cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Families of homeless and runaway adolescents: a comparison of parent/caretaker and adolescent perspectives on parenting, family violence, and adolescent conduct.

Abstract Objective: Almost all of what is known about the families of runaways and homeless adolescents is based on adolescent self-reports. The validity of such research is currently being questioned by policy makers. The purpose of this study was to compare runaway and homeless adolescent reports and parent/caretaker reports on measures of parenting, family violence, and adolescent conduct. Method: Reports of 120 runaway adolescents and their parents/caretakers from four Midwestern states were compared on measures of parental monitoring, parental warmth and supportiveness, parental rejection, physical and sexual abuse, and adolescent conduct. Comparison groups of nonrunaway adolescents and their mothers in two-parent and single-parent families from the same geographical area were also used for parenting and adolescent conduct measures. Results: The findings indicated that although there were significant differences in means between adults and adolescents regardless of runaway status, adults and adolescent reports were in the same direction and present similar portraits of families of runaway and homeless young people. Both the parents/caretakers and their runaway adolescents reported lower levels of parental monitoring and warmth and supportiveness and higher levels of parental rejection than comparison groups of nonrunaway families. Parents/caretakers and runaway adolescents reported high levels of family violence and sexual abuse. Similarly, they concur regarding conduct problems for the adolescents. Conclusions: The findings suggest that runaway and homeless adolescents accurately depict the troubled family situations that they choose to leave. The policy implications for recent debates involving criminalization and mandatory return to parental custody of homeless and runaway youth are discussed.
A strategy-proof multiunit double auction mechanism

We envision a future economy where e-markets will play an essential role as exchange hubs for commodities and services. Because of their flexibility, we anticipate multi-unit double auctions (MDAs) to play an important role in future's e-markets. In this paper, we present a multi-unit double auction mechanism which is strategy-proof with respect to reservation price, weakly budget-balanced and individually rational.
Evaluation of Fracture Load in Human Radius via Cohesive Finite Element Modeling

Osteoporotic and age-related fractures are a significant public health problem. One of the most common osteoporotic fracture sites in the aging population is distal radius. There is evidence in the literature that distal radius fractures (Colles’ fracture) are an indicative of increased risk of future spine and hip fractures [1]. Therefore, developing new methods for accurate evaluation of human radius fracture risk is necessary. The previous studies showed that geometrical properties of the radius correlate with its fracture load [2]. However, the combined effect of geometrical and material properties on fracture load has not been studied.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The Dark Side of Moral Conviction

Moral conviction forms the foundation for strong, morally vested attitudes and beliefs (i.e., “moral mandates”) that have high action potential because they are “oughts” and “shoulds.” Although moral mandates may sometimes lead people to engage in prosocial behaviors, they can also lead people to disregard procedural safeguards. This article briefly reviews research that indicates that people become very unconcerned with how moral mandates are achieved, so long as they are achieved. In short, we find that commitments to procedural safeguards that generally protect civil society become psychologically eroded when people are pursuing a morally mandated end. Understanding the “dark side” of moral conviction may provide some insight into the motivational underpinnings of engaging in extreme acts like terrorism, as well as people's willingness to forego civil liberties in their pursuit of those who do.
Vivid recollection as a technique to arouse implicit motive-related affect

This study examined the links between implicit motives, pleasant experiences, and associated affect. Subjects high in the need for power (n Pow) or intimacy (n Int) recalled a pleasant or neutral personal experience. Consistent with past findings, content analyses revealed that recalled pleasant experiences reflected subjects, respective concerns for power and intimacy. Because the content of the pleasant memories ofn Pow andn Int subjects differed, their vivid recollections were also expected to produce different affective states. Analyses of self-report affect measures administered after the recall task showed thatn Int subjects who recalled a pleasant event expressed more happiness, elation, and friendliness. By contrast,n Pow subjects in the pleasant recall condition reported more excitation and anger. Findings suggest that positive affect inductions involving the vivid recall of idiographic material may lead to different specific affective states based on the content of those experiences and individuals’ capacity to experience and sustain particular affective states.
A Flexible Insert for Wireless Strain Sensing

We fabricated and tested (in a laboratory configuration) a flexible insert for wireless strain sensing in an intramedullary tibial nail. The nail is a thick-walled titanium tube with an anatomic bend, and our flexible insert was designed to be advanced into the hollow of the nail by a surgeon during the late stages of the fracture fixation process. The flexible insert is a stainless steel rod, 170 mm long, with a part-circular section, roughly 4 mm wide and 2 mm deep that is slightly smaller than the hollow. A lithium niobate SAW device developed by our research team, with an operating frequency of 468 MHz, is bonded to the insert and demonstrates wireless strain sensing when the insert is bent. We describe the mechanics of the flexible insert, which can be used for structural monitoring applications where conventional strain gauge installation and wiring would be impractical. Because of its flexibility, the insert can be advanced into an irregular channel, such as the hollow of a tibial nail, or a narrow access path drilled into a solid. The insert will bend elastically into a configuration with at least three points of contact with the host body. The insert will be prestrained (in bending) during installation and need not be anchored or bonded to the host body other than through contact. Bending strain in the insert will vary as the host body deforms. We discuss possible application questions, and we demonstrate strain sensing in a laboratory specimen.
Aptamer-based localized surface plasmon resonance sensor for monitoring glycated proteins

The peak extinction wavelength of the nano-size noble metal localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectrum is unexpectedly sensitive to nanoparticle size, shape, and local external dielectric environment. This sensitivity to the environment has enabled the development of a new class of nanoscale affinity biosensors. Aptamer (single strand DNA) based gold nanorods (Au NRs) and magnetic beads (MBs) combined LSPR biosensor has been developed for the rapid and label-free detection of glycated proteins in small solution volumes. An aptamer self-assembly monolayer (SAM) functionalized surface plasmon resonance sensor has also been developed for comparison purposes. For demoonstration purposes, albumin and thrombin are used initially as the target proteins. The ability to monitor such molecules in the body could facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic patients.
The Transcriptional Landscape of the Yeast Genome Defined by RNA Sequencing

The identification of untranslated regions, introns, and coding regions within an organism remains challenging. We developed a quantitative sequencing-based method called RNA-Seq for mapping transcribed regions, in which complementary DNA fragments are subjected to high-throughput sequencing and mapped to the genome. We applied RNA-Seq to generate a high-resolution transcriptome map of the yeast genome and demonstrated that most (74.5%) of the nonrepetitive sequence of the yeast genome is transcribed. We confirmed many known and predicted introns and demonstrated that others are not actively used. Alternative initiation codons and upstream open reading frames also were identified for many yeast genes. We also found unexpected 3'-end heterogeneity and the presence of many overlapping genes. These results indicate that the yeast transcriptome is more complex than previously appreciated.
Evaluation and Management of Shock States Hypovolemic, Distributive, and Cardiogenic Shock

Shock states have multiple etiologies, but all result in hypoperfusion to vital organs, which can lead to organ failure and death if not quickly and appropriately managed. Pharmacists should be familiar with cardiogenic, distributive, and hypovolemic shock and should be involved in providing safe and effective medical therapies. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to initiate appropriate lifesaving interventions and target therapeutic goals specific to the type of shock. Clinical signs and symptoms, as well as hemodynamic data, help with initial assessment and continued monitoring to provide adequate support for the patient. It is necessary to understand these hemodynamic parameters, medication mechanisms of action, and available mechanical support when developing a patient-specific treatment plan. Rapid therapeutic intervention has been proven to decrease morbidity and mortality and is crucial to providing the best patient outcomes. Pharmacists can provide their expertise in medication selection, titration, monitoring, and dose adjustment in these critically ill patients. This review will focus on parameters used to assess hemodynamic status, the major causes of shock, pathophysiologic factors that cause shock, and therapeutic interventions that should be employed to improve patient outcomes.
Part 1: Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) investigations of fused pyrazoles as potent, selective and orally available inhibitors of p38alpha mitogen-activated protein kinase.

Abstract A novel class of pyrazolopyridazine p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors is disclosed. A structure activity relationship (SAR) investigation was conducted driven by the ability of these compounds to inhibit the p38α enzyme, the secretion of TNFα in a LPS-challenged THP1 cell line and TNFα-induced production of IL-8 in the presence of 50% human whole blood (hWB). This study resulted in the discovery of several inhibitors with IC50 values in the single-digit nanomolar range in hWB. Further investigation of the pharmacokinetic profiles of these lead compounds led to the identification of three potent and orally bioavailable p38α inhibitors 2h, 2m, and 13h. Inhibitor 2m was found to be highly selective for p38α/β over a panel of 402 other kinases in Ambit screening, and was highly efficacious in vivo in the inhibition of TNFα production in LPS-stimulated Lewis rats with an ED50 of ca. 0.08 mg/kg.
Effects of phorbol ester on immunoreactive protein kinase C, insulin binding, and glucose uptake in astrocytic glial and neuronal cells from the brain.

Phorbol esters, potent stimulators of protein kinase C (PKC), stimulate [3H]2-deoxy-d-glucose (dGlc) uptake and [125I] insulin binding in cultured glial cells but not neuronal cells from neonatal rat brains. Using an antibody to the α and β forms of PKC we have demonstrated that both neuronal and glial cells contain an immunoactive PKC of Mr ∼80 kD, although the PKC level in neurons is greater than 4-fold that in glia. The majority of immunoactive PKC (63%) is cytosolic in glial cells although the reverse is true in neuronal cells, in which 88% of the PKC is membrane-bound in the basal state. The most potent phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), stimulates a redistribution of this enzyme in neuronal and glial cells. The TPA-stimulated translocation of PKC from cytosol to membrane precedes TPA's effecs of [3H]dGlc uptake and insulin binding in glial cells.
Stimulatory effect of oral administration of tea, coffee or caffeine on UVB-induced apoptosis in the epidermis of SKH-1 mice

Oral administration of green tea or a caffeine solution, but not decaffeinated green tea, inhibits UVB-induced complete carcinogenesis in SKH-1 mice. Oral administration of green tea, coffee or a caffeine solution for 2 weeks enhanced UVB-induced increases in apoptosis in the epidermis, but these treatments had no effect in non-UVB treated normal epidermis. Our results suggest that administration of green tea, coffee and caffeine may inhibit UVB-induced carcinogenesis--at least in part--by enhancing UVB-induced apoptosis. Plasma levels of caffeine observed after its oral administration at cancer-preventive dose levels were within the range observed in moderate coffee drinkers. Topical applications of caffeine to mice previously treated with UVB for 20 weeks (high risk mice without tumors) inhibited the formation of tumors and stimulated apoptosis in the tumors but not in areas of the epidermis away from tumors. The selective effects of caffeine administration to stimulate UVB-induced apoptosis or apoptosis in tumors but not in normal epidermis or in areas of the epidermis away from tumors is of considerable interest, but the reasons for the selective effects of caffeine on apoptosis in DNA damaged tissues are unknown. Further studies are needed to determine mechanisms of these effects of caffeine and to determine the effects of caffeine administration on sunlight-induced actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinomas in humans.
A proposal to stabilize stock prices

arrell and Seguin (JS) agree that there are questions concerning short-term price volatility and the adequacy of market-maker capital, but doubt the advisability of involving listed companies in market making in the manner I have suggested. At issue is whether my proposal would indeed stabilize prices. I believe it would. I believe that all price changes are not straightforwarld reflections of news and that the search for new equilibrium following informational change is a noisy process. Alternatively stated, in non-frictionless markets, all price changes do not take place along long-ntn market demand curves, and the relative inelasticity and instability of short-run demand can cause exaggerated short-run price swings. For this reason, additional liquidity must be supplied to a marketplace. [Given this need, I stress the advantages of allowing corporations to commit capital to market making if they so choose: 1) their self-supply of capital could be substantial, 2) they would realize an important benefit that would not accrue to a third-party market maker (a lower cost of equity capital), and 3) their involvement could obviate a further concentration of power in the securities industry. ’There is a problem, however extending this freedom to corporations might also enable them to mimipidate share prices. My solution is to establish a fully articulated, transparent procedure. I propose that each firm trade only prescribed amounts at predetermined trigger prices according, to a formula with publicly known parameters, at market openings and reopenings only. JS are concerned, however, that this would result in capital being ”supplied by issuing corporations in a mandated, knee-jerk fashion that is, automatically and inflexibly.” 13ut I know of no alternative for preventing price manipulation, avoiding gaming against the corporations, anti assuring investors that a company is indeed committed to providing liquidity. JS’s comment focuses specifically on issues concerning leverage, trading halts and call auctions, and information arrival. I will respond to each in turn.
Compatibility requirements for CFC alternatives

Abstract Compatibility of structural and functional materials with working fluids used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems is a basic requirement for efficient performance, reliability and durability. For present equipment using CFC refrigerants, compatibility information has been developed over many years of research, development and application experience. For alternative refrigerants, compatibility information and the application experience base is limited and, for many new refrigerants, non-existent. This paper provides a review of material compatibility and fluid property information required for the design and successful commercial application of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. The status of available information on alternative refrigerants, including the leading candidates, future prospects and long-term possibilities, is summarized. Some methods of predicting compatibility based on structural information and modelling are proposed.
Sand as a stable and sustainable resource for nourishing the Mississippi River delta

Dams have starved the lower Mississippi River of sediment over recent decades, suggesting that the drowning of the delta is inevitable. Analysis of the rivers suspended sediment load and morphodynamic modelling suggest that the amount of sand essential for land building has not significantly decreased since dam construction, with sand remaining available for several centuries.
Sustainable land-use planning: revitalising a flood prone office park

This paper describes an applied research project that used a sustainable land-use planning approach to examine flood hazard mitigation alternatives in a 536-acre developed office park complex. A watershed-wide assessment including floodplain remapping and modelling of low-impact and large stormwater improvements throughout the upper watershed revealed limited impact on reducing flooding downstream in the environs of the office park during large storms. Thus emphasis had to be given to recommending retroactive sustainable land-use development actions such as relocating buildings and roadways out of the 100-year floodplain, which involves creating a mixed-use overlay district on high elevations, and restoring the floodplain.
A 1.1V 5-to-6GHz reduced-component direct-conversion transmit signal path in 45nm CMOS

With the advent of small mobile internet devices (MIDs) and a rising consumer demand for multiple simultaneous transmit and receive communication links, the need for highly programmable, low-cost transceiver front-ends that co-exist with other radios on the same platform or die, has increased. For the past decade, CMOS technologies have demonstrated the ability to integrate the entire transceiver into a single silicon substrate, even for radio standards requiring the most aggressive performance [1-3]. However, concurrent trends associated with required transceiver performance in a co-existing radio environment, coupled with the low supply voltage and low-intrinsic device gain (g m r o ) associated with modern, nm-length CMOS devices, are presenting a new set of challenges for the analog-RF IC designer [4].
Data Do Not Speak for Themselves: The Role of Data in Scientific Controversies.

This article presents a learning cycle with the aim of helping students understand the evidentiary basis of scientific claims. Students consider data and interpretations as used to support contradictory views in the debate surrounding the causal relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Students apply their understandings of the role of data to explorations of other scientific controversies.
Focusing of intense ion beams from pinched-beam diodes

Geometric focusing of proton and deuteron beams extracted from pinched-beam diodes to current densities above 70 kA/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ is demonstrated by a variety of experimental techniques. Time-dependent computer simulations of the electron and ion flow show good agreement with experiment.
RACIAL/ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN INFANT MORTALITY AMONG U.S. LATINOS

Despite shared colonization histories between the United States and Latin America, research examining racial disparities in health in the United States has often neglected Latinos. Additionally, descendants from Latin America residing in the United States are often categorized under the pan-ethnic label of Hispanic or Latino. This categorization obscures the group's heterogeneity, which is illuminated by research showing consistent differences in health for the three largest segments of the Latino population—Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans. We examine whether the patterns of infant mortality associated with race in the non-Latino population also follow for Latinos. We also examine whether we can attribute patterns of infant mortality between the three largest Latino sub-groups to a process we term segmented racialization. We find that race operates for Latinos the same way it does for the non-Latino population and that there seems to be some evidence to support our segmented racialization hypothesis. The results point to the need to abandon the practices of combining Latino sub-groups as well as ignoring the racial diversity within the Latino population in health research.
Integrating Technology: The Principals' Role and Effect

There are many factors that influence technology integration in the classroom such as teacher willingness, availability of hardware, and professional development of staff. Taking into account these elements, this paper describes research on technology integration with a focus on principals’ attitudes. The role of the principal in classroom practice was found to be substantial. The purpose of this research was to assess the current attitudes concerning technology integration in schools from the school principal’s perspective. This research investigated the value principals place on using technology in student learning, what principals believe prevents teachers from succeeding in technology integration, what can best facilitate teacher development, and if principals perceive peer coaching or mentoring to be a viable option. The research herein consisted of a survey and an interview to help assess principals’ attitudes regarding the importance of technology integration, the perceived challenges and whether or not teacher coaches are a viable option for the future. This examination concluded that most principals in this research study value technology in education, perceive teacher willingness and professional development to be the strongest obstacles, and think teacher coaches would be a viable option for success. This study sheds light on a couple of paths for future research.
Successful Scholarly Communication at a Small University: Integration of Education, Services, and an Institutional Repository at Valparaiso University

Beginning in 2011, the Christopher Center Library Services (CCLS) unit at Valparaiso University (VU) started implementing new scholarly communication services utilizing two different components: (1) the education and training of library staff in scholarly communication trends and issues; and (2) the implementation of ValpoScholar, VU's institutional repository (IR) and its associated services. These components allowed for new skills to be developed, new services to be delivered, and the library's digital collections to grow with minimal impact to existing services. This model may provide a framework for other small institutions interested in adding scholarly communication services to their existing library services.
A typological framework for categorizing infrastructure vulnerability

The concept of vulnerability is increasingly important in engineering and the socio-economic planning sciences, particularly given the enormous costs associated with addressing it. The ability to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities is extremely challenging because it is influenced by a complex and dynamic set of interacting factors that can compromise social, economic and infrastructure systems. Where the latter is concerned, the ability to assess infrastructure vulnerability involves the consideration of a range of physical, operational, geographical and socio-economic characteristics. In this paper, significant elements of infrastructure vulnerability are identified and discussed with a focus on their intrinsic spatial nature and their propensity to interact across space. Further, the developed typology of vulnerability outlined in this paper emphasizes the need to ensure that policy, planning and disaster mitigation efforts are strongly integrated at global, regional and local levels.
Brain–skull contact boundary conditions in an inverse computational deformation model

Biomechanical models simulating brain motion under loading and boundary conditions in the operating room (OR) are gaining attention as alternatives for brain shift compensation during open cranial neurosurgeries. Although the significance of brain–skull boundary conditions (BCs) in these models has been explored in dynamic simulations, it has not been fully investigated in models representing the quasi-static brain motion that prevails during neurosurgery. In this study, we extend the application of a brain–skull contact BC by incorporating it into an inversion estimation scheme for the deformation field using the steepest gradient descent (SGD) framework. The technique allows parenchymal surface motion normal to the skull while maintaining stress-free BCs at the craniotomy and minimizing the effect of measurement noise. Application of the algorithm in five clinical cases using sparse data generated at the tumor boundary confirms the significance of brain–skull BCs in the model response. Specifically, the results demonstrate that the contact BC enhances model flexibility and achieves improved or comparable performance at the tumor boundary (recovering about 85% of the deformation) relative to that obtained when normal motion of the parenchymal surface is not allowed. It also significantly improves model estimation accuracy at the craniotomy (1.6 mm on average), especially when the normal motion is large. The importance of the method is that model performance significantly improves when brain–skull contact influences the deformation field but does not degrade when the contact is less critical and simpler BCs would suffice. The computational cost of the technique is currently 3.9 min on average, but may be further reduced by applying an iterative solver to the linear systems of equations involved and/or by local refinement of the mesh in regions of interest.
Drug therapy for detrusor hyperactivity: Where are we?

Drug therapy for detrusor hyperactivity can be directed either at decreasing bladder contractility or decreasing sensory input during filling. The agents available to accomplish these purposes are reviewed. Certain questions are raised regarding studies assessing the action of pharrnacologic agents on lower urinary tract storage failure.
A precaution regarding cirrus cloud detection from airborne imaging spectrometer data using the 1.38 μm water vapor band

Abstract A case study that shows a malfunction of the water vapor channel at 1.38 μm to detect cirrus clouds is presented in this article. A combination of elevation, vegetation coverage, water vapor content, and albedo characteristics (mostly governed by the terrain) are the major factors affecting cirrus cloud detection. Using the criteria of relative low radiance and high signal-to-noise ratio amongst several targets and across the 1.84-1.92 μm spectral region, the 1.8489-μm channel was found to more effectively mask ground signals than the 1.3827-μm channel. Over targets having moderate elevation, dry conditions, minimal vegetation, and high albedos, both spectra regions present significant ground signals that can mistakenly be attributed to cirrus cloud particles. It is strongly recommended that for accurate cirrus cloud detection, both spectral regions around 1.38 μm and 1.88 μm be examined along with the above-mentioned factors.
Pox and the City: A social history game

Video games have the potential to immerse players in an interactive world. However, educational history games have been fairly limited in their approach and have tended to ignore the social and cultural aspects of history. Pox and the City is a prototype role playing game that explores narrative and gameplay strategies in order to focus on the social history of smallpox vaccination. The basic design of the game is based on a three body problem: that medical progress depends on the interaction of the doctor, the patient and the disease. Players have to successfully interact with different social classes, make business decisions and treat patients with a number of different illnesses in order to complete the game. In addition, the project brings in archival documents as primary source material that the player must access through the library in order to complete mini-games and quests. The gameplay of Pox and the City focuses on social interaction rather than abstracted plague mechanisms to express the complex historic social issues that faced early 19th century doctors in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Fructose utilization and altered cytochrome P-450 in cultured hepatocytes from adult rats

Cultured adult rat hepatocytes incubated in media containing fructose exhibit increased levels of cytochrome P-450, relative to cells incubated with equimolar glucose, and the effect of fructose is proportional to its concentration between 2 and 10 mM. For investigating the mechanism of the effect of fructose on cytochrome P-450 in cultured cells, [U-14C]fructose or [U-14C]glucose were added to the incubation medium, and their uptake and utilization were compared. While the uptake kinetics of the two hexoses were similar, the rate of phosphorylation of fructose was more than 10-fold that of glucose. Similarly, the appearance of fructose carbon in metabolic pools, as well as its conversion to CO2 and cellular glycerolipid, was increased. The latter finding suggested that fructose might alter cytochrome P-450 by stimulating glycerolipid synthesis, since the stability of the cytochrome is lipid-dependent. However, the changes in glycerolipid formation failed to parallel changes in the level of cytochrome P-450 in fructose-treated cells. Moreover, the relative distribution of 14C into specific lipids was similar for both hexoses, suggesting that an increased carbon flux in cells incubated with fructose did not directly impose a qualitative change in cellular lipid synthesis. We conclude that the fructose-mediated alteration of cytochrome P-450 in cultured rat hepatocytes reflects a process other than increased incorporation of fructose carbon into metabolic pools.
On Synchronizing Sampling and Quantization for Stabilizing the Double Integrator under Binary Sensing

We revisit the problem of constructing finite state ρ/μ approximations for the purpose of certified-by-design control synthesis. We investigate in this context the problem of picking the `initial partition' to enable successful control design for a benchmark problem, namely that of exponentially stabilizing the double integrator by switching between two available feedback gains under binary sensing constraints. We motivate the problem through two illustrative case studies, provide an analysis of the intuition gleamed from special instances of it, propose a general algorithm for choosing the initial partition taking into account the sampling frequency and available choices of feedback gains, and demonstrate the use of our algorithm in a set of illustrative examples.
Reciprocal inhibition and therapeutic change.

Abstract Reciprocal inhibition as the basis of psychotherapeutic change has recently been disputed. In the case of systematic desensitization it is particularly on grounds of the finding that relaxation is not indispensable. The emotional effects of muscle relaxation are only one of many sources of inhibition of anxiety. Reciprocal inhibition seems to be the common factor in many treatments of experimental and human neuroses. The proposed alternatives, such as expectancy, are shown to be unacceptable as change mechanisms.
Performance of Thermal Protection Systems in a Mach 7 Environment

The integrity and reusability of three flight-weight metallic and reusable surface insulation (RSI) thermal protection systems, designed for the space Shuttle entry environment, have been demonstrated. Each model successfully survived over 23 entry thermal cycles without serious degradation. The metallic systems were more tolerant of the hostile environment and provided a higher degree of reusability than did the RSI. Thermal expansion slip joints of the metallic TPS successfully prevented hot-gas ingress to the substructure. The RSI demonstrated high damage tolerance, and field repairs increased its reusability. Heat-transfer tests to further assess RSI gap heating indicate that stacked tile orientations may impose a penalty on tile thickness. Parameters influencing RSI impingement heating were determined and the heating data correlated.
Distributed control system for turbine engine optimal operations

In this paper the design and implementation of networked distributed control systems for turbine engine operation was explored. The emphasis is on the development and performance verification of distributed feedback gains operating under network constraints. The topic of controller distribution is introduced, and a method for computing optimal distributed controller gains is presented. To ensure the stability and operation of turbine engines under the closed loop system and network implementation, the control system is realized using TrueTime network simulation software. The proposed process for developing distributed control gains and its implementation under a distributed networked control architecture is proven to be sufficient even under severe network constraints.
Microanalysis For Platinum and Magnesium in Body Fluids and Brain Tissue of Mice Treated with Cis-Platinum Using Graphite Filament Plasma Emission Spectroscopy

Abstract A method has been developed for the microanalysis of platinum (0.1-500 mg/L) and magnesium (20-40 mg/L) in body fluids and brain tissue using a novel graphite filament plasma (GFP) emission source. Twenty five microliter samples of brain tissue homogenates and body fluids were analyzed without the usual preinstrumental digestion. Calibration standards were prepared in the same matrix as the samples because of the need for matrix matching. The body fluid samples were from mice which received therapeutic doses of the anticancer agent cis-diamminedichloro-platinum(II) (DDP). Platinum levels in urine were initially quite high (400-500 mg/L) due to the bolus method of administration, but lowered substantially within hours. Biphasic elimination of platinum from plasma was observed with half lives of 14 minutes and 32 hours. The equilibration of platinum between the plasma and the erthrocytes was between one and two hours. Hypermagnesia was observed in urine, plasma and whole blood during the twenty-two...
Melatonin‐induced desensitization in amphibian melanophores

Video-microscopic examination of pigment granule translocation in cultured amphibian melanophores provides continuous, real-time observation of cellular responses to hormonal and pharmacologic agents and is particularly useful for studying the mechanisms underlying melatonin-induced pigment aggregation. We have used such video-microscopic technology to show that pigment cells become refractory to prolonged melatonin treatment and that the speed at which the desensitized condition becomes evident is dependent upon the countervailing concentration of antagonistic hormone, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH). When melanophores were treated with 10 nM melatonin, desensitization occurred within 30 minutes in the presence of 5 ng/ml MSH, whereas five hours of melatonin treatment was required before the desensitized state was observed in the presence of 1 ng/ml MSH. The persistence of desensitization after melatonin removal depends upon the duration of initial melatonin exposure. When melanophores were treated with melatonin (10 nM) in the presence of 10 ng/ml MSH for two hours, the desensitized condition lasted less than 30 minutes; if the initial melatonin treatment was increased to four hours, however, the melanophores remained in the desensitized state for more than two hours after the melatonin was removed from the medium. During the course of these treatments, there was no substantial degradation of melatonin activity; i.e., a second population of melanophores responded normally to the melatonin-containing media overlying desensitized melanophores. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
DNA aptamer–micelle as an efficient detection/delivery vehicle toward cancer cells

We report the design of a self-assembled aptamer–micelle nanostructure that achieves selective and strong binding of otherwise low-affinity aptamers at physiological conditions. Specific recognition ability is directly built into the nanostructures. The attachment of a lipid tail onto the end of nucleic acid aptamers provides these unique nanostructures with an internalization pathway. Other merits include: extremely low off rate once bound with target cells, rapid recognition ability with enhanced sensitivity, low critical micelle concentration values, and dual-drug delivery pathways. To prove the potential detection/delivery application of this aptamer–micelle in biological living systems, we mimicked a tumor site in the blood stream by immobilizing tumor cells onto the surface of a flow channel device. Flushing the aptamer–micelles through the channel demonstrated their selective recognition ability under flow circulation in human whole-blood sample. The aptamer–micelles show great dynamic specificity in flow channel systems that mimic drug delivery in the blood system. Therefore, our DNA aptamer–micelle assembly has shown high potential for cancer cell recognition and for in vivo drug delivery applications.
The radial growth of entire functions with density conditions

Let f be an entire function of finite lower order λ and let δ be the maximal density of its nonzero coefficients. Extending results of Kovari and Anderson, we prove that if δλ<1 then for all θ ∊[0,2π]
Synthesis and reactions of some functionally substituted organolead compounds

Abstract A series of (triphenyllead)alkyl bromides has been converted to the corresponding azido compounds. The azido compounds were in turn combined with acetylenic derivatives to yield a series of organolead substituted triazoles. Anomalous behaviour of the lower molecular weight derivatives has been noted and discussed.
The low-frequency response of electrocardiographs, a frequent source of recording errors.

Abstract A detailed study of the effects of inadequate low-frequency response was made on 35 normal and abnormal electrocardiograms. Each record, after being recorded with a system whose low-frequency characteristics were known and adjustable, was compared with its DC recording, on the same complex. Computer measurements of amplitudes in the ST-T complex were obtained. Inadequate low-frequency response is capable of producing S-T shifts in a variety of electrocardiographic waveforms. Wave-forms with essentially monophasic QRS patterns are more likely to be recorded with significant distortions. The distortions usually show up as depressions during the early portion of ST-T, gradually becoming less depressed and sometimes becoming elevated at the terminal part of T. The amount of distortion is dependent on the cutoff frequency and rolloff. To insure that errors do not exceed 0.05 millivolt in the early part of the ST-T complex, a 0.05 c.p.s. cutoff frequency with a 6 db. per octave rolloff should be used in recording. Although it appears that the present recommendations of the American Heart Association are being met by the manufacturers of most direct-writing electrocardiographs, it seems to be appropriate to better define the low-frequency response in terms of frequency and slope rather than (or in addition to) time constant. A review was also made of low-frequency characteristics of ECG telemetering units which are being used for recording during exercise. The majority of these units was found to deviate considerably from recommended instrument specifications, and artifacts can be expected in a sizable percentage of recordings. In addition, S-T recording errors were also found with changes in heart rate.
Body mass index, diabetes, and triple-negative breast cancer prognosis

Higher body mass index (BMI) and diabetes are associated with worse breast cancer prognosis. However, few studies have focused on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The goal of this study is to examine this association in a cohort of patients with TNBC. We retrospectively reviewed 501 consecutive patients with TNBC seen at the Washington University Breast Oncology Clinic. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the relationship between BMI and diabetes at diagnosis with overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS). Four hundred and forty-eight patients had BMI recorded and 71 patients had diabetes. The median age at diagnosis was 53 (23–98) years and follow-up was 40.1 months (IQR 25.2–62.9). Baseline BMI and diabetes were not associated with OS or DFS. OS hazard ratios (HRs) for patients who were overweight (BMI 25.0–29.99), with class I obesity (BMI 30–34.99), or BMI ≥35 were 1.22 (CI 0.78–1.91), 0.92 (CI 0.59–1.43), and 1.16 (CI 0.70–1.90), respectively. The HRs for DFS in patients who were overweight, with class I obesity, or BMI ≥35 were 1.01 (CI 0.65–1.56), 0.94 (CI 0.60–1.47), and 0.99 (CI 0.63–1.57), respectively. Similarly, the HRs for diabetics were 1.27 (CI 0.82–1.96) for OS and 0.98 (CI 0.64–1.51) for DFS. Obesity and diabetes did not significantly affect survival for patients with TNBC in this study.
Alkalosis Stimulates Release of Nitric Oxide (No) and Prostacyclin(Pgi2) From Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells

Alkalosis is a widely practiced therapeutic modality for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Yet, little is known about the cellular mechanisms mediating alkalosis-induced pulmonary vasodilation. To determine if alkalosis stimulates release of endothelial-dependent vasodilators, NO and PGI2 production were measured at pH 7.4 and pH 7.7 by enzyme immunoassay for cGMP and 6-keto PGF1α, respectively. Compared with pH 7.4, alkalosis (pH 7.7) caused a 2-fold increase in both basal and bradykinin (BK, 0.1 μM)-stimulated cGMP production in mixed cultures of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (EC) and vascular smooth muscle cells. This was inhibited by 0.1 mM nitro-L-arginine (L-NA). In EC, alkalosis also caused a 5-fold increase in basal release and a 50% increase in BK-stimulated release of PGI2, which was inhibited by 0.01 mM indomethacin. Interestingly, L-NA caused partial inhibition of PGI2 release at pH 7.4, but not at pH 7.7. We conclude that alkalosis stimulates production of both NO and PGI2 from pulmonary EC. Furthermore, at pH 7.4, there is a link between the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways, suggesting a stimulatory role for NO in eicosanoid production. Alkalosis appears to uncouple the interaction between the NOS and COX pathways.
Dimensions of social inequality in the Third World -- a cross-national analysis of income inequality and mortality decline.

This cross-national assessment of the empirical determinants of income inequality and infant mortality employs policy-relevant variables suggested by the major macrosocial theories of development and stratification. Findings based on sample sizes ranging from 34 to 61 LDCs indicate that modernization and ecological-evolutionary theories provide more consistent explanations of social inequalities than either dependency/world-systems theory or urban bias theory. Our analyses point to economic growth and the development of rural infrastructure and social complexity as the most expedient methods for facilitating mortality reduction and income equalization. We conclude that simplistic policy-orientations stressing such phenomena as urban bias or population growth should be replaced by more complex perspectives that include an emphasis on rural social organization.
Response of pineal lipid to hormone imbalances.

The effect of hormone imbalances on the amount of fat stainable with oil red 0 in the pineal gland of the rat was studied. It was found that treatment with angiotensin II or propylthiouracil depleted pineal lipid. Removal of the pituitary or combined castration and adrenalectomy also severely depleted pineal fat. On the other hand, the administration of desoxycorticosterone acetate tended to augment the amount of pineal lipid. Other treatments which were found to be without effect in altering the amount of pineal lipid included: thyroxine, testosterone, hydrocortisone, adrenaline, serotonin, ACTH, B-MSH, alloxan and castration. All the procedures which defatted the pineal gland had some effect on sodium metabolism. While it was concluded that the pineal gland may be implicated in sodium homeostasis, the mechanism remains unknown.
Research on vehicle routing problem in e-commerce environment

The vehicle routing problem in the electronic commerce environment pays more attention to the time management. This paper established a general mathematical model with the soft time windows in the e-commerce environment. In the process of research, adopted the simulated annealing algorithm for solving it, and analyzed the effect of solutions caused by different importance of distance and time cost though an example, make a reasonable arrangement for vehicle routing schema.
Serum resistance and biofilm formation in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii has few known virulence factors and yet causes a variety of opportunistic infections. Many gram-negative bacteria are directly killed by complement, but we hypothesized that A. baumannii would be resistant to serum killing. A serum bactericidal assay assessed the resistance of seven A. baumannii isolates to serum killing, and C2-deficient serum was used to examine its activation of the alternative pathway. Flow cytometry was utilized to determine whether complement regulator factor H (FH) was bound by A. baumannii, and to assay C3 deposition on cells. A microtiter biofilm assay compared biofilm production among isolates. Of seven isolates, four were serum sensitive and three were serum resistant. The C2-deficient serum demonstrated that A. baumannii can activate the alternative pathway. None of the isolates bound FH. Serum-resistant strains accumulated little C3 when exposed to human serum, while sensitive strains had a high amount of surface C3 deposition. Biofilm production varied extensively among strains. Most serum-resistant isolates formed a substantial amount of biofilm, while sensitive isolates produced negligible amounts of biofilm. Our data indicate that some strains of A. baumannii are resistant to serum killing and produce biofilms and by understanding the resistance mechanisms used by this bacterium, we can further elucidate its complex pathogenicity.
Scheduling heuristic for the n-jobm-machine flow shop

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of scheduling jobs in a flow shop manufacturing environment. A heuristic approach is developed for determining a priority sequence for the jobs with a view to minimizing total time to complete all the jobs. The approach is based on minimizing idle time on the last machine. The procedure is tested computationally and compared with the best known heuristic for flow shop sequencing. The proposed procedure demonstrates superior performance on larger problems, both in terms of quality of the solution and execution speed.
Absence of a response-rate-dependent effect of d-amphetamine on a DRL schedule when reinforcement is signaled

In two experiments, the effect of a 1-mg/kg dose of d-amphetamine on operant responding for water on a DRL 22-sec schedule was investigated. If the water reinforcement was signaled by a change in illumination, this dose of amphetamine did not affect response or reinforcement rate. In the absence of an external stimulus correlated with reinforcement, however, amphetamine markedly increased response rate and decreased reinforcement rate on this schedule. Timing behavior was disrupted regardless of whether reinforcement was signaled or nonsignaled.