cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surrogate-based multi-experiment calibration of the BISON fission gas behavior model

Abstract The physics-based fission gas behavior model recently implemented in BISON has demonstrated significant improvements over previous models but there remains considerable uncertainty in the predicted behaviors due to the intrinsic uncertainties of several parameters used in the model. One of the methods to reduce the uncertainty in fission gas behavior prediction is to utilize experimental data from multiple integral experiments to adjust the individual model parameters. The research performed here was in support of that effort and developed a comprehensive framework which utilized surrogate models for BISON in order to reduce the computational intensity of the resulting optimization problem. Both single-valued and high dimensional outputs were investigated using data from several experiments of the Riso-3 database. The Derringer’s desirability function method was used to combine multiple outputs from separate surrogate models into a single objective function and a weighting factor was introduced to provide analysts a tool to properly weight the importance of each output from each experiment in the optimization process. The method was applied for the multi-experiment calibration problem of the BISON fission gas behavior model. An optimized set of fission gas behavior model parameters was obtained in a demonstration of the multi-experiment calibration method, which showed significant accuracy improvement of the BISON fission gas behavior predictions. By using the surrogate-based approach, the computational cost was reduced by more than two orders of magnitude.
Large Scale Decision Tree Optimization by Branch and Bound Methods

Abstract A number of “branch-and-bound” methods for decision-tree analysis are developed. The major advantage of these methods lies in the reduction in the number of subjective probability and multiattribute utility assessments needed, as well as saving of time and effort, either in manual or in computer calculation. Exact optimality is guaranteed as in the conventional rollback method. Other, less obvious advantages of a conceptual and practical nature are discussed. These include the determination of that part of the decision tree which has no information value.
Future-event schemas: Automaticity and rumination in major depression.

We examined the proposition that individuals with major depression make predictions about future events relatively automatically and pessimistically, reflecting use of a future-event schema, while they also ruminate about the future. Depressed participants and nondepressed controls indicated whether or not various positive and negative future events would happen to them or to an average other—either under a concurrent attentional load or no such load—while their response latencies were assessed. As hypothesized, depressives showed relatively greater automaticity in their predictions than did nondepressives, and a lack of optimism as well. More specifically, depressives showed a smaller increase in response latency due to the introduction of the attentional load than did nondepressives, suggesting relatively greater processing efficiency, and they also predicted reliably fewer positive events. Indeed, depressives also reported ruminating more about the future based on a recent distressing life event. Overall, the results extend research on future-event schemas and automaticity (Andersen, Spielman, & Bargh, 1992) from moderate to major depression and establish a link with future-event rumination.
Child Sexual Abuse and Depression in Late Life for Men: A Population-Based, Longitudinal Analysis.

Objective Research investigating long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on mental health for men is vastly underdeveloped. This study strengthened the knowledge base by examining: (a) long-term trajectories of depressive symptoms for men with and without a history of CSA, and (b) moderating effects of social support over time. Method We analyzed multiple waves of data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. The sample (N = 2,451) consisted of men with histories of CSA and a stratified, randomly sampled comparison group. Growth curve modeling was employed for analyses. Results After controlling for demographic, parental, and health factors, men with CSA histories had greater depressive symptoms than those with no history of CSA. For both groups, depressive symptoms decreased over time; slope patterns did not differ. We found a significant moderating effect of social support on the relationship between CSA and depressive symptoms. Discussion This innovative, population-based, longitudinal study demonstrated that CSA can undermine mental health for men across the life span and into old age. Social support appears to mitigate these deleterious effects. In early, middle, and late adulthood, practitioners should assess for CSA and strengthen support resources for male survivors.
Should We Have a Better Definition of Pseudoparalysis in Patients With Rotator Cuff Tears

Pseudoparalysis has been previously described as the inability to elevate the arm over 90° in the setting of a rotator cuff tear. Controversy exists regarding the optimal treatment for patients with a pseudoparalytic shoulder with a rotator cuff tear with options including rotator cuff repair and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Recent literature suggests that pseudoparalysis can reliably be corrected with a rotator cuff repair and is more cost effective than reverse shoulder arthroplasty. We believe that the arbitrary cutoff of 90° is too generous and leads to confusion. We believe that the definition of pseudoparalysis needs to be refined to clarify indications for treatment and not base a decision on a simple measurement without other factors considered. We suggest that pseudoparalysis as a description should include elevation limited to up to 45°. The patient should also be described as having a chronic and essentially atraumatic onset of symptoms and the rotator cuff tear is massive with at least grade II to III fatty infiltration. Only with increasing precision and describing the actual patient situation and limitations will we be more able to correctly compare treatment alternatives.
Impact of sleep deprivation on the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objectives This study sought to compare the clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) performed by sleep deprived and non-sleep deprived operators. Background Interventional cardiologists are at risk for sleep deprivation as they often have to perform emergent procedures at night, but the effects of sleep deprivation on clinical outcomes have received limited study. Methods We examined the frequency, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of daytime PCIs performed by sleep deprived and non-sleep deprived operators at a tertiary medical center. Operators were considered sleep deprived when performing a daytime (7 am-11:59 pm) procedure preceded by a nighttime (12 am-6:59 am) procedure on the same date. Results Of the 12,680 daytime PCIs performed from 6/29/09 to 12/30/2016, 367 (2.9%) were performed by sleep deprived operators. Patients undergoing PCI performed by a sleep deprived operator were more likely to be younger, white, and to present with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). The incidence of in-hospital death (1.1% vs. 1.3%, P = 1.0) and bleeding within 72 hr (3.9% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.29) were similar for procedures performed by sleep-deprived and non-sleep deprived operators. When the sleep deprived group was further stratified based on degree of sleep deprivation or length of sleep interruption, differences in mortality and total bleeding remained non-significant. Conclusions In this large single center study, operator sleep deprivation did not appear to adversely impact PCI outcomes.
Integration of sparse singular vector decomposition and statistical process control for traffic monitoring and quality of service improvement in mission-critical communication networks

AbstractMission-Critical Communication Networks (MCCNs) are wireless networks whose malfunction can cause significant problems. The nature of MCCNs puts an extremely high standard on the Quality of...
Vitamin D, phagocyte differentiation and immune function.

The data reviewed in this paper supports the hypothesis that 1,25-(OH)2D3 influences the differentiation and function of mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes. A caveat is the concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D3 required in vitro for expression of these effects. The relevance of these concentrations to the actions of 1,25-(OH)2D3 in vivo is speculative because the experimental conditions involve the presence of serum (and vitamin D-binding protein) which undoubtedly alters the concentration of 1,25-(OH)2D3 entering the incubated cells. Serum is a critical reagent in most cell culture systems and it is not yet possible to separate the effects of serum from the effect of the 1,25-(OH)2D3 contained in serum. Our current hypothesis is that 1,25-(OH)2D3 in normal serum plays a permissive role in the functions of normal mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes, which are exaggerated at higher concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D3. These data also suggest that skeletal homeostasis has immunologic dimensions. Lymphokines appear to be important in the formation of osteoclast-like cells. Lymphokines are also believed to be involved in some forms of hypercalcemia associated with malignancy such as multiple myeloma [80] and the adult T-cell lymphoma syndrome [81]. It is clear that the interactions between vitamin D, mononuclear phagocytes, lymphocytes and their products, and skeletal homeostasis have introduced new perspectives and dimensions to areas previously perceived as being unrelated or, at least, distantly linked.
The role of curvature feedback in the energetics and dynamics of lamprey swimming: A closed-loop model

Like other animals, lampreys have a central pattern generator (CPG) circuit that activates muscles for locomotion and also adjusts the activity to respond to sensory inputs from the environment. Such a feedback system is crucial for responding appropriately to unexpected perturbations, but it is also active during normal unperturbed steady swimming and influences the baseline swimming pattern. In this study, we investigate different functional forms of body curvature-based sensory feedback and evaluate their effects on steady swimming energetics and kinematics, since little is known experimentally about the functional form of curvature feedback. The distributed CPG is modeled as chains of coupled oscillators. Pairs of phase oscillators represent the left and right sides of segments along the lamprey body. These activate muscles that flex the body and move the lamprey through a fluid environment, which is simulated using a full Navier-Stokes model. The emergent curvature of the body then serves as an input to the CPG oscillators, closing the loop. We consider two forms of feedback, each consistent with experimental results on lamprey proprioceptive sensory receptors. The first, referred to as directional feedback, excites or inhibits the oscillators on the same side, depending on the sign of a chosen gain parameter, and has the opposite effect on oscillators on the opposite side. We find that directional feedback does not affect beat frequency, but does change the duration of muscle activity. The second feedback model, referred to as magnitude feedback, provides a symmetric excitatory or inhibitory effect to oscillators on both sides. This model tends to increase beat frequency and reduces the energetic cost to the lamprey when the gain is high and positive. With both types of feedback, the body curvature has a similar magnitude. Thus, these results indicate that the same magnitude of curvature-based feedback on the CPG with different functional forms can cause distinct differences in swimming performance.
The Impact of a Community Pharmacy Diabetes Self-Management Education Program on Diabetes Distress:

Background: Negative psychosocial implications stemming from the presence of diabetes, known as diabetes distress, place people with diabetes at twice the likelihood of having clinical depression t...
Salvage of renal transplant with vacuum-assisted thrombectomy of large iliocaval and allograft venous outflow thrombus

A 47-year-old male with a remote renal transplant due to pediatric glomerulonephritis on oral anticoagulation for symptomatic deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary emboli presented with sudden hip and groin pain. The patient was found to have a spinal epidural hematoma, underwent reversal of anticoagulation, and subsequently developed worsening renal function. Imaging revealed occlusive iliocaval venous thrombosis with extension to the renal allograft. Given risk of epidural hematoma expansion, the patient was deemed high risk for thrombolysis. The AngioVac system was used for single session thrombus removal. The patient's renal function improved and no focal neurologic sequelae was noted postprocedure. Six-month follow-up showed persistent vessel patency.
Abstract IA21: From the clinic to the lab: Investigating response and resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoint therapy

Immune checkpoint therapies, including anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1, have led to significant clinical responses in cancer patients. To investigate immunologic changes and mechanistic pathways that are elicited by these therapies, we conducted presurgical and tissue-based clinical trials, which permit access to tumor tissues for laboratory studies. To compare and contrast data, we chose one tumor type that responds well to immune checkpoint therapy and one that does not. The first presurgical trial was conducted with anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) in a cohort of patients with localized bladder cancer. The second presurgical trial was conducted with anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) in patients with localized prostate cancer. In addition, we evaluated data from patients with melanoma who received immune checkpoint therapy. These data enabled us to identify the ICOS/ICOSL pathway as relevant for antitumor immune responses in the setting of anti-CTLA-4 therapy. We also identified resistance mechanisms including expression of other immune inhibitory pathways, such as VISTA, and loss of the IFNγ signaling pathway in tumor cells. These data will be discussed in greater details. Citation Format: Padmanee Sharma. From the clinic to the lab: Investigating response and resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoint therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2018 Nov 27-30; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(4 Suppl):Abstract nr IA21.
A 66.97pJ/bit, 0.0413mm 2 Self-Aligned PLL-Calibrated Harmonic-Injection-Locked TX with >62dBc Spur Suppression for IoT Applications

Digital-intensive ultra-low-power (ULP) wireless transmitters (TX) employing harmonic injection locking suffer from large close-in reference spurs that violates the TX spectral mask. This paper presents a self-aligned type-I PLL in conjunction with harmonic injection locking to achieve significantly improved spur performance at ULP for sub-GHz IoT TXs. The on-chip type-I PLL calibrates the phase error in the ring oscillator (RO) in real time and avoid large spurs induced from the frequency deviation in the harmonic injection-locked technique through the proposed twin-T notch filter in the feedback loop. Implemented in 180nm CMOS process, the proposed frequency translating TX occupies an active area of only 0.0413mm2 with -14dBm output at 915MHz. We report the lowest power consumption with 3X improved energy-efficiency while consistently achieving >62dBc spur suppression. The TX also supports OOK modulation with an average power consumption of 200.9µW only at 3Mb/s data rate achieving 66.97pJ/bit energy efficiency.
HIV-1 Vpr protein impairs lysosome clearance causing SNCA/alpha-synuclein accumulation in neurons.

Despite the promising therapeutic effects of combinatory antiretroviral therapy (cART), 20% to 30% of HIV/AIDS patients living with long term infection still exhibit related cognitive and motor dis...
Human dimensions of crocodilians: a review of the drivers of coexistence

Crocodilians are socially and ecological important apex predators. Yet, many societies struggle to share space with crocodilians, especially in urban and coastal regions. The literature provides fr...
More Than One Degree of Freedom Systems and the Euler-Lagrange Process

This chapter expands the analysis to systems with more than one degree of freedom. I present a formal analysis of degrees of freedom in two dimensions. I introduce the Euler-Lagrange method of finding the equations of motion for the mechanical systems, the rate of work function for the calculation of generalized forces (and torques), and the Rayleigh dissipation function for including viscous damping. I discuss linearization and linear stability. I introduce simple DC motors as prime movers for mechanical systems. I combine these elements in several examples of systems with two and more degrees of freedom. This chapter introduces some systems that will recur throughout: the overhead crane, a simple servo system, and a magnetic suspension.
Socio-demographic impacts on lane-changing response time and distance in work zone with Drivers' Smart Advisory System

Lane-changing behavior is an important component of traffic simulation. A lane-changing action is normally confined to a decision-making process of the task, and the action itself is sometimes assumed as an instantaneous event. Besides, the lane-changing behavior is based mostly on observable positions and speeds of other vehicles, rather than on vehicles' intentions. In practice, changing one lane requires about 5–6 s to complete. Existing lane-changing models do not comprehensively consider drivers' response to work zone lane-changing signs (or other related messages, if any). Furthermore, drivers' socio-demographics are normally not taken into account. With regard to this, fuzzy logic-based lane-changing models that consider drivers' socio-demographics were developed to improve the realism of lane-changing maneuvers in work zones. Drivers' Smart Advisory System (DSAS) messages were provided as one of the scenarios. Drivers' responses, including reactions to work zone signs and DSAS messages, and actions to change lane, were investigated. Drivers' socio-demographic factors were primary independent variables, while Lane-Changing Response Time (LCRT) and Distance (LCRD) were defined as output variables. The model validation process yielded acceptable error ranges. To illustrate how these models can be used in traffic simulation, the LCRT and LCRD in work zones were estimated for five geo-locations with different socio-demographic specifications. Results show that the DSAS is able to instruct all drivers to prepare and change lanes earlier, thereby shortening the duration of changing lanes. Educational background and age are essential variables, whereas the impacts of gender on the output variables are indistinctive.
Technology acceptance in the banking industry: A perspective from a less developed country

In the last decade, information technology has proven to be the major enabler that has helped multinational corporations to integrate their worldwide operations. However, studies show that many of these foreign subsidiaries, especially in less‐developed countries, under‐utilize their information systems, thus not making a significant contribution in improving the performance of organizations. Previous research, which investigated the factors that motivated individuals in accepting information technology, were conducted in developed countries. Since less‐developed countries differ culturally from developed countries, it is important to identify the factors which motivate individuals in these countries to accept as well as use information technology. This study seeks to investigate this issue. A comprehensive questionnaire on microcomputer acceptance and its resulting impact was collected from 88 users in six banks in Nigeria. The results suggest that social pressure is an important factor affecting microcomputer usage.
Acknowledgments in human-computer interaction

Acknowledgments are relatively rare in human computer interaction. Are people unwilling to use this human convention when talking to a machine, or is their scarcity due to the way that spoken-language interfaces are designed? We found that, given a simple spoken-language interface that provided opportunities for and responded to acknowledgments, about half of our subjects used acknowledgments at least once and nearly 30% used them extensively during the interaction.
Thiazide Diuretics in the Management of Young Children with Central Diabetes Insipidus.

Objective To report our experience in treating infants and toddlers with central diabetes insipidus (DI) with thiazide diuretics. Study design A retrospective chart review of all infants and toddlers who were treated with thiazide diuretics for central DI at the Mayo Clinic between 1996 and 2014. Results Our cohort consisted of 13 patients. The median age at the start of therapy was 6 months (IQR, 1-14 months). Eight patients were given chlorothiazide at a starting dose of 5-10 mg/kg/day, and 5 patients were treated with hydrochlorothiazide at a starting dose of 1-2 mg/kg/day. The median age at the cessation of thiazide therapy was 18 months (IQR, 11.5-39 months). The main reason for stopping was the lack of continued response, in addition to hypernatremia. There was no hospitalization secondary to hyponatremia and only 1 hospitalization secondary to hypernatremia while receiving thiazide therapy. Calcium was checked periodically in 7 of the 13 patients, and 2 of these 7 patients had persistent hypercalcemia. Conclusion Thiazide diuretics appear to be safe and effective in treating infants with central DI. They can be continued after the introduction of solid food, and until a lack of response is observed.
Preparing the Data

This chapter contains sections titled: Representation of Raw Data Characteristics of Raw Data Transformation of Raw Data Missing Data Time-Dependent Data Outlier Analysis Review Questions and Problems References for Further Study
Simple approach to prevent capsule tear-out during capsulorhexis creation in hypermature cataracts

Capsule tear-out in hypermature cataracts (Argentinean flag sign) is a common and frustrating complication during the creation of a capsulorhexis. Completing the capsulorhexis through a small side-port incision, filling the anterior chamber with a highly viscous ophthalmic viscosurgical device such as a viscoadaptive agent, and using a 23- or 25-gauge microcapsulorhexis forceps to fill the side-port incision can reliably prevent this complication. Financial Disclosure Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Staged treatment of proximal tibial fracture using external locking compression plate.

Objective To share our preliminary clinical success and failure with using an external locking compression plate (LCP) for proximal tibial fractures, further refine the indications for this procedure and review relevant published reports. Methods The current study reports two cases of proximal tibial fracture treated with external LCP as the second stage of a two-stage treatment. One patient was a 59-year-old man with a closed proximal tibial/fibular fracture caused by falling on ice while getting out of his car, and another patient was a 42-year-old male smoker with right comminuted proximal tibia, tibial plateau and proximal fibular fractures. The outcomes were evaluated by radiographs and weight bearing status. Results In the first case, the fracture healed uneventfully whereas the second case required further open-reduction with internal fixation because correct alignment could not be achieved with an external LCP. Conclusion Correct alignment of proximal tibial fractures followed by use of an external LCP can achieve favorable outcomes.
Effects of available P and N:P ratios on non-symbiotic dinitrogen fixation in tallgrass prairie soils

Prescribed burning is a major control over element cycles in Tallgrass prairie (Eastern Kansas, USA). In this paper we report potential effects of fire on nonsymbiotic nitrogen fixation. Fire resulted in additions of available P in ash, which may stimulate nitrogen fixation by terrestrial cyanobacteria. Cyanobacterial nitrogenase activity and biomass responded positively to additions of ash or P in laboratory assays using soil. Further assays in soil showed that cyanobacteria responded to changes in available N:available P ratio (aN:P) across a range of concentrations. Nitrogen fixation rate could be related empirically to aN:P via a log-linear relationship. Extrapolation of laboratory results to the field yielded a maximal estimate of 21 kg N ha-1 y-1. Results support arguments from the marine and terrestrial literature that P availability is central to regulation of ecosystem N budgets.
Grown-in point defects and microscopic defect formation in CZ silicon: I. The one-dimensional, steady-state approximation

Abstract A theoretical analysis of vacancy and self-interstitial distribution during crystal growth has been made in the one-dimensional, steady-state and neutral species-only approximation limit. The effects of crystal movement, normal and up-hill diffusion and annihilation have all been included and, because of nonlinear behavior, the procedure of numerical continuation was required to generate a parametric study of the overall process. The theory is considered to be relevant to the experimental data on commercial CZ silicon crystals and can provide some understanding concerning the macroscopic ring-type defect often found in such crystals. Any comparison between this one-dimensional theory and the available experimental data defines the ranges of the “effective” material parameters involved.
Faculty Members' Intentions to Leave: A National Study on Their Worklife and Satisfaction

Despite the importance of faculty retention, there is little understanding of how demographic variables, professional and institutional worklife issues, and satisfaction interact to explain faculty intentions to leave at a national level. Using the National Study of Postsecondary Faculty (NSOPF:1999) database, this study proposes (a) to extend our previous conceptualization and understanding of those issues that comprise the dimensions of faculty worklife, satisfaction, and intentions to leave, (b) to examine relationships between these three dimensions, and (c) to determine the extent to which demographic variables and the quality of worklife have an impact on satisfaction, and faculty members' intentions to leave. Using structural equation modeling, the findings indicate that the perceptions faculty members have of their worklife have a direct and powerful impact on their satisfaction, and subsequently their intentions to leave. That is, a combination of worklife perceptions of faculty members' professional and institutional issues and satisfaction initiates individuals' behavioral intentions and the desire to leave for another position and/or career alternative.
Student Retention in Higher Education: Some Conceptual and Programmatic Perspectives

Over the past two decades the attrition of students in higher education has raised grave concerns. These concerns were raised initially over the higher rates of attrition of minority students in the early 1980s following a decade of record rates of minority enrollment in higher education institutions during the 1970s. However, by the mid-1980s the rates of high attrition of African-American and Hispanic students had grabbed the attention of the academic community across the country. When scholars and higher education administrators began to take notice of the higher rates of attrition of minority students they found out that student dropout and attrition in higher education institutions was a problem with all students, not just students of color. This article summarizes and presents perspectives on the causes of attrition and the problems of the retention of students in higher education. These ideas and perspectives are based on what has been learned from research on student retention over the past two de...
Separation of Cane Sugar from Water Ice

Makers of ice-cream products occasionally find a water ice in which the cane sugar has cryst~lized, making the product hard, chalky in appearance, and unpalatable. The researches described in this paper may help those who have experienced such a difficulty, since the conditions governing the crystallization of sucrose from frozen solutions have been established with considerable exactness. In considering this problem, the solubility, temperature, and freezing-point relationships of cmae-sugar solutions of varying concentrations should be established if possible. Those temperatures incident to normal ice cream work are, of course, of primary interest. Upon the cooling of an unsaturated dilute solution to the proper point, ice separates from it. This separation concentrates the sugar in the unfrozen part, and as the temperature lowers this concentration increases. By plotting temperatures and concentrations incident to these temperatures, the freezing-point curve is obtained. Similarly, if a highly concentrated solution is cooled, its saturation point is reached, after which, under suitable conditions, sugar crystals are thrown out of solution. This process lessens the concentration of the sugar in the water, and increasingly lower temperatures are necessary to force out further crystals. These data, plotted in a manner similar to the freezing point data, yield the solubility curve. These curves approach each other, and at their point of coincidence is found a solution saturated to sugar and in equilibrium with ice. Under ideal conditions further abstraction of heat from this mass does not lower the temperature but brings about the separation of both sugar and ice until the mass has become solid, after which the temperature is of course lowered with further removal of heat.
Effect of Blowing Ratio on Syngas Flyash Particle Deposition on a Three-Row Leading Edge Film Cooling Geometry Using Large Eddy Simulations

A numerical study is performed to investigate deposition and erosion of Syngas ash in the leading edge region of a turbine vane. The leading edge of the vane is modeled as a symmetric semi-cylinder with a flat after body. Three rows of coolant holes located at stagnation and at ±21.3° from stagnation are simulated at blowing ratios of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0. Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is used to model the flow field of the coolant jet-mainstream interaction and syngas ash particles are modeled using a Lagrangian framework. Ash particle sizes of 5 and 7 micron are considered. Under the conditions of the current simulations, both ash particles have Stokes numbers less than unity of O(1) and hence are strongly affected by the flow and thermal field generated by the coolant interaction with the mainstream. Because of this, the stagnation coolant jets are quite successful in pushing the particles away from the surface and minimizing deposition and erosion in the stagnation region. Overall, about 10% of the 5 μm particles versus 20% of the 7 μm particles are deposited on the surface at B.R. = 0.5. An increase to B.R. = 2, increases deposition of the 5 micron particles to 14% while decreasing deposition of the 7 micron particles to 15%. Erosive ash particles of 5 μm size increase from 5% of the total to 10% as the blowing ratio increases from 0.5 to 2.0, whereas 7 μm erosive particles remain nearly constant at 15%. Overall, for particles of size 5 μm, there is a combined increase in deposition and erosive particles from 16% to 24% as the blowing ratio increases from 0.5 to 2.0. The 7 μm particles, on the other hand decrease from 35% to about 30% as the blowing ratio increases from 0.5 to 2.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Alkali-atom shell model

Abstract An alkali-atom shell model for alkali microclusters is introduced, where the quantum constituent is the neutral atom itself considered as a heavy fermion in a central potential created by all atoms in the cluster. Thus, here the magic numbers are due to atoms and not to electrons as in jellium models. The model is applicable under conditions (of production, temperature, size, etc.) not favoring delocalization of valence electrons. For conditions favoring electron delocalization the jellium model is applicable. New experiments are suggested via nuclear methods.
Pasture and cattle responses in rotationally stocked grazing systems sown with differing levels of species richness

Increasing species richness of temperate pastures beyond one or two forage species could improve grazing system productivity. An experiment in western Illinois, USA, was initiated in August 2001 to test this idea. The main study objective was to determine how pastures sown with increasing levels of species richness would affect herbage yield and cow-calf performance. Three seed mixtures that contained three, five, or eight forage species were sown into 3- to 6-ha pastures. Mixtures were replicated three times and rotationally stocked with beef cow–calf groups. Herbage mass and accumulation were estimated by a rising plate meter method and weight gain evaluated cow–calf performance. We also evaluated forage nutritive value indices and changes in forage species composition. After pasture establishment in 2001, herbage mass was marginally higher (P 5 0.15) in eight-species mixtures (98 g m 22 ) compared with three-species mixes (43 g m 22 ). Once grazing started, pasture mix had no effect on herbage responses or stocking rate (P . 0.05). Cow–calf performance was also unaffected by pasture mix, although average daily gain (ADG) was higher in 2003 (P , 0.05). Cow and calf ADG averaged 0.33 and 1.17 kg d 21 , respectively, in 2003 compared with 0.05 and 1.01 kg d 21 in other years. Overall, species richness in pastures had minimal effects on forage yield and cattle performance. Grazing management (e.g., stocking rate) and climatic conditions more strongly influence grazing system productivity.
Cellular regulation of arachidonate mobilization and metabolism

Abstract Synthesis of eicosanoids is initiated by signal transduction cascades which result in the hydrolysis of free arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids. Both a cytosolic 85 kDa and a non-pancreatic 14 kDa PLA2 may contribute to cellular arachidonate mobilization. In many cells, agonist-stimulated fatty acid release is dependent upon increases in intracellular free calcium and is enhanced by pretreatment with agents such as phorbol esters and soluble diglycerides. The response is specific for arachidonate and structurally similar polyunsaturated fatty acids containing a cis 5, 6 double bond. DMSO-differentiation of U937 cells markedly enhances the A23187-stimulated release of [ 3 H]arachidonate, which appears to be coupled to differentiation-induced enhancement of capacitance calcium entry. Although both phorbol esters and soluble diglycerides enhance subsequent fMLP or A23187-stimulated arachidonate release in human neutrophils, several lines of evidence indicate that the effects of oleoylacetylglycerol and 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol are protein kinase C-independent. Soluble diglycerides, but not phorbol esters, enhance the coupling of arachidonate mobilization to subsequent leukotriene B 4 synthesis. Further studies will be required to elucidate the mechanisms which regulate activation of cellular phospholipases and subsequent synthesis.
Using Self-Organizing Maps to Explore Patterns in Species Richness and Protection

The combination of species distributions with abiotic and landscape variables using Geographic Information Systems can prioritize areas for biodiversity protection by identifying areas of high richness, although the number of variables and complexity of the relationships between them can prove difficult for traditional statistical methods. The use of these methods, which commonly assume linearity and low correlation between independent variables, can obscure even strong relationships and patterns. Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) is a heuristic statistical tool based on machine learning methods that can be used to explore patterns in large, complex datasets for linear and nonlinear patterns. Here we use SOM to visualize broad patterns in species richness by taxonomic group (birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians) and 78 habitat, landscape and environmental variables using data from the Gap analysis project for West Virginia, USA. Soil and habitat variables demonstrated clear relationships with species richness; areas with high species richness occurred in areas with high soil richness. Landscape metrics were less important, although habitat diversity and evenness indices were positively related to species richness in some taxonomic groups. Current coverage of protected areas (e.g., National Forests and state parks) appeared to be insufficient to cover most of the areas of high species richness, especially for reptiles; many of the polygons with the highest richness were not covered by these areas. The identification of polygons with high richness and low protection can be used to focus conservation efforts in those areas.
Prevalence of hyperapobetalipoproteinemia and other lipoprotein phenotypes in men (aged ≤50 years) and women (≤60 years) with coronary artery disease☆

The prevalence and clinical characteristics of hyperapobetalipoproteinemia (hyperapoB) and other phenotypes of dyslipoproteinemia were examined in 99 men (aged < or = 50 years) and 104 women (< or = 60 years) undergoing elective diagnostic coronary arteriography. HyperapoB was the most common phenotype (34%) associated with premature coronary artery disease (CAD). Only 20.2% of patients with CAD had a normal lipoprotein phenotype. The significant odds ratios for CAD were as follows: hypertriglyceridemic hyperapoB 17.45 (p < 0.0001), type IV 6.54 (p = 0.0001), type IIa 4.73 (p = 0.008), normotriglyceridemic hyperapoB 2.54 (p = 0.03) and type IIb 8.73 (p = 0.05). The strong association of hypertriglyceridemic hyperapoB with CAD reflected the multiplicative effect of increased low-density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B and endogenous hypertriglyceridemia, and was independent of the effects of age, sex, diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, body mass index and cigarette smoking. The ratio of apolipoprotein B to A-1 was better than those of low-density to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol at discriminating dyslipidemic phenotypes from normal. Obesity was increased approximately 1.5 to two-fold in the hypertriglyceridemic phenotypes, diabetes was more prevalent in hypertriglyceridemic hyperapoB (6.8-fold; p < 0.001) and type IV (4.4-fold; p = 0.02), and hypertension was increased 1.5- to twofold in most dyslipidemic groups. The data indicate that hyperapoB and endogenous hypertriglyceridemia both contribute to the risk of premature CAD.
Preservation of enzymic activity in marine plankton by low-temperature freezing

Abstract The measurement of enzymic activity in plankton communities is useful in the study of marine ecosystems. Such measurements can lead to a clearer understanding of the biological transformations in plankton communities at a particular time. However, the assays are somewhat time-consuming. To facilitate analysis of large numbers of samples, we have developed a method of quick-freezing of whole cells and of cell-free extracts of the diatom, Skeletonema costatum, followed by storage at −60°C for up to one week. No loss in either the electron transport system (ETS) or the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity occurs. Similar conditions of storage can be used for the preservation of ETS activity in the marine copepod Calanus pacificus. Also, no measurable loss in either the GDH or the ETS activity is detectable after the quick-frozen whole cells of S. costatum have been kept frozen for over a year.
The moderating effect of self-efficacy on normal-weight, overweight, and obese children's math achievement: a longitudinal analysis.

Abstract Increased body weight is associated with decreased cognitive function in school-aged children. The role of self-efficacy in shaping the connection between children's educational achievement and obesity-related comorbidities has not been examined to date. Evidence of the predictive ability of self-efficacy in children is demonstrated in cognitive tasks, including math achievement scores. This study examined the relationship between self-efficacy and math achievement in normal weight, overweight, and obese children. I hypothesized that overweight and obese children with higher self-efficacy will be less affected in math achievement than otherwise comparable children with lower self-efficacy. I tested this prediction with multilevel growth modeling techniques using the ECLS-K 1998–1999 survey data, a nationally representative sample of children. Increased self-efficacy moderates the link between body weight and children's math achievement by buffering the risks that increased weight status poses to children's cognitive function. My findings indicate that self-efficacy moderates math outcomes in overweight, but not obese, children.
Angiopoietin-like Protein 3 Inhibits Lipoprotein Lipase Activity through Enhancing Its Cleavage by Proprotein Convertases *

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-mediated lipolysis of triglycerides is the first and rate-limiting step in chylomicron/very low density lipoprotein clearance at the luminal surface of the capillaries. Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) is shown to inhibit LPL activity and plays important roles in modulating lipoprotein metabolism in vivo. However, the mechanism by which it inhibits LPL activity remains poorly understood. Using cell-based analysis of the interaction between ANGPTL3, furin, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 5 (PCSK5), paired amino acid converting enzyme-4 (PACE4), and LPL, we demonstrated that the cleavage of LPL by proprotein convertases is an inactivation process, similar to that seen for endothelial lipase cleavage. At physiological concentrations and in the presence of cells, ANGPTL3 is a potent inhibitor of LPL. This action is due to the fact that ANGPTL3 can enhance LPL cleavage by endogenous furin and PACE4 but not by PCSK5. This effect is specific to LPL but not endothelial lipase. Both N- and C-terminal domains of LPL are required for ANGPTL3-enhanced cleavage, and the N-terminal domain of ANGPTL3 is sufficient to exert its effect on LPL cleavage. Moreover, ANGPTL3 enhances LPL cleavage in the presence of either heparan sulfate proteoglycans or glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1). By enhancing LPL cleavage, ANGPTL3 dissociates LPL from the cell surface, inhibiting both the catalytic and noncatalytic functions of LPL. Taken together, our data provide a molecular connection between ANGPTL3, LPL, and proprotein convertases, which may represent a rapid signal communication among different metabolically active tissues to maintain energy homeostasis. These novel findings provide a new paradigm of specific protease-substrate interaction and further improve our knowledge of LPL biology.
The Fiscal Crisis of the State Reconsidered: Two Views of the State and the Accumulation of Capital in the Postwar Economy:

This paper argues that the theoretical categories in The Fiscal Crisis of the State (1973) by James O'Connor produce empirical results that fail to explain the financial crisis of the state in the ...
Modeling Vortex Generators in a Navier-Stokes Code

A source-term model that simulates the effects of vortex generators was implemented into the Wind-US Navier-Stokes code. The source term added to the Navier-Stokes equations simulates the lift force that would result from a vane-type vortex generator in the flowfield. The implementation is user-friendly, requiring the user to specify only three quantities for each desired vortex generator: the range of grid points over which the force is to be applied and the planform area and angle of incidence of the physical vane. The model behavior was evaluated for subsonic flow in a rectangular duct with a single vane vortex generator, subsonic flow in an S-duct with 22 corotating vortex generators, and supersonic flow in a rectangular duct with a counter-rotating vortex-generator pair. The model was also used to successfully simulate microramps in supersonic flow by treating each microramp as a pair of vanes with opposite angles of incidence. The validation results indicate that the source-term vortex-generator model provides a useful tool for screening vortex-generator configurations and gives comparable results to solutions computed using gridded vanes.
Effects of stress on memory in children and adolescents: testing causal connections.

Although a sizeable body of research has examined children's memory for stressful prior experiences, relatively few studies have experimentally manipulated stress during a to-be-remembered event to draw causal inferences about the effects of stress, especially across wide age ranges. We exposed children and adolescents to a more or a less arousing version of the Trier Social Stress Test-Modified (TSST-M), a widely used laboratory stress task. Two weeks later, we tested their memory for what happened. Interviewers behaved in a supportive or non-supportive manner. In adolescents, those who completed the high-arousal TSST-M provided fewer correct responses to recognition questions and fewer incorrect responses to misleading questions for which any answer would have been incorrect, compared to those who completed the lower-arousal TSST-M. Thus, arousal seemed to have reduced the adolescents' willingness to answer questions rather than having influenced their memory per se. In children, across TSST-M condition...
Is vasectomy a risk factor for prostate cancer

Recently, several case-control studies have suggested that vasectomy may predispose to prostate cancer. Other studies have found no increase in risk. All of these studies have a number of limitations. Taken together, these studies do not provide convincing evidence that vasectomy increases the risk of prostate cancer. However, in view of the high prevalence of prostate cancer and the growing worldwide importance of vasectomy as a form of contraception, further epidemiological research is warranted. After briefly commenting on the experimental studies we will examine the epidemiological studies in more detail. This will be done by first summarising the designs and main findings of the most relevant published studies and then discussing methodological issues relating to the studies taken as a whole. Finally, we will present conclusions and offer recommendations for future research.
Microscope immersion oils: effects of skin application on cutaneous and hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes☆

Abstract Cutaneous application in rats of two widely used microscope immersion oils known to contain the environmental pollutant chemicals, polychlorinated biphenyls, was evaluated. After skin application of 1 or 10 μl of these oils, significant increases in liver weight, microsomal protein, cytochrome P-450 and in the metabolism of ethylmorphine and benzo(a)pyrene resulted. Cutaneously treated sites also showed large increases in benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylation. Immersion oil treatment resulted in the induction of hepatic cytochrome P-448 and caused spectral changes in the hemoprotein analogous to those produced by polycyclic hydrocarbons, such as 3-methylcholanthrene. A single cutaneous application resulted in significant enhancement of the same parameters; this response reached a maximum at 2 days and lasted at least 10 days with each immersion oil tested. The data presented show that extremely small exposures of the skin to microscopic immersion oils lead to marked induction of hepatic and cutaneous drug-metabolizing enzymes.