cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of an inhibiting activity for osteoclast bone resorption from human prostatic cancer cells

An inhibiting activity for isolated osteoclasts and bone resorption was demonstrated in culture supernatants from androgen-independent, but not androgen-dependent, human prostatic cancer cell lines. It causes a dose-dependent osteoclast inhibition as quantified with a bone resorbing pit formation assay. The constitutively released activity was determined to be protein (>50 kDa) distinct from some of the known cytokines in bone resorption. The activity does not affect osteoclast morphology and viability. Time-lapse video microscopy revealed an osteoclast motility increase, disrupting their anchorage to the bone and resorbing processes. The association of the activity with androgen-independent cancer cells that disrupt bone remodeling is discussed.
Direct synthesis of a tetranuclear erbium(III) hydroxo cluster bearing a saturated Schiff base

Abstract The reaction of bis-5,5′-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyldiimino)-2,2-dimethyl-4-hexen-3-one with tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)amido]erbium affords a five coordinate metal amido Schiff base (SB) complex which can be converted either stepwise or in situ into a neutral, tetranuclear Schiff base hydroxo cluster using H2O. Both complexes are reproducibly isolated in high yields with analytical purity and have been fully characterized. X-ray diffraction of the final hydrolysis product reveals a tetrameric [Er(μ3-OH)]4(SB)4 cubane structure with rigorous S4 symmetry. Each metal of the [Er(μ3-OH)]4 cube is also coordinated to a single tetradentate Schiff base in a monocapped trigonal prismatic arrangement.
Synthesis and characterization of cobalt-substituted hydroxyapatite powders

Abstract The crystal structure of hydroxyapatite lends itself to a wide variety of substitutions and ion doping, which allows for tailoring of material properties. Magnetic properties are one area of interest in which substitutions can be used to tailor hydroxyapatite properties. Pure HA is diamagnetic, but metal ion doping may lead to a magnetic apatite. In this study, cobalt doped hydroxyapatite was synthesized via two methods: a simple ion-exchange procedure and wet synthesis. The resulting materials were characterized thoroughly for crystal structure and phase purity using X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Magnetic properties were studied using vibrating sample magnetometer and superconducting quantum interference device analysis. The degradation behavior and cobalt release of pure HA and CoHA in simulated body fluid was also examined. The results showed that after both cobalt substitution methods the powder retained characteristic apatite crystal structure and functional groups. Cobalt substituted samples displayed paramagnetic properties, as opposed to the diamagnetism of pure HA. Degradation studies showed that CoHA did not display markedly different degradation behavior from pure HA and the amount of cobalt released over the course of a month was extremely low, alleviating toxicity concerns. Cobalt substituted hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, a biomaterial with magnetic properties, could be a promising material to be used in a variety of biomedical applications, including magnetic imaging, drug delivery, or hyperthermia based cancer treatments.
Hedgehog-mediated mesenchymal–epithelial interactions modulate hepatic response to bile duct ligation

In bile duct-ligated (BDL) rodents, as in humans with chronic cholangiopathies, biliary obstruction triggers proliferation of bile ductular cells that are surrounded by fibrosis produced by adjacent myofibroblastic cells in the hepatic mesenchyme. The proximity of the myofibroblasts and cholangiocytes suggests that mesenchymal-epithelial crosstalk promotes the fibroproliferative response to cholestatic liver injury. Studying BDL mice, we found that bile duct obstruction induces activity of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, a system that regulates the viability and differentiation of various progenitors during embryogenesis. After BDL, many bile ductular cells and fibroblastic-appearing cells in the portal stroma express Hh ligands, receptor and/or target genes. Transwell cocultures of an immature cholangiocyte line that expresses the Hh receptor, Patched (Ptc), with liver myofibroblastic cells demonstrated that both cell types produced Hh ligands that enhanced each other's viability and proliferation. Further support for the concept that Hh signaling modulates the response to BDL was generated by studying PtcLacZ mice, which have an impaired ability to constrain Hh signaling due to a heterozygous deficiency of Ptc. After BDL, PtcLacZ mice upregulated fibrosis gene expression earlier than wild-type controls and manifested an unusually intense ductular reaction, more expanded fibrotic portal areas, and a greater number of lobular necrotic foci. Our findings reveal that adult livers resurrect developmental signaling systems, such as the Hh pathway, to guide remodeling of the biliary epithelia and stroma after cholestatic injury.
Controlled Activity Polymers with Pendently Bound Herbicides

Abstract Controlled activity or controlled release polymeric systems are becoming increasingly important in a variety of pharmaceutical, medical, and agricultural applications. The macromolecular nature of these delivery systems allows for control of rate of delivery, mobility, and period of effectivness for the biologically active component.
Entry restrictions and expenditure effects in the local government market

Recent statutory developments in U.S. local government law have placed more comprehensive administrative procedures and constraints upon those individuals wishing to alter their form of local government. What effect, if any, have these “reforms” had upon the performance of local government; has government become more efficient in providing goods as one body of literature seems to suggest, or has local government become more monopolistic as a result of reduced competition as other strands of thought suggest? By examining the budgetary behavior of local governments under alternative institutional structures, this paper examines these alternative perspectives. The empirical evidence suggests that entry barriers significantly alter the performance of local governments and allow existing units of government to cartelize the market.
Studies on resistance in snails: specific resistance induced by irradiated miracidia of Echinostoma lindoense in Biomphalaria glabrata snails.

Abstract In juvenile Biomphalaria glabrata snails exposed to irradiated Echinostoma lindoense miracidia, the sporocysts migrated to the heart at the same speed as did nonirradiated sporocysts in control snails. However, in each snail so exposed to irradiated miracidia, amebocyte clumps in the snail's heart destroyed the sporocysts within 2–9 days post-exposure. This process induced a strong, highly specific resistance to homologous reinfection in these previously susceptible snails. The snails remained susceptible to Schistosoma mansoni and Paryphostomum segregatum (Echinostomatidae), but were partially resistant to Echinostoma paraensei and E. liei, two echinostome species closely related to E. lindoense.
The uppermost mantle beneath the Kenya dome and relation to melting, rifting and uplift in East Africa

[1] We compare new results on S-wave delays and P wave tomography to characterize the rising limb and melt zone of an inferred mantle convection cell beneath the Kenya dome. These results are extended to the Nyiragongo and Ethiopia domes using long wavelength gravity and topography. We suggest that the east African rift results from separation of deeper mantle upwelling into three currents that impinge on and erode the base of the lithosphere. Their thermal buoyancy drives the domal uplift, whereas brittle failure of the upper lithosphere forms the rift grabens.
High energy heavy-ion induced X-ray emission analysis

Abstract X-ray and background production trends from high energy heavy ion bombardment were investigated using 0.5 MeV/amu and 1.0 MeV/amu On+, Arn+, Cun+, Krn+ and Xen+ beams. A method for optimization of the projectile size and energy to achieve maximum measurement senstitivity is given, based upon an observed enhancement in X-ray production when the K or L shell binding energy of the projectile approximately matches the K or L shell binding energy of the target. A comparison of the capabilities offered by different beams, including excitation with 1.65 MeV protons, for the simultaneous determination of trace elements in thick targets has been made. Experimental detection sensitivities of 0.8–10 ppm were obtained for the elements Mn to Se in biological samples with a 1 MeV/amu Kr7+ beam of 70 nA for 1000 s. Considering the amount of sample assayed in this work (∼ 15 μg), HEHIX is truly a trace analysis technique applicable on microsamples.
How Living or Traveling to Foreign Locations Influences Adults' Worldviews and Impacts Personal Identity.

People are living and traveling to places all over the world. An exploration of how this movement influences learners’ worldviews has implications for adult development, identity, and learning. The purpose of this paper is to present a phenomenological study conducted in the U.S. that examined how individuals’ living or traveling experiences in different countries influenced their worldviews and impacted their personal identity. Study findings indicate that these experiences influenced their worldviews by changing, confirming, or broadening their personal beliefs, often simultaneously, about their own and other cultures and impacted their identity development. By living or traveling to foreign locations participants increased their awareness of multiple worldviews through trigger events and numerous experiences, or building blocks, throughout their lives. These experiences influenced their perceptions of international issues and fostered a transnational identity. Our findings expand on the adult education literature related to adult development, learning, and transnational identity by suggesting that building blocks of experiences can be perceived and processed by each individual in unique ways.
Play, creativity, and adaptive functioning: implications for play interventions

Discussed the importance of play in creative problem solving and its implications for play interventions. Theory and research in the areas of play and creative cognitive processes and play and creative affective processes are reviewed. Play has been associated with the development of creative problem solving. Creative problem solving is thought to be a resource for everyday coping and adjustment, Play intervention studies that investigate the effects of specific aspects of play on specific criteria would be appropriate for the creative problem-solving and coping area. A systematic program integrating laboratory research on play and creativity, research on play techniques, and play intervention with specific populations is needed.
Performance of Directigen flu A+B enzyme immunoassay and direct fluorescent assay for detection of influenza infection during the 2004-2005 season.

Abstract Early diagnosis of influenza infection is needed to optimize the benefit of prescribing antiviral drugs. However, the accuracy of rapid tests is highly variable. This study evaluated the performance of Directigen flu A+B enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and direct fluorescent assay (DFA) during the 2004–2005 influenza season. Participants with medically attended acute respiratory illness were identified through an active surveillance. Consenting patients ( n = 818) were enrolled and cultured for influenza. Physicians ordered a rapid antigen test (EIA or DFA) according to their clinical judgment. Physicians ordered rapid tests with EIA ( n = 109), DFA ( n = 86), or both ( n = 9) in 204 patients with acute respiratory illness who were also cultured for influenza. The EIA detected 18 of 43 influenza infections (sensitivity, 42%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 28–57%), whereas DFA detected 26 of 38 influenza infections (sensitivity, 68%; 95% CI, 53–81%). Compared with culture, specificity of both EIA and DFA was 96%. During the 2004–2005 influenza season, both the EIA and DFA had low sensitivity and failed to detect influenza in many patients.
Simplified assay for VWF cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) activity and inhibitor in plasma.

The absence of VWF cleaving protease activity (VWFcp, ADAMTS13) has recently been identified as a central component in the pathogenesis of TTP. Several assays for the measurement of ADAMTS13 activity have been described, but most are cumbersome and employ techniques not easily adapted to routine laboratories. Thus, ADAMTS13 assays are available at only a few reference or research laboratories. Prompt identification of absent or impaired ADAMTS13 activity could prove invaluable to clinical decision-making regarding diagnosis and treatment of suspected TTP patients. We describe an assay for ADAMTS13 that uses a commercial source of VWF substrate and obviates dialysis for sample and substrate preparation. Patient and normal plasma are prepared by desalting over Micro-Spin columns, and barium is added to activate the cleaving protease. Humate-P® is prepared over a desalting column and reconstituted in urea prior to use as the exogenous VWF substrate. Desalted plasma is mixed with prepared substrate, and digestion is carried out at 37°C. Maximum sensitivity to very low levels of enzyme activity is achieved by using undiluted plasma and allowing digestion to proceed for 14 hr. The extent of VWF multimer cleavage is then demonstrated by Western blot. We used this assay to analyze VWF cleaving protease activity in plasma samples from 30 patients treated at our institution for TTP. Plasma from patients lacking ADAMTS13 was incubated with PNP and then analyzed by the same methods to determine the presence of an inhibitor. Our results indicate that the assay is suitable for providing timely information regarding ADAMTS13 activity for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with suspected TTP. Am. J. Hematol. 76:286–290, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Structural Studies of 1,8-Pyridine-Capped 5,12-Dioxocyclams

5,12-Dioxocyclams and bis-dioxocyclams were capped across the 1,8-secondary amino groups with 2,6-bis(bromomethyl)pyridine to give pyridine-capped mono- and bis-dioxocyclams. The copper(II) complex of capped monocyclam 5b was prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Treatment of dioxocyclams with 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(bromomethyl)pyrazine produced bis-cyclams connected through their secondary amino groups through the 2,3- and 5,6-positions of the pyrazine.
Efficacy of Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) with children: A critical re-appraisal

Proponents of rational-emotive therapy (RET) advocate its use within the school curriculum to forestall future maladjustment through the early detection and eradication of irrational beliefs. A review of 33 unpublished dissertations and four published reports found RET effective in about 25% of comparisons with wait-list, placebo, and other treatment conditions. The major effects of RET were changes in scores on self-report measures of irrational beliefs, less on emotional distress, and little or no change in behavior; essentially the same pattern of effects previously found in a similar analysis of RET in adult populations. Little justification was found for continued use of RET in schools.
Room temperature ferromagnetism in Mn ion implanted epitaxial ZnO films

Epitaxial ZnO films of ∼450 nm thicknesses were grown by MOCVD on r-sapphire and doped by implantation of 200 keV Mn ions to a dose of 5 × 1016 ions/cm2. The structural, chemical, and magnetic properties of the films were investigated with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and SQUID magnetometry. XRD and RBS show both Mn-doped ZnO and pure ZnO epitaxial layers in the as-implanted film, which is ferromagnetic at 5 K but nonmagnetic at room temperature. For the as-implanted materials, only Mn2+ ions are observed with XAS. Post-implantation annealing partially recovers the lattice damage and redistributes Mn into the entire ZnO film; in addition, Mn2+ ions are converted to a mixture of Mn3+ and Mn4+, and ferromagnetism is now observed above 300 K. Our results show that ion implantation is a viable route for achieving room temperature ferromagnetism in epitaxial ZnO films. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Image charge at a metal surface.

On montre que la densite de charge d'echange moyenne n'est pas localisee dans la region de surface a la limite asymptotique, lorsque l'electron est a l'exterieur, tres eloigne et possede une largeur variant avec la position de l'electron par rapport a la surface. On montre que le potentiel et la charge image sort dans cette limite independants de l'echange et dus entierement a des effets de correlation. Calculs de fonctions d'onde electroniques generees par le modele de potentiel lineaire d'une surface
Warned reaction times of sociopaths

Abstract A warned reaction time (RT) task was employed with eight male sociopaths and eight normal male Ss. A warning light appeared at a variable interval preceding a light to which the S responded with a key press. All Ss received both a regular and an irregular series with warning intervals of 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 sec. In the regular series, blocks of intervals were presented in an ascending order. In the irregular series each interval followed every other interval equally often. Sociopaths obtained reliably slower RTs than did control Ss, showing a constant decrement across all intervals in the two kinds of series.
Popular culture, de-centering educators and critical dispositions 1

In this paper, I trace three traditions and bodies of work: The Chicago School of Sociology, the Birmingham School of Cultural Studies and the New Sociology of Education. Each of these traditions evolved in distinct though overlapping ways. Taken together, they offer a productive set of resources for thinking through the complexities of popular culture and education today. These traditions are of course not meant to be comprehensive or exhaustive. Rather, I approach them as pieces of ‘context’ to evoke the work of Leslie Fiedler – ways of drawing circles around particular texts. The goal, as always, is to find the places where they cannot explain away the particularity of texts and practices in their ‘ambiguity and plentitude.’ I hope to encourage a particular kind of critical disposition towards popular texts.
A halfway house in a mental health center.

The functioning of Overing House, a halfway house established in 1964, was compared before and after it became part of a large community mental health center. The new organizational context produced a number of changes: The tenants became more representative of Overing's neighboring community;the availability of a network of services under one administrative structure improved the continuity of comprehensive care;a more productive relationship was established between house parents and therapists. Significant difference in outcome between the two groups (precenter and center) was suggested by data related to course of employment, independent living, and reduction in longterm hospitalization.
A theoretical study on the structure of acetonitrile (CH3CN) and its anion CH3CN

Abstract The electronic and geometrical structures of the CH3CN molecule and its anion CH3CN− are calculated at the UHF, UMP2, UMP4, CASSCF and CASPT2 levels of theory. The anion CH3CN− is confirmed to possess a dipole-bound state. The electron affinity (EA) of CH3CN is computed to be ≈ 6 meV. The potential energy surfaces (PES) of both the neutral and anionic species are computed as functions of the distance between carbon atoms of the CH3 and CN constituents. It is found that the neutral molecule possesses the avoiding crossing between two lowest singlet states having different dissociation limits, namely CH3(doublet) + CN(doublet) and CH3+(singlet) + CN−(singlet). The anionic PES is always lower than the neutral one and possesses an appreciable barrier of ≈ 0.8 eV at the distance range of 2.0–2.5 A between the CH3 and CN groups. This barrier separates the dipole-bounded and “normal” bound states of the CH3CN− anion. After passing the barrier there is a local minimum at the anion PES with respect to which the adiabatic EA of the neutral CH3CN molecule is negative of ≈ −1.6 eV.
Removing user fees for facility-based delivery services: a difference-in-differences evaluation from ten sub-Saharan African countries.

Background Several countries in sub-Saharan Africa have recently adopted policies that remove user fees for facility-based delivery services. There is little rigorous evidence of the impact of these policies on utilization of delivery services and no evaluations have examined effects on neonatal mortality rates (NMR). In this article, we estimate the causal effect of removing user fees on the proportion of births delivered in facilities, the proportion of births delivered by Caesarean section, and NMR. Methods We used data from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 10 African countries between 1997 and 2012. Kenya, Ghana and Senegal adopted policies removing user fees for facility-based deliveries between 2003 and 2007, while seven other countries not changing user fee policies were used as controls. We used a difference-in-differences (DD) regression approach to control for secular trends in the outcomes that are common across countries and for time invariant differences between countries. Results According to covariate-adjusted DD models, the policy change was consistent with an increase of 3.1 facility-based deliveries per 100 live births (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9, 5.2) and an estimated reduction of 2.9 neonatal deaths per 1000 births (95% CI: � 6.8, 1.0). In relative terms, this corresponds to a 5% increase in facility deliveries and a 9% reduction in NMR. There was no evidence of an increase in Caesarean deliveries. We examined lead and lag-time effects, finding evidence that facility deliveries continued to increase following fee removal.
Low-momentum NN interactions and all-order summation of ring diagrams of symmetric nuclear matter

We study the equation of state for symmetric nuclear matter using a ring-diagram approach in which the particle-particle hole-hole (pphh) ring diagrams within a momentum model space of decimation scale \ensuremath{\Lambda} are summed to all orders. The calculation is carried out using the renormalized low-momentum nucleon-nucleon ($\mathit{NN}$) interaction ${V}_{\mathrm{low}\text{\ensuremath{-}}k}$, which is obtained from a bare $\mathit{NN}$ potential by integrating out the high-momentum components beyond \ensuremath{\Lambda}. The bare $\mathit{NN}$ potentials of CD-Bonn, Nijmegen, and Idaho have been employed. The choice of \ensuremath{\Lambda} and its influence on the single particle spectrum are discussed. Ring-diagram correlations at intermediate momenta ($k\ensuremath{\simeq}2 {\mathrm{fm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$) are found to be particularly important for nuclear saturation, suggesting the necessity of using a sufficiently large decimation scale so that the above momentum region is not integrated out. Using ${V}_{\mathrm{low}\text{\ensuremath{-}}k}$ with $\ensuremath{\Lambda}~3 {\mathrm{fm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, we perform a ring-diagram computation with the above potentials, which all yield saturation energies $E/A$ and Fermi momenta ${k}_{F}^{(0)}$ considerably larger than the empirical values. On the other hand, similar computations with the medium-dependent Brown-Rho scaled $\mathit{NN}$ potentials give satisfactory results of $E/A\ensuremath{\simeq}\ensuremath{-}15$ MeV and ${k}_{F}^{(0)}\ensuremath{\simeq}1.4 {\mathrm{fm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The effect of this medium dependence is well reproduced by an empirical three-body force of the Skyrme type.
Body of evidence: Period style, staging, and cultural studies

THEATRE AND FASHION: OSCAR WILDE TO THE SUFFRAGETTES. By Joel H. Kaplan and Sheila Stowell. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994; pp. ix + 220, $49.95; paper $17.95. PLEASURES TAKEN: PERFORMANCES OF SEXUALITY AND LOSS IN VICTORIAN PHOTOGRAPHS. By Carol Mavor. Durham and London: Duke University Press, 1995; pp. xii + 171; $47.95; paper $17.95.
Assessment of Nutrient Adequacy with Supplement Use in a Sample of Healthy College Students

Objectives: Limited information is available on the nutritional status and the impact of supplements on nutrient adequacy in college students. This study aimed to assess nutritional status and evaluate the contribution of supplement use to overall nutrient adequacy in a sample of healthy college students.Methods: Sixty subjects (40 women and 20 men) were randomly recruited from those attending the University of Connecticut. Food records were collected over 30 consecutive days for each subject. In addition, health and lifestyle information was collected at the beginning and end of the study period.Results: After excluding misreporting, only 44 subjects were eligible for assessing nutritional status. More than 40% of female students had intakes below the estimated average requirements for vitamins D and E, calcium, and magnesium. Supplement users had significantly higher average intakes than nonusers from dietary sources for protein, folate, niacin, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc (p < 0.05). With the additi...
On the stability of the vibrations of a particle in the plane restrained by two non-identical springs

Abstract The stability of the vibrations of a particle constrained to a plane and restrained by two non-identical springs with initial stress is studied by using Floquet theory and perturbations. It is shown that unexpected regions of instability occur due to the non-identical properties of the springs.
Qualitative research on adolescent pregnancy: a descriptive review and analysis.

This study examined qualitative research on adolescent pregnancy to determine designs and methods used and to discover emergent themes across studies. Most of the 22 studies reviewed were described as qualitative or phenomenological by design and included samples comprising either African-American and Caucasian participants or African-Americans exclusively. Based on analysis of the collective primary findings of the sample articles, four themes were identified: (a) factors influencing pregnancy; (a) pregnancy resolution; (c) meaning of pregnancy and life transitions; and (d) parenting and motherhood. Overall, the studies revealed that most adolescent females perceive pregnancy as a rite of passage and a challenging yet positive life event. More qualitative studies are needed involving participants from various ethnic backgrounds, on males’ perceptions relative to adolescent pregnancy and fatherhood, and about decision-making relevant to pregnancy resolution, intimacy, and peer relationships.
Dynamics and self-propulsion of a spherical body shedding coaxial vortex rings in an ideal fluid

We describe a model for the dynamic interaction of a sphere with uniform density and a system of coaxial circular vortex rings in an ideal fluid of equal density. At regular intervals in time, a constraint is imposed that requires the velocity of the fluid relative to the sphere to have no component transverse to a particular circular contour on the sphere. In order to enforce this constraint, new vortex rings are introduced in a manner that conserves the total momentum in the system. This models the shedding of rings from a sharp physical ridge on the sphere coincident with the circular contour. If the position of the contour is fixed on the sphere, vortex shedding is a source of drag. If the position of the contour varies periodically, propulsive rings may be shed in a manner that mimics the locomotion of certain jellyfish. We present simulations representing both cases.
Atomic and multi-scale modeling of non-equilibrium dynamics at metal–metal contacts

A coarse graining method that introduces Joule heating and improves heat transport in a classical molecular dynamics simulation is reviewed, and two example sets of simulations, opening of gold?gold nano-asperity contacts and nano-asperity sliding at loaded copper?aluminum interfaces are discussed. For the gold contact, dislocations nucleate from the edges of where the asperity contacts the substrates and move along the close-packed planes, resulting in stacking faults that form two subsurface Thompson tetrahedra. For a null voltage, a nanowire with a diameter much smaller than the initial contact area is created when the two tetrahedra are completed, and as the wire yields the partial dislocations retreat to the surface. Opening with Joule heating enhances dislocation mobility and intransient subsurface plasticity. Constant current simulations show melting and boiling of the nanowires depending on the voltage cap. Sliding of an aluminum asperity on copper with a null voltage shows dislocation formation in the copper and aluminum, while heating from an applied voltage eliminates damage in the copper. Sliding with a copper asperity enhances plastic damage in the copper substrate compared with the aluminum asperity, while Joule heating enhances aluminum pile-up in front of the copper asperity due to plowing.
Coefficient reduction for knapsack-like constraints in 0-1 programs with variable upper bounds

The notion of coefficient reduction is extended for 0-1 knapsack-like constraints by taking advantage of the special structure of variable bounding constraints. Our procedure produces reductions not detected by myopic coefficient reduction methods.
Thermal alteration experiments on organic matter in recent marine sediment—I. Pigments

Abstract Sediment from Tanner Basin, located at the outer continental shelf off southern California, was analyzed for photosynthetic pigments and their derivatives, namely carotenes and chlorins. Samples of the sediment were also exposed to raised temperatures (65°, 100°, 150°C) for various periods of time (1 week, 1 month, 2 months). Analysis of the heat-treated sediment revealed the presence of α-ionene and 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene, thermal-degradation products of β-carotene. Chlorins were converted to nickel porphyrins of both DPEP and etio series. Possible mechanisms and geochemical significance of these transformations are presented.
Gas separation by diffusion through silicone rubber capillaries

Abstract A study of pressure drop and separation of binary gas mixtures was conducted for gaseous diffusion cells, which consist of a bundle of silicone rubber capillary tubing. The Poiseuille equation, coupled together with the permeation equation, was used to describe the flow behavior of pure gases through the tubes. A successful correlation of pressure loss data for pure gases enabled us to model the flow of binary mixtures. Agreements were quite good between theoretical and experimental pressure losses for both pure gases and mixtures. Cascades of two and three stages were constructed out of several diffusion cells and separation experiments were carried out on these cascades. A comparison of theoretical and experimental cascade data is presented.
Thermal conductivity of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer/nanofiller blends

To reduce weight and increase the mobility, comfort, and performance of future spacesuits, flexible, thermally conductive fabrics and plastic tubes are needed for the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment. Such improvements would allow astronauts to operate more efficiently and safely for extended extravehicular activities. As an approach to raise the thermal conductivity (TC) of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (Elvax 260), it was compounded with three types of carbon based nanofillers: multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), vapor grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and expanded graphite (EG). In addition, other nanofillers including metallized CNFs, nickel nanostrands, boron nitride, and powdered aluminum were also compounded with Elvax 260 in the melt at various loading levels. In an attempt to improve compatibility between Elvax 260 and the nanofillers, MWCNTs and EG were modified by surface coating and through noncovalent and covalent attachment of organic molecules containing alkyl groups. Ribbons of the nanocomposites were extruded to form samples in which the nanofillers were aligned in the direction of flow. Samples were also fabricated by compression molding to yield nanocomposites in which the nanofillers were randomly oriented. Mechanical properties of the aligned samples were determined by tensile testing while the degree of dispersion and alignment of nanoparticles were investigated using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. TC measurements were performed using a laser flash (Nanoflash ) technique. TC of the samples was measured in the direction of, and perpendicular to, the alignment direction. Additionally, tubing was also extruded from select nanocomposite compositions and the TC and mechanical flexibility measured.
A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF KENYON'S SHAG (PHALACROCORAX [STICTOCARBO] KENYONI)

Abstract We examine the validity of Phalacrocorax [Stictocarbo] kenyoni, which was described by Siegel-Causey (1991) from the Aleutian Islands using midden remains and existing skeletal specimens. We emphasize a morphometric evaluation of the taxon using 224 skeletal specimens of North Pacific cormorants, but we also evaluate the qualitative characters originally used to characterize P. kenyoni. Principal components and discriminant function analyses of 14 skeletal characters failed to support the validity of the species. Similarly, all seven of the character states that Seigel-Causey described as unique to P. kenyoni also were found in P. pelagicus and P. urile. Thus, the three type specimens of P. kenyoni appear to be P. pelagicus. Although we could not confirm the validity of P. kenyoni, our morphometric analyses revealed that P. pelagicus individuals from the central Aleutians are smaller than those from surrounding populations.
What Is Problematic about Masculinities

Recent literature in what used to be called men's studies has begun to employ the terms `masculinity' and `masculinities' in an effort to move away from what are perceived as problems with the term...
A note on Religious Experience Arguments

When philosophers speak of the inconclusiveness of arguments for the existence of God, they often do so as if they were talking about a matter of principle—as if it were in principle impossible to prove God's existence, that every proof was in principle inconclusive. Of course, rebutals of the cosmological, ontological, and teleological arguments are usually designed to show that these types of arguments are in principle inconclusive. But one supposes (initially at least) that religious experience arguments are not all in such difficulties. That is, one supposes, for example, that an encounter with the deity would provide a proof of his existence which is at least as conclusive as proofs for the existence of an ‘external world’. And thus it would be false to maintain in an unqualified way that ‘Reason cannot (in principle) prove the existence of God’. The most one would be able to say would be that at present, or in terms of the currently available evidence, no one can prove God's existence. Further, whether or not sufficient evidence has ever been available in the past would be seen as an historical question— a matter of contingencies, not logical possibilities.
Doppler indices of vascular impedance as indicators of testicular dysfunction in stallions

Abstracts/ Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 34( 2014) 3939 0.5 ng/ ml, and total intra-assay coefficient ofvariation for and stallions with severe testicular dysfunction. Oligo- the assay was 2.8%. spermia was induced in the stallions using a single dose of Differences between Group TREATED and Group CON- an indenonopyridine derivative, RTI-4587-073(1)( formerly TROL were analyzed using two samples t- test. Correlations called 1- CDB-4022) which is a compound with known anti- between RI, PI, total sperm number, TNPNS, total testicular spermatogenic properties. 15]. Oligospermic stallions had volume, and FSH were tested using Pearson product- cor- resistive blood flow in the testicular artery, which was re- relation procedure. flected in high values ofRI and Pl. Control stallions( normal testicular function) had non-resistive blood flow and low 3. Results values of RI and PI. The values of RI and PI were also negatively correlated with total sperm numbers, total All stallions
The direct and indirect impacts of population growth and economic development on maize (Zea mays L.) diversity in highland Guatemala

This paper discusses the impacts of population growth and economic development on maize diversity in highland Guatemala. In the context of this discussion, economic development specifically refers to the recent expansion of the non-traditional agricultural exports (NTAEs). Population growth and economic development (i.e. NTAEs) are linked because as land has become scarce in highland Guatemala, due to the poor distribution of land resources and rapid population growth over the past 50 years, many farmers have turned to non-traditional economic strategies such as new crops that produce more income per unit of land. These new crops have improved the economic conditions of many farming families, but it has come at a cost regarding the maintenance of local maize varieties and household food security.
Leukocytosis associated with clozapine treatment: a case report.

Clozapine is considered the antipsychotic of choice for refractory schizophrenia because of its efficacy. The ongoing obstacles to clozapine treatment have been its risk for hematologic side effects and regular blood monitoring. The incidence of clozapine-induced hematologic adverse effects in clinical trials is neutropenia 3%, agranulocytosis 1%, eosinophilia 1%, and leukocytosis 1%. Clozapine-induced neutropenia and agranulocytosis have been investigated. However, leukocytosis, defined as a leukocyte count greater than 11,000 cells per mm, associated with clozapine treatment has received less attention in the literature. The clinical decision to continue or stop clozapine when leukocytosis develops could be challenging. Leukocytosis, which can occur within each of the white blood cell lines, can have multiple causes, including extreme stress and infection, and generally triggers a medical investigation for underlying causes. Medications can cause leukocytosis via demargination of leukocytes, via increased bone marrow production or release of stored cells, or via decreased leukocyte apoptosis. Clinical manifestations of drug-induced leukocytosis can include fever and malaise, but long-term sequelae are unclear. As such, there are no guidelines to advise clinicians if or when clozapine should be discontinued if leukocytosis appears. Moreover, there are no controlled data available to suggest antipsychotic treatment options if clozapine is discontinued because of associated hematologic side effects. This report illustrates a treatment-resistant patient who developed a neutrophilic leukocytosis up to 22.3 1000/mm during clozapine treatment. Clozapine was tapered and discontinued and subsequently the white blood count (WBC) returned to within the normal range. However, the patient became floridly psychotic after the discontinuation of clozapine. The rise of the WBC and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) counts steadily with
Challenges in the Therapeutic Use of a “So-Called” Universal Hemostatic Agent: Recombinant Factor VIIa

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) was developed in the early 1990s to provide "bypassing" hemostatic therapy for hemophilia A and B patients with inhibitors. More recently, it has been licensed for use in patients with inherited deficiency of factor VII. Since it was licensed for use in hemophilia with inhibitors in the US, Europe, and other countries for these specific indications, it has been used selectively but in a wide array of clinical settings for uncontrolled hemorrhage in individuals without an inherited bleeding disorder. Many of these uses have been described in the medical literature as case reports or small, uncontrolled series. Several randomized clinical trials (RCT) for these "off-label" medical uses have been published in recent months and will serve as the focus of this review. In particular, a review of an RCT for spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage that has demonstrated clinical efficacy in reducing both mortality and volume of central nervous system hemorrhage will be offered. A brief discussion of hypothesized physiologic mechanisms of supraphysiologic doses of rFVIIa will introduce the clinical discussion of these broad off-label uses. Since rFVIIa is a very expensive therapy, possible strategies for optimizing its use in the these settings will be presented.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF CANINE HYDROCEPHALUS

The brains of 23 canine patients and six random-source dogs were examined ultrasonographically through the bregmatic fontanelle or a surgical craniotomy. Fifteen dogs had abnormal neurologic signs; the others were normal on neurologic examination. Untrasound results were compared with signalment, clinical signs, electroencephalography, computed tomography, radiology and histopathology. The purposes of the study were to demonstrate the use of ultrasound for the diagnosis of canine hydrocephalus and to determine whether there is a relationship between ventricular size and clinical signs. Lateral ventricles were considered enlarged if lateral ventricular height, ventricle-mantle ratio, or ventricle-hemisphere ratio, at the level of or caudal to the interthalamic adhesion in the transverse plane, exceeded 0.35 cm, 0.25 or 0.19, respectively. Of the 29 dogs examined, 14 had enlarged lateral ventricles and abnormal neurologic signs. Five dogs had enlarged lateral ventricles but appeared neurologically normal (occult hydrocephalus). Correlation was poor between ventricular size and clinical signs.
Impact of Risk on Design-Build Selection for Highway Design and Construction Projects

AbstractThe design-build (DB) project delivery method continues to grow as a viable alternative delivery method for highway projects. The primary reason for selecting DB delivery is to take advantage of the time savings inherent in the process. However, because of low levels of design at the time of contract awards, DB contracts often carry more risks and uncertainties than other contracts, which makes the decision to select DB delivery complex. Applying risk analysis strategies and tools to the delivery selection process will help decision makers evaluate and select the DB delivery method consistently and defensibly. This paper examines 39 generic risk factors related to the DB delivery selection process. These risks were identified through previous research and risk analysis workshops on transportation projects worth more than $10 billion. To explore how these risks impact DB delivery selection, a questionnaire was developed to collect data from a national cross section of professionals with an average ...
Prolapsing urethal polyp in child with hypospadias

Abstract This report details, the first published case of a urethal polyp presenting as a prolapse through the proximally displaced meatus of a child with hypospadias. Urethal obstruction a symptom common to other urethal polyps, was absent. The congenital nature suggests a benign neoplastic process as the etiologic factor.
The Determinants of Domestic and Foreign Corporate Political Activity

Corporate political action committees (PACs) are the focus of much research on corporate political activity Political scientists, economists, and sociologists have explored the determinants of PAC formation and PAC spending by advancing and to some extent testing hypotheses concerning the size of corporations, the regulation of industries, government procurement, social connections, and corporate cultures. Progress has been made in sorting through these hypotheses, although the amount of explained variance remains relatively modest. We define the dependent variable in three ways: the decision to form a PAC, the amount to be contributed, and the number of candidates to be supported. With data largely drawn from Fortune 500 companies for the 1987-1988 election cycle, improved firm-level measures of regulation, and the inclusion of political as well as economic factors influencing corporate decision-making, we develop and provide substantial support for a politically constrained, profit-maximizing model of c...
Responses of benthic fish exposed to contaminants in outdoor microcosms--examining the ecological relevance of previous laboratory toxicity tests.

Previous laboratory studies indicate that coal combustion wastes (a mixture composed of fly ash and other lower volume wastes such as bottom ash; hereafter collectively referred to as ash) adversely affect the health of benthic fish ( Erimyzon sucetta; lake chubsucker), but fish in these studies were provided with ample uncontaminated food resources. Because aquatic disposal of ash can also adversely affect food resources for benthic fish, we hypothesized that changes in resources might exacerbate the effects of ash on fish observed in laboratory studies. We exposed juvenile E. sucetta in outdoor microcosms to water, sediment, and benthic resources from an ash-contaminated site or a reference site for 45 days and compared our findings to previous laboratory studies. Benthic invertebrate biomass was nearly three times greater in controls compared to ash microcosms. Total organic content of control sediment (41%) was also greater than in ash sediments (17%), suggesting that additional benthic resources may have also been limited in ash microcosms. Benthic invertebrates isolated from the ash microcosms had trace element concentrations (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Se, Sr, and V) up to 18 times higher than in weathered ash used in laboratory studies. The concentrations of trace elements accumulated by fish reflected the high dietary concentrations encountered in the ash microcosms and were associated with reduced growth (final mass = 0.07 g) and survival (25%) compared to controls (0.37 g and 67%, respectively). Accumulation of trace elements, as well as reductions in growth and survival, were more pronounced than in previous laboratory studies, suggesting that resource conditions may be important in mediating ash toxicity. Taken together, our studies suggest that ash discharge into aquatic systems is a more serious threat to the health of benthic fish than previously predicted based upon laboratory toxicity tests. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Circling the Wagons: Containing the Downing Street Memo Story's Impact in America

Within the context of a sharp rise in Americans' access to foreign news, especially since September 11, 2001, this article examines the limits of effectiveness of such foreign news influences in influencing the public debate on major policy issues within the United States. With the focus on a major U.K.-originated news story—the “Downing Street Memo” and subsequent leaked U.K. government documents—the article applies and expands the concepts of boundary maintenance and news repair beyond the domestic news realm and considers these as mechanisms by which the U.S. mainstream news media can still contain and limit the effectiveness of such stories in the U.S. public sphere. This study shows that although the rise of the Internet provides substantial new openings for important foreign-originated news stories in the United States, U.S. news media retain some ability to close down stories perceived as threats to their journalistic credibility.
A FIRST OPTIMAL CONTROL SOLUTION FOR A COMPLEX, NONLINEAR, TENDON DRIVEN NEUROMUSCULAR FINGER MODEL

In this work we present the first constrained stochastic optimal feedback controller applied to a fully nonlinear, tendon driven index finger model. Our model also takes into account an extensor mechanism, and muscle force-length and force-velocity properties. We show this feedback controller is robust to noise and perturbations to the dynamics, while successfully handling the nonlinearities and high dimensionality of the system. By extending prior methods, we are able to approximate physiological realism by ensuring positivity of neural commands and tendon tensions at all times.