cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sense of Mission and Sexual Health Outcomes Among Young Adult Women.

Abstract Study Objective To examine the association between self-reported sense of mission and sexual health behaviors in a geographically diverse cohort of U.S. young adult females in the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS). Design We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2007 wave of GUTS data from self-reported online or mailed surveys. Outcomes were early sex initiation and history of sexually transmitted infection (STI), which were analyzed as a binary outcome using logit link, and number of sex partners, which was analyzed as a continuous outcome. Models for number of sex partners and history of STIs were adjusted for age. Participants There were 5,624 young women aged 20 to 25 years who participate in GUTS and who answered the question on "sense of mission." Main Outcome Measures Age at sexual initiation, history of STIs, and number of lifetime partners. Results When asked whether they had a sense of mission in their life, 28.1% of women strongly agreed, 54.9% agreed, and 17% disagreed. Women with a low sense of mission had higher odds of reporting a history of STI (odds ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.70), and more lifetime sexual partners (β = .83, P Conclusions Having a high sense of mission is associated with lower sexual risk in young women. Interventions to increase sense of mission among young women may improve sexual health outcomes.
Glucocorticoid binding to normal and activated alveolar lung cells.

The presence of specific, high affinity, low capacity glucocorticoid binding was demonstrated in resident and activated rabbit lung macrophage suspensions. The binding of [3H]-dexamethasone reached a plateau after 2 h at 30° C. Scatchard analysis revealed only a single class of binding sites in both activated and nonactivated macrophages. There was no significant difference in the dissociation constants for the binding of dexamethasone to nonactivated and activated macrophages (4.39 ± 2.53 × 10−9 vs. 1.08 ± 0.36 × 10−9 M). The number of binding sites in activated macrophages (15,900 ± 1,710 binding sites per cell), however, was significantly greater than the number of binding sites in nonactivated macrophages (5,260 ± 490 binding sites per cell). The relative binding activities of steroids for the receptor were dexamethasone ≌ triamcinolone acetonide > cortisol > corticosterone > progesterone ≌ testosterone > 17β-estradiol. Thus, a specific glucocorticoid receptor exists in nonactivated and activated lung macrophages. The presence of activation is associated with a large increase in the number of specific glucocorticoid binding sites per cell.
Identifying Candidate Genes for Blood Pressure Quantitative Trait Loci Using Differential Gene Expression and a Panel of Congenic Strains

The most difficult step in dissecting the molecular basis of a quantitative trait is proceeding from chromosomal locations associated with this trait (i.e., quantitative trait locus, QTL) to determining what gene(s) in the QTL region is causative. Using standard positional cloning methodology to identify candidate genes for a particular QTL has three drawbacks: 1) it is labor intensive; 2) defining variants in genes causing quantitative variation from sequence information alone is difficult or impossible; and 3) many (or most) genes in a particular chromosomal interval will not be relevant for a specific disease/trait because they are not expressed in critical candidate organs. Instead of positional cloning, we propose using a panel of congenic strains, where each carries an allele for a different QTL on a similar genetic background, in conjunction with identification of differentially-expressed genes in target organs of inbred strains of contrasting phenotype. This will identify genes having altered expression in organs critical to regulating blood pressure and the development of hypertension. Radiation hybrid mapping of such genes will result in a transcription map of differentially-expressed genes in a target organ of a rat model of genetic hypertension. This approach could rapidly identify genes mapping to genomic regions near QTL, which will be strong candidates to explain, in part, the observed strain differences in blood pressure. This novel approach, which uses a panel of congenic strains to facilitate the mapping and subsequent identification of differentially-expressed and QTL-associated genes, should be applicable to any genetic model for identifying candidate genes located near QTL, given the availability of a panel of congenic strains. (Hypertens Res 1998; 21: 289-296)
Klotho, phosphate and FGF-23 in ageing and disturbed mineral metabolism

High concentrations of extracellular phosphate are toxic to cells. Impaired urinary phosphate excretion increases serum phosphate level and induces a premature-ageing phenotype. Urinary phosphate levels are increased by dietary phosphate overload and might induce tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis. Extracellular phosphate exerts its cytotoxic effects by forming insoluble nanoparticles with calcium and fetuin-A; these nanoparticles are referred to in this Review as calciprotein particles. Calciprotein particles are highly bioactive ligands that can induce various cellular responses, including the osteogenic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells and cell death of vascular endothelial cells and renal tubular epithelial cells. Calciprotein particles are detected in the serum of animal models of kidney disease and in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and might be associated with a (mal)adaptation of the endocrine axes mediated by fibroblast growth factors and Klothos that regulate phosphate homeostasis and ageing. These observations raise the possibility that calciprotein particles contribute to the pathogenesis of CKD. This theory, if verified, is expected to provide novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in CKD.
Reproduction and thermoregulation in peromyscus: effects of chronic short days.

Abstract Seven groups of laboratory reared Connecticut P. leucopus were exposed to a 9L:15D photoperiod for either 6, 9, 12, 20, 25, 32, or 36 weeks. An eighth group was maintained on 16L:8D. During the final 6 weeks all mice were cold exposed (13°C). Substantial reproductive regression occurred in females following 6 weeks exposure to 9L:15D relative to 16L:8D animals. In males, a slight decrease in testicular weight occurred following 6 weeks on 9L:15D; this effect was pronounced by 9 weeks, along with a decrease in seminal vesicle weight. Reproductive recrudescence occurred in females by week 32 and in males by week 36. Between 10 and 12 weeks on 9L:15D mice exhibited increases in nesting, incidence of daily torpor, and presence of the winter molt. These increases persisted through 36 weeks on 9L:15D. An increase in the interscapular brown fat pad occurred between 12 and 25 weeks. Reproductive and thermoregulatory characters respond differently to prolonged exposure to a short day photoperiod in this species.
Spinnability and physical properties of in situ composite fibers based on thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer

In situ composite fibers based on poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PEN) and a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (Vectra A950) were prepared using a single-screw extruder. The fibers were taken up at selected speeds. The spinnability, thermal behavior, mechanical properties, and morphologies of the PEN/Vectra A950 blend were investigated. The results showed that the PEN/Vectra A950 blends were partly miscible, and the miscibility increased with the increased concentration of Vectra in the blend. The DSC measurements indicated that Vectra enhanced the crystallization process of PEN by performing as a nucleating agent. The Instron tensile property study, coupled with scanning electron microscopy, revealed that the mechanical properties of the PEN matrix were significantly improved when Vectra existed as long and continuous fibrils. The laser Raman results showed that the Vectra orientation began to develop at take-up speeds above 500 m/min. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 795–811, 2002
Positive monospot tests preceding the diagnosis of acute monocytic leukemia in two adolescents

The early detection and treatment of two cases of acute monocytic leukemia (AMoL) was hampered by the presence of positive slide tests for infectious mononucleosis (IM). This assumes great importance with the recent development of specific therapy, effective for certain subtypes of nonlymphocytic leukemia.
Planning Collision- Free Motions for Pick-and-Place Operations:

An efficient algorithm that finds collision-free paths for a manipulator with five or six revolute joints is described. It solves the problem for four-degree-of-freedom pick-and-place operations. Examples are given of paths found by the algorithm in tightly cluttered workspaces. The algorithm first describes free space in two ways: as freeways for the hand and payload ensemble and as freeways for the upper arm. Freeways match volumes swept out by manipulator motions and can be "inverted" to find a class of topologically equivalent path segments. The two freeway spaces are searched concurrently under projection of constraints deter mined by motion of the forearm.
The presence in collagen of γ-glutamyl peptide linkages†

A method is described for formation of hydroxamic acids by direct coupling, in aqueous medium, of hydroxylamine hydrochloride and the sodium salt of a carboxylic acid. The reaction is mediated by a water-soluble carbodiimide, 1-cyclohexyl-3-[2-morpholinyl-(4)-ethyl]-carbodiimide metho-p-toluene sulfonate. Using model compounds, the production of α-, β- and γ-acyl hydroxamic acids was studied. Hydroxamic acid derivatives of α-polyglutamic and γ-polyglutamic acids were also prepared. Dinitro-phenylhydroxamate derivatives were prepared and subjected to Lossen rearrangement, and the reaction mixtures hydrolyzed. Analysis showed that α-polyglutamic acid yielded as many molecules of α,γ-diaminobutyric acid as there had been glutamic acid residues in the form of the dinitrophenylhydroxamate, and gave rise to no ammonia and succinic semialdehyde. In contrast, γ-polyglutamic acid yielded exactly twice the molar quantity of ammonia as there had been glutamic acid residues in the form of dinitrophenylhydroxamate, and also gave rise to significant quantity of succinic semi-aldehyde but no α,γ-diaminobutyric acid. Since production of the latter is characteristic of α-glutamyl hydroxamates and production of the former is associated with γ-glutamyl hydroxamates, the results indicated that the side-chain carboxyl groups of either polymer retained their identities during formation of the hydroxamic acid derivative, and no interchange had occurred between α- and γ-carboxyl groups. These methods were then used to establish that gelatin of ichthyocol contains (per 1000 total residues) at least 20 residues of glutamic acid in γ-peptide linkage. Due to the incomplete dinitrophenylation of the hydroxamic acid derivative of the protein, gelatin of calf skin collagen gave a lower figure of 10 such linkages per 1000 total amino acid residues–a value which must be considered a minimum value. These results show that γ-glutamyl peptide bonds exist in collagen.
Cross-talk of GATA-1 and P-TEFb in megakaryocyte differentiation

The transcription factor GATA-1 participates in programming the differentiation of multiple hematopoietic lineages. In megakaryopoiesis, loss of GATA-1 function produces complex developmental abnormalities and underlies the pathogenesis of megakaryocytic leukemia in Down syndrome. Its distinct functions in megakaryocyte and erythroid maturation remain incompletely understood. In this study, we identified functional and physical interaction of GATA-1 with components of the positive transcriptional elongation factor P-TEFb, a complex containing cyclin T1 and the cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (Cdk9). Megakaryocytic induction was associated with dynamic changes in endogenous P-TEFb composition, including recruitment of GATA-1 and dissociation of HEXIM1, a Cdk9 inhibitor. shRNA knockdowns and pharmacologic inhibition both confirmed contribution of Cdk9 activity to megakaryocytic differentiation. In mice with megakaryocytic GATA-1 deficiency, Cdk9 inhibition produced a fulminant but reversible megakaryoblastic disorder reminiscent of the transient myeloproliferative disorder of Down syndrome. P-TEFb has previously been implicated in promoting elongation of paused RNA polymerase II and in programming hypertrophic differentiation of cardiomyocytes. Our results offer evidence for P-TEFb cross-talk with GATA-1 in megakaryocytic differentiation, a program with parallels to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
Does aging affect the intestinal transport of riboflavin

Riboflavin deficiency has been reported in older individuals. The cause of this deficiency is not know but could include a decrease in the intestinal absorptive capacity for riboflavin. Therefore, we examined the intestinal absorption of riboflavin in young (3 month) and old (26 month) rats. We used in vitro jejunal everted sacs. The kinetic parameters of riboflavin absorption disclosed apparent Km of 0.37 and 0.43 microM and Vmax of 37 and 38 pmole/g initial tissue wet wt/20 min in young and old rats, respectively. These data do not demonstrate an aging associated change in the intestinal transport capacity for riboflavin. If these results are extrapolated to man, it would mean that the deficiency of riboflavin found in the elderly is not due to its intestinal malabsorption. Therefore, other mechanisms must be sought to account for the deficiency of riboflavin seen in the elderly.
Intraoperative Electrophysiologic Monitoring: Considerations for Complex Spinal Surgery

Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring techniques have evolved as the complexity of spinal surgery has increased and the limitations of individual modalities have become apparent. Current monitoring strategies include a combination of techniques directed toward detecting changes in sensory, motor, and nerve root function. Close coordination and communication between the monitoring personnel, surgeon, and anesthesiologist is essential to effective intraoperative monitoring.
DNA sequences that act as high affinity targets for the vitamin D3 receptor in the absence of the retinoid X receptor.

DNA binding site discrimination within a subgroup of nuclear receptors, including the human vitamin D3 receptor (hVDR), appears to be influenced primarily by spacing and orientation differences of response element half-sites, since many receptors recognize and bind to the same hexameric half-site sequence, AGGTCA. Small sequence differences within half-sites, however, may also play an important role in distinguishing between different receptor complexes. Several laboratories have reported that the AGGTCA element in a direct repeat (DR) configuration appears to be a high affinity recognition site for only nuclear receptor-9 retinoid X receptor (RXR) heterodimers. However, we have previously shown that a closely related, but distinct, element (AGTTCA; essentially the mouse osteopontin [Spp-1] vitamin D response element) acts as a high affinity target for purified hVDR in the absence of RXR. This suggests that some half-site sequences could be targets for hVDR alone while others serve as recognition elements...
Experimental Demonstration of an Indoor GPS‐Based Sensing System for Robotic Applications

The objective of this research is to demonstrate that an indoor sensing system consisting of pseudo-satellites (pseudolites) and modified commercial GPS receivers can be used to sense and control the relative position and attitude of prototype robotic space vehicles in a laboratory environment. The long-term goal for this research is to develop technologies that will enable robotic vehicles to perform complex maneuvers such as autonomous navigation, rendezvous, multivehicle formation flying, and assembly in space. An experimental hardware system consisting of a prototype space robot, target vehicle, and GPS system has been devised to closely emulate real space systems. Since the experiments take place indoors where GPS satellite signals cannot be received, several GPS pseudolite transmitters have been built and installed around the perimeter of the laboratory to provide the GPS signals. The indoor GPS environment created by the close-range pseudolite transmitters required development of new algorithms for resolving vehicle positions and attitudes from the carrier-phase measurements. Therefore, the most novel aspect of this research has been the development of GPS for indoor sensing, where it has the potential to be applied to indoor mobile robots and to automated manufacturing systems. This paper presents the theoretical formulation and experimental results of the use of this indoor GPS system for performing rendezvous between a prototype space robot vehicle and a passive target vehicle.
Dispersal of Muscidifurax raptorellus Kogan and Legner (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in a High-Rise Poultry Facility

Abstract House flies, Musca domestica L., breed rapidly in poultry house manure and consequently pose a nuisance and public health threat. We studied the dispersal of commercially produced Muscidifurax raptorellus Kogan and Legner, a biological control agent of flies, in a high-rise poultry facility in Pennsylvania. We released this pupal parasitoid at three densities in the pit of a poultry house and recorded emergence of F 1 and F 2 progeny from spatially referenced field-collected and laboratory-reared sentinel hosts over a 10-week period. Among the F 1 progeny, there were higher rates of successful parasitism from laboratory-reared hosts, rendering them more suitable indicators of dispersal than field-collected conspecifics for the first generation. Overall, the emergence of both F 1 and F 2 progeny of M. raptorellus decreased exponentially over distance, with the greatest emergence occurring within 2 m of release points, suggesting its utility as a site-specific control tactic of house flies.
Torsional instability of stretched rubber cylinders

Abstract When cylindrical rubber rods are stretched and twisted to a sufficiently large degree, they suddenly form a sharply bent ring or “knot”, and more knots form as the rod is twisted further. This well-known phenomenon is ascribed here to an elastic instability. As a stretched rod is twisted, the tensile stress required to maintain the stretch drops dramatically in agreement with Rivlin's theory of large elastic deformations (Philos. Trans. R. Soc. London Ser. A 241 (1948) 379; Rheology, Theory and Applications, Chapter 10, Vol. 1, Academic Press, New York, 1956). The additional strain energy required to form a ring is shown to become zero at a critical amount of torsion. In experiments on cylindrical rubber rods of various diameters, stretched to various extents, good agreement was obtained between measured values of the amount of torsion at which a ring formed and values predicted by this simple stability analysis, based on Rivlin's theory.
Factors controlling metal-ion selectivity in the binding sites of calcium-binding proteins. The metal-binding properties of amide donors. A crystallographic and thermodynamic study.

The metal-ion complexing properties of the ligand EDTAM (ethylenediamine-N,N,N‘,N‘-tetraacetamide) are investigated as a model for the role of amide oxygen donors in the binding sites of Ca-binding proteins. The structures of the complexes [Ca(EDTAM)NO3]NO3 (1), [La(EDTAM)(H2O)4](NO3)3·H2O (2), and [Cd(EDTAM)(NO3)]NO3 (3) are reported: 1 monoclinic, P21/c, a = 10.853(2) A, b = 12.893(3) A, c = 13.407(3) A, β = 103.28(3)°, Z = 4, R = 0.0281; 2 triclinic, P1, a = 8.695(2) A, b = 9.960(2) A, c = 16.136(3) A, α = 95.57(3)°, β = 94.84(3)°, γ = 98.72(3)°, Z = 2, R = 0.0394; 3 monoclinic, P21/c, a = 10.767(2) A, b = 12.952(2) A, c = 13.273(2) A, β = 103.572(3)°, Z = 4, R = 0.0167. Compounds 1 and 3 are isostructural, and the EDTAM binds to the metal ion through its two N-donors and four O-donors from the amide groups. Ca(II) in 1 is 8-coordinate with a chelating NO3- group, while Cd(II) in 3 may possibly be 7-coordinate, with an asymmetrically coordinated NO3- that is best regarded as unidentate. The La(III) i...
Interactions Between Type III Domains in the 110 kDa Cell-binding Fragment of Fibronectin

Abstract Interactions between type III domains within the cell-binding region of fibronectin have been deduced through a study of the thermal stability of the 110 kDa cell-binding fragment and a variety of its subfragments by scanning calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy. Comparison of the melting profiles of different fragments demonstrated that all type III modules comprise independently folded domains and revealed that in the parent 110 kDa fragment, domains 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 11 are relatively labile (tmnear 60°C) while 3, 6, 7 and 10 are thermostable (tmabove 110°C). Three types of interactions were found: (1) stabilizing interactions, manifested by a decrease in thetmof one of the interacting domains when they are separated; (2) destabilizing interactions for whichtmis elevated upon separation; and (3) cooperative interactions in which two adjacent domains tend to melt together in a single two-state transition. Examples of the latter include the pairs 4-5 and 8-9. Long range stabilizing interactions occurred primarily between thermostable domains, 3 with 6, 6 with 7 and 10, and 7 with 9. For example, module 9, which contains the synergistic cell-binding site, is destabilized by 16°C in the absence of module 7. These long range interactions, some of which could be disrupted by alternative splicing, undoubtedly influence the supertertiary structure of the central region of fibronectin, rendering it more compact than previously appreciated and possibly playing a role in the regulation of matrix assembly or interactions with other molecules such as integrin receptors on cell surfaces.
Effect of vineyard-scale climate variability on Pinot noir phenolic composition

Abstract The sensitivity of agricultural crops to climate change is a major area for climate impact studies. The relationship between climate and three key phenolic compounds in grape skins important to premium wine quality (anthocyanins, tannins, and total phenolics) has not been well-studied. Here we conducted a three-year field study to collect and analyze berry samples from Pinot noir vineyards in the Carneros and Sonoma Valley American Viticultural Areas of California's North Coast wine country, and correlate phenolic measurements with climate statistics derived from hourly temperature measures at each vineyard site. We used several statistical approaches to identify key phenologically-based periods influencing phenolic concentration at maturity, including classification and regression trees, factor screening, principal component analysis, and pairwise correlations. The results from these statistical models showed that cool conditions following harvest the year before maturity, warm temperatures from budburst to bloom, and cool temperatures from bloom to veraison (the onset of ripening) were positively correlated with concentrations of all three classes of phenolics, although not all trends were statistically significant. Anthocyanins were positively and significantly correlated with temperatures between 16 and 22 °C from veraison to harvest. Tannins were significantly increased by warm nights preceding budburst and warm days from budburst to bloom. We measured relatively high levels of light interception (35% of incident photosynthetically active radiation), and we found that increased light interception was significantly correlated with lower levels of all three classes of phenolic compounds in this study. For the Pinot noir sites in this study, warm temperatures from budburst to bloom appear to increase phenolic concentrations, which is likely beneficial for wine quality. However, warmer periods during the preceding fall and summer during ripening appear to offset these effects. Given projections for greater summer warming in California with climate change, the overall impact of climate change on winegrowing is likely to be negative.
Genome Sequences of Mannheimia haemolytica Serotype A1 Strains D153 and D193 from Bovine Pneumonia.

ABSTRACT Here we report two genome sequences, one complete and one draft, from virulent bovine strains of Mannheimia haemolytica serotype A1 recovered prior to the field usage of modern antimicrobial drugs.
Surface Analysis of Various Methods of Preparing Al 2024-T3 Surfaces for Painting

Abstract A critical step in protecting aluminum alloys from corrosion is surface pretreatment. According to ASTM D-1730, many combinations of acid, alkaline, or solvent cleanings may be used and re...
EPIZOOTIOLOGIC SURVEY OF MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS IN WILDLIFE AND FARM ENVIRONMENTS IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, has reemerged in northern Michigan, USA, with detections in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in 1994 and in cattle in 1998. Since then, significant efforts have been directed toward reducing deer densities in the area in the hopes of reducing the bovine TB prevalence rate in deer and eliminating spillover of the disease into cattle. Despite the success of the efforts to reduce deer densities, additional cattle herds have become infected. Other mammals can be infected with M. bovis, and some carnivores and omnivores had been found to be infected with the disease in northern Michigan, USA. We conducted a multiyear surveillance effort to detect bovine TB in wild species of mammals in the Michigan, USA, outbreak area. From 2002 to 2004, tissue samples from 1,031 individual animals of 32 species were collected, processed, and cultured for M. bovis. Only 10 (1.0%) were culture-positive for M. bovis (five raccoons (Procyon lotor), four opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and one grey fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)). We also found two raccoons and four opossums to be positive for Mycobacterium avium. We collected 503 environmental samples from cattle farms recently identified as bovine TB positive; none yielded positive M. bovis culture results. Finally, we used infrared cameras to document wildlife use of four barns in the area. Many avian and mammalian species of wildlife were observed, with raccoons being the most commonly observed species. This surveillance study identified no new wildlife species that should be considered significant reservoirs of bovine TB in the outbreak area in northern Michigan, USA. However, the relatively high, apparent bovine TB prevalence rates in some carnivorous and omnivorous species, their relatively long life spans, and their frequent use of barns, suggests that removal of raccoons, opossums, foxes, and coyotes (Canis latrans) should be considered when a newly infected farm is depopulated of cattle.
Photosynthesis in protoplasts of Macrocystis pyrifera (Phaeophyta)

Photosynthetic rates measured in protoplasts isolated from the brown alga Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) Ag. were compared to those for intact tissue. Both 14 C incorporation and O 2 evolution gave similar rates of light-saturated protoplast photosynthesis (approximately 0.4 mmol.g chl a -1 .min -1 ). Light saturated photosynthetic rates (P max ) and light harvesting efficiencies (α) of protoplasts were approximately 40% those of intact tissue. In contrast, protoplasts had a greater substrate affinity for photosynthetic HCO 3 uptake (lower K 0.5 ) than intact tissue (0.87 and 4.1 mMolar, respectively), presumably because of a reduction in the thickness of the unstirred boundary layer in the absence of the cell wall (...)
Genetic-linkage mapping of complex hereditary disorders to a whole-genome molecular-interaction network

Common hereditary neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are most likely both genetically multifactorial and heterogeneous. Because of these characteristics traditional methods for genetic analysis fail when applied to such diseases. To address the problem we propose a novel probabilistic framework that combines the standard genetic linkage formalism with whole-genome molecular-interaction data to predict pathways or networks of interacting genes that contribute to common heritable disorders. We apply the model to three large genotype–phenotype data sets, identify a small number of significant candidate genes for autism (24), bipolar disorder (21), and schizophrenia (25), and predict a number of gene targets likely to be shared among the disorders.
Disturbance Rejection in Approach and Landing Trajectory Generation for RLVs

Safety, reliability and operational costs play important roles in reusable launch vehicle (RLV) program. Our previous works proposed a scheme of motion primitives and neighboring optimal control to deal with on-board failure recovery for a RLV. In this paper, disturbance rejection for system parameters and winds is discussed. Robustification is mostly needed.
The atherosclerotic ascending aorta and transverse arch: A new technique to prevent cerebral injury during bypass: Experience with 13 patients

Abstract Calcification of the ascending aorta and transerca arch significantly increases morbidity and may compromise the completeness of cardiac surgical procedures. Several stratagems have been suggested to reduce the risk, but for some patients this finding is still associated with a devastating outcome, irrespective of the technique employed. Thirteen patients (7 men and 6 women with a mean age of 66 years) with extensive calcification in the ascending aorta and transverse arch underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The presence of calcification was known prior to CPB in 12 patients and noted after cross-clamping of the aorta in 1 patient. Special techniques for cannulation of the ascending aorta or arch were undertaken in 12 patients; 1 patient required groin cannulation. In 12 patients CPB with gradual core cooling to 18 †C was done, during which time no manipulation of the aorta was allowed. Circulatory arrest was then initiated for 3.5 to 12 minutes. The aorta was opened widely during this time to remove ulcerated plaques and friable debris, and to locate a safe place for aortic occlusion. All patients recovered without neurological complications. In 1 patient, in whom occipital lobe infarcts developed, calcification was discovered after the aorta had been cross-clamped and necessilated subsequent endarterectomy of the ascending aorta and transverse arch. It is recommended that thir hazardous finding be treated as follows: (1) selected cannulalion of the ascending aorta or transverse arch with a long cannula so that its tip is distal to the left subclavian artery; (2) profound core cooling and circulatory arrest; (3) visual inspection of the aorta with removal of hazardous debris and preparation of a site for aortic occlusion; and (4) consideration given to doing the entire procedure with cross-clamping because of thc local aortic condition.
A Review of: “Mark Juergensmeyer. Global Rebellion: Religious Challenges to the Secular State, From Christian Militants to Al Qaeda.”

Mark Juergensmeyer's newest work, Global Rebellion: Religious Challenges to the Secular State, From Christian Militants to Al Qaeda is an update on his previous work, The New Cold War? Religious Na...
Toward Understanding the Nature of a Partnership Between an Elementary Classroom Teacher and an Informal Science Educator

This study explored the nature of the relationship between a fifth-grade teacher and an informal science educator as they planned and implemented a life science unit in the classroom, and sought to define this relationship in order to gain insight into the roles of each educator. In addition, student learning as a result of instruction was assessed. Prior research has predominately examined relationships and roles of groups of teachers and informal educators in the museum setting (Tal et al. in Sci Educ 89:920–935, 2005; Tal and Steiner in Can J Sci Math Technol Educ 6:25–46, 2006; Tran 2007). The current study utilized case study methodology to examine one relationship (between two educators) in more depth and in a different setting—an elementary classroom. The relationship was defined through a framework of cooperation, coordination, and collaboration (Buck 1998; Intriligator 1986, 1992) containing eight dimensions. Findings suggest a relationship of coordination, which requires moderate commitment, risk, negotiation, and involvement, and examined the roles that each educator played and how they negotiated these roles. Consistent with previous examinations in science education of educator roles, the informal educator’s role was to provide the students with expertise and resources not readily available to them. The roles played by the classroom teacher included classroom management, making connections to classroom activities and curricula, and clarifying concepts. Both educators’ perceptions suggested they were at ease with their roles and that they felt these roles were critical to the optimization of the short time frames (1 h) the informal educator was in the classroom. Pre and posttest tests demonstrated students learned as a result of the programs.
Seismic risk analysis of discrete system of sites

Two efficient schemes have been developed for the analysis of discrete systems of sites. Both schemes have the same objective of finding the probability of simultaneous failure of any number of sites belonging to a given system of sites subject to threats from a given set of earthquake sources with known seismic history. In the first scheme, systems with deterministic site resistances can effectively be analysed using a non-linear transformation of variables. In the second scheme, systems with random site resistances can be analysed. To overcome the computational difficulties involved in the analysis, a new set of simple recursive formulas has been developed and used effectively. Based on these two schemes, two efficient computer programs were prepared and used to perform a parametric study on a system of nine actual or contemplated nuclear power plants in New England. The results have shown that the problem is very sensitive to the coefficient of variation of the resistances and not so sensitive to the mean resistances.
The response of Tetrahymena pyriformis to ionizing radiation: Strain specific radiosensitivities

Four clonal strains, HS, EU 6000, EU 6001, and EU 6002, of T. pyriformis were exposed to x-ray doses ranging from 48 to 333 kr. After irradiation single cell isolations were made. Survival was measured as the ability of these single cell isolates to form macroscopically visible colonies. By this technique it was found that some of these strains are more radioresistant than others. Certain events between treatment and termination of the experiment (either by death or survival of the cell lines) were studied. Cytological studies of irradiated cells show certain micronuclear abnormalities not observed in controls. All 4 strains were analyzed biochemically. The most radioresistant strain, HS, had only half as much total DNA per cell as the more radiosensitive EU strains. The RNA content was equivalent. Certain interpretations of radiation sensitivity differences are excluded by the data. The radiosensitivity of the strain is not correlated with the ploidy of the micronucleus. Also, no correlation can be made with the total DNA content of the strains. These and other points are discussed showing that interpretations based on differences in target multiplicity are not compatible with the results. It is suggested that radiosensitivity differences are related to differences in abilitymore » of the strains either to protect against radiation damage or to repair damage that has been done. A choice between these interpretations is not allowed by the present data.« less
On Voice Characteristics Conversion

Text-to-speech systems available today generate virtually unlimited speech from a prestored component sounds library, which is frequently created from a male voice. A major reason for that is due to the low pitch profile in the male voice. For example, the speech analysis software and commercial synthesizers seem to work more accurately and better with the male voice than the female voice. To overcome the analysis and synthesis problem on the female voice and to provide the choices of having more than one sex of voices output from a text-to-speech system, some means of voice characteristics conversion is needed. To do so, it is important to first understand what parameters in speech define the perception of different sex. An attempt is underway herein to first study these parameters and then to learn to adjust them so that the voice of one sex can be converted to another or from one voice character to another. The voice characteristics conversion technique described herein is best suited for speech systems either a text-to-speech or analysis-synthesis (meaning record-playback) using LPC synthesizers.
Conduit and compliance responses of female canine urethra Experimental study of effects of varying amounts of instrumental dilation and urethral myotomy

Abstract The female canine urethra was subjected to varying amounts of instrumental dilation and various types of urethral myotomy, and their effects on conduit and compliant responses were studied by recording changes in urethral infusion resistance and pressure-volume relationship. Changes in the external diameter of the mid-urethra were simultaneously monitored with a displacement transducer. These studies indicated that decrease in urethral flow resistance and increase in compliance occurred commensurate with the degree of instrumental dilation. Observations on the diameter changes, however, suggested that the specific compliance was probably not increased with 45 F. dilation. Pronounced increase in expansibility and significant decrease in resistance to urethral infusion resulted following internal urethrotomy and deep external myotomy.
SOX8 Regulates Permeability of the Blood-Testes Barrier That Affects Adult Male Fertility in the Mouse

Sertoli cells provide nutritional and physical support to germ cells during spermatogenesis. Sox8 encodes a member of the high mobility group of transcription factors closely related to Sox9 and Sox10. Sertoli cells express SOX8 protein, and its elimination results in an age-dependent dysregulation of spermatogenesis, causing adult male infertility. Among the claudin genes with altered expression in the Sox8−/− testes, was claudin-3, which is required for the regulation and maintenance of the blood-testes barrier (BTB). Because the BTB is critical in restricting small molecules in the luminal compartment of the seminiferous tubules, the aim of this study was to analyze the level of tight junction proteins (claudin-3, claudin-11, and occludin) and BTB permeability in Sox8−/− adult testes. The acetylation level of alpha-tubulin and microtubule organization was also evaluated because microtubules are critical in maintaining the microenvironment of the seminiferous epithelium. Western blot analysis shows that claudin-3 protein is decreased in Sox8−/− testes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed that SOX8 binds at the promoter region of claudin-3. Claudin-3 was localized to the Sertoli cell tight junctions of wild-type testes and significantly decreased in the Sox8−/− testes. The use of biotin tracers showed increased BTB permeability in the Sox8−/− adult testes. Electron microscopy analysis showed that microtubule structures were destabilized in the Sox8−/− testes. These results suggest that Sox8 is essential in Sertoli cells for germ cell differentiation, partly by controlling the microenvironment of the seminiferous epithelium.
AL to AL wafer bonding for MEMS encapsulation and 3-D interconnect

Al to Al bonding was successfully demonstrated for hermetic sealing of MEMS devices and three-dimensional interconnects. On a MEMS device wafer, 2 mum thick Al (with 2% Cu) was patterned at the perimeters of the individual dies as well as the input/output bond pads. On a cap wafer, after forming polycrystalline-Si filled vias, the seal rings and bond pads were also patterned with the Al described above. The two wafers were then bonded at ~ 450degC with various bond forces up to 80 kN. The leak detection on the capped device showed the superb hermeticity of ~10-12 cm3 atm/sec He leak rate with an Al seal width as narrow as 3 mum. And the electrical contact resistance of the Al to Al bonded interface measured less than 1 Omega.
Tongue infarction due to giant cell arteritis

A 78-year-old woman presented with a painful tongue ulcer and a 6-week history of temporal headaches and jaw claudication. She subsequently developed sudden vision loss in the right eye. Her erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated at 94 mm/1st hour (<30). We started her on corticosteroid treatment, and a temporal artery biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. Biopsy of the tongue lesion showed inflammation of the submucosa and skeletal muscle, without evidence of …
Behavioral Finance: Peter Bernstein and The Journal of Portfolio Management

Behavioral finance is under construction as a solid structure of finance. It substitutes normal people for rational people in standard finance, behavioral portfolio theory for mean-variance portfolio theory, and behavioral asset pricing models for the CAPM and other models where expected returns are determined only by risk. Behavioral finance also distinguishes rational markets from hard-to-beat markets in the discussion of efficient markets and examines why so many investors believe that beating the market is easy. Peter Bernstein encouraged and guided the author of this article as he contributed to the construction of behavioral finance in the pages of The Journal of Portfolio Management (JPM). The JPM’s fortieth anniversary, the first ten-year anniversary without Peter, is an opportunity for the author to express his gratitude to Peter once more and describe his work published in JPM.
Urban and rural divergence in mortality trends: A comment on Case and Deaton.

In table 1 of Case and Deaton’s paper, “Rising morbidity and mortality in midlife among white non-Hispanic Americans in the 21st Century” (1), the authors show a much larger rise in mortality for those with a high school education or less (+134.4 deaths per 100,000) over the study interval (1999–2013) compared with those with a Bachelor’s degree or more (−57.0). The authors also find a fairly uniform pattern for changes in mortality because of their two largest suspect causes—poisoning and suicide—across different census regions, identifying a national rather than regional pattern. However, Case and Deaton do not report on variations in mortality trends by finer geographical units.
The Approximation of Factorial Fragments

can be used but we are after something new here. Told that, almost everyone's next suggestion would be to break up the problem into a number of more tractable subproblems. One such approach is to consider 100 subproblems, the first to estimate 100!, the second to estimate 101 102 103 ... 200, and so forth. But how should such individual "factorial fragments" be estimated? That, in essence, is the central question of this paper. In searching for a fresh answer to that problem, I was momentarily chagrined to note that none of these fragments had a precise middle term since it would have seemed reasonable to estimate each fragment by the 100th power of its middle term. Then it occurred to me that perhaps the fact that these factorial fragments had an even number of factors might be turned to advantage. After all, even when there is a middle term, powers of that term overestimate the productand this bias gets worse as the length of the string increases. Perhaps with an even number of factors, one could select one representative integer from the lower half of the string, another from the upper half, and then estimate the entire product by taking the 50th power of the product of these representatives. Furthermore, by choosing these representatives asymmetrically, one might also be able to correct for any systematic biases that might be present. As we shall see, these thoughts do bear fruit. We will find that for factorial fragments of certain peculiar lengths (26 factors, for example, or 362 factors, or certain select longer lengths) unusually accurate two-factor approximations are possible. While an argument will be made that the formula for the 26-factor case might be of some use as an alternative to Stirling's formula in areas of application where factorial fragments occur (e.g., in combinatorics, probability, statistics, calculus of finite differences), for the most part our results possess charm rather than utility. For example, we will show that if n is "large" compared to 469061, then
A Teratological Specimen of Pycnoscelus surinamensis

Abdominal aberrations of the tergites have been described in the Surinam cockroach, Pycnoscelus surinamensis (L.) (Roth and Willis 1961) ; the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Ross and Cochran 1961) ; and Blaberus giganteus (L.) (Fisk and Brass 1961). Almost invariably these anomalies were restricted to the tergites only, the corresponding sternites being normal. In this note I describe an unusual specimen of P. surinamensis in which some of the abdominal segments, including internal organs, were duplicated. The female was isolated as a mature nymph from a culture of parthenogenetic P. surinamensis which originated from Australia.
Implementation of smoking control regulation and PM_(2.5) level in 75 Chinese restaurants in Beijing

Objective To investigate the current smoking regulations and their impacts on tobacco smoke levels of Chinese restaurants in Beijing,and to provide the baseline data after the Regulations on Smoking Controlling of Beijing was implemented. Methods 75 restaurants in Beijing were selected by probability proportionate to size( PPS) sampling. Smoking controlling environment and smoking phenomenon were investigated and observed by investigators as customers with self-designed questionnaire. TSI Side Pak AM510 was used to monitor the level of fine particles less than 2. 5 microns in diameter( PM2. 5) in each restaurant. Composition ratio,χ2test and other statistical analysis were used to analyze the data by SPSS 12. 0 software. Results Of the 75 restaurants surveyed,15 restaurants( 20. 0%) had complete smoking prohibiting rules, 2( 2. 7%) had partial rules, and 58( 77. 3%) had no rules for smoking prohibition. 12 restaurants( 16. 0%) posted the ‘No Smoking'signs or hints at the entrance,and 43( 57. 3%) posted the signs or hints in the dining hall. Smoking phenomenon was observed in toilets or dining hall in 45 restaurants,accounting for 60% of all observations. The differences of the presence of ‘No Smoking'signs or hints between the restaurants with complete prohibiting smoking rules and no rules were significant( P 0. 01). The level of PM2. 5in 35 restaurants( 46. 7%) was abnormal. The proportion of restaurants with complete smoking prohibiting rules which had abnormal level of PM2. 5was lower than the restaurants had no rules,the differences was significance( P 0. 05). Conclusion By now,there was a certain proportion of Chinese restaurants which implement the smoking regulation actively,while there were not enough ‘No Smoking'signs or hints,and more should be done to promote the no smoking environment. The indoor smoking was still frequently be observed in restaurants,while the effect of smoking regulation in restaurants which had complete smoking prohibiting rules was better than the restaurants which had none.
The Human Nature Thought and Natural Law Thought Understanding of Rousseau's Emotion Principle

Rousseau under the basis of two basic principles namely two natural emotion self-love and compassion, has constructed“the human nature is friendly”theory of human nature thought,and taking this as the foundation to elabo- rate the unique natural law theory,then through its natural law thought,has promulgated the unequal origin and foundation of the human being.