cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monte carlo study of a monolayer of hard oblate spheroids

The constant-NPT Monte Carlo method of statistical mechanics has been used to study a monolayer of hard oblate spheroids. The spheroids are free to rotate, but their centres are confined to a plane. Order parameters, configurational free energy, and singlet orientation distributions are calculated. It is found that orientational ordering occurs in two steps, as density is increased from zero. First the spheroids' symmetry axes gradually tip into the plane. Then, for sufficiently oblate spheroids, the major axes align in a continuous transition to a state of nematic order. The second orientation ordering shifts to lower density as spheroid eccentricity increases.
Developmental trajectories and breakdown in F1 interpopulation hybrids of Tribolium castaneum

When hybrid inviability is an indirect by-product of local adaptation, we expect its degree of severity between pairs of populations to vary and to be sensitive to the environment. While complete reciprocal hybrid inviability is the outcome of the gradual process of local adaptation, it is not representative of the process of accumulation of incompatibility. In the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, some pairs of populations exhibit complete, reciprocal F1 hybrid incompatibility while other pairs are fully or partially compatible. We characterize this naturally occurring variation in the degree and timing of expression of the hybrid incompatible phenotype to better understand the number of genes or developmental processes contributing to speciation. We assessed the morphological and developmental variation in four Tribolium castaneum populations and their 12 possible F1 hybrids at each life-history stage from egg to adult. We find that the rate of hybrid larval development is affected in all interpopulation crosses, including those eventually producing viable, fertile adults. Hybrid incompatibility manifests early in development as changes in the duration of instars and diminished success in the transition between instars are relative to the parent populations. Parent populations with similar developmental profiles may produce hybrids with disrupted development. The degree and timing of expression of hybrid inviability depends upon populations crossed, direction of the cross, and environment in which hybrids are raised. Our findings suggest that the coordinated expression of genes involved in transitional periods of development is the underlying cause of hybrid incompatibility in this species.
Flow-based amperometric detection of dopamine in an immobilized cell reactor

Abstract A protocol is described for immobilizing PC 12 cells on to the lumen of fused silica microbore tubing having an inside diameter of 250 μm and coated with a thin layer of poly- l -lysine. Optimization studies of the immobilization procedure indicated that a 50 μg ml −1 solution of poly- l -lysine was the best material for cell adhesion to the fused silica tubing. In addition, it was found that the cells become attached to the poly- l -lysine in approximately 2 h, after which they could be maintained inside of the tubing for a period up to 5 days. Importantly, the immobilized cells ability to release neurotransmitters was evident by measuring the Ca 2+ -induced release of dopamine with an in column amperometric detection scheme involving a Nafion® modified platinum ultramicroelectrode.
Methamphetamine attenuates disruptions in performance and mood during simulated night-shift work.

Rationale Increased sleepiness while working and sleep disruptions are common complaints among shift workers. Consequently, shift workers may be more susceptible to diminished performance and work-related accidents.
Covalent functionalization of graphene with reactive intermediates.

Graphene, a material made exclusively of sp2 carbon atoms with its π electrons delocalized over the entire 2D network, is somewhat chemically inert. Covalent functionalization can enhance graphene’s properties including opening its band gap, tuning conductivity, and improving solubility and stability. Covalent functionalization of pristine graphene typically requires reactive species that can form covalent adducts with the sp2 carbon structures in graphene. In this Account, we describe graphene functionalization reactions using reactive intermediates of radicals, nitrenes, carbenes, and arynes. These reactive species covalently modify graphene through free radical addition, CH insertion, or cycloaddition reactions.Free radical additions are among the most common reaction, and these radicals can be generated from diazonium salts and benzoyl peroxide. Electron transfer from graphene to aryl diazonium ion or photoactivation of benzoyl peroxide yields aryl radicals that subsequently add to graphene to form co...
Mechanical Boundary Conditions Bias Fibroblast Invasion in a Collagen-Fibrin Wound Model

Because fibroblasts deposit the collagen matrix that determines the mechanical integrity of scar tissue, altering fibroblast invasion could alter wound healing outcomes. Anisotropic mechanical boundary conditions (restraint, stretch, or tension) could affect the rate of fibroblast invasion, but their importance relative to the prototypical drivers of fibroblast infiltration during wound healing—cell and chemokine concentration gradients—is unknown. We tested whether anisotropic mechanical boundary conditions affected the directionality and speed of fibroblasts migrating into a three-dimensional model wound, which could simultaneously expose fibroblasts to mechanical, structural, steric, and chemical guidance cues. We created fibrin-filled slits in fibroblast-populated collagen gels and applied uniaxial mechanical restraint along the short or long axis of the fibrin wounds. Anisotropic mechanical conditions increased the efficiency of fibroblast invasion by guiding fibroblasts without increasing their migration speed. The migration behavior could be modeled as a biased random walk, where the bias due to multiple guidance cues was accounted for in the shape of a displacement orientation probability distribution. Taken together, modeling and experiments suggested an effect of strain anisotropy, rather than strain-induced fiber alignment, on fibroblast invasion.
Outcomes of patients with chronic kidney disease and implantable cardiac defibrillator: primary versus secondary prevention.

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with worse survival in patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs). This study examined the association of outcomes with CKD in patients receiving an ICD for primary versus secondary prevention. Methods The study included 696 patients who underwent ICD placement for clinical reasons (59% primary, 41% secondary prevention) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham between January 2002 and September 2007. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate 2 but not on dialysis. Outcomes of interest included overall mortality and first appropriate ICD therapy (shocks or anti-tachycardia pacing). Results After a follow-up of 50±24months, 213 patients died (31%) and 111 (16%) received appropriate ICD therapy. Patients with CKD had higher mortality than patients with no CKD in the primary (43% vs. 15%, p Conclusions CKD is independently associated with increased mortality and appropriate ICD therapy in patients undergoing ICD implantation for primary but not secondary prevention.
The Inverse Ocean Modeling System. Part I: Implementation

Abstract The Inverse Ocean Modeling (IOM) system constructs and runs weak-constraint, four-dimensional variational data assimilation (W4DVAR) for any dynamical model and any observing array. The dynamics and the observing algorithms may be nonlinear but must be functionally smooth. The user need only provide the model and the observing algorithms, together with an interpolation scheme that relates the model numerics to the observer’s coordinates. All other model-dependent elements of the Inverse Ocean Modeling assimilation algorithm (see both Chua and Bennett), including adjoint generators and Monte Carlo estimates of posteriors, have been derived and coded as templates in Parametric FORTRAN (Erwig et al.). This language has been developed for the IOM but has wider application in scientific programming. Guided by the Parametric FORTRAN templates, and by model information entered via a graphical user interface (GUI), the IOM generates conventional FORTRAN code for each of the many algorithm elements, custo...
Three-dimensional biofilm structure quantification.

Abstract Quantitative parameters describing biofilm physical structure have been extracted from three-dimensional confocal laser scanning microscopy images and used to compare biofilm structures, monitor biofilm development, and quantify environmental factors affecting biofilm structure. Researchers have previously used biovolume, volume to surface ratio, roughness coefficient, and mean and maximum thicknesses to compare biofilm structures. The selection of these parameters is dependent on the availability of software to perform calculations. We believe it is necessary to develop more comprehensive parameters to describe heterogeneous biofilm morphology in three dimensions. This research presents parameters describing three-dimensional biofilm heterogeneity, size, and morphology of biomass calculated from confocal laser scanning microscopy images. This study extends previous work which extracted quantitative parameters regarding morphological features from two-dimensional biofilm images to three-dimensional biofilm images. We describe two types of parameters: (1) textural parameters showing microscale heterogeneity of biofilms and (2) volumetric parameters describing size and morphology of biomass. The three-dimensional features presented are average (ADD) and maximum diffusion distances (MDD), fractal dimension, average run lengths (in X, Y and Z directions), aspect ratio, textural entropy, energy and homogeneity. We discuss the meaning of each parameter and present the calculations in detail. The developed algorithms, including automatic thresholding, are implemented in software as MATLAB programs which will be available at www.erc.montana.edu site prior to publication of the paper.
Delaware River: Evidence for Its Former Extension to Wilmington Submarine Canyon

Seismic-reflection profiles indicate that during the Pleistocene the Delaware River flowed across the continental shelf east of Delaware Bay and emptied into Wilmington Submarine Canyon. The ancestral valley (width, 3 to 8 kilometers; relief, 10 to 30 meters) is buried, is not reflected in the surface topography, and probably predates the formation of the present canyon head
Determination of Electromagnetic Wave Propagation from an Electrically Pulsed Thin Film

The Energy Systems Institute is currently performing pulsed-power flashover research on thin films arranged in various geometries. Currently the research is focused on the power transfer characteristics of the film, which consists of a polypropylene layer with a thin aluminum coating on it. It is also known that the surface arcing that occurs when an appropriate electrical pulse is applied to the film is affected by the presence of magnetic and electric fields. By arranging the film in various geometries, the electric and magnetic fields produced by the current will be altered, thereby changing the behavior of the plasma and surface arcing. Therefore, it is important to know the spatial and temporal dependence of these fields so that the resultant surface arcing can be understood and even predicted. In order to do this, a model will be fitted to the experimental current waveform and used in a theoretical treatment of the electrodynamic processes. The necessary calculations will be performed numerically and the results presented as a function of space and time.
THE PREDICTIVE NATURE OF HUMOR, AUTHORITATIVE PARENTING STYLE, AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT ON INDICES OF INITIAL ADJUSTMENT AND COMMITMENT TO COLLEGE AMONG COLLEGE FRESHMEN

Through the administration of self-report surveys, this study examined the relationships among a) parenting styles, b) family structure, c) academic achievement, d) birth order, e) gender, and f) h...
Evaluation of the Proximal Flow Field to Circular and Noncircular Orifices of Different Aspect Ratios

Investigations of valvular regurgitation attempt to specify flow field characteristics and apply them to the proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method for quantifying regurgitant flow. Most investigators assume a hemispherical shape to these equi-velocity shells proximal to an axisymmetric (circular) orifice. However, in vivo flow fields are viscous and regurgitant openings vary in shape and size. By using centerline profiles and isovelocity surfaces, this investigation describes the flow field proximal to circular and elliptical orifices. Steady, proximal flow fields are obtained with two- and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations. These simulations are verified by in vitro, laser-Doppler velocimetry (LDV) experiments. The data show that a unique, normalized proximal flow field results for each orifice shape independent of orifice flow or size. The distinct differences in flow field characteristics with orifice shape may provide a mechanism for evaluating orifice characteristics and regurgitant flows. Instead of the hemispherical approximation technique, this study attempts to show the potential to define a universal flow evaluation method based on the details of the flowfield according to orifice shape. Preliminary results indicate that Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Color Doppler (CD) may reproduce these flow details and allow such a procedure in vivo.
Women “manufacture” economic spaces in Bethlehem

Abstract Education is an important factor in women's economic development. For Palestinian women, who may be denied access to wage labor because of societal conceptions of gender roles, education has added importance, since it increases women's ability to challenge these roles. This paper looks at differences in education and employment patterns between two groups of Palestinian women, refugees and nonrefugees, in the Bethlehem area, with the conclusion that while refugee women have made considerable gains in their education and employment options, nonrefugee women have lagged behind, and as a result have become relatively less economically powerful. A combination of social, economic and institutional factors have led to current education and employment patterns.
Multiple-access interference processes are self-similar in multimedia CDMA cellular networks

We consider bursty data communications in code-division multiple-access (CDMA) cellular networks. The significant fluctuation of the cochannel multiple-access interference (MAI) in such systems makes it very challenging to carry out radio resource management. A main goal of this paper is to obtain a fundamental understanding of the temporal correlation structure of the MAI, which plays a crucial role in effective resource allocation. To this end, we take a cross-layer design approach, and characterize the stochastic MAI process while taking into account both the burstiness of data traffic and time-varying channel conditions. Our main results reveal that under standard assumptions on ON/OFF traffic flows and fading channels, the MAI process exhibits scale-invariant burstiness and is "self-similar" (with Hurst parameter 1/2<H<1), in both the uplink and the downlink cases. The MAI self-similarity indicates that the MAI levels are long-range dependent and therefore there exists a nontrivial predictive MAI structure across multiple time scales. The predictive MAI structure can be utilized for effective interference management through dynamic resource allocation. We illustrate this via a rate control scheme based on the MAI prediction, and our results show that the performance gain is substantial. The exploitation of the MAI temporal correlation structure for resource allocation parallels and complements multiuser detection which utilizes the MAI snapshot structure at the symbol level.
Knowledge of Normal Versus Pathological Memory Aging Among Police Officers

ABSTRACT The authors examined police officers' knowledge of memory changes in adulthood utilizing the Knowledge of Memory Aging Questionnaire (KMAQ). The KMAQ is a 28-item true/false questionnaire that covers a broad range of topics related to normal memory aging due to maturational processes and pathological memory aging, such as adult dementia. Results confirmed that the police officers were more accurate on pathological than normal memory aging items. Results also yielded an interaction of gender and question type. An item analysis identified precise areas of strength and weakness in police officers' knowledge of memory aging. Implications for the design of educational programs for police officers are discussed.
A Content Analysis of Violence in American War Movies

In a content analysis of movie violence, we randomly selected twelve top-grossing American war films from four decades (1970 to 2002). We coded for implements of violence, length of violence, gore, and violence directed at noncombatants. We hypothesized that recently released war movies would be more violent than those released earlier. We found that films released since 1990 did contain more violence compared to others. Further, the intensity of gore increased in recently released movies.
The metabolic syndrome and severity of diabetic retinopathy

Author(s): Chen, John J; Wendel, Lucas J; Birkholz, Emily S; Vallone, John G; Coleman, Anne L; Yu, Fei; Mahajan, Vinit B | Abstract: BackgroundWhile metabolic syndrome has been strongly implicated as a risk factor for macrovascular diseases, such as stroke and cardiovascular disease, its relationship with microvascular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, has been less defined. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome and the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy.MethodsA retrospective case-control chart review at the University of Iowa ophthalmology and primary care clinics included 100 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), 100 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), 100 diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy, and 100 nondiabetic patients who were randomly selected. Using the International Diabetes Foundation definition, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the number of components of metabolic syndrome were compared among these groups.ResultsThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with diabetes was 69.3%, which was significantly higher than that in patients without diabetes (27%; Pl0.0001) (odds ratio [OR] =6.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.76-10.49; P=0.0004). However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between diabetics with and without diabetic retinopathy, with rates of 67.5% and 73%, respectively (P=0.36) (OR =0.77; 95% CI: 0.45-1.32; P=0.34). In addition, there was no significant difference between the PDR and NPDR groups, with rates of 63% and 72%, respectively (P=0.23) (OR =0.70; 95% CI: 0.38-1.30; P=0.26).ConclusionThe metabolic syndrome was highly prevalent in patients with diabetes, but it was not associated with the presence or severity of retinopathy.
Response Modification Approach for Safe Extension of Bridge Life

A large portion of highway bridges in the United States are reaching or have reached their intended design lives. To avoid replacing a large number of bridges simultaneously, methodologies to safely extend their lives are important to help avoid high replacement costs and to schedule bridge replacement over a longer time window. This paper proposes an approach to extend the fatigue life of vulnerable steel bridges through a response modification apparatus, consisting of a mechanical amplifier and a response modification device, which provides supplemental stiffness and damping to the bridge. Because of the relatively small deflections encountered under typical service loads, the use of a mechanical amplifier allows for a smaller apparatus and enables a more efficient device to provide adequate response modification forces to the bridge. Herein, the use of a scissor jack as the mechanical amplifier is proposed for use in bridge applications, and its utility in concert with a passive stiffness device is demonstrated by application to a simple beam structure. Reductions in moment ranges of 37% and safe life extensions of 300% are achieved on a simple beam model with the proposed response modification apparatus.
Control of Self-Assembly by Acid-Base Chemistry

Recent progress in the field of molecular recognition has led to the introduction of self- assembling systems of varying complexity. A simple system in which two identical subunits are held together by hydrogen bonds has previously been developed.[1] Since then, two similar capsule-forming compounds have been synthesized (figure 1).[2] These are based on p-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl- or carbethoxysubstituted glycolurils which are readily available from the corresponding benzil and dihydroxytartaric acid (disodium salt) respectively by condensation with urea. By using other alcohols for the esterification such as isoamyl alcohol or cyclohexanol, soluble glycolurils (e.g. in pyridine or dioxane) are obtained which are promising candidates for the synthesis of more complex self-assembling systems. Alkylation of the glycolurils la and lb with 1,2,4,5-tetrakisbromomethylbenzene gave the new self-complementary compounds 2a and 2b, both showing enhanced solubility in organic solvents. As expected, both compounds can encapsulate methane, ethane, and ethylene as evidenced by 1H-NMR.
The development of strategic human resource professionals at bae systems

Dynamic trends in the external business environment, in the challenges that companies face, and in the nature of HR itself demand that HR departments develop new capabilities and that HR professionals develop new competencies. This article examines BAE Systems (U.K.) as a detailed case study of a company that understands the demand for greater HR contribution to business value. BAE Systems acted on that understanding by providing a comprehensive HR professional development program to enhance the competencies of its HR professionals in order to encourage better business performance. Pre- and postprogram measures and extensive qualitative interviews about HR's impact on business performance evidences the effectiveness of this comprehensive approach to the development of HR professional competencies. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Since the atmospheric boundary layer governs the transfer of heat, momentum, water, and chemicals between the Earth and the overlying atmosphere, an adequate representation of its behavior is essential for atmospheric models. Interactions between the boundary layer and processes in the free atmosphere—for example large-scale advection and cumulus convection—are strong. Atmospheric models that treat these processes in a more advanced mannermust treat the boundary layer commensurately.
Spiral Structure of the Galaxy Derived from the Hat Creek Survey of Neutral Hydrogen

The extensive Hat Creek survey of neutral hydrogen combined with southern observations provides the basis for a new discussion of the spiral structure of the galaxy. The purpose of this investigation is to provide a general picture of the galaxy. It is found that the pitch of the spiral arms is approximately 12°.5 and that there are many spurs and interarm features as we observe in external galaxies.
Effect of Electrode Configuration on Nitric Oxide Gas Sensor Behavior

The influence of electrode configuration on the impedancemetric response of nitric oxide (NO) gas sensors was investigated for solid electrochemical cells [Au/yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)/Au)]. Fabrication of the sensors was carried out at 1050 °C in order to establish a porous YSZ electrolyte that enabled gas diffusion. Two electrode configurations were studied where Au wire electrodes were either embedded within or wrapped around the YSZ electrolyte. The electrical response of the sensors was collected via impedance spectroscopy under various operating conditions where gas concentrations ranged from 0 to 100 ppm NO and 1%–18% O2 at temperatures varying from 600 to 700 °C. Gas diffusion appeared to be a rate-limiting mechanism in sensors where the electrode configuration resulted in longer diffusion pathways. The temperature dependence of the NO sensors studied was independent of the electrode configuration. Analysis of the impedance data, along with equivalent circuit modeling indicated the electrode configuration of the sensor effected gas and ionic transport pathways, capacitance behavior, and NO sensitivity.
Some problems in the usage of Gibbs free energy in biochemistry.

The usage of Gibbs free energy (G) in biochemistry is examined critically. The textbook formulation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics as applied to chemically-reacting systems is reviewed. Cognizance of the established theory and terminology of chemical thermodynamics leads to the conclusion that the symbol "delta G", as used in most biochemical calculations of free-energy change (e.g. in freeze-clamp study of steady-state metabolic processes), is erroneous. The instantaneous change, symbolized by the expression (delta G/delta xi) (with xi the degree of advancement of the reaction), is seen to be the correct form for describing the thermodynamic quality of the reactions of cell metabolism. Mathematical and graphical analysis of a sample reaction demonstrates the fundamental difference between delta G and (delta G/delta xi). Some problems in the application and interpretation of free-energy change in biochemical systems are reviewed: (1) Advances in protein dynamics have revealed the free-energy linkage properties of the enzyme molecule in binding/catalytic events of catalysis, demanding that we view the thermodynamics of elementary enzyme reactions with a finer eye. (2) The reality of metabolic microenvironments in vivo leads to equivocation in the significance of free-energy changes measured under macroscopic conditions in vitro. (3) The physicochemical character of reaction dynamics in the living cell may in some cases exceed the domain of validity of such thermodynamic state functions as Gibbs free energy.
Reliability of digital versus conventional cephalometric radiology: A comparative evaluation of landmark identification error

The purpose of this study was to determine whether direct digital lateral cephalometric radiographs are of equal value in diagnosis and treatment planning as conventional cephalometric radiographs by investigating differences in landmark identification on direct digital and conventional cephalometric radiographs. An evaluation of precision and the distribution of landmark identification error at each cephalometric landmark was undertaken. Ten observers, all orthodontists or postgraduate orthodontic residents, identified 19 landmarks twice on 6 digital images and 6 conventional cephalometric films obtained from the records of 6 patients at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry Graduate Orthodontic Clinic. Patient records selected were of adults with existing pretreatment conventional cephalometric films and posttreatment direct digital cephalometric images on file. Landmark identification recordings were transferred into a standardized coordinate system, adjusted for magnification differences, and evaluated separately along both the x- and the y-coordinates. Statistically significant differences in landmark identification error were found along the x-coordinate for A point (Apt) and along the y-coordinate for anterior nasal spine (ANS) and condylion (Co). These statistically significant differences, as well as those found to be not statistically significantly different, were all below 1 mm, indicating that even the statistically significant differences between the two methods of image acquisition were unlikely to be of clinical significance. Each landmark exhibited its own unique pattern of landmark identification error, the magnitude and distribution of which must be taken into consideration when selecting landmarks for use in cephalometric analysis or when interpreting these analyses for diagnostic or treatment planning purposes. The results of the present study indicate similar precision and reproducibility in landmark identification using both direct digital images and conventional lateral cephalometric head films.
Epidermal Growth Factor: Effects of Androgens and Adrenergic Agents

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a polypeptide extracted from male mouse submaxillary glands which promotes epidermal growth and keratinization in the immature mouse. Androgens markedly increase submaxillary gland EGF content but have no apparent effect on basal plasma or urine EGF levels; they appear to stimulate synthesis and storage, but not release, of submaxillary gland EGF. EGF is released into plasma by α-adrenergic agents and by cervical sympathetic nerve stimulation, suggesting that its release is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system. If androgens have induced a sufficient concentration of EGF in the gland, plasma levels of EGF rise dramatically as submaxillary gland levels of EGF fall in response to α-adrenergic agents. The increase in plasma EGF in response to a-adrenergic stimulation is abolished by excision of the submaxillary glands, but basal plasma and urine levels are unchanged. This raises the possibility that EGF is secreted by other tissues as well. Immunoreactive EGF is also pr...
Choosing among Alternative Service Delivery Modes: An Investigation of Customer Trial of Self-Service Technologies:

Abstract Electronic commerce is an increasingly popular business model with a wide range of tools available to firms. An application that is becoming more common is the use of self-service technologies (SSTs), such as telephone banking, automated hotel checkout, and online investment trading, whereby customers produce services for themselves without assistance from firm employees. Widespread introduction of SSTs is apparent across industries, yet relatively little is known about why customers decide to try SSTs and why some SSTs are more widely accepted than others. In this research, the authors explore key factors that influence the initial SST trial decision, specifically focusing on actual behavior in situations in which the consumer has a choice among delivery modes. The authors show that the consumer readiness variables of role clarity, motivation, and ability are key mediators between established adoption constructs (innovation characteristics and individual differences) and the likelihood of trial.
Influence of connection design parameters on the seismic performance of braced frames

Abstract Special concentrically braced frames (SCBFs) are commonly used lateral-load resisting systems in seismic design. In SCBFs, the braces are connected to the beams and columns by gusset plate connections, and inelastic deformation is developed through tensile yielding and inelastic post-buckling deformation of the brace. Recent experimental research has indicated that the seismic performance of SCBFs can be improved by designing the SCBF gusset plate connections with direct consideration of the seismic deformation demands and by permitting yielding in the gusset plate at select performance levels. Experimental research provides important information needed to improve SCBF behavior, but the high cost of experiments limits this benefit. To extend and better understand the experimental work, a companion analytical study was conducted. In an earlier paper, the inelastic finite element model and analysis procedure were developed and verified through detailed comparison to experimental results. In this paper, the model and analytical procedure extend the experimental results. A parametric study was conducted to examine the influence of the gusset plate and framing elements on the seismic performance of SCBFs and to calibrate and develop improved design models. The impact of the frame details, including the beam-to-column connections, the brace angles, and their inelastic deformation demands, was also explored. The results suggest that proper detailing of the connections can result in a large improvement in the frame performance.
Advice Refinement in Knowledge-Based SVMs

Knowledge-based support vector machines (KBSVMs) incorporate advice from domain experts, which can improve generalization significantly. A major limitation that has not been fully addressed occurs when the expert advice is imperfect, which can lead to poorer models. We propose a model that extends KBSVMs and is able to not only learn from data and advice, but also simultaneously improves the advice. The proposed approach is particularly effective for knowledge discovery in domains with few labeled examples. The proposed model contains bilinear constraints, and is solved using two iterative approaches: successive linear programming and a constrained concave-convex approach. Experimental results demonstrate that these algorithms yield useful refinements to expert advice, as well as improve the performance of the learning algorithm overall.
A multiresolution method for climate system modeling: application of spherical centroidal Voronoi tessellations

During the next decade and beyond, climate system models will be challenged to resolve scales and processes that are far beyond their current scope. Each climate system component has its prototypical example of an unresolved process that may strongly influence the global climate system, ranging from eddy activity within ocean models, to ice streams within ice sheet models, to surface hydrological processes within land system models, to cloud processes within atmosphere models. These new demands will almost certainly result in the develop of multiresolution schemes that are able, at least regionally, to faithfully simulate these fine-scale processes. Spherical centroidal Voronoi tessellations (SCVTs) offer one potential path toward the development of a robust, multiresolution climate system model components. SCVTs allow for the generation of high-quality Voronoi diagrams and Delaunay triangulations through the use of an intuitive, user-defined density function. In each of the examples provided, this method results in high-quality meshes where the quality measures are guaranteed to improve as the number of nodes is increased. Real-world examples are developed for the Greenland ice sheet and the North Atlantic ocean. Idealized examples are developed for ocean–ice shelf interaction and for regional atmospheric modeling. In addition to defining, developing, and exhibiting SCVTs, we pair this mesh generation technique with a previously developed finite-volume method. Our numerical example is based on the nonlinear, shallow-water equations spanning the entire surface of the sphere. This example is used to elucidate both the po tential benefits of this multiresolution method and the challenges ahead.
Immunohistochemical colocalization of Yellow and male-specific Fruitless in Drosophila melanogaster neuroblasts.

The Drosophila melanogaster fruitless gene encodes multiple male-specific transcription factors that are hypothesized to regulate a hierarchy of genes responsible for the development of male courtship behavior. Here we show that there are dramatically increased levels of the protein product of the male courtship behavior gene yellow associated with male-specific Fruitless protein in a subset of neuroblasts in third-instar larval male brains. We hypothesize that yellow is downstream of fruitless in a male courtship behavior developmental genetic pathway.
America's medical school: 5,000 graduates since the "first class"

ABSTRACT In 1980, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) graduated its first class of medical students. As a national university intended to produce “career-committed” military officers and future leaders of the Military Health System, USU functions as the service academy for military medicine and public health. More than 40 years after the school's charter and 5,000 graduates since the first class, we describe the original purpose of USU and provide an update on its achievements. In particular, we address the question of the “staying power” of the University's alumni—the degree to which graduation from the nation's military medical school is associated with long years of devoted service to military medicine. At a time when the MHS is confronting the challenge of extended deployments, rising health care costs, and a growing array of threats to our nation's health, we suggest that America needs USU now more than ever.
Critical Heat Flux of Graphene Coated Copper Surface at High Pressures

Boiling is an efficient way to transfer heat due to the latent heat of vaporization. Many variables, such as surface properties, fluid properties, and system pressure, will affect the performance of pool boiling. Enhanced pool boiling has extensive applications in chemical, microelectronics, and power industries. Previous research has shown that micro- or nanostructured surfaces and coated surfaces will increase heat transfer coefficients up to one order of magnitude at atmospheric pressure. Graphene as a very good material with superb mechanical and electrical properties also has potential to enhance pool boiling performance. The purpose of this research is to investigate heat transfer enhancement on a graphene coated surface compared to a plane copper surface at atmospheric pressure and increased pressures with deionized water. The effect of the graphene coating on the critical heat flux is also investigated. To carry out the experiments, we designed and fabricated a special experimental facility that will withstand the high pressures (up to 20 bar) and high temperatures. Graphene is coated on a 1 cm2 copper surface using spray coating. The boiling vessel is pressurized with nitrogen and the system pressure is controlled by a back pressure regulator. The test fluid is preheated to saturation temperature by two 500 W cartridge heaters. Multiple 150 W cartridge heaters are inserted in a copper cylinder to provide wall superheat for bubbles to nucleate on the studied surface. When the system reaches steady state, a process controller controls these cartridge heaters to increase the heat flux gradually from 0 kW/m2 to the critical heat flux. The copper cylinder is insulated with PTFE to minimize heat loss from the side. The gap between the copper cylinder and the insulation surface is carefully sealed with high temperature epoxy to reduce undesired nucleation sites. The wall superheat corresponding to each heat flux is extrapolated using Fourier’s law from three thermocouple readings. The heat transfer coefficient can thus be calculated at each heat flux for the every test fluid at its corresponding pressure. A camera with 3.2 cm field of view at a working distance of 12 cm to 15 cm is used to visualize the bubble formation on the heated surface.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
A Dark Page in American History: Dalton Trumbo and the Hollywood Blacklist

On 21 March 1999, the famed director Elia Kazan was given an honorary Academy Award for his significant film contributions over many decades. The event was not without controversy, however, as demo...
Immigrants, Immigrant Neighborhoods, and Ethnic Identity: Historical Issues

The immigrant neighborhood was for decades a distinctive element in the American urban landscape. Even today, two generations after the last of the great waves of European immigration, when brooding empty churches often bear the only witness to immigrant neighborhoods that once were, past ethnic identification may remain an important key to present neighborhood occupancy, and newer migrant groups continue to find in the neighborhood a focus for acculturation to urban life. Confronted with the inescapable physical presence of ethnically identifiable neighborhoods, scholars long ascribed to the immigrant neighborhood a central role both in the emergence of ethnic identity among immigrants and in the subsequent process of assimilation. But several recent studies have questioned the degree of immigrant concentration in such neighborhoods and consequently the ability of the neighborhood to influence the adaptive process. Such conclusions, if valid, have important implications for current efforts of immigration historians to shift emphasis from the process of assimilation to the role of factors like the family, church, and workplace in encouraging the maintenance of ethnic culture and social distinctiveness. I However, a brief review of relevant scholarship, with special emphasis on the experience of German immigrants, suggests that the issue is by no means resolved; many questions about the relationship between residence and ethnicity remain unanswered, even unasked. To some of the first scholars to explore this issue, the early urban ecologists, ethnicity was a fundamental influence upon residential choice. Immigrant neighborhoods were regarded as natural areas that first emerged when newly arrived immigrants clustered for cultural and economic reasons in ghettolike slums in a "zone in transition," just beyond the central business district, and
The Response of Tribolium confusum to the Mycotoxins Zearalenone (F-2) and T-2 Toxin

Tribolium confusum DuVal was fed whole wheat flour containing various concentrations of T-2 toxin and zearalenone (F-2). T-2 toxin at 100 ppm increased the fecundity of T. confusum for 60–90 days, but larval hatch was reduced 10–12% below the control. Progeny responded the same as the parents. A treated control, progeny of beetles fed T-2 toxin, also showed high egg production. One hundred ppm of T-2 toxin consumed by larvae resulted in slow development (the life cycle was nearly doubled) and in moderate mortality. Zearalenone (F-2) did not greatly affect T. confusum . However, beetles had a prolonged reproductive life as judged by increased egg production with age. The fecundity and fertility of progeny and a treated control coincided with those of the parents.
Hydrophobic interactions between polymeric carrier and palmitic acid-conjugated siRNA improve PEGylated polyplex stability and enhance in vivo pharmacokinetics and tumor gene silencing

Abstract Formation of stable, long-circulating siRNA polyplexes is a significant challenge in translation of intravenously-delivered, polymeric RNAi cancer therapies. Here, we report that siRNA hydrophobization through conjugation to palmitic acid (siPA) improves stability, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and tumor gene silencing of PEGylated nanopolyplexes (siPA-NPs) with balanced cationic and hydrophobic content in the core relative to the analogous polyplexes formed with unmodified siRNA, si-NPs. Hydrophobized siPA loaded into the NPs at a lower charge ratio (N + :P − ) relative to unmodified siRNA, and siPA-NPs had superior resistance to siRNA cargo unpackaging in comparison to si-NPs upon exposure to the competing polyanion heparin and serum. In vitro , siPA-NPs increased uptake in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells (100% positive cells vs. 60% positive cells) but exhibited equivalent silencing of the model gene luciferase relative to si-NPs. In vivo in a murine model, the circulation half-life of intravenously-injected siPA-NPs was double that of si-NPs, resulting in a >2-fold increase in siRNA biodistribution to orthotopic MDA-MB-231 mammary tumors. The increased circulation half-life of siPA-NPs was dependent upon the hydrophobic interactions of the siRNA and the NP core component and not just siRNA hydrophobization, as siPA did not contribute to improved circulation time relative to unmodified siRNA when delivered using polyplexes with a fully cationic core. Intravenous delivery of siPA-NPs also achieved significant silencing of the model gene luciferase in vivo (∼40% at 24 h after one treatment and ∼60% at 48 h after two treatments) in the murine MDA-MB-231 tumor model, while si-NPs only produced a significant silencing effect after two treatments. These data suggest that stabilization of PEGylated siRNA polyplexes through a combination of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between siRNA cargo and the polymeric carrier improves in vivo pharmacokinetics and tumor gene silencing relative to conventional formulations that are stabilized solely by electrostatic interactions.
Experimental Research on Surface Quality in the Process of High-speed and Micro-scale Milling

Micro-functional devices play more and more important roles with the development of information age.The new challenges are raised about manufacturing micro-parts with high dimensional accuracy,good surface quality and minimum processing error.The surface quality and distribution of inerratic burrs of micro-grooves are investigated by using high speed milling on different kinds of materials,which are provide an theoretical basis and technical guidance for manufacturing micro-parts.In the theoretical point of view,the model of micro-cutting edge and surface trochoidal theory are introduced to analyze the causes of surface formation and generation mechanism of burrs for micro-grooves.The establishment of test equipment platform,materials physics processing performance and methods are described in detail.In allusion to the typical processing materials,the surface quality are analyzed and summarized.Subsequently,the values of surface roughness and variation of burrs distribution for micro-grooves are obtained.The characteristics and laws of surface quality are summarized.The results of test showed the minimum cutting thickness effect is produced when the ratio of the feed per tooth to the radius of cutting edge is smaller than 1.What’s more,with the gradually increasing the feed and spindle speed,the surface roughness Ra of the groove bottom is gradually reduced.The numbers and height difference of burrs distribution are decreased with the increasing of the spindle speed and feed per tooth.The laws are obtained in high-speed micro-milling research for micro grooves,which has some certain guidance significances on the processing mechanism of deep-level surface quality.
A Discussion of PCR-SSCP in Detecting Mitochondrial DNA Mutations

PCR-SSCP is one of the extensively applied methods in detecting gene mutations. It was used in mutation detection of encoding sequence on mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA) of Ae. Albopictus collected from Hunan Province.In this paper,from the preparation of neutral,the ingredient of the gel,polyacrylamide the conditions for electrophoresis,and the factors affecting the operation of PCR-SSCP were analyzed in order to provide an optional and method for the detection of DNA fragment of 350～400 bp.