cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability-Based Performance Evaluation of Nonlinear Dynamic Systems Excited in Time Domain

A novel concept of reliability-based performance evaluation using multiple deterministic analyses of nonlinear dynamic systems excited in time domain is presented. The dynamic excitations can be natural events like earthquakes or wave loadings. It can be thermo-mechanical loading caused by the use of computers. Unpredictability of the dynamic loadings, modeling the structural systems under uncertainty, and predicting the response behavior considering dynamic amplification and the different energy dissipation mechanisms can be very challenging. A transformational theoretical concept is presented to address this knowledge gap. The research objectives are achieved by using several advanced mathematical concepts including sensitivity analysis, model reduction techniques, intelligent sampling schemes, several advanced factorial schemes producing a compounding beneficial effect, and surrogate meta-modeling techniques to obtain efficiency without sacrificing accuracy. They are implemented in a multi-scale environment exploiting state-of-the-art computational power. The formulation extracts stochastic dynamical behavior using only hundreds of intelligent analyses instead of thousands of simulation-based analyses. This is a new design paradigm using intelligent multiple deterministic analyses. It will provide an alternative to simulation and the classical random vibration concept.
Rice diseases detection and classification using attention based neural network and bayesian optimization

Abstract In this research, an attention-based depthwise separable neural network with Bayesian optimization (ADSNN-BO) is proposed to detect and classify rice disease from rice leaf images. Rice diseases frequently result in 20–40% corp production loss in yield and is highly related to the global economy. Rapid disease identification is critical to plan treatment promptly and reduce the corp losses. Rice disease diagnosis is still mainly performed manually. To achieve AI assisted rapid and accurate disease detection, we proposed the ADSNN-BO model based on MobileNet structure and augmented attention mechanism. Moreover, Bayesian optimization method is applied to tune hyper-parameters of the model. Cross-validated classification experiments are conducted based on a public rice disease dataset with four categories in total. The experimental results demonstrate that our mobile compatible ADSNN-BO model achieves a test accuracy of 94.65%, which outperforms all of the state-of-the-art models tested. To check the interpretability of our proposed model, feature analysis including activation map and filters visualization approach are also conducted. Results show that our proposed attention-based mechanism can more effectively guide the ADSNN-BO model to learn informative features. The outcome of this research will promote the implementation of artificial intelligence for fast plant disease diagnosis and control in the agricultural field.
Isolated Basilic Vein Thrombosis as a Rare Presentation of COVID-19 in a Young Patient

COVID-19 has not spared a single system in the human body. Although acute respiratory failure culminating sometimes in death remains the most common manifestation of severe infection, hypercoagulability leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and stroke have also been identified widely. Here, we describe a young patient with a COVID-19 infection who developed right basilic vein thrombosis. This case demonstrates how thrombosis can occur in uncommon sites and how clinicians should be vigilant for thrombotic complications in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.
Effects of paclitaxel in mitochondrial function and cellular phenotype in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocytes

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN) is a common complication of paclitaxel. CIPN affects the quality of life of cancer survivors and frequently leads to discontinuation of treatment. Paclitaxel affects neuronal microtubules and induces neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction. However, there is limited clinical information regarding paclitaxel's effects on monocytes. Preclinical studies suggest that paclitaxel-induced neuronal damage is driven by monocytes/macrophages. Therefore, we evaluated whether paclitaxel selectively induces mitochondrial dysfunction and a pro-inflammatory phenotype in human circulating monocytes. We conducted studies in human primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from cancer patients being treated with paclitaxel, and in vitro analysis in PBMC cells and monocytes, and THP-1 monocytes in the presence of paclitaxel (0.1, 1, 10 uM). We used flow cytometric markers to study mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential, namely MitoSox and DIOC6(3) respectively. We also measured mRNA levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules using qRT-PCR. In vitro paclitaxel induced a depolarization state in mitochondria in THP-1, human primary monocytes, and primary human PBMCs, but it did not change MitoSox. Monocytes in PBMCs cells from patients treated with paclitaxel showed significative depolarization state in mitochondria when compared to cells from control patients. In THP-1 cells, paclitaxel enhanced mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and TNF alpha. In human primary PBMCs, paclitaxel reduced the anti-inflammatory factors CD163 and IL-10, and enhanced the TNF alpha, COX-2 and MCP-1 mRNA levels. Our study provides evidence that paclitaxel can induce mitochondrial dysfunction in isolated human monocytes and in monocytes present in total PBMCs cells. The observed depolarizing changes are indicative of a pro-mitophagy state, which is in accordance with the paclitaxel-induced pro-inflammatory phenotype in these cells. Early detection of mitochondria dysfunction in human monocytes could be a predictable sign to CIPN development in cancer patients. Our research was supported by the Early-Career Investigator Award W81XWH-16-1-0438 of the Department of Defense, The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance, Weill Cornell Medicine Funds, Department of Anesthesiology-Wake Forest School of Medicine Funds, Comprehensive Cancer Center-Wake Forest School of Medicine Funds, NIDA R21CA248106, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)-NIH through Grant Award Number UL1TR001420. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.
“Each race in its proper sphere”: understanding Ottoman nation, race, and class in the travel narratives of Demetra Vaka Brown (1877–1946) and Leila Ahmed (1940–)

This article examines the lives and travel writings of two post-Ottoman women writers, Demetra Vaka Brown (1877–1946), a former Ottoman Greek who immigrated to the United States in the late ninetee...
Residues in the alpha subunit of human choriotropin that are important for interaction with the lutropin receptor.

Synthetic peptides were used to probe the structure-function relationships between human choriotropin (hCG) and the lutropin (LH) receptor. Previously, a peptide region of the alpha subunit of hCG, residues 26-46, had been shown to inhibit binding of 125I-hCG to the LH receptor in rat ovarian membranes (Charlesworth, M.C., McCormick, D.J., Madden, B., and Ryan, R.J. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 13409-13416). To determine which residues are important for this inhibitory activity, peptides were truncated from either the amino or carboxyl terminus, or individual residues were substituted with alanine. The amino-terminal boundary was determined to be Gly-30 and the carboxyl-terminal boundary, Lys-44. This core peptide contained all the residues needed for full activity of the parent peptide 26-46. Arg-35 and Phe-33 were particularly important residues; when they were substituted with alanine, the peptide inhibitory potencies were decreased. Ser-43, Arg-42, Cys-32, and Cys-31 were also important but to a lesser degree. These results are consistent with predictions based on chemical and enzymatic modification studies and provide insight into which residues are important for interaction between hCG and the LH receptor.
Asymptomatic ocular herpes infections precipitate rapid rejection of corneal allografts (TRAN3P.917)

Most herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infected individuals are asymptomatic despite harboring latent virus in their trigeminal ganglia (TG). To determine if these ‘quiet’ infections influence corneal transplant survival we infected the corneas of C57Bl/6 mice with an HSV-1 strain that causes a latent TG infection but no overt corneal pathology. Infected mice received a corneal transplant from syngeneic mice that express ovalbumin (OVA) as a surrogate alloantigen. Graft survival was 9% in infected mice as compared to 58% in non-infected mice. Transcripts for chemokines including CXCL10, CXCL9, CCL5, and CCL2 were significantly elevated, and were significantly reduced by CD4 T cell depletion prior to infection. To assess CD4 T cell antigen specificity irradiated wild type C57BL/6 mice were reconstituted with mixed BM from CD4 KO mice and RAG-/- OT-II transgenic mice so all CD4 T cells were OVA-specific. The chimeras were not infected or received a quiet HSV-1 infection with or without transfer of polyclonal CD4 T cells prior to transplantation of OVA expressing grafts. Graft survival in chimeras was: 100% (non-infected), 60% (quiet infection, no T cell transfer), and 20% (quiet infection with CD4 T cell transfer). We conclude that quiet HSV-1 corneal infections can augment CD4 T cell mediated corneal allograft rejection by increasing chemokine expression in the graft bed and possibly recruiting HSV-specific CD4 T cells into the rejection response.
Dopamine 2 (DA-2) Receptor Assays Using Sympathetic Nerve Terminals

In vitro experiments using isolated atria with and without superfusion can be used to quantify the dopamine-2 (DA-2) receptor stimulating activity of compounds. This receptor mechanism decreases the amount of norepinephrine released from sympathetic nerve terminals by neuronal impulses. DA-2 receptor agonists (stimulants) are very active and induce several physiological changes, such as bradycardia, hypotension, lower intraocular pressure, etc. In this unit, tissue preparation and dopamine receptor assays are described for isolated cat atria with field stimulation or with superfusion, and isolated guinea pig atria with field stimulation.
Kinesin-5 motors are required for organization of spindle microtubules in Silvetia compressa zygotes

Background: Monastrol, a chemical inhibitor specific to the Kinesin-5 family of motor proteins, was used to examine the functional roles of Kinesin-5 proteins during the first, asymmetric cell division cycle in the brown alga Silvetia compressa. Results: Monastrol treatment had no effect on developing zygotes prior to entry into mitosis. After mitosis entry, monastrol treatment led to formation of monasters and cell cycle arrest in a dose dependent fashion. These findings indicate that Kinesin-5 motors maintain spindle bipolarity, and are consistent with reports in animal cells. At low drug concentrations that permitted cell division, spindle position was highly displaced from normal, resulting in abnormal division planes. Strikingly, application of monastrol also led to formation of numerous cytasters throughout the cytoplasm and multipolar spindles, uncovering a novel effect of monastrol treatment not observed in animal cells. Conclusion: We postulate that monastrol treatment causes spindle poles to break apart forming cytasters, some of which capture chromosomes and become supernumerary spindle poles. Thus, in addition to maintaining spindle bipolarity, Kinesin-5 members in S. compressa likely organize microtubules at spindle poles. To our knowledge, this is the first functional characterization of the Kinesin-5 family in stramenopiles.
CUMULATIVE DEFLECTION AND PAVEMENT PERFORMANCE

Pavement engineers have not been able to predict the performance of pavement systems prior to their actual construction and operational utilization. A solution to this problem is obtained by verifying the following hypothesis. There is a functional relationship between the cumulative peak deflections sustained by a given pavement system and the condition of that system. The hypothesis is tested by applying it to load-deflection and performance trend data gathered in the AASHO Road Test. Regression analysis is performed to find a relationship that predicts the level of the Present Serviceability Index (PSI) as a function of the structural design of the pavement and the cumulative deflections imparted to the pavement. It is concluded that, in the future, performance trends in airfield and highway pavements can be predicted from knowledge of the anticipated cumulative total peak deflections.
Drag in a Porous Medium: An Example of the Use of Ensemble Averaged Hydrodynamic Potentials

The drag in a porous medium, composed of randomly positioned identical rigid spheres, is calculated as an example of a general framework for the analysis of multiphase flows. The field variables are treated as sums of known fluid fields, independent of the presence of the solid phase, and disturbance fields which account for the effect of the solid phase on the fluid phase. The problem of calculating the ensemble average interaction force is transformed to one related to singular solutions of Stokes equations by representing the disturbance fields in terms of hydrodynamic potentials. Approximate solutions of the problem of a point force outside of two spheres are used to directly calculate the flow resistance in a porous medium. The result is very accurate for solid volume fractions less than 0.5. Because of the inaccuracy of the approximation of the far field interactions among the rigid spheres, the solution is less accurate for more densely packed porous media.
Emerging Equity Markets: To Invest Or Not To Invest?

Numerous studies suggest that investors diversifying their portfolios with equity of emerging markets benefit from increased returns and/or reduced volatility. Using a 16-year sample from 1988 to 2003, we test this assertion and find that ex-post benefits to U.S. investors in this period are small. Our tests show that the improvement in portfolio performance is not consistent through time, and it is statistically significant only when we restrict our analysis to some regions and/or specific time periods. We find that the lack of significant gains of diversifying into emerging markets is caused by problems with the two main sources of diversification benefits: contrary to expectations, emerging markets have low relative realized returns and their correlation with the U.S. stock market has increased over time.
Cecal inoculum peritonitis: An alternative model for sepsis vascular dysfunction study.

Abstract Aims Sepsis is a life threatening condition that is characterized by the loss of vascular reactivity. The factor(s) responsible for the diminished vascular function seen in sepsis are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize the vascular dysfunction from the rat cecal inoculum (CI) sepsis model using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sepsis as reference models. Materials and methods Experiments were performed on isolated aorta from CI, CLP and LPS treated rats using a combination of pharmacological approaches. Key findings Phenylephrine (PE)-induced aortic contraction was significantly decreased in each model (p Significance These results suggest that the CI model may be an additional tool that could be used to investigate the mechanisms of vascular hyporesponsiveness in sepsis.
A Comparative Study of Speckle Interferometric Techniques

Recently we have described an additive-subtractive phase modulated (ASPM) scheme which can be adapted to conventional subtractive speckle interferometry setups to reduce the noise susceptibility of these inspection tools [1–4]. In particular, these ASPM speckle interferometric techniques will freeze out unwanted environmental noise of frequencies much higher than video rates. In this study, we provide an experimental comparison of four speckle interferometric methods based on their performance under the influence of controlled noise. The performance was quantitatively determined using a parameter known as visibility which is a measure of the relative contrast between bright and dark fringes generated by each method. The four methods compared are conventional subtractive ESPI, conventional subtractive shearography, ASPM-ESPI and ASPM-shearography. All of these speckle techniques were configured for out-of-plane displacement or displacement gradient sensitivities.
Identification of two cDNA clones encoding small proline-rich proteins expressed in sheep ruminal epithelium

Small proline-rich (SPRR) proteins are markers frequently associated with squamous cell differentiation. They have been proposed to be a novel group of precursor polypeptides for the cornified envelope in epidermal keratinocytes. A plus/minus screening procedure was used to identify cDNA clones expressed in mature but not in neonatal sheep ruminal epithelium. Two clones encoding SPRR proteins were identified and are reported here. Clone 27 encodes an ovine SPRR protein corresponding to the human type-II SPRR protein. Clone 26 encodes an ovine SPRR protein similar to human type-II SPRR protein, but which also contains an N-terminal His-Pro repeat similar to the paired repeats found in the Drosophila paired proteins. The unique combination of a paired domain and an SPRR protein has not been reported prior to this study. The tissue distribution indicates that specific expression of the genes corresponding to these two clones occurs in the epithelium of the ruminant forestomach, and to a lesser extent in skin epithelium. In situ hybridization demonstrated that the SPRR mRNA for both clones were localized in the stratum granulosum, in support of their putative physiological function, i.e. formation of the cornified envelope. Based on Northern blot analysis, mRNA complementary to the two clones appears in the ruminal epithelium by 1 week of age, corresponding to the formation of the stratum granulosum during ruminal epithelial development. The different patterns of changes in amount of mRNA corresponding to these clones during rumen epithelial development indicate that they play different roles in rumen epithelial development.
Novel hybrid materials with high stability for electrically switched ion exchange: carbon nanotube–polyaniline–nickel hexacyanoferrate nanocomposites

A novel and stable carbon nanotube–polyaniline–nickel hexacyanoferrate nanocomposite film has been synthesized by the electrodeposition method, and the feasibility for removing radioactive caesium through an electrically switched ion exchange process using the nanocomposite film has been evaluated in a mixture containing NaNO3 and CsNO3.
Aspects of equivalence between contact mechanics and fracture mechanics: theoretical connections and a life-prediction methodology for fretting-fatigue

Abstract We identify aspects of quantitative equivalence between contact mechanics and fracture mechanics via asymptotic matching. An analogy is invoked between the geometry of the near-tip regions of cracked specimens and that of the sharp-edged contact region between two contacting surfaces. We then demonstrate that the asymptotic elastic stress and strain fields around the rim of the contact region, as derived from classical contact mechanics analyses, are identical to those extracted from linear-elastic fracture mechanics solutions for analogous geometries. Conditions of validity of this model for contact mechanics are established by recourse to the singular fields and small-scale-yielding concepts of fracture mechanics. With this method, the geometry of the contact-pad/substrate system naturally introduces a fictitious crack length, thereby providing a physical basis to analyze contact-fatigue fracture initiation and growth. Possible extensions of this crack analogue model are then suggested, for situations where static or cyclic mechanical loads are superimposed parallel to the direction of interfacial friction, using the two-parameter fracture characterization that involves the stress intensity factor K and the non-singular T-stress, or alternatively, the J integral and the triaxiality parameter, Q. The predictions of the crack analogue model are then compared with fretting-fatigue experiments and are shown to be in agreement with a variety of independent experimental observations. A new life-prediction methodology for fretting fatigue is also proposed on the basis of the present approach.
Time Binds: US Antipoverty Policies, Poverty, and the Well-Being of Single Mothers

Abstract Many US antipoverty programs and measures assume mothers have little, intermittent, or no employment and therefore have sufficient time to care for children, perform household tasks, and apply for and maintain eligibility for these programs. Employment-promotion policies directed toward low-income mothers since the late 1980s have successfully increased their time in the labor force. However, low wages and insufficient employer-based benefits often leave employed single mothers with inadequate material resources to support families and less time to care for their children. The lack of consideration given to the value of poor women's time in both the administration and benefit levels of antipoverty government support, as well as the measures used to calculate poverty, place more binds on poor and low-income mothers' time. Ignoring these binds causes researchers and policymakers to overestimate single mothers' well-being and reduces the effectiveness of the policies.
Religiosity in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Office of Research and Development; Medical Research Service; Department of Veteran's Affairs
Synthesis of Bisphenol Z: An Organic Chemistry Experiment

A student achievable synthesis of bisphenol Z, 4,4′-(cyclohexane-1,1-diyl)diphenol, from the acid-catalyzed reaction of phenol with cyclohexanone is presented. The experiment exemplifies all the usual pedagogy for the standard topic of electrophilic aromatic substitution present in the undergraduate organic chemistry curriculum, while providing the opportunity to create a product that is a member of a family of compounds (including bisphenol A) that is industrially important, but with significant controversy over health and environmental concerns. The synthesis can serve as a springboard for discussion or research on a variety of related topics such as polymer plastic or epoxy resin synthesis, intellectual property and patents, endocrine system disruptors, and environmental toxicology. The experiment has a very low cost of ownership, is reliable at producing yields of 45%, and may be completed in a single laboratory period. In addition, it serves as an example of a reaction that forms an isolable stoichio...
The autocorrelation structure for the GARCH-M process

Abstract The autocorrelation structure for the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity in mean (GARCH-M) process is presented. It is shown that the autocorrelations for the GARCH-M process are similar to that for ARMA process and are nonnegative under the conventional restrictions on the parameters of GARCH process.
An improved general method for the reduction of analytical errors in flame emission and atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract A general method of analysis by flame emission and atomic absorption spectrometry is described. The method, broadly applicable to a variety of samples, including glasses, minerals and metals, consists of preparing standards and samples in a common matrix of 0.4% ( w v ) CsCI and 2% ( v v ) HCl. Analytical errors caused by “matrix effects” are reduced, and laboratory efficiency is improved by reducing the need for special sample treatment and dilutions as well as error-compensating techniques such as standard additions or matrix-matching. The analytes studied include Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu and Zn. The potential interferences tested include all of the above analytes plus lead, usually at interferent-to-analyte ratios of 33:1. Modification of the basic CsCI-HC1 method is necessary only for the determination of chromium. Results are given for the analysis of several NBS reference materials, including glass, steel, aluminum alloy, feldspar and limestone.
Household gun prevalence and rates of violent crime: a test of competing gun theories

This study analyzes the reciprocal relationship between a direct measure of gun availability and three types of violent crime across the 120 most populous counties in the USA. Survey data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System are used to construct a measure of household gun prevalence. Hypotheses derived from four competing perspectives concerning the role of guns in the production of violence are tested. Strong support is found for the view that easy access to guns raises the risk of serious violence by giving the perpetrator the power to inflict greater victim injury. By contrast, no support is found for the argument that widespread legal gun ownership lowers violent crime by deterring prospective offenders.
Multichannel filter design criteria

Given an array of hydrophones at known locations in space, how should we design the array so as to maximize the output SNR? The problem has been "solved" by using (1) array pattern concepts and (2) multichannel filter concepts. We show that the two approaches are equivalent and then ask: When viewing the array as a multichannel filter should we design the array so as to maximize the SNR, i.e. is this a good criterion? By using the equivalence between the two abovementioned approaches, we show that the answer in certain eases is no, and develop an alternate criterion for these cases.
Multiple Meron Solutions of the Classical Yang-Mills Equation

Abstract We give a construction for multiple meron-antimeron solutions to the classical SU(2) Yang-Mills field equations. The corresponding charge density is Q(x) = 1 2 ∑ ± γ(x−x i ) , with the xi distinct points on a line. The problem is reduced to the solution of a scalar φ4 equation. We obtain a model with merons connected in pairs.
Two Nedd4-binding Motifs Underlie Modulation of Sodium Channel Nav1.6 by p38 MAPK

Sodium channel Nav1.6 is essential for neuronal excitability in central and peripheral nervous systems. Loss-of-function mutations in Nav1.6 underlie motor disorders, with homozygous-null mutations causing juvenile lethality. Phosphorylation of Nav1.6 by the stress-induced p38 MAPK at a Pro-Gly-Ser553-Pro motif in its intracellular loop L1 reduces Nav1.6 current density in a dorsal root ganglion-derived cell line, without changing its gating properties. Phosphorylated Pro-Gly-Ser553-Pro motif is a putative binding site to Nedd4 ubiquitin ligases, and we hypothesized that Nedd4-like ubiquitin ligases may contribute to channel ubiquitination and internalization. We report here that p38 activation in hippocampal neurons from wild-type mice, but not from Scn8amedtg mice that lack Nav1.6, reduces tetrodotoxin-S sodium currents, suggesting isoform-specific modulation of Nav1.6 by p38 in these neurons. Pharmacological block of endocytosis completely abolishes p38-mediated Nav1.6 current reduction, supporting our hypothesis that channel internalization underlies current reduction. We also report that the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 interacts with Nav1.6 via a Pro-Ser-Tyr1945 motif in the C terminus of the channel and reduces Nav1.6 current density, and we show that this regulation requires both the Pro-Gly-Ser-Pro motif in L1 and the Pro-Ser-Tyr motif in the C terminus. Similarly, both motifs are necessary for p38-mediated reduction of Nav1.6 current, whereas abrogating binding of the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 to the Pro-Ser-Tyr motif results in stress-mediated increase in Nav1.6 current density. Thus, phosphorylation of the Pro-Gly-Ser-Pro motif within L1 of Nav1.6 is necessary for stress-induced current modulation, with positive or negative regulation depending upon the availability of the C-terminal Pro-Ser-Tyr motif to bind Nedd4-2.
The Caring Relation in Teaching.

According to John Macmurray, ‘teaching is one of the foremost of personal relations’. This paper describes that relation in some detail from the perspective of care ethics. This involves a discussion of the central elements in establishing and maintaining relations of care and trust which include listening, dialogue, critical thinking, reflective response, and making thoughtful connections among the disciplines and to life itself.
Scanning Cathodoluminescence Microscopy of Polycrystalline GaAs

Scanning cathodoluminescence microscopy (SCM) has been used for nondestructive characterization of the optoelectronic properties of heavily Zn-doped, Bridgman-grown polycrystalline GaAs. Grain boundaries can either show no cathodoluminescence contrast, appear as dark lines, or appear slightly brighter than the surrounding matrix. Boundaries with similar surface morphologies can show different contrast. Spectral analysis data indicate that many of the observed features are due to local variations in impurity concentration.
The Poisson equation for reversible Markov chains: Analysis and application to Markov chain samplers

The steady-state behavior a finite-state Markov chain can be evaluated by solving a Poisson equation, a special case of the optimality equation arising in average cost Markov decision processes. In practice, solving the Poisson equation is typically no easier than evaluating steady state behavior directly using the invariant probability mass function of the Markov chain. However, it is known that approximate solutions to the Poisson equation can be used to produce bounds on steady state performance and to accelerate simulations for estimating steady state behavior. In this paper we study the special structure taken on by the Poisson equation when the associated Markov chain is reversible. In particular, we show that reversible Markov chains have a special form of the Poisson equation that admits a closed form solution. As an application of the reversible Poisson equation we consider the construction of control variates that can be used in Markov chain-based samplers. We show one class of control variates that are obtained by approximating the known solution to the reversible Poisson equation, and demonstrate the application of these control variates on an example involving the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm.
Affordable Care Act Risk Adjustment: Overview, Context, and Challenges

Beginning in 2014, individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase private health insurance through competitive marketplaces. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides for a program of risk adjustment in the individual and small group markets in 2014 as Marketplaces are implemented and new market reforms take effect. The purpose of risk adjustment is to lessen or eliminate the influence of risk selection on the premiums that plans charge and the incentive for plans to avoid sicker enrollees. This article--the first of three in the Medicare & Medicaid Research Review--describes the key program goal and issues in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) developed risk adjustment methodology, and identifies key choices in how the methodology responds to these issues. The goal of the HHS risk adjustment methodology is to compensate health insurance plans for differences in enrollee health mix so that plan premiums reflect differences in scope of coverage and other plan factors, but not differences in health status. The methodology includes a risk adjustment model and a risk transfer formula that together address this program goal as well as three issues specific to ACA risk adjustment: 1) new population; 2) cost and rating factors; and 3) balanced transfers within state/market. The risk adjustment model, described in the second article, estimates differences in health risks taking into account the new population and scope of coverage (actuarial value level). The transfer formula, described in the third article, calculates balanced transfers that are intended to account for health risk differences while preserving permissible premium differences.
Correlated responses to selection for a behavioral trait in Drosophila melanogaster

Positive and negative geotactic behavior has been selected in strains ofDrosophila melanogaster for over 50 generations on multiple-unit classification mazes. Mating speed experiments showed that the selected and unselected strains differed greatly from each other. The geopositive flies mated more rapidly than the control flies, and the geonegative flies mated more slowly than the control flies. The females were shown to be chiefly responsible for the observed differences in mating speed. Investigation of other behavioral and structural changes indicated that courtship duration, locomotor activity, and aristal morphology also showed differences between the selected strains.
Differential Effects of 2,4-Dintrophenol (DNP) and Antimycin A (AMA) on Endothelium Dependent and Independent Vasodilation in Fetal Pulmonary Circulation

Differential Effects of 2,4-Dintrophenol (DNP) and Antimycin A (AMA) on Endothelium Dependent and Independent Vasodilation in Fetal Pulmonary Circulation
Errors Upon Errors: A Reply to Joyce

In his response to my paper ‘The Error in the Error Theory’ criticizing his and J. L. Mackie's moral error theory, Richard Joyce finds my treatment of his position inaccurate and my interpretation of morality implausible. In this reply I clarify my objection, showing that it retains its force against their error theory, and I clarify my interpretation of morality, showing that Joyce's objections miss their mark.
Effect of stress and strain state on heterogeneous coarsening in Sn–Pb solder

Abstract The effect of three basic stress states on the deformation and heterogeneous coarsening behavior of 60Sn–40Pb is investigated experimentally. Three different initial microstructures are considered. The response of these microstructures under uniaxial compression, pure shear and hydrostatic compression at 125 °C is evaluated on length scales ranging from micrometers to millimeters. Inelastic shear strain concentrations correlate strongly with regions where heterogeneously coarsened bands form. Inelastic deformation precedes accelerated coarsening and damage accumulation at this temperature. Acceleration of coarsening is closely associated with deviatoric strain, while purely volumetric strain has little impact on accelerated coarsening.
Fluoride-Catalyzed Reduction of Palladium(II) to Palladium(0)−Phosphine Complexes

We demonstrate that in the presence of water and excess PPh3, fluoride ion catalyzes the reduction of (Ph3P)2PdCl2 under mild conditions to Pd(PPh3)4 in good yields. The inactivation of catalytic F- by formation of highly stable HF2-, and other polyhydrogen fluorides that can form in the reaction, is prevented by adding a strong nonionic base such as P(MeNCH2CH2)3N.
Pitfalls of irritant patch testing using different test chamber sizes.

Background: Test chambers for irritant patch testing are usually larger than those used in allergic patch testing. In general, larger areas show stronger skin reactions than smaller areas. Objective: This study investigated whether this difference is of practical relevance, when a model irritant is applied in small and large Finn chambers and evaluated by measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Methods: Patch testing was performed with 2 concentrations of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) (0.25% and 0.5%) on forearms of healthy volunteers. Large (inner diameter, 12 mm) and small (inner diameter, 8 mm) chambers were used. Results: A variance analysis (3 factors, 2-tailed) showed that the test outcome, as assessed by TEWL, was strongly dependent on SLS test concentration and test chamber size. The larger chambers gave approximately 30% to 50% higher values than the smaller. Conclusions: This may be explained by the fact that with the small chambers, the adjacent small area of nontreated skin was also assessed by the evaporimeter, biasing the results. A formula estimating TEWL value of the large chamber from values of the small chambers has been proposed.
The Chinese/Vietnamese Diaspora: Revisiting the Boat People

YUK WAH CHAN (ed.) The Chinese/Vietnamese Diaspora: Revisiting the Boat People . London and New York: Routledge, 2011. 186 pp. US$140.00, hardcover. According to the United Nations High Commissione...
Connections between photovoltaic quality and the structure of deuterated amorphous Si and Ge films

Hydrogen arrangements and rearrangements have been examined in a series of photoillumination and 150°C dark anneal sequences. Deuteron nuclear magnetic resonance (DMR) distinguishes among a variety of hydrogen configurations in a series of plasma-deposited a-Si:D,H and a-Ge:D,H films. These populations and their spin-lattice relaxation correlate with the photovoltaic quality in a series of differently-prepared films. Films with a higher fraction of tightly bound H (or D) are of better photovoltaic quality. We have detected reversible light-induced DMR changes including a resonance shift and changes in a quadrupolar doublet resonance line shape. We hope to determine whether the light-induced changes reflect hydrogen rearrangements or changes in the Si (Ge) environment.
Macroscopic and Microscale Phenomena in Multiphase Energy Storage and Transport Systems

Complex macroscale and microscale heat and mass transfer phenomena are encountered in thermal energy storage and transport systems. Those systems involving ice slurries and nanoemulsions of phase change materials can be used for either cooling or heating applications or both, which can contribute to the reduced usage of electricity during peak hours. But heat and mass transfer and stability issues are encountered in the production, transport and storage of the heat storage media. In this paper, both the heat transfer enhancement effect and detrimental effects such as Ostwald ripening and supercooling are discussed along with the flow properties.
Aerobic biodegradation of virginiamycin in soil

Aerobic biodegradation of virginiamycin was examined in six different soil types over a 64-d incubation period. The following test conditions were examined in parallel for each soil type: (1) [14C]virginiamycin at 0.5 mg carbon/50 g soil amended with 9.5 mg carbon as unlabeled glucose/50 g soil; and (2) [14C]glucose at 10 mg carbon/50 g soil was used as the reference chemical. The amounts of 14CO2 and [14C]volatile products released upon biodegradation of [14C]virginiamycin and [14C]glucose were collected over the duration of the study. Three of the six soils were extracted at the end of the study, and the extracts were analyzed by HPLC to examine the fate of the parent drug. A mass balance of the applied activity was also determined for each soil type. Virginiamycin was found to biodegrade in each soil type tested, and the calculated mineralization half-lives ranged from 87 to 173 days for three of the six soils tested with first-order rate constants of 0.004 to 0.008 day−1. Despite slow mineralization, extensive breakdown of virginiamycin into a series of minor components aerobically with no single degradation product present at >10% of the initial virginiamycin concentration was observed in the remaining three soils. The mass balance of the applied activity of [14C]virginiamycin was in the range 86 to 101% and that of applied [14C]glucose was 91 to 100%. Based on the results, virginiamycin upon entry into the environment is expected to undergo extensive biotransformation in the presence of soil microorganisms.
EFFECT OF HIGH FREQUENCY JET VENTILATION ON NEONATAL TRACHEAL MECHANICS

Preterm neonates have recently been provided adjunctive ventiatory support with high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV). Neonatal airways are more compliant and susceptible to pressure-induced deformation. Thus, these airways may react differently when exposed to the rapid oscillations (10 - 15 Hz) and changes in intratracheal pressures during HFJV. To study this effect, changes in in-vitro tracheal dimensions and mechanics were determined in preterm (0.85 term gestation) and term rabbits pups after HFJV. Length, diameter, volume (V) and pressure-volume (P-V) relationships (by liquid plethysmography) were measured for both groups (n = 6 each) before and after HFJV. For a duration of 60 min. HFJV was administered to excised tracheal segments at peak airway pressures of 20 cm H2O; end distending pressure, 3.5 to 3.8 cm H2O mean airway pressure, 6.7 to 6.8 cm H2O; and the rate, 600/min. In the preterm there was a significant (p<0.001) increase in the mean tracheal length and diameter. Mean ± SEM values of V increased from 0.80 ± 0.16 ml to 1.65 ± 0.32 ml (109.4%; p<0.001). Similarly in the term group, the mean V increased 60.5% (p<0.001). The P-V relationships were altered such that the mean ± SEM tracheal specific compliance decreased significantly from 0.0359 ± 0.0015 to 0.0155 ± 0.0011 cm H2O (p<0.001) in the preterm; and, from 0.0295 ± 0.0017 to 0.0208 ± 0.0016 cm H2O, (p<0.05) in the term groups. These data indicate significant dimensional and mechanical alterations in the tracheal behavior after HFJV for both groups.
The Airborne Aerosol Inlet Workshop: Meeting report

Abstract The measurement of atmospheric aerosol properties (i.e. concentration, size, and composition) from an airborne platform is faced by formidable obstacles. The largest problem is one of getting an undisturbed sample into the aerosol sensor sampling volume or onto a filter for subsequent analysis. The importance of such measurements led to the planning of a workshop to address the difficulties and to assess the present state of airborne aerosol sampling technology. The workshop focused on discussions of observational, experimental and theoretical studies of aerosol inlets. The product of this workshop was a summary of the limitations of sampling inlets currently used for airborne applications and a set of recommendations to overcome these limitations and improve the general quality of such measurements.
PROLONGATION OF THE LAG PHASE OF IRRADIATED ESCHERICHIA COLI

Summary1. A prolongation of the lag phase in irradiated E. coli is described. The modifying effects of temperature during growth, storage of irradiated organisms, and the addition of mouse blood, inactivated rabbit serum, 0.5% cysteine solution, the nitrate of actively growing E. coli cultures, fresh spleen, liver and kidney mash, or growing non-irradiated E. coli cultures, have been studied. 2. Evidence that sublethal effects of X irradiation in bacteria differ from lethal effects is discussed.
Synchronized budding of yeast cells following x-irradiation.

Abstract Yeast cells, following a continuous 180 minute treatment with X-radiation which inhibited cell division but not growth, resumed budding in a synchronous fashion. Though budding was resumed, cell separation did not occur, and consequently, groups of four cells resulted from budding of the paired cells typical of the stage of inhibited division. A second budding produced still larger cell groups. Measurements of the uptake of radioactive phosphorus by division-inhibited cells and by cultures with 80 per cent of the cells ready to bud showed a greater uptake per unit of dry weight by the inhibited cells. The total phosphorus and the phosphorous content of various separated fractions were higher in inhibited cells than in cells ready to bud. Insoluble polyphosphates of inhibited cells showed an accelerated uptake, while soluble polyphosphates took up radioactive phosphorus at a slower rate. Nucleic acids showed no reduced uptake. These phosphorus differences, including the possible specific involvement of polyphosphates in budding processes, are considered as leads in uncovering the specific reactions affected by radiation in the processes of cell division.
Surgical Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias Using Epicardial, Transmural, and Endocardial Mapping

Abstract In 3 patients with ischemic coronary disease or primary myocardiopathy who were unresponsive to conventional and experimental antiarrhythmia therapy, surgical treatment of intractable ventricular tachycardia was performed using epicardial, transmural, and endocardial mapping techniques. An experimental canine model of acute and chronic myocardial ischemia with recurrent ventricular tachycardia was developed to refine the mapping technique for clinical use. In patients and animals alike, atrial overdrive pause pacing, premature ventricular pacing, or both were used to bring out a repeatable pattern of tachycardia. Mapping techniques distinguished the irritable focus so that surgical excision of the site of earliest activation could be performed. In addition, the mapping techniques were used in the validation following excision. The limitations of epicardial mapping alone in locating all areas of premature focus are discussed, and the need for mapping in ventricular aneurysm is demonstrated.
Schools and the equal opportunity problem

edited by Ludger Woessmann and Paul E. Peterson, Cambridge, MA, MIT Press, 2007, ix + 327 pp., £21.95, ISBN 9‐78‐026223‐257‐9 The edited volume contains the proceedings of a 2004 conference on ‘Sch...
Plant Formation from Barley Anther Cultures with Ficoll Media

Summary A method for the induction of pollen callus at a very high frequency in barley anther culture has been achieved by adding Ficoll to a liquid culture medium. The Ficoll was used to help the pollen calli float on the surface, thus resulting in better aeration and growth of the calli. The viability of the pollen calli was greatly affected by the pH and osmolality of the medium. The pollen calli, which were induced by the Ficoll medium, were able to develop into plants.
Local Peritoneal Irrigation with Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase Is Protective Against Peritonitis in Mice

The brush-border enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) functions as a gut mucosal defense factor and detoxifies different toll-like receptor ligands. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of locally administered calf IAP (cIAP) in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of polymicrobial sepsis. C57BL/6 mice underwent CLP followed by intraperitoneal injection of cIAP or normal saline. Blood leukocyte counts, levels of cytokines and liver enzymes, and lung myeloperoxidase activity were determined. Peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF) was assayed for neutrophil infiltration and both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts. After intraperitoneal injection, cIAP activity in PLF decreased 50% within 15 min with minimal activity evident at 4 h. Compared with irrigation with normal saline, cIAP irrigation increased the 7-day survival rate in mice undergoing CLP, with maximal effects seen at 25 units of cIAP (0% vs. 46% survival rate, respectively; p < 0.001). cIAP treatment reduced lung inflammation, liver damage and levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6. Peritoneal irrigation with cIAP significantly enhances survival in a mouse model of peritonitis, likely through reduction of local inflammation and remote organ damage. We suggest that intraperitoneal cIAP irrigation could be a novel therapy for intra-abdominal sepsis.