cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Twinning Multiplicity in an AM30 Magnesium Alloy under Uniaxial Compression

Twinning under compression along two perpendicular directions of an AM30 alloy with a {1010} fiber texture was investigated. The primary extension {10 1 2} twinning occurred for both compression normal to the fiber and compression parallel to the fiber. These primary extension twins took forms of fully residual twins parallel to the fiber and the “stopped elastic” twins normal to the fiber. Both the {1011}-{1012} and {1013}-{1012} double twinning occurred in the matrix grains at the last stage of compression normal or parallel to the fiber, but as the “combined two shears” mode of the double twinning. Another time-sequence type of {1011}-{1012} double twin also activated early normal to the fiber. The primary extension twinning and contraction twinning seem to obey the Schmid law according to the texture evolution.
Using lazy memo functions to add database assignments to a web programming course

Courses in web programming are becoming increasingly popular. However, covering meaningful database functionality in such courses can exceed the background of most students. This paper show how to take a simple programming problem that consists of input and computed output, and have that problem span a series of web-based assignments. An important part of this progression is the use of lazy memo functions so that meaningful database processing can be included in the course without requiring that students have taken a previous course in database systems. To assist the students, the author has written a tool that generates some of the code required to call the database stored procedure.
Empowering Mong Students: Home and School Factors

This article examines how home and school factors affect the education of Mong students in the U.S., a group that, by in large, is not faring well academically. The study is based on related research and interviews with teachers, students, and the parents of a group of Mong elementary school students in northern California. The findings reveal that Mong students' negative schooling experiences are exacerbated by the mismatch between the home and school culture, by misconceptions and labeling by parents and teachers, and by issues pertaining to their attempts to assimilate into American society. Therefore, Mong students experience a “culture clash” at home and at school. Conversely, Mong students are empowered by a culturally relevant curriculum, and a school environment that values their culture, and that utilizes their parents as resources. Hence, they need more support from both parents and teachers.
In vivo classification of colorectal neoplasia using high-resolution microendoscopy: Improvement with experience

Background and Aims High-resolution microendoscopy (HRME) is a novel, low-cost “optical biopsy” technology that allows for subcellular imaging. The study aim was to evaluate the learning curve of HRME for the differentiation of neoplastic from non-neoplastic colorectal polyps. Methods In a prospective cohort fashion, a total of 162 polyps from 97 patients at a single tertiary care center were imaged by HRME and classified in real time as neoplastic (adenomatous, cancer) or non-neoplastic (normal, hyperplastic, inflammatory). Histopathology was the gold standard for comparison. Diagnostic accuracy was examined at three intervals over time throughout the study; the initial interval included the first 40 polyps, the middle interval included the next 40 polyps examined, and the final interval included the last 82 polyps examined. Results Sensitivity increased significantly from the initial interval (50%) to the middle interval (94%, P = 0.02) and the last interval (97%, P = 0.01). Similarly, specificity was 69% for the initial interval but increased to 92% (P = 0.07) in the middle interval and 96% (P = 0.02) in the last interval. Overall accuracy was 63% for the initial interval and then improved to 93% (P = 0.003) in the middle interval and 96% (P = 0.0007) in the last interval. Conclusions In conclusion, this in vivo study demonstrates that an endoscopist without prior colon HRME experience can achieve greater than 90% accuracy for identifying neoplastic colorectal polyps after 40 polyps imaged. HRME is a promising modality to complement white light endoscopy in differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic colorectal polyps.
Opportunities in Neutrino Theory -- a Snowmass White Paper

Neutrino masses are clear evidence for physics beyond the standard model and much more remains to be understood about the neutrino sector. We highlight some of the outstanding questions and research opportunities in neutrino theory. We show that most of these questions are directly connected to the very rich experimental program currently being pursued (or at least under serious consideration) in the United States and worldwide. Finally, we also comment on the state of the theoretical neutrino physics community in the U.S.
The Magnetic Field in the Dust Ring and Northern Arm of Sgr A West

The results of far-infrared polarimetry of the circumnuclear dust ring at Sgr A West are in agreement with predictions for a magnetic field with approximate axial symmetry except in the northwest quadrant where the field runs along an extension of the northern arm to a radius of at least 4 pc.
Why gender matters in the solution towards safe sanitation? Reflections from rural India

While the topic of women and water, sanitation and hygiene is a widely accepted concern among academics and activists, it continues to be an issue in developing countries with serious consequences. Based on a qualitative research conducted in rural Uttar Pradesh, India, the paper affirms that sanitation issues for women and girls are compounded by inequitable gender norms that put them at greater risk of experiencing violence and multiple health vulnerabilities. Women, despite having a high demand for safe toilet facilities, continue to practise unsafe sanitation. The findings highlight the role of three structural constraints as the key factors influencing toilet construction and use: poverty, inadequate sanitation policy and its implementation and gender-based power dynamics at the household level. The paper concludes by emphasising the relevance of engendering sanitation programmes and policies by involving women and girls in the planning process to ensure that dignified and gender-sensitive sanitation solutions are developed. The paper also stresses the need to have measures for strengthening and effectively implementing a sanitation policy for the poor and for programmes to work with both men and women to address gender power relations which influence toilet adoption and use.
Auditory Feedback and Song Production Do Not Regulate Seasonal Growth of Song Control Circuits in Adult White-Crowned Sparrows

An important area of research in neuroscience is understanding what properties of brain structure and function are stimulated by sensory experience and behavioral performance. We tested the roles of experience and behavior in seasonal plasticity of the neural circuits that regulate learned song behavior in adult songbirds. Neurons in these circuits receive auditory input and show selective auditory responses to conspecific song. We asked whether auditory input or song production contribute to seasonal growth of telencephalic song nuclei. Adult male Gambel's white-crowned sparrows were surgically deafened, which eliminates auditory input and greatly reduces song production. These birds were then exposed to photoperiod and hormonal conditions that regulate the growth of song nuclei. We measured the volumes of the nuclei HVC, robust nucleus of arcopallium (RA), and area X at 7 and 30 d after exposure to long days plus testosterone in deafened and normally hearing birds. We also assessed song production and examined protein kinase C (PKC) expression because previous research reported that immunostaining for PKC increases transiently after deafening. Deafening did not delay or block the growth of the song nuclei to their full breeding-condition size. PKC activity in RA was not altered by deafening in the sparrows. Song continued to be well structured for up to 10 months after deafening, but song production decreased almost eightfold. These results suggest that neither auditory input nor high rates of song production are necessary for seasonal growth of the adult song control system in this species.
Isolation, Cloning, and Sequencing of Porcine Agouti Exon 2 (porAex2)

In order to isolate, clone, and sequence agouti exon 2 of the pig (Yorkshire), we used an interspecific hybridization strategy. Primers from the 5' and 3' borders of the known human agouti exon 2 sequence were used to amplify (PCR) pig agouti exon 2. Following Southern blotting using a human exon 2 internal primer to authenticate that our PCR amplified product was truly pig exon 2 (PorAex2), the fragment was cloned and sequenced. PorAex2 exhibits 79.1 and 75.7% DNA sequence and 85 and 74% deduced amino acid sequence homologies with human and mouse agouti exon 2 and agouti protein, respectively. With the isolation of PorAex2, we can now map, sequence, and clarify the modus operandi of the porcine agouti gene. The GenBank Accession number of PorAex 2 is AF018166.
On the use of an algebraic language interface for waveform definition

We discuss implementation aspects of a software-defined radio system that allows the user to define waveforms using an algebraic language interface, currently as an extension to C++. Current software-defined radio systems provide waveform definitions through a combination of a graphical interface, markup language, interpreted script, and compiled code. Regardless of the methods used, the actual executed code generates each waveform via a series of graph-style connections: instantiating blocks and then explicitly connecting ports between blocks. We propose a system that allows the definition of waveforms using a novel text-based algebraic language interface similar to that found in MathWorks MATLAB or GNU Octave. Our system simplifies the waveform programming abstraction by using implicit graph-style connections; it makes extensive use of C++ templates and operator overloading to allow this high-level abstraction. Our interface is solely an abstraction layer providing an alternative means for coding waveforms in comparison to current techniques, and hence has no more overhead than current techniques. Example code is provided to compare and contrast various methods of waveform definition.
Quadriphase — A new approach to time-division multiplexing

Time-division multiplex systems once required either complex waveforms or multiple complex networks to overcome the master timing or synchronization problem. Now this newly designed quadriphase system, using a completely new approach to the problem, presents simplicity of design, operation, and maintenance, with similar reliability and excellent performance.
Perforated ventricular aneurysm in a male suffering from pneumonia

In a 49-year-old male with fever, dyspnea, and chest pain, thoracic x-ray revealed pneumonia with enlarged heart silhouette. Antibiotics were successful, pneumonia healed and complaints disappeared. Yet, during the following 3 months, echocardiography showed mild persistent pericardial effusion while in ECG both sinus tachycardia and ST-T changes were found suggesting chronic pericarditis. Magnetic resonance imaging, however, revealed an extensive posterobasal aneurysm with pericardial effusion substantiated by ventriculography. Coronary angiography showed diffuse three-vessel disease. Surgery revealed aneurysm with distinct perforation of the left ventricle and pericardial thrombi, thus aneurysmectomy as well as bypass grafts were performed. One year postoperatively, magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the absence of aneurysm with only a small irreversible posterobasal perfusion defect remaining as shown by thallium scintigraphy.
A fault-tolerant commit protocol for replicated databases

When failures occur during the execution of distributed commit protocols, the protocols may block in some partitions to avoid inconsistent termination of the transaction, thus making data items in these partitions unavailable for accesses. We present a protocol that incorporates two new ideas with the goal of improving data availability. First, a new two-level voting scheme is proposed for deciding in which partitions to terminate the transaction. In this scheme, a choice is made based on the number of data items available in the partition rather than on the number of individual nodes. Indeed, in replicated systems, a criterion based on the number of nodes may be misleading. Second, we propose a way to reduce blocking caused by accumulating network fragmentation. The idea employs the views mechanism previously used in replica management.
Chromium Leaching from a Silicone Foam-Encapsulated Mixed Waste Surrogate

This study assessed chromium leaching from silicone foam-encapsulated salt waste, using a surrogate formulated after Department of Energy complex mixed waste. Two commercial formulations of silicon...
Haplotype structure and phylogenetic shadowing of a hypervariable region in the CAPN10 gene

It has been proposed that variation in calpain 10 (CAPN10) contributes to the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). A previous survey of CAPN10 in ethnically diverse populations revealed an intronic region with a significant excess of polymorphism levels relative to inter-species sequence divergence, suggesting that this region was the target of long-standing balancing selection. Based on the thrifty genotype hypothesis, variation that increases risk to T2D in contemporary humans at one time conferred a survival advantage in ancestral populations. Thus, the signature of positive natural selection in a T2D candidate gene could identify a genomic region containing variation that influences disease susceptibility. Here, we investigate this hypothesis by re-sequencing the CAPN10 region with unusual polymorphism levels in T2D cases and controls (n=91) from a Mexican American (MA) population, and by using networks to infer the evolutionary relationships between the major haplotypes. Haplotype tag SNPs (htSNPs) were then selected in each population sample and in MA cases and controls. By placing the htSNPs on the haplotype network, we investigate how cross-population differences in CAPN10 genetic architecture may affect the detection of the disease association. Interestingly, despite the small scale of our case-control study, we observe a nearly significant signal of association between T2D and variation in the putative target of balancing selection. Finally, we use phylogenetic shadowing across 10 primate species to search for conserved non-coding elements that may affect the expression and function of CAPN10. These elements are postulated to be the targets of long-standing balancing selection.
SU‐FF‐T‐473: Time Response Study of Calypso Localization and Tracking System for Moving Tumors

Purpose: To study the time response of the Calypso 4D localization and tracking system for prostate and pancreatic tumorsMethod and Materials: We have implanted Calypso beacon transponders into pancreas of three patients for tumor tracking during the radiation delivery. The system is originally designed for localization and tracking of prostate during radiotherapy. We have observed delay times for localization and delay of start time for tracking longer for pancreatic cases as compared to prostate cases. The system has successfully tracked our pancreatic patients for each treatment. To investigate the delay time as a function of tumor motion, we assembled a moving platform and placed a phantom with imbedded transponders on it. The phantom was moved sinusoidally with various frequencies. The ranges of frequencies included the motion correlated with prostate and pancreas. In the case of pancreas, there is direct correlation with the breathing cycle. Results: The usual delay time for prostate localization and delay time for start of tracking is about 10 to 12 seconds. For pancreatic cases, the time of localization and tracking increases by a factor of 9 to 10. The system delay does not affect its ability to accurately track tumor motion. Conclusion: The Calypso is a robust system that is capable of tracking tumors covering a wide spectrum of motion including respiratory motion. The delay time for localization and tracking modules are well accepted clinically.
Electron thermal conductivity of superconducting films of indium-- gadolinium and lead--gadolinium alloys

We have measured the thermal conductivity of quench-condensed superconducting lead and indium films containing small amounts of gadolinium. The data are in good agreement with the theory of Ambegaokar and Griffin and of Bennemann (modified for strong-coupling effects), except at the lowest temperatures, where problems in the interpretation of the data cause deviations. We have found that strong-coupling effects do not entirely account for the discrepancy between weak-coupling theory and the data of Bjerkaas et al. for the thermal conductivity of quench-condensed films of indium containing small amounts of manganese. Thus, our results support evidence from tunneling and high-frequency electromagnetic experiments that the properties of superconductors with rare-earth impurities are understood, but those with transition-element impurities are not.
An automated assay of γ-carboxyglutamate with an anion-exchange column

Abstract A method is presented for the assay of γ-carboxyglutamate with an amino acid analyzer equipped with an anion-exchange column. The polyacidic nature of γ-carboxyglutamate results in very good separation from other ninhydrin-reactive material.
Influence of processing method on the network of grain boundaries

Abstract Improved properties are realized in certain materials by modification of the grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) through thermomechanical processing. Here, we evaluate the influence of different processing paths on the resulting GBCD and demonstrate that the primary effect is to reduce or break the connectivity of the network of random grain boundaries.
Cytoplasmic inclusions of Phytomastigoda

At the present time, there is a certain amount of disagreement as to the nature and identity of the various types of cytoplasmic inclusions in the Phytomastigoda. According to one viewpoint (9), there should be recognized a vacuomrte, consisting of definite vacuoles or smaller inclusions characterized by certain staining reactions, and an ergastome composed of "liposomes"; the term chondriome is applied only to the so-called initial stages in the development of the vacuome. In another interpretation (20), which is in better accord with the views of the majority of cytologists, the vacuome and the chondriomne are considered to be entirely distinct types of cytoplasmic inclusions, differing in physico-chemical nature and in staining reactions. As for the identity of the Golgi material in the plant-like flagellates, a number of different views have been expressed. In addition to these more fundamental differences of opinion, the literature contains conflicting reports concerning the identity of the various types of inclusions in specific flagellates.
Self-extinguishing Polymer/Organoclay Nanocomposites

We demonstrated that self-extinguishing polymer nanocomposites, which can pass the stringent UL 94 V0 standard, can be successfully prepared by combining modified organoclays with traditional flame retardant (FR) agents. Using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we determined that the addition of modified clays, which can intercalate or exfoliate in the matrix, also improved the dispersion of the FR agents. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicated that the clays increased the modulus of the polymer above Tg, which prevented dripping during burning. Cone calorimetry test showed that the nanocomposites with both FR and organoclay, had a lower peak heat release rate (PHRR) and average mass loss rate (MLR) than those with only clay or the FR agents. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) data confirmed that no FR/clay interactions occurred in the solid phase, and that the synergistic effects were due to gas phase reactions. Since this mechanism is not specific, it opens the possibility of formulating self-extinguishing materials from a large class of polymers. 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Scale Interactions in Radar Rainfall Estimation Uncertainty

This study formulates an experimental strategy that couples rainfall observations from a locally deployed mobile X-band dual polarization radar with recording rain gauge measurements to create an error assessment of the spatio-temporal variability of high-resolution gridded rainfall fields. We discuss the trade-offs and values in the radar-rainfall uncertainty associated with different measurement resolutions. Overall, we found that radar measurement errors naturally decrease with averaging in space and time, but there is a generally negative value associated with the increase in spatial scale from 300 m to 5 km. Spatial averaging of radar rainfall increased the probability of detection slightly by 4%. However the decrease in relative root-mean-squared error (R-RMSE) was negligible as the false alarm rate increased by 10% and the Heidke skill score reduced by 16%. In terms of reducing measurement uncertainty, there was greater overall value by averaging temporally up to 60 min than averaging spatially to ...
A Mechanism for Trabecular Meshwork Cell Retraction: Ethacrynic Acid Initiates the Dephosphorylation of Focal Adhesion Proteins

Ethacrynic acid (ECA) increases aqueous humor outflow facility in human and animal model systems, and causes cellular retraction in cultured trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. ECA-induced retraction, a possible correlate to the opening of spaces in the outflow pathway in vivo, takes place coincident with disruption of cell-cell attachments and actin stress fibers. Tyrosine phosphorylated proteins are located predominantly where actin filaments terminate at sites of cell-to-cell and cell-to-substrate adhesion, and are understood to regulate cellular adhesions and filamentous (F) actin organization in many cell types. In the present study we investigated whether ECA might affect cell adhesions and F-actin in TM cells by altering levels of phosphotyrosine. We analysed levels of phosphotyrosine in cultured human TM and calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells after exposure to ECA. Using immunoflourescence microscopy and antibodies to phosphotyrosinated proteins we found a rapid decrease in phosphotyrosine levels at the focal contacts of cells treated with ECA. Immunoblots of whole cell extracts showed a decrease in phosphotyrosine predominantly in a band running at about 120 kD, with a more subtle decrease in a band about 65 kD. Reprobing the blot with antibodies to pp120 focal adhesion kinase (FAK) or paxillin indicated that the 120 kD band was FAK and the 65 kD band was likely paxillin. Immunoprecipitation of FAK or paxillin and probing the resulting blot with antibodies to phosphotyrosine confirmed that these proteins were rapidly dephosphorylated after ECA addition. Loss of FAK and paxillin proteins in cells was then confirmed using immunofluorescence microscopy. Dephosphorylation of these proteins was detected before the onset of retraction, stress fiber disruption, or complete disruption of focal adhesions. A pure microtubule inhibitor (colchicine), did not cause stress fiber disruption or decrease focal adhesion phosphorylation. We postulate that dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin by ECA disrupts signaling pathways that normally maintain the stability of the actin cytoskeleton and cellular adhesions, and that this action leads both to cell shape change in culture, and to facility changes in vivo.
Peripheral bacterial endotoxin administration triggers both memory consolidation and reconsolidation deficits in mice

Peripherally administered inflammatory stimuli, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), induce the synthesis and release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the periphery and the central nervous system, and trigger a variety of neurobiological responses. Indeed, prior reports indicate that peripheral LPS administration in rats disrupts contextual fear memory consolidation processes, potentially due to elevated cytokine expression. We used a similar, but partially olfaction-based, contextual fear conditioning paradigm to examine the effects of LPS on memory consolidation and reconsolidation in mice. Additionally, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and zinc finger (Zif)-268 mRNA expression in the hippocampus and the cortex, along with peripheral cytokines and chemokines, were assessed. As hypothesized, LPS administered immediately or 2 h, but not 12 h, post-training impaired memory consolidation processes that support the storage of the conditioned contextual fear memory. Additionally, as hypothesized, LPS administered immediately following the fear memory trace reactivation session impaired memory reconsolidation processes. Four hours post-injection, both central cytokine and peripheral cytokine and chemokine levels were heightened in LPS-treated animals, with a simultaneous decrease in BDNF, but not Zif-268, mRNA. Collectively, these data reinforce prior work showing LPS- and cytokine-related effects on memory consolidation, and extend this work to memory reconsolidation.
Clinical trial structures

Most errors in clinical trials are a result of poor planning. Fancy statistical methods cannot rescue design flaws. Thus careful planning with clear foresight is crucial. The selection of a clinical trial design structure requires logic and creativity. Common structural designs are discussed.
A review on prognostics and health monitoring of Li-ion battery

The functionality and reliability of Li-ion batteries as major energy storage devices have received more and more attention from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including federal/state policymakers, business leaders, technical researchers, environmental groups and the general public. Failures of Li-ion battery not only result in serious inconvenience and enormous replacement/repair costs, but also risk catastrophic consequences such as explosion due to overheating and short circuiting. In order to prevent severe failures from occurring, and to optimize Li-ion battery maintenance schedules, breakthroughs in prognostics and health monitoring of Li-ion batteries, with an emphasis on fault detection, correction and remaining-useful-life prediction, must be achieved. This paper reviews various aspects of recent research and developments in Li-ion battery prognostics and health monitoring, and summarizes the techniques, algorithms and models used for state-of-charge (SOC) estimation, current/voltage estimation, capacity estimation and remaining-useful-life (RUL) prediction.
Interhemispheric functional differences in prefrontal cortex of monkeys.

Monkeys had nonpolarizable electrodes implanted bilaterally in prefrontal (principal sulcus), precentral, and occipital cortex. They were trained on a spatial delayed-response (DR) task (8-sec intratrial delay), while cortical potentials were recorded. Three groups of monkeys were trained to 90% criterion: (A) 4 monkeys with only the right hand (the left wrist was attached to the testing chair); (B) 2 monkeys with only the left hand; and (C) 2 monkeys with the left and right hands on alternate sessions. Intermanual transfer tests were then given. Averaged steady potential (SP) shifts of several seconds duration were found in prefrontal cortex during cue presentation and the early portion of the intratrial delay and from the precentral area during the choice response. Evaluations of these SP shift magnitudes indicated: (1) Training with only one hand resulted in substantially larger SP shifts in the prefrontal and precentral areas contralateral to the responding hand; (2) alternate hand training resulted in somewhat larger prefrontal SP shifts in the right hemisphere; (3) intermanual transfer had marked effects on the precentral SP shifts, with larger magnitudes in the hemisphere contralateral to the responding hand, but had little effect on the magnitudes of both prefrontal SP shifts. (4) Subsequent training of Group C monkeys with only one hand resulted in greater SP shifts in the prefrontal area contralateral to the responding hand and in decreased SP shifts in the ipsilateral prefrontal area; and (5) additional intermanual transfer tests had no effects on SP shift magnitudes from both prefrontal areas. These findings indicate a dissociation in interhemispheric functions between the precentral and prefrontal cortical areas, with the former implicated in motor organization for the contralateral limb, and the latter in mediation of mnemonic processes, primarily in one hemisphere. This hemispheric specialization is affected by the hand-training procedure, but other endogenous or experiential factors may be involved.
General CPM and its capacity

This paper calculates the capacity of continuous phase modulation (CPM) schemes, modeling CPM as a finite state machine. The novel capacity-calculation algorithm gives a reliable estimate of the capacity using minimal computer time. This algorithm allows the production of a more generalized class of modulation schemes called generalized CPM, which have a higher capacity than traditional CPM schemes of comparable bandwidth
The social structure of homicide-suicide

This article focuses on intimate partner killings to address the question of why some killers subsequently commit suicide whereas others do not. Utilizing Blackian theories of conflict management and Manning's theory of suicide, it advances hypotheses about when intimate partner conflict will result in homicide-suicide rather than homicide alone. These hypotheses propose that differing amounts of status superiority and relational distance predict and explain different patterns of lethal violence. The hypotheses are illustrated and supported with data taken from a study of intimate partner homicides in the state of West Virginia. The article concludes by arguing for a micro-structural model that addresses suicide, homicide, and homicide-suicide. Language: en
Adaptive simulation for system reliability analysis of large structures

Abstract This article proposes an efficient simulation-based methodology to estimate the system reliability of large structures. The proposed method uses a hybrid approach: first, a probabilistic enumeration technique is used to identify a significant system failure sequence. This provides an initial sampling domain for an adaptive importance sampling procedure. As further simulations are performed, information about other significant sequences is incorporated to refine the sampling domain and to estimate the failure probability of the system. The adaptive sampling overcomes the restrictive assumptions of analytical techniques, yet achieves the robustness and accuracy of basic Monte Carlo simulation in an efficient manner. In this article, the proposed method is implemented using the ANSYS finite element software, and is applied to the system reliability estimation of two redundant structural systems, a six-story building frame and a transmission tower. Both ductile and brittle failure modes are considered. The method is structured in a modular form such that it can be easily applied to different types of problems and commercial software, thus facilitating practical application.
Targeting Therapeutics to the Glomerulus With Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles are an enabling technology for the creation of tissue-/cell-specific therapeutics that have been investigated extensively as targeted therapeutics for cancer. The kidney, specifically the glomerulus, is another accessible site for nanoparticle delivery that has been relatively overlooked as a target organ. Given the medical need for the development of more potent, kidney-targeted therapies, the use of nanoparticle-based therapeutics may be one such solution to this problem. Here, we review the literature on nanoparticle targeting of the glomerulus. Specifically, we provide a broad overview of nanoparticle-based therapeutics and how the unique structural characteristics of the glomerulus allow for selective, nanoparticle targeting of this area of the kidney. We then summarize literature examples of nanoparticle delivery to the glomerulus and elaborate on the appropriate nanoparticle design criteria for glomerular targeting. Finally, we discuss the behavior of nanoparticles in animal models of diseased glomeruli and review examples of nanoparticle therapeutic approaches that have shown promise in animal models of glomerulonephritic disease.
Triazolobenzodiazepines competitively inhibit the binding of platelet activating factor (PAF) to human platelets.

PAF causes dose dependent platelet aggregation of human platelet rich plasma or gel filtered platelets (GFP). The benzodiazepines alprazolam and triazolam, but not diazepam (1–10 μM), inhibit PAF induced aggregation but have no effect on aggregation induced by other platelet agonists such as ADP, epinephrine and collagen. The IC 50 for aggregation by PAF (4nM) in GFP is 1 μM for both alprazolam and triazolam. The mechanism for this inhibition was explored by studying the binding of 3 H-PAF(0.08nM) to GFP in Tyrodes buffer containing albumin (0.35%), Mg ++ (1mM) and Ca ++ (0.5mM). GFP was incubated with different doses of the drug for 5 min prior to addition of 3 H-PAF. Incubation was then carried out for 60 min at 25°C to achieve binding equilibrium, as previously established. Alprazolam and triazolam, but not diazepam, caused competitive displacement of 3 H-PAF from specific binding sites of GFP. The IC 50 of alprazolam was 3.8 μM while that of triazolam was 0.82 μM. Lineweaver-Burk plots of 3 H-PAF binding in the presence of inhibitor were also consistent with competitive inhibition. These results are consistent with the interpretation that the specific inhibition of PAF induced platelet aggregation by alprazolam and triazolam, respectively, is due to competitive inhibition of binding of PAF to its receptor.
Intense mechanoluminescence and gas phase reactions from the sonication of an organic slurry.

Mechanoluminescence is typically produced by grinding, crushing, or scraping a crystal, which can give a faint glow of light, and was first reported by Francis Bacon in 1605. This light is a microdischarge produced by the local separation of charged surfaces, resulting in a spectrum of gas line emission and the crystal itself. We have produced mechanoluminescence via a new route, using acoustic cavitation. Upon sonication of slurries of resorcinol in long chain alkanes, intense mechanoluminescence is observed, up to 1000-fold increase in intensity over grinding. We have observed extensive atomic and molecular emission lines that have not been previously reported for mechanoluminescence. In addition, we have evidence of gas phase reactions taking place during the mechanoluminescent event.
Originating lender localness and mortgage sustainability: an evaluation of delinquency and foreclosure in Indiana's mortgage revenue bond program

Originating lenders play a vital role in selecting and preparing borrowers for homeownership, directly and through partnerships with community entities. While previous research demonstrates the importance of originating lenders for mortgage access to low- and moderate-income borrowers, this analysis evaluates the influence of the originating lender, and in particular the localness of the lender, on mortgage sustainability (reduced delinquency and foreclosure). Employing data on more than 5,000 low- and moderate-income borrowers participating in Indiana's Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) program from 2004–2006, this analysis finds that the localness of the originating lender is significantly predictive of mortgage sustainability. After controlling for borrower, mortgage, and market characteristics, an increase in the localness of the lender is associated with a decrease in the probability of delinquency and foreclosure, particularly for higher risk (lower credit score) borrowers participating in the MRB program.
Suinn Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale for Elementary School Students (MARS-E): Psychometric and Normative Data

The Suinn Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale, Elementary Form (MARS-E) is described along with validity and reliability information. The scale is composed of 26 items which assess the degree to which...
Effect of steam sterilization of soil on plants susceptible to iron deficiency

Abstract When soybeans efficient and inefficient for Fe were grown in sterilized and nonsterilized Yolo loam (pH 6) soil, the inefficient PI54619–5–1 soybean became Fe deficient because increased Mn uptake decreased Fe uptake. In efficient Hawkeye soybean, Fe was not depressed enough for Fe deficiency. The Fe inefficient YSI corn inbred was chlorotic whether or not soil was sterilized and Zn and Cu concentrations were elevated. Increased Mn did not further depress Fe. The efficient WF9 inbred was green for both soil treatments.
Diagnostic yield of methylene blue chromoendoscopy for detecting specialized intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus: a meta-analysis.

Background The reported yield of methylene-blue (MB) chromoendoscopy targeted biopsy in detecting specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) and, more importantly, dysplasia in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) has shown variable results. Objective To perform a meta-analysis of published studies for assessment of the diagnostic yield of techniques of chromoendoscopy compared with conventional 4-quadrant random biopsy (RB) in detection of SIM and dysplasia in patients with BE. Design A literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Databases was performed, along with a search of PubMed and a manual search of cross-references of eligible articles. Data on yield of both modalities were extracted and analyzed to estimate weighted incremental yield (IY) and 95% CIs of MB over RB using a fixed-effects or random-effects model, as appropriate, based on whether homogeneity or heterogeneity, respectively, was indicated by Cochrane's Q χ 2 test. Patients A total of 450 patients with BE were reported in 9 studies included in the meta-analysis. Results There was no significant IY with MB over RB for detection of SIM (IY 4%; 95% CI, -7% to 16%; 6 studies, n=251), dysplasia (IY 9%; 95% CI, -1% to 20%; 9 studies, n=450), and high-grade dysplasia and/or early cancer (IY 5%; 95% CI, -1% to 10%; 8 studies, n=405). Limitations Only data on MB were analyzed because of limited availability of data for other chromoendoscopy dyes, minor variations in inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the small sample size, and because differences in application technique could have led to an underestimation of the diagnostic yield of MB chromoendoscopy. Conclusion The technique of MB chromoendoscopy has only a comparable yield with RB for the detection of SIM and dysplasia during endoscopic evaluation of patients with BE.
Assessing biodiversity and ecological stability.

Jocelyn Kaiser, in her News Focus article “Rift over biodiversity divides ecologists” (25 Aug., p. [1282][1]), repeats the conventional wisdom that Robert May's theoretical work in the 1970s showed that diversity works against stability. The centerpiece of May's work involved Monte Carlo samples
Oligonucleotide structure influences the interactions between cationic polymers and oligonucleotides

We examined the effect of oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) structure on the interactions between cationic polymers and ODNs. Unstructured and hairpin structured ODNs were used to form complexes with the model cationic polymer, poly-L-lysine (pLL), and the characteristics of these polymer-ODN interactions were subsequently examined. We found that hairpin structured ODNs formed complexes with pLL at slightly lower pLL:ODN charge ratios as compared to unstructured ODNs and that, at high charge ratios, greater fractions of the hairpin ODNs were complexed, as measured by dye exclusion. The dissociation of pLL-ODN interactions was tested further by challenge with heparin, which induced complex disruption. Both the kinetics and heparin dose response of ODN release were determined. The absolute amount and the kinetic rate of ODN release from the complexes of pLL and unstructured ODN were greater, as compared to hairpin ODNs. Our results therefore highlight the role of ODN structure on the association-dissociation behavior of polymer-ODN complexes. These findings have implications for the selection of ODN sequences and design of polymeric carriers used for cellular delivery of ODNs.
Strings in Background Fields

We review the progress which has recently been made in determining the spacetime backgrounds in which strings may consistently propagate. At the no-string-loop level, satisfactory backgrounds correspond to conformally invariant non-linear signal models and the condition of conformal invariance can be expressed as a field equation for the background spacetime. The problem of finding the effect of string loops on this picture is discussed.
Peer behaviors and co-occurring disorders among adolescents

The complexity of co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health problems among adolescents challenges both researchers and practitioners. The purpose of this study was to further disentangle those relationships and examine the role that peers who engage in deviant activities plays in that relationship. A subset of variables from a larger study of adolescents referred for substance use assessment was analyzed in this study. The results suggest that as the severity of substance use and mental health problems increases so does the number of peers who engage in deviant activities; peers partially mediates the relationship between those two variables. Implications for social work practice and other professionals are discussed.
Effect of disulfiram (DS) on mitochondria from rat hippocampus: Metabolic compartmentation of DS neurotoxicity

This experiment was designed to study the acute effects of disulfiram on mitochondrial enzymes in nonsynaptic and synaptic mitochondria from rat hippocampus. Cytochromec oxidase, monoamine oxidase-B, glycerolphosphate acyltransferase and betahydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase were studied. Differences in enzyme activity were seen in controls. Cytochromec oxidase activity was higher in synaptic mitochondria whereas glycerolphosphate acyltransferase activity was higher in nonsynaptic mitochondria. Mitochondria from disulfiram treated rats, particularly synaptic mitochondria, exhibited lower specific activities of cytochromec oxidase and monoamine oxidase-B. These alterations were not limited to either the inner or outer mitochondrial membrane. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that mitochondria from disulfiram treated rats were severely altered in isolated preparations as well as in those from whole tissue. This study shows that disulfiram exerts a differential effect on mitochondrial subpopulations.
Plasma modification and collagen binding to PTFE grafts

Abstract New methods of surface modification have been developed for covalently binding collagen to PTFE grafts. The PTFE grafts were modified initially by plasma deposition to form an alkylamine surface, then collagen was attached to the graft via a glutaraldehyde cross-linker. The modified grafts were characterized at each step using infrared spectroscopy, ESCA, and contact angle measurements. Specific staining procedures for collagen revealed that the adventitial or luminal surfaces of the graft could be modified selectively and that the modification occurred only at the surface. These collagen coated grafts may permit better attachment and growth of endothelial cells.
Hansen solubility parameters as a useful tool in searching for solvents for soy proteins

Plant proteins as sustainable sources of biomacromolecules could be utilized as materials if proper and processable solvents can be identified. In an effort to search for proper solvents for soy proteins, we found that Hansen solubility parameters could be used as a useful tool to predict solvent systems that are likely to dissolve significant amount of the plant proteins.
IRB perspectives on the return of individual results from genomic research.

Return of individual research results from genomic studies is a hotly debated ethical issue in genomic research. However, the perspective of key stakeholders—institutional review board (IRB) professionals—has been missing from this dialogue. This study explores the positions and experiences of IRB members and staff regarding this issue. In-depth interviews with 31 IRB professionals at six sites across the United States. IRB professionals agreed that research results should be returned to research participants when results are medically actionable but only if the participants want to know the results. Many respondents expected researchers to address the issue of return of results (ROR) in the IRB application and informed-consent document. Many respondents were not comfortable with their expertise in genomics research and only a few described actual experiences in addressing ROR. Although participants agreed that guidelines would be helpful, most were reticent to develop them in isolation. Even where IRB guidance exists (e.g., Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) lab certification required for return), in practice, the guidance has been overruled to allow ROR (e.g., no CLIA lab performs the assay). An IRB–researcher partnership is needed to help inform responsible and feasible institutional approaches to returning research results. Genet Med 2012:14(2):215–222
Ethylene Trimerization Catalysts Based on Chromium Complexes with a Nitrogen-Bridged Diphosphine Ligand Having ortho-Methoxyaryl or ortho-Thiomethoxy Substituents: Well-Defined Catalyst Precursors and Investigations of the Mechanism

Chromium-based ethylene trimerization catalyst precursors ((PNP^(OMe)_(-d)_(12))CrPh_3 (4) and (PNP^(OMe)_(-d)_(12))CrPh_2Cl (7)) having a bis(diphenylphosphino)amine ligand (o-CD_3OC_6H_4)_2PN(CH_3)P(o-CD_3OC_6H_4)_2 ((PNP^(OMe)_(-d)_(12)) = 1) have been prepared and characterized. A thioether analogue (o-CD_3SC_6H_4)_2PN(CH_3)P(o-CD_3SC_6H_4)_2 ((PNP^(SMe)_(-d)_(12)) = 2) and its triphenylchromium complex (PNP^(SMe))CrPh_3 (5) have also been synthesized. The solid-state structures of 4 and 7 display octahedral geometries with a κ^3-(P,P,O) coordination of PNP^(OMe) ligands having chromium−oxygen bond lengths of 2.29−2.44 A. Compound 5 differs, exhibiting (S,P,S)-κ^3 coordination of the PNP^(SMe) ligand. The deuteromethyl groups allow for ^2H NMR characterization of these paramagnetic complexes in solution. Dynamic exchange processes occur in solution at room temperature to render all four of the methoxy or thioether groups equivalent on the ^2H NMR time scale; two distinct coalescence processes are observed by variable-temperature ^2H NMR spectroscopy for all compounds. The neutral species 4 and 7 react with ethylene (1 atm) by insertion into chromium−phenyl bonds with the release of styrene and ethylbenzene, but 1-hexene is not observed under these conditions. Activation of 4 by protonation and activation of 7 by halide abstraction in the presence of ethylene provide active trimerization catalysts that give turnover numbers for 1-hexene as high as 3000 mol 1-hexene·mol^(-1) Cr. These catalysts display comparable activity and selectivity for 1-hexene compared to the original BP system, where the catalyst is generated in situ from CrCl_3(THF)_3, 1, and MAO. Both the well-defined systems and the CrCl_3(THF)_3/PNP^(OMe)/MAO system provide catalysts that undergo an initiation period followed by an apparent first-order decomposition process. Activated complexes 4 and 7 initiate trimerization primarily through ethylene insertion into the chromium−phenyl bond, followed by β-hydrogen elimination and reductive elimination to give the active species, rather than via reductive elimination of biphenyl.