cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microdetermination of ketosteroids as 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones.

The simple gravimetric microprocedure to determine carbonyl compounds in the form of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones has been applied to the analysis of ketosteroids. Evaluation of the method with 9 ketosteroids gives values of −0.1 to −0.4% C=O group and variance of 0.00976%. Comparative study with 10 simple aldehydes and ketones shows that this method gives better precision and accuracy for the simple compounds.
Detection of trace levels of trichothecene mycotoxins in human urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Abstract A method is described for the simultaneous detection of the trichothecene mycotoxins T-2, HT-2, T-2 tetraol, diacetoxyscirpenol, 15-monoacetoxyscirpendiol, scirpentriol, nivalenol and deoxynivalenol, in human urine. Samples were extracted from Clin Elut columns and cleaned up using reversed-phase Sep-Pak C18 cartridges. Trichothecenes were derivatised as their heptafluorobutyryl esters, and detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected-ion monitoring using electron impact ionisation. The method was validated by the analysis of 22 urine samples, spiked and submitted “blind” for analysis by another laboratory. An alternative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method using negative ion chemical ionisation is also described and a preliminary comparison of the two methods made. The methods enabled levels down to 1 ppb to be detected, with confirmation of identity at levels between 2 and 5 ppb, depending on the toxin.
B 0 -B̄ 0 mixing and violations of CP symmetry

In view of a possible long lifetime for $B$ mesons, ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{B}\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$ sec, we reexamine predictions of the standard model for ${B}^{0}\ensuremath{-}{\overline{B}}^{0}$ mixing. We estimate theoretical uncertainties in the computation of the relevant matrix element by comparing the vacuum-saturation approximation with predictions obtained in the bag model and in the harmonic-oscillator model with and without relativistic corrections. For the ${B}_{d}\ensuremath{-}{\overline{B}}_{d}$ system we find mixing leading to a like-sign dilepton yield of at most a few percent of the opposite-sign dilepton rate; ${B}_{s}\ensuremath{-}{\overline{B}}_{s}$ mixing should be stronger. While very little $\mathrm{CP}$ violation is expected in ${B}^{0}\ensuremath{-}{\overline{B}}^{0}$ mixing, we find that certain $\mathrm{CP}$ asymmetries in on-shell ${B}_{d}$ decays could reach a level of 10% or more.
The navy's operational atmospheric analysis

Abstract In January of 1988, significant upgrades were made to the Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS). Among these improvements was the implementation of a multivariate optimum interpolation analysis scheme. Since that time, this analysis scheme has been improved and expanded to satisfy almost all of the navy's atmospheric analysis requirements. In this paper, we describe the global database available for analysis, the techniques currently used to produce the NOGAPS analyzed fields, and the modification required for other applications.
Effects of skim milk, skim milk yogurt, orotic acid, and uric acid on lipid metabolism in rats

The effects of feeding two milk products (skim milk and skim milk yogurt) and two proposed hypocholesterolemic factors (orotic acid and uric acid) on serum cholesterol (HDL, LDL, total, HDL/Total and HDL/LDL), liver lipids (total liver lipids and liver cholesterol), and aortal cholesterol were studied. Ten groups, of nine rats each, were fed isocaloric Chow-based diets containing water, 45% skim milk (SM), 45% skim milk yogurt (SMY), and 0.0025% orotic acid (OA) or 0.001% uric acid (UA), without or with cholesterol. The SM diet (with cholesterol) resulted not only in lower total cholesterol (P < 0.10), LDL cholesterol (P < 0.05), aortal cholesterol (P < 0.01), and liver cholesterol (P < 0.10), but also in increased HDL (P < 0.05) and HDL/LDL (P < 0.10) cholesterol ratio. The SMY diet, on the other hand, resulted in lowered total serum cholesterol (P < 0.05) and aortal cholesterol (P < 0.01) and in higher LDL (P < 0.05) cholesterol. The hypocholesterolemic effects were more marked for SM than for SMY. Addition of OA and UA to diets increased serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total liver lipids; the OA diet also increased liver cholesterol. Neither OA nor UA alone was the factor responsible for the hypocholesterolemic effects seen with SM and SMY feeding.
A.C.-field induced steps in the I–V characteristics of charge density wave transport

Abstract We make further predictions on the response of the charge density wave (CDW), based on the classical model and including an inertia term. Showing the analogy of the latter with the Stewart-McCumber (RSJ) model for Josephson junctions, we predict the appearance of Shapiro-like steps in the I–V characteristics of the CDW in the presence of an a.c. field. The predictions are presented in a form suitable for direct comparison with experiment.
Geometric-Optical Bidirectional Reflectance Modeling of a Conifer Forest Canopy

A geometric-optical forest canopy model that treats conifers as cones casting shadows on a contrasting background explains the major anisotropies in bidirectional reflectance measurements of a conifer forest canopy taken from the literature. The model uses parallelray geometry to describe the illumination and viewing of conifers as three-dimensional cones. Cones are randomly placed and overlap freely. Cone size (height) is distributed lognormally, and cone form, described by the apex angle of the cone, is a negative exponential function of height. The cones are first presumed to be solid dark gray Lambertian objects, located on a lighter gray Lambertian background. To add realism, "translucence" is added and light is allowed to pass through cones with negative exponential attenuation. Both computer simulation and analytical closed-form expressions are implemented. The results show a good qualitative agreement with the directional reflectance measurements of the conifer stand, indicating that the three-dimensional nature of the canopy is a key factor in determining its directional reflectance.
Public Health Impact of Legal Termination of Pregnancy in the US: 40 Years Later

During the 40 years since the US Supreme Court decision in Doe versus Wade and Doe versus Bolton, restrictions on termination of pregnancy (TOP) were overturned nationwide. The use of TOP was much wider than predicted and a substantial fraction of reproductive age women in the U.S. have had one or more TOPs and that widespread uptake makes the downstream impact of any possible harms have broad public health implications. While short-term harms do not appear to be excessive, from a public perspective longer term harm is conceiving, and clearly more study of particular relevance concerns the associations of TOP with subsequent preterm birth and mental health problems. Clearly more research is needed to quantify the magnitude of risk and accurately inform women with the crisis of unintended pregnancy considering TOP. The current US data-gathering mechanisms are inadequate for this important task.
The kinetics of specific immune responses in rhesus monkeys inoculated with live recombinant BCG expressing SIV Gag, Pol, Env, and Nef proteins.

Abstract Development of an effective preventive or therapeutic vaccine against HIV-1 is an important goal in the fight against AIDS. Effective virus clearance and inhibition of spread to target organs depends principally on the cellular immune response. Therefore, a vaccine against HIV-1 should elicit virus-specific cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) responses to eliminate the virus during the cell-associated stages of its life cycle. The vaccine should also be capable of inducing immunity at the mucosal surfaces, the primary route of transmission. Recombinant Bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) expressing viral proteins offers an excellent candidate vaccine in view of its safety and ability to persist intracellularly, resulting in the induction of long-lasting immunity and stimulation of the cellular immune response. BCG can be administered orally to induce HIV-specific immunity at the mucosal surfaces. The immunogenicity of four recombinant BCG constructs expressing simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Gag, Pol, Env, and Nef proteins was tested in rhesus macaques. A single simultaneous inoculation of all four recombinants elicited SIV-specific IgA and IgG antibody, and cellular immune responses, including CTL and helper T cell proliferation. Our results demonstrate that BCG recombinant vectors can induce concomitant humoral and cellular immune responses to the major proteins of SIV.
Thiamine whole blood and urinary pharmacokinetics in rats: Urethan‐induced dose‐dependent pharmacokinetics

The whole blood pharmacokinetics of thiamine after intravenous administration of thiamine hydrochloride (4, 12, and 36 mg/kg) to rats anesthetized continuously with ether (inhalation) or urethan (1 g/kg ip) were studied. Urinary excretion of thiamine after intravenous administration of thiamine hydrochloride to rats lightly anesthetized with ether was also investigated. At any particular dose, thiamine displayed apparent classical two-compartment model behavior in the time range studied. Under urethan anesthesia, thiamine displayed apparent dose-dependent kinetics as measured by the changes in the pharmacokinetic parameters, AUC,Vd(area), t0.5 beta, and total body clearance, ClTB, with dose. However, when ether anesthesia was used, thiamine displayed dose-independent pharmacokinetic behavior. These results suggest that care should be taken in the interpretation of pharmacokinetic data obtained in anesthetized animals, particularly when urethan anesthesia is used.
Towards a bad end: The ethics of intervention in the former Yugoslavia

The United States’ intervention, diplomatically and militarily, in former Yugoslavia demonstrates the complexities of social justice in post‐Cold War Europe. Nominally an action to support ‘vital’ American interests, intervention equally involved a moral and ethical choice to leverage military technology and to prevent the spread of Balkan violence. Ethical politics, as Reinhold Niebuhr defines it, is an area where conscience and power meet, where ethical and coercive factors ‘interpenetrate’ in an uneasy compromise. Whether or not the will to a political ethic is sufficient to bring social justice to the former Yugoslavia remains unclear.
DETAILED STUDY OF THE FEW NUCLEON SYSTEMS AT JEFFERSON LAB

In a new and detailed experimental program carried out at Jefferson Laboratory, the few nucleon systems has been studied via Electrodisintegration of Deuterium and the Helium nuclei. Interesting new results probing the high momentum structure have been studied via the (e,e'p) reaction using the two high resolution spectrometers in Hall A and various kinematic regions have been investigated. Detailed and precise information on the effective bound state momentum distributions have been measured for the first time up to missing momenta of 1 Gev/c in 3He, exhibiting significant strength at these high momenta which the standard nuclear calculations fail to explain and could be an indication of the onset of non-nucleonic degrees of freedom. The continuum region in 3He has also been investigated in great detail looking for nuclear correlations and quasi-deuteron strength. Response function separations have been carried out to extract details of the few body structure and relativistic dynamics. Measurements made so far on D and 4He have focussed on specific kinematic regions and there are plans to extend them over kinematic ranges similar to the 3He investigation.
Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the penis with 5% imiquimod cream: a case report.

Abstract A patient with widespread in situ squamous cell carcinoma of the glans penis was successfully managed with topical application of 5% imiquimod cream. Therapy with topical immune response modifiers may prove beneficial in cases of superficial cutaneous carcinoma and may, if future studies confirm our findings, play a role in settings in which more destructive techniques may result in cosmetic defects or functional impairment. The use of imiquimod for intraepithelial squamous cell carcinoma of the anogenital area seems particularly logical because of the strong correlation between this neoplasm and infection with human papillomavirus. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47:S225-8.)
Convergence analysis of asynchronous iterations with stochastic delays

The authors present a general linear model of asynchronous iterations, the communication delays of which are stochastic with a Markovian character. This model allows static or dynamic allocation of the iterate vector components to processors. It also permits simultaneous updating of the same vector component by multiple processors. Sufficient conditions under which the model of asynchronous iterations converges in the second moment (and in the mean) to the sought resolution are provided. For the specialization of the Markov case when the communication delays are independent and identically distributed, the authors provide sufficient conditions for convergence in the second moment and necessary and sufficient conditions for convergence in the mean. >
Person mobility in the design and analysis of cluster-randomized cohort prevention trials.

Person mobility is an inescapable fact of life for most cluster-randomized (e.g., schools, hospitals, clinic, cities, state) cohort prevention trials. Mobility rates are an important substantive consideration in estimating the effects of an intervention. In cluster-randomized trials, mobility rates are often correlated with ethnicity, poverty and other variables associated with disparity. This raises the possibility that estimated intervention effects may generalize to only the least mobile segments of a population and, thus, create a threat to external validity. Such mobility can also create threats to the internal validity of conclusions from randomized trials. Researchers must decide how to deal with persons who leave study clusters during a trial (dropouts), persons and clusters that do not comply with an assigned intervention, and persons who enter clusters during a trial (late entrants), in addition to the persons who remain for the duration of a trial (stayers). Statistical techniques alone cannot solve the key issues of internal and external validity raised by the phenomenon of person mobility. This commentary presents a systematic, Campbellian-type analysis of person mobility in cluster–randomized cohort prevention trials. It describes four approaches for dealing with dropouts, late entrants and stayers with respect to data collection, analysis and generalizability. The questions at issue are: 1) From whom should data be collected at each wave of data collection? 2) Which cases should be included in the analyses of an intervention effect? and 3) To what populations can trial results be generalized? The conclusions lead to recommendations for the design and analysis of future cluster-randomized cohort prevention trials.
Detritus Fuels Ecosystem Metabolism but not Metazoan Food Webs in San Francisco Estuary's Freshwater Delta

Detritus from terrestrial ecosystems is the major source of organic matter in many streams, rivers, and estuaries, yet the role of detritus in supporting pelagic food webs is debated. We examined the importance of detritus to secondary productivity in the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Delta (California, United States), a large complex of tidal freshwater habitats. The Delta ecosystem has low primary productivity but large detrital inputs, so we hypothe- sized that detritus is the primary energy source fueling production in pelagic food webs. We assessed the sources, quantity, composition, and bioavailability of organic matter among a diversity of habitats (e.g., marsh sloughs, floodplains, tidal lakes, and deep river channels) over two years to test this hypothesis. Our results support the emerging principle that detritus dominates riverine and estuarine organic matter supply and supports the majority of ecosystem metabolism. Yet in contrast to prevailing ideas, we found that detritus was weakly coupled to the Delta's pelagic food web. Results from independent approaches showed that phytoplankton production was the dominant source of organic matter for the Delta's pelagic food web, even though primary production accounts for a small fraction of the Delta's organic matter supply. If these results are general, they suggest that the value of organic matter to higher trophic levels, including species targeted by programs of ecosystem restoration, is a function of phytoplankton production.
Color-Blind Racial Attitudes, Social Dominance Orientation, Racial- Ethnic Group Membership and College Students' Perceptions of Campus Climate

AbstractMethodParticipantsInstruments Assessment of Campus Climate for Underrepresented Groups (URG; Rankin, 2000)Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS; Neville et al., 2000)Social Dominance Orientation Scale (SDS; Sidanius & Pratto, 1999) ProcedureResultsPreliminary AnalysesDiscussion Graphics Table 1Table 2Table 3Table 4 Abstract Racial-ethnic group membership, color-blind racial attitudes (i.e., unawareness of racialprivilege, institutional discrimination, and blatant racial issues), and social dominanceorientation were used to predict perceptions of campus climate in general and speciﬁcally forpeople of color among a sample of 144 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students ata predominately White university. Results indicate that after controlling for racial-ethnicminority status, perceptions of “general campus climate” (GCC) and “racial-ethnic campusclimate” (RECC) are predicted by color-blind racial attitudes. Post hoc analyses indicated that Provided by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library
An Evidence-Based Approach to the Management of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Thomas Hodgkin reported the initial cases of this distinct malignant lymphoma in 1832. The term Hodgkin’s disease (HD) was used because of the uncertainty as to whether this entity was a tumor or an infection. Based on the evidence proving that the Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cell is a B cell, the term Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is the correct term, although physicians are reluctant to change to this terminology
Analytical and clinical performance characteristics of Hybritech's Tandem-R free PSA assay during a large multicenter clinical trial to determine the clinical utility of percentage of free prostate-specific antigen

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is present in serum in several forms, most importantly free PSA (FPSA) and PSA complexed to α1-antichymotrypsin (1)(2). These PSA forms are useful in assessing prostate disease (3)(4)(5). When PSA is >10 μg/L (ng/mL), the probability of prostate cancer is 50% (6); when PSA is between 4 and 10 μg/L, the probability of prostate cancer is 25%. Patients in the latter range are usually recommended for biopsy, but here the low specificity leads to many unnecessary biopsies. The percentage of FPSA (%FPSA) is used to enhance specificity. The relative proportion of FPSA in serum may range from 5% to 50% (7), but a lower %FPSA is associated with higher probability of prostate cancer (8). Published guidelines for the clinical use of %FPSA have been contradictory because of differences in assay systems and standardization, study designs, patient populations, and the number of subjects enrolled (9). A large well-controlled multicenter clinical trial was conducted to define a medically significant %FPSA cutpoint that would indicate the need for prostate biopsy. This report summarizes the assay performance from the largest clinical trial to date evaluating %FPSA in a patient population representative of those men in whom the test would be used in clinical practice. The data formed the basis for the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Hybritech’s free PSA assays. Detailed clinical performance characteristics have been presented previously (10). The objective of this clinical trial was twofold: to evaluate the performance of Hybritech’s Tandem®-R free PSA assay as it is routinely used in laboratories, and to identify a %FPSA cutpoint with a high rate of cancer detection (clinical sensitivity) while avoiding unnecessary biopsies in men without …
Low-power approach for decoding convolutional codes with adaptive Viterbi algorithm approximations

Significant power reduction can be achieved by exploiting real-time variation in system characteristics while decoding convolutional codes. The approach proposed herein adaptively approximates Viterbi decoding by varying truncation length and pruning threshold of the T-algorithm while employing trace-back memory management. Adaptation is performed according to variations in signal-to-noise ratio, code rate, and maximum acceptable bit error rate. Potential energy reduction of 70 to 97.5% compared to Viterbi decoding is demonstrated. The superiority of adaptive T-algorithm decoding compared to fixed T-algorithm decoding is studied. General conclusions about when applications can particularly benefit from this approach are given.
Preceptors for an introduction to clinical medicine course: needs of volunteer and full-time faculty

Recruiting clinicians to teach bedside skills is often a challenge for Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) course co-ordinations. Little data is available concerning what motivates a faculty to participate in these programmes. Better understanding of these factors might allow enhanced faculty involvement. We surveyed full-time and volunteer faculty as to what forces promote and hinder participation as preceptors for an ICM course. Results documented that both faculty groups found student interactions and teacher fulfillment their major reward, with little perceived academic or patient recognition. Personal time limitations was the greatest deterrent to particpation. Assessing faculty needs has allowed focused course changes and new activities to facilitate involvement.
Hybrid Meta Density Functional Theory Methods for Thermochemistry, Thermochemical Kinetics, and Noncovalent Interactions: The MPW1B95 and MPWB1K Models and Comparative Assessments for Hydrogen Bonding and van der Waals Interactions

Based on the modified Perdew and Wang exchange functional (MPW) and Becke's 1995 correlation functional (B95), we developed two hybrid meta density functional theory (HMDFT) methods, namely MPW1B95 and MPWB1K. In addition, based on the new X functional of Xin and Goddard, again combined with B95 correlation functional, we developed two other new HMDFT methods, X1B95 and XB1K. MPW1B95 and X1B95 were optimized against a representative database of six atomization energies (AE6). MPWB1K and XB1K were optimized against a kinetics database of three forward barrier heights, three reverse barrier heights, and three energies of reaction for the reactions in the BH6 representative barrier height database. We compared the newly developed methods to other HMDFT and hybrid DFT methods for atomization energies, ionization potentials, electron affinities, barrier heights, saddle point geometries, hydrogen bonding, and weak van der Waals weak interactions. In addition, we optimized scaling factors for calculating zero-po...
Advances in bone biology : The osteoclast

I. Introduction BONE is a dynamic tissue that constantly undergoes remodeling. Bone remodeling is a coupled process in which bone resorption is normally followed by new bone formation. During early life, bone formation exceeds bone resorption with a net increase in bone mass, while late in life, bone resorption exceeds bone formation with net loss of bone. During some pathological processes, such as in patients with advanced stages of multiple myeloma, bone remodeling is uncoupled, and bone resorption is not followed by new bone formation. The primary cell responsible for bone resorption is the multinucleated osteoclast. Although many questions still remain unanswered about the factors that regulate osteoclast formation and osteoclastic bone resorption, major advances have been made recently in our understanding of the cell biology and molecular biology of the osteoclast, as well as the role that the marrow microenvironment plays in regulating osteoclast formation and bone resorption.
Fast and dynamically reliable symplectic integration for solar system N-body problems

We apply one of the exactly symplectic integrators, that we call HB15, of \cite{HB15} to solve solar system $N$-body problems. We compare the method to Wisdom-Holman methods (WH), MERCURY, and others and find HB15 to have high efficiency. Unlike WH, HB15 solved $N$-body problems exhibiting close encounters with small, acceptable error, although frequent encounters slowed the code. Switching maps like MERCURY change between two methods and are not exactly symplectic. We carry out careful tests on their properties and suggest they must be used with caution. We use different integrators to solve a 3-body problem consisting of a binary planet orbiting a star. For all tested tolerances and time steps, MERCURY unbinds the binary after 0 to 25 years. However, in the solutions of HB15, a time-symmetric Hermite code, and a symplectic Yoshida method, the binary remains bound for $>1000$ years. The methods' solutions are qualitatively different, despite small errors in the first integrals in most cases. Several checks suggest the qualitative binary behavior of HB15's solution is correct. The Bulirsch-Stoer and Radau methods in the MERCURY package also unbind the binary before a time of 50 years.
Crowdsourcing for delivering research results to patients

Participatory research, where participants in research projects take an active role in research activities is an emerging trend that helps participants understand the long- term impact of research, reduces participant dropout rates, and shapes research for greater value to patients. One way to involve participants in research is to have them participate in making research results available to the general public. To learn about the feasibility of this approach, we conducted a study comparing crowdsourced medication warnings derived from research literature to expert-produced warnings derived from the same literature. Through a survey with 159 respondents, we learned that they mostly favored the expert-produced warnings, although for one set of warnings the respondents preferred the crowdsourced warnings in terms of how comprehensive they were. The study suggests that crowdsourcing techniques combined with expert supervision and input could provide reasonable ways for participants in clinical trials to be more active participants in the studies in which they participate.
Honeymoons and the Liability of Adolescence: A New Perspective on Duration Dependence in Social and Organizational Relationships

Many social relationships face a liability of adolescence; the hazard rate of the relationship ending increases for an initial period and then declines. The pervasiveness of this phenomenon suggests that there may be a common set of underlying factors. We believe that many relationships start with an initial stock of assets, which can take a variety of forms (depending on the context), including favorable prior beliefs, trust, goodwill, financial resources, or psychological commitment. We hypothesize that these assets reduce the risk of the relationship dissolving when the initial outcomes of the relationship are unfavorable, resulting in a honeymoon period. The duration of this honeymoon period is a function of the magnitude of these assets. We survey earlier results and report new analyses. For organizational theory, this model of duration dependence raises problems for Stinchcombe's (1965) liability of newness hypothesis, which is central to much theorizing on the population ecology of organizations. W...
Extension of the chiral low-density theorem

We show how the linear ``low-density theorem'' of Drukarev and Levin can be extended to arbitrary positive integer power of the baryon density $\ensuremath{\rho}$. The $n\mathrm{th}$ coefficient in the McLaurin expansion of the fermion condensate's $\ensuremath{\rho}$ dependence is the connected n-nucleon $\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ term matrix element. We calculate the $O({\ensuremath{\rho}}^{2})$ coefficient in lowest-order perturbative approximation to the linear \ensuremath{\sigma} model and then show how this and other terms can be iterated to arbitrarily high order. Convergence radius of the result is discussed.
Analysis of Formation of the Critical State in Tensile Failure of Unidirectional Composites

Unidirectional (UD) composites are building blocks in most load bearing structural components for lightweight applications in aerospace, automotive and wind energy industries. The loss of the structural load bearing capacity is governed by the instability of the fiber breakage process in the UD composites. When subjected to increasing or repeated tensile loading along fiber direction, the first failure event within these composites occurs as discrete fibers break at weak points followed by fiber/matrix debonding due to high stress concentration caused by fiber breaks. Upon further loading, or on repeated loading, more fiber breaks occur along with other accumulated damage events such as debond growth and matrix cracking. Final failure of a UD composite occurs when a critical fracture plane is formed by interconnecting individual broken fibers and associated debonding through matrix cracking. This failure process has emerged from numerous experimental studies, which also suggest that the critical fracture plane contains only a small number of broken fibers for commonly used composites such as glass/epoxy and carbon/epoxy. However, the mechanisms underlying the critical fracture plane formation are not clear. As the first step to clarify the creation of a critical fracture plane, the conditions for connectivity of a broken fiber end with neighboring broken fibers is studied in this work. In order to investigate the local stress field surrounding the broken fiber, a finite element (FE) model is constructed in which six neighboring fibers are placed as a ring of concentric axisymmetric cylinder embedded in the matrix. The discrete fiber region is surrounded by a concentric outer cylinder ring of homogenized composite. The entire FE model is subjected to axial tensile loading. To account for the consequence of the stress enhancement at the broken fiber end, a debond crack at the fiber/matrix interface extending a short distance from the fiber end is included in the analysis. Realizing that the debond crack by itself would not connect with other fiber failures, focus of the stress and failure analysis is placed on deviation of the debond crack laterally into the matrix. For this purpose, matrix cracking in two possible modes — ductile and brittle — is considered, Energy based criteria are used to study the competition between the cracking modes and the crack path into the matrix from the end of debond to the neighboring fibers is determined. Next the failure of the neighboring fibers caused by the intense stress field accompanying the matrix cracks is studied. The conditions for generating a plane connecting the initially broken fiber end to subsequent fiber failures are finally determined. Further ongoing studies are aimed at clarifying the limiting conditions for avoiding the fiber failure criticality, and thereby improving the load bearing capacity of UD composites. The statistical considerations regarding fiber failure will also be incorporated in these studies.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
"Globalization" and "Localization"——About Cultural Correspondence in the Process of English Popularization

With the cultural "globalization" as the background,the trend of English popularization in China is obvious to all.While English plays a positive role in the society,its characteristics of "language hegemony" to a certain extent and the following western culture begin to assault the traditional Chinese language and national culture as well.Those issues of how to correctly understand the phenomenon of English popularization and the harmony in "globalization" and "localization",so as to seek the unification of language and culture,become the important subjects for the English teaching researches.
Epidemiology of Syphilis in Sichuan,2005-2014

Objective To provide scientific proofs for making the following preventive and control measures by epidemiological analysis of syphilis in Sichuan province during 2005-2014. Methods The analysis was conducted on the data of syphilis epidemic situation and population during 2005-2014,which were obtained from Information System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Results The reported cases of syphilis increased from 7365 in 2005 to 23163 in 2014. The reported incidence increased from 8. 99 /105 in 2005 to 28. 57 /105 in 2014. Among different types of syphilis,latent syphilis became to be the predominant type,which was highest both in terms of total numbers and proportion. The male-to-female ratio decreased from 1. 43:1 in 2005 to 0. 83:1 in 2014. The number of female reported cases had been more than the male since 2009 and the female incidence had been higher than the male. The disease mainly occurred in people aged 20-39 years. The reported case in age group of ≥60 showed rapid growth,with an average annual growth rate of 27. 49%. Occupation distributed widely among the cumulative reported cases,but the most reported cases were farmers. Conclusion Epidemic status of syphilis in Sichuan is on a rising trend,suggesting that screening,infectious surveillance,effective behavioral intervention and the standard treatment should be comprehensively enhanced to prevent the further spreading.
Holocene Event 3 and Ancient Cultural Transition

Holocene event 3 represents the 4.2 ka BP cold event,firstly defined by Bond et al.in 1997.Since then,more and more ice cores,marine sediments,lacustrine sediments,stalagmites,and peats have been used as proxies to show the paleoclimatic variations at about 4.2 ka BP.Although the Holocene event 3 is an abrupt worldwide climate change stage,the regional humidity response to the cold event is different from place to place: dry in low and middle latitudes in the North Hemisphere,and wet in the South Hemisphere and high latitudes in the North Hemisphere.This cold/dry or cold/wet climate fluctuation may be the main reason of the collapse of the Old Kingdom in Nile River,Akkadian empire in Mesopotamia,urban Harappan civilization in Indus valley,and Neolithic cultures in China.The weak solar activity is the main mechanism of this cold and dry event in most part of the low and middle latitudes in North Hemisphere.It causes the sea surface temperature,thermohaline circulation and monsoon decreasing,and Intertropical Convergence Zone southward moving.
Regulation of the Glial Na+-Dependent Glutamate Transporters by Cyclic AMP Analogs and Neurons

Sodium-dependent transport into astrocytes is critical for maintaining the extracellular concentrations of glutamate below toxic levels in the central nervous system. In this study, the expression of the glial glutamate transporters GLT-1 and GLAST was studied in primary cultures derived from cortical tissue. In primary astrocytes, GLAST protein levels were approximately one half of those observed in cortical tissue, but GLT-1 protein was present at very low levels compared with cortical tissue. Maintenance of these astrocytes in medium supplemented with dibutyryl-cAMP (dbcAMP) caused a dramatic change in cell morphology, increased GLT-1 and GLAST mRNA levels ≈5-fold, increased GLAST protein ≈2-fold, and increased GLT-1 protein ≥8–20-fold. These increases in protein expression were accompanied by 2-fold increases in the V max and K m values for Na+-dependentl-[3H]glutamate transport activity. Although GLT-1 is sensitive to inhibition by dihydrokainate in heterologous expression systems, no dihydrokainate sensitivity was observed in astrocyte cultures that expressed GLT-1. Biotinylation with a membrane-impermeant reagent, separation of the biotinylated/cell surface proteins, and subsequent Western blotting demonstrated that both GLT-1 and GLAST were present at the cell surface. Coculturing of astrocytes with neurons also induced expression of GLT-1, which colocalized with the glial specific marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein. Neurons induced a small increase in GLAST protein. Several studies were performed to examine the mechanism by which neurons regulate expression of the glial transporters. Three different protein kinase A (PKA) antagonists did not block the effect of neurons on glial expression of GLT-1 protein, but the addition of dbcAMP to mixed cultures of neurons and astrocytes did not cause GLT-1 protein to increase further. This suggests that neurons do not regulate GLT-1 by activation of PKA but that neurons and dbcAMP regulate GLT-1 protein through convergent pathways. As was observed with GLT-1, the increases in GLAST protein observed in cocultures were not blocked by PKA antagonists, but unlike GLT-1, the addition of dbcAMP to mixed cultures of neurons and astrocytes caused GLAST protein to increase ≈2-fold. Neurons separated from astrocytes with a semipermeable membrane increased GLT-1 protein, indicating that the effect of neurons was mediated by a diffusible molecule. Treatment of cocultures with high concentrations of either N -methyl-d-aspartate or glutamate killed the neurons, caused GLT-1 protein to decrease, and caused GLAST protein to increase. These studies suggest that GLT-1 and GLAST protein are regulated independently in astrocyte cultures and that a diffusible molecule secreted by neurons induces expression of GLT-1 in astrocytes.
Dissolution of cholesterol gallstones in vitro. Gallstone matrix content and diameter, not cholesterol content, predict gallstone dissolution in monooctanoin.

Abstract The goal of this study was to identify the structural and compositional features of human gallstones that influence in vitro gallstone dissolution in the cholesterol solvent monooctanoin. Gallstones were obtained from 86 consecutive patients who had at least three morphologically similar stones. One stone from each patient was dissolved in ethanol/ether to determine cholesterol and matrix composition. The remaining two matched stones were dissolved in either monooctanoin plus ethanol (n = 86) or monooctanain plus 2-mercaptoethanol (n = 86). The thiol reducing agent 2-mercaptoethanol has been previously shown to solubilize the isolated gallstone matrix and to accelerate the dissolution of intact, small cholesterol stones. Stone matrix content and initial diameter had the most significant predictive value for stone dissolution (p
Novel methods of time-resolved fluorescence data analysis for in-vivo tissue characterization: application to atherosclerosis

This study investigates the ability of new analytical methods of time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TR-LIFS) data to characterize tissue in-vivo, such as the composition of atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques. A total of 73 TR-LIFS measurements were taken in-vivo from the aorta of 8 rabbits, and subsequently analyzed using the Laguerre deconvolution technique. The investigated spots were classified as normal aorta, thin or thick lesions, and lesions rich in either collagen or macrophages/foam-cells. Different linear and nonlinear classification algorithms (linear discriminant analysis, stepwise linear discriminant analysis, principal component analysis, and feedforward neural networks) were developed using spectral and TR features (ratios of intensity values and Laguerre expansion coefficients, respectively). Normal intima and thin lesions were discriminated from thick lesions (sensitivity >90%, specificity 100%) using only spectral features. However, both spectral and time-resolved features were necessary to discriminate thick lesions rich in collagen from thick lesions rich in foam cells (sensitivity >85%, specificity >93%), and thin lesions rich in foam cells from normal aorta and thin lesions rich in collagen (sensitivity >85%, specificity >94%). Based on these findings, we believe that TR-LIFS information derived from the Laguerre expansion coefficients can provide a valuable additional dimension for in-vivo tissue characterization.
Right-Sided Obstructive Lesions

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is one of the most common cyanotic cardiac defects, accounting for about 3–5 % of all congenital cardiac disease, with an estimated incidence of 0.2–0.8 per 100 live births (Apitz et al. 2009). Niels Stensen first described it in 1671 with its physiology refined later by Etienne-Louis Fallot in 1888. In 1924, Maude Abbott coined the term tetralogy of Fallot based on the four classic lesions that make up the disease
Overcoming the Inertia of Multiplexity: Managing Leadership Successions in Family Firms

This paper explores how organizations overcome the inertia of multiplexity as they manage role transitions during organizational change. Extant research in organizations and strategy have emphasize...
Brain Networks Involved in Learning and Teaching

This chapter will discuss brain regions involved in learning and teaching, mainly including attention and self-control networks (e.g., anterior cingulate and adjacent prefrontal cortex, parietal cortex, striatum), memory networks (e.g., hippocampus, parietal cortex), emotion networks (e.g., prefrontal cortex, amygdala), reward and habit networks (e.g., striatum), and social and self-referential networks (e.g., midline brain regions, insula). This chapter will also discuss how these networks interact and support the dynamic processing of learning and teaching processing.
Antibody-mediated neutralization of soluble MIC significantly enhances CTLA4 blockade therapy

Antibody therapy targeting cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) elicited survival benefits in cancer patients; however, the overall response rate is limited. In addition, anti-CTLA4 antibody therapy induces a high rate of immune-related adverse events. The underlying factors that may influence anti-CTLA4 antibody therapy are not well defined. We report the impact of a cancer-derived immune modulator, the human-soluble natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) ligand sMIC (soluble major histocompatibility complex I chain–related molecule), on the therapeutic outcome of anti-CTLA4 antibody using an MIC transgenic spontaneous TRAMP (transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate)/MIC tumor model. Unexpectedly, animals with elevated serum sMIC (sMIChi) responded poorly to anti-CTLA4 antibody therapy, with significantly shortened survival due to increased lung metastasis. These sMIChi animals also developed colitis in response to anti-CTLA4 antibody therapy. Coadministration of an sMIC-neutralizing monoclonal antibody with the anti-CTLA4 antibody alleviated treatment-induced colitis in sMIChi animals and generated a cooperative antitumor therapeutic effect by synergistically augmenting innate and adoptive antitumor immune responses. Our findings imply that a new combination therapy could improve the clinical response to anti-CTLA4 antibody therapy. Our findings also suggest that prescreening cancer patients for serum sMIC may help in selecting candidates who will elicit a better response to anti-CTLA4 antibody therapy.
Factor Of Safety In Design Of Timber Structures

Use of near-minimum values for conversion factors making further reduction for unforeseen conditions to indicate near-minimum factor of safety of 1-1/4 to 1-1/2; factors in strength and use can be combined into one frequency distribution that shows range of true factor of safety; most probable values of factor of safety in timber design are in range of 2 to 2-1/2.
Gene fishing: The use of a simple protocol to isolate multiple homeodomain classes from diverse invertebrate taxa

Abstract Comparison of relevant gene sequence and functional data is central to understanding the evolution of metazoan development. The conservation of portions of regulatory genes, such as homeoboxes, allows for the design of PCR-based sequence isolation and amplification strategies. Here we describe a simple protocol that uses a degenerate primer pair to isolate a variety of homeobox-containing genes from diverse metazoan taxa. In a nonexhaustive survey, we have isolated 28 gene sequence fragments from 15 taxa, representing eight invertebrate phyla (Mollusca, Echiura, Annelida, Platyhelminth, Acoela, Ctenophora, Cnidaria, and Porifera). Based on BLAST and parsimony analyses, these gene fragments affiliate with several gene groups (PAIRED-like, HOX, and ParaHOX) and several single genes, including pancreas/duodenum homeoboxes (Pdx), empty spiracles (ems/Emx), gastrulation brain homeoboxes (Gbx), hematopoietically expressed homeoboxes (HEX), brain specific homeobox (bsh/BarH1/BarH2), NK-1 (NK-1/s59/slouch), and ladybird (Lbl/Lbe/Lbx). In several cases, these fragments represent the first reported orthologue for the phylum or superphyletic group (i.e., Lophotrochozoa).
Context-dependent accountability strategies to improve the transfer of training: A proposed theoretical model and research propositions

Abstract The transfer of training continues to be a primary concern for organizations, yet important gaps in the literature remain. Thus, we extend recent work by Tews and Burke-Smalley (in press), which integrates accountability concepts from Schlenker (1997), along with Yelon and Ford's (1999) context-dependent transfer approach, to create a theoretical model and specific research propositions to help guide the field forward. We suggest that an accountability approach to training transfer, which simultaneously considers relevant work-context dimensions (e.g., skill type and supervision type) can be used to adopt appropriate accountability strategies that enhance trainees' transfer of learning back to their jobs. More specifically, by targeting variables that promote accountability – trainees' role clarity, ownership perceptions, and perceived control over their learning transfer – our work provides a useful theoretical model to guide scholars and practitioners in order to facilitate transfer in different workplace contexts. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.
Small-aperture array processing for passive multi-target angle of arrival estimation.

Small aperture arrays (size less than a wavelength) can be used for passive angle of arrival (AOA) estimation of both broadband and narrowband signals in the frequency domain. Phase differences across the array are measured in the frequency domain and can be spectrally averaged if desired for stationary source AOA and frequencies. The array is capable of measuring multiple target AOAs so long as each target produces unique frequencies or radiates in unique frequency bandwidths. Broadband and narrowband signals from targets can be collected from the fast Fourier transform (FFT) bins and summed by arrival angle in elevation and azimuth using a bearing histogram where the amplitude is displayed in dB. This provides a very useful and intuitive display of received signal levels. The Cramer–Rao lower bound (CRLB) for bearing accuracy is presented as a function of frequency, aperture, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The small aperture background noise includes any other coherent or incoherent signal other than ...
Exploring the Efficacy of Platinum and Palladium Nanostructures for Organic Molecule Detection via Raman Spectroscopy

Noble transition metals, like palladium (Pd) and platinum (Pt), have been well-known for their excellent catalytic and electrochemical properties. However, they have been considered non-active for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). In this work, we explore the scattering contributions of Pd and Pt for the detection of organic molecules. The Pd and Pt nanostructures were synthesized on silicon substrate using a modified galvanic displacement method. The results show Pt nanoparticles and dendritic Pd nanostructures with controlled density and size. The influence of surfactants, including sodium dodecyl sulfate and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, on the size and morphology of the nanostructures was investigated. The Pd and Pt nanostructures with a combination of large size and high density were then used to explore their applicability for the detection of 10−5 M Rhodamine 6G and 10−2 M paraoxon.