cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CTL-Promoting Effects of CD40 Stimulation Outweigh B Cell-Stimulatory Effects Resulting in B Cell Elimination and Disease Improvement in a Murine Model of Lupus

CD40/CD40L signaling promotes both B cell and CTL responses in vivo, the latter being beneficial in tumor models. Because CTL may also limit autoreactive B cell expansion in lupus, we asked whether an agonist CD40 mAb would exacerbate lupus due to B cell stimulation or would improve lupus due to CTL promotion. These studies used an induced model of lupus, the parent-into-F1 model in which transfer of DBA/2 splenocytes into B6D2F1 mice induces chronic lupus-like graft-vs-host disease (GVHD). Although agonist CD40 mAb treatment of DBA→F1 mice initially exacerbated B cell expansion, it also strongly promoted donor CD8 T cell engraftment and cytolytic activity such that by 10 days host B cells were eliminated consistent with an accelerated acute GVHD. CD40 stimulation bypassed the requirement for CD4 T cell help for CD8 CTL possibly by licensing dendritic cells (DC) as shown by the following: 1) greater initial activation of donor CD8 T cells, but not CD4 T cells; 2) earlier activation of host DC; 3) host DC expansion that was CD8 dependent and CD4 independent; and 4) induction of acute GVHD using CD4-depleted purified DBA CD8+ T cells. A single dose of CD40 mAb improved lupus-like renal disease at 12 wk, but may not suffice for longer periods consistent with a need for continuing CD8 CTL surveillance. These results demonstrate that in the setting of lupus-like CD4 T cell-driven B cell hyperactivity, CTL promotion is both feasible and beneficial and the CTL-promoting properties of CD40 stimulation outweigh the B cell-stimulatory properties.
14.73x The Challenges of Global Poverty MITx on edX Course Report - 2013 Spring

This report describes 14.73x: The Challenges of Global Poverty, one of the first 11 courses offered by MITx on edX, a platform for delivering massive open online courses (MOOCs). Offered in the Spring of 2013, 14.73x offers students a course for those who are interested in the challenge posed by massive and persistent world poverty, and are hopeful that economists might have something useful to say about this challenge. The report describes the course structure, in terms of the number of basic e-text, auto-graded problems, and video components. Following a methodology established for analysis of the first 17 HarvardX and MITx courses (Ho et al, HarvardX and MITx: The first year of open online courses), course registrants are described in terms of viewed, explored, and certified sub-populations, together with demographics. The diversity of student activity in the course, and the persistence of student interactions with the courseware, are addressed. The report concludes with descriptions of special features in 14.73x.
Simultaneous characterization of cellular RNA structure and function with in-cell SHAPE-Seq

Many non-coding RNAs form structures that interact with cellular machinery to control gene expression. A central goal of molecular and synthetic biology is to uncover design principles linking RNA structure to function to understand and engineer this relationship. Here we report a simple, high-throughput method called in-cell SHAPE-Seq that combines in-cell probing of RNA structure with a measurement of gene expression to simultaneously characterize RNA structure and function in bacterial cells. We use in-cell SHAPE-Seq to study the structure-function relationship of two RNA mechanisms that regulate translation in Escherichia coli. We find that nucleotides that participate in RNA-RNA interactions are highly accessible when their binding partner is absent and that changes in RNA structure due to RNA-RNA interactions can be quantitatively correlated to changes in gene expression. We also characterize the cellular structures of three endogenously expressed non-coding RNAs: 5S rRNA, RNase P and the btuB riboswitch. Finally, a comparison between in-cell and in vitro folded RNA structures revealed remarkable similarities for synthetic RNAs, but significant differences for RNAs that participate in complex cellular interactions. Thus, in-cell SHAPE-Seq represents an easily approachable tool for biologists and engineers to uncover relationships between sequence, structure and function of RNAs in the cell.
Probabilistic models of decreasing failure rate processes

The “infant mortality” effect observed in the statistical treatment of reliability consists of a decreasing with age of the conditional probability of equipment failure (failure rate). One widely applicable explanatory hypothesis is that of population heterogeneity. This is developed here as a basis for several specific models of decreasing failure rate processes. Since, in the case of repairable devices, decreasing failure rate is often observed after the occurrence of failure and repair, consideration is extended to include repair in an explicit way. This union of failure and repair models is a fruitful one in view of the interaction between the two processes and gives a complete picture of the life of the device in terms of a stochastic process, usually with non-independent interfailure times. Four models, of particular significance due to their plausibility, mathematical tractability, and frugality of parameterization, are presented.
OPPRESSION AND PRIVILEGE: TOWARD A RELATIONAL CONCEPTUALIZATION OF RACE

In this paper I bring together this diverse literature into what I call a "relational" model—one that focuses on both the oppressive and the privileging aspects of race. Using the concepts of white privilege and white supremacy to show how race implicates everyone, this paradigm provides a more realistic account of race and its effects on people's lives. After outlining this model in contrast to the traditional view, I focus on issues involved in teaching about race as a relation: preparing to teach about race from this model, taking it into the classroom, and dealing with white students' reactions to this conceptualization.
Post-fire vegetative dynamics as drivers of microbial community structure and function in forest soils

Soil microorganisms have numerous functional roles in forest ecosystems, including: serving as sources and sinks of key nutrients and catalysts of nutrient transformations; acting as engineers and maintainers of soil structure; and forming mutualistic relationships with roots that improve plant fitness. Although both prescribed and wildland fires are common in temperate forests of North America, few studies have addressed the long-term influence of such disturbances on the soil microflora in these ecosystems. Fire alters the soil microbial community structure in the short-term primarily through heat-induced microbial mortality. Over the long-term, fire may modify soil communities by altering plant community composition via plant-induced changes in the soil environment. In this review, we summarize and synthesize the various studies that have assessed the effects of fire on forest soil microorganisms, emphasizing the mechanisms by which fire impacts these vital ecosystem engineers. The examples used in this paper are derived primarily from studies of ponderosa pine-dominated forests of the Inland West of the USA; these forests have some of the shortest historical fire-return intervals of any forest type, and thus the evolutionary role of fire in shaping these forests is likely the strongest. We argue that the short-term effects of fire on soil microflora and the processes they catalyze are transient, and suggest that more research be devoted to linking long-term plant community responses with those of the mutually dependent soil microflora.
The ground state torsion–rotation spectrum of propargyl alcohol (HCCCH2OH)

Abstract The rotation–torsion spectrum of the asymmetric frame-asymmetric top internal rotor propargyl alcohol (HCCCH 2 OH) has been extended into the millimeter and submillimeter wave spectral regions. Over 2000 ground torsional state transitions have been measured and analyzed up to rotational quantum numbers J = 80 and K a = 33 through a frequency of 633 GHz. The newly measured transitions were added to approximately 200 previously reported and now unambiguously assigned microwave transitions to comprise a data set of 2390 transitions which has been fit to 59 kHz using a reduced axis method (RAM) Hamiltonian. The ground state has been confirmed to consist of a symmetric and an antisymmetric gauche conformer with no spectroscopic evidence of stable trans conformer. A complete set of rotation and distortion constants through 6th order and a number of the 8th and one 10th order constants for the normal species are presented along with those determined from a re-analysis of the existing OD species data. The a and b symmetry Coriolis interaction constants and the gauche + gauche − tunnelling frequency of 652389.4 MHz has been determined for the OH species while the b symmetry Coriolis interaction and the 213 480 MHz tunnelling frequency were determined for the OD species.
The NOXO1β PX domain preferentially targets PtdIns(4,5)P2 and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3.

Abstract NOXO1β [NOXO1 (Nox organizer 1) β] is a cytosolic protein that, in conjunction with NOXA1 (Nox activator 1), regulates generation of reactive oxygen species by the NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) enzyme complex. NOXO1β is targeted to membranes through an N-terminal PX (phox homology) domain. We have used NMR spectroscopy to solve the structure of the NOXO1β PX domain and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to assess phospholipid specificity. The solution structure of the NOXO1β PX domain shows greatest similarity to that of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-C2α PX domain with regard to the positions and types of residues that are predicted to interact with phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PtdInsP) head groups. SPR experiments identify PtdIns(4,5)P2 and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 as preferred targets of NOXO1β PX. These findings contrast with previous lipid overlay experiments showing strongest binding to monophosphorylated PtdInsP and phosphatidylserine. Our data suggest that localized membrane accumulation of PtdIns(4,5)P2 or PtdIns(3,4,5)P2 may serve to recruit NOXO1β and activate Nox1.
Differential micro-Pirani gauge for monitoring MEMS wafer-level package

The implementation of differential Pirani gauge for accurately measuring wafer-level package pressures was demonstrated. We proposed a multiple-sensor-solution, where two Pirani gauges were constructed under different pressures; one in sealed micro-cavity for measuring pressures and the other one in opened micro-cavity as a reference. Ambient pressure, structural dimension variations, and resistivity differences among wafers/lots, were captured through the differential scheme for error compensations, allowing accurate pressure determinations. Presented Pirani utilized small gaps (∼2µm) between heater and dual heat sinks to obtain wide operation range (0.05∼100 Torr) and high sensitivity (∼10000 ppm/Torr). With 5X error reductions and high stabilities, the proposed device was successfully used in examining reliabilities and monitoring processes of wafer-level packages.
Illusions about illusory mental health: comments on Joiner et al. (2005).

(2006). Illusions About Illusory Mental Health: Comments on Joiner et al. (2005) Journal of Personality Assessment: Vol. 86, No. 2, pp. 228-229.
A modified litter bag design for use in lentic habitats

A modified litter bag design and handling procedure were tested to establish whether these reduced the exaggerated fragmentation losses that occur with standard litter bags. The modified design was compared with standard coarse (5 mm) and fine (0.25 mm) mesh litter bags using Phragmitesleaf litter. All were positioned in a section of a reedbed subject to water level management but negligible water flow. Breakdown rates were significantly reduced with the modified design but these were still significantly greater than those in the fine mesh bags. Owing to the extended period, results were influenced by invertebrates colonising the fine mesh bags. The significance of bag design and invertebrate colonisation are discussed.
The Λ00 and Λ10 calculations of the binding energy of nuclear matter with realistic hard-core nucleon-nucleon potentials

Abstract Realistic potentials have been used in a many-body Green function calculation of the properties of nuclear matter. The Green function method has the advantage that the single-particle energies are determined by the theory and there is no necessity to develop prescriptions for their calculation. Using the Λ 10 theory and the Hamada-Johnston potential a binding energy of −4.6 MeV per nucleon is obtained.
Gender-role socialization and discipline processes in one- and two-parent families

Parental discipline and gender-role socialization are two interrelated normative processes that may be affected by family structure, parent gender, and child gender. To investigate these family processes and how they may differ depending on family composition, three groups of families (approximately 90% Caucasian) with 5-year-old children were studied: 67 two-parent families, 32 single-mother families, and 13 single-father families. In the two-parent families, mothers were focused on in 33 of the families and fathers were focused on in 34 of the families. Overall, gender-role socialization processes were affected by family structure and parent gender: Single-parent families and mothers had less traditional gender-role socialization than two-parent families and fathers. Family discipline processes were also affected by family structure, as single-parent families reported more positive behavior from their children and reported using more problem-solving strategies. Regardless of family structure, parents used different discipline strategies depending on the gender of parent and child. No evidence was found to suggest that gender-role socialization mediated the discipline process.
Transgenic mice expressing human CD14 are hypersensitive to lipopolysaccharide.

Abstract In vitro studies have previously shown that the myelomonocytic differentiation antigen CD14 is a receptor for a complex consisting of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding protein. To investigate the role of CD14 in vivo and its relationship to induction of LPS-induced endotoxin shock, transgenic mice expressing human CD14 were produced. These mice express human CD14 strongly on the surface of their monocytes, neutrophils, and Thy-1(+) lymphocytes and are hypersensitive to LPS, as evidenced by their increased susceptibility to endotoxin shock. These results document the importance of CD14 in vivo as a primary mediator of this lethal syndrome. Furthermore, these mice provide an important model for testing the therapeutic effects of agents directed specifically against the human, as opposed to the murine, CD14 protein in preventing LPS-induced endotoxin shock.
Properties of biopolymers produced by transglutaminase treatment of whey protein isolate and gelatin

Abstract Byproduct utilization is an important consideration in the development of sustainable processes. Whey protein isolate (WPI), a byproduct of the cheese industry, and gelatin, a byproduct of the leather industry, were reacted individually and in blends with microbial transglutaminase (mTGase) at pH 7.5 and 45 °C. When a WPI (10% w/w) solution was treated with mTGase (10 U/g) under reducing conditions, the viscosity increased four-fold and the storage modulus (G′) from 0 to 300 Pa over 20 h. Similar treatment of dilute gelatin solutions (0.5–3%) had little effect. Addition of gelatin to 10% WPI caused a synergistic increase in both viscosity and G′, with the formation of gels at concentrations greater than 1.5% added gelatin. These results suggest that new biopolymers, with improved functionality, could be developed by mTGase treatment of protein blends containing small amounts of gelatin with the less expensive whey protein.
Are the lower planes of double seismic zones caused by serpentine dehydration in subducting oceanic mantle

In a number of subduction zones, earthquakes at 50–200 km depth define two dipping planes, separated by 20–40 km, that appear to merge downdip. Upper plane earthquakes are inferred to occur within the subducting oceanic crust, whereas lower plane earthquakes occur in the subducting oceanic mantle. Beneath northeast Japan, the results of a new finite-element heat-transfer model suggest that the lower seismic plane cuts across isotherms at a shallow angle. Lower plane earthquakes occur at ∼550–800 °C at 100 km depth and at ∼350–600 °C at 160 km depth. These conditions coincide with the dehydration reaction antigorite (serpentine) → forsterite + enstatite + H 2 O, which suggests that lower plane earthquakes may be triggered by dehydration embrittlement, which in turn suggests that the subducting oceanic mantle is partially hydrated. Serpentinization may occur in the trench–outer rise region, where faulting may promote infiltration of seawater several tens of kilometers into the oceanic lithosphere. If this hypothesis is correct, current subduction-zone H 2 O budgets may significantly underestimate the amount of bound H 2 O entering the “subduction factory.”
Heat transfer and flow visualization experiments of swirling, multi-channel, and conventional impinging jets

Abstract Heat transfer and flow visualization experiments were conducted to investigate and compare the performance of swirling and multi-channel impinging jets with that of a conventional impinging jet (CIJ), having the same diameter at the same conditions. Swirling impinging jets (SIJs) employed a 25.4 mm long solid insert at the exit of housing tube to divert the air flow through four narrow channels along the surface of the insert, with the desired swirl angle (θ of 15, 30 and 45°). The multi-channel impinging jet (MCIJ) had same dimensions as SIJs, except that the narrow channels in the solid insert were vertical (θ = 0°). The local and surface average Nusselt numbers of MCIJ were generally much higher than those of CIJ. SIJs demonstrated large increases in both Nusselt numbers and significant enhancement in radial uniformity of heat transfer compared to MCIJ and CU; best results were for θ = 15° and jet spacing of 50.8 mm. Flow visualization experiments using smoke flow, smoke wires and water jet techniques revealed the mechanisms contributing to the higher and enhanced radial uniformity of heat transfer by SIJs. The smoke flow technique provided images of flow field between jet exit and impinged surface, while smoke wires showed details of flow field at and close to impinged surface. The water jet flow, seeded with tiny air bubbles as tracers, revealed details of flow field and induced mixing on the impinged surface.
Minority Political Inclusion in Mikheil Saakashvili's Georgia

Abstract Georgia's Rose Revolution promised sweeping economic and political reforms, designed in part to enhance the livelihoods of ethnic and religious minority populations. The Rose events, however, occurred concomitantly with a surge in ethnic unrest. This article examines this paradox, arguing that the three major policy goals of the Saakashvili regime: the devolution of power to minorities, anti-corruption reform and state capacity building, have resulted in contradictory policy outcomes that have disproportionately hurt ethnic and religious minority enclaves.
Contractile mitral annular forces are reduced with ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Objective Forces acting on mitral annular devices in the setting of ischemic mitral regurgitation are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to quantify the cyclic forces that result from mitral annular contraction in a chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation ovine model and compare them with forces measured previously in healthy animals. Methods A novel force transducer was implanted in the mitral annulus of 6 ovine subjects 8 weeks after an inferior left ventricle infarction that produced progressive, severe chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation. Septal–lateral and transverse forces were measured continuously for cardiac cycles reaching a peak left ventricular pressure of 90, 125, 150, 175, and 200 mm Hg. Cyclic forces and their rate of change during isovolumetric contraction were quantified and compared with those measured in healthy animals. Results Animals with chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation exhibited a mean mitral regurgitation grade of 2.3 ± 0.5. Ischemic mitral regurgitation was observed to decrease significantly septal–lateral forces at each level of left ventricular pressure ( P .01). Transverse forces were consistently lower in the ischemic mitral regurgitation group despite not reaching statistical significance. The rate of change of these forces during isovolumetric contraction was found to increase significantly with peak left ventricular pressure ( P .005), but did not differ significantly between animal groups. Conclusions Mitral annular forces were measured for the first time in a chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation animal model. Our findings demonstrated an inferior left ventricular infarct to decrease significantly cyclic septal–lateral forces while modestly lowering those in the transverse. The measurement of these forces and their variation with left ventricular pressure contributes significantly to the development of mitral annular ischemic mitral regurgitation devices.
Thermomechanics of slow stable crack growth: closing the loop between experiments and computational modeling

Abstract Most of the plastic work done ahead of a running crack is dissipated as heat. Even for slow moving cracks the resulting temperature field is of interest since it carries quantitative information about the energy consumed in crack growth and a qualitative description of the distributed damage to the material. In this study, the temperature field ahead of a stable, Mode I, growing crack in a ductile material is imaged using an infrared camera. Thermal images are analyzed to compute energy flux to the crack. Coupled temperature–displacement FEA are performed to model these experiments and a good match with experiments is obtained.
Interstrand resistances in cored Rutherford-type superconducting cables

The network model of interstrand contact resistances (ICRs) is often used to describe the flow of interstrand coupling currents in Rutherford cables, and to predict the contribution of these currents to the ac losses of such cables. Recent evidence indicates that in cored Rutherford cables, the interstrand resistances are significantly lower in the cable edge region than they are in the flat area of the cable. To investigate these non-uniformities, the VI method was used to determine voltage profiles for cored cables of varying length. The results of the measurements have implications for both the measurement of ICRs via the VI method, and the calculation of ac losses.
The T-ACE questions: Practical prenatal detection of risk-drinking

Heavy maternal alcohol intake is a major perinatal risk but, unfortunately, is difficult for obstetricians and gynecologists to detect. To develop a brief questionnaire appropriate for office detection of "risk-drinking," that is, alcohol intake potentially sufficient to damage the fetus, defined here as greater than or equal to 1 ounce of absolute alcohol per day, we obtained a quantitative drinking history at the first prenatal visit from 971 consecutive gravid women who admitted ever having drunk alcohol. In addition, we administered the 25-question Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test and the four CAGE questions (C = cut down, A = annoyed, G = guilt, E = eye opener), a screening test previously unstudied in pregnancy, and sought evidence of tolerance to the inebriating effect of alcohol, a question which does not appear to trigger psychologic denial. The patient was considered tolerant if it took greater than 2 drinks to make her feel "high." Among 42 (4.3%) risk-drinkers and 929 women who did not report drinking at risk levels, four questions were found to contribute to reliably differentiating risk-drinkers from non-risk-drinkers (R2 = 14.6%, p less than 0.0001). The probability of risk-drinking increased from 1.5% for those responding negatively to 62.7% for those responding positively to all four questions (T = tolerance, A = annoyed, C = cut down, E = eye-opener; odds ratio = 109X). A simple scoring scheme (2 points for T and 1 each for A, C, or E, with a total score of greater than or equal to 2 considered positive) correctly identified 69% of the risk-drinkers (sensitivity) with a positive predictive value of 23%). The T-ACE questions take about 1 minute to ask and represent the first validated sensitive screen for risk-drinking appropriate for routine use in obstetric-gynecologic practice. If validated in further samples, broad application might contribute to better risk identification, secondary prevention efforts, and improved pregnancy outcomes for offspring at risk from heavy prenatal alcohol exposure.
Temperature-dependent Refractive Index Measurements of Wafer-shaped InAs and InSb

An experimental method is introduced to measure the refractive index and its temperature dependence for wafer-shaped infrared materials over a continuous temperature range. Using a combination of Michelson interferometry, Fabry-Perot interferometry, and a temperature-controlled cryostat in a laser micrometer, refractive index values and their temperature coefficients can be measured for any specific temperature within a desired temperature range. Measurements are reported for InAs and InSb for a laser wavelength of 10.59 μm.
Ionic effects on cyclic nucleotide accumulation in a phytophagous insect

Incubation in solutions containing high potassium levels reduces specific accumulation of cyclic AMP in larval nerve cords ofManduca, sexta in vitro with or without serotonin or theophylline.
Carbon Tetrachloride Nephrotoxicity: A Reassessment of Pathophysiology Based Upon the Urinary Diagnostic Indices

Inhalation or ingestion of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has been said to result in the nephrotoxic lesion of acute tubular necrosis (ATN). We describe three patients who inhaled toxic quantities of CCl4 and presented with oligoanuria and severe hepatoxicity. All patients developed protracted vomiting and were unable to maintain fluid intake for several days prior to our evaluation. Physical examination, urinalysis, and calculated FENa, FEH2O, and renal failure index (RFI) indicated that the acute oliguric renal failure was "prerenal" due to marked extracellular fluid (ECF) volume contraction. Aggressive volume repletion restored renal function to normal in each patient. It is suggested that the acute renal failure following CCl4 exposure begins as a functional disorder and may progress to ATN if volume depletion is not recognized and corrected. Early and aggressive volume repletion will reverse this prerenal state and may prevent the later onset of ATN following CCl4 exposure.
Chronic liver disease in narcotics addicts.

Thirteen narcotics addicts imprisoned at this institution for a minimum of 6 months volunteered for liver function tests and a liver biopsy. Information concerning the length of time since narcotics were last administered, history of jaundice, nature of drugs used, diet, alcohol intake, and tattooing was recorded. Seven of the 13 addicts had abnormal liver tissue, and 10 had abnormalities of either liver architecture or liver function tests.
System-construction in sociology

The word “system” commonly connotes an orderly arrangement or union of diverse but interrelated parts, all of which move in accordance with some form of controlling principle. The conceptual language through which the controlling principle is anchored and articulated can usually be phrased in terms of the logic of universal laws and generalizations. The present essay takes as its line of departure the logic of universal law including, as it must, definitions of necessary and sufficient conditions. On the basis of these definitions, we can describe the most familiar relation in a system of sociological generalizations, that of correlation or association among variables.
A Comparison of Focus and Effectiveness of European Versus U.S. Energy Efficiency Programs for Buildings

The authors present a comparative study on effectiveness of energy policies for the building sector that are presently implemented in selected countries in Europe versus selected states in the U.S. Socio-economic factors affecting energy consumption on both sides of the Atlantic are identified from a human behavior perspective. Various identified factors known to affect energy efficiency and consumption have been positioned in diagrams based on four primary directions: lifestyle, economy, environment, and technology. In a second step various programs and incentives are positioned in the same diagram to demonstrate how well these strategies address the factors identified before. This is done for selected countries and continents in sub-diagrams to allow a comparison of effectiveness and provide a tool for predicting the effectiveness of a possible policy or program transfer to other nations. The research conducted so far suggests that energy efficiency policies and measures implemented in the United States do not always target the factors that have been identified to most significantly influence energy consumption. The results indicate that there might be a significant gap between parameters that are guiding factors affecting energy consumption, and parameters targeting a proper implementation of energy efficient policies. The authors strive to provide a tool that will help policy makers and other decision makers to evaluate and compare their incentives and programs against those from other countries and benefit from lessons learned by mapping various policies towards specific efficiency parameters.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Electrochemical studies of plutonium ions in perchloric acid solution

Abstract A potentiostat was used to obtain current-voltage curves for the oxidation-reduction reactions of plutonium ions and to prepare the four valence states of plutonium in perchloric acid solutions.
A new biopsy needle for bone marrow.

A new bone marrow biopsy needle is described which obtains ample, undistorted specimens. Two hundred and fifty consective bone marrow biopsies were obtained from patients with a variety of haematologic and non-haematologic diseases. There were no failures or complications.
Electroless plated Cu–Ni anode catalyst for natural gas solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract A Ni/YSZ anode and a Ni/YSZ modified by Cu electroless plating were investigated for direct utilization of CH4, the major component in natural gas. The catalytic activity of the anodes toward H2 and CH4 oxidation reactions were investigated by comparing the Faraday resistance, RF, of the cells obtained from impedance spectroscopy. The RF ratio of Cu–Ni/YSZ in CH4 to H2 was greater than that of Ni/YSZ, indicating low catalytic activity of Cu–Ni/YSZ anode toward CH4 oxidation. The addition of Cu to the Ni/YSZ anode decreased the catalytic activity, but increased the long-term stability of the anode in CH4 fuel. The Cu–Ni/YSZ anode showed long-term stability of 138 h in dry CH4 at 750 °C. The Raman spectra of the fuel cell cross-section showed a change in type of carbon as a function of Cu concentration. The Cu rich surface showed more disordered carbon as opposed to graphitic carbon on Cu deficient areas in which Cu concentration gradually decreased toward the interlayer. Graphitic carbon produced on highly active Ni surface is known as a precursor to coking. Thus, optimizing the distribution of Cu in the Ni/YSZ anode will be required to develop a stable and high performance anode catalyst for direct CH4 utilization.
Condom Use for Preventing STI/HIV and Unintended Pregnancy Among Young Men in Sub-Saharan Africa

The condom is the only known method that provides simultaneous protection against unplanned pregnancy and some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, among sexually active people. Using data from the Demographic and Health Surveys from 18 Sub-Saharan African countries, this study examined condom use and reasons for using the method at last intercourse among sexually active young men aged 15 to 29. Most young men were aware of the condom (73%-98%), but its use at last intercourse was quite variable, ranging from 6% in Madagascar to 74% in Namibia. In 10 countries, more young men reportedly used condoms for preventing STIs alone than they did for preventing pregnancy alone. In 6 countries, at least one third of the users used the method for both purposes. Use of the condom at last intercourse was associated with union status, education, residence, and exposure to television in at least two thirds of the countries.
EQUILIBRIUM OF A GRAVITATING PLASMA IN A DIPOLAR MAGNETIC FIELD

Abstract The equilibria of plasma in a dipolar magnetic field under the gravitational influence of a massive body (a star or black hole) and a self gravitating plasma are considered. Analytical solutions are found that can be useful for understanding the physics of plasma flows in accretion disks and star formation.
The treatment of avulsed teeth

More than 2 million teeth are accidentally avulsed each year in the United States. Most of the victims are children. Almost all of these teeth can be saved if the proper treatment is instituted. Regardless of the frequency with which it occurs, every pediatric health care provider must be prepared for patients who have avulsed teeth. By instituting the proper treatment, the provider may help to save a victim's tooth, thus saving the family and child the expense of dental treatment and the possible psychologic problems associated with false teeth. Each health care provider should take the following steps: 1. Inform all health care personnel that avulsed teeth can and should be saved. 2. Teach all health care personnel what action should be taken if a tooth is avulsed. 3. Fabricate or purchase tooth-preserving devices such as the Emergency Tooth Preserving System, which can safely store, preserve, and transport avulsed teeth. 4. Place these tooth-preserving devices at strategic locations such as in emergency kits or at nurses' stations.
The role of superoxide and singlet oxygen in lipid peroxidation promoted by xanthine oxidase

Abstract The peroxidative oxidation of extracted rat liver microsomal lipid, assayed as malondialdehyde production, can be promoted by milk xanthine oxidase in the presence of 0.2 mM FeCl 3 and 0.1 mM EDTA. The reaction is inhibited by the superoxide dismutase activity of erythrocuprein. The reaction is also inhibited by 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran, which reacts with singlet oxygen to yield dibenzoylbenzene. During inhibition of the lipid peroxidation reaction by 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran, o-dibenzoylbenzene was produced. The rate of superoxide production by xanthine oxidase was not affected by 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran. Lipid peroxidation promoted by ascorbic acid is not inhibited by either erythrocuprein or 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran. Therefore it is suggested that the peroxidative oxidation of unsaturated lipid promoted by xanthine oxidase involves the formation of singlet oxygen from superoxide, and the singlet oxygen reacts with the lipid to form fatty acid hydroperoxides.
Steel concentrically braced frames using tubular structural sections as bracing members: Design, full-scale testing and numerical simulation

This paper presents the results of experimental and analytical studies carried out on two full-scale, one-bay, two-story steel concentrically braced frames. Square hollow and round hollow structural sections were used for the bracing components. The specimens were designed and detailed according to the 2005 AISC Seismic Provisions, and tested cyclically under displacement control but with a fixed lateral load distribution over height. Numerical computational models including the brace components, gusset plate details and frame members were implemented in OpenSees. Numerical simulations were then performed to investigate the cyclic behavior of brace components, brace failure mechanisms and overall system response. Satisfactory agreement was obtained in comparisons of experimental and numerical results. Premature failures observed suggest that beamto-gusset plate connections could be pinned to accommodate large rotational demands at this location without the need to form plastic hinges. Test results also showed that for the braced frames having the same configuration, designed for similar base shear capacities, and subjected to the same roof level displacement history, the braced frame specimen using round tubular sections as diagonal braces was able to sustain larger story drifts without brace fracture than the specimen employing square tubular sections. Fracture of the column base in the second specimen, although inconclusive from a single test, suggests more study is needed of design requirements for column to base plate connections where large variations of axial, bending and shear load are expected.
Individual and Societal Responses to Natural Hazards

In spite of a vast and growing body of literature devoted to the ‘wise’ and ‘rational’ development, use and management of lands subject to floods, fires, droughts, erosion, landslides, hurricanes, typhoons and earthquakes, we continue to observe the opposite. People continue to build and live on lands subject to natural hazards. People develop and live on floodplains along rivers. They construct and occupy homes on coastal lands bordering seas and oceans, in forests, and on the tops of unstable cliffs. They live on geologic faults in regions subject to earthquakes. People do these things even at the risk of their property being flooded, burned, eroded or damaged, if not totally destroyed in other ways. Observe, for example, the strong desire expressed by many, who lived in New Orleans, to restore and rebuild their homes and property, even though they know they can suddenly lose everything from just one big storm. Development in hazardous regions continues. Damages caused by natural hazards continue to increase, despite increased investments in hazard protection and mitigation Cutter and Emrich 2005; Downton et al. 2005; Pielke et al. 2002 . Why? Is it people’s lack of understanding, or their lack of even wanting to consider the actual risks and their consequences? Why are we less afraid of dying from a catastrophic flood than from brain cancer, where the risk of getting cancer is much less than that of being drowned? Why do we spend more to prepare for a less likely hazard when the outcome can be equally fatal? Given the deaths, the social costs and major property damage resulting from last year’s hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the recent floods in the northeast, let’s focus, for the moment, on floodplain development. When substantial storm damage occurs, as it appears to be doing with increasing frequency and intensity, commissions and blue-ribbon committees of one kind or another are created and charged with finding out why, and making recommendations as to how to avoid such losses in the future. Their reports and congressional testimonies, inevitably suggesting restrictions on the development of lands subject to floods and more investments in flood protection, are added to those of previous commissions and organizations, including those of Gilbert White and his colleagues in the mid 1950s, the more recent Galloway’s Interagency Floodplain Management Review Committee in the mid 1990s IFMRC 1994; Galloway 2005a , and others prompted by Katrina and Rita e.g., Carter 2005; Landers, J. 2005 . Each
Comparative prognostic value of systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure.

tension per se. 2 Despite the clear benefits of lowering high blood pressure, epidemiologic surveys indicate that only 1 in 4 hypertensive patients in the United States has optimally controlled blood pressure ([BP] 140/90 mm Hg). 3 About 1/2 of all hypertensives are either unaware they have hypertension, or are aware but remain untreated. Several studies have also shown that the main reason for uncontrolled hypertension is inadequate treatment and control of systolic BP, which is now considered the most significant risk factor in elderly patients. 4 Data from the Framingham study and several other studies 5‐7 have indicated a consistent increase in systolic BP over a lifetime. With age, the prevalence of hypertension increases and the prognosis of various measurements changes. Population studies have indicated that there is a parallel, linear increase in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure between the ages of 30 and 49, probably due to increased peripheral resistance. After age 50 to 60 years, diastolic BP decreases, causing a steep increase in pulse pressure (PP) and a leveling off of mean arterial pressure, whereas systolic BP continues its linear increase, suggesting increasing predominance of large artery stiffness in this middle-aged and elderly population. 8 In this latter process, hypertension functions as cause and effect. Untreated high blood pressure contributes to increased arterial stiffness, whereas arterial stiffness,
Parametric motion graphs

In this paper, we present an example-based motion synthesis technique that generates continuous streams of high-fidelity, controllable motion for interactive applications, such as video games. Our method uses a new data structure called a parametric motion graph to describe valid ways of generating linear blend transitions between motion clips dynamically generated through parametric synthesis in realtime. Our system specifically uses blending-based parametric synthesis to accurately generate any motion clip from an entire space of motions by blending together examples from that space. The key to our technique is using sampling methods to identify and represent good transitions between these spaces of motion parameterized by a continuously valued parameter. This approach allows parametric motion graphs to be constructed with little user effort. Because parametric motion graphs organize all motions of a particular type, such as reaching to different locations on a shelf, using a single, parameterized graph node, they are highly structured, facilitating fast decision-making for interactive character control. We have successfully created interactive characters that perform sequences of requested actions, such as cartwheeling or punching.
Studies of the cathode layer of a d.c. arc

Abstract Some factors which affect the cathode layer of a d.c. arc were investigated. It is shown that: (i) varying concentrations of elements with low ionisation potentials in the sample can markedly affect the distribution of atoms in the cathode layer and hence the detection limits of the technique; (ii) variations in arc current and arc gap have only a small effect on the cathode layer provided that these factors are maintained at values above certain minimum levels; (iii) the use of artifical atmospheres and inhomogeneous magnetic fields generally increase detection limits; (iv) detection limits obtained with samples containing relatively high concentrations of elements with low ionisation potentials can be two or three times better than those obtained with conventional anode evaporation techniques provided wandering of the cathode spot is kept to a minimum, a condition which often cannot be realised in practice.
A study of frequency cubes

Abstract Several enumerational results are proven for frequency cubes of order n and frequency vector ( λ 1 ,…, λ m ). Isotopic classifications are also discussed for several small values of n .
Evaluation of the role of small mammals in grassland ecosystems: A modelling approach

Abstract Development of a grassland ecosystem simulation model quantifying mammal interaction with other ecosystem components indicates their influence on community structure and function. The approach has been to: (1) identify potential areas of small mammal interaction with system function; (2) quantify the interactions; (3) construct a model representing these interactions; (4) synthesize quantitative information on small mammal interactions with auxiliary information to obtain a mathematical representation of the major functional aspects of an ecosystem; and (5) simulate the ecosystem to estimate overall influence of small mammals. To facilitate the identification of potential influence, six small mammal functional groups and three major ecosystem components were specified. Small mammal groups include three feeding categories: (1) herbivore, (2) carnivore, and (3) granivore; and three behavioral categories: (1) soil mover, (2) food storer, and (3) builder. The three ecosystem components include: (1) abiotic, (2) primary producer, and (3) consumer-decomposer. A six by three matrix was formed with rows representing the six small mammal groups and columns representing the three ecosystem components. Each compartment of the matrix indicates potential influences of the small mammal group on the ecosystem component. Simulations indicate that two small mammal activities have greatest impact on other ecosystem components. Upward translocation of soil has a significant positive effect on both percent bare surface soil and quantity of nitrogen in the top soil layer; and consumption of arthropods has a significant effect on arthropod biomass dynamics. Even with extremely high small mammal densities direct consumption has an insignificant effect on primary production. Based on indices quantifying total impact of small mammals, the hypothesis that grassland ecosystem structure can be fundamentally altered by changes in the small mammal community is tentatively rejected. Ecosystem function appears to be affected by relatively small fluctuations in small mammal density and by certain changes in composition of the small mammal community. Routes and rates of material flow within an ecosystem are influenced by small mammals, producing subtle but quantitative changes in ecosystem dynamics which are directly or indirectly a function of small mammal population dynamics. Therefore, the hypothesis that grassland ecosystem function is responsive to changes in the small mammal community cannot be rejected.
Disintegration of Beryllium, Boron and Carbon by Deuterons

The energy distribution of the neutrons emitted when beryllium, boron and carbon are bombarded by 0.9 MEV deuterons has been investigated. The neutrons from beryllium are attributed to the reaction $_{4}\mathrm{Be}^{9}+_{1}\mathrm{H}^{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}_{5}\mathrm{B}^{10}+_{0}n^{1}+{Q}_{1}.$ The energy of disintegration ${Q}_{1}$ is 4.25\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 MEV. Several lower energy neutron groups attributed to excited ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}$ nuclei were observed with $Q$'s equal to 3.7, 2.1 and 0.8 MEV. The neutrons observed when boron is bombarded by deuterons are attributed to the reactions: ${_{5}\mathrm{B}^{11}+_{1}\mathrm{H}^{2},\ensuremath{\rightarrow}_{6}\mathrm{C}^{12}+_{0}n^{1}+{Q}_{2},}{_{5}\mathrm{B}^{11}+_{1}\mathrm{H}^{2},\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3_{2}\mathrm{He}^{4}+_{0}n^{1}+{Q}_{3},}{_{5}\mathrm{B}^{10}+_{1}\mathrm{H}^{2},\ensuremath{\rightarrow}_{6}\mathrm{C}^{11}+_{0}n^{1}+{Q}_{4}.}$ The most probable of these is reaction (3); it gives rise to a group of neutrons with a continuous distribution of energies below 3 MEV. The disintegration energies observed from the other two reactions are: ${{{Q}_{2}}^{0}=13.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 \mathrm{MEV}, ,{{Q}_{4}}^{0}=6.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 \mathrm{MEV},}{{{Q}_{2}}^{1}=9.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 \mathrm{MEV}, ,{{Q}_{4}}^{1}=4.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 \mathrm{MEV}.}$ The neutrons observed when carbon is bombarded by deuterons are attributed to the reactions: ${_{6}\mathrm{C}^{12}+_{1}\mathrm{H}^{2},\ensuremath{\rightarrow}_{7}\mathrm{N}^{13}+_{0}n^{1}+{Q}_{5},}{_{6}\mathrm{C}^{13}+_{1}\mathrm{H}^{2},\ensuremath{\rightarrow}_{7}\mathrm{N}^{14}+_{0}n^{1}+{Q}_{6}.}$ It is found that reaction (5) is responsible for approximately 99 percent of the neutrons from carbon and that reaction (6) is responsible for the remainder. The values of the disintegration energies are: ${Q}_{5}=\ensuremath{-}0.37\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 \mathrm{MEV} \mathrm{and} {Q}_{6}=5.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4 \mathrm{MEV}.$ The calculated value of the maximum energy of the positrons from ${\mathrm{N}}^{13}$ is 1.16 MEV which is lower than the Konopinski-Uhlenbeck extrapolated value of 1.45 MEV. A complete set of values of the masses of the light elements computed from disintegration data is given.