cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Modeling of Failure Processes in the Skeleton

The mechanics of femoral and vertebral fractures associated with osteoporosis was studied using the finite element method. Three-dimensional continuum models were developed to predict the internal stresses as a function of material and geometric parameters. The model of the proximal femur demonstrates that osteoporotic bone loss results in a disproportionate increase in traumatic fracture risk over spontaneous fracture risk. The failure mechanism suggested by the model concurs with clinical observations. The model of the vertebral body demonstrates the importance of geometry on the internal stresses and thus on the risk of spontaneous compression fractures.
Comment on a paper by Tahara on the finite subgroups of $GL(3,Z)$

Tahara [1] has concretely determined the conjugate classes of finite subgroups of GL (3, Z ). The group W 5 in his list of groups of order 24 is in fact of order 12 and consists of the same matrices as the group W 6 in his list of groups order 12. Hence, there are only 10 conjugate classes of subgroups of order 24 in GL (3, Z ) and the total number of conjugate classes of finite subgroups is reduced to 73.
The Mad Ways of Meiosis

Reproductive cells that are destined to become sperm or egg undergo meiotic division during which the chromosome number is halved. As Sluder and McCollum explain in their Perspective, new findings ( Shonn et al.) in yeast show that there is a spindle checkpoint that operates during meiosis to ensure that an equal number of replicated chromosomes arrives at each pole of the cell. One of the components of this meiotic spindle checkpoint turns out to be Mad2, which gives the signal to halt meiosis if it looks like unequal chromosome segregation is taking place.
Regime Type, Peace, and Reciprocal Effects†

Objectives This study explores potential reciprocity in the relationship of democracy with peace. In the decade since introduction of a potential causal role for conflict relative to regime type in the 1990s, a number of theoretical and empirical advances have been made. These steps forward include an innovative statistical technique for estimating multiple equations with categorical dependent variables. Methods We use a system of equations to explore the reciprocal relationship. In our statistical model, we employ a variety of new independent variables and novel measurements of established independent variables that have emerged in the conflict processes literature. Results We find that the reciprocal relationship between conflict and regime type is sustained as a theoretically and empirically valid way to think about these two concepts. Conclusions Our results support the idea that reciprocity should find a place within the continuing trajectory of the neo-Kantian research program.
Abstract 18842: Point of Care Testing Overestimates INR in CF-LVAD Patients

Background: Long-term anticoagulation therapy with warfarin is used in pts. with continuous-flow LVAD (CF-LVAD) to minimize the occurrence of thromboembolic events. Patient self-testing (PST) of INR with home monitoring devices has been shown to improve time within therapeutic INR range as well as patient satisfaction in other settings. However, PST devices have never been tested in pts. with CF-LVADs. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of PST devices in patients supported with CF-LVADs. Methods: A correlation study was performed in 50 CF-LVAD pts. who were on stable warfarin therapy for a minimum of 3 weeks. Simultaneous INR values were determined from capillary whole blood samples using the Alere home monitoring PST device and venous blood samples processed in the core laboratory at a large volume CF-LVAD center. Hematocrit, liver function tests, TSH, and amiodarone use were also recorded on patients due to their propensity to affect warfarin metabolism and INR results. Results: Fifty LVAD pts with a mean age of 60 (±14) years were included in the study. Forty-one (82%) were male, and the mean time on CF-LVAD support at the time of INR measurement was 12 months, ranging from 1 to 56 months. There was a moderate correlation between the venous and capillary INR values with a correlation coefficient of 0.83 (r 2 =0.68, p Conclusion: Point of care testing with Alere consistently overestimates INR when compared to conventional laboratory testing in CF-LVAD patients. While our data requires large scale validation, similar results have been reported with point of care testing in other patient populations. Once validated, failure to adjust for this difference may lead to unintentional subterapeutic INR.
Is Social Justice a Form of Statecraft

ThisarticleconsiderstheethicsofH.TristramEngelhardtinordertoscrutinizeone exampleofwhatotherwiseseemstobearobustrefusalofstatecraft.Engelhardt’s attempttounitefamiliarcritiquesofthemoderndisdainfortraditionwithan extendedaccountofasecularethicbasedonnon-coercionhasstrucksomeascurious ifnotcontradictoryandimpossible.BylookinginparticularatEngelhardt’sobjections totheconceptofsocialjustice,Iidentifysomeflawsthatremaininhisaccountby lookingatissuesrelatedtotheethicsofinfanticide.IconcludethatEngelhardt underestimatestheplasticnatureofpoliticaldiscourseinmorallydiversesocietiesand gesturetowardamoreimaginativepoliticalexistenceforChristiansinsuchsocieties that arises from their refusal of statecraft.
Holomorphy without supersymmetry in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory

The anomalous dimensions of dimension-six operators in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) respect holomorphy to a large extent. The holomorphy conditions are reminiscent of supersymmetry, even though the SMEFT is not a supersymmetric theory.
Predictions of NOx emissions in pulverized coal combustion.

The purpose of this research work was to develop a transferable mathematically simple model which gives the possibility to make fast and easy predictions regarding the NOx emission behavior of a broad–spectrum of coals within a certain combustion environment. In this context, this thesis is a further step of a common ongoing investigation focused on predicting NOx emissions from self–sustaining, pulverized coal combustion in dry bottom firing systems. A comprehensive literature research focused on already published NOx prediction approaches from scientific publications based on fundamental quantitative relationships or empirical algorithms and statistical relationships was also carried out in this context. This research concentrated on three specific areas which were found to constitute a major gap in the knowledge of NOx formation in industrial full–scale applications: the fuel properties; the dependence of furnace geometry factors; and the specific operating conditions. The developed model shows a strong statistical significance with a coefficient of determination of 0.9876 and a standard error of 28 mg / m³ STPdry at 6 % O2 based on 142 observations coming from 28 utility boilers. Direct comparisons between model history and observations reported by other researchers have also shown very good conformities. For that background, this thesis form a good basis for identifying individual factors which contributes to system related NOx emissions in order to investigate how variations in the process parameters affect the emission level. Perhaps, as contribution to the understanding of NOx formation during coal combustion what is still an imperfectly understood phenomenon, or as basis for possible process optimization which might find application on pulverized coal–fired boilers to make the world a little bit more green.
Disjoint (s, t)‐cuts in a network

Consider a graph having distinguished vertices s and t, and a nonnegative, real-valued cost associated with each edge. This paper considers variations on the problem of finding k pairwise-disjoint (s, t)-cuts of minimum total cost. For k = 1, this problem is a version of the well-known minimum-cut problem from network-flow theory and, thus, is solvable in polynomial time. The main result of this paper is that for arbitrary k, the problem can be formulated as a specially structured transshipment problem and, thus, is solvable in polynomial time.
HYBRID NANOMATERIALS FOR MULTI-SPECTRAL INFRARED PHOTODETECTION

Quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs) using quantum dots (QDs) grown by strained-layer epitaxy have demonstrated low dark current, multi-spectral response, high operating temperature, and infrared (IR) imaging. However, achieving near room-temperature, multi-spectral operation is a challenge due to randomness in QD properties. The ability to control dopant incorporation is important since charge carrier occupation influences dark current and IR spectral response. In this work, dopant incorporation is investigated in two classes of QDs; epitaxial InAs/GaAs QDs and CdSe colloidal QDs (CQDs) embedded in MEH-PPV conducting polymers. The long-term goal of this work is to combine these hybrid nanomaterials in a single device heterostructure to enable multi-spectral IR photodetection. Two important results towards this goal are discussed. First, by temperature-dependent dark current-voltage and polarization-dependent Fourier transform IR spectroscopy measurements in InAs/GaAs QDIPs featuring different doping schemes, we have provided experimental evidence for the important contribution of thermally-activated, defect-assisted, sequential resonant tunneling. Second, the enhanced quantum confinement and electron localization in the conduction band of CdSe/MEH-PPV nanocomposites enable intraband transitions in the mid-IR at room temperature. Further, by controlling the semiconductor substrate material, doping type, and doping level on which these nanocomposites are deposited, the intraband IR response can be tuned.
Re‐analysis of meta‐analysis: support for the stress‐gradient hypothesis

Summary 1 Using meta-analysis, Maestre et al. (2005, Journal of Ecology, 93, 748–757) recently rejected the predictions of the stress-gradient hypothesis for arid and semi-arid environments in entirety. It was concluded that neither positive nor negative effects of neighbours increased with abiotic stress and that different theoretical models are now needed. 2 In light of this sweeping conclusion, we re-examined the analytical approach and explored the general synthetic power of meta-analysis. 3 Detailed statistical re-analyses demonstrated that some of the meta-analyses of Maestre et al. were robust. However, more rigorous data selection criteria, changing gradient lengths between studies and covariance in response effects did not support their original conclusions. Additionally, application of more rigorous data selection criteria did allow us to detect a significant and consistent positive effect of neighbours, which suggests that facilitation is important at many points along stress gradients. 4 Careful evaluation of the studies used by Maestre et al. also revealed serious limitations. Many studies included in the meta-analyses were not conducted along stress gradients, did not identify a stress gradient within the study, focused on invasive species or were not peer reviewed. Most importantly, however, gradient lengths were not quantified and appeared to differ dramatically among studies. This crucial source of variation was not accounted for statistically nor in the interpretations. 5 Meta-analyses are useful tools for synthesis and description but are inherently limited by the appropriateness of the data selected. Unfortunately, in this particular instance, the data available to and selected by Maestre et al. did not adequately test the stress-gradient hypothesis and cannot thus reject its value for understanding the organization of plant communities in arid systems. 6 The ecological implication of our synthesis is that meta-analytical summary statistics may not always tell the whole story. Alternative interpretations of differences in effect sizes (or lack thereof) are possible because studies will vary in their ability to test specific predictions of a hypothesis, and furthermore, a certain level of judgement is required to infer the relative importance of certain ideas to synthetic progress within a discipline.
Artery-only occlusion may provide superior renal preservation during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES Artery-only occlusion (AO) has been used during nephron-sparing surgery to reduce ischemic damage. However, this has not been demonstrated in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). We compared our experience with AO and both artery and vein occlusion (AV) in LPN to optimize the method of ischemia. METHODS This retrospective case-control study identified 25 patients who underwent AO during LPN and matched them to a cohort of 53 patients who underwent LPN with AV. The groups were compared for ischemia time, blood loss, transfusion rate, and renal function. RESULTS The 2 cohorts were comparable on demographic data. Blood loss was similar, with AO and AV demonstrating equivalent transfusion rates. The 2 cohorts had similar warm ischemia times. Positive margin rate was not affected by venous backflow in the AO cohort (0% AO vs 1.9% AV, P = .679). No significant postoperative change in creatinine (Cr) or creatinine clearance (CrCl) was seen for AO; however, a significant change in Cr and CrCl was seen in AV. CONCLUSIONS AO during LPN does not lead to a greater blood loss or an increased warm ischemia time. The benefit of AO on renal function is significant and requires further investigation.
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Nerve Regeneration

The role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (V.I.P.) in nerve regeneration was investigated by assessing the changes in immunoreactive V.I.P. levels in rat sciatic nerves following injury and repair. 60 rats were divided into three surgical groups and one control group: In group I (primary repair), sciatic nerves were divided and immediately repaired; in group II (secondary repair), sciatic nerves were divided and repaired two weeks later; in group III (no repair), sciatic nerves were divided and not repaired; and in group IV (controls), sciatic nerves were exposed but not divided. Animals were sacrificed at three days and at weekly intervals. Their sciatic nerves were extracted and assayed for V.I.P. concentrations by a specific radioimmunoassay. The mean V.I.P. concentration varied between 22 and 46 pg./mg. protein in the control nerves and between 60 and 529 pg./mg. protein in all other groups. In the three surgical groups the levels were significantly higher in proximal than in distal stumps. Following nerve injury, there was an increase in V.I.P. concentration in the injured and repaired areas. This increase was greater in injured non-repaired areas and was highest in the first 48 hours, but continued during regeneration. The accumulation of V.I.P. in divided nerves occurred in response to nerve injury.
Early Caries Imaging and Monitoring with Near-Infrared Light

Enamel is highly transparent in the near infrared (NIR); therefore, this region of the electromagnetic spectrum is suited ideally for the development of new optical diagnostic tools for the detection and imaging of early dental caries. This article discusses the NIR optical properties of sound and demineralized dental enamel and the potential use of polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography and NIR transillumination for the imaging of dental caries.
Diabetes Prone BB Rats are Severely Deficient in Natural Killer T Cells

Diabetes prone (DP) BB rats develop spontaneous autoimmune hyperglycemia. Coisogenic diabetes resistant (DR) BB rats develop diabetes in response to immunological and environmental perturbants, but not spontaneously. Both are used to model human insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Deficiencies in natural killer (NK) T cells have been implicated in the expression of human IDDM, but little is known of their phenotype or function in the rat. We now report that the phenotype of NK T cells in the rat is αβTcR +CD8+CD4-, comparable to the NK T cell phenotype reported for humans, which is αβTcR+CD4 Vα24-JαQ, and either CD8 or CD8αα+. We also report that DP- but not DR-BB rats are severely deficient in splenic and intrahepatic NKR-P1+ αβTcR+ (NK T) cells. Because RT6+ T cells are deficient in DP-BB rats, and because depletion of cells expressing RT6 induces IDDM in DR-BB rats, we studied NK T cells for expression of this antigen. We observed that the majority of rat NK T cells express RT6. In addition, in...
Graphs of Unitary Matrices and Positive Semidefinite Zero Forcing

The possible zero/nonzero patterns of unitary matrices are of interest in quantum evolution and the study of quantum systems on graphs. In particular, a quantum random walk can be defined on a directed graph if and only if that graph is associated with a unitary matrix pattern. We propose positive semidefinite zero forcing as a way to determine whether there exists a unitary matrix with a given zero/nonzero pattern. We show that zero forcing is a better criterion than strong quadrangularity of the pattern and prove that an n -by-n pattern supports a unitary matrix if and only if its positive semidefinite zero forcing number equals n for n ≤ 5.
Stationary Networks and Transmission Lines Along Uniformly Rotating Reference Frames

This paper represents the first of a series of studies on the physical and mathematical analysis of the steady-state stability of conventional and long-distance transmission systems as influenced by the presence of voltage regulators and other control devices. As a first step attention is restricted to the transmission line as a component part of the over-all system and practical equivalent circuits are established for its representation, when the connected synchronous machines oscillate. For that purpose the basic equations of stationary networks are set up when viewed from uniformly rotating reference frames. An isolated inductor and capacitor, then a transformer, and finally a transmission line are used as examples. Their equations viewed from a simultaneously rotating and oscillating reference frame are given in reference 1.
A Controlled Evaluation of Family Behavior Therapy in Concurrent Child Neglect and Drug Abuse

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 50% of child protective service (CPS) referrals abuse drugs; yet, existing treatment studies in this population have been limited to case examinations. Therefore, a family-based behavioral therapy was evaluated in mothers referred from CPS for child neglect and drug abuse utilizing a controlled experimental design. METHOD: Seventy-two mothers evidencing drug abuse or dependence and child neglect were randomly assigned to family behavior therapy (FBT) or treatment as usual (TAU). Participants were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 10 months postrandomization. RESULTS: As hypothesized, intent-to-treat repeated measures analyses revealed mothers referred for child neglect not due to their children being exposed to illicit drugs demonstrated better outcomes in child maltreatment potential from baseline to 6- and 10-month postrandomization assessments when assigned to FBT, as compared with TAU mothers and FBT mothers who were referred due to child drug exposure. Similar results occurred for hard drug use from baseline to 6 and 10 months postrandomization. However, TAU mothers referred due to child drug exposure were also found to decrease their hard drug use more than TAU mothers of non-drug-exposed children and FBT mothers of drug-exposed children at 6 and 10 months postrandomization. Although effect sizes for mothers assigned to FBT were slightly larger for marijuana use than TAU (medium vs. large), these differences were not statistically significant. Specific to secondary outcomes, mothers in FBT, relative to TAU, increased time employed from baseline to 6 and 10 months postrandomization. Mothers in FBT, compared to TAU, also decreased HIV risk from baseline to 6 months postrandomization. There were no differences in outcome between FBT and TAU for number of days children were in CPS custody and alcohol intoxication, although FBT mothers demonstrated marginal decreases (p =.058) in incarceration from baseline to 6 months postrandomization relative to TAU mothers. CONCLUSION: Family-based behavioral treatment programs offer promise in mothers who have been reported to CPS for concurrent substance abuse and child neglect of their children. However, continued intervention development in this population is very much needed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Transfer in pieces

The theoretical perspective outlined here offers an alternative to explanations of knowledge transfer that posit its source in the construction and application of abstract, context-independent knowledge structures. A case study analysis of an undergraduate student's attempt to solve a series of problems related to an elementary statistical principle revealed how she came to see problems initially thought to be different as alike, as she slowly came to identify different problems as instances of a single principle. Microgenetic analysis of the data supports diSessa's (1993) knowledge-in-pieces epistemology, which suggests that complex conceptual understanding is supported by the systematization of many different types of knowledge resources, often highly sensitive to context. A "transfer-in-pieces" approach demonstrates how means of attending to (reading out) and coordinating information available in particular instances may vary as a single mathematical principle is perceived as relevant in different cont...
Efficient and effective algorithms for training single-hidden-layer neural networks

Recently there have been renewed interests in single-hidden-layer neural networks (SHLNNs). This is due to its powerful modeling ability as well as the existence of some efficient learning algorithms. A prominent example of such algorithms is extreme learning machine (ELM), which assigns random values to the lower-layer weights. While ELM can be trained efficiently, it requires many more hidden units than is typically needed by the conventional neural networks to achieve matched classification accuracy. The use of a large number of hidden units translates to significantly increased test time, which is more valuable than training time in practice. In this paper, we propose a series of new efficient learning algorithms for SHLNNs. Our algorithms exploit both the structure of SHLNNs and the gradient information over all training epochs, and update the weights in the direction along which the overall square error is reduced the most. Experiments on the MNIST handwritten digit recognition task and the MAGIC gamma telescope dataset show that the algorithms proposed in this paper obtain significantly better classification accuracy than ELM when the same number of hidden units is used. For obtaining the same classification accuracy, our best algorithm requires only 1/16 of the model size and thus approximately 1/16 of test time compared with ELM. This huge advantage is gained at the expense of 5 times or less the training cost incurred by the ELM training.
Stochastic reduced order models for uncertainty quantification of intergranular corrosion rates

Abstract We present a stochastic reduced order model (SROM) approach for quantifying uncertainty in systems undergoing corrosion. A SROM is a simple random element with a small number of samples that approximates the statistics of another target random element. The parameters of a SROM are selected through an optimization problem. SROMs can be used to propagate uncertainty through a mathematical model of a corroding system in the same way as in Monte Carlo methods. We use SROMs to estimate the statistics of corrosion current density, considering randomness in anode–cathode sizes. We compare the performance of SROMs against the more common Monte-Carlo approach.
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors in human leukocytes

A 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor macromolecule was detected in peripheral mononuclear leukocytes from normal humans. This macromolecule was found to be present in monocytes but absent from normal resting peripheral B and T lymphocytes. However, it was present in established lines of malignant B, T, and non-B, non-T human lymphocytes, as well as in T and B lymphocytes obtained from normal humans and activated in vitro.
An Exonic Splicing Silencer Is Involved in the Regulated Splicing of Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase mRNA

The inhibition of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) expression by arachidonic acid occurs by changes in the rate of pre-mRNA splicing. Here, we have identified a cis-acting RNA element required for regulated splicing of G6PD mRNA. Using transfection of G6PD RNA reporter constructs into rat hepatocytes, the cis-acting RNA element involved in this regulation was localized to nucleotides 43-72 of exon 12 in the G6PD mRNA. In in vitro splicing assays, RNA substrates containing exon 12 were not spliced. In contrast, RNA substrates containing other regions (exons 8 and 9 or exons 10 and 11) of the G6PD mRNA were efficiently spliced. Furthermore, exon 12 can inhibit splicing when substituted for other exons in RNA substrates that are readily spliced. This activity of the exon 12 regulatory element suggests that it is an exonic splicing silencer. Consistent with its activity as a splicing silencer, spliceosome assembly was inhibited on RNA substrates containing exon 12 compared with RNAs representing other regions of the G6PD transcript. Elimination of nucleotides 43-72 of exon 12 did not restore splicing of exon 12-containing RNA; thus, the 30-nucleotide element may not be exclusively a silencer. The binding of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins K, L, and A2/B1 from both HeLa and hepatocyte nuclear extracts to the element further supports its activity as a silencer. In addition, SR proteins bind to the element, consistent with the presence of enhancer activity within this sequence. Thus, an exonic splicing silencer is involved in the inhibition of splicing of a constitutively spliced exon in the G6PD mRNA.
Legislating Crime Policy from the White House: Presidential Success with Congress in the Passage of Federal Crime Control Policy

Previous research has found that presidents, in general, have the power to influence congress in the passage of federal crime control policy. What has not been fully explored is whether presidential supported bills are more likely to influence congress to pass federal crime control bills. Therefore, this study draws upon the theory that presidents influence congress to test the hypothesis that president supported legislation on crime will achieve greater success in congress than non-supported bills. Analysis of legislative, presidential and congressional data from 1946 through 1996 suggests support for the theory that presidential supported bills are 2.8 times more likely (or 185% more likely) to become law.
Computer-assisted image analysis of human cilia and Chlamydomonas flagella reveals both similarities and differences in axoneme structure †‡

In the past decade, investigations from several different fields have revealed the critical role of cilia in human health and disease. Because of the highly conserved nature of the basic axonemal structure, many different model systems have proven useful for the study of ciliopathies, especially the unicellular, biflagellate green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Although the basic axonemal structure of cilia and flagella is highly conserved, these organelles often perform specialized functions unique to the cell or tissue in which they are found. These differences in function are likely reflected in differences in structural organization. In this work, we directly compare the structure of isolated axonemes from human cilia and Chlamydomonas flagella to identify similarities and differences that potentially play key roles in determining their functionality. Using transmission electron microscopy and 2D image averaging techniques, our analysis has confirmed the overall structural similarity between these two species, but also revealed clear differences in the structure of the outer dynein arms, the central pair projections, and the radial spokes. We also show how the application of 2D image averaging can clarify the underlying structural defects associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Overall, our results document the remarkable similarity between these two structures separated evolutionarily by over a billion years, while highlighting several significant differences, and demonstrate the potential of 2D image averaging to improve the diagnosis and understanding of PCD.
Health Monitoring of the Aircraft Structure during a Full Scale Fatigue Test with Use of Resistive Ladder Sensors

The paper presents an application of resistive ladder sensors (or resistive crack gages) for health monitoring of an aircraft structure. An experiment was conducted during a Full Scale Fatigue Test (FSFT) of PZL 130 ORLIK TC II turbo-prop military trainer. The sensor can be successively used to detect and quantify fatigue cracks. It is a parametric transducer, similar to foil strain gages. Differences in shape of the measuring grid can be noticed. Principle of operation, sensor’s characteristics as well as block diagram of measurement system is presented in the paper. Also examples, both laboratory and FSFT data are delivered to prove surface crack detection capabilities. Simultaneously with new data collection, some investigation is carried out, connected with customize hardware elaboration, signal processing and structure-sensor integration method, what is briefly described.
Numerical determination of injector designs for high beam quality

Abstract The performance of a free electron laser strongly depends on the electron beam quality or brightness. The electron beam is transported into the free electron laser after it has been accelerated to the desired energy. Typically the maximum beam brightness produced by an accelerator is constrained by the beam brightness delivered by the accelerator injector. Thus it is important to design the accelerator injector to yield the required electron beam brightness. The DPC (Darwin Particle Code) computer code has been written to numerically model accelerator injectors. DPC solves for the transport of a beam from emission through acceleration up to the full energy of the injector. The relativistic force equation is solved to determine particle orbits. Field equations are solved for self-consistent electric and magnetic fields in the Darwin approximation. DPC has been used to investigate the beam quality consequences of AK (anode-cathode) gap, accelerating stress, electrode configuration and axial magnetic field profile.
Activation of protein kinase C in human uterine smooth muscle induces connexin-43 gene transcription through an AP-1 site in the promoter sequence.

Myometrial connexin-43 gap junctions are scarce throughout gestation but appear in large numbers at term to facilitate contractions during labor. The mechanisms that regulate this process are incompletely characterized. This report investigates the effects of protein kinase C activation on the regulation of connexin-43 gene transcription in human uterine smooth muscle cells. In primary myometrial cells treated with phorbol ester, transient increases in c-Fos and c-Jun protein levels were observed at 2-4 h, followed by significant increases in connexin-43 protein levels at 6-8 h. Nuclear run-on transcription analysis showed an increase in connexin-43 transcription 3 h after phorbol ester treatment. AP-1 sites were identified in the sequence of the 5′-flanking promoter region of the human connexin-43 gene at 44 and 1000 base pairs upstream of transcription start. Transcription from a reporter plasmid containing the proximal human connexin-43 promoter was increased in transfected primary cultures treated with phorbol ester. Mutation of the proximal AP-1 site in the promoter abolished the phorbol ester-dependent transactivation. This work provides evidence that transcription of the human connexin-43 gene is induced through protein kinase C activation in uterine smooth muscle cells, and that the induction involves up-regulation and activation of c-Jun and c-Fos.
Attributions of victim responsibility, pleasure, and trauma in male rape

The purpose of this study was to examine the following: (a) the relationship between the sexual orientation of a male rape victim and participants’ attributions of the victim's degree of responsibility, pleasure, and trauma associated with the assault, and (b) differences between male and female participants in their attributions of these variables. Participants were 396 college students. Participants read a brief report describing a male‐on‐male sexual assault. The victim's sexual orientation was described as either heterosexual or homosexual. After reading the report, participants completed a questionnaire assessing their attributions regarding the victim's responsibility for the assault, and the amount of pleasure and trauma the victim experienced from the assault. Participants attributed more responsibility, more pleasure, and less trauma to a homosexual victim than to a heterosexual victim. Male participants attributed more responsibility and pleasure to a male rape victim than did female participants.
Energy gain of laser-compressed pellets: a simple model calculation

The energy gain of laser-compressed pellets is calculated. The model used is that of a uniformly compressed pellet of DT ignited by a small, hot central "spark". Curves are presented showing the relation between energy gain and inertial confinement. Simple formulas are given that describe the least laser-pulse energy required to achieve a desired energy gain.
Fast computation of spatial selections and joins using graphics hardware

Spatial database operations are typically performed in two steps. In the filtering step, indexes and the minimum bounding rectangles (MBRs) of the objects are used to quickly determine a set of candidate objects. In the refinement step, the actual geometries of the objects are retrieved and compared to the query geometry or each other. Because of the complexity of the computational geometry algorithms involved, the CPU cost of the refinement step is usually the dominant cost of the operation for complex geometries such as polygons. Although many run-time and pre-processing-based heuristics have been proposed to alleviate this problem, the CPU cost still remains the bottleneck. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to address this problem using the efficient rendering and searching capabilities of modern graphics hardware. This approach does not require expensive pre-processing of the data or changes to existing storage and index structures, and is applicable to both intersection and distance predicates. We evaluate this approach by comparing the performance with leading software solutions. The results show that by combining hardware and software methods, the overall computational cost can be reduced substantially for both spatial selections and joins. We integrated this hardware/software co-processing technique into a popular database to evaluate its performance in the presence of indexes, pre-processing and other proprietary optimizations. Extensive experimentation with real-world data sets show that the hardware-accelerated technique not only outperforms the run-time software solutions but also performs as well if not better than pre-processing-assisted techniques.
Theory for C—N− and Ag—C vibrational frequency dependence on potential: cyanide on a silver electrode

Abstract Potential dependences of C—N − and Ag—C stretching frequencies are determined using in situ Raman spectroscopy. Molecular orbital analysis suggests that both dependences result from variations in the stabilization of the C—N − antibonding σp orbital as a function of applied potential. The theory favors one-fold adsorption sites on cluster surface models.
Molecular Wheels as Nanoporous Materials: Differing Modes of Gas Diffusion through Ga10 and Ga18 Wheels Probed by Hyperpolarized 129Xe NMR Spectroscopy

The study of crystals of molecular wheels as nanoporous materials is reported. Hyperpolarized 129Xe NMR spectroscopy has been used to characterize the mode of molecular diffusion and Xe interactions within the supramolecular nanochannels formed upon crystallization of the molecular wheels [Ga10(OMe)20(O2CMe)10] and [Ga18(pd)12(pdH)12(O2CMe)6(NO3)6](NO3)6. In agreement with expectations based on the collision diameter of the Xe atom relative to the differing internal diameters of the two types of gallium wheels, single-file diffusion occurs in the Ga10 channels, whereas in the Ga18 system the data are consistent with normal, Fickian diffusion. Information about the electronic environment inside the channels was probed by the Xe chemical shift. The interaction of the gas with the channel walls is found to be substantially stronger than the interaction in organic nanotubes and zeolites. The results establish the ability of crystals of molecular wheel compounds to function as a new class of porous nanotubular...
Food-Borne Illnesses

Abstract Millions of cases of food-borne illnesses occur annually in the United States. These food-borne illnesses can range from mild aggravations to life-threatening situations. Clinical microbiology laboratories play an important part in the detection of these illnesses by identifying and reporting the infections to public health officials, who use the data to detect food-borne outbreaks. This article highlights the more common causes of food-borne illness, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention.
Particle modelling of an elastic arch in three dimensions

Abstract The finite motions of elastic materials under initial and boundary conditions are governed classically by a system of nonlinear partial differential equations. The problems studied are concerned mostly with incompressible bodies having special geometries and applied loads, like a circular cylindrical shell under axial compression. For modelling such exceptionally difficult problems, we will develop a noncontinuum, particle approach. Our particle methodology considers all components of elastic plates in three dimensions, while others reduce their consideration to what is called the neutral or middle layer. In particular, we will be concerned with phenomena related to the bending of a finite elastic arch in three dimensions. Various loads will be applied without changing any initial or boundary conditions to determine the unstable mode of equilibrium. Snap-through inversion is then simulated and discussed. The methodology will require the solution of large systems of ordnary differential equations. In our examples, these equations are solved numerically on a Cray XMP/24.
Model of mean and tidal flows in the Strait of Gibraltar

Abstract A three-dimensional, primitive-equation model is used to study mean and tidal flows in the Strait of Gibraltar. Numerical simulation without tidal currents indicates that the flow transitions occur at Tarifa Narrows and Camarinal Sill. The surface outflow at the eastern end is a supercritical jet, whereas the bottom outflow at the western end is a subcritical gravity current. When spring tide forcing is included, the model indicates that internal tidal surges are generated over the Sill at High Water. The internal surge is a highly nonlinear feature characterized by steep wave trough, large vertical shears, and eastward propagation. The sophisticated primitive-equation model is capable of realistically simulating the time-dependent hydraulic processes in sea straits.
Automated enzyme inhibition assay method for the determination of atorvastatin-derived HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in human plasma using radioactivity detection

Abstract Introduction: A Tecan-based enzyme inhibition assay has been developed for the determination of atorvastatin-derived ‘active’ and ‘total’ (active inhibitors plus atorvastatin lactone and other potential inhibitors following base hydrolysis) 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor concentrations in human plasma. Atorvastatin is an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, which is a key rate-limiting enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis. Previously, atorvastatin-derived HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors were measured via enzyme inhibition assays by manual operation. Methods: In this work, an enzyme assay procedure based on 8-tip Tecan robotics and set-up in a 96-well plate format with customized hardware is presented. Following protein precipitation of the plasma sample, an aliquot of the resulting supernatant is mixed with HMG-CoA reductase and 14 C-labeled HMG-CoA prior to incubation. The product, 14 C-mevalonic acid, is lactonized, separated from unreacted 14 C-substrate, and counted in a liquid scintillation counter. Plasma HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor concentrations are measured against atorvastatin as the standard. Tecan Genesis 150 and 200 robotic workstations were used for the protein precipitation, enzyme incubation, and product separation. Results: The standard calibration range for the assay was 0.4–20 ng eq/mL. Intra-day precision (%CV) data for the calibration standard and quality control (QC) samples ( n = 5 replicates) were both ≤ 8%, with an accuracy between 88 and 113% of nominal values. Initial inter-day precision of the QC samples was ≤ 6%, with an accuracy range of 94–111% of nominal values. Discussion: The assay procedure provides high throughput analysis of clinical samples to support pharmacokinetic studies.
Self-Paced Learning for Long-Term Tracking

We address the problem of long-term object tracking, where the object may become occluded or leave-the-view. In this setting, we show that an accurate appearance model is considerably more effective than a strong motion model. We develop simple but effective algorithms that alternate between tracking and learning a good appearance model given a track. We show that it is crucial to learn from the "right" frames, and use the formalism of self-paced curriculum learning to automatically select such frames. We leverage techniques from object detection for learning accurate appearance-based templates, demonstrating the importance of using a large negative training set (typically not used for tracking). We describe both an offline algorithm (that processes frames in batch) and a linear-time on-line (i.e. causal) algorithm that approaches real-time performance. Our models significantly outperform prior art, reducing the average error on benchmark videos by a factor of 4.
Simultaneous determination of a novel M3 muscarinic receptor antagonist and its active 5-OH metabolite in human plasma using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

Abstract A sensitive, specific, and robust liquid chromatography (LC)/mass spectrometry (MS)/MS method has been developed and validated for a novel M3 muscarinic receptor antagonist (I) and its active 5-OH metabolite (II) in human plasma. The assay involves a two-step liquid–liquid extraction of the compounds from human plasma, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation, and MS/MS for the detection of the analytes. The method provides a linear response from a quantitation limit of 0.05–20 ng/ml for I and 0.1–20 ng/ml for II using 1 ml of plasma. The mean absolute recovery was 85.4% for I and 80.8% for II, respectively. The intra-assay accuracy of I and II averaged from 95.0 to 105.3% with coefficient of variation (CV) values ≤6.5% over the standard curve range. The stability study showed that I and II are stable in the plasma matrix over a period of 11 months at −70 °C. The accuracy, ruggedness, and reproducibility of this method were demonstrated by analyzing over 5000 plasma samples in clinical pharmacokinetics studies over a 6-month period.
Neutrophil inhibitory factor treatment of focal cerebral ischemia in the rat.

The present study was designed to determine whether a hookworm-derived recombinant neutrophil inhibitory factor (rNIF) is neuroprotective when administered after initiation of focal cerebral ischemia in the rat. We measured the rNIF dose-response on cerebral infarct volume, the therapeutic time window, the therapeutic response to permanent ischemia, and whether rNIF treatment delays the maturation of the ischemic lesion (2 days), or reduces cerebral infarct volume at 7 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). MCAO was induced by an insertion of intraluminal 4-0 monofilament nylon suture into internal carotid artery (n=195). We demonstrate a significant neuroprotective effect of rNIF administration 48 h after MCAO in a dose-dependent fashion when treatment was initiated upon reperfusion after 2 h MCAO and maintained until 48 h after MCAO. The beneficial effect was lost under conditions of permanent MCAO. The therapeutic time window is 4 h after MCAO. Brief treatment (6 h) is not sufficient to provide protection for the final ischemic damage. Continuous treatment with a high dose of rNIF for a long duration (7 days) is necessary to achieve maximum neuroprotection.
Antioxidative activity of protein hydrolysates prepared from alkaline-aided channel catfish protein isolates.

Antioxidative activity of hydrolyzed protein prepared from alkali-solubilized catfish protein isolates was studied. The isolates were hydrolyzed to 5, 15, and 30% degree of hydrolysis using the pro...
Biodegradable polymer scaffolds with well-defined interconnected spherical pore network.

Scaffolding plays pivotal role in tissue engineering. In this work, a novel processing technique has been developed to create three-dimensional biodegradable polymer scaffolds with well-controlled interconnected spherical pores. Paraffin spheres were fabricated with a dispersion method, and were bonded together through a heat treatment to form a three-dimensional assembly in a mold. Biodegradable polymers such as PLLA and PLGA were dissolved in a solvent and cast onto the paraffin sphere assembly. After dissolving the paraffin, a porous polymer scaffold was formed. The fabrication parameters were studied in relation to the pore shape, interpore connectivity, pore wall morphology, and mechanical properties of the polymer scaffolds. The compressive modulus of the scaffolds decreased with increasing porosity. Longer heat treatment time of the paraffin spheres resulted in larger openings between the pores of the scaffolds. Foams of smaller pore size (100-200 μm) resulted in significantly lower compressive mod...
THE TIME INTERVAL BETWEEN NUCLEOSYNTHESIS AND FORMATION OF THE EARTH

Abstract The differences (δi) in the abundance ratios of the stable xenon isotopes in meteorites and in the earth's atmosphere indicate that the latter contains an excess of fissiogenic xenon. It is postulated that the “extinct” transuranium elements, such as Pu244 and Cm247, played important roles in the production of the fissiogenic xenon in the earth's atmosphere. The time interval (Ξ) between the nucleosynthesis and the formation of the earth has been calculated from the values of δi. If it is assumed that the contribution from the Cm247 spontaneous fission and the U235 neutron-induced fission was negligible, a value of Ξ = 4.8 × 108 years is obtained for the single event model and a value of Ξ = 0.52 × 108 years for the continuous synthesis model.
On tight spherical designs

Abstract According to Delsarte, Goethals, and Seidel, a nonempty subset X of the set of unit vectors in the real vector space R d of dimension d is called a tight spherical t-design if (i) Σα∈X W(α) = 0 for all homogeneous harmonic polynomials W(α) in R d of degree 1,2,…,t, and (ii) |X|=( d+e−1 d−1 )+( d+e−2 d−1 ), |X|=2( d+e−1 d−1 ) for t = 2e and t = 2e + 1, respectively. In this paper, we show that if t = 2e, e ⩾ 3 or t = 2e + 1, e ⩾ 4, and if there exists a tight spherical t-design, then the dimension d is bounded by a certain function depending only on t.