cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Supersonic Stage Separation Aerodynamics of Winged-Body Launch Vehicles Using Response Surface Methods

A collection of statistical and mathematical techniques referred to as response surface methodology was used to estimate the longitudinal stage separation aerodynamic characteristics of a generic, bimese, winged multi-stage launch vehicle configuration using data obtained on small-scale models at supersonic speeds in the NASA Langley Research Center Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The simulated Mach 3 staging was dominated by multiple shock wave interactions between the orbiter and booster vehicles throughout the relative spatial locations of interest. This motivated a partitioning of the overall inference space into several contiguous regions within which the separation aerodynamics were presumed to be well-behaved and estimable using cuboidal and spherical central composite designs capable of fitting full second-order response functions. The primary goal was to approximate the underlying overall aerodynamic response surfaces of the booster vehicle in belly-to-belly proximity to the orbiter vehicle using relatively simple, lower-order polynomial functions that were piecewise-continuous across the full independent variable ranges of interest. The quality of fit and prediction capabilities of the empirical models were assessed in detail, and the issue of subspace boundary discontinuities was addressed. The potential benefits of augmenting the central composite designs to full third order using computer-generated D-optimality criteria were also evaluated. The usefulness of central composite designs, the subspace sizing, and the practicality of fitting low-order response functions over a partitioned inference space dominated by highly nonlinear and possibly discontinuous shock-induced aerodynamics are discussed.
Cosmic Ray Produced Neutrons and Nuclides in the Earth’s Atmosphere

Nuclear interactions of cosmic rays in the earth’s atmosphere produce an enormous variety of secondary particles, nuclides and radiation: neutrons, protons, antinucleons, electrons, positrons, neutrinos, mesons, hyperons, stable nuclides, radionuclides, X-rays and gamma rays. Although the production of these various secondaries are thus intimately related, the general problem has never been attacked as a whole, nor do I find that it has ever been reviewed as such. There are, however, a number of relatively recent reviews covering various aspects of the problem, especially those relating to neutrons and radionuclides. I shall therefore discuss only in passing studies already covered in previous reviews and concentrate on three specific areas. Two are areas in which significant new contributions have recently been made: in the understanding of the role of cosmic ray produced neutrons as a source of radiation belt particles and in the study of geophysical and astrophysical variations in the cosmic ray production rate of C14. The third area is one which has not yet been adequately explored, but is one which I think holds great promise in its astrophysical, geophysical and even biological implications. That is the study of cosmic ray produced Be10 and A126 activity in deep sea sediments, which can provide a record of the global averaged cosmic ray density for the last ten million years — giving important new information on variations of the geomagnetic field, on the long term solar activity, on the origin and propagation of cosmic rays and on the past variations in the biological radiation dosage.
Identity Politics, Reform, and Protest in Jordan

In 2011, inspired in part by the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions, Jordanians too took to the streets calling for change. Their numbers varied from hundreds to thousands, but not to the tens and even hundreds of thousands that had, for example, poured into Tahrir Square to topple Egyptian President Husni Mubarak. Jordanian protesters in 2011 called for reform, but not regime change. But the protests also came at a time of resurgent identity politics within Jordan and, hence, of rising tensions between Palestinians and East Jordanians, and even between tribes within the East Jordanian community. They also came at a time of resurgent political activism, which had already seen protests in the streets over elections, electoral laws, and governance. This analysis provides a brief examination of the main ethnic and national fault lines within Jordanian politics, and how these affect – and are affected by – the 2011 uprisings in the Arab world.
Relative equilibria at singular points of the moment map

We prove a criterion for stability of relative equilibria in symmetric Hamiltonian systems at singular points of the momentum map. This generalizes a theorem of G.W. Patrick. The method of the proof is also useful in studying the bifurcation of relative equilibria.
Nutritional classification study of Peru: Who and where are the poor?

Abstract In Peru in 1984 approximately 60% of the households with malnourished children were engaged in agricultural production or wage work. These nutritional problems were associated with insufficient incomes, inadequate diets, low levels of schooling, poor housing quality, inadequate access to safe water, unsanitary conditions, and high levels of childhood morbidity from diarrhoeal disease. For the long run, the solution is to reverse the longstanding bias against agriculture and labour, particularly in the highlands. Direct nutritional interventions must be undertaken urgently to assist the households with severe malnutrition. This article identifies these households by occupational group and geographical locale.
A new mechanism for aging: chemical "age spots" in immortal DNA strands in distributed stem cells

The existence of immortal DNA strands (IDSs) in distributed stem cells (DSCs) of adult human tissues was first inferred by Cairns. Cairns deduced the existence of IDSs by connecting two seemingly disparate observations - one his own and the other belonging to Lark. Cairns noted a mathematical discrepancy between predicted human tissue cell mutation rates and human cancer incidence. He integrated this insight with Lark's earlier discovery of non-random mitotic chromosome segregation in both plant root tip cells and mouse fetal fibroblast cultures to predict the existence of IDSs as the essential elements of a mutation-defense mechanism in DSCs. Since Cairns' seminal prediction, several laboratories have identified IDSs in diverse mammalian cells with DSC properties. Past studies focused on the potential roles of IDSs as originally envisioned in DSC genetic fidelity or in the maintenance of the DSC phenotype. Another possible consequence of IDSs, aging, has received little attention. Herein, the potential for cumulative chemical modifications and decompositions (i.e., "age spots") of IDSs in DSCs to act as a major determinant of human aging is considered. If accrued chemical alterations of IDSs prove to be essential determinants of aging, then a means to restore IDSs may yield new strategies for tissue rejuvenation.
Towards Scalable Dataset Construction: An Active Learning Approach

As computer vision research considers more object categories and greater variation within object categories, it is clear that larger and more exhaustive datasets are necessary. However, the process of collecting such datasets is laborious and monotonous. We consider the setting in which many images have been automatically collected for a visual category (typically by automatic internet search), and we must separate relevant images from noise. We present a discriminative learning process which employs active, online learning to quickly classify many images with minimal user input. The principle advantage of this work over previous endeavors is its scalability. We demonstrate precision which is often superior to the state-of-the-art, with scalability which exceeds previous work.
Limitations of Finite Automata

We have studied what finite automata can do; let’s see what they cannot do. The canonical example of a nonregular set (one accepted by no finite automaton) is $$B = \{ {a^n}{b^n}|n0\} = \{ \in ,ab,aabb,aaabbb,aaaabbbb,...\} $$ , the set of all strings of the form a*b* with equally many a’s and b’s.
In focus: The everyday lives of families of adult individuals with epilepsy

Epilepsy is a multifaceted chronic neurological disorder with diverse effects on a patient's psychosocial well-being. The impact on quality of life has been well documented, and many studies have addressed the detrimental influences epilepsy has on an individual. However, the emotional impact and the influence of the condition on family members have not been well studied. Furthermore, the majority of the studies on this topic have been confined to childhood epilepsy, and there is only scarce literature that discusses the effects on family members caring for adult patients. The purpose of this literature review was to examine the influence of adult epilepsy on the psychological and social well-being of individual family members. We explored the psychological and physical well-being, satisfaction with social circumstances, and perceived level of support in families of adult patients with intractable epilepsy. The paper also suggests best practices on how to improve the family's quality of life, as well as future directions for research. Superior medical care and a positive family support system are important conditions that can help adult individuals with epilepsy best deal with their condition.
Abstract 1203: Metastasis-associated oncogene RhoC as a regulator of glutamine metabolism in the inflammatory breast cancer cell line SUM149

Metabolic reprogramming is increasingly recognized as a fundamental hallmark of cancer. While the Warburg effect and normal proliferative metabolism are similar, they are not equivalent. We hypothesize that there are key drivers of malignant metabolism that can be modulated to impede cancer proliferation without substantial effects on normal tissue growth. Using 13C-labeled glucose and glutamine tracers in combination with mass spectrometry and measurements of extracellular glucose, lactate, and glutamine flux, we have characterized system level differences in a series of breast cancer cell lines as well as normal-like breast epithelial cells. We observed an increase in the reductive carboxylation of glutamine-derived citrate and alpha-ketoglutarate in the triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer cell line SUM149. We also observed that the SUM149 exhibit high levels of HIF-1α and low levels of oxygen consumption under normoxia, suggesting that the cell line is highly adapted to hypoxia. Surprisingly, the stable depletion of HIF-1α via shRNA had no significant effect on the metabolic profile of these cells. Previous work by our lab and others has demonstrated that the GTPase RhoC is a driver of the metastatic phenotype exhibited by inflammatory breast cancer. Activation of RhoC is known to induce cytoskeletal rearrangements and increase invasive potential. The Rho GTPase family of proteins has also recently been linked to metabolism, specifically regulation of glutaminase activity. Here we show that stable knockdown of RhoC in SUM149 cells results in a marked decrease in the rate of both glutamine uptake and intracellular reductive carboxylation. This work reinforces the role of RhoC as an important driver of inflammatory breast cancer metastatic potential. We conclude that RhoC remains an important clinical target with the potential to alter patient outcomes. Citation Format: Joel A. Yates, Michelle L. Wynn, ZhiFen Wu, Charles R. Evans, Charles Burant, Santiago D. Schnell, Sofia D. Merajver. Metastasis-associated oncogene RhoC as a regulator of glutamine metabolism in the inflammatory breast cancer cell line SUM149. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1203. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1203
Evidence for Low-Angle Normal Faulting in the Pumqu-Xianza Rift, Tibet

SUMMARY Low-angle normal faulting is widely discussed as a possible mechanism for continental extension, however, unambiguous evidence for seismogenic low-angle normal faulting is lacking. Here, we investigate seismicity along a short segment of the Pumqu-Xianza Rift (PXR) in southern Tibet, where the HiCLIMB seismic array recorded over 500 earthquakes between 2004 July and 2005 August. Hypocentres of the 40 best recorded earthquakes are approximately 20–25 km west of the rift and tightly clustered at about 10 km depth, consistent with moment tensor depths of the 11 largest (3.4 ≤Mw≤ 4.5) earthquakes. Events in this group have N–S striking normal faulting mechanisms with low-angle (29°) west dipping fault planes. Rupture along a west dipping, low-angle, planar normal fault (the eastern PXR boundary fault) is consistent with event hypocentres, fault dip from moment tensors, and prominent surface morphology. The dip of 29° is at the low end of physically possible values assuming normal frictional behaviour and state of stress. We suggest it is possible for a planar, low-angle fault to nucleate seismically at a low angle at depth in the presence of basal shear and work its way aseismically through the brittle crust to the surface with the aid of lubricating minerals.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy Decisions in Clinical Practice for Early-Stage Node-Negative, Estrogen Receptor-Positive, HER2-Negative Breast Cancer: Challenges and Considerations

Decisions regarding adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative, lymph node-negative breast cancer have traditionally relied on clinical and pathologic parameters. However, the molecular heterogeneity and the complex tumor genome demand more sophisticated approaches to the problem. Several multigene-based assays have been developed to better prognosticate the risk of recurrence and death and predict benefit of therapy in this patient population. Oncologists are often faced with the challenge of incorporating these various complex genome-based biomarkers along with the traditional biomarkers in clinical decision-making. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Breast Cancer are helpful in providing a general recommendation. However, uncertainty remains in the absence of definitive data for various clinical scenarios. This case report describes a postmenopausal woman with stage I breast cancer that is low-grade and ER-rich, and has an intermediate Oncotype DX recurrence score of 28.
ASSA13-16-2 Relationship Between Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Gene –629C Æ A Mutations with HDL-C Levels and Coronary Heart Disease

Objective To investigate the relationship between CETP-629C/A polymorphism, serum Levels, lipid metabolism, and coronary heart disease (CHD) among the Chinese Han population of the Tianjin area. Methods A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Tianjin Chest Hospital from 2010 October to 2011 October. The subjects underwent angiography were divided into a case group (n = 429) and a control group (n = 275). The CETP gene promoter polymorphism at position –629 was determined by restricted fragment length polymorphism using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP) method. Meanwhile the serum CETP level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results 1. The frequencies of-692Aallele in the Tianjin Chinese-Han population was 0.408, significantly lowerer than that in other domestic and foreign populations (0.479 ∼ 0.701, P P > 0.05) and higher HDL-C levels ( P P > 0.05). 4. There were significant differences in frequencies of–692 genotypes and allele between the two groups (P OR (95% CI ) were 4.627(3.163 ∼ 6.769), 8.779(4.799 ∼ 16.059) and 3.173 (2.453 ∼ 4.104) respectively. There was no relationship between CETP-629C/A polymorphism and coronary artery stenosis degree. Conclusions The frequencies of allele and genotype of CETP-629 inthe Tianjin Chinese-Han population was significantly different from that in other domestic and foreign populations. Variant AA genotype, which showed reduced CETP levels and higher HDL-C levels, is paradoxically associated with increased risk of CHD. Thus, CETP gene variation may affect coronary risk apart from the level of HDL-C.
COMBINED ELECTROTHERMAL FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF TURBINE-GENERATORS

ABSTRACT In this paper a hybrid finite element analysis is presented for solving the combined magnetic field and temperature distribution problem in a slice of a stator core on open-circuit operation. A two-dimensional nonlinear finite element magnetic field model is used to obtain the core losses and a three-dimensional finite element model with triangular, rectangular and trapezoidal elements is employed for determining the temperatures. The temperature distribution obtained by the method presented in this paper is compared with factory tests on a large Turbine-Generator
Feasibility of thermal crosslinking of polyarylate gas-separation membranes using benzocyclobutene-based monomers

Abstract Current literature results suggest that crosslinking may be a useful route to balance the productivity/selectivity tradeoff of polymeric gas-separation membranes. This study explores the use of benzocyclobutene chemistry to thermally crosslink polyarylate membranes based on 1,2-dihydrocyclobutabenzene-3,6-dicarbonyl dichloride (XTA-Cl), fluorene bisphenol (FBP) and 5- t -butyl isophthalic acid dichloride (tBIA). Very high temperatures were required to produce significant crosslinking which also caused significant degradation of the polymers. The result of this heat treatment was small increases in gas-permeability coefficients and small decreases in permselectivity; this is opposite to what is typically observed for simple crosslinking. It is concluded that the thermal treatment required for crosslinking is too severe to utilize this approach successfully for polyarylate gas-separation membranes.
Bipolar disorder: Strategies for the lifelong illness

Bipolar disorder has a lifelong course. Our understanding of the illness is not complete enough to detect it before the first manic or hypomanic episode. Treatment of bipolar disorder has three phases. The continuation phase comprises the transition between symptomatic improvement after correct diagnosis and effective treatment of an episode and functional recovery. This phase requires continuation of effective pharmacologic treatments combined with nonpharmacologic treatments that will provide the basis for education, monitoring, and anticipation of relapse. The maintenance phase begins when pre-episode function has been regained. Placebo-controlled data for mania support lithium, olanzapine, and divalproex in patients whose most recent episode responded to one of these treatments. Carbamazepine lacks placebo-controlled studies but appears to have response predictors that are complementary to those of lithium. For prevention of depressive episodes, which are at least twice as frequent as mania, placebo-controlled data support lithium, lamotrigine, and divalproex. Treatment response may depend upon the course of illness. There are relatively little data about long-term treatment response in bipolar II disorder or rapid-cycling. Although current treatments are effective, especially when combined with appropriate nonpharmacologic treatments, more definitive strategies require a better understanding of the physiologic processes underlying the recurrent nature of bipolar disorder.
The Behavior of Young Primates During Adult Copulation: Observations of a Macaca irus Colony1

Reactions by young monkeys to the adult male's mounts were observed in a Macaca irus colony. Age, sex, and mother dependence of the young monkey present, the mountee's age, sex, and relationship to the observing animal, and variables in the mount itself influenced behavior of a young monkey at a copulation. The interest in mounts shown by young suggests that they enjoy watching copulation and that appropriate sexual behavior may be partially learned by observation of copulation.
An invariant theory of the constitutive parameters of a plasma and a ferrite

Under the influence of a constant magnetic field, the electric property of a plasma and the magnetic property of a ferrite are anisotropic. In this paper, the general coordinatefree invariant forms of the dielectric tensor of a plasma and the permeability tensor of a ferrite are obtained. The tensors are expressed explicitly as a sum of three tensors: a unit tensor, a symmetric tensor and an antisymmetric tensor, each of which is weighted by different constants. The symmetric and antisymmetric tensors are related to the unit vector of the constant magnetic field. The invariant forms in terms of the sum of the projectors of the tensors are also derived. When a Cartesian coordinate system is introduced, the invariant forms are easily reduced to the commonly used matrix representations. The invariant forms clearly show the effects of the constant magnetic field on the anisotropies of the media. Moreover, they effectuate and simplify the deduction of the general solutions of problems involving wave propagation and excitation in plasma and ferrite and thus facilitate interpretations of the final results.
Two x-ray signs helpful in the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Two x-ray signs easily demonstrable by angiocardiography are presented. In the authors' opinion simultaneous visualization of both ventricles (by two-stage injection and by giving attention to the distance between the contrast-filled, left coronary artery and left ventricle), could lead to information helpful in establishing the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Molecular regulation, membrane association and secretion of tumor cathepsin B

Upregulation, membrane association and secretion of cathepsin B have been shown to occur in many types of tumors and to correlate positively with their invasive and metastatic capabilities. To further understand changes in cathepsin B activity and localization, we have been examining its regulation at many levels including transcription and trafficking. Our studies indicate that there may be three promoter regions in the cathepsin B gene. Of these, continued examination of the promoter upstream of exon 1 has indicated possible control by several regulatory factors including E-box and Sp-1 binding elements. Upregulation of cathepsin B at this level may account for some of the secretion of cathepsin B found in tumors. We have also gathered evidence that endo- and exocytosis of cathepsin B may be regulated by ras and ras-related proteins in addition to previously described trafficking systems. There is also evidence that several populations of lysosomes may exist and that trafficking to different populations may determine whether cathepsin B is secreted from the tumor cell or remains intracellular. Our results indicate that membrane association and secretion of cathepsin B is not a random process in the tumor cell, but rather part of a tightly controlled system.
Robustness of star graph network under link failure

The star graph is an attractive underlying topology for distributed systems. Robustness of the star graph under link failure model is addressed. Specifically, the minimum number of faulty links, f(n,k), that make every (n-k)-dimensional substar S"n"-"k faulty in an n-dimensional star network S"n, is studied. It is shown that f(n,1)=n+2. Furthermore, an upper bound is given for f(n,2) with complexity of O(n^3) which is an improvement over the straightforward upper bound of O(n^4) derived in this paper.
The Fibroblast-Populated Collagen Microsphere Assay of Cell Traction Force—Part 2: Measurement of the Cell Traction Parameter

In Part 1 of this work, we formulated and analyzed a mathematical model for our fibroblast-populated collagen microsphere (FPCM) assay of cell traction forces (Moon and Tranquillo, 1993). In this assay, the FPCM diameter decreases with time as the cells compact the gel by exerting traction on collagen fibrils. In Part I we demonstrated that the diameter reduction profiles for varied initial cell concentration and varied initial FPCM diameter are qualitatively consistent with the model predictions. We show here in Part 2 how predictions of a model similar to that of Part 1, along with the determination of the growth parameters of the cells and the viscoelastic parameters of the gel, allow us to estimate the magnitude of a cell traction parameter, the desired objective index of cell traction forces. The model is based on a monophasic continuum-mechanical theory of cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanical interactions, with a species conservation equation for cells (1), a mass conservation equation for ECM (2), and a mechanical force balance for the cell/ECM composite (3). Using a constant-stress rheometer and a fluids spectrometer in creep and oscillatory shear modes, respectively, we establish and characterize the linear viscoelastic regime for the reconstituted type I collagen gel used in our FPCM traction assay and in other assays of cell-collagen mechanical interactions. Creep tests are performed on collagen gel specimens in a state resembling that in our FPCM traction assay (initially uncompacted, and therefore nearly isotropic and at a relatively low collagen concentration of 2.1 mg/ml), yielding measurements of the zero shear viscosity, μ 0 (7.4 x 10 6 Poise), and the steady-state creep compliance, J c 0 . The shear modulus, G (155 dynes/cm 2 ), is then determined from the inverse of J e 0 in the linear viscoelastic regime. Oscillatory shear tests are performed in strain sweep mode, indicating linear viscoelastic behavior up to shear strains of approximately 10 percent. We discuss the estimation of Poisson's ratio, v, which along with G and μ 0 specifies the assumed isotropic, linear viscoelastic stress tensor for the cell/collagen gel composite which appears in (3). The proliferation rate of fibroblasts in free floating collagen gel (appearing in (1)) is characterized by direct cell counting, yielding an estimate of the first-order growth rate constant, k (5.3 X 10 -6 s -1 ). These independently measured and estimated parameter values allow us to estimate that the cell traction parameter, τ 0 , defined in the active stress tensor which also appears in (3), is in the range of 0.00007-0.0002 dyne cm 4 /mg collagen cell. This value is in agreement with a reported measure of traction obtained directly via isometric force measurement across a slab of fibroblast-containing collagen gel.
The effect of patient education in decision making regarding elective percutaneous coronary intervention

Contrary to clinical trial evidence, most patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) believe that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) prevents myocardial infarction (MI). We explored subjects’ willingness to accept hypothetical PCI depending on how information was presented.
Ammonia toxicity in selected fishes

Abstract 1. 1. Intraperitoneal LD 50 and LD 99·9 values for ammonium acetate were determined in three species of ammonotelic fishes; rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdnerii ), channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) and goldfish ( Carassius auratus ). 2. 2. There was a direct relationship between the LD 50 values for ammonium acetate and the relative resistance to environmental conditions, i.e. the trout were the most sensitive, the channel catfish intermediate and the goldfish quite resistant. 3. 3. An increase in aquarium temperature considerably decreased the fishes tolerance to the injected ammonium acetate. 4. 4. Fishes being ammonotelic were found to be more tolerant to the intraperitoneally administered ammonium acetate than either the ureotelic or uricotelic species (Wilson et al. , 1968). 5. 5. Several factors which may contribute to the higher tolerance of exogenous ammonia in the fishes are discussed.
Raynaud's syndrome in workers who use vibrating pneumatic air knives.

Abstract Purpose: The use of vibrating tools has been shown to cause Raynaud's syndrome (RS) in a variety of workers, including those who use chain saws, chippers, and grinders. The diagnosis of RS in workers who use vibrating tools is difficult to document objectively. We studied a patient cohort with RS caused by the use of a vibrating pneumatic air knife (PAK) for removal of automobile windshields and determined our ability to document RS in these workers by means of digital hypothermic challenge testing (DHCT), a vascular laboratory study that evaluates digital blood pressure response to cooling. Methods: Sixteen male autoglass workers (mean age, 36 years) with RS were examined by means of history, physical examination, arm blood pressures, digital photoplethysmography, screening serologic studies for underlying connective tissue disorder, and DHCT. Results: No patient had RS before they used a PAK. The mean onset of RS (color changes, 100%; pain, 93%; parathesias, 75%) with cold exposure was 3 years (range, 1.5 to 5 years) after initial PAK use (mean estimated PAK use, 2450 hours). Fifty-six percent of workers smoked cigarettes. The findings of the physical examination, arm blood pressures, digital photoplethysmography, and serologic testing were normal in all patients. At 10°C cooling with digital cuff and patient cooling blanket, a significant decrease in digital blood pressure was shown by means of DHCT in 100% of test fingers versus normothermic control fingers (mean decrease, 75%; range, 25% to 100%; normal response, less than 17%; P Conclusion: PAK use is a possible cause of vibration-induced RS. The presence of RS in workers who use the PAK was objectively confirmed by means of DHCT. Cessation of PAK use in the short term did not result in symptomatic improvement. (J Vasc Surg 1999;30:1-7.)
Endothelial cells modulate smooth muscle cell morphology by inhibition of transforming growth factor-beta1 activation

Background. We have previously demonstrated in a coculture model that endothelial cells (ECs) exert regulatory control over smooth muscle cell (SMC) morphology. This study was performed to test the hypothesis that ECs inhibit transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β 1 ) activation through the release of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1). Methods. Bovine SMCs were cultured on a thin, semipermeable membrane, either alone or opposite ECs in coculture (SMC/EC). Conditioned media and cell lysates at 1, 5, and 21 days were assayed for TGF-β 1 and PAI-1 by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. Cell proliferation rates, protein, and DNA content were measured and compared with SMC morphology. Results. Activation of TGF-β 1 was significantly decreased (1.2% versus 18.9% active TGF-β 1 , p < 0.05) and PAI-1 was increased (659 pg/ml versus 343 pg/ml, p < 0.05) in SMC/EC medium on day 1, compared with the medium of SMC alone. Significantly higher levels of PAI-1 were measured in cell lysates of cocultured ECs (128 pg/μg DNA than in cocultured SMCs (5.8 pg/μg DNA, p < 0.05). SMC/EC coculture prevented the SMC hill-and-valley growth morphology seen in SMCs cultured alone. Conclusions. In a model designed to study SMC/EC interactions, it was seen that ECs can alter growth characteristics of SMCs by producing PAI-1, which interferes with the plasminogen pathway of TGF-β 1 activation. This suggests that reduced EC PAI-1 production could play a role in alteration of SMC phenotype in vivo.
Purification of various forms of elongation factor 1 from rabbit reticulocytes

Previous studies have indicated that the high-molecular-weight form of elongation factor 1 (EF-1H) contained four subunits (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta). Using the conventional methods of gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography, various forms of elongation factor 1 (EF-1 alpha, EF-1 beta delta, EF-1 beta gamma delta) have been purified from rabbit reticulocyte lysate. The procedure described allows one to purify these factors from a single batch of lysate in sufficient amounts for physical and biochemical studies. EF-1 alpha is a single polypeptide of Mr 52,000, and has an isoelectric point of 9.1. EF-1 beta delta and EF-1 beta gamma delta are composed of two and three nonidentical polypeptides, respectively, as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Both proteins can form stable aggregates in native conditions that can reach more than 2,000,000 Da. The isoelectric point for each polypeptide was determined; 5.8 for EF-1 beta, 5.5 for EF-1 gamma, and 4.8 for EF-1 delta. The activity of both proteins was compared on a molecular basis by their ability to stimulate EF-1 alpha in the poly(U)-directed synthesis of polyphenylalanine. On the basis of this assay EF-1 beta gamma delta is slightly more active than EF-1 beta delta. The similarity of the amino acid composition of EF-1 gamma and EF-1 delta and the molar ratio of alpha: beta: gamma: delta in EF-1H of approximately 1:1:0.5:0.5 have led to the conclusion that EF-1 delta is probably a breakdown product of EF-1 gamma, and that the native form of EF-1H probably contains only the alpha, beta, and gamma subunits.
Development of a fracture toughness test for balloon film

This paper describes the equipment and test procedures being developed in an ongoing project to measure J(c) for film in a biaxial stress state. The objective of the research is to confirm J(c) as a material property whose value will permit the initiation of film tear growth to be predicted. Results are presented for two polyethylene balloon films, an LDPE and LLDPE, of thickness 0.8 mil.
Note on a Possible Scheme for the Assignment and Prediction of Radioactive Periods

Families of odd nuclei differing from each other only by $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-units show some evidences of a certain type of regularity in their stability against $\ensuremath{\beta}$-processes. The assumption that a similar regularity holds for all such families permits the unique assignment to the correct isotope of many known radioactive periods and the prediction of many yet unknown lifetimes.
Innovations in Practice: Supporting the Breastfeeding Dyad in Labor & Delivery

Newborn Care Poster Presentation Objective To improve support of the breastfeeding mother–infant dyad by increasing skin-to-skin (STS) care and initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. Design Pre and post intervention design. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months of life is endorsed by many healthcare organizations. Both of the proposed interventions have demonstrated improved breastfeeding outcomes. Sample Inclusion criteria included a stable mother–infant dyad not separated after birth. A random sample was selected (minimum of 30 charts/month) of dyads admitted to the mother–baby unit after birth. Methods Retrospective chart review. Implementation Strategies Several nurses in the labor & delivery (L&D) unit initiated this project as one way to increase rates of breastfeeding. The L&D shared governance council committed to improving STS care and early initiation of breastfeeding and this quality improvement initiative. Plan-do-check-act quality improvement methodology was paired with change management theory (Roger's Theory of Innovation) to enhance outcomes. Baseline data were obtained, and a literature review was conducted. Unit champions or innovators were identified. Implementation of STS care and early initiation of breastfeeding was instituted by the L&D nurses. All staff members were educated, and champions assisted other nurses in accomplishing STS care, even at times in the operating room. Monthly audit data were shared with staff. Challenges were encountered along the way, including the introduction of a new electronic medical record. Physician resistance was overcome by education, persistence, and culture change. Slowly change occurred, and anesthesiologists became champions. STS care and early breastfeeding are now part of routine practice on the L&D unit. Results Monthly data audits were completed for each indicator. Use of STS care increased from a baseline of 25% (July 2010, all delivery types) to nearly 90% by July 2013. In this same timeframe, the rate of breastfeeding within the first hour increased from 66% to 90%. Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice STS care and early breastfeeding after birth have proven benefits for the mother and infant. Perinatal nurses must find ways to implement these practices. Continual reinforcement is needed to sustain change, and outside factors such as change in documentation system affect care.
A proposed model for particle‐size effects in the X‐ray fluorescence analysis of heterogeneous powders that includes incidence angle and non‐random packing effects

An empirical model that includes the effect of incidence and exit angles and non-random packing effects is proposed for describing the effect of particle size on the measured X-ray fluorescence (XRF) response from thick heterogeneous samples. An exact model is derived that illustrates these effects for the ideal case of reglarly oriented cubes, and the previous models at high concentrations of a single homogeneous particale the proposed model and the previous models at high concentrations of a single homogeneous particle type where the largest difference between the previous models is observed. It is shown that at specific angles of incidence and exit the proposed model agrees closely with each of the earlier models. Experimental data taken at different incidence angles show that the proposed model provides the best least-squares fit to the observed data on the basis of the minimum reduced chi-square value.
Communication, coordination, and camaraderie in World of Warcraft.

In applying traditional game theory to multiplayer computer games, not enough attention has been given to actual player practice in local settings. To do this, the author describes a team of player...
The use of storage phosphors for portal imaging in radiation therapy: Therapists’ perception of image quality

Two drawbacks in quality of portal radiographs in radiation therapy are their low contrast and low spatial resolution. These are due to the low differential absorption of body tissues at therapeutic energies and to a relatively large radiation source. We used an experimental, high‐contrast sensitivity storage phosphorimaging system (Eastman Kodak Co.) to produce portal images. The system consists of a storage phosphor detector, a high‐contrast sensitivity laser scanner (12 bit), an image processing module, and a laser printer (12 bit). Patients undergoing radiation therapytreatments had both a conventional portal image and a storage phosphorimage taken. Both were displayed side‐by‐side and were evaluated independently by three radiotherapists according to quality of information to verify the treatment field. Each of the three radiotherapists rated the storage phosphorimages to be better (p<0.001) than the conventional images. However, rated improvements of low‐contrast storage phosphorimages of the pelvis and abdomen (40) were significantly lower than those of high‐contrast (head, neck, and chest) images (53).
Documentation of family therapy supervision: A rationale and method

Abstract Supervisors have legal liability for the therapists' handling of cases under their supervision, responsibility for evaluation and encouragement of supervisees' therapeutic work and progress, and responsibility for the provision of quality therapy. Documentation is the only way to demonstrate appropriate supervisory behavior. The Case Review Form, a standardized form for documenting supervision, is presented. Examples of its usage are provided so that documentation of supervision may be done quickly and routinely in order to provide necessary protection to clients, therapists, supervisors, and the various institutions that provide marriage and family therapy.
Evaluating Measures for Adapting the Energy Demand of a Production System to Volatile Energy Prices

Abstract Due to the increasing use of renewable energies and the volatile behaviour of wind and sun power new turbulences in energy markets – especially increasing and strongly fluctuating energy prices – are expected. Hence, companies’ production systems have to be energy flexible in order to cope with these changes in energy markets. This paper presents an approach for evaluating measures for conducting energy flexibility, e.g. changing process parameters or rescheduling of processes depending on the availability of energy in the grid.
Stackelberg Game Based Model of Highway Driving

In this paper, we have considered the application of Stackelberg game theory to driver behavior modeling in highway driving. Our investigation focuses on developing a 3-person Stackelberg game that simulates driver’s reasoning with provisions to incorporate drivers’ dispositions so that the driver’s reactions can result in different interactions. In order to include uncertainty, the drivers’ intentions are also limited or changed by the driver’s dispositions. We present two-vehicle and five-vehicle simulations that show different drivers’ behaviors according to the dispositions and their interactions.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Assessing cognitive and affective reactions of employers toward people with disabilities in the workplace.

Introduction The goal of this study was to assess the construct validity of the Affective Reactions subscale of the Disability Questionnaire by analyzing its underlying factor structure. The Affective Reactions subscale consists of 21 items measuring emotional reactions related to working with people with disabilities and contributes to the overall measurement of employers’ attitudes toward individuals with disabilities. Methods The sample included 142 employers in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the factorial structure of the Affective Reactions scale and multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between affective reaction factors and ADA knowledge, perceived reasonableness of workplace accommodations, and experience working with people with disabilities. Results Exploratory factor analysis revealed three underlying attitude dimensions: (a) Negative Cognitive and Affective Reactions, (b) Positive Attitudes toward Accommodations, and (c) Positive Attitudes towards Equal Treatment of People with Disabilities in the Workplace. Multiple regression analysis results indicated that positive attitudes toward people with disabilities in the workplace are associated with positive beliefs about the reasonableness of accommodating people with disabilities in the workplace and positive attitudes are related to higher level of experience working with people with disabilities. Conclusions The construct validity of the Affective Reactions subscale of the Disability Questionnaire is supported by the identification of three underlying attitudinal constructs.
The tetraspanin CD9 influences the adhesion, spreading, and pericellular fibronectin matrix assembly of Chinese hamster ovary cells on human plasma fibronectin.

The role of CD9 in cell adhesion and spreading on adhesive proteins was investigated using a transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell system. CD9 cell surface expression resulted in reduced adhesion and increased spreading on fibronectin (Fn). Whereas mock-transfected (mock CHO) and naive CHO cells assumed a typical fibroblast spindle shape morphology, CD9-transfected (CD9-CHO) cells were polygonal with many filipodial projections and exhibited a twofold greater surface area. The spread morphology of CD9-CHO cells, but not mock CHO cells, was inhibited by PB1 mAb blockade of alpha(5)beta(1), suggesting that the coexpression of alpha(5)beta(1) and CD9 influenced cell activity on Fn. The second extracellular loop of CD9 was implicated in regulation of adhesion since reduced CD9-CHO cell adhesion on Fn was reversed by either anti-CD9 antibody ligation to the second extracellular loop or with cells expressing a CD9 mutant lacking the second extracellular loop domain. Using cell adhesion assays and ELISA, we demonstrated CD9 binding to the HEP2/IIICS region of Fn. Finally, CD9 expression resulted in a twofold reduction in Fn-rich pericellular matrix assembly. Our observations show that CD9 dramatically influences CHO cell interactions with Fn and suggest that CD9 has an important role in modulating cell-extracellular matrix interactions.
Why are You Calling Me? How Study Introductions Change Response Patterns

Purpose: Research on survey methodology has demonstrated that seemingly innocuous aspects of a survey’s design, such as the order of questions, can produce biased results. The current investigation extends this work by testing whether standard survey introductions alter the observed associations between variables. Methods: In two experimental studies, we invited Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients to participate in a telephone survey of (a) Parkinson’s patients, conducted by a regional medical center, or (b) the general population, conducted by a regional university. The survey in Study 1 (n = 156) first assessed life-satisfaction, and subsequently health satisfaction. In Study 2 (n = 99), we reversed the order of the two questions, asking the health questions first. Results: When the introduction focused on Parkinson’s disease, we observed an increased correlation between life-satisfaction and a later question about health satisfaction (r = 0.34 vs. 0.63 after general population versus Parkinson’s introduction, respectively; Study 1). In Study 2, asking the health questions first resulted in high correlations regardless of the introduction; in addition, judgments of life-satisfaction were lower after the Parkinson’s-focused introduction. Conclusions: When participants were informed prior to the survey that its purpose was to examine well-being in PD, health satisfaction was a much more important component of life-satisfaction, accounting for three times as much variation. We hypothesize that the survey introduction primed participants’ health status, resulting in an artificially large correlation with life-satisfaction.
Assessing the Measurement and Structure of Material Hardship in the United States

Previous attempts to measure material well-being or hardship have not made clear the relationship of individual items to the broader concept of hardship. The current study used the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), a large-scale U.S. survey with a large number of questions on the material circumstances of households to create a measurement model of hardship that takes this relationship into account. A higher-order model with five-first-order factors: consumer durables, resources available to meet needs, housing conditions, neighborhood problems and crime, and community services, and a single second-order factor hardship fit the data well, with the “Housing” and “Neighborhood” first-order factors most strongly related to the higher-order hardship construct. Despite our attempts to tie the hardship measures to objective conditions, subjective evaluations were strongly related to most of the factors.