cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strontium isotopic geochemistry of Pan-African/Brasiliano rocks, Chapada copper deposit, Goiás, Brazil

Whole rock and mineral Rb-Sr isochrons from the upper amphibolite grade metamorphic host rocks of the Chapada copper deposit in Goias, Brazil, yield an age of 561±9 Ma, with a87Sr/86Sr initial (I) of 0.70414±0.00005, for the crystallization of pre-metamorphic volcanic and igneous rocks and 532 ±1 Ma for their metamorphism during the Pan-African/Brasiliano orogeny (700-450 Ma). A porphyritic diorite stock which intruded the host schists yields a mineral isochron age of 534±16 Ma (I=0.70415±0.00004). The low I values determined from these isochrons suggest that the host schists at Chapada were derived from upper mantle or lower crust material and are characteristic of magmatic products associated with island arcs. The Early Cambrian age of the host rocks at Chapada contradicts the previously assigned mid-Proterozoic age and suggests that Pan-African/Brasiliano magmatic activity may have been more extensive in central Brazil than previously thought.
Hybrid simulation of whistler excitation by electron beams in two-dimensional non-periodic domains

Abstract We present a two-dimensional hybrid fluid-PIC scheme for the simulation of whistler wave excitation by relativistic electron beams. This scheme includes a number of features which are novel to simulations of this type, including non-periodic boundary conditions and fresh particle injection. Results from our model suggest that non-periodicity of the simulation domain results in the development of fundamentally different wave characteristics than are observed in periodic domains.
The Role of the Administrator in Implementing Policies

(1959). The Role of the Administrator in Implementing Policies. Religious Education: Vol. 54, No. 2, pp. 130-132.
Conduction mechanism of TiN/HfOx/Pt resistive switching memory: A trap-assisted-tunneling model

The conduction mechanism of metal oxide resistive switching memory is debated in the literature. We measured the I-V characteristics below the switching voltages through TiN/HfOx/Pt memory stack and found the conduction cannot be described by the commonly used Poole-Frenkel model, because the fitted dielectric constant and the trap energy are unreasonable as compared to their known values. Therefore, we provide an alternate viewpoint based on a trap-assisted-tunneling model. Agreement of the bias polarity/temperature/resistance state-dependent conduction behavior was achieved between this model and experimental data. And insights for the multilevel capability due to the control of tunneling distance were obtained.
A stain for iron-containing proteins sensitive to nanogram levels of iron

A method for staining iron proteins on polyacrylamide gel electropherograms is described. It is based upon catalysis, by iron, of the oxidation of diaminobenzoic acid by hydrogen peroxide. Bands containing as little as 5 ng of protein-bound iron can be visualized by this method.
STRUCTURE OF THE HUMAN ZAP-70 PROTEIN TYROSINE KINASE GENE. • 45

Mutations in the kinase domain of the T-cell receptor-associated protein tyrosine kinase ZAP-70 have been shown to result in a novel form of severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCID) in humans in which peripheral CD8* T cells are absent (Science 264:1596-1599). Those results demonstrated that ZAP-70 is required for normal T-cell signaling and function. Furthermore, ZAP-70 is critical to normal T-cell development and intrathymic selection of a major subset of peripheral T cells in humans. In order to study the role of ZAP-70 expression in T-cell ontogeny as well as to identify ZAP-70 mutations in patients with SCID who lack ZAP-70 mRNA, we cloned and sequenced the human ZAP-70 gene. A human placental cosmid library was screened with a 2.2-kb human ZAP-70 cDNA. Five positive clones were identified and subcloned into plasmids for fine mapping and sequence analysis. One clone contained most of the 3′ portion of the gene, but none of the clones contained the ZAP-70 promoter or proximal 5′ gene sequences. In order to obtain the missing part of the gene, the library was rescreened using a unique 300-bp 5′ cDNA PCR fragment as a probe. Seven additional clones were identified and subcloned. Detailed mapping analysis revealed that the human ZAP-70 gene spans at least 40-kb and consists of more than eight exons. Most of the exons are located in the 5′ portion of the gene and correspond to the known protein structure, which includes two src-homology (SH)2 domains. The kinase domain of the ZAP-70 protein is encoded by DNA sequences within the 3′ region of the gene, which is separated from 5′ DNA sequences encoding the two SH2 domains by large introns. Characterization of the human ZAP-70 gene should be useful to the understanding of ZAP-70 regulation in developing T cells as well as in the identification of mutations in some patients with ZAP-70 deficiency.
Overload is overloaded: email in the age of Gmail

The term email overload has two definitions: receiving a large volume of incoming email, and having emails of different status types (to do, to read, etc). Whittaker and Sidner proposed the latter definition in 1996, noticing that email inboxes were far more complex than simply containing incoming messages. Sixteen years after Whittaker and Sidner, we replicate and extend their work with a qualitative analysis of Google's Gmail. We find that email overload, both in terms of volume and of status, is still a problem today. Our contributions are 1) updating the state of email overload, 2) extending our understanding of overload in the context of Gmail and 3) comparing personal with work email accounts: while work email tends to be status overloaded, personal email is also type overloaded. These comparisons between work and personal email suggest new avenues for email research.
Chinch bug resistance in pearl millet

Field and greenhouse studies were carried out in Oklahoma in 1978-80 to examine the mechanism and inheritance of resistance in entries of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum) to Blissus leucopterus leucopterus (Say), a serious pest of grain crops in eastern parts of the Great Plains. Damage ratings showed that 38 of 200 entries from the experimental population MXPI(S)C2 had relatively high levels of resistance. The mechanism was probably tolerance, since lygaeid numbers on entries did not differ significantly. Small F2 populations segregated for a single dominant gene. The same gene for resistance was probably present in the resistant lines, but the origins of the source was unknown since the original stock that was used to develop the population was not tested
Contributions of HEBBLE to understanding marine sedimentation

Abstract The papers in this special volume represent a small segment of the published work undertaken at the HEBBLE site. Because the program is interdisciplinary in nature, specialized results of import in biology and physical oceanography for example have been published elsewhere. This volume represents the early, site-descriptive results from the program. While many of the results are descriptive, considerable effort has been made by the authors to show the implications for understanding of marine sedimentological processes. The objective of this final paper is to summarize these results and implications and on occasion add our own personal interpretation in an attempt to obtain for the reader a greater synthesis of the project. The organization of the HEBBLE project is largely reflected in the resultant organization of the major sections in this volume. Most of the results here focus on the sedimentology and stratigraphy of the HEBBLE site, with some attention being paid to the characteristics of the biological community at the site as needed to refine a truly marine sediment transport model. The success of estimating the deposition rate and of relating the bed modification and deposition dynamics to fluid forcing by the boundary layer are the key goals for the next two years. The results on the characteristics of the suspended sediment show that much information can be obtained by careful and repeated sampling of material, if the results are placed in their appropriate fluid mechanical setting (see McCave, this volume). The key implication of the field observations and laboratory and theoretical studies relates to the generation of longitudinal ripples. Of greatest import is the conclusion that such features are depositional; thus we are looking at bedforms that may well be preserved into the stratigraphic record. But if longitudinal ripples are depositional, then one of the cornerstones in discriminating between turbidites and contourites is now removed. Turbidites are preserved because of the rapid and high rate of local downslope deposition. Longitudinal ripples may likely be produced from the waning period of a storm when extreme rates of deposition occur; without knowing the local slope it may well be impossible to discriminate between turbidite and contourite deposits.
Mechanical properties of Hi-Nicalon fiber-reinforced celsian composites after high-temperature exposures in air

Abstract BN/SiC-coated Hi-Nicalon fiber-reinforced celsian matrix composites (CMCs) were annealed for 100 h in air at various temperatures to 1200 °C, followed by flexural strength measurements at room temperature. Values of yield stress and strain, ultimate strength, and composite modulus remain almost unchanged for samples annealed up to 1100 °C. A thin porous layer formed on the surface of the 1100 °C annealed sample and its density decreased from 3.09 to 2.90 g/cm3. The specimen annealed at 1200 °C gained 0.43% weight, was severely deformed, and was covered with a porous layer of thick shiny glaze which could be easily peeled off. Some gas bubbles were also present on the surface. This surface layer consisted of elongated crystals of monoclinic celsian and some amorphous phase(s). The fibers in this surface ply of the CMC had broken into small pieces. The fiber–matrix interface strength was characterized through fiber push-in technique. Values of debond stress, σd, and frictional sliding stress, τf, for the as-fabricated CMC were 0.31 ± 0.14 GPa and 10.4 ± 3.1 MPa, respectively. These values compared with 0.53 ± 0.47 GPa and 8.33 ± 1.72 MPa for the fibers in the interior of the 1200 °C annealed sample, indicating hardly any change in fiber–matrix interface strength. The effects of thermal aging on microstructure were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Only the surface ply of the 1200 °C annealed specimens had degraded from oxidation whereas the bulk interior part of the CMC was unaffected. A mechanism is proposed explaining the various steps involved during the degradation of the CMC on annealing in air at 1200 °C.
Corrosion Properties of Cast Iron Ball Materials in Wet Grinding

Abstract The influence of chromium addition to grinding media on corrosion rates of various chromium containing cast iron ball materials was investigated using Tafel plot DC polarization resistance measurements under abrasion in a quartzite slurry. The high chromium cast iron ball materials exhibited low corrosion rates at low and non-abrasive conditions, and the corrosion rates were increased markedly with rotation speed. Whereas corrosion rates of low chromium cast iron ball materials were high, indicating little dependence on rotation speeds. To understand the properties of surface films of ball materials as a function of chromium content, AC impedance measurements were made at various cathodic and anodic potentials. The high chromium cast iron ball materials exhibited high polarization resistance values at an applied potential of −0.05 V (vs SCE). The polarization resistance values obtained by DC polarization resistance and AC impedance methods were correlated.
“They Might Think I Was Crazy”: Young American Indians’ Reasons for Not Seeking Help When Suicidal:

It is well known that many suicidal young people avoid asking for help; however, the reasons why are less understood. A sample of 101 American Indians (age 15-21 years) who had thought about or attempted suicide was asked open-ended questions about barriers to seeking formal and informal help while suicidal. The 74 participants who avoided at least one type of help most commonly reported internal factors, such as embarrassment, lack of problem recognition, a belief that nobody could help, and self-reliance. Structural barriers, such as lack of money or service availability, were only rarely cited. Findings indicate that efforts to increase help seeking among young, suicidal American Indians should target beliefs about emotional problems and help seeking.
Personality Change Influences Mortality in Older Men

Previous studies have indicated that high neuroticism is associated with early mortality. However, recent work suggests that people's level of neuroticism changes over long periods of time. We hypothesized that such changes in trait neuroticism affect mortality risk. Growth-curve parameters (levels and slopes) that quantified the trajectories of neuroticism change over 12 years were used to predict 18-year risk of mortality among 1,663 aging men. Proportional hazards models were used to estimate mortality risk from level and slope parameters, controlling for objective and subjective health, depression, and age. Although a parallel analysis of extraversion showed no significant effects, level and slope of neuroticism interacted in their effect on mortality. Men who had both a high average level of neuroticism and an increasing level of neuroticism over time had much lower survival than men without that combination. These findings suggest that it is not just the level of personality traits, but their direct...
Characterization of bioactive glass-reinforced HAP-polymer composites.

The effect of bioactive glass on the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite–Ca polyacrylate composites was studied. Powder mixtures of tetracalcium phosphate (TetCP), poly(acrylic-co-itaconic) and bioactive glass (up to 50% by weight) were hot pressed for 30 min at 300 °C and 40 kpsi. Tensile strengths, elastic moduli, and microstructures of the composites produced were investigated. Results showed the mechanical properties of these composites were enhanced by the addition of bioactive glass. The highest values of tensile strength and elastic modulus were achieved with the addition of 10% bioactive glass. Composites were immersed in SBF for up to 10 days, then in 1.5 simulated body fluid (SBF) for a week. The changes in the concentrations of Ca, P, and Si ions of these solutions were measured. The microstructures of these composites after SBF immersion were also evaluated. Concentrations of Ca, P, and Si increased with the time of immersion in SBF owing to the formation of an apatite layer on their surfaces as found by SEM with energy-dispersive spectroscopy attachment. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 52, 687–694, 2000.
Comparisons of image quality factors for phase aberration correction with diffuse and point targets: theory and experiments

The use of several alternative image-brightness-based quality factors for phase aberration correction with diffuse and point targets in coherent ultrasonic imaging systems is explored. The factors are similar to the sharpness functions proposed by R.A. Muller et al. (1974) for incoherent imaging systems. Different region of interest (ROI) sizes are used to compare the quality factors. Good agreement is found between theoretical analysis, computer simulations, and phantom experiments. For a point target, the mean of the magnitude of echo signals is inferior to the other studied quality factors in correcting phase aberration. All of the quality factors studied are similar in their ability to correct phase errors for diffuse target images. >
Selective inhibition of human brain tumor cells through multifunctional quantum-dot-based siRNA delivery.

One of the most promising new chemotherapeutic strategies is the RNA interference (RNAi)-based approach, wherein small double-stranded RNA molecules can sequence-specifically inhibit the expression of targeted oncogenes.[1] In principle, this method has high specificity and broad applicability for chemotherapy. For example, the small interfering RNA (siRNA) strategy enables manipulation of key oncogenes that modulate signaling pathways and thereby regulate the behavior of malignant tumor cells. To harness the full potential of this approach, the prime requirements are to deliver the siRNA molecules with high selectivity and efficiency into tumor cells and to monitor both siRNA delivery and the resulting knock-down effects at the single cell level. Although several approaches such as polymer- and nanomaterial-based methods[2] have been attempted, limited success has been achieved for delivering siRNA into the target tumor cells. Moreover, these types of approaches mainly focus on the enhancement of transfection efficiency, knock-down of non-oncogenes (e.g. green fluorescent protein (GFP)), and the use of different nanomaterials such as quantum dots (QDs), iron oxide nanoparticles, and gold nanoparticles.[3,4] Therefore, to narrow the gap between current nanomaterial-based siRNA delivery and chemotherapies, there is a clear need to develop methods for target-oriented delivery of siRNA [5], for further monitoring the effects of siRNA-mediated target gene silencing via molecular imaging probes[4], and for investigating the corresponding up/down regulation of signaling cascades.[6] Perhaps most importantly, to begin the development of the necessary treatment modalities, the nanomaterial-based siRNA delivery strategies must be demonstrated on oncogenes involved in cancer pathogenesis.
Hadron final states in deep inelastic processes

In summary, we have found that the picture of space-time evolution of hadron final states in deep inelastic processes isn't totally trivial, and also have found that it can be made consistent with the hypotheses of the parton model (and therefore also with the trends of the data at present). This is only the case provided that there exist long-range rapidity correlations in the deep inelastic dynamics. This is in fact what is indicated in two dimensional quantum electrodynamics, as discovered by Casher, Kogut and Susskind. It strongly suggests the relevance of some kind of gauge theory as a necessary element in the interpretation of the confinement problem. Finally it is clear that the discussion above is so qualitative that while hopefully providing some insight into the space-time geography of what is going on, it is a far cry from what we should like to have in order to make quantitative comparisons with experiment. In fact, I see the above description as a solution to a problem which hasn't been well defined. The problem remaining is to try to sharpen the above considerations by specifying precisely what the problem is that is to be solved. Perhaps it is a variant of the Landau hydrodynamic model, but one which incorporates the concepts of short range correlation in rapidity instead of Landau's concept of total arrest of hadronic matter in hadron-hadron collisions. If such a hydrodynamic picture could be worked out it might lead to some further insights into the dynamics of confinement and of deep inelastic processes.
Tests of Association of Lymphocyte Alloantigen Genotypes with Resistance to Viral Oncogenesis in Chickens.2. Rous Sarcoma and Lymphoid Leukosis in Progeny Derived from 63 × 151 and 100 × 63 Crosses

Abstract Chickens from inbred line RPRL 63 are resistant to virally-induced Marek's disease (MD) and lymphoid leukosis (LL) and are relatively strong regressors of virally induced Rous sarcomas. Line 63 chickens are homozygous for three independent loci determining surface alloantigens of lymphocytes, Th-1 and Ly-4 on thymus-derived (T) cells and Bu-1 on bursa-derived (B) cells. In contrast, RPRL Lines 100 and 151 are highly susceptible to MD and LL and are weaker regressors of Rous sarcomas than 63. RPRL Lines 100 and 151, are homozygous for different alleles at the Th-1 and Ly-4 loci than 63, whereas only Line 100 differs from 63 at Bu-1. To test the possible association of these three antigen loci with variations in resistance to virally-induced tumors, homozygous genotypes among later generations derived from 63 × 151 and 100 × 63 crosses were identified by means of immunofluorescence testing of peripheral blood lymphocytes. Test progeny were then bred from matings of homozygous parents. No association was found between Rous sarcoma regression and the Th-1 and Ly-4 T cell alloantigen loci in F6 (63 × 151) chickens, but the Bu-1 locus influenced rate of regression in F3 (100 × 63) chickens. The Ly-4 in F6 (63 × 151) and Bu-1 in the F3 (100 × 63) chickens did not influence the incidence of LL. However, Th-1 influenced LL in F3 (100 × 63) chickens (P
Immunity to Poliomyelitis in Mothers and the Newborn as shown by the Neutralization Test.

Neutralization tests for the virus of poliomyelitis on blood serum of urban mothers and their newborn infants showed that immunity was present in ten out of twelve (83 per cent) infants and in ten out of twelve (83 per cent) mothers, with a complete correspondence between mother and infant. These tests point to passive transmission of immunity from mother to infant. Previous tests on other children (1 to 5 years) indicate that immunity in infants is transitory. Previous observations concerning the extent of immunity in urban adults are confirmed and extended. The results of these tests are in accord with the age distribution of poliomyelitis and parallel corresponding observations in diphtheria.
On the Hardness of the Border Length Minimization Problem

DNA microarray technology has proven to be an invaluable tool for molecular biologists. Microarrays are used extensively in SNP detection, genomic hybridization, alternative splicing and gene expression profiling. However the manufacturers of the microarrays are often stuck with the problem of minimizing the effects of unwanted illumination (border length minimization (BLM)) which is a hard combinatorial problem. In this paper we prove that the BLM problem on a rectangular grid is NP-hard. We also give the first integer linear programming (ILP) formulation to solve BLM problem optimally. Experimental results indicate that our ILP method produces superior results (both in runtime and cost) compared to the current state of the art algorithms to solve the BLM problem optimally.
Improvements in LED-based fluorescence analysis systems

Abstract This paper presents results from an electronic interface that significantly improves the stability, power output, and spectral flexibility of light emitting diode (LED)-based systems used to excite fluorescence or other forms of luminescence. LEDs are an attractive alternative to conventional white-light sources used in fluorescence analysis because of reduced power of operation, enhanced modularity, reduced optical loss, fewer imaging artifacts, and increased flexibility in spectral control without the need for high overhead optics. Drawbacks of previously presented LED-based systems include insufficient light output, instability (poor lifetime), and limited flexibility in broadband spectral output. The LED-array-based system here presents, up to a 93% improvement in stability over other LED-based systems, up to 100-fold increase in light output over single LED systems, and millions of possible combinations of spectral output (as compared to a 1–10 possible spectral outputs with one to two LED array-based systems). These benefits over previous LED-based systems are achieved at a reduction in power, space, and cost of at least one order of magnitude over conventional white-light source-based systems. Used in conjunction with appropriate optics, this electronic interface provides a highly competitive, portable (small footprint) alternative to conventional fluorometer designs.
Immunological rebound after cessation of long-term chemotherapy in acute lymphocytic leukaemia: changes in distribution of T and B cell populations in bone marrow and peripheral blood.

Summary. The aim of this study was to compare the kinetics of recovery of B (thymus-independent) and T (thymus-dependent) cells in the peripheral blood and bone marrow of children with acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) after long-term immunosupprcssive therapy. B-cells were identified by the presence of immuno-globulins on their surface and T-cells by spontaneous rosette formation with sheep crythrocytes. In peripheral blood of children who had been in remission for more than 3 yr, the percentage of B-lymphocytes bearing detectable IgM and IgG increased from 2–4 mth after therapy was stopped, while the percentage of T-lymphocytes decreased. In bone marrow the number of B-lymphocytes bearing IgM was higher in the first month after therapy than in the following months. This early increase preceded the rise of IgM- and IgG-lymphocytes in peripheral blood. The proportion of T-lymphocytes in bone marrow was significantly lower than in peripheral blood and did not change throughout the recovery phase. No differences in the rebound of peripheral blood B-cells were demonstrated between three children who had relapsed and those who remained in remission. These data demonstrate that after long-term chemotherapy, bone marrow and peripheral blood lymphocytes bearing B- and T-cell surface markers recover with different kinetics. These results suggest that bone in arrow IgM-lymphocytes may be the precursors of circulating lymphocytes bearing IgM and IgG in man.
Linearization by State Feedback

In this chapter we begin with a study of the modern geometric theory of nonlinear control. The theory began with early attempts to extend results from linear control theory to the nonlinear case, such as results on controllability and observability. This work was pioneered by Brockett, Hermann, Krener, Fliess, Sussmann and others in the 1970s. Later, in the 1980s in a seminal paper by Isidori, Krener, Gori-Giorgi, and Monaco [150] it was shown that not only could the results on controllability and observability be extended but that large amounts of the linear geometric control theory, as represented, say, in Wonham [331] had a nonlinear counterpart. This paper, in turn, spurred a tremendous growth of results in nonlinear control in the 1980s. On a parallel course with this one, was a program begun by Brockett and Fliess on embedding linear systems in nonlinear ones. This program can be thought of as one for linearizing systems by state feedback and change of coordinates. Several breakthroughs, beginning with [45; 154; 148; 67], and continuing with the work of Byrnes and Isidori [56; 54; 55], the contents are summarized are in Isidori’s book [149], yielded a fantastic set of new tools for designing control laws for large classes of nonlinear systems (see also a recent survey by Krener [170]). This theory is what we refer to in the chapter title.
Discrimination of cycling and non-cycling lymphocytes by BUdR-suppressed acridine orange fluorescence in a flow cytometric system.

Abstract Stimulated lymphocytes which pass through the cell cycle may be distinguished from dormant G0 lymphocytes rapidly by flow cytometry. The method is based on cell incubation with 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) and their subsequent staining with acridine orange under conditions in which cellular DNA and RNA stain differentially. The DNA-specific green fluorescence of stimulated, cycling cells is suppressed while RNA-specific red fluorescence is affected only minimally. It is possible, therefore, to distinguish cycling vs non-cycling cells based on two entirely different parameters, i.e. BUdR incorporation and RNA content.
Altered immunoregulation in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. I. The absence of Con A-induced and spontaneous T suppressor cell activity in a patient and his kindred.

In vitro lymphocyte functions in a patient with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia and his kindred were examined. The percentage and number of total peripheral blood T cells and the absolute number of FC gamma bearing T cells were decreased in the patient and family members compared to controls but the B cells and monocytes were normal. In addition, PHA and PWM stimulated proliferation were decreased. Decreased responsiveness to PWM was abrogated by preculturing PBMC in media alone before PWM stimulation. Decreased responsiveness to PHA was not reversed by a similar period of preculture. To further define the above abnormalities in immunoregulation we examined mononuclear subpopulations. In controls, adding purified T cells or Con A activated lymphocytes to autologous cultures which had been stimulated with PHA and PWM significantly decreased proliferative activity. No such suppressive activity of T cells or Con A activated cells from the patient or family members was noted. These data demonstrate an absent or functionally inactive spontaneous and Con A activated T suppressor cells in the family of a patient with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.
Practical Broad-Band Tuning of Dye Lasers by Solvent Shifting

We have operated a dye laser over a broad wavelength range (593.8-667.0nm) by shifting the dye emission profile with incremental changes of solvent composition. This was accomplished with the laser operating continuously, and only minor adjustment of the laser optics was required. Solvent tuning was facilitated by the critical dependence of the optimum laser wavelength on concentration of the second solvent. Using the known solvent-sensitive laser dye 9-diethylaminobenzo[a]phenoxaz-5-one (DBP), 87% of the tuning range from pure xylenes to pure methanol was covered by cumulative addition of 24 vol. % methanol to the starting xylenes solution. The optimum dye concentration was found to be independent of solvent composition, so that maximum laser power could be maintained by mixing equimolar dye solutions in the two solvents. These results establish the practicality of solvent-tuning as a method of conducting laser experiments over a broad wavelength range.
The Health Belief Model and Contraceptive Behavior: Limits to the Application of a Conceptual Framework:

The Health Belief Model is an inadequate conceptual framework for explaining the motivational dynamics of acceptance or rejection of contraception, although it does satisfy criteria of a good theory in explaining individual disease prevention behavior. Cues to action are the variables in the Model most clearly applicable to contraceptive behavior. The motivational variables, which are more important to the Model, are ambiguous at best is this area, however.
Stability analysis for class of switched nonlinear systems

Stability analysis for a class of switched nonlinear systems is addressed in this paper. Two linear matrix inequality (LMI) based sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability are proposed for switched nonlinear systems. These conditions are analogous counterparts for switched linear systems which are shown to be easily verifiable and suitable for design problems. The results are illustrated by numerical examples.
Alternation Bias as a Consequence of Pattern Overlap: Comments on Miller and Sanjurjo (2015)

Miller and Sanjurjo (2015) suggest that the alternation bias in people’s observation of independent and identically distributed Bernoulli trials might be due to a selection bias, by which an empirical conditional probability p^(H|H) is repeatedly sampled from sequences of finite length. Here we show that the alternation bias originates from the overlap of patterns, rather than finite sample length. When measured by the pattern time statistics, the bias takes shape early on and approach an asymptote as the sample length approaches infinity. We argue that emphasizing the overlap properties that are intrinsic of patterns themselves instead of the sample length may have different implications about the nature of human statistical learning and decision-making under uncertainty. Instead resorting to the limited working memory capacity or the belief of the law of small numbers, our analysis points to the effectiveness of predictive learning and the sensitivity of the human mind to the latent structures in the learning environment.
A New Vibration Controller Design Using Consensus Technique

This paper discusses the concept of a new methodology for active vibration control of flexible structures using consensus control of network systems. In the new approach, collocated actuation/sensingpatches communicate with one another through a network with certain directed topology. A virtual leader is assigned to enforce the vibration amplitude at the place of each agent to zero. Since the modal states of the system are not available for the vibration control task, individual optimal observers are designed for each agent first. After describing the controller and examining the stability of the system, controller performance is verified using a clamped-clamped thin aluminum beam. According to the obtained numerical results, the new control approach successfully suppresses the vibration amplitudes, while the consensus design ensures that all agents are synchronized during the performance.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
A Simple Sensitivity Model for Multiply Interrogated and Interferometric Surface Plasmon Sensors

Metal-film losses intrinsically limit the sensitivity of surface plasmon sensors. Interferometric and multiplexed systems can replace thermal noise limits with shot noise ones and fine-tune optimal operating conditions but cannot overcome this limit.
Supernetworks and Systemic Risk

We give a formal and computable definition of systemic risk that is firmly grounded in network dynamics and using our definition we show that the dynamics driving network formation generate a finite set of basins of attraction. The presence of basins of attraction has major implications for our understanding of systemic risk. First, we show that each basin is homogeneous with respect to its network failure characteristics. Second, we show that the profile of basins comes equipped with a unique set of tipping points. Thus, using our definition of systemic risk, we formally define the notion of a tipping point. Each tipping point is the gateway to some sequence of future networks leading inexorably to some basin, and depending on the failure characteristics of this basin, this sequence might best be described as a failure cascade. Thus, tipping points are the supernetwork’s early warning system for network failure. Finally, we define and characterize the notions of systemic and killer nodes. The big picture take away from our approach to systemic risk is that what is critical in assessing systemic risk is the allocation of failure levels across the basins of attraction.
Indole-derived Fragments of Ergot Alkaloids as Dopamine Congeners

ABSTRACT It is proposed that 4-(2-aminoethyl) indole is related structurally and chemically to dopamine, and that it represents the dopaminergically active moiety in the molecules of lergotrile, pergolide, and similar semi-synthetic ergot derivatives. The pyrrole N-H of the title compounds is bioisosteric with the “meta”-OH of dopamine. Pharmacological data on a series of N-alkyl derivatives reveal some marked dopamine-like effects. Conformational properties of the compounds and of related systems are discussed.
Estimation of the relative bioavailability of manganese sources for sheep.

The relative biological availability of Mn in reagent-grade (RG) Mn sources was tested using 41 Rambouillet crossbred wether lambs in a completely randomized design. Lambs were fed a basal corn-soybean meal-cottonseed hull diet (37.6 ppm Mn, DM basis) or this basal diet supplemented with 0, 1,500, 3,000 or 4,500 ppm Mn from RG MnSO4.H20 or 3,000 ppm Mn from RG MnO, MnO2 and MnCO3. Feed intake was restricted to 1,000 g/hd daily during the 21-d experimental period. There was a decrease (P less than .01) in daily feed intake by sheep fed 4,500 ppm Mn from MnSO4. Liver, kidney and bone Mn concentrations increased (P less than .05) with MnSO4 supplementation. Liver was most responsive to dietary Mn, followed by kidney and bone. Based on multiple linear regression slopes for liver, kidney and bone Mn concentrations, relative bioavailability of Mn from MnO, MnO2 and MnCO3 averaged 57.7, 32.9 and 27.8%, compared with 100% for MnSO4.
The beyond-the-self dimension of adolescent purpose: Absence and change

AbstractGrounded in theory and empirical evidence of purpose in life as both a developmental asset and a desired outcome, this study was designed to uncover the role that the beyond-the-self dimension of purpose may play in purpose development across the adolescent and emergent adult years. Transcripts of semi-structured interviews at two points in time with 146 adolescents and emerging adults were coded for forms of purpose. Descriptive and chi-square analyses highlighted the ways participants at each of four developmental stages moved in or out of the various dimensions of purpose over the course of the study. Confirming earlier research, developing a beyond-the-self intention was found to be an atypical adolescent experience. Extending existing research, the beyond-the-self dimension of purpose was found to develop differently from the other dimensions of purpose across adolescence. Results are discussed in light of research about the roles of individual and contextual factors on development.
Picrotoxin-mediated antagonism of α3β4 and α7 acetylcholine receptors

Picrotoxin (PTX) is a convulsant that antagonizes many inhibitory ligand-gated receptors. The mechanism of PTX block is believed to involve residues which line the pore in the second transmembrane domain (M2). The alpha(3)beta(4) and alpha(7) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have high homology to inhibitory LGICs in this M2 region and therefore could also be susceptible to block by PTX. Here, we report that PTX is an effective inhibitor at these nicotinic receptors (rat), with IC50 values of 96.1 +/- 5.5 and 194.9 +/- 19.2 microM for the alpha(3)beta(4) and alpha(7), respectively. These results provide insights into the structure-function relation of PTX-mediated antagonism in this family of ligand-activated receptors. Furthermore they should also be considered when employing PTX to selectively eliminate GABA- or glycine-mediated events.
Abstract 2993: Dichloroacetate inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in human endometrial cancer cell lines

Objective: Dichloroacetate (DCA) is a well-tolerated, oral drug used in the treatment of hereditary lactic acidosis. DCA has been found to have anti-tumorigenic activity in various non-gynecologic cancers through its inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase, leading to profound mitochondrial defects in cancer cells. Thus, we sought to assess the effects of DCA on human endometrial cancer cell lines. Methods: Three endometrial cancer cell lines (KLE, Ishikawa, and ECC-1) were treated with varying concentrations of DCA from 0.1uM to 100 uM. Cell proliferation was measured using the MTT assay. Cell cycle progression was assessed by Cellometer. Apoptosis was evaluated by the Annexin V-FITC assay using Cellometer. Western immunoblotting was performed to assess effects of DCA on cell cycle and cellular stress proteins. In addition, cellular stress was measured using a reactive oxygen species assay. All experiments were performed in triplicate. Results: DCA inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in all three endometrial cancer cell lines following 72 hours of exposure. The IC50 was 30 uM for KLE, 78 uM for Ishikawa, and 72 uM for ECC-1. Treatment with DCA resulted in G1 phase cell cycle arrest in all three cell lines. DCA induced apoptosis in all three cell lines. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that DCA increased cyclin D1 expression, decreased CDK4 expression, and increased PERK expression after 24 hours of DCA exposure. A dose dependent increase in reactive oxygen species was seen in all three cell lines. At a maximum dose of 100 uM DCA, ROS production compared to controls for KLE increased 3.2-fold (p = 0.002), Ishikawa increased 1.8-fold (p = 0.003), and ECC-1 increased 2.1-fold (p = 0.002). Conclusions: DCA effectively inhibited cell proliferation via G1 cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis in human endometrial cancer cell lines. DCA induced significant cellular stress as evidenced by a dose dependent increase in reactive oxygen species. Further evaluation of DCA as a targeted metabolic therapy in endometrial cancer is warranted. Citation Format: Leslie H. Clark, Chunxiao Zhou, Victoria Bae-Jump. Dichloroacetate inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in human endometrial cancer cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2993.
Extreme Insulin Resistance in Critically Ill Patient With Sepsis.

Patients who are critically ill can develop acute insulin resistance manifesting as hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Rarely, patients can develop extreme insulin resistance, defined as having an insulin requirement of >3 units/kg/day (1). We report here a case of a septic patient who developed acute extreme insulin resistance in the critical care setting that was difficult to treat, and after 4 days, reversed rapidly, necessitating rapid down-titration of the intravenous insulin infusion and close blood glucose monitoring to avoid hypoglycemia. This case illustrates a general lack of understanding of 1 ) why severe insulin resistance occurs, 2 ) how to treat this clinical dilemma safely and effectively, and 3 ) what the treatment goals should be to achieve the best medical outcomes. A 64-year-old Hispanic woman with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hypothyroidism was initially admitted with a right humeral head and neck fracture, right malleolar fracture, and navicular fracture. One day after admission, she developed acute hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring continuous positive airway pressure and transfer to the medical intensive care unit (MICU). Before hospitalization, her diabetes regimen included sitagliptin 50 mg daily, metformin 1,000 mg daily, and human insulin 70/30 combination (70% human insulin isophane suspension and 30% human insulin) at a dose of 40–50 units twice daily. Her A1C was 8.5%, and her weight on admission was 110 kg, with a BMI of 44.4 kg/m2. Physical exam was notable for central obesity. She denied any complications of diabetes. The primary team had started the patient on 40 units of subcutaneous insulin glargine daily and a high-dose supplemental corrective scale with insulin lispro to be given every 6 hours. Shortly after transfer to the MICU, the patient developed severe hyperglycemia. When …
2D LIDAR as a distributed interaction tool for virtual and augmented reality video games

The current rise in augmented and virtual reality video games has created a need for immersive interactivity devices that do not interfere with game play. Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) systems can be used to create very accurate 2D or 3D representations of an area. We propose using an affordable 2D LIDAR system operating over a network as a method for interacting with a virtual or augmented reality environment. A distributed haptic feedback system is also designed in order to provide feedback to the user of the system. Both sets of devices communicate wirelessly with a central game server. This allows the user to reach into a real world environment, and feel a response based upon interactions in the virtual environment in near real time.
Exploring environmentally sustainable traffic signal warrant for planning application

ABSTRACTWith the concerns over the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the surface transportation, the environmentally sustainable traffic signal warrant is essential to provide guidelines for making environmentally conscious decisions about control types at intersections. This research conducted a pilot study on developing CO2 emissions-oriented traffic signal warrants. Intersection control types that were analyzed for this research include two-way stop, four-way stop, traffic signal, and roundabout. Two environmentally sustainable traffic signal warrants were proposed: Type I (without roundabout) and Type II (with roundabout). The proposed traffic signal warrants were compared with the existing mobility-oriented traffic signal warrant of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) in terms of CO2 emissions and total delay. The measurements were collected and estimated using a microscopic traffic simulation tool, Verkehr In Stadten—SIMulationsmodell (VISSIM). The environmentally sust...
The role of comorbidity: a framework for personalizing interventions for patients with sepsis

Sepsis is a difficult-to-diagnose, life-threatening condition associated with high mortality and a critical need for timely intervention. The presence of comorbidities often complicates diagnosis and treatment options. Using inpatient data over multiple visits from a large hospital system, this research presents a simulation framework to model the impact of comorbidities on sepsis in order to personalize interventions. Severity is measured via the PIRO score and outcomes of interest include patient stability and disposition.
Recombinant Interleukin-11 (rhIL-11) in Women with Refractory Menorrhagia and Von Willebrand Disease.

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the single most common congenital bleeding disorder, and among women, menorrhagia is the most common bleeding symptom. Although DDAVP is the treatment of choice for those with type 1 VWD, its use may be limited by tachyphylaxis, allergic reactions, or unresponsiveness. We previously showed that recombinant human IL-11 (rhIL-11, Neumega), a gp-130 signaling cytokine with hematopoietic and anti-inflammatory activity, increases VWF levels 2–3 fold when given subcutaneously daily in individuals with mild VWD, and is well tolerated. We, therefore, initiated a Phase II clinical trial to determine the efficacy and safety of rhIL-11 in women with VWD and refractory menorrhagia, despite estrogen, DDAVP, and/or other treatment. We report the results of the first four subjects, age 28–40, with VWF:RCo 0.22–0.37 U/ml at diagnosis, normal VWF multimers, and bleeding severity scores (BSS) 4–6. rhIL-11 was given in a daily subcutaneous dose of 25 mcg/kg for 4 days, followed by monthly home self-injection for up to 7 days during each of six consecutive menstrual cycles, beginning on the first day of each cycle. Menstrual bleeding severity was measured by a validated bleeding pictorial assessment chart (BPAC) (Janssen, Obstet Gynecol , 1995) and cycle severity rating (CSR), as compared with two pre-treatment baseline menstrual cycles. BPAC scores were compared with standardized cutoff score for menorrhagia of 185. Cycle severity ratings (CSR) were rated on a nominal scale, with 0=mild bleeding; 1=moderate bleeding, less than usual cycle; 2= moderately severe bleeding, not as severe as worst cycle; and 3=severe bleeding, as severe as worst cycle. The drug was well tolerated with less than grade 1 toxicity, including mild conjunctival erythema and mild fluid retention (fingers) in one each. Following treatment with rhIL-11, there was a significant reduction in BPAC and cycle severity rating during the seven days the drug was given, as compared with the first seven days in cycles prior to rhIL-11 (see Table). Cycle length also shortened, but this did not reach significance. These was an associated increase in VWF:RCo, VWF:Ag, and FVIII:C on day 4 of rhIL-11 dosing, as compared with pre-rhIL-11 levels day 1. These data suggest that rhIL-11 improves hemostasis and reduces bleeding severity when used during the first seven days of menses in women with VWD. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Mensural Cycle Bleeding Severity in Women with VWD With and Without rhIL-11
Review of Charter School Report Card

In the United States, charter schools are transforming the purpose and organization of education, and undermining if not eventually eliminating public education. The election of Donald Trump as pre...