cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human effector/initiator gene sets that regulate myometrial contractility during term and preterm labor

Objective Distinct processes govern transition from quiescence to activation during term (TL) and preterm labor (PTL). We sought gene sets that are responsible for TL and PTL, along with the effector genes that are necessary for labor independent of gestation and underlying trigger. Study Design Expression was analyzed in term and preterm with or without labor (n = 6 subjects/group). Gene sets were generated with logic operations. Results Thirty-four genes were expressed similarly in PTL/TL but were absent from nonlabor samples (effector set); 49 genes were specific to PTL (preterm initiator set), and 174 genes were specific to TL (term initiator set). The gene ontogeny processes that comprise term initiator and effector sets were diverse, although inflammation was represented in 4 of the top 10; inflammation dominated the preterm initiator set. Conclusion TL and PTL differ dramatically in initiator profiles. Although inflammation is part of the term initiator and the effector sets, it is an overwhelming part of PTL that is associated with intraamniotic inflammation.
All health is local: State and local planning for physical activity promotion

Context Physical activity is a leading cause of death in the world. Although state and local public health planning is a useful strategy to address noncommunicable disease health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity, physical activity frequently is subsumed in such disease-centric planning efforts. This strategy could dilute broader efforts to promote physical activity, create administrative silos that may be trying to accomplish similar goals, and weaken efforts to more collectively address a variety of noncommunicable diseases. Currently, few stand-alone state plans directed specifically at physical activity exist. The reasons and barriers for this situation are not understood. Objective In 2011, we surveyed public health care practitioners to describe state and local efforts for physical activity planning. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Survey of physical activity practitioners in the United States. Participants A total of 227 former or current members of the US National Society of Physical Activity Practitioners in Public Health who completed a survey. Results Overall, 48.0% of respondents indicated that they were aware of public health plans for physical activity promotion in their state, whereas 36.6% indicated that they did not know. Respondents at the state level more frequently reported awareness of a plan (62.1%) than those with local-level (52.4%) or other job responsibilities (36.0%). A greater proportion of respondents reported that stand-alone physical activity plans existed in their state than actually did exist in the respective states. Integration with the National Physical Activity Plan was least often identified as a moderately or extremely relevant aspect of a state-level physical activity plan, although it was chosen at a high percentage (75.7%). Respondents identified financial support (88.0%) and political will and support (54.6%) most frequently as very or somewhat difficult barriers to moving forward with state-level physical activity plans. Conclusions These data suggest that despite efforts to increase development and use of stand-alone physical activity plans, most practitioners rely on existing chronic disease- or obesity-related plans to guide their efforts. Barriers to developing stand-alone physical activity plans must be addressed to develop such plans.
Forum Resource theory and aphasia reconsidered: Why alternative theories can better guide our research

Background: For many years, investigators have been exploring the reasons why there appear to be limits to human cognitive abilities. For example, it is difficult or even impossible for humans to perform several tasks simultaneously, depending on the nature of the tasks. Resource theory was developed to account for this limit. Resource theory asserts that humans possess a pool of cognitive resources that can be allocated to various cognitive tasks, but that this pool is limited. In more recent years, many aphasiologists have used resource theory to explain the mechanisms underlying the communication performance deficits of aphasia. However, there are many problems with resource theory and alternative theories exist which can better account for the limits on human cognitive abilities and for the deficits of aphasia. Aims: The first goal of this paper is to review the fundamental problems of resource theory and to describe alternative theories that can better account for the limits of human cognitive perfor...
Can Learning Collaboratives Support Implementation by Rewiring Professional Networks

This study examined how a learning collaborative focusing on trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT) impacted advice-seeking patterns between clinicians and three key learning sources: (1) training experts who share technical knowledge about TF-CBT, (2) peers from other participating organizations who share their implementation experiences, and (3) colleagues from their own agency who provide social and professional support. Based on surveys administered to 132 clinicians from 32 agencies, participants’ professional networks changed slightly over time by forming new advice-seeking relationships with training experts. While small, these changes at the clinician-level yielded substantial changes in the structure of the regional advice network.
Determination of the Extent of Reaction of Amine Cross-Linked Epoxy Resins by Solid-State 13C and 15N NMR

The chemical substitution of amine nitrogens in cured, 15 N-labeled epoxy resins has been determined by a combination of rotational-echo double-resonance 13 C NMR and dipolar rotational spin-echo 15 N NMR. Amine-nitrogen substitution is at least 90% (that is, no more than 10% of all nitrogens have a directly bonded hydrogen) for resins formed from stoichiometric amounts of epoxide and either hexamethylenediamine or a 1:3 molar mixture of hexamethylenediamine and hexylamine. This direct measure of curing and cross-linking is consistent with indirect Fourier-transform infrared estimates of curing based on the disappearance of the deformation band of the epoxide ring.
CONVOLUTIONS OF ALPHA -UNIMODAL DISCRETE DISTRIBUTIONS

This note proves that the convolution of an α-unimodal discrete distribution with a β-unimodal discrete distribution is (α+β)-unimodal whenever (α+β)≥1. This is the discrete analogue of the fundamental result on generalized unimodality given by Olshen and Savage (1970).
Cyber patients surfing the medical web: Computer-mediated medical knowledge and perceived benefits

Information and communication technologies have introduced new and impressive tools for information sharing and building computer-mediated knowledge repositories in a global context. Clinicians and researchers pay particular attention to technology as a promising tool to empower patients through self-health care management skills and to improve health care communication with providers. This represents a significant step in modern medicine of computer-integrated patient self-health care. This paper aims to examine perceived informational and decisional benefits of computer-mediated health and medical information, more specifically of cancer web-sites, and presents the results of two separate statistical models of perceived benefits. Multivariate hierarchical regression analyses showed that the frequency and time spent visiting medical web-sites are significant predictors of perceived benefits of computer-mediated knowledge. The results also indicated that computer-mediated medical information empowers health consumers to make informed decisions for their health care. The discussion section of the paper contextualizes the findings within the current sociomedical trends of self-health care and partnership with health providers. It is important to understand the perceived benefits of using computer-mediated medical knowledge, so that information and communication technologies can be targeted to educate patients to make informed decisions and to develop patient self-health-care management competencies.
Charge transfer in transition-metal alloying: Charge-tailing effects

Charge transfer in alloys is normally discussed in terms of band hybridization, band filling, and screening, but at times experiment and theory yield apparently odd results where, for example, rare-earth actinides or elements from the Ti column apparently gain charge from electronegative transition metals such as Fe, Pt, or Au. Here it is observed that there are charge-tailing terms, due to tails of charge associated with an atom's nearest neighbors, which make substantial contributions to the change in charge count at a site in a compound. This is shown with linearized augmented Slater-type-orbital calculations for 5{ital d} transition-metal alloys in the ordered CsCl structure. That charge transfer that remains, {ital after} the tailing effects are subtracted out, is seen to be consistent with notions concerning electronegativity behavior (though indicating Pt rather than Au to be the most electronegative of the 5{ital d} elements). These findings have serious implications for understanding charge transfer and make it necessary to reexamine almost all the arguments relating charge transfer to the bonding of transition metals and, for that matter, of main group elements.
Aggregation and decision making using ranked data

Abstract Nonparametric procedures are frequently used to rank order alternatives. Often, information from several data sets must be aggregated to derive an overall ranking. When using nonparametric procedures, Simpson-like paradoxes can occur in which the conclusion drawn from the aggregate ranked data set seems contradictory to the conclusions drawn from the individual data sets. Extending previous results found in the literature for the Kruskal–Wallis test, this paper presents a strict condition that ranked data must satisfy in order to avoid this type of inconsistency when using nonparametric pairwise procedures or Bhapkar’s V procedure to extract an overall ranking. Aggregating ranked data poses further difficulties because there exist numerous ways to combine ranked data sets. This paper illustrates these difficulties and derives an upper bound for the number of possible ways that two ranked data sets can be combined.
RATE LIMITING PROCESSES IN THE ROTARY-KILN INCINERATION OF CONTAMINATED SOLIDS

Abstract A study of transport processes during the desorption of organic and metallic contaminants from solids is being conducted using several fundamental experiments. This paper presents results from three experimental systems, a Particle-Characterization Reactor, Bed-Characterization Reactor, and Metals Reactor. The organic experiments attempt to identify the controlling transport process within a particle of soil and through a bed of particles, as well as quantify the necessary parameters to model these processes. Gas and solid-phase speciation data for field samples, soils contaminated with a variety of organics (boiling points from 220°C to 495°C), are discussed. The data suggest that local temperature and gas/solid contacting are important in the desorption process. As expected, lighter components desorb faster than the heavier hydrocarbons. Moisture content was also important in the desorption of contaminant. The metals reactor has been used to determine the fate of metals, specifically the partit...
An effectively given initial semigroup

The notion of effectively given domains is extended to semigroups. We show that the initial algebra for the semigroups with finite generators is effectively given. The initial algebra we describe uses expressions and trees of symbols of generators and the partial order in the algebra is defined using a formal system on expressions. The main body of the paper lies in the demonstration of the decidability of this formal system.
Bromamine decomposition kinetics in aqueous solutions.

The objectives of this study are to investigate the kinetics of bromamine decomposition and to identify the corresponding relevant reactions. Experiments were performed with a stopped-flow spectrophotometer system. Experimental variables investigated included pH (6.5-9.5), bromamines concentration (0.15-0.50 mM), ammonia to bromine ratio (5-100), and phosphate and carbonate buffers concentration (5-40 mM). The experimental results were consistent with a reaction scheme that involved the reversible disproportionation of monobromamine into dibromamine and ammonia (2NH2Br (k1) (k(-1)) NHBr2 + NH3), followed by irreversible decomposition of monobromamine and dibromamine into products (2NHBr2 (k2) --> products and NH2Br + NHBr2 (k3) --> products). The monobromamine disproportionation reaction was found to undergo general acid catalysis, and the two subsequent decomposition reactions were found to experience base catalysis. Experimental results were analyzed for the determination of catalysis terms corresponding to H+, NH4+, H2PO4-, HCO3-, and H2O for rate constants k1 and k(-1); HPO4(2-) and H2O for k2; and OH-, CO3(2-), and H2O for k3. These constants were fitted with the Bronsted relationship, and the resulting fitting expressions were used to calculate any relevant catalysis rate constants that could not be determined at the range of experimental conditions used.
Bilinear pseudodifferential operators with symbols in Besov spaces

Boundedness from \(L^{p_1}({\mathbb {R}^n})\times L^{p_2}({\mathbb {R}^n})\) into \(L^p({\mathbb {R}^n}),\) where \(2\le p<\infty \) and \(2\le p_1,p_2\le \infty \) are related by Holder’s condition, is shown to hold for bilinear pseudodifferential operators with symbols in various Besov spaces of product type, extending corresponding results known for symbols in the bilinear Hormander classes \(BS^m_{0,0}.\) As a byproduct, it is shown that requiring up to \([\frac{n}{p}]+1\) derivatives in the space variable \(x\in {\mathbb {R}^n}\) and up to \([\frac{n}{2}]+1\) derivatives in each of the frequency variables \(\xi ,\eta \in {\mathbb {R}^n}\) of the symbol, or derivatives up to order 1 in each single real variable of the symbol, to satisfy Hormander’s condition for the class \(BS_{0,0}^m, \)\(m<-n(1-\frac{1}{p}),\) is enough for such boundedness properties.
3. Knee and lower extremity injuries

This self-directed learning module discusses classic concepts and highlights new advances in the diagnosis and management of knee and lower extremity injuries that commonly occur during athletic competition. It is part of the chapter on musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports medicine in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Woman‐Thought, Social Capital, and the Generative State: Mary Austin and the Integrative Civic Ideal in Progressive Thought

This essay explicates Mary Austin's theory of citizenship and demonstrates her contribution to the larger literature on social democratic citizenship emerging in the early twentieth century. The primary text considered is her monograph,The Young Woman Citizen (1918). In this piece, Austin reimagines the spatial and gender ordering of the polity to create an integrative and inclusive civic ideal. She employs the concepts of society and mind as a means of blurring the boundaries between the public and private and integrating the polity, while she turns to woman-thought, social capital, and the generative state to secure women's inclusion. Austin's work combines a unique form of the gender-difference argument for suffrage with progressive political philosophies in an effort to construct a model of the polity in which women share sovereignty with men, socially, culturally, and institutionally.
On minimal simple lattices

The class of simple lattices, excluding the two-element lattice, is preordered by placing L0≤L1 iff L0 belongs to the variety generated by L1. We prove that the finite simple lattices minimal under this pre-ordering generate the variety of all lattices. We construct infinite simple lattices minimal under the ordering, and others that contain, in the sense of the ordering, no minimal simple lattices.
Changes in Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in High School Students

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To examine changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to fruit and vegetable consumption by high school students. GIMME 5 is a randomized nutrition intervention designed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption of high school students to five servings a day. Six school pairs (n=12) matched on gender, race, enrollment and location participated; the cohort was defined as students (n=2313) who were in the 9th grade and completed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) questionnaires at baseline. The KAP questionnaires were administered to students during baseline (Spring 1994) and interim measurement periods (Spring 1995; Spring 1996). No significant differences were noted in the percent correct knowledge scores at baseline between the two treatment groups; with an average 38% correct knowledge score. A significant linear increase was demonstrated in knowledge scores from baseline to interim in both intervention (38.3% to 54.8%, p
Blimp1 Activation by AP-1 in Human Lung Cancer Cells Promotes a Migratory Phenotype and Is Inhibited by the Lysyl Oxidase Propeptide

B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp1) is a master regulator of B cell differentiation, and controls migration of primordial germ cells. Recently we observed aberrant Blimp1 expression in breast cancer cells resulting from an NF-κB RelB to Ras signaling pathway. In order to address the question of whether the unexpected expression of Blimp1 is seen in other epithelial-derived tumors, we selected lung cancers as they are frequently driven by Ras signaling. Blimp1 was detected in all five lung cancer cell lines examined and shown to promote lung cancer cell migration and invasion. Interrogation of microarray datasets demonstrated elevated BLIMP1 RNA expression in lung adenocarcinoma, pancreatic ductal carcinomas, head and neck tumors as well as in glioblastomas. Involvement of Ras and its downstream kinase c-Raf was confirmed using mutant and siRNA strategies. We next addressed the issue of mechanism of Blimp1 activation in lung cancer. Using knockdown and ectopic expression, the role of the Activator Protein (AP)-1 family of transcription factors was demonstrated. Further, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed binding to identified AP-1 elements in the BLIMP1 promoter of ectopically expressed c-Jun and of endogenous AP-1 subunits following serum stimulation. The propeptide domain of lysyl oxidase (LOX-PP) was identified as a tumor suppressor, with ability to reduce Ras signaling in lung cancer cells. LOX-PP reduced expression of Blimp1 by binding to c-Raf and inhibiting activation of AP-1, thereby attenuating the migratory phenotype of lung cancer cells. Thus, Blimp1 is a mediator of Ras/Raf/AP-1 signaling that promotes cell migration, and is repressed by LOX-PP in lung cancer.
Effect of tobacco etch virus on the seasonal growth of flue-cured tobacco

Abstract The effect of tobacco etch virus (TEV) infection on flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plant growth was invisaged under field conditions in 1985 and 1986. Natural field infection of TEV was allowed to develop a patchy distribution of healthy plants and plants infected at various times of the season. Plants showing symptoms of TEV infection early in the season had significantly less leaf area by season's end (2 weeks after topping) than healthy plants or plants infected late in the season. Significant stunting was evident in plants first showing symptoms as late as 7 weeks after transplantation. Harvestable green leaf weight was not correlated with time of first TEV symptom expression. However, leaf weight per unit area was significantly correlated with time of plant infections, with earlier-infected plants having greater weight per unit area than later-infected plants or healthy plants. Yield, quality and value of the harvested tobacco were not correlated with number of infected plants per plot, however, probably because of compensation by neighbouring plants.
Indirect searches for dark matter

Abstract The search for dark matter WIMPs is complementary to direct searches and accelerator searches. The status of present searches and prospects for the future are reviewed.
Structure and physical properties of glyoximes

Abstract Absorption spectra and dissociation constants have been determined for a series of alkyl and chloroglyoximes. On the basis of these data the earlier structural assignments for the chloro compounds are confirmed and rational explanations for various of their reactions can be written.
The Type, but Not the Amount, of Information Available Influences Toddlers' Fast Mapping and Retention of New Words

Purpose The authors of this study examined whether the type and number of word-learning cues affect how children infer and retain word-meaning mappings and whether the use of these cues changes wit...
Breast cancer risk assessment models: applicability to African-American women.

BACKGROUND. Mortality rates are higher among African-American women with breast cancer than they are among white women. This population subset can benefit from available risk reduction strategies. Optimal public health gains from chemoprevention strategies depend on the ability to assess accurately the risk for the individual. However, it is not known if existing breast cancer prediction models are accurate predictors of the disease among African-American women. METHODS. Literature was reviewed for breast cancer risk prediction models and their validation studies. Reported data were also reviewed regarding the strength of established breast cancer risk factors for African-American women. RESULTS. The two currently accepted breast cancer risk assessment models, the Gail Model and the Clans Model, were designed primarily to provide risk assessments for white women. Neither model has been validated in African-American women. Reported data are inconsistent regarding the prevalence and strength of risk factors included in these models. CONCLUSIONS. Efforts should be made to validate existing risk assessment models in African-American women and future research should be directed at the identification of more reliable risk assessment features. Cancer 2003;97(1 Suppl):230-5.
Urodynamics studies in benign prostatic hypertrophy

Abstract A study of patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy indicates that flow rates may well be useful in evaluating the degree of obstruction and the results of therapy. Electromyography and cystometry studies, while demonstrating certain tendencies in benign prostatic hypertrophy, do not give statistically significant data for evaluation and prognostication either by themselves or when correlated with radiographic changes and flow rates.
The effect of doubled CO2 on water use by alfalfa and orchard grass: simulating evapotranspiration using canopy conductance measurements

Alfalfa and orchard grass crops were grown at ambient and twice ambient carbon dioxide concentrations in field plots for several years in Beltsville, MD, using semiopen chambers. Canopy conductances throughout many days were determined from water vapour exchange measurements, and indicated significant reductions in canopy conductance to water vapour at elevated carbon dioxide in both species. However, recognizing that the artificial ventilation in the chambers made direct comparisons of evapotranspiration rates questionable, we used a soil‐vegetation‐atmosphere model to determine what field-scale evapotranspiration rates would have been with natural ventilation. Unlike the ‘omega’ approach, the model used allowed feedbacks between the canopy and the atmosphere, such that, for example, canopy conductance responses affected profiles of temperature and water vapour. Simulations indicated that although canopy conductances were lower at elevated carbon dioxide by as much as 20% in alfalfa and 60% in orchard grass, evapotranspiration rates never differed by more than 3% in alfalfa or 8% in orchard grass. Daily totals of evapotranspiration were only 1‐2% lower at elevated carbon dioxide in alfalfa, and 2‐5% lower in orchard grass. The results are partly explained by the fact that aerodynamic conductances to water vapour were generally smaller than the stomatal conductance, and also by canopy‐atmosphere feedback processes which largely compensated for the lower conductance at elevated carbon dioxide by increasing the gradient for evaporation.
Structure of a voltage-dependent K+ channel beta subunit.

Abstract The integral membrane subunits of many voltage-dependent potassium channels are associated with an additional protein known as the β subunit. One function of β subunits is to modify K + channel gating. We have determined the structure of the conserved core of mammalian β subunits by X-ray crystallography at 2.8 A resolution. Like the integral membrane component of K + channels, β subunits form a four-fold symmetric structure. Each subunit is an oxido-reductase enzyme complete with a nicotinamide cofactor in its active site. Several structural features of the enzyme active site, including its location with respect to the four-fold axis, imply that it may interact directly or indirectly with the K + channel's voltage sensor. This structure suggests a mechanism for coupling membrane electrical excitability directly to chemistry of the cell.
Scoliosis and cardiac failure.

Abstract A typical case of cardiac failure in a patient with paralytic scoliosis is reported. Important effects of thoracic deformity are to limit pulmonary ventilation, to impede the pulmonary circulation, and to alter respiratory fluctuations in blood flow. Increased ventilatory effort, tachycardia, and right ventricular dilatation and hypertrophy are thereby induced. If these responses can be considered compensatory, they are inadequate to permit normal development and activity and they ultimately fail completely. Treatment is largely preventive, and begins with prevention or correction of the thoracic deformity itself.
Time dependence of activation of muscle AMP-aminohydrolase by substrate and potassium ion☆

Abstract The kinetics of AMP-aminohydrolase, which under steady state conditions shows a typical sigmoid dependence of initial velocities versus substrate concentration, have been examined by rapid mixing methods. Using this technique it was observed that when substrate or substrate plus activator (K + ) were mixed with enzyme, the rate of appearance of product markedly increased during the first few tenths of a second. The time course of this change in rate was taken to reflect the progress of activation by substrate or by K + . On the other hand, addition of activator to enzyme prior to mixing with substrate gave process curves for the formation of product consistent with normal Michaelis-Menten behaviour. Under the conditions where the reaction was examined, the enzyme at time zero had less than 10% of the activity of the fully active enzyme. The time course for activation with K + followed a first order process with a rate constant of 10.6 sec −1 at 20°C. A simple mechanism consistent with the data and capable of explaining the sigmoid dependence of initial velocities versus substrate concentrations observed in steady state kinetics was proposed.
The development of hemoglobin solutions as red cell substitutes: Hemoglobin solutions

Although the efficacy of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers was established more than 60 years ago, all prior clinical trials have demonstrated significant toxicity characterized by renal dysfunction, gastrointestinal distress, and systemic vasoconstriction. The mechanisms of these toxicities now appear to be understood. Tetrameric forms of the hemoglobin molecule extravasate from the circulation and interact with endothelial derived relaxing factor, leading to unopposed vasoconstriction. Although numerous efforts are underway to chemically modify the native tetramer, it is likely that all tetrameric forms of the hemoglobin molecule will continue to extravasate. We have focused on developing a polymerized form of hemoglobin that is virtually free of unreacted tetramer. The development and characterization of this polymerized pyridoxylated hemoglobin solution (Poly SFH-P) is described. Clinical trials have been completed successfully in volunteers, and are now underway to assess the safety and efficacy of Poly SFH-P as a clinically useful red cell substitute in the treatment of acute blood loss in the setting of trauma and surgery.
Lanthanum hydroxide labelling of gap junctions in the odontoblast layer

Earlier work has suggested that terminal nerve fibers in the periphery of the dental pulp are linked to one another and to odontoblasts by gap junctions although positive identification of the junctions was lacking. In this study, the lanthanum hydroxide tracer technique has been used to demonstrate that the junctions in this area do have the characteristic features of gap junctions, a wide dark intermediate line in transverse section, stippling in oblique section and a globular arrangement of sub-units in tangential section. Other studies have shown these junctions to be of low electrical resistance although the functional importance of this characteristic in this situation has not been determined.
Infrared photoluminescence characterization of long-wavelength HgCdTe detector materials

Using a double-modulation, infrared photoluminescence technique, the authors have examined a variety of long-wavelength, HgCdTe materials under development for focal-plane array applications. Near-bandgap photoluminescence was easily observed in 'good quality' HgCdTe at 77 K, and they demonstrate the feasibility of using this technique for routine characterization of HgCdTe prior to device processing. Information regarding minority carrier lifetime, compositional uniformity, and native defects is obtained from photoluminescence data.
Extended leaf phenology: a secret of successful invaders?

Smith (2013), in this issue, reviews the consequences of extended leaf phenology of invasive plant species in native deciduous forests. How important is early leaf emergence and/or late leaf senescence for the success of non-native species? What are the direct and indirect impacts on invaded communities and ecosystems? We are just at the very early stage in answering such questions.
Micromechanics and effective moduli of elastic composites containing randomly dispersed ellipsoidal inhomogeneities

A micromechanical framework is proposed to investigate effective mechanical properties of elastic multiphase composites containing many randomly dispersed ellipsoidal inhomogeneities. Within the context of the representative volume element (RVE), four governing micromechanical ensemble-volume averaged field equations are presented to relate ensemble-volume averaged stresses, strains, volume fractions, eigenstrains, particle shapes and orientations, and elastic properties of constituent phases of a linear elastic particulate composite. A renormalization procedure is employed to render absolutely convergent integrals. Therefore, the micromechanical equations and effective elastic properties of a statistically homogeneous composite are independent of the shape of the RVE. Various micromechanical models can be developed based on the proposed ensemble-volume averaged constitutive equations. As a special class of models, inter-particle interactions are completely ignored. It is shown that the classical Hashin-Shtrikman bounds, Walpole's bounds, and Willi's bounds for isotropic or anisotropic elastic multiphase composites are related to the “noninteracting” solutions. Further, it is demonstrated that the Mori-Tanaka methodcoincides with the Hashin-Shtrikman bounds and the “noninteracting” micromechanical model in some cases. Specialization to unidirectionally aligned penny-shaped microcracks is also presented. An accurate, higher order (in particle concentration), probabilistic pairwise particle interaction formulation coupled with the proposed ensemble-volume averaged equations will be presented in a companion paper.
The role of glutathione in nitric oxide donor toxicity to SN56 cholinergic neuron-like cells

Our study was designed to determine if compounds used experimentally to generate nitric oxide excess differ in ability to elicit degenerative stress to cholinergic neurons and, if so, what mechanisms account for their differences. Nitric oxide donors are often used experimentally in attempts to emulate the bioactivities of endogenous NO, but the pharmacological actions of NO donors can vary dramatically according to the species of NO (NOx) and other agents (e.g., iron cations, cyanide anion, superoxide anion) released, and as affected by the state of the cellular redox environment. To determine whether different types of NO donors exert differential toxicity in a cholinergic neuronal model, we measured cell viability markers, indicators of NOx formation, levels of intracellular-reduced glutathione (GSH), protein nitrosothiols, and the activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB in a mouse medial septal cholinergic cell line (clone SN56) following exposure to the NO donors S-nitroso-N-acetyl-dl-penicillamine (SNAP), 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), or sodium nitroprusside (SNP). SNAP and SIN-1, but not SNP, elicited dramatic increases in media nitrite and intracellular NOx-related fluorescence from cells preloaded with a NOx indicator. Nevertheless, SN56 cells were readily killed by SNP (IC(50) approximately 0.5 mM), while even higher levels (up to 2 mM) of SNAP or SIN-1 were essentially ineffective. SNAP (an NO(+) generator) and SIN-1 (a peroxynitrite generator) both caused increases in SN56 GSH levels; in contrast, SNP caused an immediate and rapid decline in GSH. The increase in GSH in response to SNAP and SIN-1 probably indicates augmentation of intracellular defense mechanisms, because prior depletion of GSH rendered the cells vulnerable to these two donors. GSH depletion did not change the potency of SNP, but GSH depletion made SNAP about twice as potent as SNP. SNAP and SNP, but not SIN-1, activated the transcription factor NF-kappaB, as indicated by increases in p65 nuclear immunoreactivity. Treatment with SNAP, but not SNP or SIN-1, increased levels of S-nitrosothiols in SN56 proteins, consistent with the transfer of an NO(+) equivalent to intracellular thiols. Our experiments show that these three NO donors differ dramatically in their ability to intoxicate SN56 cells, probably because of the different species of NOx and other agents they release, and as reflected in their differing modes of interaction with cellular antioxidant and survival systems.
Universal and nonuniversal effective N -body interactions for ultracold harmonically trapped few-atom systems

The ground-state energy for a small number of ultracold atoms in an isotropic harmonic trap was derived using effective quantum field theory and the nonuniversal effective three-body contribution to the energy was calculated.
Elasticity measurements on bimodal networks in elongation and compression: networks crosslinked in solution and studied unswollen, and networks crosslinked in the undiluted state and studied swollen

Abstract Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) bimodal networks were prepared by tetrafunctionally end-linking very short and relatively long hydroxyl-terminated chains, both in solution and in the bulk state. A constant weight fraction of short chains, 30 wt%, was employed. The networks were studied with regard to their stress-strain isotherms, covering the entire range from high elongations to high compressions. In the first type of experiment, the bimodal networks crosslinked in solution were studied in the unswollen state. The dependence of the elastic properties of the networks on the volume fraction v2s of polymer chains in the solution being crosslinked was determined. In particular, as v2s increases, the modulus was found to go through a pronounced maximum with increase in deformation. In the second type, the bimodal networks crosslinked in the undiluted state were studied swollen. Decrease in the volume fraction v2 of polymer network present during the stress-strain measurements was found to increase the modulus, which is the opposite of that invariably found for unimodal networks. This effect of swelling on the elastic properties of bimodal networks confirmed that the self-reinforcement they exhibit is due to the limited extensibility of short chains.
The plasticity of extinction: contribution of the prefrontal cortex in treating addiction through inhibitory learning

Theories of drug addiction that incorporate various concepts from the fields of learning and memory have led to the idea that classical and operant conditioning principles underlie the compulsiveness of addictive behaviors. Relapse often results from exposure to drug-associated cues, and the ability to extinguish these conditioned behaviors through inhibitory learning could serve as a potential therapeutic mechanism for those who suffer from addiction. This review will examine the evidence that extinction learning alters neuronal plasticity in specific brain regions and pathways. In particular, subregions of the prefrontal cortex and their projections to other brain regions have been shown to differentially modulate drug-seeking and extinction behavior. Additionally, there is a growing body of research demonstrating that manipulation of neuronal plasticity can alter extinction learning. Therefore, the ability to alter plasticity within areas of the prefrontal cortex through pharmacological manipulation could facilitate the acquisition of extinction and provide a novel intervention to aid in the extinction of drug-related memories.
Trust, communication and contracts: An experiment

Abstract In the one-shot trust or investment game without opportunities for reputation formation or contracting, economic theory predicts no trusting because there is no incentive for trustworthiness. Under these conditions, theory predicts (a) no effect of pre-play communication, and (b) universal preference for moderate cost binding contracts over interacting without contracts. We introduce the opportunities to engage in pre-play communication and to enter binding or non-binding contracts, and find (a) communication increases trusting and trustworthiness, (b) contracts are largely unnecessary for trusting and trustworthy behaviors and are eschewed by many players, (c) more trusting leads to higher earnings, and (d) both trustors and trustees favor “fair and efficient” proposals over the more unequal proposals predicted by theory.
Spatial competition and geographic grain transportation demand on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers

Using a model of spatial competition between grain elevators, I estimate a model of transportation demand for grain elevators located along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. This analysis uses a unique set of interview data collected by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Both the theory and the data suggest that there are geographic patterns in barge demand elasticity–patterns which are empirically uncovered using an endogenous switch point model. These results are of central importance to policy-makers as they call into question assumptions made by the models currently used for measuring the benefits of inland waterway improvements.
Improved lookup table to correct CRT adjacent pixel nonlinearity

Standard 1D gamma-correcting lookup tables do not compensate for adjacent pixel spatial nonlinearities along the direction of the display raster. These nonlinearities can alter the local mean luminance and contrast of the displayed image. Five steps are described for generating a 2D lookup table (LUT) that compensates for the nonlinearity. By adjusting the 2D LUT so it takes into account the inherent blur at light to dark transitions of the display system, the usable luminance range of the LUT can be extended while reducing the ringing artifact associated with luminance compensation. Use of the blur-compensated 2D LUT incurs no additional computational effort over an uncompensated 2D LUT. Matlab programs are included that can be used to generate a 2D LUT for a user's particular display system.
The high-temperature electron emission and vaporization of tungsten-osmium alloys

Effective work functions from the polycrystalline surfaces of three arc-melted binary tungsten-osmium alloys of varying composition and one sintered tungsten-osmium alloy were examined. Alloy content varied from 4.76 to 13.05 wt pct osmium. Emphasis was placed on obtaining data over a wide temperature range and maintaining as high a vacuum as possible. Work functions were obtained by the thermionic method with high-temperature electron emission measured by a guard-ringed vacuum emission vehicle (VEV) designed to use a Schottky technique. The surface osmium activity was analyzed by employing a high-temperature quad-rupole mass spectrometer designed to detect subliming vapors from a freely vaporizing solid material. The work function of the sintered W-5 pct Os and arc-melted W-5 pct Os did not vary with an increase in temperature. Likewise, the arc-melted W-9 pct Os and W-13 pct Os both exhibited a constant work function. The highest observed work function (4.92 eV) was obtained at temperatures of 2100 and 2200 K from the W-13 pct Os sample. The W-13 pct Os sample yielded high work functions (4.85 to 4.92 eV) over the entire temperature range studied(i.e.), 1700 to 2800 K).
GradeCraft: what can we learn from a game-inspired learning management system?

The "gamification" of courses (i.e., designing courses that leverage motivational mechanisms found in videogames) is a movement that is gaining traction in educational research communities and universities. Two game-inspired courses were developed at a high-enrollment public university in an effort to increase student engagement, and to provide students with more personalized learning experiences. We designed a learning management system, GradeCraft, to foreground the affordances of these grading systems, and to enhance the "game-like" experience for students. Along with serving as a translation layer for the grading systems of these courses, GradeCraft is also designed with an eye towards learning analytics, and captures information that can be described as student "process" data. Currently this data includes what types of assignments students choose to complete; how students assign percentage weights to their chosen assignments; how often and how accurately students check or model their course grades; and how successfully assignments are completed by students individually and the class as a whole across a structured grading rubric. We hope GradeCraft will give instructors new insight into student engagement, and provide data-driven ideas about how to tailor courses to student needs.
Potential energy distribution study of infrared frequencies of methylamine and methylphosphine

Abstract Normal mode assignments of the IR frequencies of methylamine and methylphosphine and their deuterated isotopomers are determined based on calculated potential energy distributions. The PED for each frequency is found using Kim’s Correspondence Rules of unified group theory and the program MOLVIB. The predominant motion of each PED is used to name the corresponding vibrational frequency. We compare our results with literature values. Our IR frequency assignments show generally good agreement with experiment and other calculations although there are some differences. We observe no differences in the principal component of normal mode PEDs across different levels of theory with the same basis set. We observe a few differences at the same level of theory with different basis sets.
Can carbon dioxide be used as a tracer of urban atmospheric transport

[1] Carbon dioxide is a stable constituent of the atmosphere that has no major terrestrial sinks other than atmospheric transport in the absence of photosynthetic activity by plants. In urban atmospheres, CO2 mixing ratios are often elevated above ambient by large local sources from combustion. We measured CO2 mixing ratios and the isotopic composition of CO2 at four locations in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah, during a persistent cold pool event in the winter of 2004. The results showed a strong influence of atmospheric stability and the height of the capping inversion on CO2 mixing ratios and suggested that during persistent cold pool events the air mass beneath the capping inversion can be relatively well mixed. Spatial and temporal patterns in the isotopic composition of CO2 and the relationship between particulate concentrations and CO2 mixing ratio support this interpretation. These results suggest that CO2 mixing ratio, which is abundant and relatively easily measured in urban atmospheres, can provide information about complex wintertime atmospheric transport and mixing as well as carbon cycling in urban mountain basins.
Medical management of Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is a debilitating endocrine disorder which results from hypercortisolemia. While endogenous Cushing's syndrome can be caused by an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-dependent or ACTH-independent mechanism, it is most often a result of excess secretion of ACTH by a corticotroph adenoma (Cushing's disease). Untreated hypercortisolemia causes significant morbidity and increased mortality due to its metabolic effects including hypertension, osteoporosis, obesity, dyslipidemia, osteoporosis and glucose intolerance. Although primary therapy is surgical, a substantial portion of patients will go on to require second-line therapies including repeat surgery, radiotherapy or drug therapy. While medical therapy for Cushing's syndrome has been limited, several new agents are being investigated. This aim of this review is to analyze and present the available options for medical management of Cushing's syndrome as well as review potential new therapies and their role in the treatment of this disorder.
Polaron Motion in DNA

We have shown that, for reasonable values of the parameters, stationary polarons, i.e., radical anions or cations extended over 5−7 base pairs, depending on base sequence, can exist in DNA. Here we report the results of an investigation of the drift motion of the polarons aimed at determining whether their formation can lead to rapid motion of charges introduced on DNA stacks. Starting from the same tight-binding Hamiltonian, we have used two different techniques for giving the polarons the kinetic energy required to make them move. We have applied these to the cases of DNA duplexes made up of (i) a single base pair repeated and (ii) a random sequence of base pairs, although we avoided sequences in which two guanines are next to each other. We find that the time required to deform the stack to produce a polaron after a hole or an extra electron is inserted into a DNA stack with uniformly spaced bases is ∼4 ps. For a DNA duplex made from the repetition of a single base pair, both theoretical techniques sho...
Standard model constraints on fermions

We present a catalog of fermions allowed by the standard model. These new fermious are restricted to sets which are anomaly free, vector-like with respect to electric charge and color, and have either ΔIW = 0 (totally vector-like) or ΔIW = 12 (chiral) (masses). We list some simple examples where the anomaliesof the leptons (quarks) cancel among themselves as well as against each other.