cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brownian Force Profile Reconstruction of Interfacial 1-Nonanol Solvent Structure

Using Brownian force profile reconstruction (BFPR), we measured the solvent structure force profile of interfacial 1-nonanol between graphite and methyl terminated alkane thiol SAM surfaces. BFPR harnesses the thermal motion of the cantilever to accurately and precisely reconstruct force profiles that may be stiffer than the intrinsic cantilever stiffness. Novel methods to compensate instrument noise and seamlessly stitch together subsections of the force profile significantly improve upon previous reconstruction techniques using thermal noise. The increased accuracy and precision of BFPR could enable the measurement of stiff or rough energy landscapes such as solvent structure or ligand-protein binding. The force profile for interfacial 1-nonanol solvent structure was well fit by an exponentially decaying sinusoid function with a period of 4.5 A for distances greater than four molecular layers, revealing liquid behavior. Distances shorter than four molecular layers displayed solid behavior with interlayer transitions being 3.9 A and possible crystal orientation rearrangements causing submolecular steps upon subsequent confinement.
Evaluation of Acute Fixation Strength for Mechanical Tacking Devices and Fibrin Sealant Versus Polypropylene Suture for Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

Background: The purpose of this comparative study is to evaluate the acute fixation strength of mechanical tacking devices and fibrin sealant against polypropylene suture for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Methods: Three metallic mechanical tacking devices (ProTack, Salute, EndoANCHOR), 4 absorbable tacking devices (AbsorbaTack, PermaSorb, I-Clip, and SorbaFix), and 2 types of fibrin sealant (Tisseel, Artiss) were compared with 0-polypropylene suture. Three constructs from each device or an amount of sealant sufficient to cover a 3 × 3 cm2 area were used to affix a 4 × 3 cm piece of absorbable barrier-coated mesh (Proceed, Ethicon, Inc) to the peritoneal surface of porcine abdominal wall. Ten samples were completed for each fixation modality. Acute fixation strength was measured via a lap shear test on an Instron tensiometer. Results: Acute fixation strength was significantly greater for suture (59.7 7.2 N) compared with all laparoscopic tacking devices and to fibrin sealant (P < .001 for all compari...
Impacts of Liberalizing Trade in the World Rice Market

A multi-product quadratic programming model is used to investigate impacts of trade liberalization on the world rice market, recognizing product differentiation and allowing substitution among various rice types and qualities. Model simulations predict a large increase in both trade volumes and prices for all rice types and a significant welfare gain for most rice exporters and importers. Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, and Brazil would be the major importers. Trade liberalization would increase total U.S. export revenue by 109%. Movement to free trade by Japan has significant effects on world rice trade and on Japanese rice production.
Trends in Wildfire Severity: 1984 to 2010 in the Sierra Nevada, Modoc Plateau, and Southern Cascades, California, USA

Data from recent assessments indicate that the annual area of wildfires burning at high severity (where most trees are killed) has increased since 1984 across much of the southwestern United States. Increasing areas of high-severity fire can occur when greater area is burned at constant proportion of high-severity fire, or when the proportion of high-severity fire within fire perimeters increases, or some combination of both. For the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (SNFPA) area, which includes forestlands in eastern California and western Nevada, Miller et al. (2009a) concluded that the proportion of area burning at high severity in mixed-conifer forests had risen over the 1984 to 2004 period. However, no statistical assessment was made of the temporal trend in high-severity fire area because the analyzed dataset was incomplete in the early years of the study period. In this update, we use satellite-derived estimates of fire severity from the three most widely distributed SNFPA forest types to examine the trend in percent high severity and high-severity fire area for all wildfires ≥80 ha that occurred during the 1984 to 2010 period. Time-series regression modeling indicates that the percentage of total high severity per year for a combination of yellow pine (ponderosa pine [Pinus ponderosa Lawson & C. Lawson] or Jeffrey pine [P. jeffreyi Balf.]) and mixed-conifer forests increased significantly over the 27-year period. The annual area of high-severity fire also increased significantly in yellow pine-mixed-conifer forests. The percentage of high severity in fires ≥400 ha burning in yellow pine-mixed-conifer forests was significantly higher than in fires ≥400 ha. Additionally, the number of fires ≥400 ha significantly increased over the 1950 to 2010 period. There were no significant trends in red fir (Abies magnifica A. Murray bis) forests. These results confirm and expand our earlier published results for a shorter 21-year period.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Patients With Preeclampsia

PROBLEM : To determine the incidence of anticardiolipin and antiphosphatidylserine antibodies in women with preeclampsia. METHODS : Sera from 100 women with preeclampsia and 100 normotensive pregnant women in the third trimester were assayed for anticardiolipin and antiphosphatidylserine antibodies. RESULTS : Antiphosphatidylserine antibodies were positive for IgM in 1 patient (1%) and for IgG in 4 patients (4%). IgM antibodies to cardiolipin were positive in two patients (2%) while IgG antibodies to cardiolipin were positive in nine patients (9%). Only 3% of the control women were positive for antiphospholipid antibodies. None of the patients or controls had positive levels of IgA anticardiolipin or antiphosphatidylserine antibodies. CONCLUSIONS : Elevated levels of IgG or IgM antibodies to cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine were detected in 11/100 (11%) of women diagnosed with preeclampsia in the third trimester compared to only 3/100 (3%) positive in controls (P ≤ 0.05). These findings suggest that antiphospholipid antibodies may play a pathogenic role in some women with preeclampsia.
Self-optimizing control of air-source heat pump with multivariable extremum seeking

Abstract The air-source heat pump (ASHP) is widely adopted for cooling and heating of residential and commercial buildings. The performance of ASHP can be controlled by several operating variables, such as compressor capacity, condenser fan speed, evaporator fan speed and suction superheat. In practice, the system characteristics can be varied significantly by the variations in ambient condition, operation setpoint, internal thermal load and equipment degradation, which makes it difficult to obtain accurate plant models. As consequence, the model based control strategies for ASHP could limit the achievable energy efficiency. Model-free self-optimizing control strategies are thus more preferable. In this study, a multi-input extremum seeking control (ESC) scheme is proposed for both heating and cooling operation of ASHP. The zone temperature is assumed to be regulated by the compressor capacity, while the expansion valve opening is used to regulate the suction superheat at the given setpoint. The total power consumption of the compressor, the condenser fan and the evaporator fan is measured as input to the ESC, while the ESC controls the evaporator fan speed, the condenser fan speed and the suction superheat setpoint. The proposed scheme is evaluated with a Modelica based dynamic simulation model of ASHP under both cooling and heating modes of operation. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme to achieve the maximum achievable efficiency in a nearly model-free manner.
Olfactory transport: a direct route of delivery of inhaled manganese phosphate to the rat brain.

Experiments examining the dosimetry of inhaled manganese generally focus on pulmonary deposition and subsequent delivery of manganese in arterial blood to the brain. Growing evidence suggests that nasal deposition and transport along olfactory neurons represents another route by which inhaled manganese is delivered to certain regions of the rat brain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the olfactory uptake and direct brain delivery of inhaled manganese phosphate ((54)MnHPO(4)). Male, 8-wk-old, CD rats with either both nostrils patent or the right nostril occluded underwent a single, 90-min, nose-only exposure to a (54)MnHPO(4) aerosol (0.39 mg (54)Mn/m(3); MMAD 1.68 microm, sigma(g) 1.42). The left and right sides of the nose, olfactory pathway, striatum, cerebellum, and rest of the brain were evaluated immediately after the end of the (54)MnHPO(4) exposure and at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 21 d postexposure with gamma spectrometry and autoradiography. Rats with two patent nostrils had equivalent (54)Mn concentrations on both sides of the nose, olfactory bulb, and striatum, while asymmetrical (54)Mn delivery occurred in rats with one occluded nostril. High levels of (54)Mn activity were observed in the olfactory bulb and tubercle on the same side (i.e., ipsilateral) to the open nostril within 1-2 d following (54)MnHPO(4) exposure, while brain and nose samples on the side ipsilateral to the nostril occlusion had negligible levels of (54)Mn activity. Our results demonstrate that the olfactory route contributes to (54)Mn delivery to the rat olfactory bulb and tubercle. However, this pathway does not significantly contribute to striatal (54)Mn concentrations following a single, short-term inhalation exposure to (54)MnHPO(4).
Anticipatory anthropology and world peace: a view from 2050

Norman Geras has written a searing indictment of current first-world policies related to our roles in keeping the world peace and our abilities to respond to human rights violations. This paper is partly a response to Geras's book, The contract of mutual indifference: politics since the Holocaust. Thus, genocide is the peace issue I will discuss here. I will use Bosnia, because I have had two occasions to work there and have talked with Bosnians from all walks of life as well as the humanitarian agents there to help them. Second, the paper will define the character of a fully responsive anticipatory anthropology and I will sketch out the nature of some possible peace futures. A third main purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of the social science of peace.
Turbine-Electric Textile-Range Drives

A TEXTILE RANGE — the definition is offered for the benefit of those who may be unfamiliar with textile parlance — consists of a group of coordinated machines through which a continuous band of cloth is passed in rope or flat form (figure 1). Carrying on, in a group, the maximum number of operations of a textile finishing process which manufacturing conditions will permit lowers the cost of production by reducing the time and labor costs, and improved methods of driving such ranges may lead to still further increases in the production rate per unit of equipment, with attendant reduction in unit cost of production.
Flat-panel detector-based cone beam volume CT breast imaging: detector evaluation

Preliminary evaluation of large-area flat panel detectors (FPDs) indicates that FPDs have some potential advantages over film-screen and CCD-based imagers: compactness, high resolution, high frame rate, large dynamic range, small image lag (<1%), and excellent linearity (~1%). A real time large-area flat panel detector (FPD) Varian PaxScan 2520 was evaluated for cone-beam volume breast imaging (CBVCTBI) in terms of dynamic range, linearity, image lag, and spatial as well as low contrast resolution. In addition, specially made breast phantoms were imaged with our prototyped CBVCTBI system to provide real outcomes to evaluate the detector under full imaging system conditions including the x-ray source, gantry geometry, x-ray technique selection, data acquisition system and reconstruction algorithms. We have concentrated on the low kVp range (30 to 80 kVp) in the context of the breast-imaging task. For ~288 images/scan the exposure required was ~2.5mR/projection. This is equivalent to that of a conventional mammography screening exam. The results indicate that the FPD-based CBVCTBI system can achieve sufficient high- and low-contrast resolution for diagnostic CBVCT breast imaging with a clinically acceptable exposure level. The advantages of the new FPD make it a promising candidate for CBVCTBI.
Fault management and protection of FREEDM systems

FREEDM system is a computer-controlled distribution system with distributed generation, electronic loads and circuit breakers. The protection methods used in legacy distribution systems are too slow to protect the electronic loop. This paper determines the fault-produced short circuit current, which is a square shaped current wave with 2–3 times rated current amplitude. The fault will be identified by the detection of the change in the shape of the current waves. The fault location will be determined by a GPS-synchronized wireless digital pilot protection system. The major components of the protection system are identified, and system operation is verified by computer simulation.
O-17 NMR spectra of ring compounds. Correlation of 17O and 13C methyl substitution parameters

Abstract The 17 O NMR spectra of 22 1,3-dioxanes, four exanes, four 4-heterooxanes, four tetrahydrofurans and four 1,3-dioxolanes have been recorded and methyl substitution parameters determined for the 1,3-dioxanes. The parameters, including γ a , correlate linearly with corresponding 13 C parameters for methyloxanes.
A ‘Texas-sized’ molecular box that forms an anion-induced supramolecular necklace

Macrocyles capable of hosting other molecules inside their hollow interiors have been used extensively to make threaded complexes and interlocked molecules. Now, a relatively large and flexible tetracationic macrocycle has been shown to bind anionic guests to form pseudorotaxanes that form extended structures in solution and the solid state.
Prolonged postictal depression in amygdala-kindled rats by the adenosine analog, L-phenylisopropyladenosine.

Studies have shown that adenosine analogs may modulate kindled seizures. The present study demonstrated that systemic administration of the adenosine analog, L-phenylisopropyladenosine (L-PIA), substantially prolonged the postictal depression and decreased the frequency of spiking that follows amygdala-kindled seizures in rats. Fully kindled rats were administered L-PIA (0.1 to 2.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline 30 min before stimulation of the amygdala. Afterdischarge durations with L-PIA did not differ from those with saline, and behavioral seizures were only slightly decreased in severity with 2.0 mg/kg L-PIA. However, 0.5 to 2.0 mg/kg L-PIA increased the duration of the postictal depression by more than 20 min and, at 2.0 mg/kg, L-PIA decreased the frequency of postictal spiking. Postictal administration of caffeine (32 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed the prolongation of the postictal depression induced by 1.0 mg/kg L-PIA. These effects did not seem to be mediated by peripheral actions of L-PIA (i.e., lowered blood pressure) as hydralazine, which decreases blood pressure through peripheral mechanisms, did not affect ictal or postictal events. These results indicate that adenosine may modulate neuronal excitability that follows kindled seizures.
Epidemiological evidence for the impact of whole grains on health

Abstract Current dietary advice suggests consumers increase consumption of whole‐grain products because of their potential role in prevention of chronic disease. Whole grains are important sources of nutrients that are in short supply in our diet, including dietary fiber, resistant starch, trace minerals, certain vitamins, and other compounds of interest in disease prevention, including phytoestrogens and antioxidants. Despite dietary recommendations to increase intake of whole grains, little epidemiological evidence is available to support the physiological importance of whole‐grain intake. Most epidemiological studies focus on nutrients, rather than whole foods, so little attempt has been made to evaluate the contribution of whole grains in disease. Further, studies on vegetarians that show decreased risk of degenerative diseases are unable to separate the contribution of fruit and vegetable intake when compared with whole‐grain intake and protection from disease. The few epidemiological studies that ha...
Genetic reduction of lipoic acid synthase expression modestly increases atherosclerosis in male, but not in female, apolipoprotein E deficient mice

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effects of a genetic reduction of Lias gene expression on atherosclerosis development. Methods and results Heterozygous knockout mice for the lipoid acid synthase gene ( Lias +/− ) were crossed with apolipoprotein E-deficient ( ApoE −/− ) mice, and the plaque size in aortic sinuses of Lias +/− ApoE −/− mice was evaluated at 6 months of age. Lesions at the aortic sinus in Lias +/− ApoE −/− males were significantly larger (1.5×) than those in Lias +/+ ApoE −/− littermate males. The lesion size was inversely correlated with an increased erythrocyte reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSH) ratio, a systemic index of body redox balance. Lias +/− ApoE −/− males also had significantly increased plasma cholesterol and reduced pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activity in the liver. Significant reductions in the expression of genes for antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and SOD2, were observed in aortas of Lias +/− ApoE −/− males. Female Lias +/− ApoE −/− also exhibited changes in these parameters, parallel to those observed in males. However, the Lias gene effects for the majority of these factors, including atherosclerotic lesion size, were not significant in females. Conclusions Our data provide evidence that Lias deficiency enhances atherosclerosis in male mice, at least in part due to reduced antioxidant capacity. The notable absence of such effects in females leaves open the possibility of a gender-specific protection mechanism.
X-RAY DIFFRACTION STUDY OF SODA-BORIC OXIDE GLASS *

X-ray diffraction patterns have been made of three samples of soda-boric oxide glass of the following molal compositions: 0.114 Na2O, 0.225 Na2O, and 0.333 Na2O. The patterns were made in an evacuated camera, using MoK α radiation monochromatic by reflection from rock salt. Radial distribution curves for the three compositions were obtained by Fourier analysis. The first peak of the distribution curves is due to the boron-oxygen separation. The distances are 1.37, 1.42, and 1.48A. From the peak areas, the number of oxygens about a boron is found to be 3.2, 3.7, and 3.9. The continuous change, both in interatomic distance and number of surrounding oxygens, indicates that the borons are partly in triangular and partly in tetrahedral coordination, the fraction in the latter increasing with increase of soda. Six oxygens about each sodium at 2.4A and from five to six oxygens about each oxygen at 2.4A are consistent with the distribution curves. The results can be interpreted in terms of a random network picture of vitreous soda-boric oxide, in which the borons are bonded either to three or four oxygens and the sodium atoms are randomly distributed in holes in the boron-oxygen network. Maxima and minima in the physical properties of glasses containing boric oxide and soda are explained in terms of the ability of the boron atom to change to tetrahedral coordination when some oxide such as Na2O is present to supply the necessary extra oxygen.
A comparison of sensory and motor loss after a femoral nerve block conducted with ultrasound versus ultrasound and nerve stimulation.

Background: Controversy exists regarding the need for nerve stimulation when performing an ultrasound (US)-guided peripheral nerve block. We tested the hypothesis that the quality of a femoral nerve block (FNB) performed with US is equivalent to an FNB performed with US and nerve stimulation. Methods: One hundred seven patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomized to receive either a US-guided FNB (group US) or a US-guided FNB with nerve stimulation (group USNS). Thirty milliliters of bupivacaine 0.5% was injected in both groups. At 10, 20, 30, and 40 mins after block placement, blinded motor and sensory examinations were conducted. Secondary outcomes included time to perform the block, the number of needle redirections, and 24-hrs intravenously administered morphine equivalent consumption. Results: There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients with either a partial or complete block. At 40 mins, 95.7% of the USNS subjects had a partial or complete sensory block of the femoral nerve (complete in 71.7% and partial in 24%) compared with 88.1% of US subjects (complete in 69% and partial in 19.1%; odds ratio, 2.97; P = 0.19). There were more needle redirections in group USNS (4.1 vs 1.1, P Conclusion: The addition of nerve stimulation to a US-guided FNB did not change preoperative block efficacy.
Implementing evidence-based practice: effectiveness of a structured multifaceted mentorship programme

Aim. This paper is a report of the effectiveness of a structured multifaceted mentorship programme designed to implement evidence-based practice in a clinical research intensive environment. Background. Barriers to implementing evidence-based practice are welldocumented in the literature. Evidence-based practice is associated with higher quality care and better patient outcomes than care that is steeped in tradition. However, the integration of evidence-based practice implementation into daily clinical practice remains inconsistent, and the chasm between research and bedside practice remains substantial. Methods. This quasi-experimental mixed methods study included three focused discussions with nursing leadership and shared governance staff as well as pre(N = 159) and post-intervention (N = 99) questionnaires administered between June 2006 and February 2007. Online questionnaires included measures of organizational readiness, evidence-based practice beliefs, evidence-based practice implementation, job satisfaction, group cohesion and intent to leave nursing and the current job. Results. Participants in the evidence-based practice mentorship programme had a larger increase in perceived organizational culture and readiness for evidence-based practice and in evidence-based practice belief scores than those who did not participate. Qualitative findings suggested that leadership support of a culture for evidence-based practice and the dedication of resources for sustainability of the initiative needed to be a priority for engaging staff at all levels. Conclusion. These findings corroborate other studies showing that nurses’ beliefs about evidence-based practice are significantly correlated with evidence-based practice implementation and that having a mentor leads to stronger beliefs and greater implementation by nurses as well as greater group cohesion, which is a potent predictor of nursing turnover rates.
Attacks on Sensing in Hostile Wireless Sensor-Actuator Environments

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) deployed in hostile environments are susceptible to various attacks directed at their data. In this work we focus on an emerging and largely unexplored issue arising from the presence of actuator (or actor) nodes in the form of Wireless Sensor Actuator Networks (WSANs). Specifically, we consider the case where hostile WSAN nodes belonging to a foreign network directly perturb the readings of WSN nodes during sensing. The attack is modeled as affecting the decision that a WSN node reports about the presence or absence of a phenomenon to its cluster head. To assess the potential loss of sensing fidelity due to the opposing network, we employ a game theoretic analysis. We focus on determining the probability that the WSN cluster head becomes alerted to such an attack given some statistical information about the phenomenon. Our results show that an actuation attack may go unnoticed even if such an attack is not coordinated among the hostile WSAN nodes. Importantly, the number of WSN nodes in a cluster affects the probability of WSAN attack success. For clusters consisting of only a few nodes, the hostile WSAN may achieve a stealthy attack with a wider range of attack parameters. We also determine that natural phenomena with certain characteristics are more susceptible to the attack and require further sensing-verification mechanisms.
Simple score to identify colectomy risk in ulcerative colitis hospitalizations.

Background: Patients hospitalized for ulcerative colitis (UC) are at high risk for colectomy. Despite growing interest in research using administrative data in inflammatory bowel disease, there is no available tool in such research to stratify disease severity or identify patients at high risk for colectomy. Methods: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2004, we identified patients hospitalized for UC flare through appropriate ICD-9-CM discharge diagnosis codes (556.x). Our primary outcome of interest was undergoing total colectomy (45.8). Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to identify independent predictors of colectomy. From this, a cumulative risk score was developed. Hospitalizations were divided into 3 strata (low, intermediate, high) based on the odds of colectomy. Results: There were a total of 15,142 hospitalizations with a discharge diagnosis of UC included in our study among whom 366 patients underwent total colectomy (2.4%). Anemia (odds ratio [OR] 2.13), requirement for blood transfusion (OR 2.22), malnutrition (OR 4.53), and total parenteral nutrition (OR 4.30) were independent predictors of colectomy as were transfer in from another hospital (OR 2.06) and admission to a teaching hospital (OR 1.73). The cumulative colectomy risk score ranged from 0–8, with significantly higher risk of colectomy in the high-risk stratum (13.7%) compared to the intermediate-risk (4.2%, P < 0.001) and low-risk (1.3%, P < 0.001) strata. The risk score performed well in its discriminative ability with an area under the curve of 0.70. Conclusions: We propose a simple and novel risk score to stratify the severity of UC hospitalizations and predict colectomy in this population. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2010
Apolipoprotein A-I at the Interface of Vascular Inflammation and Arthritis

Decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and its atherothrombotic complications. This has spawned numerous randomized human atherosclerosis trials of measures to indirectly or directly elevate HDL to directly test the HDL hypothesis.1,2 HDL functions, beyond reverse cholesterol transport, include antithrombotic effects, stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide release, and shuttling of microRNAs. Moreover, HDL and its principal apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) suppress vascular inflammatory responses in experimental atherogenesis and arterial injury,3,4 though such effects seem modulated by genetic background.5 Significantly, primary extravascular inflammatory processes promote quantitative and qualitative modulation of HDL and apoA-I. This is exemplified by 3 conditions (rheumatoid arthritis [RA], systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], and gout) in which there is coexisting inflammatory arthritis and increased susceptibility to atherosclerosis, but with differences in mechanisms affecting HDL levels and properties of plasma HDL (see Figure). Figure. Schematic model of putative interfaces of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) with 3 specific human arthritic diseases. The model summarizes past literature and incorporates new findings from Wu et al,16 in which HDL and apoA-I limit the models of chronic inflammatory arthritis stimulated by anticollagen antibodies or by exogenous toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 ligand signaling. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and gout are prominent among additional interfaces between altered HDL and apoA-I with arthritic diseases, as discussed in the text. ABCA1 indicates ATP-binding cassette transporter A1; NFκB, nuclear factor-κB; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; and TNF-α, tumor necrosis facor-α. …
Can two planar sources with the same sets of Stokes parameters generate beams with different degrees of polarization

It is shown that two stochastic electromagnetic beams that propagate from the source plane z=0 into the half-space z>0 may have different degrees of polarization throughout the half-space, even though they have the same sets of Stokes parameters in the source plane. This fact is due to a possible difference in the coherence properties of the field in that plane, but other reasons are also possible. The result is illustrated by an example.
An evolutionary approach to search for NCR-boards

An NCR (non-chromatic rectangle) board is a chessboard in which the squares can be colored in such a way that no rectangle has four corners that are of the same color. The search space for finding a 10/spl times/10 NCR-board with three colors, is so large, 3/sup 100/, that traditional search techniques may be inefficient or even impractical. While genetic algorithms (GAs) usually have problems zeroing in on the global optimal solution, the NCR-board problem demands a perfect solution; a near-optimal solution is simply not good enough. A wrong-step in this case is frequently a big one. In addition, local hill-climbing, which usually helps a GA to reach the absolute global optimum, has been shown to be ineffective in the experiments. This paper investigates the application of GA techniques to search for a three-colored 10/spl times/10 NCR-board. Special strategies to avoid premature convergence to near-optimal solutions are analyzed and discussed.
Interactive Effects of Physical Disability Severity and Age of Disability Onset on RIASEC Self-Efficacies:

In this study, the authors focused on the context of physical disabilities (i.e., one’s age when a disability manifests and the severity with which it impacts major life activities) to better under...
EXPERIMENTAL PLASMACYTOMAGENESIS IN MICE

As a basis for understanding the complex problems of neoplastic development in plasma cells, several concepts emerging from the study of plasma cell tumor development in mice are presented. In the mouse there are five basic models of plasmacytomagenesis (Table 1), designated "spontaneous," "peritoneal," "accelerated," "transgenic," and "viral." These systems are used throughout the discussion. After a brief summary, several questions pertaining to the process of plasmacytomagenesis will be discussed.
A CMOS Temperature Sensor with -0.34°C to 0.27°C Inaccuracy from -30°C to 80°C

With growing applications and increased integration of functionalities on multi-electrode biosensors, more attentions are paid to the need to include on-chip temperature measurement for providing ambient temperature monitoring of bio-samples and for recording heat generated by biosensor chips and their potential damage to bio-samples. This paper presents an integrated temperature sensor design which is intended to provide ambient temperature monitoring in a highly integrated biosensor system. Special attentions were paid to improve power supply rejection (PSR) performance at the clock frequency of 1MHz in the integrated biosensor system using PSR enhanced OTAs. The temperature sensor design was implemented using a commercial 0.18μm CMOS process. The temperature sensor achieves an inaccuracy of -0.34°C to 0.27°C from -30°C to 80°C. At 36°C, the PSR is around -50dB at 1MHz and -89.5dB at DC.
Aurora Kinase Inhibitor ZM447439 Blocks Chromosome-induced Spindle Assembly, the Completion of Chromosome Condensation, and the Establishment of the Spindle Integrity Checkpoint in Xenopus Egg Extracts

The Aurora family kinases contribute to accurate progression through several mitotic events. ZM447439 ("ZM"), the first Aurora family kinase inhibitor to be developed and characterized, was previously found to interfere with the mitotic spindle integrity checkpoint and chromosome segregation. Here, we have used extracts of Xenopus eggs, which normally proceed through the early embryonic cell cycles in the absence of functional checkpoints, to distinguish between ZM's effects on the basic cell cycle machinery and its effects on checkpoints. ZM clearly had no effect on either the kinetics or amplitude in the oscillations of activity of several key cell cycle regulators. It did, however, have striking effects on chromosome morphology. In the presence of ZM, chromosome condensation began on schedule but then failed to progress properly; instead, the chromosomes underwent premature decondensation during mid-mitosis. ZM strongly interfered with mitotic spindle assembly by inhibiting the formation of microtubules that are nucleated/stabilized by chromatin. By contrast, ZM had little effect on the assembly of microtubules by centrosomes at the spindle poles. Finally, under conditions where the spindle integrity checkpoint was experimentally induced, ZM blocked the establishment, but not the maintenance, of the checkpoint, at a point upstream of the checkpoint protein Mad2. These results show that Aurora kinase activity is required to ensure the maintenance of condensed chromosomes, the generation of chromosome-induced spindle microtubules, and activation of the spindle integrity checkpoint.
Creating Socially Fit Heroes and Reducing the Incidence of Bullying in Elementary Physical Education

Physical educators are not immune to incidents of bullying since confrontations are likely to occur in the settings in which they teach. Children do not recognize themselves as bullies because they often benefit from mistreating others, they don't suffer serious consequences along the way, and their victims don't know how to respond to their aggression. Bullied children may require assistance to see that they are capable of growth to get beyond a victim mentality. Long-term bullies continue to mark passive individuals for abuse, signaling the urgency in developing social skills at an earlier age. Fostering heroism includes three steps: (1) to encourage awareness; (2) to recognize that students have the power to resolve issues; and (3) to foster action in place of passivity. Physical educators can take the lead to initiate school-wide reform by teaching, encouraging and giving children opportunities to practice prosocial behaviors such as being friendlier, more aware of others, and better able to recognize...
Stress—Coping Model of Adolescent Substance Use

The goal of this chapter is to discuss research on adolescent substance use from the perspective of a stress-coping model. In addition to the long-term health implications of cigarette smoking and alcohol use (e.g., Helzer, 1987; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1988), adolescent substance use is of concern to clinical psychology both because early onset of substance use has prognostic significance for later substance abuse problems (Robins & Przybeck, 1985) and because substance use tends to be correlated with other problem behaviors, including aggressive and depressive symptomatology (e.g., see Cole & Carpentieri, 1990; Loeber, 1988). Thus, research aimed at a better understanding of adolescent substance use has relevance for informing research on other types of child behavior problems.
Computation on Wake/Stator Interaction in a 2D Cascade

Numerical simulations of rotor-stator interaction using the space-time conservation element and solution element (CE/SE) method are presented. The wake generated by the rotor is specified through the unsteady inlet boundary condition of the stator, over which the time-marching is performed. The Giles approach is incorporated with the CE/SE method such that numerical simulations involving rotor and stator rows with unequal blade counts can be carried out using a single or a few flow passages instead of using the full set of passages. The benchmark problems 3.2 of the 2nd and 4th CAA Workshops are used to validate the Giles approach with the CE/SE method. For Prob. 3.2 of the 2nd CAA Workshop, both numerical results obtained by using a single passage and the full set of passages are presented and compared with the analytical solution, while for the problem of the 4th CAA Workshop, the numerical solution obtained by using two passages is presented.
From utopia to apocalypse: science fiction and the politics of catastrophe, by Peter Y. Palk

According to Peter Y. Paik, the ‘underlying contention’ of Utopia to Apocalypse is the notion that ‘media often dismissed as unserious and trivial, such as comic books and science fiction film, are...
Large Enhancement in the Heterogeneous Oxidation Rate of Organic Aerosols by Hydroxyl Radicals in the Presence of Nitric Oxide

In the troposphere, the heterogeneous lifetime of an organic molecule in an aerosol exposed to hydroxyl radicals (OH) is thought to be weeks, which is orders of magnitude slower than the analogous gas phase reactions (hours). Here, we report an unexpectedly large acceleration in the effective heterogeneous OH reaction rate in the presence of NO. This 10-50 fold acceleration originates from free radical chain reactions, propagated by alkoxy radicals that form inside the aerosol by the reaction of NO with peroxy radicals, which do not appear to produce chain terminating products (e.g., alkyl nitrates), unlike gas phase mechanisms. A kinetic model, constrained by experiments, suggests that in polluted regions heterogeneous oxidation plays a much more prominent role in the daily chemical evolution of organic aerosol than previously believed.
Learning to Learn Revisited: Computers and the Development of Self-Directed Learning Skills

AbstractResearch on computers and learning suggests several ways computers can be used to encourage students to be self-directed, autonomous learners. This review considers three main components of self-directed learning:topic knowledge, procedural skills, and self-monitoring. It presents research evidence indicating that computer assisted instruction and computer based information management tools, if used in a properly designed curriculum, can help (a) teach the three components explicitly, (b) provide coaching and other forms of scaffolding as learners begin to apply new skills, and (c) increase motivation to learn autonomously. The review then evaluates several educational software programs designed to foster independent problem solving, and presents ten recommendations for educators who plan to incorporate computers into instruction emphasizing self-directed learning skills.
Litigation and Settlement of Civil Disputes During Economic Development

I use district court records in the colony of New South Wales, 1860 to 1900, to assess the role of conflict and cooperation in legal institutions during market expansion. Aggregate per capita disputes fell over the period but varied in terms of regional development. The ratio of settled cases increased over time, but economically motivated causes were more likely to be settled than subjective disputes such as personal injury and libel. The fraction of settled cases was significantly lower in frontier areas and in areas without access to transportation. The results of multivariate analysis of this unique panel data set are consistent with the view that increased market exchange encourages transactors to find cooperative solutions through private bargaining.
Findings from a study of tactical symbology for fighter aircraft displays

Pilot flight performance and symbol recognition performance using a proposed symbology set for a fighter aircraft real-time combat situation display were measured. Significant performance differences attributed to the individual symbol types (aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, and anti-aircraft artillery) and symbol states (hostile, unknown, and friendly) are discussed. Language: en
The ethical challenges of global business-to-business negotiations: An empirical investigation of developing countries' marketing managers

The present study examines the impact of idealism, relativism and Machiavellianism on the perceived appropriateness of five opportunistic negotiation tactics (Le., traditional competitive bargaining, attacking opponent’s network, making false promises, misrepresentation of information, and inappropriate information gathering) using a sample from the United Arab Emirates (DAB). Results indicate that idealism and Machiavellianism are strong predictors of managers’ perceptions of the ethical appropriateness of negotiating tactics. Implications of these results for global firms and marketing executives are discussed and directions for future research are provided.
A Classroom Experience That Builds the Top Skills Employers Want

National surveys routinely list the skills employers look for in new college graduates. This article describes a classroom activity that helps build those skills in your students but does not requi...
Interactive Graphical Analysis of Regional Dialects

One aim of linguistics is to classify different locations into dialectical regions according to the terminology used. Since language data are usually nominal, common classification procedures can not be applied directly. Instead of transforming the data into a numerical form to make them tractable for common classification procedures we apply interactive graphical methods to the original raw data. Using data from the Bavarian-Swabian language atlas we show the usefulness of interactive graphical methods as they are provided in the software packages REGARD and MANET.
Surveillance of births conceived with various infertility therapies in Massachusetts, January-March 2005.

Objective. Nationally, infertility therapies (IFTs) are increasingly used to overcome fecundity issues. However, it is unclear to what extent noninvasive IFTs are used compared with assisted reproductive technology. To better understand outcomes related to the increasing use of all types of IFTs, we compared self-reported IFT use from a Massachusetts pilot Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (MA-PRAMS) to IFT use recorded on birth certificates (BCs). Methods. In 2005, Massachusetts conducted a three-month pilot study modeled after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's PRAMS, a population-based surveillance system that monitors pregnancy experiences. Descriptive and bivariate analyses compared responses to MA-PRAMS survey questions regarding IFT use with data collected on BCs from the same women sampled. Results. According to MA-PRAMS, 6.1% of live births were conceived using IFTs compared with 3.1% reported on BCs. Reported IFT use varied by maternal age and plurality. For women aged 18-34 years, IFT use reported on MA-PRAMS (5.0%) was 2.5 times higher than that reported on BCs (2.0%). For women aged 35 years or older, reported IFT use was comparable in both systems. For women giving birth to singletons, IFT use reported on MA-PRAMS (5.5%) was three times higher than that reported on BCs (1.8%). Conclusions. Higher use of IFTs was reported by MA-PRAMS than on BCs, particularly among younger women and those having singleton births. These findings suggest that self-reported IFT use might be a more sensitive method for states to use in assessing population-based IFT usage among women and monitoring trends in adverse birth outcomes.
Tulobuterol Patch for Infantile Asthma:An Analysis of 30 Cases

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of tulobuterol patch in the treatment of infantile asthma.Methods Sixty infants and young children hospitalized for asthma in the department of respiratory diseases of Jiangxi children's hospital were randomly divided into two groups,with 30 patients in each group.All patients were given conventional treatment.In addition,tulobuterol patch(0.5 mg)was attached to the skin of the chest or back(20:00-21:00)at different sites daily in observation group,and atomization inhalation of 2 mL normal saline containing 2.5 mg terbutaline sulfate(6 L·min-1)was given to control group twice daily.All patients received a 5-day course of treatment.The disappearing time of symptoms(coughing and wheezing),length of hospital stay,change in airway resistance,and adverse drug reactions were observed in both group.Results Airway resistance obviously decreased in both groups after treatment(P0.05),but no significant difference in the change in airway resistance before and after treatment between the two groups(P0.05).Moreover,there were no significant differences in the disappearing time of symptoms and length of hospital stay between the two groups after treatment for 5 days(P0.05).In observation group,local skin itching occurred in 1 patient who completed the treatment by changing patch sites and had no systemic adverse reactions.Conclusion Tulobuterol patch is safe and effective for infantile asthma without adverse drug reactions,and had the same clinical efficacy as terbutaline inhalation.
Study on Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections among the New Type Narcotics Users in a Region of Yunnan Province

Objective To understand the prevalence and influencing factors of HIV-1 infections among the new type narcotics users in a region of Yunnan Province,and to provide some scientific reference for exploring the effective prevention and treatment measures against AIDS of those new type narcotics users. Methods Snowball sampling,cluster sampling and accidental sampling were adopted to survey the new type narcotics users in the community,detention center,and inquirers seeking consultation at the voluntary counseling and testing( VCT) Clinic. All volunteers were tested for HIV infection. Logistics regression analysis was conducted to elucidate risk factors of HIV infections. Results Among 454 new type narcotics users,the HIV-1 infection rate was 6. 17%( 95% CI: 3. 95 ~ 8. 38). The HIV-1 infection rates were of statistical significance by comparing different variables in"age","using drug once under normal circumstances","most recent sexual act after having had used new type of narcotics","had sexual act in the past three months after having had used new type of narcotics". All P 0. 05. The results of Logistics regression analysis: age and education level were associated with HIV infection rate was negatively correlated. The OR were 0. 016 and 0. 033 respectively. The length of time using the new type narcotics was positively correlated with infection,OR was 6. 807.Often using new type drugs at home,at a friend's house or a small inn,or"had sexual act with multiple people after having used drugs in the past three months"were the risk factors for HIV infection,The OR were27. 058,9. 689,89. 747 and 68. 993 respectively; "Used drug in a small hotel in the past six months"and"had sexual act with multiple people after having used drug in the past three months"were the main factors in the HIV infection,and the standardized partial regression coefficients were 1. 567 and 1. 013 respectively.Conclusion The HIV-1 infection rate was affected by many risk factors and the HIV-1 infection in the population of new drug use can not be ignored.
Prevalence of poor eyesight among primary and secondary school students in Qingdao City

Objective To analyze the prevalence of poor eyesight among primary and secondary school students between the years 1995 and 2010 in Qingdao City. Methods The data of poor eyesight were obtained from the Survey of Qingdao Students' Constitution and Health in 1995,2000 and 2010. Results The prevalence rate of poor eyesight among primary and secondary school students increased in Qingdao between the years 1990 and 2010( all P 0. 05); The prevalence rate of students' poor eyesight increased with age in the same year( all P 0. 05). Simultaneously,the prevalence of poor eyesight was higher in girls than in boys( all P 0. 05). The ratios of moderate and serious poor-eyesight gradually increased with age. The prevalence rate of poor eyesight among primary and secondary school students was higher in Qingdao than in Shandong Province or the national level( all P 0. 05). Conclusions The prevalence rate of poor eyesight of students increase with time. It is necessary to strengthen the eye health education among students.