cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A natural notion of morphism for linear programming problems

In this paper we present a morphism for linear programming problems, called the block reduction and construct the category LP∗ which has block reductions as morphisms and linear programming problems as objects. The block reduction is a natural notion of morphism for linear programming problems in that it is an extension of the flow morphism for network flow problems (presented by Harper in Adv. in Appl. Math. 1 (1980), 158–181), and at the same time it is a restriction of the reduction on linear programs (presented by Harper in J. Combin. Theory Ser. A 32 (1982), 281–298). After establishing this, we prove the existence of pushouts for block reductions.
Simultaneous templating of polymer nanocapsules and entrapped silver nanoparticles

Nanorattles made of hollow polymer nanocapsules with entrapped silver nanoparticles were synthesized in one step by using lipid vesicles as templates. Free radical photoinitiator facilitated both polymerization within the bilayer and formation of metal nanoparticles in the aqueous core.
Chloro- and Fluoro-Substituted Phosphites, Phosphates, and Phosphoranes Exhibiting Sulfur and Oxygen Coordination1

New cyclic phosphoranes, O2S[Me(t-Bu)C6H2O]2PCl3 (1), O2S[Me(t-Bu)C6H2O]2P(OC6H4-m-CF3)3 (2), and O2S[(t-Bu)2C6H2O]2PCl3 (3), containing sulfone donor groups and halogen substituents were synthesized by oxidative addition reactions of a diol with a tricoordinated phosphorus precursor. Cyclic phosphates, O2S[(t-Bu)2C6H2O]2P(O)Cl (4) and O2S[Me(t-Bu)C6H2O]2P(O)(OC6H4-m-CF3) (5), resulted from hydrolysis reactions of 3 and 2, respectively. Phosphate O2S[Me(t-Bu)C6H2O]2P(O)(OC6F5) (6) was prepared from a known phosphorane precursor and independently from the reaction of an N-oxide molecule with a parent phosphite, O2S[Me(t-Bu)C6H2O]2P(OC6F5). Two additional compounds containing a sulfur atom in place of the sulfone group, a cyclic phosphite, S[Me2C6H2O]2P(OC6F5) (7), and a cyclic phosphate, S[Me2C6H2O]2P(O)Cl (8), were synthesized. X-ray analysis and NMR data were obtained on all of these compounds to establish the role of electronegative ligands in promoting donor interaction. Compounds 1−3 were hexacoordina...
Signalling of the BCR is regulated by a lipid rafts‐localised transcription factor, Bright

Regulation of BCR signalling strength is crucial for B-cell development and function. Bright is a B-cell-restricted factor that complexes with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) and its substrate, transcription initiation factor-I (TFII-I), to activate immunoglobulin heavy chain gene transcription in the nucleus. Here we show that a palmitoylated pool of Bright is diverted to lipid rafts of resting B cells where it associates with signalosome components. After BCR ligation, Bright transiently interacts with sumoylation enzymes, blocks calcium flux and phosphorylation of Btk and TFII-I and is then discharged from lipid rafts as a Sumo-I-modified form. The resulting lipid raft concentration of Bright contributes to the signalling threshold of B cells, as their sensitivity to BCR stimulation decreases as the levels of Bright increase. Bright regulates signalling independent of its role in IgH transcription, as shown by specific dominant-negative titration of rafts-specific forms. This study identifies a BCR tuning mechanism in lipid rafts that is regulated by differential post-translational modification of a transcription factor with implications for B-cell tolerance and autoimmunity.
Ethical and practical issues in conducting clinical trials in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Ethical considerations are inexorably intertwined with the conduct of clinical research. As a result of progress in immunology and biotechnology, several potent novel therapeutics have recently emerged for the treatment of patients with various immunologically driven systemic inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Because of these developments, there is a need to continually assess the design of current and future research studies so that they may be conducted in the optimal and most ethical manner.
Identification and management of domestic violence: a randomized trial.

Background: Diagnosis of domestic violence (DV) in primary care is low compared to its prevalence. Care for patients is deficient. Over a 1-year period, we tested the effectiveness of an intensive intervention to improve asking about DV, case finding, and management in primary care. The intervention included skill training for providers, environmental orchestration (posters in clinical areas, DV questions on health questionnaires), and measurement and feedback. Methods: We conducted a group-randomized controlled trial in five primary care clinics of a large health maintenance organization (HMO). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and follow-up by survey, medical record review, and qualitative means. Results: Improved provider self-efficacy, decreased fear of offense and safety concerns, and increased perceived asking about DV were documented at 9 months, and also at 21 months (except for perceived asking) after intervention initiation. Documented asking about DV was increased by 14.3% with a 3.9-fold relative increase at 9 months in intervention clinics compared to controls. Case finding increased 1.3-fold (95%, confidence interval 0.67‐2.7). Conclusions: The intervention improved documented asking about DV in practice up to 9 months later. This was mainly because of the routine use of health questionnaires containing DV questions at physical examination visits and the placement of DV posters in clinical areas. A small increase in case finding also resulted. System changes appear to be a cost-effective method to increase DV asking and identification.
The effect of an induced molt using a nonfasting program on bone mineralization of white leghorns.

To determine changes in bone mineraliza- tion during molt, 66-wk-old White Leghorns were as- signed to either a fasted molting regimen using feed re- moval for 10 d, followed by the ad libitum consumption of cracked corn for 7 d and a pullet developer diet for 10 d or a nonfasted molting regimen lasting 27 d that in- cluded the ad libitum consumption of a diet containing 71% wheat middlings and 23% corn. Both molting regi- mens restricted light to 8 h/d, and water was provided ad libitum. At 28 d postmolt, hens from both molting treatments were returned to a regular egg-laying diet and 16 h/d of photoperiod. Control hens consumed a regular egg laying diet and were kept on 16 h/d of light through- out the study. Using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the left tibia were measured in 7 live hens per
Influences of environmental and hedonic motivations on intention to purchase green products: An extension of the theory of planned behavior

University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. May 2012. Major: Design. Advisor: Dr. Hye-Young Kim. 1 computer file (PDF); viii, 101 pages, appendix A.
Stacked crystal filters implemented with thin films

Low-insertion-loss 1-GHz stacked crystal filters have been implemented with thin films of piezoelectric AlN. Two-pole filters having insertion losses of less than 2 dB have been fabricated on Si and GaAs substrates using microelectronic processing techniques. These devices can serve as high-performance front-end filters for receivers or for other frequency-control applications. The over-moded stacked crystal shows considerable promise as a two-port 50 Omega high-Q feedback element for oscillators or for other narrowband applications. >
Imaging infection and inflammation in children with (18)F-FDG PET and (18)F-FDG PET/CT.

The goal of this article is to delineate indications for 18F-FDG PET/CT pertaining to inflammation in the pediatric population, with emphasis on those that have been described in the literature. The limitations of 18F-FDG PET/CT in this type of evaluation are also described, and the importance of using as low a dose as feasible is discussed. After reading this article, the reader should be able to list several clinical situations in which 18F-FDG PET/CT may be appropriate, describe some limitations of 18F-FDG PET/CT, and explain why dose is particularly important in the pediatric population.
Activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and its relation to neuroprotection in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been shown to be neuroprotective in animal models of the dopamine deficiency in Parkinson's disease. To examine the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in this process, we infused a single dose of GDNF into the striatum of mice and analyzed the effect on ERK1/2 by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. GDNF caused an increase in the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 both in the striatum and in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in the substantia nigra. In the striatum, the increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation was evident by 3 hr and persisted for at least 7 days, whereas, in the substantia nigra, an increase in phosphorylated ERK1/2 was first evident at 24 hr and persisted for at least 7 days. The increase in phosphorylated ERK1/2 was maximal at 0.45 μg GDNF at the time points examined. GDNF also protected dopamine terminals against the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity normally associated with the intrastriatal administration of 6-hydroxydopamine (0.5 μg/0.5 μl). However, this was observed only at a much higher dose of GDNF, 4.5 μg. Thus, our results suggest that the ability of GDNF to protect dopamine neurons cannot be explained solely in terms of its influence on ERK1/2 and that the role of other signaling pathways should be explored. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Tumor-derived exosomes confer antigen-specific immunosuppression in a murine delayed-type hypersensitivity model

Exosomes are endosome-derived small membrane vesicles that are secreted by most cell types including tumor cells. Tumor-derived exosomes usually contain tumor antigens and have been used as a source of tumor antigens to stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. However, many reports also suggest that tumor-derived exosomes can facilitate tumor immune evasion through different mechanisms, most of which are antigen-independent. In the present study we used a mouse model of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and demonstrated that local administration of tumor-derived exosomes carrying the model antigen chicken ovalbumin (OVA) resulted in the suppression of DTH response in an antigen-specific manner. Analysis of exosome trafficking demonstrated that following local injection, tumor-derived exosomes were internalized by CD11c+ cells and transported to the draining LN. Exosome-mediated DTH suppression is associated with increased mRNA levels of TGF-β1 and IL-4 in the draining LN. The tumor-derived exosomes examined were also found to inhibit DC maturation. Taken together, our results suggest a role for tumor-derived exosomes in inducing tumor antigen-specific immunosuppression, possibly by modulating the function of APCs.
Exploring the Mental Health Effects of Political Trauma With Newly Arrived Refugees

We explored the mental health effects of war trauma and torture as described by 111 refugees newly arrived in the United States. We used ethnocultural methodologies to inform 13 culture-specific focus groups with refugees from Bhutan (34), Burma (23), Ethiopia (27), and Somalia (27). Contrary to the belief that stigma prevents refugees from discussing mental health distress, participants readily described complex conceptualizations of degrees of mental health distress informed by political context, observation of symptoms, cultural idioms, and functional impairment. Recommendations for health care providers include assessment processes that inquire about symptoms in their political context, the degree of distress as it is culturally conceptualized, and its effect on functioning. Findings confirm the cross-cultural recognition of symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder; however, refugees described significant cultural variation in expressions of distress, indicating the need for more research on culture-bound disorders and idioms of distress.
Far-infrared radiation isolator

In some CO 2 laser systems it is necessary to isolate the amplifier sections from reflected light, n-type InSb is shown to be the best semiconductor to use in a free electron Faraday isolator. Theoretical properties of such a device are discussed and compared with measurements made on a prototype isolator.
Notch1 Mutation Leads to Valvular Calcification Through Enhanced Myofibroblast Mechanotransduction

Objective—Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a significant cardiovascular disorder, and controversy exists as to whether it is primarily a dystrophic or osteogenic process in vivo. In this study, we sought to clarify the mechanism of CAVD by assessing a genetic mutation, Notch1 heterozygosity, which leads to CAVD with 100% penetrance in humans. Approach and Results—Murine immortalized Notch1+/− aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) were isolated and expanded in vitro. Molecular signaling of wild-type and Notch1+/− AVICs were compared to identify changes in pathways that have been linked to CAVD—transforming growth factor-β1/bone morphogenetic protein, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B—and assessed for calcification potential. Additionally, AVIC mechanobiology was studied in a physiologically relevant, dynamic mechanical environment (10% cyclic strain) to investigate differences in responses between the cell types. We found that Notch1+/− AVICs resemble...
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging of eosinophilic endomyocardial disease

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is rare and frequently involves the heart with development of endomyocardial fibrosis, a characteristic restrictive cardiomyopathy. Non-invasive diagnosis is frequently challenging. Recent developments in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging techniques offer potential for improved detection and characterization of this entity. We describe the use of contrast-enhanced CMR to demonstrate thrombus, endomyocardial fibrosis and inflammation in eosinophilic endomyocardial disease. A three-layered appearance consisting of normal myocardium, thickened fibrotic endocardium with inflammatory exudate, and overlying thrombus was seen on cine-images. Post-contrast perfusion and delayed enhancement images confirmed the presence and location of endomyocardial fibrosis and thrombus. CMR is an important and powerful addition to current non-invasive diagnostic tools for the clinical diagnosis of eosinophilic endomyocardial disease, and may potentially obviate the need for cardiac biopsy in the future.
The 10 Hz resonant magnet power supply for the SSRL 3 GeV injector

The booster synchrotron for the recently commissioned Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL) injector facility employs a 10 Hz resonant magnet power supply system, or White circuit, as described by M.G. White et al. (1956), to accelerate an electron beam from 120 MeV to 3 GeV. Four major design specifications were required to establish the basic White circuit network: (1) the operating frequency; (2) the method of powering the quadrupoles; (3) the number of resonant cells and their configuration; and (4) the DC and AC power supply configuration. The booster dipole and quadrupole magnets are connected in series within a system of 17 distributed resonant cells driven by a pulsing network. Tracking power supplies driving the trim coils of the two quadrupole families are used to stabilize betatron tunes during energy ramping. The White circuit has proven to be a reliable and relatively simple system to operate during its several months of 2.35 GeV operation. >
Representing general theoretical concepts in structural equation models: the role of composite variables

Structural equation modeling (SEM) holds the promise of providing natural scientists the capacity to evaluate complex multivariate hypotheses about ecological systems. Building on its predecessors, path analysis and factor analysis, SEM allows for the incorporation of both observed and unobserved (latent) variables into theoretically-based probabilistic models. In this paper we discuss the interface between theory and data in SEM and the use of an additional variable type, the composite. In simple terms, composite variables specify the influences of collections of other variables and can be helpful in modeling heterogeneous concepts of the sort commonly of interest to ecologists. While long recognized as a potentially important element of SEM, composite variables have received very limited use, in part because of a lack of theoretical consideration, but also because of difficulties that arise in parameter estimation when using conventional solution procedures. In this paper we present a framework for discussing composites and demonstrate how the use of partially-reduced-form models can help to overcome some of the parameter estimation and evaluation problems associated with models containing composites. Diagnostic procedures for evaluating the most appropriate and effective use of composites are illustrated with an example from the ecological literature. It is argued that an ability to incorporate composite variables into structural equation models may be particularly valuable in the study of natural systems, where concepts are frequently multifaceted and the influence of suites of variables are often of interest.
Stability analysis of nonlinear current-sharing techniques

This paper addresses the dynamic analysis of paralleled power converter systems employing nonlinear load-sharing control techniques. The first section of the paper analyzes nonlinear load-sharing control techniques which are linearizable about a constant operating point. The second section of the paper analyzes the dynamics of the widely-used UC3907 control scheme for an important special case. In both cases, the analyses are validated against experimental results.
Translational Regulation of Na,K-ATPase α1 and β1 Polypeptide Expression in Epithelial Cells

To investigate the regulation of the Na,K-ATPase, we have studied the expression of the Na,K-ATPase polypeptides in several mammalian cell lines using the vaccinia virus/T7 RNA polymerase expression system. Infection of several fibroblast-like cell lines with viral recombinants containing the Na,K-ATPase alpha and beta isoforms, the glucose transporters, GLUT 1 and GLUT 4, or the capsid protein of the Sindbis virus all result in the production of the appropriate protein products. However, all epithelial cell lines tested fail to synthesize the Na,K-ATPase viral recombinants, yet they efficiently express the other virally directed polypeptides. While Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells infected with the Na,K-ATPase alpha1 or beta1 recombinant viruses produce both mRNAs, the messages are inefficiently translated. Furthermore, the RNA from infected MDCK cells does not direct the in vitro synthesis of the beta1 polypeptide, whereas the message from infected fibroblast-like BSC 40 cells is efficiently translated both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the synthesis of the H,K-ATPase alpha subunit is also limited in MDCK cells, although the H,K-ATPase beta subunit is efficiently expressed. Expression of chimeras constructed between the Na+ pump beta1 isoform and the H,K-ATPase beta subunit indicates that sequences in the 5' coding region of the beta1 message have an inhibitory effect; however, the stringent translational regulation of the beta1 isoform in MDCK cells requires the 5' and 3' regions of the coding sequence. The ability of the polarized cell lines to limit the synthesis of the Na+ pump polypeptides while expressing other vaccinia recombinants at high levels suggests that the polarized cells possess a stringent mechanism for the specific translational regulation of a select set of messages.
Trace detection of NO 2 by frequency-modulation-enhanced magnetic rotation spectroscopy

Frequency-modulation-enhanced magnetic rotation spectroscopy has been shown to be a sensitive and selective technique for detecting local concentrations of gaseous NO2. Detection levels of 20 parts in 109 have been achieved in the laboratory (in the presence of larger ambient atmospheric levels). Simple signal-processing algorithms, demonstrated here, promise detection levels at the parts-in-1012 level. Improvements are suggested for further optimization of the technique, and the effects of background atmospheric NO2 levels are discussed.
ABSENCE OF MUTAGENIC RESPONSE FROM EXTRACTS OF MAILLARD BROWNED EGG ALBUMIN

The mutagenicity of a Maillard browned egg albumin/glucose mixture was evaluated using the Salmonella-mammalian microsome plate assay. Three parts of egg albumin were mixed with two parts glucose and the moisture content adjusted to 15%. The mixture was browned by storage at 37°C and 68% relative humidity for 0, 20, or 40 days. The samples were fractionated into lipid-soluble and water-soluble components and each fraction was tested for mutagenicity. No mutagenic response was observed in any of the samples tested.
Azimuthally Averaged Transport and Budget Equations for Storms: Quasi-Lagrangian Diagnostics

Abstract The azimuthally averaged transport and budget equations for a translating storm volume are derived in generalized coordinates. The mean and eddy lateral modes of transport by rotational and irrotational motion are contrasted in symmetric and asymmetric vortices. By contrasting the transport relations in isobaric, cartesian, and isentropic coordinates, the results establish that hydrostatic-rotational regimes of atmospheric motion are typified by eddy modes of transport in isobaric and cartesian coordinates, while both mean and eddy modes may be present in isentropic coordinates. This requirement for a “handover” from an eddy mode of transport in the hydrostatic-rotational environment of a vortex to a mean mode of transport via irrotational motion within a vortex is discussed. Evidence for the existence of mean meridional circulation in isentropic coordinates for the Midwest extratropical cyclone of 22–24 April 1968 is presented. The inward mass transport in the lower troposphere and outward mass ...
Data report: Oligocene paleoceanography of the equatorial Pacific ocean: Planktonic and benthic foraminifer stable isotope results from site 1218

To document the evolution of the early cryosphere, stable isotope analyses were conducted on the planktonic and benthic foraminifers from Ocean Drilling Program Site 1218. We generated two parallel 54m-long records at 10-cm resolution and thus produced a standard Pacific stable isotope reference curve for the 26.4- to 30.0-Ma interval within the Oligocene. These data are necessary to document the timing and magnitude of glacial events through the Oligocene. Pronounced variations are recorded in both planktonic and benthic foraminifer δ13C between +0.32‰ and +1.67‰ and -0.18‰ and +1.09‰, respectively. There is an overall increase in δ18O though the record, toward heavier values in the late Oligocene.
Actin polymerization is stimulated by actin cross-linking protein palladin.

The actin scaffold protein palladin regulates both normal cell migration and invasive cell motility, processes that require the co-ordinated regulation of actin dynamics. However, the potential effect of palladin on actin dynamics has remained elusive. In the present study, we show that the actin-binding immunoglobulin-like domain of palladin, which is directly responsible for both actin binding and bundling, also stimulates actin polymerization in vitro . Palladin eliminated the lag phase that is characteristic of the slow nucleation step of actin polymerization. Furthermore, palladin dramatically reduced depolymerization, slightly enhanced the elongation rate, and did not alter the critical concentration. Microscopy and in vitro cross-linking assays reveal differences in actin bundle architecture when palladin is incubated with actin before or after polymerization. These results suggest a model whereby palladin stimulates a polymerization-competent form of globular or monomeric actin (G-actin), akin to metal ions, either through charge neutralization or through conformational changes.
1.3 A Rhetorical Approach to Classroom Narrative Study: Interpreting Narration as an Ethical Resource for Teaching in the USA

Narrative inquiry approaches have become popular as an interpretive method in curriculum studies and teacher education, but they are not designed to carefully study the intricacies of classroom talk, much less its rhetorical dimensions. This chapter presents a rhetorical approach for interpreting narrative talk-in-interaction in classrooms. Grounded in a sustained example of a unit of Holocaust study in a Midwestern United States middle school literacy classroom, I elaborate a model for interpreting narrative-in-interaction within an over-arching rhetorical approach, entailing multi-functional study of narrative discourse. Calling upon earlier educational narrative scholarship in ethnography of communication and interactional sociolinguistics, I argue that rhetorical interpretation of everyday classroom narratives can reveal not only the aesthetic and poetic shaping of course subject matter and curriculum, but also the profound moral socialization that may occur as teachers tell stories to students. While focusing primarily on teacher storytelling, I also discuss narrative curricular material (e.g., literary texts under study) and stories told by students. This rhetorical interpretive approach illuminates how narratives work as dynamic resources used by teachers to do poetic, performative, and ethical work in their classrooms. A rhetorical epistemology and an accompanying set of methodological assumptions and interpretive practices warrant my argument about narrative practices and texts in classrooms.
Immunotherapy for cancer in the central nervous system: Current and future directions

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults and still remains incurable. Although immunotherapeutic vaccination against GBM has demonstrated immune-stimulating activity with some promising survival benefits, tumor relapse is common, highlighting the need for additional and/or combinatorial approaches. Recently, antibodies targeting immune checkpoints were demonstrated to generate impressive clinical responses against advanced melanoma and other malignancies, in addition to showing potential for enhancing vaccination and radiotherapy (RT). Here, we summarize the current knowledge of central nervous system (CNS) immunosuppression, evaluate past and current immunotherapeutic trials and discuss promising future immunotherapeutic directions to treat CNS-localized malignancies.
Lost in translation--¿Cómo se dice, "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act"?

For the roughly 11 million undocumented persons living in the United States, the Affordable Care Act will make it more difficult to gain access to basic primary care service, as the newly insured strain the health care infrastructure and charity care is reduced.
The simplest parkour model: Experimental validation and stability analysis

We describe and experimentally validate the Simplest Parkour Model (SPM) for the ParkourBot, a planar dynamic climbing robot equipped with two springy BowLegs. By controlling the leg angles and injected energy at impact, the ParkourBot is capable of climbing up and down in a rigid chute on an inclined air table. The SPM consists of a point mass and two massless legs. The legs are assumed to be infinitely stiff, resulting in an instantaneous stance phase and a closed-form solution of the hybrid dynamics. In this paper, we show that the SPM is a good predictor of the actual experimental behavior. Using the SPM we compute the fixed points, stability and basins of attraction of period-1 limit cycles.
Plastic Deformation and Vibration in a Fluid-Filled Tube Subject to Axial Impact

The goal of the present study is to examine the coupling of large-amplitude (including plastic deformation) flexural waves and precursor waves in water-filled, thin-wall (1.6 mm) steel tubes. To do this, we have compared the coupling created by exciting the stress waves in water versus in the tube wall. To examine the case of coupling from water to the tube, we used projectile impact on the water surface to create pressure waves in the water propagating along the tube axis. We have tested mild steel tubes using a steel impactor accelerated to speeds of up to 80 m/s using an air cannon to strike a polycarbonate buffer placed on top of the water surface within the tube. Strain gages measure hoop and longitudinal stresses at selected locations and a pressure gage measures the reflected pressure at the bottom of the tube. To examine the coupling from the stress waves in the tube to pressure waves in the water, we excited stress waves by axial impact on the tube along using a Hopkinson bar coupled to the tube without making contact with the water. For direct impact on the water surface, propagating plastic deformation flexural waves with more than 2% hoop strain were obtained at an impact speed of 80 m/s. The maximum hoop strain was observed just below the bottom surface of the buffer as a bulge with 16% hoop strain. Hoop and longitudinal strains indicate a steep elastic front followed by a gradual plastic deformation. Initially, the plastic deformation is dominant but the peak amplitude decays as the wave propagates. Since the plastic deformation wave travels much slower than the elastic waves, the initial flexural wave fronts propagate at 1350 m/s and are close to the wave speed of the Korteweg’s elastic theory of water hammer. Stress waves propagated at 5400 m/s in the tube wall and caused a 1–2 MPa pressure fluctuation in the water. Comparing strain histories to those of tubes without water, we observe that the coupling to the water damps high frequency vibrations and reduced peak amplitudes while maintaining the ratio of hoop and longitudinal strains.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Distribution of Points in n-Space

(1943). Distribution of Points in n-Space. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 50, No. 3, pp. 181-185.
Spectra of amplitudes sustained for a given number of cycles: An interpretation of response duration for strong-motion earthquake records

abstract To answer the question, “What response amplitude is sustained for a duration equal to a specified number of cycles?”, a technique was developed using the response of a single-degree-of-freedom, lightly damped oscillator to generate a spectrum of amplitudes that corresponds to a specific number of cycles. This technique provides a simple approach by which to compare the amplitude sustained for given numbers of cycles as a percentage of the maximum response. The response as a function of time may consist of one or a very few oscillations of high amplitude followed by many oscillations of lower amplitude. An “effective response” defined in terms of the amplitude sustained for a chosen number of cycles might indicate the severity of the response to a particular earthquake. Preliminary analyses of 12 accelerograms indicate that for oscillators with 5 percent damping and with periods in the range of 0.04 to 4 sec, the mean “effective response” for four cycles lies between 52 to 76 per cent of maximum response.
Changes in Public Prenatal Care Coverage Options for Noncitizens Since Welfare Reform Wide State Variation Remains

Before 1996, most lawfully present noncitizens were eligible for the same prenatal Medicaid benefits as U.S. citizens. However, the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA)-welfare reform-restricted benefits for certain lawful noncitizens for the first time. Welfare reform also gave states unprecedented authority to determine Medicaid eligibility. More recent federal policy changes have allowed states to cover some noncitizen pregnant women initially excluded under welfare reform. However, there are few comprehensive studies examining state implementation of these policy options. This study documents state-level trends in prenatal Medicaid and state-funded coverage options for low-income noncitizens just prior to and since welfare reform. While some states have substantially expanded prenatal coverage since PRWORA, wide variation remains. These findings have important implications for understanding the potential effects of the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion on health care utilization and birth outcomes among pregnant noncitizens.
Detection of recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities in acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemias using fluorescence in situ hybridization

Cytogenetic identification of clonal abnormalities present in leukemia is critical for accurate diagnosis of the disease and determination of specific therapeutic interventions for the patient. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies complement the diagnostic karyotype by providing a higher resolution of analysis with clarification of rearrangements observed by G-banding and identification of cryptic abnormalities not observed by the light microscope. This chapter will discuss FISH methodology as practiced in the cancer cytogenetic laboratory.
Histo-Blood Group Antigens as Tumor-Associated Carbohydrate Antigens and Ligands for Cell Adhesion

Since the blood group ABH antigen system was discovered by Landsteiner (1900, 1901), many scientists have worked on chemical characterization of these antigens. Early attempts to isolate the antigens from red blood cells (RBCs) were difficult because the antigens in the RBC membrane are insoluble in water and present in extremely small quantity as compared with the same antigens in glandular secretions and epithelia (Kabat, 1956; Prokop and Uhlenbruck, 1969). Thus, the first successful chemical analysis of ABH antigens was accomplished using soluble forms of antigens isolated from mucins. Through a series of laborious studies performed mainly by Walter T. J. Morgan and Winifred M. Watkins (London) and Elvin A. Kabat (New York) in the 1950s and 1960s, the ABH determinants were finally identified and the structural relationships among ABH and Lewis antigens clarified (Morgan and Watkins, 1969; Kabat, 1973; Watkins, 1980). It was not until the late 1960s and early 1970s that ABH and Lewis antigens present in blood cells and tissues were isolated and characterized as glycosphingolipids (GSLs) or as membrane-bound proteins linked to polylactosaminoglycans (Hakomori, 1981). Since ABH antigens as well as Lewis antigens (for chemical and genetic relationships, see Chapter 3) are much more abundant in epithelial cells and tissues than in blood cells, they are most appropriately called “histo-blood group antigens” rather than simply “blood group antigens” (Clausen and Hakomori, 1989).
High-resolution laser spectroscopy of the 1S—2S transition in atomic hydrogen

Advances in high-resolution laser spectroscopy of the simple hydrogen atom have opened exciting new opportunities for tests of fundamental physics laws and for precision measurements of the Rydberg constant, the proton/electron mass ratio, and the charge radii of the proton and deuteron.
Rocket immunoelectrophoresis of C4 and C4d. A simple sensitive method for detecting complement activation in plasma.

Activation of complement component C4 has recently been measured by the quantitation of C4 and C4d (a cleavage fragment of C4) by electroimmunodiffusion in gels containing specific precipitating antibodies for C4 and C4d (Rocket immunoelectrophoresis, RIE). Quantitative measurements of the complement component C4 and its fragment C4d were determined in rocket immunoelectrophoresis (RIE) and compared with measurements of total hemolytic complement activity (CH50) or concentrations of C4 as determined by single radial immunodiffusion (RID). This newly developed RIE assay shows activation of the classical complement pathway and involves electroimmunodiffusion in gels containing specific precipitating antibodies for C4 and its cleavage fragment, C4d. In 37 plasma samples, excellent correlation was demonstrated between the C4 in RIE and CH50 (r = .70) and C4 by RID (r = .87). In vivo activation of C4 was determined by measuring the ratio of C4d to C4; 21 of the plasma samples assayed had ratios greater than 1.1 indicating activation of C4. In 13 of the plasma samples there were correspondingly low CH50 values, whereas 8 had normal CH50 levels. Therefore, activation can be detected in those instances when other measurements (CH50 and C4 quantitation) are normal. Thus the RIE assay for plasma C4 activation appears to be the most sensitive method available for assessing in vivo activation of the classical pathway of complement.
Smart Sleeping Strategies for Localization and Tracking in Sensor Networks

We study a tracking problem in sensor networks, in which the object being tracked moves along a random path through the network and the sensors switch between active and sleep states to conserve energy. It is assumed that a sensor that is asleep cannot be communicated with, and hence the sleep duration must be determined at the time the sensor goes to sleep based on all the information available in the network. We consider the design of smart sleeping policies that optimize the tradeoff between the resulting energy savings and tracking performance. This work represents a continuation of our previous work in this area, in which we incorporate a more realistic sensing model than that used previously. The result is a more difficult problem in which the cooperation among the sensors must be appropriately modeled to yield good results. We design several suboptimal policies and characterize their performance via simulations. The results indicate that by more accurately modeling the cooperation among the sensors, the tradeoff between tracking performance and energy savings can be further exploited.
Quantifying the Carbon Balance of Forest Restoration and Wildfire under Projected Climate in the Fire-Prone Southwestern US

Climate projections for the southwestern US suggest a warmer, drier future and have the potential to impact forest carbon (C) sequestration and post-fire C recovery. Restoring forest structure and surface fire regimes initially decreases total ecosystem carbon (TEC), but can stabilize the remaining C by moderating wildfire behavior. Previous research has demonstrated that fire maintained forests can store more C over time than fire suppressed forests in the presence of wildfire. However, because the climate future is uncertain, I sought to determine the efficacy of forest management to moderate fire behavior and its effect on forest C dynamics under current and projected climate. I used the LANDIS-II model to simulate carbon dynamics under early (2010-2019), mid (2050-2059), and late (2090-2099) century climate projections for a ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) dominated landscape in northern Arizona. I ran 100-year simulations with two different treatments (control, thin and burn) and a 1 in 50 chance of wildfire occurring. I found that control TEC had a consistent decline throughout the simulation period, regardless of climate. Thin and burn TEC increased following treatment implementation and showed more differentiation than the control in response to climate, with late-century climate having the lowest TEC. Treatment efficacy, as measured by mean fire severity, was not impacted by climate. Fire effects were evident in the cumulative net ecosystem exchange (NEE) for the different treatments. Over the simulation period, 32.8-48.9% of the control landscape was either C neutral or a C source to the atmosphere and greater than 90% of the thin and burn landscape was a moderate C sink. These results suggest that in southwestern ponderosa pine, restoring forest structure and surface fire regimes provides a reasonable hedge against the uncertainty of future climate change for maintaining the forest C sink.
On Isoperimetric Functions of Probability Measures Having Log-Concave Densities with Respect to the Standard Normal Law

Isoperimetric inequalities are discussed for one-dimensional probability distributions having log-concave densities with respect to the standard Gaussian measure.
High-Fat Diet and Female Fertility

The prevalence of obesity is high among reproductive-age women and is associated with impaired reproductive function. Obesity is multifactorial in origin, yet many cases of obesity result from overconsumption of a diet high in fat. Excess dietary fat increases both adipose and nonadipose tissue lipid content and, through lipotoxicity, leads to cell dysfunction and death. High dietary fat intake, with or without the development of obesity, impairs female hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis functionality and fertility. Based on the current evidence, it appears the reproductive dysfunction involves increased leptin and insulin signaling at the various levels of the HPO axis, as well as changes in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ actions and increased inflammation, yet other mechanisms may also be involved. This review summarizes the current body of knowledge on impaired female reproductive function after high-fat diet exposure, as well as discusses proposed mechanisms through which this may occur.
Current Trends in the Modification of Cigarette Dependence

Cigarette smoking is the largest preventable cause of death in the United States. Each year, there are 80,000 deaths from lung cancer, 22,000 deaths from other cancers, up to 225,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease, and more than 19,000 deaths from pulmonary disease, all causally related to cigarette smoking. A 30-to 35-year-old two-pack-a-day smoker has a mortality rate twice that of a nonsmoker. The annual cost of health damage resulting from smoking is estimated to be $27 billion in medical care, absenteeism, decreased work productivity, and accidents. Compared with nonsmokers, smokers compile 81 million excess days of lost work each year and 145 million excess days of disability. These facts, compiled by the U.S. Surgeon General (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1979), but also applicable to most Western nations, provide powerful reasons for the development and delivery of effective and economical smoking-control programs.
Oestrogen receptor β ligand acts on CD11cp cells to mediate protection in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Oestrogen treatments are neuroprotective in a variety of neurodegenerative disease models. Selective oestrogen receptor modifiers are needed to optimize beneficial effects while minimizing adverse effects to achieve neuroprotection in chronic diseases. Oestrogen receptor beta (ERβ) ligands are potential candidates. In the multiple sclerosis model chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, ERβ-ligand treatment is neuroprotective, but mechanisms underlying this neuroprotection remain unclear. Specifically, whether there are direct effects of ERβ-ligand on CD11cp microglia, myeloid dendritic cells or macrophages in vivo during disease is unknown. Here, we generated mice with ERβ deleted from CD11cp cells to show direct effects of ERβ-ligand treatment in vivo on these cells to mediate neuroprotection during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Further, we use bone marrow chimeras to show that ERβ in peripherally derived myeloid cells, not resident microglia, are the CD11cp cells mediating this protection. CD11cp dendritic cell and macrophages isolated from the central nervous system of wild-type experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice treated with ERβ-ligand expressed less iNOS and T-bet, but more IL-10, and this treatment effect was lost in mice with specific deletion of ERβ in CD11cp cells. Also, we extend previous reports of ERβ-ligand’s ability to enhance remyelination through a direct effect on oligodendrocytes by showing that the immunomodulatory effect of ERβ-ligand acting on CD11cp cells is necessary to permit the maturation of oligodendrocytes. Together these results demonstrate that targeting ERβ signalling pathways in CD11cp myeloid cells is a novel strategy for regulation of the innate immune system in neurodegenerative diseases. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing how direct effects of a candidate neuroprotective treatment on two distinct cell lineages (bone marrow derived myeloid cells and oligodendrocytes) can have complementary neuroprotective effects in vivo.awx315media15688130498001.
Do Infants Born Very Premature and Who Have Very Low Birth Weight Catch Up With Their Full Term Peers in Their Language Abilities by Early School Age

Purpose This study examined the extent to which children born preterm (< 37 weeks) and/or who have low birth weight (< 2,500 g) catch up with their full term peers in terms of their language abilit...
Micropropagation of Spinacia oleracea L. (Spinach)

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.; Fig. 1) is a hardy cool-season annual crop classified as a potherb vegetable. It produces a rosette of fleshy edible leaves during the vegetative stage of its life cycle. The reproductive stage, triggered by long-day photoperiods, is marked by stem elongation and branching to form flower stalks. Spinach is mostly a dioecious plant but monoecious plants with varying proportions of male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers may also exist (Ryder 1979). Spinach is a diploid with chromosome number 2n = 2x = 12. Its sex determination is hypothesized to be controlled by a monogenic system in which a single gene with three alleles (Y, Xm, and X) appear to explain the existence of monoecious plants in this dioecious species (Janick and Stevenson 1954, 1955).
Participation: the online challenge

One of the main challenges in Web-based education is to encourage student participation. Although many instructors would like to increase participation in their online courses, there is no established body of knowledge on the various forms such participation may take, or how it should be measured. In this chapter, a taxonomy for classifying different types of participation in online courses will be proposed, and the pedagogical issues involved will be discussed.
Institutional Review Board Basics for Pedagogy Research

The institutional review board (IRB) process is often protracted and can be a source of frustration, especially when you want your research and publications to move apace. However, because of histo...
Antibody tests for ocular toxoplasmosis.

The recently modified fluorescence inhibition test for antibodies to toxoplasmosis is safe and relatively simple to perform. It appears to detect antibodies early in the course of acute systemic infection but is less sensitive than either the dye test or hemagglutination test in detecting chronic infection. Although hemagglutinating antibodies develop later than dye test antibodies in the course of acute systemic toxoplasmosis, the hemagglutination test correlates very well in titer ivith serum from patients toith subacute or chronic infection, such as that seen in ocular disease. Since most of the proved cases of ocular toxoplasmosis have low dye titers that might well be undetected in the less sensitive FI test, this test appears to be inadequate for the study of ocular toxoplasmosis.