDs and control animals were sacrificed supernatant fluid of their homogenized horn tissues assayed for lysozyme and histological sections of horns studied. Rabbit antirat polymorphonuclear leukocyte serum was prepared. Daily injections of 1 ml of this antiserum rendered rats neutropenic with very low blood neutrophil counts. On Day 8 after mating rats treated with this serum were examined for nidation sites in each horn. Untreated rats showed no blastocystic implantations in the IUD-containing horn but an average of 5.1 implantations in the sham-operated horn. In those not receiving the serum histologic sections showed polymorphonuclear leukocytes in areas of uterine horns in contact with the silk sutures but not in the other horns. In IUD-carrying rats depleted of polymorphonuclear leukocytes these cells were not present in sections of endometrium. Vaginal smears from IUD-implanted rats showed no change from normal. Lysozyme assays showed very high activity in the IUD horns 2 days after insertion; however after 4 days it was at a lower level and remained so for the 12-day period of study. In sham-operated horn tissue lysozyme activity remained at a normal low level throughout. The induced neutropenic response was reversible by 48 hours after serum injection. Polymorph-depleted rats showed no implantations in the IUD-containing horns but the usual number in other horns. Data suggest that the effectiveness of the IUD is not based on the production of a local inflammatory response. Although leukocytes and leukocyte products may be embryotoxic the mechanism of action of the IUD seems to lie in a local biochemical change in the uterine tissue itself that renders it unable to provide for implantation.
Improving Predictions Using Ensemble Bayesian Model Averaging

We present ensemble Bayesian model averaging (EBMA) and illustrate its ability to aid scholars in the social sciences to make more accurate forecasts of future events. In essence, EBMA improves prediction by pooling information from multiple forecast models to generate ensemble predictions similar to a weighted average of component forecasts. The weight assigned to each forecast is calibrated via its performance in some validation period. The aim is not to choose some “best” model, but rather to incorporate the insights and knowledge implicit in various forecasting efforts via statistical postprocessing. After presenting the method, we show that EBMA increases the accuracy of out-of-sample forecasts relative to component models in three applied examples: predicting the occurrence of insurgencies around the Pacific Rim, forecasting vote shares in U.S. presidential elections, and predicting the votes of U.S. Supreme Court Justices.
Notes on Flash Communication in the Firefly Pyractomena dispersa (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

The literature on firefly luminescence is voluminous, and it includes both laboratory experimentation and field observations on the nature of the flash and the stimuli necessary to elicit it. However, very few observations have been recorded concerning the specific nature of the interactions between male and female as a result of the flash. In the spring of 1962, I made several field observations on Pyractomena dispersa Green in an abandoned gravel pit near Ypsilanti, Michigan, and conducted some laboratory experiments which bear on this subject.
Reliability-Based Analysis and Reassessment for Offshore Structure

According to calculation the probability of failure(Pf) of the Bridge Support I (BS1) jacket, foundation and deck leg structural system for a range of subsidence level is from 7.5 meters to 12.0 meters. The non-linear structure compute model was developed first, and the loads on jacket, deck and bridge were predicted. The system capacity and the reliability for the platform have been calculated finally. According to the analysis results of reliability analysis, the technical measure for platform's life extending have been proposed. The calculation methods and the study achievements can be for reference in similar structure analysis and engineering practice.
P10: IBRUTINIB ASSOCIATED AUTOIMMUNE HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA

Purpose of Study Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a common phenomenon in Chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) accounting for about 4–7% of cases. AIHA is commonly associated with certain conventional chemotherapy agents used in CLL/SLL. Ibrutinib, bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor is category 1 indication for high risk (del 17p) and relapsed/refractory CLL. Literature review reports 11cases of Ibrutinib associated AIHA. We report a case of AIHA precipitated by Ibrutinib in an high risk CLL patient, with prior history of AIHA. Methods Used Patient is an 81 year old black man diagnosed with asymptomatic Stage I CLL (del 17p) in 2010 and was on active surveillance. He developed AIHA in 2012, with good response to steroids and Rituximab. Subsequently he received 8 cycles of rituximab for symptomatic CLL with resolution of symptoms. In 9/2014, noted to have progression of disease with worsening B symptoms, leukocytosis and lymphadenopathy. He was started on Ibrutinib 420 mg PO daily with regression of lymphadenopathy within 3 weeks of therapy, but presented with symptomatic anemia with hemoglobin of 3 gm/dl, positive direct Coomb9s test, elevated reticulocyte count and LDH consistent with AIHA. WBC elevated at 360 K/uL from baseline of 150 K/uL and hemoglobin fell to 3 g/dl from 10 g/dl since Ibrutinib was initiated. Ibrutinib was held and patient received high dose prednisone followed by IVIG and cautious transfusion with minimal improvement in hemoglobin. Hemoglobin slowly up trended with weekly Rituximab and high dose steroids and remained stable around 10 gm/dl after 4 weeks of Rituximab. Ibrutinib was subsequently restarted with overall clinical improvement. Summary of Results In our patient, occurrence of AIHA falls in between 2–4 weeks as other reported cases suggesting that Ibrutinib could be a likely precipitating factor. Conclusions Review of data, reveals that 22% of patients had history of AIC prior to Ibrutinib, however occurrence of AIHA on Ibrutinib seems to be less common (0.7%).Mechanism of action of Ibrutinib associated cytopenias remains unclear. It was hypothesized that it may be due to IL-2 induced kinase inhibition by Ibrutinib, and needs further investigation.
Gastrocystoplasty and Colocystoplasty in Canines: The Metabolic Consequences of Acute Saline and Acid Loading

An experimental canine model was developed to quantitate the net transmural ion flux of colon and gastric segments used for augmentation cystoplasty. Gastrocystoplasty (4) or colocystoplasty (4) was constructed in 8 female mongrels. Acute intravenous saline and acid loading experiments were performed 2 to 4 weeks after cystoplasty. The mean solute excretion rates for sodium, chloride, phosphorus and ammonia exhibited opposite trends during acute saline and acid loading in this experimental model. The net flux of chloride, ammonia, phosphorus and sodium ions in the colocystoplasty animals was from the mucosa/urine surface to the serum (reabsorption). The opposite trend was true for the gastrocystoplasty. By not reabsorbing ammonium chloride, the gastrocystoplasty preserved an important renal mechanism for systemic acid elimination. This may help to prevent the hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis that can develop when urine comes in contact with small or large bowel segments.
High-speed visualization of soap bubble blowing and image-processing-based analysis of pinch-off dynamics

Soap bubble blowing has long been an amusement for humans, and the process involves pinch-off similarly to liquid drops and gas bubbles. To visualize the pinch-off process of soap bubble blowing, we built an apparatus consisting of air jet flow and thin soap film on a circular ring, and replicated human soap bubbling. High-speed videography captured growing soap film tube and following pinch-off, and the minimal neck radius of the tube was measured based on image processing. Scaling law analyses show that regardless of the ring diameter, the scaling exponent of soap bubble pinch-off is about 2/3, which is similar to that of soap film bridge. Also, the speed of the airflow into the tube was evaluated based on volume calculation of the soap film tube, and the Reynolds number of the airflow was estimated to be 1060–2970, which suggests that soap bubbling may involve Bernoulli suction effect.