cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Grief, unresolved grief: and depression

For examination of relationships between grief, unresolved grief, and depression, 211 subjects completed questionnaires designed to measure grief, identify unresolved grief, and measure depression. Fourteen percent of the study population showed evidence of unresolved grief. This group was younger, less likely to have attended the funeral, and more depressed than the resolved-grief group. Depression is likely to be more severe with unresolved grief, which tends to persist once present. The results are discussed in relation to the relevant literature.
Errata-Correction to Optimal Control of an M/M/S Queueing System

Correction to Szarkowicz, D. S., T. W. Knowles. 1985. Optimal control of an M/M/S queueing system. Opns. Res.33 644-660.
Extracorporeal liver support based on primary human liver cells and albumin dialysis--treatment of a patient with primary graft non-function.

Abstract Methods : Following liver transplantation, a 26-year old female suffered from primary non-function of the transplant. The patient was subsequently treated with a modular extracorporeal liver support concept until a suitable organ became available. A bioreactor was charged with human liver cells, obtained from a discarded cadaveric graft (470 g, viability: 60%). The bioreactor was integrated into an extracorporeal circuit with continuous single pass albumin dialysis and continuous veno-venuous hemodiafiltration for detoxification and fluid reduction. Results : Over the total system application time of 79 h, a significant reduction of the plasma levels of total bilirubin (21.1 mg/dl at start, 10.1 mg/dl at end of therapy) and ammonia (100 versus 22.7 μmol/l) was achieved. During treatment the patient's neurological status significantly improved from coma stage IV to I permitting extubation. Recovery of kidney function with a urine output of 1325 ml/24 h compared to 45 ml/24 h prior to system application, was noted. Over the treatment period, an improvement of coagulation status was observed. Adverse events were absent. Conclusions : This first successful clinical treatment of a patient with liver failure suggests that a modular approach combining both primary human liver cell bioreactor technology and detoxification methods is promising.
Involvement of oxidative stress-induced abnormalities in ceramide and cholesterol metabolism in brain aging and Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related disorder characterized by deposition of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) and degeneration of neurons in brain regions such as the hippocampus, resulting in progressive cognitive dysfunction. The pathogenesis of AD is tightly linked to Aβ deposition and oxidative stress, but it remains unclear as to how these factors result in neuronal dysfunction and death. We report alterations in sphingolipid and cholesterol metabolism during normal brain aging and in the brains of AD patients that result in accumulation of long-chain ceramides and cholesterol. Membrane-associated oxidative stress occurs in association with the lipid alterations, and exposure of hippocampal neurons to Aβ induces membrane oxidative stress and the accumulation of ceramide species and cholesterol. Treatment of neurons with α-tocopherol or an inhibitor of sphingomyelin synthesis prevents accumulation of ceramides and cholesterol and protects them against death induced by Aβ. Our findings suggest a sequence of events in the pathogenesis of AD in which Aβ induces membrane-associated oxidative stress, resulting in perturbed ceramide and cholesterol metabolism which, in turn, triggers a neurodegenerative cascade that leads to clinical disease.
Uneasy unions : Quality effects of rye chromatin transfers to wheat

Abstract A number of genes of agronomic importance have been transferred from rye (Secale cereale L.) to its close relative, common bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L). Largely through the production of interspecific chromosomal translocation and substitution lines, rye chromatin now resides within the genome of a large number of wheat breeding lines and cultivars. Rye chromosomal materials have been used to transfer resistance genes to fungal pathogens, especially rusts and powdery mildew, resistance to insect pests, and, in some cases, may enhance grain yield, grain yield stability, and grain protein content. Unfortunately, the transfer of some rye chromosomal materials has resulted in deleterious effects on grain processing quality. This report reviews the use of various wheat-rye chromosomal translocations and substitutions in wheat breeding programs, examines the nature of the observed quality defects, and speculates as to their causes and possible means by which the quality effects might be ameliorated.
Enhancing the superconducting temperature of MgB2 by SWCNT dilution

We report, for the first time, an increase in the superconducting critical temperature, TC of commercial ‘‘dirty’’ MgB2 by a nonsubstitutional hole-doping of the MgB2 structure using minute, single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) inclusions. We varied the SWCNTs concentration from 0.05 wt% to 5 wt% and investigated the temperature-dependent resistivity from 10 K to 300 K. We used micro-Raman spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction to analyze the interfacial interactions between the SWCNTs and the MgB2 grains. We obtained an increase in TC from 33.0 to 37.8 K (DT þ C ¼ 4:8 K), which is attributed to charge transfer from the MgB2 structure to the SWCNT structure. The charge transfer phenomenon is confirmed by micro-Raman analysis of the phonon states of the SWCNT tangential band frequency in the composites. We determined the charge transfer per carbon atom to be 0.0023/C, 0.0018/C and 0.0008/C for 0.05 wt%, 0.5 wt% and 5 wt% SWCNT inclusions, respectively, taking into account the contributions from the softening of the lattice constant and the nonadiabatic (dynamic) effects at the Fermi level. This report provides an experimental, alternative pathway to hole-doping of MgB2 without appealing to chemical substitution.
OECD/NEA BENCHMARK FOR UNCERTAINTY ANALYSIS IN MODELING (UAM) FOR LWRS - SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION OF NEUTRONICS CASES (PHASE I)

A Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) benchmark for Uncertainty Analysis in Modeling (UAM) is defined in order to facilitate the development and validation of available uncertainty analysis and sensitivity analysis methods for best-estimate Light water Reactor (LWR) design and safety calculations. The benchmark has been named the OECD/NEA UAM-LWR benchmark, and has been divided into three phases each of which focuses on a different portion of the uncertainty propagation in LWR multi-physics and multi-scale analysis. Several different reactor cases are modeled at various phases of a reactor calculation. This paper discusses Phase I, known as the “Neutronics Phase”, which is devoted mostly to the propagation of nuclear data (cross-section) uncertainty throughout steady-state stand-alone neutronics core calculations. Three reactor systems (for which design, operation and measured data are available) are rigorously studied in this benchmark: Peach Bottom Unit 2 BWR, Three Mile Island Unit 1 PWR, and VVER-1000 Kozloduy-6/Kalinin-3. Additional measured data is analyzed such as the KRITZ LEU criticality experiments and the SNEAK-7A and 7B experiments of the Karlsruhe Fast Critical Facility. Analyzed results include the top five neutronnuclide reactions, which contribute the most to the prediction uncertainty in keff, as well as the uncertainty in key parameters of neutronics analysis such as microscopic and macroscopic cross-sections, six-group decay constants, assembly discontinuity factors, and axial and radial core power distributions. Conclusions are drawn regarding where further studies should be done to reduce uncertainties in key nuclide reaction uncertainties (i.e.: 238U radiative capture and inelastic scattering (n, n’) as well as the average number of neutrons released per fission event of 239Pu).
Magnetic-Field-Gradient-Coil System for Solid-State MAS and Cramps NMR Imaging

Abstract The idea of combining cylindrical coils for producing a longitudinal gradient with respect to the MAS axis with quadrupole (straight wire) magnetic-field-gradient coils for producing two transverse gradients for 3D MAS and CRAMPS imaging has been demonstrated. A modified set of a double Maxwell pair and two sets of quadrupole (eight-wire) coils were combined in a compact way and adapted for a 5 mm MAS rotor, achieving gradients of high efficiency (4.3 and 2.9 G/cm A for longitudinal and transverse coils, respectively), low inductance (3.5 and 1.9 μH, respectively), and very good linearity(1%). A 60 μm spatial resolution in a TREV-CRAMPS imaging experiment on solid polyethylene oxide was demonstrated; gradient pulses of 12 μs duration were generated by applying currents of 2.3 and 1.5 A to longitudinal and transverse coils, respectively. This magnetic-field-gradient-coil configuration could also be applied in other areas of NMR where time-dependent gradients are required.
Mechanisms for persistence of acute and chronic feline calicivirus infections in the face of vaccination

The study was concerned with possible reasons for the persistence of both acute and chronic feline calicivirus (FCV)-induced disease and sustained oral carriage in the field in the face of routine FCV immunization. It was concluded from this study that: 1) the original FCV-F9 strain, which is the basis of most live vaccines, still generates cross-reactive antibodies against almost all field strains in California, 2) vaccine strains derived from FCV-F9 may not be as broadly cross-protective as the parent strain, 3) whole inactivated FCV-2280 vaccine evokes high virus neutralizing antibody titers with an equally broad spectrum of cross-reactivity as FCV-F9, 4) all vaccine strains of FCV cause acute disease signs and protracted oral shedding when administered orally, 5) strains isolated from the mouth five to ten weeks following oral inoculation can differ from parental virus, usually appearing more vaccine resistant, 6) cats previously infected with field or vaccine strains develop much less severe acute illness when subsequently infected with heterologous FCV strains but are not protected against the chronic carrier state. Therefore, the persistence of FCV in the field cannot be explained solely by the emergence of vaccine resistant strains and vaccine virus itself may contribute to both acute and chronic infection and disease.
Phosphorylation of Grainy head by ERK is essential for wound-dependent regeneration but not for development of an epidermal barrier

Grainy head (GRH) is a key transcription factor responsible for epidermal barrier formation and repair, whose function is highly conserved across diverse animal species. However, it is not known how GRH function is reactivated to repair differentiated epidermal barriers after wounding. Here, we show that GRH is directly regulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, which is required for wound-dependent expression of GRH target genes in epidermal cells. Serine 91 is the principal residue in GRH that is phosphorylated by ERK. Although mutations of the ERK phosphorylation sites in GRH do not impair its DNA binding function, the ERK sites in GRH are required to activate Dopa decarboxylase (Ddc) and misshapen (msn) epidermal wound enhancers as well as functional regeneration of an epidermal barrier upon wounding. This result indicates that the phosphorylation sites are essential for damaged epidermal barrier repair. However, GRH with mutant ERK phosphorylation sites can still promote barrier formation during embryonic epidermal development, suggesting that ERK sites are dispensable for the GRH function in establishing epidermal barrier integrity. These results provide mechanistic insight into how tissue repair can be initiated by posttranslational modification of a key transcription factor that normally mediates the developmental generation of that tissue.
Recent Developments in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The introduction of biologic response modifiers has revolutionized treatment approaches in rheumatoid arthritis. The ideal treatment approach to induce remission and minimize joint destruction is y...
Mercury-proton spin-spin coupling constants of some methylmercury compounds

Abstract The 199 Hg 1 H spin-spin coupling constants for methylmercury salts of 36 organic acids, CH 3 HgX (where X = OR − , SR − or OOCR − , were determined. A linear relationship between the coupling constants and the p K 's of the monobasic parent acids was found. The magnitudes of the coupling constants are dependent on the type of basic site, decreasing in the order CH 3 HgOR > CH 3 HgOOR > CH 3 HgSR, i.e. , with increasing covalent character of the HgX bond. The anomalous behavior of some dibasic acid salts is discussed.
Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) evaluation of crystal and plaque formation associated with biocorrosion.

The biofilm attributed to Desulfovibrio vulgaris growing in the presence of ferrous metals was examined with an environmental scanning electron microscope. This novel microscope produced images of iron sulfide colloids and other iron containing structures that had not been reported previously. A plaque composed of iron sulfide enveloped the surface of the corroding metal while crystals containing magnesium, iron, sulfur, and phosphorus were present in the culture where corrosion was in progress. A structure resembling the tubercule found in aerobic corrosion was observed on stainless steel undergoing biocorrosion and the elements present in this structure included sulfur, iron, chloride, calcium, potassium, and chromium. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Carotid body chemoreceptor and ventilatory responses to sustained hypoxia and hypercapnia in the cat

To understand the role of carotid chemoreceptor activity in the ventilatory responses to sustained hypoxia (30 min) the following measurements were made in cats anesthetized with alpha-chloralose: (1) carotid chemoreceptor and ventilatory responses to isocapnic hypoxia and to hypercapnia during hyperoxia; (2) carotid chemoreceptor responses to isocapnic hypoxia after dopamine receptor blockade; and (3) ventilatory responses to hypoxia after bilateral section of carotid sinus nerves (CSN). Transition to hypoxia (PaO2 approximately equal to 52 Torr) from hyperoxia gradually increased carotid chemoreceptor activity by ten fold and ventilation by two fold without any detectable overshoot. Termination of isocapnic hypoxia with hyperoxia (PaO2 greater than 300 Torr) at 30 min promptly restored the carotid chemoreceptor activity to prehypoxic level. Ventilation also decreased promptly, but remained above the control value. Induction of hypercapnia (from 31.8 Torr to 43.9 Torr) during hyperoxia was followed by a prompt increase in the chemoreceptor activity by four fold which subsequently diminished, and by a gradual four fold increase in ventilation. Termination of hypercapnia after 30 min was followed by a prompt return of chemoreceptor activity and by a slow return of ventilation to near control levels. Dopamine receptor blockade increased carotid chemoreceptor responsiveness to acute hypoxia but did not alter the response pattern during sustained hypoxia. After bilateral CSN section, ventilation decreased during maintained hypoxia. Thus, a stimulatory peripheral and inhibitory central effects of hypoxia could produce a biphasic ventilatory response to short-term hypoxia in the anesthetized cat with intact CSN but did not manifest it. The results suggest that the chemosensory input not only promptly stimulates ventilation but also prevents the subsequent depressant effect of hypoxia on the brain-stem respiratory mechanisms and hence presumably a biphasic ventilatory response in the anesthetized cat.
An Experimental and Computational Investigation of n-Dodecane Ignition and Chemical Kinetics

Understanding combustion chemistry for long chain n-alkanes is important for improving the predictive understanding of these important hydrocarbons. This work focuses on computational and experimental investigations of n-dodecane (n-C12H26) reaction kinetics over a range of temperatures and pressures. New ignition data were acquired at low temperatures (750-800 K), moderate pressures (3.25 atm) and approximately stoichiometric equivalence ratios in the University of Michigan rapid compression facility (UM RCF). Modifications to the reaction mechanism for n-dodecane developed by Westbrook et al. 14 were explored for predicting ignition delay times for the UM RCF data and high temperature shock tube data in the literature. The computational and experimental results show that n-dodecane ignition is highly sensitive to temperature and pressure conditions, as well as reactant mixture composition, and that the new experimental data are in the negative temperature coefficent region. The computational studies further show that the negative temperature coefficient region shifts to higher temperatures as pressures increase and that n-dodecane ignition shows distinct characteristics of two-staged ignition at the lower temperatures and pressures studied.
Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Cortical Development through Early Childhood in Autism

Cross-sectional MRI studies have long hypothesized that the brain in children with autism undergoes an abnormal growth trajectory that includes a period of early overgrowth; however this has never been confirmed by a longitudinal study. We carried out the first longitudinal study of brain growth in toddlers at the time symptoms of autism are becoming clinically apparent utilizing structural MRI scans at multiple time points beginning at 1.5 years up to 5 years of age. We collected 193 scans on 41 toddlers who received a confirmed diagnosis of Autistic Disorder at ~48 months of age and 44 typically developing controls. By 2.5 years of age, both cerebral gray and white matter was significantly enlarged in toddlers with Autistic Disorder, with the most severe enlargement occurring in frontal, temporal and cingulate cortices. In the longitudinal analyses, which we accounted for age and gender effect, we found that all regions (cerebral gray, cerebral white, frontal gray, temporal gray, cingulate gray, and parietal gray) except occipital gray developed at an abnormal growth rate in toddlers with Autistic Disorder that was mainly characterized by a quadratic age effect. Females with Autistic Disorder displayed a more pronounced abnormal growth profile in more brain regions than males with the disorder. Given that overgrowth clearly begins before 2 years of age, future longitudinal studies would benefit from inclusion of even younger populations as well as further characterization of genetic and other biomarkers in order to determine the underlying neuropathological processes causing the onset of autistic symptoms.
Low‐altitude distribution of radiation belt electrons

[1] A numerical simulation of the low-altitude electron radiation belt is described. It includes dependences on the electrons' bounce and drift phases, equatorial pitch angle, and kinetic energy in the range of ∼1 to several MeV at L = 3.5. Physical processes in addition to the adiabatic electron motion are pitch angle diffusion and backscattering from a realistic model atmosphere. Quasi-linear diffusion coefficients are calculated from a model of the whistler mode plasmaspheric hiss wave intensity. Comparisons of the simulation results with electron data from a low-altitude satellite show that the model accounts for the main features of the electron spatial distribution during selected periods of differing geomagnetic activity.
Prognosis in schizophrenia: the role of premorbid, social class, and demographic factors.

This study explored the relative prognostic significance of seven premorbid factors derived from case history ratings and a set of demographic variables for a sample of schizophrenic patients (N = 259). The prognostic significance of a number of indicators varied as a function of the social class of the patient. Multiple regression analyses indicated that the case history factors were more powerful in predicting a patient's outcome than were the demographic factors.
Residual Weed Control with Imazapic, Diclosulam, and Flumioxazin in Southeastern Peanut (Arachis hypogaea)

Abstract Imazapic, diclosulam, and flumioxazin have been registered for use in peanut since 1996. These herbicides provide substantial residual control of broadleaf weeds in peanut. A comprehensive...
Mortar Properties Obtained by Dry Premixing of Cementitious Materials and Sand in a Spout-Fluid Bed Mixer

This study examines the efficacy of a pneumatic, dry premixing process for producing commercially acceptable, ternary-blend mortars, using less cementitious material. Data are presented comparing flowability, compressive and flexural strengths, drying shrinkage, and pore size distribution in the mortars using dry, premixed material with that prepared conventionally in a small-scale, high-shear, rotary mixer. A second generation, spout-fluid bed mixer was developed for dry premixing of sand and cementitious materials which is capable of being scaled to industrial size. This advance provides uniform particle distribution, improves the particle packing density leading to more reproducible mixes, and produces mortars equivalent to those produced with high shear, rotary mixers. Dry premixing allowed the production of commercially acceptable ternary-blend mortars using less cementitious material. At a sand-to-binder ratio of 3.2:1, the compressive strength of the dry premixed mortars was about 10% higher than that of the small-scale, high shear, rotary mixed mortars of the same composition. Other properties of the mortar were also positively affected, including a decrease in the shrinkage, and an increase in the workability.
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis recA intein can be used in an ORFTRAP to select for open reading frames.

The DNA repair protein RecA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis contains an intein, a self-splicing protein element. We have employed this Mtu recA intein to create a selection system for successful intein splicing by inserting it into a kanamycin-resistance gene so that functional antibiotic resistance can only be restored upon protein splicing. We then proceeded to develop an ORFTRAP, i.e., a selection system for the cloning of open reading frames (ORFs). The ORFTRAP exploits the self-splicing properties of inteins (which depend on full-length in-frame translation of a precursor protein) by allowing protein splicing to occur when DNA fragments encoding ORFs are inserted into the Mtu recA intein, whereas DNA fragments containing non-ORFs are selected against. Regions of the Mtu recA intein that tolerate the insertion of additional amino acids were identified by Bgl II linker scanning mutagenesis, and a respective construct was chosen as the ORFTRAP. To test the maximum insert size that could be cloned into ORFTRAP, DNA fragments of increasing length from the Listeria monocytogenes hly gene as well as a genomic library of Haemophilus influenzae were inserted and it was found that the longest permissive inserts were 425 bp and 251 bp, respectively. The H. influenzae ORFTRAP library also demonstrated the strength (strong selection power) and weakness (insertion of very small fragments) of the system. Further modifications should make the ORFTRAP useful for protein expression, epitope mapping, and antigen screening.
Modular design of non-viral vectors with bioactive components

Inefficient gene delivery continues to limit gene therapy applications to both basic and applied sciences. Approaches for engineering vectors increasingly include bioactive components that bind cellular receptors, disrupt membranes, or enhance nuclear transport. Recently, a novel cationic lipid was developed by modifying the glucocorticoid dexamethasone. This cationic corticosteroid condenses plasmids for gene delivery, while also modulating inflammation. Modular vectors containing bioactive components that target various cellular processes can overcome the barriers limiting gene transfer.
Reflections on George F. Kennan: An American Life

Nine experts on Cold War history offer commentaries about John Lewis Gaddis's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of George F. Kennan, the first head of the U.S. State Department's Policy Planning Staff. The commentators come from several countries and offer a wide range of perspectives about Gaddis's George F. Kennan: An American Life, published by Penguin Books in 2011. Although most of the commentators express highly favorable assessments of the book, they also raise numerous points of criticism. Two of the commentators, Barton J. Bernstein and Anders Stephanson, present extended critiques of Gaddis's biography. The forum concludes with a reply by Gaddis to all the commentaries, especially those by Bernstein and Stephanson.
Transient responses of budding yeast populations

Abstract The unequal-division model for budding yeast is used to formulate a population-balance model for the transient behavior of populations of these organisms. The model consists of linear partial differential equations coupled through algebraic equations. It is shown how the solution of this system of equations can be obtained in a systematic stepwise fashion. The special case of a population subjected to a step change in growth rate is described in some detail, and solutions for two special cases are determined for transients following an age-distribution perturbation. It is shown how experimental data on transient behavior of a cell population can yield information on single-cell mass-synthesis kinetics and on the manner in which individual cells control certain critical parameters in the cell cycle.
Comparative studies of the microwave nonlinearities in high temperature superconducting films and devices

Abstract We have studied nonlinear, power-dependent, behavior of high temperature superconducting thin films, transmission lines, and resonators. Here we present measurements of a material-dependent parameter, the scaling current density J 0 , which represents the influence of a current-dependent penetration depth on harmonic generation and intermodulation products. Four different measurement techniques were employed, and we show excellent agreement between them. The values of J 0 are typically greater than 10 7 A/cm 2 at 76 K.
A study on interdependencies of cyber-power networks in smart grid applications

A cyber-power system, a type of cyber-physical system, contains two interconnected infrastructures: a power network and a cyber network. The cyber network monitors, protects and controls the power network. Without the cyber network, the power network cannot operate efficiently or reliably. This paper studies the cyber-power interdependencies in smart grids and categorizes four types of interdependencies between cyber and power networks. The proposed classification permits the assessment of adverse effects of cyber network failures on the power network's operation. Two applications of cyber-power systems, automated substations and micro grids, are discussed in this paper, and certain cyber-power interdependencies are listed as examples.
Student Teaching Feedback and Evaluation: Results From a Seven-State Survey

Recent surveys have provided some guidance and recommendations for the student teaching component in early childhood teacher preparation, but specific information on the focus of supervision and evaluation of student teachers is limited. The current study surveyed 128 early childhood programs in 2- and 4-year institutions of higher education across seven states. The study collected data in areas such as which students receive feedback, how students are supervised and evaluated, and what types of assessment tools contribute to the evaluation. Results indicate that across 2- and 4-year institutions, language and literacy are a strong focus of feedback for student teachers, as well as child development, planning, and adult–child interactions. Student teachers are typically supervised through on-site visits that range in number and length fairly dramatically across 2- and 4-year institutions. Finally, the use of specific tools for evaluation varies across programs; about a quarter of programs surveyed use a p...
Unbiased Estimation of Intrinsic Permeability With Cumulants Beyond the Lognormal Assumption

The usual practice is to transform intrinsic-permeability data with logarithms to get a linear relation with porosity. Such transformations are known to produce undesired effects in 3D geocellular-models (i.e., smoothing data, elimination of extreme values, and biased estimates). Ideally, logarithms of data may lead to Gaussian distributions, which are easily handled by classical spatial statistics and linear collocated-cokriging. The exponential model from back-transformed linear regression "underestimates" permeability. If the lognormal assumption is not met, a second order correction may "overestimate" permeability. Transformations of permeability data may uncover the fact that a truly non-Gaussian statistical distribution cannot be avoided, and this brings complications to the modeling of permeability. Shortcomings of transforms for non-Gaussian cases may affect the quality of reservoir models tor history match forcing to the use of arbitrary Multipliers. Systematically biased flow predictions might be avoided by proper modeling of flow parameters including intrinsic permeability. Truly non-Gaussian modeling of permeability is developed in this paper to find a solution to these problems. The analysis starts by linking the exponential model to power transformations from Taylor series. Residual-terms (RTs) are introduced for correct back-transformation of estimates. An advanced result, for the truly non-Gaussian case, is that the RTs take the form of numerical higher order cumulants and not moments. RTs represent the contribution of spatial heterogeneous components that Occur when spatial permeability varies beyond a pair-wise covariance or variogram. Results in this paper show that "higher-order cumulants" improve permeability estimates significantly in rocks with large dispersion of values dominated by higher permeabilities (e.g., shaley sands and laminated grainstone carbonates). This study has proposed new ways for spatial modeling of permeability, avoiding under or overestimations, and the proposed approach provides the basis for the use of cumulants for spatial higher-order estimation.
Processing and properties of relaxor ferroelectric PNN-PT perovskite ceramics

Abstract Relaxor-type ferroelectric perovskites, (1-x)PNN · xPT, were prepared through process of heat treatment and then acid treatment of oxide mixtures containing PbO in amount greater than in the perovskite composition. For obtaining the perovskites without formation of pyrochlore phase, it was essential that the amount of PbO is in excess of the mixtures 5PbO+(1-x)NiO+(1-x)Nb2O5+3xTiO2 and heating temperature is 1000°C or more. In the PNN-PT system, morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) from rhombohedral to tetragonal symmetry was observed near x=0.3. The ceramics exhibited very high dielectric constant and high electrostriction near the MPB composition. The electrostriction was almost twice higher than that of well-known PMN-PT ceramics. (PNN: Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3, PT: PbTiO3, PMN: Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3)
Enumeration of Hamiltonian cycles in certain generalized Petersen graphs

Abstract The generalized Petersen graph P ( n , k ) has vertex set V ={ u 0 , u 1 , …, u n −1 , v 0 , v 1 , …, v n −1 } and edge set E ={ u i u i +1 , u i v i , v i v i + k ∥ for 0≤ i ≤ n −1 with indices taken modulo n }. The classification of the Hamiltonicity of generalized Petersen graphs was begun by Watkins, continued by Bondy and Bannai, and completed by Alspach. We now determine the precise number of Hamiltonian cycles present in each of the graphs P ( n , 2). This more detailed information allows us to identify an infinite family of counterexamples to a conjecture of Greenwell and Kronk who had suggested a relation between uniquely 3-edge-colorable cubic graphs and the number of Hamiltonian cycles present.
JCD's Special Section on School Violence: Reactions and Thoughts of a Counselor.

Over the last 2 decades, counselors have found themselves increasingly pulled to the forefront of an effort to find effective means to confront the challenge of school violence. In this brief opinion piece, the author comments on the contributions being made by the counseling field, exemplified in the 6 articles of the special section, and how these contributions are leading to the creation of proactive approaches that are more effective than the reactive approaches still used by many school systems.
On the Existence of Towers in Pseudo-Tree Algebras

A tower in a Boolean algebra (BA) is a strictly increasing sequence, of regular order type, of elements of the algebra different from 1 but with sum 1. A pseudo-tree is a partially ordered set T such that the set T↓t = {s ∈ T:s < t} is linearly ordered for every t ∈ T. If that set is well-ordered, then T is a tree. For any pseudo-tree T, the BA Treealg(T) is the algebra of subsets of T generated by all of the sets T↑t = {s ∈ T:t ≤ s}. The main theorem of this note is a characterization in tree terms of when Treealg(T) has a tower of order type κ (given in advance).
A randomized trial comparing two approaches to weight loss: differences in weight loss maintenance.

This study compared treatment outcomes for a new weight loss program that emphasized reducing unhealthy relationships with food, body image dissatisfaction, and internalized weight bias (New Perspectives) to a weight loss program that emphasizes environmental modification and habit formation and disruption (Transforming Your Life). Fifty-nine overweight and obese adults (body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either a 12-week New Perspectives or Transforming Your Life intervention. Despite equivalent outcomes at the end of treatment, the Transforming Your Life participants were significantly more effective at maintaining their weight loss than New Perspectives participants during the 6-month no-treatment follow-up period.
CMOS-Compatible Through Silicon Vias for 3D Process Integration

As the limits of traditional CMOS scaling are approached, process integration has become increasingly difficult and resulting in a diminished rate of performance improvement over time. Consequently, the search for new two- and three- dimensional sub-system solutions has been pursued. One such solution is a silicon carrier-based System-on-Package (SOP) that enables high-density interconnection of heterogeneous die beyond current first level packaging densities. Silicon carrier packaging contains through silicon vias (TSV), fine pitch Cu wiring and high-density solder pads/joins, all of which are compatible with traditional semiconductor methods and tools. These same technology elements, especially the through silicon via process, also enable three dimensional stacking and integration. An approach to fabricating electrical through-vias in silicon is described, featuring annular-shaped vias instead of the more conventional cylindrical via. This difference enables large-area, uniform arrays to be produced with high yield as it is simpler to integrate into a conventional CMOS back-end-of-line (BEOL) process flow. Furthermore, the CTE-matched silicon core provides improved mechanical stability and the dimensions of the annular via allows for metallization by various means including copper electroplating or CVD tungsten deposition. An annular metal conductor process flow will be described. Through-via resistance measurements of 50, 90, and 150μm deep tungsten-filled annular vias will be compared. Two silicon carrier test vehicle designs, containing more than 2,200 and 9,600 electrical through-vias, respectively, were built to determine process yield and uniformity of via resistance. Through silicon via resistances range from 15-40 mΩ, and yields in excess of 99.99% have been demonstrated.
A national survey of U.S. pharmacists in 2000: assessing nonresponse bias of a survey methodology.

The first objective of this study was to assess the existence of nonresponse bias to a national survey of licensed pharmacists conducted in 2000. Three methods were used to assess nonresponse bias. The second objective of the study was to examine reasons why sampled licensed pharmacists did not respond to the national survey of licensed pharmacists. We used data from 2204 respondents to a national survey of pharmacists and from 521 respondents to a survey of nonrespondents to the national survey. We made comparisons between respondents for 5 variables: employment status, gender, age, highest academic degree, and year of initial licensure. Chi-square tests were used to examine differences in the 5 variables between respondents to the first mailing and second mailing of the survey, early and late respondents to the survey, and respondents to the survey and respondents to the nonrespondent survey. There were no significant differences between first mailing and second mailing respondents, but there were differences in each variable except year of licensure between early and late respondents. These differences likely were due to regional bias possibly related to differences in mailing times. There were differences between respondents and nonrespondents in terms of employment status and year of licensure. The main reasons for not responding to the survey were that it was too long or that it was too intrusive. Overall, the survey methodology resulted in a valid sample of licensed pharmacists. Nonresponse bias should be assessed by surveying nonrespondents. Future surveys of pharmacists should consider the length of the survey and the address where it is sent.
Relative performance and implicit incentives in the intergroup prisoner’s dilemma

Abstract This paper illustrates how the payoff matrices of the single group Prisoner’s Dilemma (PD) and the Intergroup Prisoner’s Dilemma (IPD) differentially reinforce cooperation when participants care about relative performance. Examples of particular payoff patterns and thought experiments using a computational simulation demonstrate that withholding cooperation is not always the dominant strategy in the IPD. In the intergroup structure, three conditions differentially reinforce cooperation. When competing groups have equal numbers of cooperators, withholding cooperation is always the dominant strategy just as in the single group structure. In contrast, when one group has more cooperators than the other group, cooperation by its members can dominate withholding cooperation by members of the other group. Thus, the relative advantage of one group over another increases the payoff for cooperation in some configurations of the IPD over the payoff in the PD. Relative payoff is thus an untheorized variable motivating cooperation in the IPD.
Unified computational model for static and dynamic frictional contact analysis

A new computational model for the analysis of friction phenomena is presented in this work. The model is a regularized form of the Coulomb friction law, which stems from the analogy of friction and plasticity phenomena. The basic difference from the classical plasticity is the non-linear form of both the normal and the tangential elastic compliance. The numerical implementation of the model is also discussed. The methodology presented herein is used for the analysis of both dynamic and quasi-static problems. The dynamic substructuring and the static condensation are used to enhance the computational efficiency.
Development of adrenal zonation in fetal rats defined by expression of aldosterone synthase and 11β-hydroxylase

The adult rat adrenal cortex is comprised of three concentric steroidogenic zones that are morphologically and functionally distinguishable: the zona glomerulosa, zona intermedia, and the zona fasciculata/reticularis. Expression of the zone-specific steroidogenic enzymes, cytochrome P450 aldosterone synthase (P450aldo), and P450 11beta hydroxylase (P45011beta), produced by the zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata/reticularis, respectively, can be used to define the adrenal cortical cell phenotype of these two zones. In this study, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to determine the ontogeny of expression of P450aldo and P45011beta to monitor the pattern of development of the rat adrenal cortex. RIA was used to measure adrenal content of aldosterone and corticosterone, the resulting products of the two enzymatic pathways. Double immunofluorescent staining for both enzymes at gestational day 16 (E16) showed P45011beta protein expressed in cells distributed throughout most of the adrenal intermixed with a separate, but smaller, population of cells expressing P450aldo protein. Whereas expression of P45011beta protein retained a similar pattern of distribution from E16 to adulthood (ignoring distribution of SA-1 positive, presumptive medullary cells), P450aldo protein changed its pattern of distribution by E19, becoming localized in a discontinuous ring of cells adjacent to the capsule. By postnatal day 1, P450aldo protein distribution was similar to that observed in adult glands; P450aldo-positive cells formed a continuous zone underlying the capsule. In situ hybridization showed that the pattern of P45011beta messenger RNA expression paralleled protein expression at all times, whereas P450aldo messenger RNA paralleled protein at E19 and after, but was undetectable before E19. However, adrenal aldosterone and corticosterone, as measured by RIA, were detected by E16, supporting the functional capacity of both phenotypes for all ages studied. These data suggest that the development of the adrenal zona glomerulosa occurs in two distinct phases; initial expression of the glomerulosa phenotype in scattered cells of the inner cortex before E17, followed by a change in distribution to the outer cortex between E17 and E19. It is hypothesized that this change in distribution occurs via cell differentiation, rather than cell migration, and that a possible regulator of these events is the fetal renin-angiotensin system.
The explicit solution of the unnormalized conditional probability equation of a one-dimensional linear system

Abstract The unnormalized conditional probability equation of a one-dimensional linear system is solved by using the Lie algebra associated with the system. The explicit form of the conditional probability with arbitrary initial distribution is obtained.
Retirement Migration Decision Making The Integration of Geographic, Social, and Economic Preferences

This study examines the relative influence of a large number of characteristics of places on the migration decision making of a sample of persons in the age group in which persons will be considering retirement migration. An experimental design is used in which persons judge the desirability of migrating to hypothetical locations that vary in climate, terrain, closeness to family, and a number of other attributes. The findings show the relative importance given to 10 attributes of destinations and the distribution of preferred levels of each attribute when subjects rate the attractiveness of destinations described by multiple attributes.
Shear Buckling of Anti-Symmetric Cross Ply Rectangular Plates

Abstract This paper deals with buckling of anti-symmetric cross ply, simply supported rectangular flat plates under shear loads. The effects of the Young's moduli ratios and the number of layers for these plates which exhibit bending-stretching coupling are examined. The linearized equilibrium and compatibility differential equations for buckling are solved, using the Galerkin procedure, by assuming a double sine series for the out-of-plane displacement. Both the symmetric and anti-symmetric buckling modes are considered. The asymmetric nature of the initial post buckling problem is demonstrated by the existence of a non-zero cubic term of the potential energy within the context of Koiter's theory of elastic stability.
Self-Control and Substance Use Among College Students

Gottfredson and Hirschi's self-control theory has generated considerable academic interest and become one of the most influential theories of the past 20 years. The current study seeks to confirm and extend this line of research by examining the generality of self-control across several forms of substance use: binge drinking, marijuana use, prescription drug misuse, and other illicit drug use. Data were collected from a sample of more than 1,000 undergraduate students attending a public university in the United States. Findings indicate that students with low self-control were at greater risk for reporting binge drinking, marijuana use, and prescription drug misuse. Further analysis indicates that the influence of self-control on substance use is moderated by opportunity and peer influence. That is, self-control was significantly correlated to binge drinking and marijuana use when students reported greater opportunity to use and also when they reported substance use by their friends. Language: en
Quantitative analysis of messenger RNA abundance for ribosomal protein L-15, cyclophilin-A, phosphoglycerokinase, β-glucuronidase, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, β-actin, and histone H2A during bovine oocyte maturation and early embryogenesis in vitro

Real-time reverse transcription PCR has greatly improved the ease and sensitivity of quantitative gene expression studies. However, measurement of gene expression generally requires selection of a valid reference (housekeeping gene) for data normalization to compensate for inherent variations. Given the dynamic nature of early embryonic development, application of this technology to studies of oocyte and early embryonic development is further complicated due to limited amounts of starting material and a paucity of information on constitutively expressed genes for data normalization. We have validated quantitative procedures for real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of mRNA abundance during bovine meiotic maturation and early embryogenesis and utilized this technology to determine temporal changes in mRNA abundance for ribosomal protein L-15, cyclophilin-A, phosphoglycerokinase, beta-glucuronidase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, beta-actin, and histone H2A. Quantification of amounts of specific exogenous RNAs added to samples revealed acceptable rates of RNA recovery and efficiency of reverse transcription with minimal variation. Progression of bovine oocytes to metaphase II resulted in reduced abundance of polyadenylated, but not total transcripts for majority of above genes; however phosphoglycerokinase exhibited a significant decline in both RNA populations. Abundance of mRNAs for above genes in early embryos generally remained low until the blastocyst stage, but abundance of ribosomal protein L-15 mRNA was increased at the morula stage and histone H2A mRNA showed dynamic changes prior to embryonic genome activation. Results demonstrate a valid approach for quantitative analysis of mRNA abundance in oocytes and embryos, but do not support constitutive expression of above genes during early embryonic development.