cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A coral Sr/Ca calibration and replication study of two massive corals from the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract This study examined the variations in the ratio of strontium-to-calcium (Sr/Ca) for two Atlantic corals (Montastraea faveolata and Siderastrea siderea) from the Dry Tortugas National Park (centered on 24.7°N, 82.8°W) in the Gulf of Mexico. Cores from coral colonies in close proximity (10s of meters) and with the same environmental conditions (i.e., depth and water chemistry) were micro-sampled with approximately monthly resolution and the resulting Sr/Ca variations were calibrated with local sea surface temperature (SST) records. Replication tests for coral Sr/Ca variations found high agreement between intra-colony variations and between individual colonies of S. siderea (a single M. faveolata colony was sampled). Regression analysis of monthly variations in coral Sr/Ca and local SST revealed significant correlation on monthly and inter-annual timescales. Verification of the calibration on different timescales found coral Sr/Ca–SST reconstructions in S. siderea were more accurate than those from M. faveolata, especially on inter-annual timescales. Sr/Ca–SST calibration equations for the two species are significantly different (cf., Sr/Ca = − 0.042 SST + 10.070, S. siderea; Sr/Ca = − 0.027 SST + 9.893, M. faveolata). Mean linear extension for M. faveolata is approximately twice that of S. siderea (4.63, 4.31, and 8.31 mm year−1, A1, F1, and B3, respectively); however, seasonal Sr/Ca variability in M. faveolata is less than S. siderea (0.323, 0.353, and 0.254 mmol mol−1, A1, F1, and B3, respectively). The reduced slope for M. faveolata is attributed to physical sampling issues associated with complex time-skeletal structure of M. faveolata, i.e., a sampling effect, and not a growth effect since the faster growing M. faveolata has the reduced Sr/Ca variability.
The use of a localized heating protocol in heterogeneous catalysis

The catalyzed decomposition of ethylene has been used as a probe reaction to ascertain the advantages of exclusive heating of a supported metal catalyst by a current stimulated technique. This approach has been found to result in the elimination of certain side reactions generally encountered in conventional catalytic reactor systems associated with thermal decomposition of gas phase molecules. We have found that by restricting the heated zone to the catalyst surface the ubiquitous formation of pyrolytic carbon arising from thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons can be effectively mitigated. In addition, major differences in the selectivity patterns were observed from the localized heating system compared to that found when the same catalyst was reacted in a conventional flow system. The difference in behavior of the catalyst under these diverse conditions is rationalized according to the notion that the flow of an electric current through the support not only served to resistively heat the sample, but also induced electronic perturbations in the metal surface atoms.
Corticosteroids in human blood. I. Determination of free and conjugated 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in plasma.

ABSTRACT. A simple yet sensitive and reproducible method has been developed for the estimation of free and conjugated 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) in plasma. A new extraction procedure for the conjugates yielded extracts which, after evaporation to dryness, produced 5–10 times less intense “background” color with the sulfuric acid of the Porter-Silber (P-S) reagent than any other method tested. A simultaneous determination of free and conjugated 17-OHCS in 12 plasma specimens, using this method, can be completed easily by one technician within 2 working days. Furthermore, a technique has been developed which permits a separate estimation of the glucuronide and the solvolyzable (presumably sulfate) fractions of the conjugated 17-OHCS. Using this technique, it was possible to demonstrate the consistent presence of solvolyzable P-S chromogens in all the plasma samples examined. The steroidal nature of the material measured has been proved by the classic method for the isolation and identification of s...
An accurate model for a depletion mode IGFET used as a load device

An accurate model has been described for an n-channel, silicon gate, depletion mode insulated gate field effect transitor (IGFET), in configuration most often used in LSI design (VGS=OV). The model is derived from basic semiconductor charge analysis, approximating the profile of the redistributed implanted impurities in the channel. Excellent agreement with experimental results is shown. This model has the potential to accurately predict the charge capacity behavior in storage cells, in very high density random access memories, where “pseudo depletion mode” devices are used.
Endocarditis Caused by Penicillin-Resistant Viridans Streptococci: 2 Cases and Controversies in Therapy

Although penicillin-resistant viridans streptococci have been isolated from samples from the mouth, blood, and wounds in increasing numbers, viridans streptococci isolated from patients with endocarditis have remained sensitive to penicillin for the past 5 decades. We report the cases of 2 patients with penicillin-resistant viridans streptococcal endocarditis, review 6 other cases from the literature, and summarize 2 studies that used an animal model of penicillin-resistant viridans streptococcal endocarditis.
Genetic identification of Mom-1, a major modifier locus affecting Min-induced intestinal neoplasia in the mouse.

Abstract Mutations in the human APC gene cause various familial colon cancer syndromes. The Multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mouse provides an excellent model for familial colon cancer: it carries a mutant mouse Apc gene and develops many intestinal adenomas. Here, we analyze how this tumor phenotype is dramatically modified by genetic background. We report the genetic mapping of a locus that strongly modifies tumor number in Min /+ animals. This gene, Mom-1 (Modifier of Min-1), maps to distal chromosome 4 and controls about 50% of genetic variation in tumor number in two intraspecific backcrosses. The mapping is supported by a LOD score exceeding 14. Interestingly, Mom-1 lies in a region of synteny conservation with human chromosome 1p35–36, a region of frequent somatic loss of heterozygosity in a variety of human tumors, including colon tumors. These results provide evidence of a major modifier affecting expression of an inherited cancer syndrome.
Functional Neuroimaging of Intertemporal Choice Models: A Review

People often forsake a larger reward later for a smaller reward sooner. The process of devaluing the larger, later prize is called temporal discounting or delay discounting, which lies at the core of intertemporal choice. Here, we describe the methodology and findings of research on the mechanisms of intertemporal choice, with a focus on those that utilize functional MRI (fMRI). We consider the neural bases for the most common economic models of intertemporal choice and examine whether these models require neural processes that are common or distinct across types of decision making. Considered as a whole, current research points to potentially distinct contributions from brain systems associated with valuation and with prospective thought, which may be reflected in separable foci in posterior cingulate cortex. Based on open questions in the field, we suggest two core goals for future research: identifying aspects of valuation that are unique to intertemporal choice and evaluating direct or indirect interactions between delay and prize magnitude.
Mitochondrial dynamism and heart disease: changing shape and shaping change.

Mitochondria of adult cardiomyocytes appear hypo-dynamic, lacking interconnected reticular networks and the continual fission and fusion observed in many other cell types. Nevertheless, proteins essential to mitochondrial network remodeling are abundant in adult hearts. Recent findings from cardiac-specific ablation of mitochondrial fission and fusion protein genes have revealed unexpected roles for mitochondrial dynamics factors in mitophagic mitochondrial quality control. This overview examines the clinical and experimental evidence for and against a meaningful role for the mitochondrial dynamism–quality control interactome in normal and diseased hearts. Newly discovered functions of mitochondrial dynamics factors in maintaining optimal cardiac mitochondrial fitness suggest that deep interrogation of clinical cardiomyopathy is likely to reveal genetic variants that cause or modify cardiac disease through their effects on mitochondrial fission, fusion, and mitophagy.
Azteca protection of Cecropia : ant occupation benefits juvenile trees

In this 15 month investigation I experimentally demonstrated that sapling Cecropia aff. obtusifolia in lowland western Ecuador grow more vigorously when occupied by the ant Azteca constructor than when the ants have been removed. Thus the interaction is directly beneficial to Cecropia juveniles. The difference in growth is associated with differences in herbivory and vine cover. Removal of ants significantly increases nocturnal Coleoptera herbivory on unoccupied plants. In contrast to the influence on beetle numbers, Azteca are ineffective against Homoptera and cecidomyiid gall flies. Although ant-occupied saplings had less chewing herbivore damage throughout the study, the ants were more effective protectors in the dry season than in the rainy season, when herbivore pressure increased. In addition to reducing herbivory, Azteca efficiently remove vines from occupied saplings.
Goodness-of-Fit Tests

Goodness-of-fit techniques are essential for determining whether hypothetical models fit observed data. When at all reasonable, exact tests are preferred to either nonasymptotic or, especially, asymptotic tests. In addition, the structures of these tests yield entirely different detection capabilities for varying alternatives. A selection of techniques is considered for both discrete and continuous data, along with examples and simulations intended to emphasize the differences in detection capabilities. The discrete data tests are further partitioned into exact tests (including Fisher’s exact test) and approximate tests (including those based on the Pearson (1900) X2 and Zelterman (1987) statistics) . Specific concerns regarding these discrete data tests are described. Continuous data tests due to Greenwood—Moran (Greenwood, 1946; Moran, 1947), Kendall—Sherman (Kendall, 1946; Sherman, 1950), Kolmogorov (1933), Smirnov (1939a), and Fisher (1929) are included. Simulated comparisons of the Kendall—Sherman and Kolmogorov tests are given.
A reply to robertson's diatribe on the nature of Fuzz

A reply is addressed to Robertson's article “On the Nature of Fuzz: A Diatribe.” The purpose is not to take issue with Robertson's conclusions on the role of fuzzy set theory (FST) with regard to information science at this time, but rather to clarify and enlarge upon some basic aspects of FST itself. In particular, his discussions of uncertainty, min/max connectives, and relevance are considered in the light of recent work.
Turbellaria from intertidal flats and salt-marshes in the estuaries of the south-western part of the Netherlands

A list of 91 species of Turbellaria from intertidal flats and saltmarshes in the estuaries of the south-western part of the Netherlands is given.
Toward a Comprehensive Model in Internet Auction Fraud Detection

Fraud detection has become a common concern of the online auction Web sites. Fraudsters often manipulate reputation systems and commit nondelivery fraud. To deal with fraud in group behavior we consider network level features, such as users' beliefs of other users. In this paper we use the loopy belief propagation algorithm and apply it to network level fraud detection, classifying fraudsters, accomplices, as well as honest users. Our method shows good classification accuracy using real data.
The Use and Abuse of Prior Information in Econometric History: A Rejoinder to Professor Williamson on the Antebellum Cotton Textile Industry

Jeffrey Williamson's provocative discussion opens up a range of questions that surely will be of concern to students of industrial growth in the antebellum United States. Three distinct empirical prongs are advanced by his probing critique of my study of the nature and implications of the production function characterizing the manufacture of powerloom cotton cloth.
Symmetric fights as a measure of escalation potential in a symbiotic, territorial snapping shrimp

Summary. The shrimp Alpheus armatus territorially defends the sea anemone it occupies, using as a weapon its large, specially modified ‘snapping’ claw. This behavior was studied in experimental contests which were symmetric (matched individuals) with respect to sex, size, and residency. Characteristics of these contests were compared for two size-classes of male and female shrimp. There were no significant differences between these groups of shrimp in the number of bouts required to establish dominance or in the number of snaps exchanged. Large females had shorter contests than either small or large males, and losers of contests between large females were injured more frequently and more severely. This distinctiveness of large female contests could be interpreted as evidence that (i) controlling anemones is more important for large females, (ii) injuries are less important for large females, or (iii) large females lose the ability to assess one another because their contests are less frequent. If injuries are an accurate measure of the most important costs associated with fighting, then these results indicate that short contests are not necessarily the least costly, and that females can be more aggressive than males, as measured by escalation potential, in sexually selected species.
Insect resistance to Bt crops: evidence versus theory

Evolution of insect resistance threatens the continued success of transgenic crops producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins that kill pests. The approach used most widely to delay insect resistance to Bt crops is the refuge strategy, which requires refuges of host plants without Bt toxins near Bt crops to promote survival of susceptible pests. However, large-scale tests of the refuge strategy have been problematic. Analysis of more than a decade of global monitoring data reveals that the frequency of resistance alleles has increased substantially in some field populations of Helicoverpa zea, but not in five other major pests in Australia, China, Spain and the United States. The resistance of H. zea to Bt toxin Cry1Ac in transgenic cotton has not caused widespread crop failures, in part because other tactics augment control of this pest. The field outcomes documented with monitoring data are consistent with the theory underlying the refuge strategy, suggesting that refuges have helped to delay resistance.
Structural Features of the Nerve Growth Factor Inducible Large External Glycoprotein of PC12 Pheochromocytoma Cells and Brain

: We have examined the oligosaccharide structure of a major Mr= 230,000 cell surface glycoprotein from rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells, and of the immunochemically cross-reactive species present in brain. In response to nerve growth factor (NGF) the PC12 cells extend long processes and acquire other properties similar to those of differentiated sympathetic neurons. These morphological changes are accompanied by a 3- to 5-fold increase in the concentration and labeling of this cell surface glycoprotein, which has previously been named the NGF-inducible large external, or NILE, glycoprotein. Tri- and tetraantennary complex oligosaccharides are the predominant carbohydrate units present in the NILE glycoprotein from both brain and PC12 cells, where they represent 77–90% of the biosynthetically labeled oligosaccharides. Most of these are not substituted by fucose on the core N-acetylglucosamine which is linked to asparagine, and are accompanied by smaller proportions of biantennary and high-mannose oligosaccharides. Sequential lectin-agarose affinity chromatography employing concanavalin A, lentil lectin, and the leukoagglutinating lectin of Phaseolus vulgaris, together with neuraminidase treatment of the fractionated glycopeptides, demonstrated a moderate degree of microheterogeneity among the predominant tri- and tetraantennary oligosaccharide units with respect to the presence of core fucose, outer galactose and sialic acid residues, and the substitution positions on the α-linked mannose residues. NGF treatment of the PC12 cells had no significant effect on the oligosaccharide structure of the NILE glycoprotein. The greater molecular size of the PC12 cell NILE glycoprotein as compared to the immunochemically cross-reactive species present in brain (Mr= 205,000) is apparently due to the greater size of the PC12 cell tri- and tetraantennary complex oligosaccharides.
Spanish-American Leviathan? State Formation in Nineteenth-Century Spanish America. A Review Article

L'A. revise trois ouvrages relatifs a la formation des Etats au XIX e siecle en Amerique hispanique : The constitution of tyranny : regimes of exception in Spanish America de Brian Loveman (1993), Peasant and nation : the making of postcolonial Mexico and Peru de Florencia E. Mallon (1995), et States and social evolution : coffee and the rise of national governments in Central America de Robert G. Williams (1994). Ces ouvrages offrent de nouvelles approches historiques en apportant une perspective comparative sur la formation etatique entre les Ameriques hispaniques (Centrale et du Sud) et le modele liberal et democratique de l'Amerique du Nord.
Hair plucking in captive bonobos (Pan paniscus)

Abstract Both wild and captive studies of grooming in non-human primates emphasize the adaptive role of this behavior. Indeed, social grooming is frequently characterized as “social glue” in the life of primates. Grooming behavior is studied to reveal dominance, kin relations, and social networks. Many captive primates, including apes, are observed to over-groom which may result in denuding of individuals. This study focused on a discrete pattern of grooming, specifically hair plucking—a rapid jerking away of the hand or mouth to remove the hair and hair follicle, often accompanied by inspection and consumption of the hair and follicle. This pattern has never been reported for wild bonobos ( Pan paniscus ) but is routinely observed in many individuals in captive colonies. Subjects were 17 bonobos (4 wild-born and 13 captive-born) housed at the Columbus Zoo. Data on grooming behavior were collected using all-occurrence sampling. Approximately 21% of self-directed and dyadic grooming bouts involved hair plucking. The four wild-born individuals were never observed to hair pluck. While plucking was not significantly different between males and females, subadult males plucked significantly more than adult males. Self-directed plucking appears to be influenced by dominance—the dominant male and female showed the highest percent of self-directed plucking behavior, 54% and 57%, respectively. This is the first study to document the significance of plucking in bonobo grooming behavior and contributes to discussions of visitors’ perception of ape well being.
Constructing Occupational Identities: How Female Preschool Teachers Develop Professionalism.

This study explores how female teachers construct their occupational identities as teachers within early childhood education (ECE) settings. The combination of feminist scholarship and the use of teacher life history method allow these women to describe themselves as professionally trained and educated teachers who love teaching and children even though they are suffering from low pay and a generalized social image that preschool teachers are just "babysitters." These seven female teachers exhibited unique concept of professionalism: passion, dedication, and commitment to ECE field.
Gambling and Globalization: Sociological Perspectives on ‘the House’ and ‘the Players’

In this article, we explore a few ways in which the age-old impulse to gamble has evolved into a global force. We start out by critically summarizing historical and foundational thinking on gambling in society, and then move into contemporary perspectives on the gambling act. We then focus upon two important actors in these global stages: ‘the house’ (the businesses that profit from gambling) and ‘the players’ (the individuals who, for the most part, do not). These explorations highlight the ways in which the globalization of gambling has been characterized by homogenizing trends as well as resistance to homogenization forces.
A 400MT/s 6.4GB/s multiprocessor bus interface

A 0.13/spl mu/m 1.2V GTL bus interface with compensated slew rate and termination achieves 400MT/s at a 6.4GB/s data rate in a 5-load MP environment. Packaged on an FCBGA and interposer with 5:1:4 signal to power and ground ratio and routed on 12mm 45/spl Omega/ traces, the interface incorporates I/O timing self test supported by a DLL and an interpolator with 25ps peak-to-peak jitter.
Oral delivery of glucagon like peptide-1 by a recombinant Lactococcus lactis.

To develop a live oral delivery system of Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1), for the treatment of Type-2 Diabetes. LL-pUBGLP-1, a recombinant Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis)) transformed with a plasmid vector encoding GLP-1 cDNA was constructed and was used as a delivery system. Secretion of rGLP-1 from LL-pUBGLP-1 was characterized by ELISA. The bioactivity of the rGLP-1 was examined for its insulinotropic activity on HIT-T15 cells. Transport of rGLP-1 across MDCK cell monolayer when delivered by LL-pUBGLP-1 was studied. The therapeutic effect of LL-pUBGLP-1 after oral administration was investigated in ZDF rats. DNA sequencing and ELISA confirmed the successful construction of the LL-pUBGLP-1 and secretion of the active form of rGLP-1. In vitro insulinotropic studies demonstrated that LL-pUBGLP-1 could significantly (p < 0.05) stimulate HIT-T15 cells to secrete insulin as compared to the controls. When delivered by LL-pUBGLP-1, the GLP-1 transport rate across the MDCK cell monolayer was increased by eight times (p < 0.01) as compared to the free solution form. Oral administration of LL-pUBGLP-1 in ZDF rats resulted in a significant decrease (10–20%, p < 0.05) in blood glucose levels during 2–11 h post dosing and a significant increase in insulin AUC0-11h (2.5 times, p < 0.01) as compared to the free solution. The present study demonstrates that L. lactis when genetically modified with a recombinant plasmid can be used for the oral delivery of GLP-1.
Investigation of light and dark I-V characteristics of a-Si:H alloy solar cells, irradiated with 1.0 MeV protons

Light and dark I-V characteristics of both virgin and irradiated solar cells with the same history differ; the objective of this work is to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the observations. Thirty-seven triple-junction and 120 single-junction hydrogenated amorphous silicon alloy cells were investigated. Triple and single-junction cells degrade similarly with 1.0 MeV proton irradiation; the power density degrades for fluences above 1E12 cm/sup -2/. The fill-factor degrades initially; above 5E13 cm/sup -2/ the short-circuit current density dominates the degradation. Dark I-V measurements show changes in the shunt resistance and injection current. High fluences tend to decrease both the shunt and injection currents. Shunt resistances of virgin cells are unstable under reverse bias. Annealing at 200/spl deg/C for two hours increases and stabilizes shunt resistances. A parametric model was used to fit light and dark I-V measurements. The effect of irradiation and light bias on the parameters is reported. >
Harnessing Technology to Improve Clinical Trials: Study of Real-Time Informatics to Collect Data, Toxicities, Image Response Assessments, and Patient-Reported Outcomes in a Phase II Clinical Trial

Purpose In clinical trials, traditional monitoring methods, paper documentation, and outdated collection systems lead to inaccuracies of study information and inefficiencies in the process. Integrated electronic systems offer an opportunity to collect data in real time. Patients and Methods We created a computer software system to collect 13 patient-reported symptomatic adverse events and patient-reported Karnofsky performance status, semi-automated RECIST measurements, and laboratory data, and we made this information available to investigators in real time at the point of care during a phase II lung cancer trial. We assessed data completeness within 48 hours of each visit. Clinician satisfaction was measured. Results
Application of Synchrotron X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy to the Study of Multi-Metal Oxide Ceramics

Synchrotron x-ray fluorescence microscopy has been used to study multi-metal oxide ceramics that have been designed to sequester radioactive actinide elements for long-term storage and disposal. X-ray fluorescent lines for the various elements have been used for lateral elemental mapping of the materials, and the heterogeneity of the samples is discussed with respect to the elements in the crystallographic phases that have previously been documented by other means of structural and chemical analyses.
Interpreting The Learning Styles Of Traditional And Distance Learning Students

The emergence of telecommunication technologies has generated innovative strategies resulting in online education competing for student enrollment. Learning is no longer restricted by space and time, and has become more reliant on empowerment rather than confinement. This study sought to determine if the use of the Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI) could be used to determine which learning style(s) best reflect the traditional learner, and which are representative of the distance learning student. The study placed respondents into one of four styles, depending on how they responded to the Inventory: Diverger, Assimilator, Accommodator, and Converger. The study then compared responses within and between the groups to test for significance. It found that while there was significance between all of the groups except the Accommodator/Converger, the only group which had significance within was the group with the Assimilator style.
CYTO-NUCLEAR EPISTASIS: TWO-LOCUS RANDOM GENETIC DRIFT IN HERMAPHRODITIC AND DIOECIOUS SPECIES

We report the findings of our theoretical investigation of the effect of random genetic drift on the covariance of identity-by-descent (ibd) of nuclear and cytoplasmic genes. The covariance in ibd measures of the degree to which cyto-nuclear gene combinations are heritable, that is, transmitted together from parents to offspring. We show how the mating system affects the covariance of ibd, a potentially important aspect of host-pathogen or host-symbiont coevolution. The magnitude of this covariance influences the degree to which the evolution of apparently neutral cytoplasmic genes, often used in molecular phylogenetics, might be influenced by selection acting on unlinked nuclear genes. To the extent that cyto-nuclear gene combinations are inherited together, genomic conflict is mitigated and intergenomic transfer it facilitated, because genes in both organelle and nuclear genomes share the same evolutionary fate. The covariance of ibd also affects the rate at which cyto-nuclear epistatic variance is converted to additive variance necessary for a response to selection. We find that conversion is biased in species with separate sexes, so that the increment of additive variance added to the nuclear genome exceeds that added to the cytoplasmic genome. As a result, the host might have an adaptive advantage in a coevolutionary arms race with vertically (maternally) transmitted pathogens. Similarly, the nuclear genome could be a source of compensatory mutations for its organellar genomes, as occurs in cytoplasmic male sterility in some plant species. We also discuss the possibility that adaptive cytoplasmic elements, such as favorable mitochondrial mutations or endosymbionts (e.g., Wolbachia), have the potential to release heritable nuclear variation as they sweep through a host population, supporting the view that cytoplasmic introgression plays an important role in adaptation and speciation.
Much Ado about Recombinant DNA Regulations

Evolution shapes the form and activity of all living organisms in response to the environment in which they exist. Chemical changes in DNA, the long threadlike molecule composed of four kinds of bases coding for the genetic message, are responsible for almost all the hereditary changes that are the basis of evolution. These genetic changes are either localized mutations, where one or a very few bases are deleted, added, or substituted by other bases, or more extensive changes where whole functional genes or gene clusters are deleted, added, or exchanged.1 If one compares information contained in DNA to a book or a large set of volumes, such mutational changes correspond to adding, deleting, or exchanging individual letters, words, sentences, or entire pages of information.
Experimental validation of external load effects on micro-contact performance and reliability

This paper presents a follow-on study previously presented at the Holm Conference. In the previous work, it was theorized that micro-switch performance and reliability was directly related to the type of external load that was connected. In particular, unintended capacitive loads may discharge at unpredictable times during switch operation and severely degrade or destroy micro-contact surfaces while properly configured loads may actually enhance performance. The severity of this potential vulnerability can be mitigated by purposely including specific circuit elements in various load configurations. This current study is to experimentally investigate and analyze this phenomenon. Using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based devices, we have the ability to efficiently and inexpensively fabricate large numbers of identical micro-contact pairs and then connect them to external loads of interest. Using this approach, it was demonstrated that both performance and reliability can be drastically affected by loading. In all cases tested, series inductance and parallel capacitance resulted in premature failure of the micro-contacts tested. Various protective configurations were also tested and all such devices lasted to the targeted 10M cycles of operation with little sign of imminent failure.
Clamp Load Decay in Preloaded Dissimilar Lightweight-Material Joints due to Cyclic Temperature

Experimental and Finite Element methods are used for investigating the effect of cyclic thermal loading on the clamp load decay in preloaded single-lap bolted joints that are made of dissimilar-materials. Joint material combinations include steel and lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium alloys, with various different thicknesses. The range of cyclic temperature profile varies between −20°C and +150°C. A computer-controlled environmental chamber is used for generating the desired cyclic temperature profile and duration. Real time clamp load data is collected using high-temperature load cells. Percent clamp load decay is investigated for various combinations of joint materials, initial preload level, and test specimen thicknesses. Thermal and material creep finite element analysis is performed using temperature-dependent mechanical properties. FEA result has provided insight into interesting experimental observations regarding model predictions and the experimental data is discussed.© 2014 ASME
Refrigeration as a Quarantine Treatment for Fruits and Vegetables Infested with Eggs and Larvae of Dacus dorsalis and Dacus cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Research on refrigeration as a potential quarantine treatment for fruits and vegetables subject to infestation by Dacus dorsalis Hendel and D. cucurbitae Coquillett conducted from 1949 to 1951 was reviewed. These data showed that 10 days storage of fruit infested by D. dorsalis at 2.8°C or below would be acceptable as a quarantine treatment. For D. cucurbitae , 10 days of storage at or below 0°C was adequate. However, probit analyses predicted that 16–20 days were required for fruit held at 0.6–2.8°C.
Acid-labile carbon dioxide in muscle: its nature and relationship to intracellular pH.

SummaryA portion of the acid-labile CO2 in alkaline extracts of rat muscle is not precipitable by BaCl2. Carbonate added to an extract that has been acidified, freed of CO2 by evacuation, and realkalinized is only partially precipitated. It is concluded that barium solubility is the effect of some substance in the muscle extract in inhibiting crystallization of a limited amount of BaCO3. Calculation of intracellular pH from total acid-labile CO2 appears valid.
Nest Site Fidelity in Female Wild Turkey: Potential Causes and Reproductive Consequences

We studied nest site fidelity of female Wild Turkeys in the Arkansas Ozarks during 1992-94. Sixty-nine percent of surviving females returned to breed on their previous breeding areas. Older females had higher return rate compared to younger females. Females did not appear to base their return decision on the previous year nest success. Females that returned to their previous nesting areas laid larger clutches than females that did not return and nests of returned females survived longer than those of females that moved to new areas. Nest site fidelity did not associate with future reproductive success ; nest success of females that returned and those that switched breeding areas was similar. Spring dispersal distance and size of prenesting ranges were similar between females that returned and females that moved to new areas between years. Females that nested in habitats that appeared to provide reduced protection from predation relocated in the following year independently of whether their previous nests actually were depredated. Increased social status and experience may account for correlation between habitat quality and breeding site fidelity.
Radiation Hardening of Simox Buried Oxide by Nitridation

Radiation hardening of SIMOX buried oxides by nitridation is demonstrated in this paper. Bare SIMOX oxide substrates, obtained by selective reactive ion etching of the top silicon film, were nitrided by annealing in ammonia at a high temperature. Al-Si thin film capacitors were fabricated on the SIMOX oxide and also on concurrently processed dry thermal oxides of similar thickness. Radiation hardness was tested by C-V measurements before and after the exposure to x-rays in an ARACOR x-ray source. SIMOX oxides were found to be inherently more resistant to radiation damage than the thermal oxides. Nitridation improved the radiation hardness of SIMOX oxides similarly to that of thermal oxides. Reoxidation nearly reversed the radiation hardening effect of nitridation in these thick (> 300 nm) oxides. For example, the following shifts in the flat band voltage were obtained when the capacitors were biased with ±5 V on the Al-Si dots and exposed to 100 krad (SiO 2 ): -24 V for SIMOX oxide, -14.2 V for nitrided SIMOX oxide, and -22.8 V for reoxidized nitrided SIMOX oxide.
Analysis of coal industry production concentration ratio in China

This paper analysis the production concentration ratio the domestic coal industry through CRn,an index in the industry economics reflects the market concentration ratio.It is obvious to notice that the domestic coal production concentration ratio is rel-atively low compared to that in foreign countries.Here we elaborate on the reasons and present some suggestions to enhance the production concentration ratio of chinese coal industry,through which we aim to optimize the domestic industrial structure of the coal sector and gain a more competitive edge so as to secure a more sustainable and healthy development of the coal industry.
Mechanisms of edema and the use of diuretics.

Hemodynamic and hormonal factors are considered in explaining salt and water retention; a classification of the various clinical disorders characterized by edema formation, based on the predominant pathophysiologic mechanism, is offered; and therapeutic techniques and the role of diuretics are reviewed in the light of the physiologic determinants of edema formation.
Combined Percutaneous and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Staghorn Calculi: An Alternative to Anatrophic Nephrolithotomy

AbstractCombinations of percutaneous and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy were performed on 46 patients with 52 staghorn calculi. Of the renal units 15 per cent had minute residual fragments but only 9.7 per cent with struvite had residual stones. The morbidity of this combined approach is less than that of anatrophic nephrolithotomy.We believe that the majority of staghorn calculi can be removed in this manner. Nephrostolithotomy should be the initial procedure in most instances. This less invasive approach is especially advantageous in patients at high risk for recurrence.
Social Development in Historical Context

The chapter begins with brief account of the historical context in which social development emerged after the Second World War and it then discusses the conceptual ideas that influence the field. The normative contributions that offer different prescriptions for social development practice are also reviewed. It shows that conceptual developments have been augmented by different practice innovations that have enhanced the field’s ability to promote social wellbeing around the world. It also shows how significant events such as the 1995 United Nations World Summit of Social Development in Copenhagen, the Millennium Summit at which the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were approved and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, approved by the General Assembly, have shaped social development theory and practice. It argues for the need to move beyond the MDGs and SDGs to focus on social development.
A Scientific Framework for Social Work Doctoral Education in the 21st Century

The emerging discourse about the science of social work has urged doctoral social work programs to reexamine assumptions about conducting research and responding to new expectations for scholarship...
Influence of Oil-Based Corrosion Protection on Friction Losses During Strands Installation and Prestressing

Oil-based coatings are widely used as a short-term corrosion protection measure in bridge engineering, mainly to protect prestressing material during site storage and in the time before grout application which then provides long-term protection for tendons. The oil-based coatings should be removed prior to grouting but in practice may remain present during stressing, whereupon they may reduce friction with either beneficial or adverse effects on the design. Occasionally, oils are used solely as a lubricant during strand installation into the duct to minimize friction.
A fluorescent reporter mouse for inflammasome assembly demonstrates an important role for both cell bound and free ASC specks during in vivo infection

Inflammasome activation is associated with numerous diseases. However, in vivo detection of the activated inflammasome complex has been limited by a dearth of tools. We developed transgenic mice that ectopically express the fluorescent adaptor protein, ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain), and characterized the formation of assembled inflammasome complexes (“specks”) in primary cells and tissues. In addition to hematopoietic cells, we found that a stromal population in the lung tissues forms specks during the early phase of influenza infection whereas myeloid cells showed speck formation after two days. In a peritonitis and Group B streptococcus infection models, a higher percentage of neutrophils formed specks at early phases of infection, while dendritic cells formed specks at later time points. Furthermore, speck-forming cells underwent pyroptosis, and extensive release of specks to the extracellular milieu in vivo . These data underscore the importance of free specks during inflammatory processes in vivo .
The treatment works: Revisiting a key link in contextual theories of political behavior:

The use of self-reported contextual factors is prominent in political science. While recent research demonstrates that perceptions of contextual factors positively associate with census measured fa...
Introductory remarks: quark flavors

The question of where the next quark flavor n should occur is discussed. It is guessed that it will have a mass of 14–15 GeV by extrapolating from lower heavy quark mass ratios. The corresponding nn vector meson would have a mass of 30 GeV. The excitation spectrum of quarks is contrasted with that of the hydrogen atom. The possibility of regarding flavor as an excitation of some new degree of freedom in the system is also discussed.
Nanotubes, Nanorods, Nanofibers, and Fullerenes for Nanoscale Drug Delivery

A drug’s delivery vehicle can have a significant impact on its efficacy. Nanoscale manipulation of drug delivery vehicles can substantially improve pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, non-specific toxicity, immunogenicity, and biorecognition properties (Dillon et al. 1999; Kopecek 2003; Couvreur 2006). As a result, applying these technologies to pharmaceutical development has the potential to revolutionize the delivery of biologically active compounds. The ideal drug delivery system needs to protect drugs from degradation via enzymatic, mechanical, or chemical pathways. It should also have enhanced diffusion through the epithelium, targeted tissue distribution, or increased penetration into its target cell depending on the application (Couvreur 2006). Therefore, drug delivery vehicles need to be rationally designed to overcome many of these physical barriers. Of the inorganic delivery systems currently in development, nanotubes, nanorods, fullerenes, and nanofibers show some of the greatest promise in physical manipulation and synthesis for optimal drug conjugation and transport.
Selection for Size, Shape, and Development Timing

First we examine the pairwise functional interrelations between size, shape, and the timing of development. Added to this well-known three-way relationship is a discussion of how selection can act on all three of these properties to effect quantitative changes in the others. One tentative conclusion is that there are many clear examples of selection acting on size and shape, and thence indirectly on timing; but examples of direct selection on timing tend to be either speculative or somewhat strained. The special case of metamorphosis, a qualitative change in form, is examined in the context of the quantitative triangle of time, shape, and size. Finally, we present a shopping list of important, unsolved problems.
Estimating properties of kinetoplast DNA by fragmentation reactions

The mitochondrial DNA of trypanosomes, called kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) contains thousands of minicircles that are topologically linked into a single structure that resembles a medieval chainmail. This biological chainmail is characterized by two parameters: the link type between minicircles, and the number of minicircles linked to each minicircle (i.e. the minicircle valence). In previous works, a protocol was proposed to determine the mean value of the minicircle valence. In these experiments, minicircles were excised from the network and the products compared with those obtained from fragmenting idealized structures. These idealized structures assumed a negligible variance in the distribution of valences of the initial network. It is therefore unclear to what extent this theoretical analysis captures the true topology of the kDNA network when kDNA samples are extracted from unsynchronized cells or from cells with silenced kDNA replication genes. Subsequent studies proposed that there is a critical percolation density during network formation. We asked whether this density can be estimated using fragmentation reactions. The goal of this work is to develop a mathematical method that can be used to estimate the mean valence of networks when the variance of the valence is non-negligible. We first show microscopy data on Crithidia fasciculata that, in agreement with the original experimental results, show a distribution of valences with nonzero variance. Second, we use computer simulations of network fragmentation to show that the predicted and actual mean valence are different when the valence distribution has nonzero variance. We propose a more general mathematical formulation and computer simulations of kDNA fragmentation to estimate this value. Last, we show that fragmentation experiments may lead to errors in the estimation of the critical percolation density since the collapsing density depends on the initial density of the network, and on the fragmentation reaction.
90Y-TheraSpheres: The New Look of Yttrium-90

Selective internal radiation therapy with Y-TheraSphere or Y-SIRSphere is used in the treatment of unresectable hepatic malignancies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Y-TheraSpheres series. BTG International Canada Inc. provided nonradiated microspheres from the Nordion manufacturer. The histologic processed microspheres were colorless, refractile, polarizable, 20 to 30 μm in diameter, and an occasional internal bulls'-eye seen with the condenser out and an internal cross seen with polarized light. Identical microspheres were identified in 15 hepatectomy specimens from four centers between February 2016 and March 2018. The patients were usually male (male=10, female=5) with a mean age of 59 years. All patients had a prior diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and documented Y-TheraSphere (mean duration from last deployment=32 wk). All surgical pathology specimens in these 15 patients were reviewed, but the microspheres were only identified in the hepatectomy specimens. During manuscript preparation, one case of Y-TheraSpheres gastritis was prospectively identified from a separate patient with a history of HCC and Y-TheraSpheres. In conclusion, recognition of Y-TheraSpheres is important so that one may consider the possibility of a nearby malignancy and or establish the cause of the background inflammatory or radiation-related injury. These structures can be easy to miss because the subtle morphology is distinct from previously reported Y-SIRSphere. Clues to the diagnosis include a history of HCC and background radiation change. We report the characteristic morphology as microspheres that overlap in size with Y-SIRSphere, but can be differentiated based on Y-TheraSpheres' colorless appearance with occasional internal bulls'-eyes with the condenser out and an internal cross with polarized light.
Abstract 155: High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Predicts Future Cerebrovascular Events in Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy

Background: High sensitivity C-reactive protein is a risk factor atherosclerosis and plaque rupture. We aimed to determine the role of high-sensitivity C reactive protein in predicting future cereb...