cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel General Chemistry Laboratory: Creation of Biomimetic Superhydrophobic Surfaces through Replica Molding

Biomimetic replicas of superhydrophobic lotus and taro leaf surfaces can be made using polydimethylsiloxane. These replicas faithfully reproduce the microstructures of the leaves’ surface and can be analyzed using contact angle goniometry, self-cleaning experiments, and optical microscopy. These simple and adaptable experiments were used to develop a novel general chemistry laboratory exercise, designed to introduce students to the current fields of materials science and biomimetics, and reinforce concepts such as intermolecular forces and surface tension.
Relaxation processes in the chalcogenide glass threshold switches

Abstract The paper is concerned with thermal and non-thermal relaxation processes. The free carrier lifetime, as assessed from the time-decay of the ON-state condition, is shown to be of the order of 0·1 μsec. The short-term memory exhibited by threshold switches is interpreted in terms of this free carrier decay. It is shown that sequential switch operation is, additionally, influenced by the dielectric relaxation time which governs space charge decay. There is also a (very small) thermal contribution to switch recovery. It depends on the initial temperature distribution and thus on the duration of the preceding ON-state.
Submicron Multiphoton Free-Form Fabrication of Proteins and Polymers: Studies of Reaction Efficiencies and Applications in Sustained Release

Nonlinear multiphoton photo-cross-linking and photopolymerization of proteins and polymers in solution have been used to direct the three-dimensional assembly of micron scale objects. Two aspects of fabricated proteinatious matrixes are examined in this paper: the efficiency of protein photopolymerization and the application of fabricated matrixes as sustained release devices. The efficiency of photoactivated cross-linking of the proteins bovine serum albumin and fibrinogen, using rose bengal, have been determined and found to vary with photosensitizer concentration. This concentration dependence suggests that the mechanism for protein cross-linking is a direct hydrogen transfer between an amino acid residue of the protein and the dye molecule itself. A comparison of the surface structure of single and multiple protein oligomers is undertaken and shown to vary significantly depending on fabrication materials. Alkaline phosphatase bioactivity, upon entrapment in a protein structure, is maintained. The pro...
Fate of isoxaben in a containerized plant rhizosphere system.

Abstract Commercial production of ornamental plants is an important industry in the United States and involves a complex technology that includes the use of herbicides. Isoxaben { N -[3-(1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl)-5-isoxazolyl]-2,6-dimethoxybenzamide } is a pre-emergence herbicide used for controlling weeds in many areas including containerized ornamental plants. Degradation was studied in potting mix (80% bark, 20% sand) with three different regimes (sterile, bulk and rhizosphere). The rhizosphere regime contained Switch Grass ( Panicum virgatum ), and plants were allowed to grow for 14 days before adding isoxaben (10 μg/g potting mix). Isoxaben was degraded to 0.5 μg/g in 60 days giving a half-life of 7 days. Two degradation products were detected: 3-nitrophthalic acid in the rhizosphere and bulk regimes and 4-methoxyphenol in the sterile regime. Microbial population shifts were determined by fatty acid methyl ester profile analysis and were influenced by the introduction of a plant (rhizosphere regime) and by isoxaben addition.
Conditioning Children’s Attitudes Toward Alcohol, Smoking, and Drugs

The researchers investigated the effects of classical conditioning procedures on the attitudes and choice of social behavior of elementary and secondary students associated with drinking, smoking, and the use of drugs. The experimental treatment involved the pairing of words having negative connotations with the concepts smoking, drinking, and the use of drugs. The results indicated that the experimental group expressed more negative attitudes toward smoking and drinking and chose the use of drugs in social settings less frequently than did the control group.
Silver as a residual disinfectant to prevent biofilm formation in water distribution systems.

Biofilms can have deleterious effects on drinking water quality and may harbor pathogens. Experiments were conducted using 100 μg/liter silver to prevent biofilm formation in modified Robbins devices with polyvinyl chloride and stainless steel surfaces. No significant difference was observed on either surface between the silver treatment and the control.
High-frequency ventilation in the pediatric intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a state-of-the-art review of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in the management of pediatric patients with respiratory failure. DATA SOURCES: A thorough analysis of the preclinical and clinical literature regarding the pathophysiology of respiratory failure and the efficacy of high-frequency techniques in the neonatal and pediatric populations. DATA SYNTHESIS: After an overview of the introduction of high-frequency techniques, the following topical areas are addressed: device vs. strategy, indications for use, disease-specific strategies, additional practical considerations, and the future of high-frequency techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The ideal ventilatory approach in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure may be early institution of an "open lung" strategy using high-frequency ventilatory techniques. The mechanisms of gas exchange that are most important during high-frequency ventilation are bulk axial flow, interregional gas mixing, and molecular diffusion. Infants with hyaline membrane disease and congenital diaphragmatic hernia have also responded positively to the implementation of high-frequency techniques. The oxygenation index (mean airway pressure x Fio2 x 100/Pao2) provides useful prognostic information in patients being managed with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and may help to identify those patients with high predicted mortality to offer additional or experimental therapies. In the future, the combination of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and partial liquid breathing offers the possibility of partitioning the physiologic changes associated with positive pressure ventilation. This approach may prove to be the ultimate lung-protective ventilatory strategy.
Syntheses with stable isotopes: Methanol-13C, methanol-13C-D4 and methanol-12C

Hydrogenation of carbon dioxide at mild temperature and preasure utilizing a copper-zinc-chromium catlyst has been developed for small- and large-scale preparations of methanol and is applicable to various isotope isomers.
Procedures for the initial design of chemical processing systems

Abstract Process synthesis as a problem in devising chemical processing structures is considered as a multi-step search procedure beginning with the consideration of production goals one at a time and ending with a feasible process flowsheet with regard to mass and energy balance. The theoretical foundation for the search procedure employed guarantees that a solution will be found in a finite number of steps if one exists within the information constraints imposed. These information constraints include the availability of raw materials and reaction chemistries provided to the computer program. A depth-first sequential search for a feasible process structure is based on the following rules: (a) use the compositionally most similar sources to generate products, (b) give preference to by-products instead of raw materials, and (c) reduce mass load on separation tasks.
Computational interpretation of metabolomics measurements: steady-state metabolic network dynamics analysis

With recent advances in experimental technologies, the number of metabolites measured in bio-fluids of organisms has markedly increased. Given a set of measurements, a common metabolomics task is to identify the metabolic mechanisms that lead to changes in the concentrations of given metabolites, and interpret the metabolic consequences of the observed changes in terms of physiological problems, nutritional deficiencies, or diseases.This paper presents the SMDA (steady-state metabolic network dynamics analysis) technique and its computational performance limits using a mammalian metabolic network database. The query output space of the SMDA tool is exponentially large in the number of reactions of the network. However, (i) larger numbers of observations exponentially reduce the output size, and (ii) exploratory search and browsing of the query output space allows users to mine and search for what they are looking for.
Integration of the PiGMaP and USD A maps for porcine chromosome 14

Summary In order to align two previously published genetic linkage maps, a set of four of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) microsatellite linkage markers was mapped in the International Pig Gene Mapping Project (PiGMaP) reference families. Two-point linkage analysis was used between these USDA markers and the set of genes and markers previously mapped on the PiGMaP chromosome 14 map-Markers with threshold lod scores of three or greater were used for multipoint map construction. The USDA and PigGMaP linkage maps of chromosome 14 were aligned using the four USDA microsatellite markers along with three markers that are common to both maps. The PiGMaP genetic linkage map order for chromosome 14 was confirmed and the map was expanded to 193 cM with addition of the new markers.
Interactions of immune function with lipids and atherosclerosis.

(1983). Interactions of Immune Function with Lipids and Atherosclerosis. CRC Critical Reviews in Toxicology: Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 333-365.
Web Service constraint optimization

In this paper we investigate the problem of providing consistency, availability and durability for Web Service transactions. We consider enforcement of integrity constraints in a way that increases availability while guaranteeing the correctness specified in the constraint. We study hierarchical constraints that offer an opportunity for optimization because of an expensive aggregation calculation required in the enforcement of the constraint. We propose an approach that guarantees that the constraint cannot be violated and also allow the distribution of write operations among many clusters to increase availability. In our previous work, we proposed a replica update propagation method, called the Buddy System, which guaranteed durability and increased availability of web services. In this paper we extend the Buddy System to enforce hierarchical data integrity constraints.
Domain-Specific Gating-Modifier Toxins for Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels

Few gating-modifier toxins have been reported to specifically target T-type calcium channels, and the structural basis of toxin sensitivity remains incompletely understood. Unlike the homotetrameric Kv channels, voltage-gated calcium channels are comprised of four different domains, presenting the possibility of multiple toxin binding sites. Using chimeric constructs, we screened existing gating-modifier toxins against the putative paddle motif from each domain of T-type calcium channel, Cav3.1. This helix-turn-helix motif is a critical structure responsible for both voltage-sensing and toxin sensitivity in Kv channels. We found that the four individual paddle motifs of Cav3.1 channels display unique toxin binding capabilities, suggesting that gating-modifier toxins can bind to T-type calcium channels in a domain-specific fashion. For two known T-type gating-modifier toxins, kurtoxin and ProTx-II, we identified key acidic and hydrophobic residues necessary for toxin binding in Cav3.1/Kv2.1 channel chimeras. Mutations of these residues in the wildtype Cav3.1 channels reduce toxin sensitivity, providing critical information on the binding sites of gating-modifier toxins in T-type calcium channels.
Radiation hardness studies of CdTe thin films for clinical high-energy photon beam detectors

In radiation oncology applications, the need for higher-quality images has been driven by recent advances in radiation delivery systems that require online imaging. The existing electronic imaging devices commonly used to acquire portal images implement amorphous silicon (a-Si) detector, which exhibits poor image quality. Efforts for improvement have mostly been in the areas of noise and scatter reduction through software. This has not been successful due to inherent shortcomings of a-Si material. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductor has long been recognized as highly suitable for use in X-ray detectors in both spectroscopic and imaging applications. Development of such systems has mostly concentrated on single crystal CdTe. Recent advances in thin-film deposition technology suggest replacement of crystalline material with its polycrystalline counterpart, offering ease of large-area device fabrication and achievement of higher resolution as well as a favorable cost difference. While bulk CdTe material was found to have superior radiation hardness, thin films have not been evaluated from that prospective, in particular under high-energy photon beam typical of radiation treatment applications. We assess the performance of thin-film CdTe devices utilizing 6 MeV photon beam and find no consistent trend for material degradation under doses far exceeding the typical radiation therapy detector lifetime dose.
Methods of interconversion between linear viscoelastic material functions. Part I-a numerical method based on Prony series

Abstract An efficient and accurate numerical method of interconversion between linear viscoelastic material functions based on a Prony series representation is presented and tested using experimental data from selected polymeric materials. The method is straightforward and applicable to interconversion between modulus and compliance functions in time, frequency, and Laplace transform domains. Good agreement is shown between solutions obtained from the method in different domains. A detailed computational procedure and selection of values for parameters involved in the method are presented and illustrated. In particular, the effects of different choices of relaxation and retardation times on the accuracy of the method are discussed. The mathematical efficiency associated with Prony series representations of both source and target transient material functions is fully utilized. The method is general enough to cover both viscoelastic solids and liquids. The tensile relaxation data from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and the shear storage compliance data from polyisobutylene are used in illustrating the method. In a companion paper ( Schapery and Park, 1998 ) , an extended approximate analytical interconversion method is presented.
Ectopic Expression of HLA Class II Antigens on Thyroid Follicular Cells: Induction and Transfer in Vitro by Autologous Mononuclear Leukocytes*

Ectopic expression of HLA class II antigens by thyroid follicular cells (TFC) might trigger the immune recognition of TFC-specific surface constituents by self-reactive T helper/inducer lymphocytes, with the consequent generation of organ-specific autoimmunity. To explore the alternative possibilities underlying this ectopic expression, i.e. that it either reflects a primary abnormality of the TFC or is secondarily induced by the autoimmune attack itself, we employed immunofluorescence staining of monolayers cultured from thyroid tissue of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease as well as neoplastic, nodular, and normal thyroid tissues to assess the role that autologous mononuclear leukocytes (MNC) and serum factors play in HLA class II induction and modulation in vitro. In all Graves’ disease (GD) tissues that initially displayed HLA-DR (DR) antigens, this expression was transient. Primary TFC cultures from tissues with tumor-associated chronic thyroiditis (CT) showed more widespread and persistent DR ...
Gender and Religious Differences Associated with Volunteering in Later Life

The purpose of this study is to use a nationally representative sample of older adults in the United States to investigate the effect gender and religiosity has on volunteer behavior in later life. This study looks specifically at the gender and religious differences associated with volunteering in later life. Accounting for gender and religious differences, more specifically, this study examines the assumption that older women are more likely to volunteer in later life as opposed to men, and that gender is a better predictor than being religious for the likelihood of occupying a volunteer role in later life. This study poses questions about the differences in gender and religiosity associated with volunteering in later life; the results indicate there is more work to be done as we conduct research that is clearer about how volunteerism and religiosity are measured in relation to gender, and the overall impact these differences have for older women and their respective communities.
The effects of food deprivation on restraint induced gastric lesions in the rat.

Abstract The effects of pre-restraint fasting on subsequent development of stomach lesions was examined in each of two experiments. In Experiment 1, rats were food deprived for 0, 12, 24, 48 or 72 hours prior to 3 hours of supine cold-restraint. The extent of glandular lesion induction was significantly greater for animals fasted for 12 hours as compared to the stomach conditions of rats assigned to the other pre-restraint treatment conditions. The effects of extended fasting intervals and restraint induction of rumenal stomach lesions was investigated in Experiment 2. Rats were food deprived for 48, 72 or 96 hours and immobilized. Restraint-stress was found to potentiate the severity of rumenal lesions for animals receiving 96 hours of prior fasting when compared to control rats similarly food deprived but not restrained. These findings suggest that the rat stomach is differentially susceptible to restraint-induced lesion formation. Shorter fasting intervals are related to lesions in the corpus of the stomach, while protracted periods of fasting will intensify rumenal pathology.
Stoffaustausch in der Sulzer-Gewebepackung

Mit Hilfe einer Modellvorstellung fur den flussigkeitsseitigen Stoffubergang wird durch Auswertung zahlreicher Rektifizierversuche, die an Kolonnen mit 0,5 und 1 m Durchmesser bei Kopfdrucken von 5, bis 300 Torr durchgefuhrt wurden, eine Beziehung fur die mittlere gasseitige Sherwood-Zahl der Sulzer-Gewebepackung herge leitet. Diese gilt fur gasseitige Reynolds-Zahlen von 350 bis 2000. Eine Abhangigkeit der mittleren gasseitigen Sherwood-Zahl vom Kolonnendurchmesser und von der Packungshohe wurde nicht festgestellt. Der Grund dafur liegt im intensiven seitlichen Transport der Gasphase gegenuber der Flussigkeitsstromung. Der Anteil des gasseitigen Stoffubergangswiderstands am Stoffdurchgangswiderstand betrug bei den ausgewerteten Versuchen 74 bis 97%.
Study of the color reaction of streptomycin sulfate with procaine hydrochloride

The cause of the increased color of streptomycin sulfate solution in the presence of procaine hydrochloride was studied. It was determined that the carbonyl function of the streptomycin reacted with the p-amino group of the procaine causing a discoloration beyond that of a normal streptomycin solution.
Topical Fluorides: A Discussion of Risks and Benefits

Inadvertent ingestion of fluoride from topical procedures poses the risk of dental fluorosis in age-susceptible users. This risk can be minimized for mouthrinsing by restricting it to those above the age-susceptible limit. Operators administering topical fluoride treatments can take practical precautions that have been shown to reduce the amount of fluoride retained and, thus, reduce ingestion. Clinical and epidemiological studies have failed to establish that dentifrice ingestion by young children constitutes a serious fluorosis risk. Discussion of risk must consider the effect of perceived risks upon the public.
Continuous solutions for balance laws

The paper employs the method of characteristics to show that continuous solutions of scalar conservation laws do not incur entropy production and to recover, in a direct and elementary way the (known) properties of solutions to the Hunter-Saxton equation. Keywords: Balance laws, Characteristics, Hunter-Saxton equation Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): 35L65, 35Q58
Price cyclicality in the natural rate-nominal demand shock model☆

Abstract Among the testable hypotheses in the debate over the sources of economic fluctuations is the cyclicality of prices. Some studies report countercyclical prices and interpret these results as at odds with traditional models where aggregate demand changes are the primary source of output fluctuations. This paper shows that reported results of countercyclical prices are, in fact, entirely consistent with Friedman's natural rate-nominal demand shock model.
Best on time, not a little early: gestational age and outcomes for neonates with congenital heart disease.

Human gestation lasts 40 weeks from the date of the last menstrual cycle.1,2 Neonates born 3 weeks before (37 weeks gestation) through 2 weeks after 40 weeks of gestation are considered as being born at term. This classification is based on the presumption that no differences in neonatal outcomes exist for those born during this 5-week period. Neonates born at or after 37 weeks of gestation, but before 39 weeks gestation, are thought to have matured adequately to allow an uneventful transition to postnatal life. Elective delivery on or after 37 weeks of gestation is therefore being increasingly used for medical (maternal and fetal) and nonmedical reasons.2,3 Recent research on gestational age and outcomes has shown that considerable differences exist in mortality and morbidity for neonates born during that 5-week time period.4–9 These reports also show that otherwise healthy neonates born at early-term (37 or 38 weeks) gestation have increased risk of poor outcomes in comparison with those born later at term (39 or 40 weeks) gestation. Article see p 2511 Neonates born at early-term gestation have been shown to have a higher incidence of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, surfactant deficiency and hyaline membrane disease, transient tachypnea of newborn, need for neonatal intensive care unit admission, low 5-minute APGAR scores, and hypoglycemia than those …
MULTI-COEFFICIENT CORRELATION METHOD FOR QUANTUM CHEMISTRY

The authors present a new method for extrapolating correlated electronic structure calculations based on correlation-consistent polarized double-{zeta} and triple-{zeta} basis sets for calculation of molecular energies (atomization energies). Advances in computational sciences as well as the development of new algorithms are making it possible to carry out ab initio electronic structure calculations on small systems with errors approaching the accuracy of experimental measurements and with even better accuracy than experiment in a small but rapidly growing number of cases. Nevertheless, the authors are still far from being able to make reliable quantitative predictions based on ab initio calculations for large and even medium-sized systems. Even though in theory the algorithms are applicable to any system despite its size, the computational resources required for carrying out such calculations for medium- and large-size systems are beyond the scope of available technology, and for large systems the authors can assume that this situation will continue for a long time. Thus, it is necessary to develop methods that can be applied to medium- and large-sized systems with a reduced computational cost.
Advancing through maintenance in mantle cell lymphoma.

On the surface, it would seem likely that patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) could gain from some form of maintenance therapy. The vast majority of patients respond to induction therapy, but relapse is inevitable and occurs more quickly than in indolent lymphomas. Unlike some other lymphoma subtypes, relapsed MCL tends to acquire chemoresistance relatively quickly, accounting for the shorter survival in these patients. Although more aggressive induction and consolidation regimens can increase the depth of response and prolong remission duration, there is limited evidence that these fairly brief interventions prolong patient survival. A prerequisite for a maintenance therapy, generally speaking, would be significant effectiveness as a stand-alone treatment and tolerability that would allow extended administration. To date, phase 3 clinical trials evaluating rituximab maintenance in MCL have produced conflicting results, perhaps related to small numbers, heterogeneous populations, and different induction regimens [1,2]. In this issue of Leukemia and Lymphoma, Kenkre, Kahl, and colleagues report their experience with rituximab maintenance with 5 years of follow-up [3]. They treated 22 patients with a modified RHyper-CVAD regimen (rituximab, hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone; essentially an intensive rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone [R-CHOP]-like regimen) followed by 2 years of maintenance rituximab, and found a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 38 months. They suggest that one explanation for the apparent improvement over R-CHOP, where the median PFS is typically around 18 months [4], may be the incorporation of maintenance therapy. The results are impressive, in part due to the remission duration, but also due to the fact that the patient population consisted largely of the older, high-risk patients not typically seen in trials with more aggressive regimens.
Pervasiveness and correlates of implicit attitudes and stereotypes

Correspondence should be addressed to Brian A. Nosek, Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, 102 Gilmer Hall, Box 400400, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA. E-mail: nosek@virginia.edu This research was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (MH-41328, MH-01533, MH-57672, and MH-68447) and the National Science Foundation (SBR-9422241, SBR-9709924, and REC-0634041). The authors are grateful for technical support from N. Sriram, Ethan Sutin, and Lili Wu. Related information is available at http://briannosek.com/ and http://projectimplicit.net/ EUROPEAN REVIEW OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2007, 1 – 53, iFirst article
Prediction and measurement of thermally induced cambial tissue necrosis in tree stems

A model for fire-induced heating in tree stems is linked to a recently reported model for tissue necrosis. The combined model produces cambial tissue necrosis predictions in a tree stem as a function of heating rate, heating time, tree species, and stem diameter. Model accuracy is evaluated by comparison with experimental measurements in two hardwood and two softwood species: red maple (Acer rubrum), chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Results are promising, and indicate that the model predicts stem mortality/survival correctly in ~75-80% of the test cases. A limited sensitivity analysis of model kill depth predictions suggests that the model is more sensitive to required input data for some species than for others, and that the certainty in predicting vascular cambium necrosis decreases as stem diameter decreases.
SPINOR CONDENSATES AND LIGHT SCATTERING FROM BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATES

These notes discuss two aspects of the physics of atomic Bose-Einstein condensates: optical properties and spinor condensates. The first topic includes light scattering experiments which probe the excitations of a condensate in both the free-particle and phonon regime. At higher light intensity, a new form of superradiance and phase-coherent matter wave amplification were observed. We also discuss properties of spinor condensates and describe studies of ground-state spin domain structures and dynamical studies which revealed metastable excited states and quantum tunneling.
Social support and the psychological wellbeing of people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana.

Objective: The current study sought to investigate the association between age, gender, social support and the psychological wellbeing of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA) in Ghana. Method: Cross-sectional data containing information on demographics, social support and psychological well-being (stress, depression, and anxiety), were collected from 107 men and women living with HIV/AIDS. To explore age group differences, participants were stratified by age (< 39 vs. 40+ years). Three anonymous self-administered questionnaires were used, namely the demographic data questionnaire, Sources of Social Support Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS- 42). Results: Correlation analysis revealed that social support was negatively associated with depression, stress and anxiety. Compared with males living with HIV, women reported higher levels of stress, depression and anxiety. Female gender and low social support were significant predictors of depression and stress after controlling for selected independent variables. Older participants experienced higher levels of stress than their younger counterparts. Conclusion: Public health personnel and AIDS professionals may consider further interventions to promote psychological health in HIV/AIDS-positive individuals. More attention should be paid to the social environment of individuals diagnosed with HIV as the quality of social relationships may be particularly important for successful psychological adaptation to HIV.
The G fund: portfolio effects of a dominant asset

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the defined contribution pension plan for the employees of the US Federal Government. It is also mentioned as a model to implement private investment accounts as part of US Social Security reform. The TSP has one unique investment opportunity – the Government Securities Investment Fund. This ‘G Fund’ is a short-term asset which pays long-term rates. This provides an implicit subsidy to federal employees. To collect this subsidy, however, employees must alter their portfolios. The subsidy may therefore be an inefficient means of compensating federal employees. Within a social security system, however, the G Fund would present the opportunity to partially ‘opt out’ of a private investment account.
Life Review: Implementation, Theory, Research, and Therapy:

A selective literature review of publications on life review generated ideas on implementation, theory, research, and therapy. The review begins by differentiating life review from reminiscence, and summarizing ways to conduct a life review. A dozen theories that have been influenced by the life review technique are presented, with a focus placed on Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development. Erikson's theory has not only been influenced by the life review, it has had a major impact on life review research. Three research topics are discussed: Erikson's ego integrity versus despair in old age, demographical differences in the practice of life reviews, and the impact of conducting life reviews on staff in institutional settings. Most practitioners of life reviews are institutional staff, university students, and family members, many of whom have had limited prior training. The prospect of a certified life review training program is discussed.
Observation of the acoustoelectric effect in gallium nitride micromechanical bulk acoustic filters

We report on the experimental verification of the acoustoelectric effect in gallium nitride (GaN) and present a model to describe this effect in GaN thickness-mode bulk acoustic filters. Filters are fabricated using 2.2 µm thick n-type GaN on high resistivity silicon epiwafers obtained from SOITEC. Acoustoelectric effect was observed by applying an electric field parallel to c-axis, the direction of acoustic wave propagation. Improvement in the insertion loss and out-of-band rejection was observed and Q amplifications exceeding 240% was achieved. Acoustoelectric effect makes it possible to dynamically tune the frequency response of GaN resonators and filters.
The total P/sub FA/ of the multiwindow harmonic detector and its application to real data

The authors study the multiwindow spectral analysis method as it applies to the detection of sinusoidal signals. They examine the probability of false alarm P/sub FA/. The total P/sub FA/ (sinusoidal frequency unknown) is shown analytically to be bounded below by the order statistics (minimum) of BM/K independent identically distributed (i.i.d.) beta variates, where M is the length of the data record used in the detection, K the number of windows, and B the width of the frequency band of interest. Simulation results indicate a much larger bound, the minimum of BM i.i.d. beta variates. It is shown that for real signals, the assumptions made in the derivation of the detector break down at frequencies close to zero and to half the sampling frequency. >
BET bromodomain inhibition as a novel strategy for reactivation of HIV-1

The persistence of latent HIV-1 remains a major challenge in therapeutic efforts to eradicate infection. We report the capacity for HIV reactivation by a selective small molecule inhibitor of BET family bromodomains, JQ1, a promising therapeutic agent with antioncogenic properties. JQ1 reactivated HIV transcription in models of latent T cell infection and latent monocyte infection. We also tested the effect of exposure to JQ1 to allow recovery of replication-competent HIV from pools of resting CD4(+) T cells isolated from HIV-infected, ART-treated patients. In one of three patients, JQ1 allowed recovery of virus at a frequency above unstimulated conditions. JQ1 potently suppressed T cell proliferation with minimal cytotoxic effect. Transcriptional profiling of T cells with JQ1 showed potent down-regulation of T cell activation genes, including CD3, CD28, and CXCR4, similar to HDAC inhibitors, but JQ1 also showed potent up-regulation of chromatin modification genes, including SIRT1, HDAC6, and multiple lysine demethylases (KDMs). Thus, JQ1 reactivates HIV-1 while suppressing T cell activation genes and up-regulating histone modification genes predicted to favor increased Tat activity. Thus, JQ1 may be useful in studies of potentially novel mechanisms for transcriptional control as well as in translational efforts to identify therapeutic molecules to achieve viral eradication.
Standardization of a Method for the Routine Analysis of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Congeners and Selected Pesticides in Human Serum and Milk

A methodology is presented for the routine determination of specific polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in serum and milk samples. The procedures include standardized extraction, cleanup and quantitation by high-resolution gas chromatography (GC) and comprehensive quality assurance program to minimize systematic and erratic errors. The analyses of 68 PCB congeners and three pesticides, p,p'-dichloro diphenyl dichloro ethylene (DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and Mirex, at part-per-billion levels include the addition of surrogate congener standards (IUPAC isomers #46 and #142), extraction with hexane after protein precipitation, cleanup with Florisil, and analysis by GC with capillary column and electron capture detection. Quantitation is based on calibration standards and response factors using isomers #30 and #204 as internal standards. The quality control activities consist of analyses of samples in batches of 6 to 10 simultaneously with quality control (QC) samples. The quality assurance program checks that the procedures are under control by the use of control charts and set the criteria for data acceptability. The detection limits for the congeners and pesticides associated with the analyses of 500 serum samples and of 100 milk samples are reported. In addition, typical profiles of congener distribution in both matrices are illustrated.
An evaluation of linear models for host load prediction

Evaluates linear models for predicting the Digital Unix five-second host load average from 1 to 30 seconds into the future. A detailed statistical study of a large number of long, fine-grain load traces from a variety of real machines leads to consideration of the Box-Jenkins (1994) models (AR, MA, ARMA, ARIMA), and the ARFIMA (autoregressive fractional integrated moving average) models (due to self-similarity). These models, as well as a simple windowed-mean scheme, are then rigorously evaluated by running a large number of randomized test cases on the load traces and by data-mining their results. The main conclusions are that the load is consistently predictable to a very useful degree, and that the simpler models, such as AR, are sufficient for performing this prediction.
Biochemistry of cervical mucus.

Cervical mucus is an inhomogeneous gel of micellar network structure with "tricot-like molecular gel arrangements". Structural elements of the semisolid material are characteristic epithelial glycoproteins. The network of filaments is filled with a fluid which may be thought of as cervical plasma. Estrogens and gestagens influence changes in the structure and composition of the cervical mucus. The estrogenic type of mucus represents an open channel system for sperm and shows low concentrations of soluble proteins. Under the influence of gestagens this changes to a dense network of swollen micelles with high concentrations of soluble proteins. Interactions between the cervical plasma and the structural elements of the network as well as with the penetrating sperms remain to be investigated.(Author modified)
Transcriptome analysis of HIV-1 virus in understanding the effect of antiretroviral drugs (cART) and methamphetamine on the virus

The use of methamphetamine and infection of HIV are both considered public health issues by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many studies have shown the effect of methamphetamine, HIV, and both to the central nervous system. The use of methamphetamine not only increases the tendency of HIV transmission, but also the severity of the infection, which may lead to neurodegeneration and neurocognitive disorders. Several studies have examined the gene expression changes in the host due to viral infection, antiretroviral treatment, and the use of methamphetamine, but there is a lack of understanding of their impact on the virus. We investigated their effect on the HIV-1 virus by analyzing the amount of reads obtained from RNA sequencing. We showed that the use of antiretroviral drugs reduced viral read levels, whereas methamphetamine increased them. The expression level of some of the HIV-1 genes such as gag, pol, and nef, inferred from the count of reads mapped to their genomic locations, showed different temporal states among our biological samples.
Skin Tone, Race/Ethnicity, and Wealth Inequality among New Immigrants

Immigrants’ racial/ethnic status has profound implications for their lives in the United States, including its influence on their ability to improve their financial well-being. We examine a particular type of financial well-being—wealth or net worth—and consider how both skin tone and race/ethnicity contribute to wealth inequality. To assess these dual influences, we use the New Immigrant Survey and the recently developed preference for whiteness hypothesis to argue that darker-skinned immigrants will have lower levels of wealth and will be less likely to own certain assets. Results generally support the hypothesis with the strongest evidence apparent in the full sample and among Asian immigrants. Overall, the results illuminate how immigrants with a racial/ethnic minority status and a darker complexion encounter multiple forms of disadvantage relative to white and/or lighter-skinned immigrants.
The Hyperfiltering Glomerulus

The observation has been made that after any of a variety of initial renal injuries, nephron units that have been spared undergo structural and functional compensations. The functional compensation of increased perfusion of residual nephrons may present deleterious, maladaptive stresses to those surviving nephrons and lead to their ultimate destruction. This hypothesis provides a final common pathway for the progression of many different renal diseases to renal failure and explains the tendency of renal insufficiency to progress rather than stabilize.
Stability analysis of surface tension effects on a double-diffusive layer

The linear stability characteristics of a fluid layer with simultaneous temperature and concentration gradients in a reduced gravity field are examined. The surface tension of the fluid is assumed to be a linear function of temperature and concentration. It is concluded that a small amount of gravity may damp out oscillatory instability or may alter its dynamics so that instability appears as steady convection. The onset of salt-finger instability may be in the overstable mode due to the surface tension method. The Lewis and Prandtl numbers of the material have a strong influence on the stability boundaries and onset characteristics of the system.
Resistance and density of cockroach in Xuzhou city

Objective To research the density and resistance level of cockroach in Xuzhou city.Methods The density investigation used the method of sticky traps and the resistance used the method of chemical cover contaction in jar.Results Totally 4 863 cockroaches were caught in five different environments in Xuzhou city in 2010.They were all Blattella germanica.The average infestation rate reached 14.03%.The average index of density was 2.25 pieces for every paper.The highest infestation were catering trades(21.11%) and the highest density were supermarkets(3.48 pieces for every paper).The peaking of population density and infestation was at August.The resistance ratio to propoxur acephate and beta-cypermethfin were 0.76,0.60 and 2.73.Conclusion Blattella germanica is the predominant species in various environments,and the peaking of the population density is in summer.There are high density of cockroaches in hotel and farmers' market.Therefore cockroach monitor and control should be reinforced.It is necessary to reduce the use of beta-cypermethfin.
Multi-aircraft Cooperative Air Combat Decision-making Simulation Based on Bayesian Optimization Algorithm

Multi-aircraft cooperative air combat will be an important air-to-air combat format.The intelligent decision making is very important for air combat.According to the characters of air combat and the requirement of decision making,a selfdetermination advantage matrix of multi-aircraft cooperative air combat is built firstly.The weights of both sides and aircraft formation have been assigned based on conflict theory.The whole advantage matrix has been built based on the analysis.The Bayesian optimization algorithm is given out.The modeling has been optimized with Bayesian optimization algorithms and the multi-aircraft cooperative air combat decision-making is realized.Simulations have verified that the method could be used to solve the complex problem.
Effects of desamethasone on proliferation of fibroblasts of skeletal muscle interstitial in rat

Objective: To investigate therapeutic mechanism of glucocorticoid in the congenital torticollis of infants. Methods: Skeletal Muscle Interstitial fibroblasts (SMLFs) of Wistar neonatal rats were isolated and cultured. DNA synthesis was measured by 3H-TdR incorporation. SMLFs number was estimated by MTT assay. Flow cytometry technique was adopted to observe the cell cycle of SMLFs. Results: Desamethasone may inhibit DNA synthesis of the fibroblasts and decrease the proliferation number and the proliferation index of the fibroblasts. These effects were in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: In infantile age of the congenital torticollis, the glucocorticoid by injecting into the sternocleidomastoid may inhibit the proliferation of SMLFs and decrease the fibrosis of sternocleidomastoid.
Characterizing the extreme 2015 snowpack deficit in the Sierra Nevada (USA) and the implications for drought recovery

Analysis of the Sierra Nevada (USA) snowpack using a new spatially distributed snow reanalysis data set, in combination with longer term in situ data, indicates that water year 2015 was a truly extreme (dry) year. The range-wide peak snow volume was characterized by a return period of over 600 years (95% confidence interval between 100 and 4400 years) having a strong elevational gradient with a return period at lower elevations over an order of magnitude larger than those at higher elevations. The 2015 conditions, occurring on top of three previous drought years, led to an accumulated (multiyear) snowpack deficit of ~ −22 km3, the highest over the 65 years analyzed. Early estimates based on 1 April snow course data indicate that the snowpack drought deficit will not be overcome in 2016, despite historically strong El Nino conditions. Results based on a probabilistic Monte Carlo simulation show that recovery from the snowpack drought will likely take about 4 years.
The Single Neuron

The discussion of neuronal function is further developed by extending the point neuron model to incorporate the extensive branching of the dendritic tree. Work over the past two decades has led, first, to a two-compartment dendritic model that distinguishes between apical and basal dendritic domains in pyramidal neurons and, second, to modeling of dendritic branches as independent information processors in their own right. The role of back-propagating action potentials in integrating processing in the two compartments is examined, as are the roles of the NMDA receptor, calcium ion influx, and supralinear summation in the creation of local NMDA spikes in distal dendritic branches. Finally, the involvement of NMDA spikes in the development of “cluster sensitivity” and “cluster plasticity” is reviewed.
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT): Role and implications in kidney fibrosis

Tubulointerstitial injury is one of the hallmarks of renal disease. In particular, interstitial fibrosis has a prominent role in the development and progression of kidney injury. Collagen-producing fibroblasts are responsible for the ECM deposition. However, the origin of those activated fibroblasts is not clear. This chapter will discuss in detail the concept of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in the context of fibrosis and kidney disease. In short, EMT and EndMT involve a change in cell shape, loss of polarity and increased motility associated with increased collagen production. Thus, providing a new source of fibroblasts. However, many controversies exist regarding the existence of EMT and EndMT in kidney disease, as well as its burden and role in disease development. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the concepts and profibrotic pathways and to present the evidence that has been published in favor and against EMT and EndMT.
Stable Pt clusters anchored to monovacancies on graphene sheets

First principles simulations and global optimization predict new mode of binding of Pt clusters with defects on graphene that significantly enhances their stability. Pt clusters were found to firmly bind to monovacancies in configuration transacting the vacancy site, while retaining the integrity of the cluster. Diffusion calculations support tight anchoring of Pt cluster to monovacancy. Pt cluster adsorbed on pristine graphene or other common defects exhibit a different mode of adsorption and only decorate one side of graphene. This study reveals strong influence of defect chemistry on the structure and mobility of Pt nanoclusters adsorbed on graphene and have important implications for catalytic and gas sensing applications.