cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soluble TNF receptor 1-secreting ex vivo-derived dendritic cells reduce injury after stroke

Inflammation is a major factor in the progression of damage after stroke and in the clinic, current therapies treat the clot, not the resulting damage. We have developed a novel method of protein delivery that exploits the migration ability of leukocytes after ischemic stroke (transient middle cerebral artery occlusion; tMCAO). In our studies, ex vivo-derived dendritic cells (exDCs) migrate to the inflamed rat brain soon after tMCAO onset and the number of cells that remain in the brain after injection is significantly correlated with the amount of local inflammation at the injury site. In addition, exDCs transduced to overexpress soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor1 (sTNFR1) produce functional cargo that is secreted and that blocks TNF-α bioavailability in vitro. When delivered at 6 hours post-tMCAO reperfusion, sTNFR1-exDC-treated rats show significantly smaller infarct size and decreased inflammation compared with animals treated with exDCs transduced with GFP lentivirus. These studies indicate that cell-mediated delivery of proteins may be a promising new approach to reduce brain damage after acute neurologic insult.
Fibril formation from recombinant human serum amyloid A

Three isotypes of human serum amyloid A (SAA), SAA1, SAA2 beta, and SAA4 were expressed at high levels in Escherichia coli (E. coli) using a pET vector expression system. Each SAA cDNA was ligated to the vector pET-21a(+) and transformed into E. coli, strain BL21(DE3)pLysS. Expression conditions required high concentrations of antibiotics in order to obtain a high ratio of synthesized SAA to total E. coli proteins. Each recombinant SAA (rSAA) was purified by molecular sieve chromatography followed by chromatofocusing or hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The yield of purified protein was 5-10 mg per 11 of culture. When subjected to in vitro fibril forming conditions, rSAA1 formed amyloid-like fibrils confirmed by Congo red staining and electron microscopy. In contrast, rSAA2 beta and rSAA4 showed negative Congo red staining and curvilinear or flattened fibrillar structures on electron microscopy. This suggests that SAA1 has greater potential for forming amyloid fibrils than either SAA2 beta or SAA4.
TIA-1+ cytotoxic large T-cell lymphoma of the mediastinum: case report.

A 52-year-old previously healthy Caucasian woman presented with superior vena cava syndrome, secondary to compression of a bulky anterior mediastinal mass involving the right lung. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the mediastinum yielded large epithelioid cells intermingled with small mature lymphocytes. The epithelioid cells are LCA positive, expressing cytoplasmic CD3 diffusely and TIA-1 focally, but negative for EMA, CD4, CD8, CD15, CD20, CD30, and CD56. The TIA-1+ cytoplasmic granules correlated to the azurophilic granules in Diff-Quik-stained cells, pink granules in Ultrafast Papanicolaou-stained cells, and dense core granules in electron microscopy. In situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr viral RNA was negative. The background small lymphocytes were composed of a majority of CD4+ T-lymphocytes and minority of CD8+ T-lymphocytes. The patient responded well to six cycles of CHOP chemotherapy, followed by radiation with a total dose of 4140 cGy delivered to the mediastinum in 23 fractions. On the chest X-ray taken 6 mo later, there was minimal apical fibrosis with no evidence of an acute intrathoracic pathology. To the best of our knowledge, this case may be the first report of cytotoxic large T-cell lymphoma of the mediastinum.
Bioretention impact on runoff temperature in trout sensitive waters.

A study was conducted in western North Carolina, along the southeastern extent of the U.S. trout populations, to examine the effect of bioretention areas on runoff temperature. Four bioretention areas were monitored during the summers of 2006 and 2007. It was found that smaller bioretention areas, with respect to the size of their contributing watershed, were able to significantly reduce both maximum and median water temperatures between the inlet and outlet. The proportionately larger bioretention areas were only able to significantly reduce maximum water temperatures between the inlet and outlet; however, these systems showed evidence of substantial reductions in outflow quantity, effectively reducing the thermal impact. Despite temperature reductions, effluent temperatures still posed a potential threat to coldwater streams during the peak summer months. During the summer months, effluent temperatures were generally coolest at the greatest soil depths, supporting evidence of an optimum drain depth between 90 and 120 cm. The ability of bioretention areas to reduce storm-water temperature and flows supports their application to reduce the thermal impacts of urban storm-water runoff.
Polaron propagation through defects in a conjugated polymer

Abstract A modified Su-Schrieffer-Heeger Hamiltonian has been used to study motion of polarons in the presence of defects of several types on a nearly half-filled-band chain in a uniform electric field. Simulations are carried out on a 100-site chain with a single defect of one of three types at the center. Transmission of a polaron through a potential barrier, due to either an anomaly in on-site energy (site defect) or a chain twist (local reduction in the magnitude) of the transfer integral), is all or none, transmission is studied as a function of defect strength and electric-field for both of these defect types. Site defects negative in sign (potential wells)) are also studied to find the threshold field necessary to pull the polaron put of a well at the chain center. In addition, one-electron energy level spectra are investigated as a function of defect strength and type.
An inverse effect of UCS intensity upon partially reinforced eyelid conditioning

Two groups of 20 Ss were run in a classical eyelid conditioning experiment with one group receiving a UCS intensity of 50 mm and the other a 100 mm intensity. Acquisition data showed superior performance in the group receiving the weaker UCS, a direct reversal from that found in CRF eyelid conditioning. Analysis of CRs following reinforced and non-reinforced trials indicated that although both groups performed at a significantly higher level following reinforced trials, there was no interaction between the two kinds of CRs and UCS intensity.
Design of dielectric electroactive polymers for a compact and scalable variable stiffness device

We present the design, analysis, and experimental validation of a variable stiffness device based on annular dielectric electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators. The device is based on a diaphragm geometry, which partially linearizes the viscoelastic response of acrylic dielectrics, providing voltage-controlled stiffness without high damping losses. Multiple diaphragms can be connected in a single device to increase stiffness or provide custom stiffness profiles. The geometry is analyzed to determine the relationship among force, displacement and voltage. A single-layer diaphragm was constructed and tested to validate the concept, demonstrating up to 10x change in stiffness.
Bordetella and mycoplasma respiratory infections in dogs and cats

The consequences of B. bronchiseptica and mycoplasma infections in dogs and cats vary greatly. Only careful clinical judgment can dictate when to institute antimicrobial and other supportive treatments. Approaches to controlling diseases caused by these organisms should be tailored to meet individual needs. Management strategies that reduce natural exposure levels in the animal's environment and maintain active immunity to contagious components of disease have the highest likelihood of success.
A Focus on Familial Strain: Antisocial Behavior and Delinquency in Filipino Society

Criminologists have long recognized the salient role of the family in explaining delinquency. However, explanations using family measures have been derived mostly from the paradigms of differential association and social control. This paper uses Agnew's General Strain Theory to examine two types of familial strain: witnessing interparental violence and direct parent-to-child violence, specifically its impact on children's antisocial behaviors. These two family measures are then juxtaposed against traditional explanations of delinquency and antisocial behavior. A total of 961 grade school students were surveyed in the Philippines and comprise this study's sample. Results show that witnessing interparental violence is significantly associated with self-reported antisocial and delinquent activities and the Teachers’Predictions of Peer Nominations. This significant association remained when measures of social control and differential association were controlled. The results highlight the importance of delineating family dynamics and their relative impact on youth behavior. The results also point to the utility of examining delinquency theories using non-Western samples.
Impact of Cardiometabolic Risk Factor Clusters on Health‐related Quality of Life in the U.S.

Objective: Research has shown that risk factors for cardiovascular disease often cluster together, most notably overweight/obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. The impact of cardiometabolic risk factor clusters on health-related quality of life (HRQL) is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine and quantify the impact of cardiometabolic risk factor clusters on HRQL as measured by the SF (Short Form)-12 Mental Component Scale (MCS-12), SF-12 Physical Component Scale (PCS-12), EQ-5D index (a generic quality of life index), and Visual Analogue Scale. Research Methods and Procedures: The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey is a nationally representative survey of the U.S. population. From 2000 to 2002, detailed information on sociodemographic characteristics and health conditions were collected for 36,697 adults with complete responses. Controlling for comorbidity and sociodemographic characteristics, this study estimated the marginal impact of cardiometabolic risk factor clusters on MCS-12, PCS-12, EQ-5D index, and Visual Analogue Scale scores. Cardiometabolic risk factor clusters were defined as the presence of BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and at least two of the following: diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Using BMI ≥30 kg/m2 as the cut-off was also examined. Results: The marginal impact of cardiometabolic risk factor clusters was highly statistically significant across all four HRQL measures and seemed to be clinically significant for all but the MCS-12. The PCS-12 showed a greater decrease in HRQL associated with physical function compared with mental function-related domains of the MCS-12. Discussion: Common cardiometabolic risk factor clusters such as overweight/obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia have a significant and negative impact on HRQL in the United States.
Human mammary fibroblasts stimulate invasion of breast cancer cells in a three-dimensional culture and increase stroma development in mouse xenografts

Tumour phenotype is regulated in a complex fashion as a result of interactions between malignant cells and the tumour stroma. Fibroblasts are the most abundant and perhaps most active part of the tumour stroma. A better understanding of the changes that occur in fibroblasts in response to the presence of malignant cells may lead to the development of new strategies for cancer treatment. We explored the effects of fibroblasts on the growth and invasion of mammary carcinoma tumour cells in vitro and in vivo. In order to analyse secreted factors that affect invasive abilities of breast cancer cells we co-cultured human mammary fibroblasts (HMF3s) and cancer cells (MCF7S1) in three-dimensional (3D) growth conditions devoid of heterogeneous cell-cell contact. To study the possible influence of fibroblasts on MCF7S1 cancer cell growth in vivo we co-injected HMF3s and MCF7S1 cells in Balb/c nu/nu mice. In 3D co-culture both HMF3s and MCF7S1 cells demonstrated enhanced invasion into a Matrigel matrix. This was correlated with enhanced expression of the metastasis promoting S100A4 protein in fibroblasts, stimulation of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 activity, and enhanced secretion of a range of different cytokines. Orthotopic injection of oestrogen-dependent MCF7S1 cancer cells together with fibroblasts showed stimulation of tumour growth in mice without an external oestrogen supply. The resulting tumours were characterized by increased development of extracellular matrix, as well as an increase of murine S100A4 concentration and activity of MMP-2 in the tumour interstitial fluid. Stimulation of the invasive phenotype of tumour cells in 3D co-cultures with fibroblasts could be correlated with increased production of S100A4 and MMP-2. We propose that enhanced development of mouse host-derived tumour stroma in a MCF7S1 co-injection xenograft model leads to oestrogen independency and is triggered by the initial presence of human fibroblasts.
Sex differences: Historical perspectives and methodological implications☆

Abstract Apart from its historical interest, early psychological research on sex differences provides methodological and interpretive insights and permits the comparison of sex differences under different societal conditions. Conclusions about sex differences from published studies should consider sample size, differential selection, overlapping of distributions, psychometric properties of the measuring instruments, and nature of the constructs employed as a basis for sex comparisons In order to advance from a description of sex differences to an understanding of the operation of biological and cultural factors in their etiology, male and female differences in both cognitive and personality variables should be investigated under changing cultural conditions. Examples of etiological hypotheses that can be tested through such an approach are followed by some illustrative findings on changing sex differences over time. The need for well-designed cohort studies spanning critical periods of societal change is indicated.
Dissecting Police Professionalism: A Comparison of Predictors Within Five Professionalism Subsets

This study captured and compared significant predictors within each of Hall’s professionalism subsets. Questionnaires mailed in one southern state to all municipal police departments with 50 or more sworn personnel (N = 21) produced 1,114 responses (57% response rate) from 16 participating departments. Analysis revealed that officers identified with all five components of professionalism even though policing, in general, is not yet universally recognized as a profession. Regression findings indicated that rank was a significant predictor in all but the public service model. Age, education, marital status, and hours worked also played a significant role in varying professionalism models.
Factors associated with Hispanic teenagers' attitude toward the importance of birth control.

Attitudes of 240 female Hispanic teenagers in 1984-85 in New York City toward the importance of birth control (ATIBC) are examined as a reflection of the following: demographic factors educational aspirations maternal characteristics religiosity clarity of longterm goals and perception of friends behavior i.e. the degree formation and variation of these factors. The nonrandom sample was recruited from pregnancy prevention classes. The questionnaire was available in English or Spanish. 9 research questions were of interest including whether girls in female-headed households were more likely to be sexually active and have higher ATIBC scores whether Catholics will have lower ATIBC scores whether spanish preference speakers have lower ATIBC scores whether working mothers children or more highly educated mothers children were more sexually active and have higher scores whether religiosity lowers scores whether higher educational aspirations increases scores whether childrens beliefs that most of the friends use contraceptive is related to higher cores and whether clearer longterm goals are related to higher scores. The attitude scale was based on Kirbys and Cvetkovich and Grotes work and focused on peer influence parental attitudes and strength of intention to use contraceptives. Other measures are identified by specific questions i.e. clarity of longterm goals is measured by the question: I have a clear idea of where Im headed in the future and I know what I want out of life. The results indicated that 4 variables were significantly associated with ATIBC scores: 1) lower scores were associated with teenagers who had mothers with low education (2nd-9th grades) and 2) teenagers who spoke Spanish best; 3) perceived importance of religion was significantly related to lower ATIBC scores such that great importance was related to low scores and little importance was related to high scores; and 4) teenagers belief about their friends potential use of birth control was significantly related such that if 75% of friends were thought to use birth control. These 4 predictors (primary language mothers education importance of religion and friends perceived birth control use) yielded an R of .55 and and R2 = .31. The strongest single predictor is friends perceived birth control use at 15% and mothers education at 14%.
Long-Term Economic Costs of Psychological Problems During Childhood

Childhood psychological conditions including depression and substance abuse are a growing concern among American children, but their long-term economic costs are unknown. This paper uses unique data from the US Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) following groups of siblings and their parents for up to 40 years prospectively collecting information on education, income, work, and marriage. Following siblings offers an opportunity to control for unobserved family and neighborhood effects. A retrospective child health history designed by the author was placed into the 2007 PSID wave measuring whether respondents had any of 14 childhood physical illnesses or suffered from depression, substance abuse, or other psychological conditions. Large effects are found on the ability of affected children to work and earn as adults. Educational accomplishments are diminished, and adult family incomes are reduced by 20% or $10,400 per year with $18,000 less family household assets. Lost income is partly a consequence of seven fewer weeks worked per year. There is also an 11% point lower probability of being married. Controlling for physical childhood diseases shows that these effects are not due to the co-existence of psychological and physical diseases, and estimates controlling for within-sibling differences demonstrate that these effects are not due to unobserved common family differences. The long-term economic damages of childhood psychological problems are large-a lifetime cost in lost family income of approximately $300,000, and total lifetime economic cost for all those affected of 2.1 trillion dollars.
A parallel finite element method and its prototype implementation on a hypercube

Abstract This paper describes a parallel implementation of the finite element method on a multiprocessor computer. The proposed strategy does not require the formation of global system equations. An element or substructure is mapped onto each processor of the multiple-instruction, multiple-data multiprocessing system. Throughout the program, each processor stores only the information relevant to its element (substructure) and generates the local stiffness matrix. A parallel element (substructure) oriented conjugate gradient procedure is employed to compute the displacements. Each processor then determines the strains and stresses for its associated element (substructure). A prototype implementation of this parallel finite element program strategy on a hypercube computer is discussed. Examples for both linear and nonlinear analyses are presented.
Matrix representation of decay schemes

Abstract A matrix representation of the scheme of radioactive decay combines the compactness of a tabular form with the positional information of a graphical “decay scheme”. The representation is particularly convenient for generation from computer files and printing with “personal computer” types of devices.
The DataNet partners: Sharing science, linking domains, curating data

This panel introduces the first two DataNet partners funded through the National Science Foundation's Sustainable Digital Data Preservation and Access Network Partners (DataNet) solicitation (National Science Foundation, 2007). The first two of an expected five projects are The Data Conservancy: A Digital Research and Curation Virtual Organization, based at Johns Hopkins University (Sayeed Choudhury, PI), and DataONE: Observation Network for Earth, based at the University of New Mexico (William K. Michener, PI). Following a brief overview of NSF's DataNet vision and goals, each funded project will be introduced and positioned within the context of NSF's vision for the DataNet Partners. The next part of the panel will describe how information scientists and librarians are integrated into the projects, including research, educational, and service development objectives. The final part of the panel will discuss collaboration between the DataNet partners in order to serve as “elements of an interoperable data preservation and access network” (NSF, 2007).
Accounting for Heterogeneity and Nonstationarity in a Cross-Sectional Model of Consumer Purchase Behavior

When calibrating a brand choice model cross-sectionally, a measure of brand loyalty is often introduced into the utility function to account for differences in utility across households and over time. One of the most widely used measures of brand loyalty, proposed by Guadagni and Little 1983, is an exponential smoothing model of past choice behavior by the household. In this study, we argue that the exponential smoothing model of brand loyalty cannot properly distinguish between sources of variation in utility due to heterogeneity across households and sources of variation due to nonstationarity within household over time. We introduce a new measure of brand loyalty, derived from a nonstationary Dirichlet-multinomial choice model, in which heterogeneity and nonstationarity are handled distinctly.
LIMITS TO LIFE AT LOW TEMPERATURES AND AT REDUCED WATER CONTENTS AND WATER ACTIVITIES

Liquid water is generally considered an absolute requisite for functional life; consequently, life is expected to function only over the range of temperatures that permit its existence. These limits, however, do not apply to cell survival. Some cells can survive the closest attainable approach to 0 K, and some can survive the loss of over 99% of their water.
Regularity and expanding entropy for connection Ricci flow

Abstract We study a generalization of Ricci flow to connections with torsion. This system of equations in fact arises naturally in the study of nonlinear sigma models [T. Oliynyk, V. Suneeta, E. Woolgar, A gradient flow for worldsheet nonlinear sigma models, Nuclear Phys. B 739 (2006) 441–458]. The picture we give allows one to easily extend the proofs of derivative estimates and compactness of solutions to the case of a connection with torsion. We also examine gradient properties of this flow. Indeed it was shown in Oliynyk et al. (see the citation above) that the monotonicity of Perelman’s F -functional extends to the case of a connection with torsion. We show that the expander entropy of Feldman, Ilmanen, and Ni [M. Feldman, T. Ilmanen, L. Ni, Entropy and reduced distance for Ricci expanders, arXiv:math/0405036 ] also extends to the connection Ricci flow.
Inconsistency of the rotating wave approximation with the Ehrenfest theorem

Abstract We point out that the equation of motion derived from the well-known RWA (rotating-wave-approximation) Hamilitonian is inconsistent with the Ehrenfest theorem. By constrast, we find that the very general independent-oscillator model for a dissipative system [Ford et al., Phys. Rev. A 37 (1988) 4419] is consistent with the Ehrenfest theorem.
RADIOACTIVE IRON AND ITS EXCRETION IN URINE, BILE, AND FECES

Radioactive iron as ferrous gluconate given by vein enables us to study iron excretion in urine, bile, and feces. There is an initial extra output in urine and feces during a few days (3 to 15 days) following the iron injection and this may total 2 to 8 per cent of the injected iron. Following this initial reaction the urinary excretion of radio-iron drops to traces or even to zero. The feces always contain measurable amounts of radio-iron-in five dogs receiving 100 to 250 mg. of radio-iron the fecal excretion per day settled down to 0.05 to 0.4 mg. per day. Blood destruction (acetyl-phenylhydrazine) causes a definite increase in radio-iron eliminated in the feces (0.1 to 1.0 mg. per day). Probably most of this excess iron comes through the biliary tract (bile fistula). The bile under usual conditions contributes very little iron to the intestine (0.01 mg. radio-iron per day or less). The body controls its iron stores by absorption or lack of it rather than by its capacity to eliminate it. The evidence is overwhelming that the dog excretes iron with difficulty and in small amounts (even in the plethoric state) by means of the biliary and gastro-intestinal tracts.
Leaching and ponding of viral contaminants following land application of biosolids on sandy-loam soil.

Abstract Much of the land available for application of biosolids is cropland near urban areas. Biosolids are often applied on hay or grassland during the growing season or on corn ground before planting or after harvest in the fall. In this study, mesophilic anaerobic digested (MAD) biosolids were applied at 56,000 L/ha on a sandy-loam soil over large containment lysimeters seeded to perennial covers of orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata L.), switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ), or planted annually to maize ( Zea mays L.). Portable rainfall simulators were to maintain the lysimeters under a nearly saturated (90%, volumetric basis) conditions. Lysimeter leachate and surface ponded water samples were collected and analyzed for somatic phage, adenoviruses, and anionic (chloride) and microbial (P-22 bacteriophage) tracers. Neither adenovirus nor somatic phage was recovered from the leachate samples. P-22 bacteriophage was found in the leachate of three lysimeters (removal rates ranged from 1.8 to 3.2 log 10 /m). Although the peak of the anionic tracer breakthrough occurred at a similar pore volume in each lysimeter (around 0.3 pore volume) the peak of P-22 breakthrough varied between lysimeters (
Effects of additives on thermal stability of Li ion cells

Abstract Li ion cells are being developed for high-power applications in hybrid electric vehicles, because these cells offer superior combination of power and energy density over current cell chemistries. Cells using this chemistry are proposed for battery systems in both internal combustion engine and fuel cell-powered hybrid electric vehicles. However, the safety of these cells needs to be understood and improved for eventual widespread commercial applications. The thermal-abuse response of Li ion cells has been improved by the incorporation of more stable anode carbons and electrolyte additives. Electrolyte solutions containing vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC), triphenyl phosphate (TPP), tris(trifluoroethyl)phosphate (TFP) as well as some proprietary flame-retardant additives were evaluated. Test cells in the 18,650 configuration were built at Sandia National Laboratories using new stable electrode materials and electrolyte additives. A special test fixture was designed to allow determination of self-generated cell heating during a thermal ramp profile. The flammability of vented gas and expelled electrolyte was studied using a novel arrangement of a spark generator placed near the cell to ignite vent gas if a flammable gas mixture was present. Flammability of vent gas was somewhat reduced by the presence of certain additives. Accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC) was also used to characterize 18,650-size test cell heat and gas generation. Gas composition was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and was found to consist of CO2, H2, CO, methane, ethane, ethylene and small amounts of C1–C4 organic molecules.
The coase theorem in rent-seeking society

Abstract The Coase literature presumes that agents will passively accept a property rights assignment, and then bargain. We use a game-theoretic approach to show that rational agents may instead attempt to rent-seek over the initial rights distribution. In this additional stage to the Coase bargaining problem, the parties expend resources in an effort to influence the property rights assignments. The characterization of the equilibrium in this expanded model suggests that low transactions costs will encourage rent-seeking behavior.
Microsporum rivalieri Vanbreuseghem isolated from tinea capitis in Florida

Cultures identical to strains of Microsporum rivalieri were isolated from 19 negro children in Miami with fluorescent ectothrix tinea capitis clinically resembling infections with M. audouinii. Although this fungus is macroscopically easily recognized and distinguished from M. audouinii, the cultural, microscopic and clinical features do not differ significantly from those of this species, of which it is probably a stable genetic variant. Infections with M. rivalieri have not previously been reported from the United States.
Hazard rate ordering of k-out-of-n systems

Abstract Let {X1, X2, …, Xn} be a set of independent continuous random lifetimes and let {Y1, Y2, …, Yn} be another set of independent continuous random lifetimes. Let X(1) ⩽ X(2) ⩽ ⋯ ⩽ X(n) be the order statistics associated with the Xi's, and let Y(1) ⩽ Y(2) ⩽ ⋯ ⩽ Y(n) be the order statistics associated with the Yi's. Several recent papers have given conditions under which X(k) ⩽hr Y(k), k = 1, 2, …, n, where ‘⩽hr’ denotes the hazard rate order. For example, it is known that if the Xi's are independent and identically distributed, and if the Yi's are independent and identically distributed, and if Xi ⩽hr Yi, i = 1, 2, … n, then X(k) ⩽hr Y(k). In fact, if the Xi's are not necessarily identically distributed and the Yi's are not necessarily identically distributed, but Xα ⩽hr Yβ, α, β = 1, 2, …, n, then it is still true that X(k) ⩽hr Y(k), k = 1, 2, …, n. The purpose of this paper is to obtain an even stronger result. Our proof is different than the other proofs in the literature and is more intuitive. Some applications in reliability theory are given.
A comparison of the energy spectra of cosmic ray helium and heavy nuclei

Recent observations of the spectra of cosmic ray helium, M, LH and VH nuclei in the energy range from ≲200 MeV/nuc to>22 GeV/nuc are reported. The differential spectra of all of these groups of nuclei are found to have a maximum at 300–400 MeV/nuc at sunspot minimum. The average exponents on the integral rigidity spectra in the range 5 to 50 GV are 1.54±0.03 for He nuclei, 1.50±0.04 for M nuclei, 1.47±0.06 for LH nuclei and 1.40±0.08 for VH nuclei. The spectra of these groups of nuclei are compared and it is found that the average He/M, He/LH and He/VH ratios are 16±1, 70±3 and 200±15 respectively. These values are reasonably constant from the highest down to the lowest energies measured although some evidence for a ‘dip’ is present in the 500–1000 MeV/nuc range for both the He/LH and He/VH ratios. Solar modulation effects on these ratios are discussed and it is concluded that the ratios measured at earth are representative of those existing in interstellar space only if energy loss processes in interplanetary space are unimportant. The influence of interstellar propagation on the spectra and charge ratios at low energies arising from ionization energy loss and nuclear spallation during matter traversal is examined. It is found that propagation models that contain a large number of relatively short path lengths significantly modify the expected effects of ionization energy loss at low energies. Specifically it is suggested that the presently measured charge ratios are consistent with the passage of the average cosmic radiation through enough matter to reproduce the abundances of the so-called fragmentation nuclei, Li, Be, B and He3. Two component models are not required to explain our data. Rather we feel that a better representation of the situation results from considering a continuous spatial distribution of sources which, along with the actual interstellar propagation conditions, leads to a particular distribution of matter path lengths. It is pointed out that large differences exist in the approaches used in the literature to calculate the effects of matter traversal in interstellar space at low energies. These differences play an important role in the interpretation of the experimental results. Significant modifications of the charge ratios at low energies can also be obtained by requiring that some of the matter traversal occur in the cosmic ray sources themselves during the cosmic ray acceleration process. This may be sufficient to produce charge ratios that are essentially flat at low energies even in the presence of interstellar ionization loss.
Postmodern perspectives for social work

Summary. This article concludes that the long‐standing dependence of social work on positivism is no longer relevant for the profession. The authors argue that the strengths perspective supports a ...
The Law of Small Numbers: Deterrence and National Missile Defense

Armed with a new threat and promising technology, advocates of national missile defense (NMD) have framed the debate by presenting NMD as a break from traditional deterrence principles. The assumption that the United States faces new adversaries that cannot be deterred by U.S. offensive options and whether adversaries can and will use nuclear weapons to coerce the United States, given its inclination and ability to retaliate, are assessed. The effectiveness of NMD against various offensive threats is simulated. Conclusions indicate that NMD advocates have not made their case that cold war-era deterrence principles are ill suited to U.S. relations with fledgling nuclear states and that the expected value of a missile defense of any type and scale is low because it is unlikely to enhance global security above levels offered by retaliatory deterrence.
A performance-based management system to reduce prematurity and low birth weight

A performance system is a management tool for ensuring that programs accomplish their objectives. Using Delphi and nominal group process techniques, the authors established objectives for a system to reduce prematurity and low birth weight. A task force consisting of state, regional, and local public health personnel, consultants from the Centers for Disease Control, and faculty from the School of Public Health then developed the activities, standards, and guidelines of the performance system. Finally, an assessment tool for evaluation of the system was designed. The system, which is intended to complement initiatives to improve the medical care of maternity patients, should be useful to maternity clinic managers and supervisors who wish to develop performance standards specifically targeted to the achievement of objectives for reducing prematurity and low birth weight.
Elastic properties of amorphous and crystalline ice films

Abstract Water is the basic ingredient of comets and interstellar dust. It is believed that the cometary ices were originally formed as amorphous ices that have since been reprocessed. In order to model cometary history it is therefore necessary to know the physical properties of amorphous water ice because it is well established that the low temperature properties of amorphous solids differ greatly from those of their crystalline counterparts. In a series of laboratory experiments the elastic properties (shear modulus and internal friction) of thin amorphous ice films are investigated. With the measurements of the elastic shear modulus it is shown that directly after evaporation some amorphous ice films are extremely porous with a porosity p of up to 0.6. The simultaneous measurement of the internal friction establishes the huge amount of local disorder which is present in these films. During annealing processes at temperatures below 100 K both the porosity and local disorder are greatly reduced. The impact of these findings is discussed on the thermal conductivity, which is the most important quantity needed for the thermal modelling of comets. It is concluded that the high porosity found in the ice films reduces the thermal conductivity by no more than two orders of magnitude.
The concept of landscape health

Abstract The degree to which a landscape is healthy should be one of the measures against which landscape designers and managers can test the need, direction and effectiveness of their work. Landscape design and management could act to heal and care for individual landscape sites. To give focus to such an effort, this paper presents a specific definition of landscape health. In human beings, health can be understood through the concept of homeostasis. A healthy person is characterized by a self-maintaining balance. When necessary, human medicine aims to aid homeostatic processes to speed the return to equilibrium. The behaviours of two aspects of landscapes, biotic communities and watershed morphology, show that landscapes are homeostatic systems exhibiting conditions of health and disease. In a biotic community, a state of homeostatic balance is represented by the climax community, maintaining itself in a condition of dynamic equilibrium. In a stream system, a condition of dynamic equilibrium is represented by discharges of water and sediment equal to inflows to the system. Each aspect of a landscape, when disturbed, undergoes succession, morphologic adjustments and other processes to re-establish equilibrium. Care of landscape sites must be founded on analysis of conditions both within the limits of the site, and in the larger landscape systems of which on-site phenomena are part. Landscape design and management, while accommodating human use, should aim not to tip a healthy landscape out of its homeostatic equilibrium, not to restrict the operation of natural homeostatic adjustment mechanisms, and, when necessary, actively to support the landscape in its effort to seek equilibrium in response to stress.
Arrhythmias During Upper Gastrointesintal Endoscopy

Electrocardiographic monitoring of 52 consecutive patients undergoing up per gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed that arrhythmias during the procedures were common (38.5%) and tended to occur more frequently in the elderly (75%), in persons with heart disease (54.5%), and in persons with chronic lung disease (89%). The incidence of ventricular premature contractions in patient with no evidence of heart or lung disease was 19%. In one patient with ad vanced chronic lung disease, the procedure had to be terminated because of de velopment of high-degree atrioventricular block. A high incidence of arrhyth mias during endoscopy has not been previously reported in patients with chronic lung disease.
Changes in click-evoked responses as a function of depth in auditory cortex of the rat.

Summary Laminar changes of average click-evoked responses have been investigated in the auditory cortex of the locally anesthetized, curarized rat. The earliest change consisted of a small negativity arising in the deepest cortical layers, and a concomitant superficial positivity. These initial potentials were less affected than the later ones by variations of the stimulus, by the anesthetics fluothane and ether, and the convulsants pentylenetetrazol and picrotoxin. Subsequently, a large negativity developed at a depth corresponding approximately to layer IV and spread widely through the cortex. Its changes were highly correlated with a simultaneous superficial positivity. The initial negativity in the middle cortical layers was followed by a slow positive wave. The maxima of both potentials were located at similar depths. The potentials in the most superficial region, consisting of two successive positive-negative deflections, were mirrored by the responses at the deepest sites, and differed from those in the middle layers. The main features of the potential distribution remained constant under varying stimulus conditions and following the administration of drugs. With high stimulus repetition rates the negativity in the middle layers was confined to a narrow region, which was expanded by the convulsants. Anesthetics depressed the late waves and left only a superficial positivity which had a negative counterpart at deeper levels.
Effects of diets containing gossypol on spermatogenic tissues of young bulls

Abstract Eighteen yearling beef bulls were used in a study to determine the effects of diets containing gossypol on spermatogenic tissues, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. Bulls were randomly assigned to one of three (n = 6) isonitrogenous diet groups formulated from alfalfa hay and corn (gossypol-free control), control plus whole cottonseed and cottonseed hulls, or control plus cottonseed meal and cottonseed hulls as sources of gossypol. Testicular tissues collected were examined histologically, and tissues from bulls fed gossypol-free diets were compared with those fed diets containing cottonseed products. Following a 2-mo period (P1) when bulls were fed diets containing gossypol, one-half of the bulls were placed on a gossypol-free diet for an additional 2 mo (P2) to determine if gossypol effects were reversible. At the end of P1, bulls fed whole cottonseed and cottonseed meal had larger (P
314 ADIPOSE- AND BONE MARROW-DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS PRESENT LARGE SIMILARITIES IN TRANSCRIPTOME PRIOR TO AND DURING ADIPOGENIC AND OSTEOGENIC DIFFERENTIATION

Previous data support adipose-derived stem cells as an alternative to bone marrow as a source of adult stem cells for therapeutic purposes. The aim of the present study was to directly compare the transcriptome of adipose-derived (ADSC) and bone marrow-derived (BMSC) mesenchymal stem cells prior to differentiation and during in vitro osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. The ADSC and BMSC were harvested from 3 adult pigs and differentiated in vitro into adipocytes and osteocytes for up to 4 weeks. Prior to differentiation and at differentiation day 2, 7, and 21, cells were harvested and RNA extracted for transcriptomics analysis by a 13 263 oligo 70-mers array (Sus scrofa AROS V1.0 with extension; Operon). Data were normalized by Lowess and statistical analysis was run using ANOVA with Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Data mining was carried out using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and David. Using an FDR of 2 000 DEG with an FDR <0.05. This large number was mostly due to time effects. When pair-wise comparisons between cell types for each time point during the same differentiation were performed (post-hoc P < 0.001), we observed a strikingly low number of DEG. The number of DEG was lower between cell types in osteogenic (<100 DEG) compared with adipogenic (<200 DEG) differentiation. We observed significant enrichment (FDR-corrected P-value cut-off <0.05) of functions related to metabolism, antigen presentation, angiogenesis, and cell cycle in both differentiation conditions. We also observed an overall greater induction of the enriched functions in ADSC and a decrease in BMSC during adipogenic differentiation and the opposite during osteogenic differentiation except for metabolism, which appeared to be larger in ADSC in all cases. Among the significant enriched functions of DEG between the 2 differentiations, we observed enrichment of genes involved in metabolism, cell death, cell-to-cell signalling, and antigen presentation in ADSC during adipogenic compared with osteogenic differentiation. In BMSC we observed enrichment of functions related to cell death, antigen presentation, and lipid metabolism in osteogenic v. adipogenic differentiation. Overall data uncovered a high similarity at the transcriptional level between ADSC and BMSC both prior to differentiation and during differentiation. Those data support ADSC being particularly similar to BMSC. This work was support by the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute (IDPH # 63080017).
Texture Segmentation of Natural Images Based on Active Contour Model

To segment complex texture natural environment images; the first, the texture features of natural images should be analysed and the texture features should be extracted; The second, texture images segmengtation can be achieved by using Mumford-Shah active contour model, this segmentation model can better process fuzzy, default boundary, and this model can be solved by level set method. This method can express well complex texture signal features of natural images. Through making texture segmentation experiment for standard texture synthesis image and natural environmental image, its results show that the texture segmentation based on Mumford-Shah active contour model can segment natural images.
Sol-gel processing and properties of lead magnesium niobate powders and thin layers

Lead magnesium niobate powders and thin layers were formed from an alkoxide-based solution by sol-gel methods. The solution was synthesized by reacting a magnesium-niobium alkoxide solution with a lead acetate-based precursor solution. The effects of gelation conditions on the properties of the dried gel, and on the organic decomposition behaviour and crystalline phase development in gel-derived powders are reported. Gels prepared with greater molar ratios of water to alkoxide (3∶1) had the largest surface areas (130 m22 g−1) and required the lowest temperature (320 ° C) for organic removal. The perovskite phase first appeared at temperatures near 700 ° C, and developed at a faster rate in gels prepared with higher water contents. Approximately 95% developed after 1 h at 700 ° C, or 5 min at 775 ° C. Dielectric thin layers were prepared on platinum-coated silicon substrates by a multilayered spin-casting method. The perovskite phase formed most readily in the thin layers by a fast-firing treatment at 800 ° C. Microstructures and electrical properties are reported for the integrated thin layer dielectrics. Ferroelectric hysteresis loops were observed.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray characterization of queD from Bacillus subtilis, an enzyme involved in queuosine biosynthesis.

QueD (previously named ykvK) is one of several enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the hypermodified nucleoside queuosine. Queuosine is incorporated into tRNA at position 34 of four tRNAs: tRNAHis, tRNAAsp, tRNAAsn and tRNATyr. The crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallo­graphic studies of queD are described here. The recombinant protein from Bacillus subtilis was overproduced in Escherichia coli and crystallized using the hanging-drop vapor-diffusion method from 25% PEG 600, 100 mM NaCl and sodium citrate buffer pH 5.5 at 291 K. The crystals diffract to 3.6 A resolution and belong to the cubic space group F4132, with unit-cell parameter a = 240.88 A.