cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crush response of an inclined beam-column

Abstract Crush response of an inclined, inelastic clamped-sliding beam is investigated in this paper based on the assumption that the material elastic–plastic, nonlinear strain-hardening stress–strain relation is of a power-law form. Analytical expressions for crush resistance, deformation, bending moment, and energy are obtained in the form of definite integrals. A simple analytical model consisting of three fixed plastic hinges and two straight rigid bars is also developed showing rather good agreement with the exact solution. Comparison with finite element solutions verifies the accuracy of the present analytical solution. Finally, the analytical solution for a single beam is extended to the case of a Hybrid Stainless Steel Assembly (HSSA) sheet, which is idealized as a complex system of many inclined beams sandwiched between two face sheets. Based on the probability distribution of the inclination angle of the beam, the total crush resistance of the HSSA sheet is predicted.
Informal Social Controls, Procedural Justice and Perceived Police Legitimacy: Do Social Bonds Influence Evaluations of Police Legitimacy?

Although procedural justice has been a key predictor of police legitimacy, recent findings illustrate that other factors influence this outcome (i.e., low self-control and ethnic identity). However, no research to date has evaluated whether individual-level informal social controls impact police legitimacy evaluations. Survey data are used to examine the influence of parental attachment, school commitment and procedural justice on perceived police legitimacy. While procedural justice significantly predicted legitimacy evaluations, no significant relationships were observed between parental attachment, school commitment and police legitimacy. The effects of procedural justice on legitimacy assessments, however, were modestly significantly moderated by parental attachment and school commitment. To maintain legitimacy, police officers should interact with citizens in procedurally fair manners. These results should also be of value concerning how parents and schools legally socialize adolescents.
Development of Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines Derived from Backcross between Two Sequenced Rice Cultivars, Indica Recipient 93-11 and Japonica Donor Nipponbare

Chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) are powerful tools for detecting and precisely mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and evaluating gene action as a single factor. In this study, 103 CSSLs were produced using two sequenced rice cultivars: 93-11, an elite restorer indica cultivar as recipient, and Nipponbare, a japonica cultivar, as donor. Each CSSL carried a single chromosome substituted segment. The total length of the substituted segments in the CSSLs was 2,590.6 cM, which was 1.7 times of the rice genome. To evaluate the potential application of these CSSLs for QTL detection, phenotypic variations of seed shattering, grain length and grain width in 10 CSSLs were observed. Two QTLs for seed shattering and three for grain length and grain width were identified and mapped on rice chromosomes. The results demonstrate that CSSLs are excellent genetic materials for dissecting complex traits into a set of monogenic loci. These CSSLs are of great potential value for QTL mapping and plant marker-assisted breeding (MAB).
The red cell--a macromodel simulating the hypotonic-sphere isotonic-disc transformation.

Abstract Dimensionally accurate transformation from sphere to biconcave disc and back to sphere is demonstrated in a dry macromodel of the red cell. A correct hypothesis of the membrane ultrastructure must accommodate the minimum mechanical requisites of the model which are that the surface (i) be free from shear resistance, at least over a limited range, (ii) possess bending resistance, and (iii) resist change in total area.
An explanation of the volatility disparity between the domestic and foreign shares in the Chinese stock markets

Abstract Return volatility is found significantly higher for the foreign shares (B shares) than for the domestic shares (A shares) traded in the Chinese stock markets. To explain this volatility disparity, we investigate the bid–ask spreads and estimate the market-making costs (informed trading and noninformed trading costs) for each stock. Our results show that the B-share market in China contains higher informed trading and other market-making costs than the A-share market. When informed trading and other cost components are accounted for, the volatility disparity between the A and B shares disappears. Thus, the higher volatility in the B-share market can be attributed to the higher market-making costs faced by B-share traders.
Totally positive kernels, pólya frequency functions, and generalized hypergeometric series

Abstract Recently, K. I. Gross and the author [J. Approx. Theory 59:224–246 (1989)] analyzed the total positivity of kernels of the form K(x,y) = p F q (xy) , x,y ϵ R, wherep F q denotes a classical generalized hypergeometric series. There, we related the determinants which define the total positivity of K to the hypergeometric functions of matrix argument, defined on the space of n × n Hermitian matrices. In the first part of this paper, we apply these methods to derive the total positivity properties of the kernels K for more general choices of the parameters in these hypergeometric series. In particular, we prove that if ai > 0 and ki is a positive integer (i = 1,…,p) then K(x,y) = p F q (a 1 ,…,a p ;a 1 + k 1 ,…,a p + k p ; xy) is strictly totally positive on R2. In the second part, we use the theory of entire functions to derive some Polya frequency function properties of the hypergeometric series p F q(x). Some of these latter results suggest a curious duality with the total positivity properties described above. For instance, we prove that if p > 1 and the ai and ki are as above, then there exists a probability density function f on R, such that f is a strict Polya frequency function, and 1/ p F p (a 1 +k 1 ,…,a p +k p ;a 1 ,…,a p ;z= L f(z) , the Laplace transform of f.
Effects of maternal ethanol consumption in rats on basal and rhythmic pituitary - adrenal function in neonatal offspring

Neonatal corticoid treatment delays development of the circadian rhythm of plasma corticosterone in rats. We therefore sought to determine whether fetal or neonatal exposure to ethanol, a substance which activates the hypothalamo - pituitary - adrenal axis, produces similar effects. Subjects were the offspring of dams fed a 5.0% w/v ethanol-containing liquid diet or pair-fed an isocaloric control diet during gestation weeks two and three or during postnatal week one. At birth (day 1), the fetal ethanol-exposed pups had significantly higher brain and plasma corticosterone levels than the pair-fed or normal controls; brain and body weights were unaffected. By day 3, brain and plasma corticosterone titers in the fetal ethanol-exposed pups declined to the levels of the pair-fed and normal controls, although brain weights were significantly reduced. Significantly higher p.m. than a.m. levels of plasma corticosterone first occurred on day 18 both in the fetal ethanol-exposed pups and in the pair-fed and normal controls. Thus, despite its causing elevated corticosterone levels at birth, fetal exposure to ethanol did not affect the onset of the pituitary - adrenal circadian rhythm. On the other hand, exposure to ethanol during the first neonatal week delayed the onset of the pituitary - adrenal rhythm from day 18 to day 21. However, even greater delays occurred in the neonatal pair-fed controls, suggesting that the delays following neonatal exposure were due to nutritional deficits rather than to alcohol per se. The developmental and long-term influences of elevated corticoid levels at birth in fetal ethanol-exposed rats on other aspects of pituitary - adrenal function remain to be determined.
Abstract B23: Comparison of epithelial proliferation and lobular involution in normal and benign breast tissues

Background: Epithelial proliferation in benign breast disease (BBD) is a well-established biomarker of breast cancer risk, and BBD tissues can be used as a platform to assess other biomarkers for breast cancer risk. Lobular involution (the degree of age-related atrophy in lobules) is a new biomarker, with greater degrees of involution associated with lower breast cancer risk. Successful application of tissue biomarkers of risk to breast tissues from normal women would be valuable for risk prediction in the general population. We hypothesized that normal breast tissue samples would differ from BBD tissues in these histologic features of breast cancer risk, with less epithelial proliferation but a similar degree of involution compared to BBD tissues. Methods: Core biopsy samples from the Mayo Benign Breast Disease Cohort Study were compared to core biopsy samples of normal breast tissue obtained from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank at IU Simon Cancer Center (KTB), a unique resource of breast tissue from donor women without any known breast abnormalities. All core biopsies were assessed histologically by a single breast pathologist for degree of epithelial proliferation (classified as non-proliferative, proliferative without atypia, or atypical hyperplasia) and extent of lobular involution (classified as none, 1-24%, 25-74%, or >75% of lobules). Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results: Overall, 318 Mayo BBD and 303 normal (KTB) core breast biopsy samples were evaluated. As anticipated, significantly less epithelial proliferation was present in normal samples compared to BBD samples. Proliferative disease occurred in 9/303 (3%) of normals versus 79/318 (25%) of BBD, and atypical hyperplasia was seen in 2/303 (0.7%) of normal samples versus 24/318 (8%) of BBD core biopsies, p Conclusions: Histologic features of normal breast tissues are different from those of BBD tissues, with less epithelial proliferation and more lobular involution, consistent with a lower risk of breast cancer expected for women with normal breast tissue compared to those with benign breast disease. Normal breast tissues are a valuable and distinct resource that should be considered for biomarker validation studies. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):B23.
Use of low MW polylactic acid and lactide to stimulate growth and yield of soybeans

Polylactic acid (PLA) is an environmentally friendly, degradable polymer which has been suggested for use as a matrix for controlled release of herbicides. The growth stimulation and yield improvement potential of low molecular weight (MW), poly(D,L-lactic acid) and D,L-lactide were evaluated using preplant soil incorporation with soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill). Greenhouse studies confirmed that both lactide and PLA increased soybean leaf area, pod number, bean number and bean and plant dry weight. Soybean seed yield was increased most dramatically (130%; 2.3 fold) by weekly 30 ppm lactide addition and also by single addition of low MW (3500 Daltons) PLA (40.6%; 1.4 fold). Low levels of PLA were stimulatory (15–30 ppm), while higher levels were inhibitory, with some interaction with growth conditions being evident. The stimulatory component was most readily provided by weekly lactide addition, but was also provided by slow-release, hydrolytic breakdown of PLA in the soil, with 3500 Daltons MW being better than higher MW PLA. In field studies at two locations, PLA (16.8 and 45.8 kg ha−1) increased soybean plot yield as much as 18%, being reflected in increases in both growth and per plant yield components (plant dry wt, seed number, seed dry wt, and number of branch pods and seeds). The levels used in field studies were selected to be similar to the level of a typical carrier used in slow release of herbicides. This study suggests that use of PLA as an encapsulation matrix for herbicides could provide reduced environmental impact and improved weed control, while at the same time increasing yield of soybeans through release of a plant growth stimulant in the form of oligomeric or monomeric lactic acid.
Life from an orderly cosmos

Recent astrophysical studies suggest a high degree of order in the inanimate universe, stemming from cosmic beginnings. This state is consistent with the nonrandomness observed experimentally in the thermal polymers of amino acids that figure as an early inanimate stage in organic evolution. The various stages in inanimate matter, protocells, and evolved cells and the degree of order that they represent comport with the second law of thermodynamics on a cosmic scale.
Dissociated and faceted large-angle coincident-site-lattice boundaries in silicon

Abstract The interaction of three large-angle near-coincident-site-lattice grain boundaries ([Sgrave]3, [Sgrave]9 and [Sgrave]27) in a polycrystal of silicon, has been observed both optically and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). [Sgrave]3 boundaries were found to be formed on {111} and {112} planes, [Sgrave]9 on {122}, {411} and {111}/{115} planes, and [Sgrave]27 on {255} planes. On a macroscopic scale, [Sgrave]9 {122} dissociated repeatedly into two coherent [Sgrave]3 boundaries which, when contacted with a third non-coherent [Sgrave]3 boundary, formed a triangular twin grain with an average size of 0·3 mm. Further TEM observations showed the [Sgrave]27 boundary to dissociate into a series of 100nm triangular grains, consisting of a coherent [Sgrave]3, a {122} [Sgrave]9 and a {111}/{115} [Sgrave]9 boundary. The [Sgrave]9 boundary {111}/{115} dissociated further to form still smaller 10nm twin grains consisting of two coherent and one noncoherent [Sgrave]3 boundaries. The dissociation reactions ...
Tolerances of fishes to dissolved gas supersaturation in deep tank bioassays

Abstract Four species of fish were tested for tolerance to dissolved atmospheric gas supersaturation in 10-day bioassays. Based on median times to death at four levels of gas saturation, the fish displayed the following increasing order of tolerance: mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) < cutthroat trout (Salmo clarki) < largescale sucker (Catostomus machrocheilus) < torrent sculpin (Cottus rhotheus). Increasing hydrostatic pressure due to water depth reduced the levels of saturation of dissolved gases and increased survival. Torrent sculpins typically developed large bubbles of gas which caused them to float and would contribute indirectly to death.
FAILURE OF ANTI-PNEUMOCOCCAL ANTIBODY FORMATION IN PATIENTS WITH COMPLETE IgA DEFICIENCY AND NORMAL IgG LEVELS

FAILURE OF ANTI-PNEUMOCOCCAL ANTIBODY FORMATION IN PATIENTS WITH COMPLETE IgA DEFICIENCY AND NORMAL IgG LEVELS
Cationic polymers inhibit the conductance of lysenin channels.

The pore-forming toxin lysenin self-assembles large and stable conductance channels in natural and artificial lipid membranes. The lysenin channels exhibit unique regulation capabilities, which open unexplored possibilities to control the transport of ions and molecules through artificial and natural lipid membranes. Our investigations demonstrate that the positively charged polymers polyethyleneimine and chitosan inhibit the conducting properties of lysenin channels inserted into planar lipid membranes. The preservation of the inhibitory effect following addition of charged polymers on either side of the supporting membrane suggests the presence of multiple binding sites within the channel's structure and a multistep inhibition mechanism that involves binding and trapping. Complete blockage of the binding sites with divalent cations prevents further inhibition in conductance induced by the addition of cationic polymers and supports the hypothesis that the binding sites are identical for both multivalent metal cations and charged polymers. The investigation at the single-channel level has shown distinct complete blockages of each of the inserted channels. These findings reveal key structural characteristics which may provide insight into lysenin’s functionality while opening innovative approaches for the development of applications such as transient cell permeabilization and advanced drug delivery systems.
Further Thoughts on Dialectical Inquiry: A Rejoinder to Mitroff and Mason

Mitroff and Mason suggest that the policy and planning field is largely metaphysical and beyond the scope of traditional scientific experimentation. From this premise, they argue that the dialectical approach was not properly operationalized in controlled experiments. I maintain that controlled experimentation is needed in policy and planning and that failure to accept unfavorable evidence regarding dialectical inquiry may reflect a general desire to dismiss experimental evidence about planning variables.
An X-ray Diffractometric Investigation of the Sn-Hg Binary System within the 0-40% Hg Interval:

By use of a precise x-ray diffractometric method and a computer program for parameter determinations (PIRUM), the delta phase of the tin-mercury system was identified. The delta phase appeared to be an orthorhombic structure, existing as a solid solution of mercury in tin in the 15 to at least 40 weight-percentage mercury interval. The diffraction pattern of this phase was almost identical with that of the gamma phase, which explains why its existence has been very difficult to demonstrate with most conventional x-ray diffractometric techniques. The difference between these two phases is mainly related to a slight deformation of the hexagonal structure, causing a small angular change at the corners of the hexagonal structure. This angular change, although small, transforms the hexagonal structure to a structure which should be described as a base-centered orthorhombic structure. Since the delta phase is closer than the gamma phase to the liquidus part of the tin-mercury system at room temperature, it is m...
The role of iron in erythropoiesis in the absence and presence of erythropoietin therapy

Preoperative autologous blood donation has served as a model for blood loss anaemia. Studies in these patients, along with clinical trials of i.v. iron and recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) therapy, have furthered our understanding of the relationship between erythropoietin, iron, and erythropoiesis. With supplemental oral iron, the endogenous erythropoietic response to routine autologous blood donation and to the anaemia of chronic illness has been shown to be modest, but predictable. In more aggressive donation and more severe anaemia, the endogenous erythropoietic response is more substantial, but still predictable. Studies in patients undergoing aggressive phlebotomy whilst receiving rHuEPO demonstrate a wide variation in response to rHuEPO dose. This variability is not related to age or gender and suggests factors such as iron-restricted erythropoiesis may be responsible. Supporting evidence arises from the superior erythropoietic response observed in patients with haemochromatosis. These patients maintain very high serum iron and transferrin saturation levels. In response to serial phlebotomy these patients can mount an endogenous erythropoietin response up to five-times greater than healthy individuals. When treated with rHuEPO, patients with haemochromatosis respond with much greater RBC expansion volumes than patients receiving rHuEPO and iron supplementation. Studies show no difference in the degree of endogenously stimulated erythropoiesis between patients with measurable iron stores and those without. However, when treated with rHuEPO, increased erythropoiesis has been observed in patients with measurable iron stores compared with those without. This suggests that, while oral iron supplementation may be sufficient to keep pace with endogenously stimulated erythropoiesis, it may not be adequate to prevent iron-restricted erythropoiesis during rHuEPO therapy. Some studies have suggested that i.v iron may prevent iron-restricted erythropoiesis during rHuEPO therapy although further research is needed. The availability of better tolerated i.v. iron preparations provides an ideal opportunity to study the value of iron therapy in patients with acute blood loss, particularly those undergoing rHuEPO therapy.
New Records of Subcutaneous Mites (Acari: Hypoderatidae) in Birds, with Examples of Potential Host Colonization Events

New host, geographic records, or both are established for 14 species of hypoderatid deutonymphs from 14 species of birds in North America. Ten of these records are regarded as examples of a potential host colonization event where these hypopi have become established in hosts other than those with which they are normally associated. Herein, potential host colonization events by hypoderatid deutonymphs are regarded as more of an ecologically determined than physiologically specific phenomenon, often specifically related to sharing of nesting sites in the same rookeries by different host taxa. Neottialges ibisicola Young & Pence is placed as a junior synonym of Neottialges plegadicola Fain. The taxonomic status of Hypodectes propus from columbid versus ardeid hosts needs further study.
Measurements of the BKCa channel's high-affinity Ca2+ binding constants: effects of membrane voltage.

It has been established that the large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel contains two types of high-affinity Ca2+ binding sites, termed the Ca2+ bowl and the RCK1 site. The affinities of these sites, and how they change as the channel opens, is still a subject of some debate. Previous estimates of these affinities have relied on fitting a series of conductance–voltage relations determined over a series of Ca2+ concentrations with models of channel gating that include both voltage sensing and Ca2+ binding. This approach requires that some model of voltage sensing be chosen, and differences in the choice of voltage-sensing model may underlie the different estimates that have been produced. Here, to better determine these affinities we have measured Ca2+ dose–response curves of channel activity at constant voltage for the wild-type mSlo channel (minus its low-affinity Ca2+ binding site) and for channels that have had one or the other Ca2+ binding site disabled via mutation. To accurately determine these dose–response curves we have used a series of 22 Ca2+ concentrations, and we have used unitary current recordings, coupled with changes in channel expression level, to measure open probability over five orders of magnitude. Our results indicate that at −80 mV the Ca2+ bowl has higher affinity for Ca2+ than does the RCK1 site in both the opened and closed conformations of the channel, and that the binding of Ca2+ to the RCK1 site is voltage dependent, whereas at the Ca2+ bowl it is not.
Processes of Hydrometeor Development in Oklahoma Convective Clouds.

Abstract This study employs in situ measurements to examine cloud conditions in which hydrometeors develop in mature Oklahoma convective clouds and to develop hypotheses as to how they formed. The measurements were made from penetrations on six days using a T-28 aircraft. Values of the maximum vertical velocity W in cells ranged from 5 to 35 m s−1, and the liquid water content (LWC) up to 6 gmminus;3;LWCs are usually less than adiabatic. Drops are found primarily in strong updrafts at T/>−8°c. Graupel are present in low concentrations in the strong updrafts and in moderate concentrations in the weak to intermediate updrafts. Planar and needle ice crystals and aggregates are present in copious concentrations in regions of low LWC and W. Strong evidence exists for production of secondary ice crystals (SICS) through a Hallett and Mossop type of mechanism involving cloud droplets >24μm in diameter. Particle growth calculations are used in conjunction with the measurements to infer the processes of formation o...
Polylogarithmic-round interactive proofs for coNP collapse the exponential hierarchy

If every language in coNP has a constant-round interactive proof system, then the polynomial-time hierarchy collapses [R.B. Boppana, J. Hastad, S. Zachos, Does co-NP have short interactive proofs? Information Processing Letters 25 (2) (1987) 127-132]. On the other hand, the well-known LFKN protocol gives O(n)-round interactive proof systems for all languages in coNP [C. Lund, L. Fortnow, H. Karloff, N. Nisan, Algebraic methods for interactive proof systems, Journal of the Association for Computing Machinery 39 (4) (1992) 859-868]. We consider the question of whether it is possible for coNP to have interactive proof systems with polylogarithmic-round complexity. We show that this is unlikely by proving that if a coNP-complete set has a polylogarithmic-round interactive proof system, then the exponential-time hierarchy collapses. We also consider exponential versions of the Karp-Lipton theorem and Yap's theorem.
Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 with Gastrinomas Have an Increased Risk of Severe Esophageal Disease Including Stricture and the Premalignant Condition, Barrett’s Esophagus

Results: In MEN1/ZES patients, esophageal stricture was 3-fold higher, BE 5-fold higher, and dysplasia 8-fold higher, and one patient died of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Esophageal symptoms were more frequent or severe in MEN1/ZES, but known risk factors for severe esophageal disease and ZES-specific features did not differ between MEN1/ZES and sporadic ZES. In MEN1/ZES, the onset of ZES was 10 yr earlier, and H2-antagonists were used longer and at lower doses. MEN1/ZES patients with esophageal disease differed from those without in that ZES diagnosis was delayed longer, esophageal symptoms were more frequent or severe, hiatal hernias were more frequent, esophagitis or pyloric scarring was more common, basal acid output was higher, and hyperparathyroidism was underdiagnosed. Conclusions: This study shows that MEN1/ZES patients have a higher incidence of severe esophageal disease including the premalignant condition BE and identifies factors important for their pathogenesis that need to be incorporated into their long-term treatment. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 91: 204–212, 2006)
Comparison of surgical methods in liver transplantation: retrohepatic caval resection with venovenous bypass (VVB) versus piggyback (PB) with VVB versus PB without VVB.

Summary Use of piggyback technique (PB) and elimination of venovenous bypass (VVB) have been advocated in adult liver transplantation (LT). However, individual contribution of these two modifications on clinical outcomes has not been fully investigated. We performed a retrospective review of 426 LTs within a 3-year period, when three different surgical techniques were employed per the surgeons’ preference: retrohepatic caval resection with VVB (RCR + VVB) in 104 patients, PB with VVB (PB + VVB) in 148, and PB without VVB (PB-Only) in 174. The primary outcomes were intraoperative blood transfusion and the patient and graft survivals. Demographic profiles were similar, except younger recipient age in RCR + VVB and fewer number of grafts with cold ischemic time over 16 h in PB-Only. PB-Only required lesser intraoperative red blood cells (P = 0.006), fresh frozen plasma (P = 0.005), and cell saver return (P = 0.007); had less incidence of acute renal failure (P = 0.001), better patient survival (P = 0.039), and graft survival (P = 0.003). The benefits of PB + VVB were only found in shortened total surgical time (P = 0.0001) and warm ischemic time (P = 0.0001), and less incidence of acute renal failure (P = 0.001) than RCR + VVB. PB-Only method seemed to provide the best clinical outcome. The benefit of PB was not fully achieved when it was used with VVB.
Understanding Na2Ti3O7 as an ultra-low voltage anode material for a Na-ion battery

An in-depth understanding of Na2Ti3O7 as a Na-ion battery anode is reported. The battery performance is enhanced by carbon coating, due to increased electronic conductivity and reduced solid electrolyte interphase formation. Ti4+ reduction upon discharge is demonstrated using in situ XAS. The self-relaxation behaviour of the fully intercalated phase is revealed.
Isoform-specific binding of apolipoprotein E to beta-amyloid.

Apolipoprotein E (apoE), particularly the e4 allele, is genetically linked to the incidence of Alzheimer's disease. ApoE is present in the extracellular senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease. In vitro, apoE has been shown to bind beta-amyloid (A beta), an amyloidogenic proteolytic product of amyloid precursor protein. To analyze the interaction of A beta and apoE, we used Western immunoblotting of human A beta-(1-40)-peptide incubated with conditioned medium from HEK-293 cells transfected with either human apoE3 or apoE4 (products of the e3 and e4 alleles, respectively) cDNA. Nonreducing SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of an approximately 45-kDa complex with both A beta and apoE immunoreactivity. The level of the apoE3.A beta complex was approximately 20-fold greater than that of the apoE4.A beta complex. This apoE isoform-specific binding pattern was maintained from pH 5.0 to 9.0, from 2 min to 24 h of peptide incubation, and at concentrations of apoE from 5 to 100 micrograms/ml and of A beta from 10 microM to 1 mM. The higher level of apoE3 binding to A beta is in contrast to previously published data using purified apoE (Strittmatter, W. J., Weisgraber, K.H., Huang, D. Y., Dong, L.-M., Salvesen, G. S., Pericak-Vance, M., Schmechel, D., Saunders, A. M., Goldgaber, D., and Roses, A.D. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 90, 8098-8102). Factors responsible for the isoform-specific interactions between apoE and A beta will require further study before the apparent discrepancy between these data can be reconciled.
Dehalogenation of organic compounds-2: the metal catalyzed sodium borohydride or sodium alkoxyborohydride/tetraethylene glycol/koh dechlorination of mirex

Abstract Polyethylene glycol (PEG) or tetraethylene glycol (TEG)/KOH when used in combination with either sodium borohydride or alkoxyborohydrides give very powerful reducing media which quantitatively destroy Mirex at about 70°C. The reduction rate is further increased by using the catalyst system, Bu 3 SnH/ AIBN, where the disappearance of Mirex was complete within one hour at 58°C.
Heuristic Algorithms for Solving Convex and Nonconvex Economic Dispatch

` Abstract— Economic dispatch (ED) is a power system optimization problem and its objective is to reduce the total generation cost of units while satisfying constraints. The presence of nonlinearities in practical generator operation makes solving the ED problem more challenging. These generator nonlinearities are modeled as constraints to be met in the form of ramp-rate limits and prohibited operating zones. This paper proposes three heuristic algorithms, namely, the genetic algorithm (GA), differential evolution (DE) and modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) to solve this ED problem for two test systems. Simulation, numerical results and convergence performances of these three algorithms are presented and compared as a way of demonstrating and validating the heuristic algorithms in solving this complex and challenging power system problem characterized by practical and nonconvex generator constraints. Index Terms—Differential evolution, economic cost function, economic dispatch, generation cost, genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, prohibited operating zones, ramp-rate limits.
Antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B virus infection and development of hepatocellular carcinoma in a US population

Background & Aims Antiviral therapy could reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among persons with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We evaluated the relationship between therapy for chronic HBV infection and HCC incidence using data from a longitudinal study of patients at 4 US healthcare centers. Methods We analyzed electronic health records of 2671 adult participants in the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study who were diagnosed with chronic HBV infection from 1992 through 2011 (49% Asian). Data analyzed were collected for a median of 5.2 years. Propensity-score adjustment was used to reduce bias, and Cox regression was used to estimate the relationship between antiviral treatment and HCC. The primary outcome was time to event of HCC incidence. Results Of study subjects, 3% developed HCC during follow-up period: 20 cases among the 820 patients with a history of antiviral HBV therapy and 47 cases among the 1851 untreated patients. In propensity-adjusted Cox regression, patients who received antiviral therapy had a lower risk of HCC than those who did not receive antiviral therapy (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.27–0.56; P P 20,000 IU/mL had a significantly lower risk of HCC than untreated patients with viral loads >20,000 IU/mL. Conclusions In a large geographically, clinically, and racially diverse US cohort, antiviral therapy for chronic HBV infection was associated with a reduced risk for HCC.
Self-efficacy, motivation, and performance

Abstract This article discusses the relation of self-efficacy to motivation and performance in cognitive and sport domains. Self-efficacy refers to one's beliefs about accomplishing a task and can influence choice of activities. effort, persistence. and achievement. People enter activities with varying levels of self-efficacy derived from prior experience, personal qualities, and social support. As they work on tasks they acquire information about how well they are doing. This information influences their self-efficacy for continued learning and performance. Research is described in which interventions involving models, goal setting, and feedback, were employed to affect self-efficacy. Regardless of domain, research shows that self-efficacy helps to predict motivation and performance. and studies testing causal models highlight the important role played by self-efficacy. Suggestions for future research are given, along with implications of theory and research for education and training.
The impact of time on the accuracy of sentiment classifiers created from a web log corpus

We investigate the impact of time on the predictability of sentiment classification research for models created from web logs. We show that sentiment classifiers are time dependent and through a series of methodical experiments quantify the size of the dependence. In particular, we measure the accuracies of 25 different time-specific sentiment classifiers on 24 different testing timeframes. We use the Naive Bayes induction technique and the holdout validation technique using equal-sized but separate training and testing data sets. We conducted over 600 experiments and organize our results by the size of the interval (in months) between the training and testing timeframes. Our findings show a significant decrease in accuracy as this interval grows. Using a paired t-test we show classifiers trained on future data and tested on past data significantly outperform classifiers trained on past data and tested on future data. These findings are for a topic-specific corpus created from political web log posts originating from 160 different web logs. We then define concepts that classify months as examplar, infrequent thread, frequent thread or outlier; this classification reveals knowledge on the topic's evolution and the utility of the month's data for the timeframe.
Tracing Family, Teaching Race: Critical Race Pedagogy in the Millennial Sociology Classroom.

The "millennial" historical moment presents fresh dilemmas for race-critical instructors. In addition to being well-versed in colorblind racial discourse, millennial students are socialized in a pop-cultural milieu that implies a more integrated, racially egalitarian world than exists in reality and includes claims that U.S. society is now "post-racial." Millennials’ enthusiastic consumption of race in an era of seeming progress leads them to assume an ever greater social distance between their generation and the relics of those they consider "real" racists, as well as between the former eras of de jure white supremacy and the more racially meritocratic structure they presume exists today. In light of such obstacles, race-critical instructors must employ creative strategies to help students understand and identify their connections to larger, structural matters that create and sustain racial inequality at the systemic level. I introduce one successful approach, where students examine the social reproduction of racial inequality by tracing their family histories of wealth and capital acquisition and transfer.
Quantifying spatiotemporal dynamics of agricultural landscapes using remotely sensed data and landscape metrics

This study focuses on the spatiotemporal dynamics of agricultural lands and differences in rapidly developing urban and declining rural counties in Iowa, USA between 1984 and 2000. The study presents an analysis of land-cover maps derived from Landsat TM and ETM+ satellite imagery and different landscape metrics using FRAGSTATS and IDRISI software. The study provides evidence of both loss of croplands and change in fragmentation between 1984 and 2000. Fragmentation in agriculture-dominated areas increased with the development of urban centres and diversification of land uses. Fragmentation of landscapes, including agricultural land, was found to be higher in the urbanized counties, but was stable or even declined over time in these counties. In contrast, in the context of remote rural areas, agricultural landscapes experienced rapid increase in fragmentation and farmland loss. The urban–rural gradient analysis used in this study showed that the highest fragmentation occurred on the city edges. These findi...
Thoughts on improving the electric arc furnace model

To predetermine the impact of an electric arc furnace (EAF) on a utility system, the engineer needs an accurate model to use in his system studies. There have been many varied models proposed over the years which attempted to yield realistic results when included in these system studies. The purpose of this paper/presentation is to provide some additional information based on observations of field measurements and discussions with EAF designers. The desire is that this information might be utilized to further improve the accuracy of EAF models.
Significance of normal serum prostate-specific antigen in the follow-up period after definitive radiation therapy for prostatic cancer.

PURPOSETo determine the prognostic significance of a normal serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in patients with prostatic cancer with long-term follow-up evaluation after radiotherapy.MATERIALS AND METHODSPSA information was available in 403 patients (38%) who were treated with pelvic lymph node dissection and retropubic radioactive iodine-125 implantation. One hundred eighty-two patients had a normal serum PSA level (< or = 4.0 ng/mL) the first time this test was conducted during the follow-up period, designated PSA-1.RESULTSAmong patients with PSA-1 values < or = 1.0 ng/mL, the 5-year PSA relapse-free survival rate was 85% compared with 27%, respectively, among those with PSA values in the higher range of normal (P < .00001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only a PSA-1 value greater than 1.0 to < or 4.0 (P < .00001) and grade II/III histology (P = .009) had a negative impact on continued PSA relapse-free survival. The only independent variable identified by a multivariate analysis to a...
Can atom-surface potential measurements test atomic structure models?

van der Waals (vdW) atom-surface potentials can be excellent benchmarks for atomic structure calculations. This is especially true if measurements are made with two different types of atoms interacting with the same surface sample. Here we show theoretically how ratios of vdW potential strengths (e.g., C 3 K /C 3 Na ) depend sensitively on the properties of each atom, yet these ratios are relatively insensitive to properties of the surface. We discuss how C 3 ratios depend on atomic core electrons by using a two-oscillator model to represent the contribution from atomic valence electrons and core electrons separately. We explain why certain pairs of atoms are preferable to study for future experimental tests of atomic structure calculations. A well chosen pair of atoms (e.g., K and Na) will have a C, ratio that is insensitive to the permittivity of the surface, whereas a poorly chosen pair (e.g., K and He) will have a ratio of C 3 values that depends more strongly on the permittivity of the surface.
Conversion of Glycerine to Synthesis Gas and Methane by Film Boiling

This paper presents a new approach for promoting thermal decomposition reaction of subcooled liquids. It is based on establishing film boiling of the liquid. The process is illustrated by converting aqueous glycerine to synthesis gas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) and methane. A horizontal tube is immersed into a pool of aqueous glycerine (water weight fractions of 3% and 10%) and film boiling is established on the tube. Because of the large temperature drop that occurs across the vapor film that surrounds the tube, the potential exists to drive pyrolytic or thermal cracking reactions at high temperature but in a comparatively cold bulk liquid. The reaction products are transported away from the tube under the action of buoyancy. The reactor volume essentially forms by itself solely as a result of heating the tube.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Weeping Lovegrass as an Overwintering Habitat for the Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Weeping lovegrass, Eragrostis curvula (Schrader) Nees von Esenbeck, is planted along contour terraces on the High Plains of Texas to reduce soil erosion by water and wind. However, this cropping system may provide a suitable overwintering habitat for the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, when it is planted adjacent to cotton. West of the Caprock escarpment that divides the High Plains and Rolling Plains, no suitable habitat has existed previously. To determine the potential of weeping love grass as an overwintering habitat, boll weevil emergence was compared with that of the known, favorable habitat of leaf litter from the shinnery oak,. Quercus harvardii (Rydberg), in Motley County, Tex. Diapausing boll weevils were placed in emergence cages in both habitats during the winters of 1984-1985 and 1985-1986. Boll weevils more successfully overwintered in the shinnery oak leaf litter the first season than in the weeping lovegrass (31 versus 25%). However, survival was higher in lovegrass than in shinnery oak the second season (24 versus 9%). We conclude that weeping lovegrass can serve as an overwintering habitat for the boll weevil.
Impact of Tax and Expenditure Limitations on Local Government Savings

Local governments serve a pivotal role in the delivery of public services. However, since the late 1970s, their ability to deliver essential public services has been curtailed by widespread adoption of limits on taxing and/or spending authority. Studies show these limits fundamentally altered the fiscal landscape of municipal governments. Using data on county governments for the period 1970–2004, this analysis shows TELs had a negative impact on unrestricted cash reserves. This has wide-ranging implications on fiscal performance including the government’s ability to cope with negative revenue and expenditure shocks and their ability to retain resources for strategic purposes.
Development of ZHU Xi's View on the He-tu and L uo-shu

The formation and development of ZHU Xi's phil osophical ideology can n ot be separated from the development of his view on IＣhing learning. Due to the particularity of the problems of IChing learning, even nowadays when the resea rch on ZHU's philosophy is deepening, the correlation between the formation and development of his philosophical ideology and the development of his view on I Ching learning still keeps vague. On the basis of present achievements on ZHU's l ife and development of his ideology, this paper attempts to illuminate the devel opment of ZHU's view on the Hetu and Luoshu. It can be seen by the investiga ti on of the paper that ZHU's view on the Hetu and Luoshu varied a lot from the b eginning to the end. The process of the gradual deepening of his understanding on th e Hetu and Luoshu is the process in which he attempts to build his o wn system of IChing learning by neutralizing views of different schools. The paper p oints out that ZHU's IChing learning on philosophical connotations is based on his deep research on the symbols and numbers denoted in th e Hutu and Luoshu.
Communications Skills Used by Mental Health Professionals

Introduction Gooddoctor-patient communication has been shown to have a positive impact on anumber of health outcomes in previous studies. Objectives to assess the communications skills used by mentalhealth professionals(MHP). Aims This study explore the impact of clinical factors relatedMHP (communications skills) may have on treatment adherence of patients withmental health disorders (MHD). Methods In this crosssectional study we use a convenience sample of patients with MHD attending inthe mental health departments of three general hospitals in Lisbon greatarea. Data is being collected through individual interviews. We have appliedclinical and socio-demographic questionnaire and additional measures to assesssymptom severity, treatment adherence and attitudes towards medication. For MHP we used a optimism scale (ETOS) and Medication Alliance Beliefs Questionnaire (MABQ. Results Two conveniencesamples were composed by 121 patients(mean age= 39.8; SD± 9.3) with MHDand 60 MHP (mean age 37.0; sd 8.4)working in a varietyof settings is being collected.69.4%(84) of patients said that MHP did notspoke about the way to deal with the possible side effects ofmedications and only 20%(12) of MHP, said that have a specific training incommunication skills. Conclusion Communication skills should be improved andphysicians should take a more active role in improving patient treatment adherence. Do not just prescribe medication, it is necessary to adapt the treatment to theprofile and characteristics of each patient, assessing risk factors andfacilitate the clarification of doubts. Successful collaboration requirestailoring strategies to individual patients rather than basing communication ongeneral assumptions.
RELAP5 Model Description and Validation for the BR2 Loss-of-Flow Experiments

This paper presents a description of the RELAP5 model, the calibration method used to obtain the minor loss coefficients from the available hydraulic data and the LOFA simulation results compared to the 1963 experimental tests for HEU fuel.
PERSPECTIVES ABOUT EDUCATION AND CURRICULUM REFORMS: WHY EDUCATION AND CURRICULUM REFORMS NEED TO BE A CONTINUOUS PROCESS

A strange and chance encounter on the final night of my trip to Chicago, my first visit to that city, where I attend the second annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Curriculum Studies, (AAACS) in 2003 gave birth to this paper. The paper intends to highlight some of the critical issues in the education and curriculum field not only inside the walls of our schools but outside them as well. Through the analysis of a conversation between two females, this paper discusses some prevailing perspectives about education and curriculum, the important role that parents should play in the education of their children and the significance of continuous education reforms. Conclusions are also drawn.