cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Matrices with Two Nonzero Entries per Row

Matrices with two nonzero entries per row (or per column) occur in many contexts. For example, edge-vertex incidence matrices of graphs have this form. Also, the boundary matrix for the highest dimensional simplices in a simplicial complex sometimes has this form as well. In particular, the homology of a triangulation of a 2 dimensional non-self-intersecting surface is obtained from the Smith forms of 2 two-per-row matrices (the edge-vertex and triangle-edge boundary matrices).For an n by n matrix having just two nonzero entries per row, we show that rank, determinant, LU decomposition, and linear system solution can all be done in O(n) arithmetic operations (algebraic complexity). In the LU decomposition, U is bidiagonal and L, generally dense, is represented as a blackbox occupying O(n) space and such that matrix vector product with L and with its inverse can both be performed in O(n) arithmetic operations.If the nonzero entries are restricted to one and minus one then rank, LU decomposition, and Smith normal form can be computed in essentially O(n) bit operations (ignoring log factors). In this limited situation, Smith form is meaningfully defined over any ring. Determinant and linear system solution can each be performed with O(n) additions and negations in the entry ring.For integer two-per-row matrices with the nonzeros not limited to one and minus one, the methods here can be combined with standard techniques for algorithms of bit complexity greater than O(n) but less than the complexity for general matrices.
A time sharing cross-sectional study of monolinguals and bilinguals at different levels of second language acquisition☆

Several methodological factors associated with the concurrent activities (finger-tapping) paradigm were considered in a cross-sectional study investigating cerebral patterns of asymmetry in three groups of English-speaking non-Hispanic dextral males at three levels of second language (Spanish) acquisition and one control group of monolinguals. Results revealed the fluent bilinguals to be bilateral and significantly different from other groups for native language tasks in English. Moreover, a priori contrasts indicate that greater right- than left-hand disruption in concurrent tapping may be typical of monolinguals, but can be influenced by other factors. Monolingual reliability test-retest correlations were .77 and .47.
Multiple Dimeric Forms of Human CD69 Result from Differential Addition of N-Glycans to Typical (Asn-X-Ser/Thr) and Atypical (Asn-X-Cys) Glycosylation Motifs

CD69 is expressed on the surface of all hematopoietically derived leukocytes and is suggested to function as a multipurpose cell-surface trigger molecule important in the development and activation of many different cell types. Human CD69 contains only a single consensus sequence for N-linked oligosaccharide addition within its extracellular domain (Asn-Val-Thr), yet exists as two distinct glycoforms that are assembled together into disulfide-linked homodimers and heterodimers. The molecular basis for human CD69 heterogeneity has remained elusive. In the current report we show that human CD69 glycoforms are generated before the egress of CD69 proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi and are synthesized under conditions where Golgi processing is inhibited, effectively ruling out the possibility that CD69 heterogeneity results from the differential processing of a single glycosylation site in the Golgi complex. Importantly, these data demonstrate that contrary to current belief, not one but two sites for N-glycan addition exist within the human CD69 extracellular domain and identify the second, "cryptic" CD69 N-glycan attachment site as the atypical Cys-containing glycosylation motif, Asn-Ala-Cys. The results in this study provide a molecular basis for human CD69 heterogeneity and show that multiple dimeric forms of human CD69 result from the variable addition of N-glycans to atypical and typical glycosylation motifs within the CD69 extracellular domain.
DETERMINING CONSUMER VALUATION OF DIFFERENTIATED BEEF STEAK QUALITY ATTRIBUTES

Consumer sensory analysis provides consistent and accurate consumer preference rankings for experimental meat products. However, consumer valuation of product attributes has often been overlooked. Valuations provide a monetary standard for comparison among meat products and product attributes as well as across different studies, a weakness of consumer sensory rating scales. This paper discusses the use of consumer valuation in a consumer sensory panel setting focusing on an incentive compatible method where consumers have an incentive to truthfully reveal their values for a product.
The Cultural Bases of Legal Legitimacy: Edgerton's Pictures and Punishment

Why do individuals constrain their behavior in accordance with the law? Hobbes and Locke posed that question and answered it by claiming that people obey the law because it is in their rational interests to do so. The two seventeenth-century English philosophers introduced the notion of government as a social compact, a concept further developed by Bentham and Mill, who believed that legal institutions could be calibrated to maximize the happiness of the greatest number.' Those idealistic conceptions were challenged by Marx, who emphasized the coercive aspects of the law rather than the consensual aspects. Marx's analysis, while demonstrating the class biases in the conception and practice of legal systems, begs the question of why the members of classes disadvantaged by the law often regard legal institutions-and the officials who operate them-as fair and just. Max Weber fastened upon Marx's failure to explain how legal systems come to be viewed as legitimate to argue that the formal qualities of the law can be studied apart from the content of specific laws and that the consistent application of legal norms can in itself legitimate the enforcement of those norms. Although Weber did not share the naivet6 of Hobbes, Locke, and the utilitarians in believing that the law was or could be a perfect instrument of social justice, he did contend that once a society had settled upon its own particular principles of jurisprudence, legal officials would have to conform their practices to those standards if they were to preserve their legitimacy. The Weberian paradigm has guided most sociological studies of the law.
Impact of GMS-5 and GOES-9 Satellite-Derived Winds on the Prediction of a NORPEX Extratropical Cyclone

Abstract The impact of satellite-derived wind observations on the prediction of a mid–Pacific Ocean cyclone during the North Pacific Experiment (NORPEX, 14 Jan–27 Feb 1998) is assessed using a four-dimensional variational (4DVAR) approach in which a nonhydrostatic version of the Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research fifth-generation Mesoscale Model (MM5) serves as a strong constraint. The satellite-derived wind observations are retrieved through an automated tracking algorithm using water vapor visible, and infrared imagery from the operational Geostationary Meteorological Satellite-5 (GMS-5) and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-9 (GOES-9) over the North Pacific basin. For the case studied, it is found that the amount of satellite wind data is much greater in the upper troposphere than in the lower troposphere. The 4DVAR assimilation of the satellite wind observations is carried out on a single domain with 90-km horizontal resolution. Incorporation of sate...
Potassium content of lavas and depth to the seismic zone in central america

Abstract Recent volcanic rocks in Central America occur in three structural settings. The first is a narrow zone of volcanoes, the volcanic front, where large volumes of calc-alkaline rocks are erupted. Most volcanoes in this zone are basaltic to andesitic composite cones in lineaments parallel to the strike of the seismic zone and clearly related to it. The second structural setting is behind the volcanic front and above transverse structures where the strike or dip of the seismic zone abruptly changes. Here quartz- and olivine-normative basalts are common and nepheline-normative basalts are present. Occasional rhyolites make the distribution of lavas distinctly bimodal. Most volcanoes in this structural setting are small monogenetic shields and cinder cones forming clusters located 25–100 km or more landward from the volcanic front. The third structural setting is far behind the volcanic front. Here strongly undersaturated lavas are erupted from volcanoes having no relation to the structure of the inclined seismic zone. In Central America there is no evidence for an increase in potassium contents of lavas with the depth of the seismic zone for either the basaltic to andesitic lavas of the volcanic front or for the basaltic lavas behind the volcanic front and above transverse breaks in the arc. When both groups are considered together, the increase in potassium contents of lavas across the Central American arc is unrelated to the depth to the seismic zone.
Age identity and television viewing preferences

This research finds that young adults with high levels of age identity are more likely to incorporate young characters in their open‐ended descriptions of an “ideal”; television show than are young adults with lower levels of age group identification. These results are discussed in terms of the role of social identity in influencing media consumption. Future theoretical and empirical directions are briefly outlined.
A test of the generality of the word-context effect.

Three experiments tested the generality of the finding of Reicher (1969) and Wheeler (1970) that a word context facilitated the accuracy of recognition of an embedded target letter. In the present experiments, the context was a letter and the target was a letter fragment. The letter context greatly facilitated the recognition of the letter fragment. In Experiment I, this improvement was in many cases from chance level to perfect performance. An interpretation of this effect in terms of greater familiarity of the fragment and its context was disconfirmed in Experiment II. A procedure of preexposure cueing in Experiment III eliminated the superior recognizability of fragments having a letter context.
Earthscope Program Workshop agrees on multi‐pronged education effort

EarthScope is a new Earth sciences initiative designed to dramatically improve our understanding of the evolution and dynamics of the North American continent. It is a partnership extending throughout the Earth science community, including more than 100 U.S. universities, the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey regional seismic network, and state geological surveys. Over 50 scientists and educators recently gathered to lay the foundation for EarthScopes education and outreach (E&O) program. The workshop brought together representatives of the Earth, space, and ocean science communities from colleges and universities, professional science and education societies, K-l2 schools, and state and federal agencies.
Focused Activities and the Development of Social Capital in a Distributed Learning "Community"

This study examined the development of individual social capital in a distributed learning community. Feld's theory of focused choice predicts that the formation of network ties is constrained by contextual factors that function as foci of activities. In our research, we examined how group assignment and location could function as such foci to influence the development of individual social capital in a distributed learning community. Given that networks with different content flows may possess different properties, we examined two different types of networks—task-related instrumental networks and non-task-related expressive networks. A longitudinal research design was used to evaluate the evolution of networks over time. Hypotheses were tested using a sample of 32 students enrolled in a distributed learning class. The results show strong support for Feld's theory. While serving as foci of activities to organize social interactions, both group assignment and geographic separation can also function to fragm...
Prostaglandin endoperoxides and thromboxane A2 can induce platelet aggregation in the absence of secretion

PLATELET aggregation and secretion are widely studied not only because they are believed to reflect the major in vivo platelet function, formation of the primary haemostatic plug, but also because they involve fundamental cellular regulatory mechanisms. The synthesis of biologically active prostaglandin (PG) intermediates (endoperoxides and thromboxanes) seems to be an important step in the regulation of platelet function1,2, but the physiological roles and mechanism(s) of these compounds are unknown. It is claimed by Malmsten et al.3 and Samuelsson et. al.4 that PG endoperoxides and thromboxane A2 cause platelet aggregation only by inducing platelets to secrete ADP that in turn causes aggregation. In view of observations that platelets deficient in releasable ADP (storage pool-deficient platelets or platelets depleted of storage granules) still aggregate in response to arachidonic acid5–7, the precursor of the intermediates, the validity of this claim has been open to question. We have investigated platelet stimulation by PG endoperoxides (PGG2 and PGH2), an endoperoxide analogue ((15S)-hydroxy-11α, 9α-(epoxymethano) prosta-5Z, 13E-dienoic acid; U-46619), thromboxane A2-like material and arachidonic acid, using a new instrument that simultaneously monitors aggregation and secretion in the same platelet suspension8, permitting careful analysis of the relationships between aggregation and secretion. We report here that although high concentrations of the endoperoxide analogue, the natural endoperoxides and thromboxane A2 induce both platelet aggregation and secretion, low concentrations cause aggregation without detectable secretion.
Randomized Trial of Web-based Training About Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain

Objectives: The treatment of chronic noncancer pain with chronic opioid therapy has increased rapidly, but medicine residents receive little training concerning this therapy. Therefore we conducted a trial to determine if an interactive web-based training focusing on shared decision-making for chronic opioid therapy improves knowledge and competence compared with exposure to practice guidelines. Methods: A randomized controlled educational trial of 213 internal medicine residents from 5 medicine residencies participating in the Residency Review Committee for Internal Medicine's Educational Innovations Project comparing access to interactive web-based training (COPE: Collaborative Opioid Prescribing Education) or access to the Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain. Pretraining and immediate posttraining knowledge test; pretraining and 60-day posttraining self-reported competence, satisfaction, patient-centeredness, and selected clinical behaviors were analyzed using t tests, Pearson χ 2 , and Generalized Estimating Equations. Results: The web training group had greater increase in knowledge with training (χ 2 = 72.06, P < 0.00001) and greater self-rated competence in the management of outpatients with chronic pain (χ 2 = 6.48, P = 0.01), and specifically in the use of opioids in this management χ 2 = 5.17, P = 0.02). Residents in both groups reported more satisfaction with managing chronic pain care after training (χ 2 = 52.72, P < 0.0001), though the web training was superior on subscales concerning training adequacy (χ 2 = 4.94, P = 0.026) and relationship quality (χ 2 = 5.79, P = 0.016). Conclusions: Exposure to an interactive web-based training focused on shared decision-making and communication skills was more effective than exposure to compatible practice guidelines for knowledge and self-reported competence in the management of chronic noncancer pain.
One-Dimensional Optoelectronic Nanostructures Derived from the Aqueous Self-Assembly of π-Conjugated Oligopeptides

The aqueous self-assembly of oligopeptide-flanked π-conjugated molecules into discrete one-dimensional nanostructures is described. Unique to these molecules is the fact that the π-conjugated unit has been directly embedded within the peptide backbone by way of a synthetic amino acid with π-functionality that is compatible with standard Fmoc-based peptide synthesis. The peptide-based molecular design enforces intimate π−π communication within the aggregate after charge-screening and self-assembly, making these nanostructures attractive for optical or electronic applications in biological environments. The synthesis and assembly are reported along with spectroscopic and morphological characterization of the new nanomaterials.
Effect of electron momentum relaxation time on the terahertz properties of graphene structures

In this work we describe the effect of the electron momentum relaxation time on the terahertz properties of periodically-patterned graphene plasmonic structures; more specifically, its effect on the quality of the characteristic plasmonic resonances. From analytical theory as well as numerical simulations, it is observed that the electron momentum relaxation time heavily affects the quality factor of these resonances. In general, for a given electron concentration level, the larger the electron momentum relaxation time the larger the quality factor at resonance.
Softening of monthly cigarette use in youth and the need to harden measures in surveillance.

Abstract Objective To assess changes in monthly smoking in its relationship to daily smoking and heavier smoking in high school seniors. Public health agencies often report only “current use” of cigarettes among youth as any use in the past 30 days, even though additional measures are collected. Monthly use is a crude and changing indicator. Methods Results from 1975 to 2013 from Monitoring The Future Project were plotted and analyzed by linear regression. Results From 1975 to 2013, the percentage of monthly smokers who smoked daily decreased by 29% (21.2 percentage points) and monthly smokers who smoked 10 + cigarettes/day dropped by 57% (28 percentage points); the percentage of daily smokers who smoked 10 + cigarettes/day decreased by 40% (26.5 percentage points). Conclusion Additional measures of frequency and intensity of use of cigarettes and other tobacco/nicotine products need to be more regularly reported. These results indicate softening rather than hardening of “current smoking” and have important implications for tobacco surveillance and for tobacco research because of a) increased likelihood of quitting smoking, b) health effects of cigarette smoking, and c) similar and interacting issues related to measuring the use of all tobacco/nicotine products.
Single-step linker-based combinatorial assembly of promoter and gene cassettes for pathway engineering

A linker-based approach for combinatorial assembly of promoter and gene cassettes into a biochemical pathway is developed. A synthetic library containing 144 combinations, with 3 promoters and 4 gene variants, was constructed for the ackA and pta genes of the acetate utilization pathway in E. coli. The in vitro isothermal assembled library was then introduced into E. coli mutant (acs-, pta-, ackA-) and selected for restoration of acetate utilization. 81% of the colonies screened contained the complete functional pathway. Thirty positive clones were analyzed and accounted for 10% of the 144 promoter–gene combinations.
Effects of Wind Stress and Wind Stress Curl Variability on Coastal Upwelling

Abstract Aircraft measurements during the winter 1989 Shelf Mixed Layer Experiment (SMILE) and summer 1982 Coastal Ocean Dynamics Experiment (CODE) were used to characterize the spatial variation of the low-level wind and wind stress over the northern California shelf. The curl of the wind stress was calculated from directly measured turbulent stress components. The accuracy of the computed curl was estimated to be adequate to map the spatial structure. Wintertime measurements showed a concentration of large positive curl [over 1 Pa (100 km)−1] west of Point Arena, regardless of wind direction, due to the effects of the coastal topography on the wind fields. Results from summertime measurements showed a similar local maximum of positive curl west of Point Arena. Larger curl values [over 3.5 Pa (100 km)−1], however, were observed across a hydraulic jump propagating from Stewarts Point for highly supercritical marine boundary-layer flow. A two-layer, vertically integrated numerical model of coastal upwellin...
A computer-aided diagnosis system for breast cancer using independent component analysis and fuzzy classifier

Screening mammograms is a repetitive task that causes fatigue and eye strain since for every thousand cases analyzed by a radiologist, only 3-4 are cancerous and thus an abnormality may be overlooked. Computer-aided detection (CAD) algorithms were developed to assist radiologists in detecting mammographic lesions. In this paper, a computer-aided detection and diagnosis (CADD) system for breast cancer is developed. The framework is based on combining principal component analysis (PCA), independent component analysis (ICA), and a fuzzy classifier to identify and label suspicious regions. This is a novel approach since it uses a fuzzy classifier integrated into the ICA model. Implemented and tested using MIAS database. This algorithm results in the classification of a mammogram as either normal or abnormal. Furthermore, if abnormal, it differentiates it into a benign or a malignant tissue. Results show that this system has 84.03% accuracy in detecting all kinds of abnormalities and 78% diagnosis accuracy.
Closed orbit bifurcations in continuum Stark spectra.

We report an experimental and theoretical study of the effect of bifurcations of closed classical orbits in continuum Stark spectra. Our findings provide a natural way to understand how the spectrum evolves from a simple sinusoidal modulation at positive energy to a quasidiscrete spectrum below the classical ionization limit. The experiment employs scaled-energy spectroscopy of lithium. The results provide the first experimental confirmation of a formulation of closed-orbit theory that provides a quantitative description of the behavior of the spectrum at a bifurcation.
Quantum Transport in μ-Cyclopentadienyl Indium Complex

The electronic structure and conductance of a μ-cyclopentadienyl indium (Cp–In) multidecker complex have been examined by using the density functional theory (DFT). The electrical conduction of the complex between gold electrodes is investigated by using Green's function formalism. The one-dimensional band structure exhibited semiconducting properties. The Cp5In4 − complex, which had a long molecular length, between gold electrodes, exhibited low electrical conduction. On the other hand, the Cp3In2 − complex between the gold electrodes had transmission at the Fermi level. The I–V curves suggest the intrinsic characteristics of semiconducting properties and the suppression of strong tunneling effect.
Photoconductive semiconductor switch experiments for pulsed power applications

Experiments have been performed to develop photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSSs) for pulsed power applications that cannot be implemented with traditional high-power switching technology. A scalable lateral PCSS configuration has been tested and has demonstrated a potential for faster risetimes, less jitter, lower inductance, faster recovery, and optical triggering for new pulse power projects. These switches have been used as both closing and toggling switches at repetition rates up to 40 MHz. A high-field, gain mechanism (lock-on) was explored and tested which may eliminate the major disadvantage of this type of switch, its requirement for large optical trigger energies. >
Seasonal Abundance of Flower-Inhabiting Frankliniella Species (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on Wild Plant Species

Flowers of 37 wild plant species located in North Florida were sampled at periodic intervals for selected thrips (Thysanoptera) species. Samples were collected from wooded areas adjacent to two tomato production fields over an 18-mo period beginning March 1989. Of the 2,583 thrips specimens collected, 78% were adults. Adult counts peaked in May at both sites during 1989 and 1990. The genus Frankliniella accounted for 87% of the adult thrips collected. The most common species collected was F. tritici (Fitch) followed by F. bispinosa (Morgan), F. occidentalis (Pergande), and F. fusca (Hinds). Species composition varied by sampled month. Frankliniella tritici was the most abundant species in March, May, and August; F. bispinosa in June and July; and F. occidentalis in February and April. The distribution of thrips that vector tomato spotted wilt virus was similar to that of non vectors in Rowers of wild hosts. Thrips were detected on 31 of the 37 wild plant species surveyed with 61% of all thrips collected inhabiting six plant species. Frankliniella occidentalis and F. tritici used a major proportion of the available wild plant species earlier in the season than F. bispinosa and F. fusca. All Frankliniella species exhibited a wide host range in April and May.
Energy and air emission effects of water supply.

Life-cycle air emission effects of supplying water are explored using a hybrid life-cycle assessment. For the typically sized U.S. utility analyzed, recycled water is preferable to desalination and comparable to importation. Seawater desalination has an energy and air emission footprint that is 1.5−2.4 times larger than that of imported water. However, some desalination modes fare better; brackish groundwater is 53−66% as environmentally intensive as seawater desalination. The annual water needs (326 m3) of a typical Californian that is met with imported water requires 5.8 GJ of energy and creates 360 kg of CO2 equivalent emissions. With seawater desalination, energy use would increase to 14 GJ and 800 kg of CO2 equivalent emissions. Meeting the water demand of California with desalination would consume 52% of the state’s electricity. Supply options were reassessed using alternative electricity mixes, including the average mix of the United States and several renewable sources. Desalination using solar th...
Human papillomavirus and cervical cancer

Abstract Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. The major risk factor for the development of cervical cancer is infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). This report reviews the biology of HPV, presents a model for HPV in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer, and reviews conventional as well as molecular methods for the detection of cervical HPV infections. The role of HPV DNA testing in the management of women with an atypical Pap smear result will also be discussed.
Early detection of brown-rot decay in southern yellow pine using immunodiagnostic procedures

Immunodiagnostic procedures have been used to detect incipient decay of southern yellow pine by six common brown-rot fungi. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies were raised to liquid culture fractions of the six fungi. The antibodies, after preadsorption to sawdust, were tested in particle agglutination assays, immuno-dot blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for their ability to detect the decay organisms when they were grown in southern yellow pine. Results were correlated to wood-block weight loss. Each method specifically detected five of the six test organisms at very low wood-block weight loss. Agglutination assays were the least effective and lacked the sensitivity of the other assays, even though the latex particles were more sensitive and reproducible than charcoal particles. Cross-reactivity was noted only for one of the control organisms and only in the charcoal agglutination assay. Both dot blot and ELISA were sensitive test methods, but ELISA had the advantage of quantification. We feel that two of these assays, latex for presumptive results and ELISA for definitive results, could effectively detect incipient decay of common brown-rot fungi.
Expression of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase in a transformed rat cerebral endothelial cell line

Brain capillary endothelium in vivo contains high levels of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity. In addition, the presence of this enzyme has been used as a marker of neoplastic cells. Normal rat cerebral endothelial cells in culture exhibit a specific activity for gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase of 2 units/10(6) cells. In vitro transformation of these cells is achieved by the use of an avian retrovirus, Schmidt-Ruppin RSV-strain D. The resultant cell line, designated RCE-T1, demonstrates a significant increase in gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity up to 20 units/10(6) cells in early passage levels (9-26) after which enzyme activity declines and returns to normal levels by passage 80. This variation in enzyme activity correlates with histochemical staining for this enzyme. Furthermore, the enzyme activity increases linearly over a 1000-fold range of cell concentrations. Various culture modifications do not influence this pattern of enzyme expression. These parameters include trypsin dissociation, cell freezing, degree of confluency and culture maintenance with serum or with conditioned medium obtained from passage levels exhibiting high or low enzyme activity. RCE-T1 cells will provide a unique model system to study the distribution and regulation of this enzyme during differentiation and viral carcinogenesis.
Mellin transforms of closed curves and one-dimensional functions: Direct computation and scaling properties

The Mellin transform of a closed contour is examined, and a magnitude invariance property for affine homothetic shapes is derived. A direct computation of the Mellin transform is introduced, applicable to polygonal closed shapes and to arbitrary polygonal one-dimensional functions as well.
AGGREGATION AND AGGREGATION

We discuss economic aggregation and political aggregation in the context of a simple dynamic version of the canonical political-economy model—the Meltzer–Richard model. Consumers differ both in labor productivity and initial asset wealth and there is no physical capital. Under commitment over future tax policy, and for economic preferences that imply aggregation in assets and productivity, the induced policy preferences for individuals do not depend on any distributional characteristics other than means. They imply time inconsistency, with taxes changing between the first and the second periods and staying constant thereafter. Political aggregation in the form of a median-voter theorem applies only in special cases. (JEL: D72, D78, E61, H23)
Oxidation behaviour of cast Ni–Cr alloys in steam at 800°C

AbstractTo evaluate the steam oxidation resistance of cast Ni base alloy candidates for advanced steam turbine casings, laboratory experiments were conducted at 800°C. Alloys ranged from weaker, solid solution strengthened alloys 230 and 625 to stronger, precipitation strengthened alloys 105, 263 and 740, which are more difficult to fabricate and join. In general, these Ni–Cr based alloys exhibit low mass gains and form thin, protective Cr rich external oxides in 17 bar steam or 1 bar air. However, Al and Ti in these alloys internally oxidise in all cases. After 5000 h exposures, the average and maximum internal oxide penetration depths were measured, and the values were ranked based on the alloy Al+Ti contents. The middle range of Al+Ti compositions investigated, such as for alloys 617, 263, 282 and 740, showed the deepest penetrations. Further characterisation of the reaction products by electron microprobe showed a complex behaviour including significant Ti incorporation into the scale formed in both s...
Resource-based destination competitiveness evaluation using a hybrid analytic hierarchy process (AHP): the case study of West Virginia.

Abstract This study applies a hybrid analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate West Virginia's (WV) resource-based tourism competitiveness in relation to its neighboring states. The study also sought to investigate the utility of AHP in destination competitiveness evaluation. Ten executive directors from West Virginia's Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) and 891 visitors to West Virginia participated in this study. Findings revealed that West Virginia performed well in the areas such as availability of adventure-based and nature-based activities, and had a competitive edge on hospitality and friendliness of residents, safety and security, and value for money in shopping items. However, WV was seen to be less competitive on variety and quality of restaurants and availability of activities for children. The hybrid AHP model was shown to be a reliable tool to evaluate destination competitiveness. Theoretical and managerial implications and future research suggestions are discussed.
Eosinophilia, myopathy, and neuropathy in a patient with repeated use of L-tryptophan

In October of 1989, a clustering of cases with eosinophilia lead to the identification of a new syndrome: The eosinophilia myalgia syndrome associated with the use of an L-tryptophan product. Two years before the possible causal relationship between the use of L-tryptophan and the syndrome was described, we treated a patient with eosinophilia, severe neuropathy and disabling myopathy. Immunosuppressive therapy was required to treat the first flare of her disease. With reexposure to L-tryptophan, she relapsed and recovered when L-tryptophan was discontinued. Interestingly, she tolerated a third exposure to L-tryptophan without clinical or laboratory evidence for EMS
Regional differences in microsomal lipid peroxidation and antioxidant levels in the guinea pig adrenal cortex.

Lipid peroxidation (LP) and antioxidant levels were studied in the chromatically distinct inner (zona reticularis) and outer (zona fasciculata + zona glomerulosa) zones of the guinea pig adrenal cortex. Ferrous ion (Fe2+) produced a concentration-dependent (10−5 to 10−3 M) stimulation of microsomal LP in both zones, but LP, as estimated by malonaldehyde production, was far greater in the inner zone. Although cytosolic ascorbic acid content was similar in the two zones, microsomal tocopherol levels were approx 4 times greater in the outer than inner zone. Subphysiological concentrations of ascorbic acid, like Fe2+, initiated LP to a greater extent in inner than outer zone microsomes; optimal stimulation of LP by ascorbic acid occurred at concentrations of 100–200μ M in both zones. Physiological concentrations of ascorbic acid (1–5 mM), by contrast, did not initiate LP and, in fact, markedly inhibited Fe2+-induced LP in both inner and outer zone microsomal preparations. Outer zone microsomes were more sensitive to the antioxidant effects of ascorbic acid than were inner zone preparations. Addition of α-tocopherol to inner zone microsomal suspensions inhibited Fe2+-induced LP. The results indicate that there are regional differences in adrenocortical LP which may be caused by differences in tocopherol content. α-Tocopherol may serve important antioxidant functions within the adrenal cortex, thereby contributing to the functional zonation of the gland.
Mathematical programming representations for state-dependent queues

Discrete-event dynamic systems with feedback, where the behavior of the system depends on the system state, are difficult to model due to the uncertainties and dependencies of system performance on the system state. Service systems, in particular, tend to exhibit this behavior where servers may work faster (or slower) when facing an increasingly long line of impatient customers. A common example is a state-dependent queue where the service rate depends on the queue size, which can change during service. In this paper, we present a mathematical programming representation for the sample path dynamics of a state-dependent queue, and illustrate its application in sensitivity analysis.
Physician-assisted suicide and criminal prosecution: are physicians at risk?

The legalization of physician-assisted suicide (PAS) remains a hotly debated issue throughout the United States, and continues to capture the attention of government officials at both the state and federal levels. While the practice is currently legal in Oregon, some federal lawmakers and officials from the U.S. Department of Justice have attempted to outlaw that state's practice through legislation (e.g., the Pain Relief Promotion Act of 1999), or through a strained interpretation of the federal Controlled Substances Act. And while several citizen groups throughout the United States have attempted but failed to legalize PAS through popular initiative, several state lawmakers have succeeded in specifically outlawing the practice. Yet even though physician-assisted suicide (PAS) remains unlawful in every state except Oregon, there is ample evidence that American physicians throughout the United States have participated in PAS by providing their terminally ill patients with lethal prescriptions.
Goldfish brain GluR2: multiple forms, RNA editing, and alternative splicing.

Abstract cDNA coding for a full-length goldfish α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit, GluR2, was cloned by screening unidirectional and bidirectional goldfish brain cDNA libraries. The clone has an open reading frame of 2679 bp, encoding a protein of 893 amino acids. Partial cDNA clones for three other GluR2 subunits were identified. GluR2 from goldfish brain exhibits RNA editing and alternative splicing. RNA editing occurred at the two sites demonstrated for mammalian GluR2 (Q/R and R/G). Unlike rat GluR2, GFGluR2a has a long (68 amino acids) C-terminal tail. Analysis of genomic DNA suggests that an alternatively spliced shorter C-terminal tail can be produced, similar to the rat protein. Thus, in goldfish brain, GluR2 exhibits diversity arising from multiple subtypes, RNA editing, and alternative splicing.
Measurement and Analysis of the Fourier Transform Spectra of the ν3Fundamental and ν1+ ν3Combination of NpF6

Abstract The high resolution spectrum of NpF 6 complements existing work on UF 6 and PuF 6 . Unlike these molecules, NpF 6 has an unpaired spin, requiring a different mathematical formalism for analysis of the data than was used for the closed shell molecule UF 6 . Like UF 6 , NpF 6 exhibits rotational manifold structure. Scalar constants for the molecule and some examples of manifolds are presented here, and available constants are compared with those of UF 6 and PuF 6 .
Sibling similarities and economic inequality in the US

I use a new methodological approach and larger US samples than previous studies and estimate that the sibling correlation across a range of economic outcomes is around 0.5. This suggests that half of economic inequality in the US can be attributed to family and community influences. A comparison with noneconomic outcomes suggests that individual choices rather than a simple mechanical relationship governs the intergenerational transmission of income. A decomposition of the sibling correlation suggests that the acquisition of human capital is an important channel through which family background affects future success but that noncognitive factors also play a role.
Imaging and drug delivery using theranostic nanoparticles

Nanoparticle technologies are significantly impacting the development of both therapeutic and diagnostic agents. At the intersection between treatment and diagnosis, interest has grown in combining both paradigms into clinically effective formulations. This concept, recently coined as theranostics, is highly relevant to agents that target molecular biomarkers of disease and is expected to contribute to personalized medicine. Here we review state-of-the-art nanoparticles from a therapeutic and a diagnostic perspective and discuss challenges in bringing these fields together. Major classes of nanoparticles include, drug conjugates and complexes, dendrimers, vesicles, micelles, core–shell particles, microbubbles, and carbon nanotubes. Most of these formulations have been described as carriers of either drugs or contrast agents. To observe these formulations and their interactions with disease, a variety of contrast agents have been used, including optically active small molecules, metals and metal oxides, ultrasonic contrast agents, and radionuclides. The opportunity to rapidly assess and adjust treatment to the needs of the individual offers potential advantages that will spur the development of theranostic agents.
Nerve Growth Factor Signals through TrkA, Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase, and Rac1 to Inactivate RhoA during the Initiation of Neuronal Differentiation of PC12 Cells

In PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells, nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neuronal differentiation is blocked by constitutively active dominant mutants of RhoA but augmented by negative ones, suggesting a not yet elucidated inhibitory signaling link between NGF receptors and RhoA. Here we show that NGF treatment rapidly translocates RhoA from the plasma membrane to the cytosol and simultaneously decreases RhoA affinity to its target Rho-associated kinase (ROK), a key mediator of neurite outgrowth. This effect was transient, because after 2 days of NGF treatment, RhoA relocated from the cytosol to the plasma membrane, and its GTP loading returned to a level found in undifferentiated cells. Inhibition of RhoA is mediated by activation of the TrkA receptor, because NGF failed to induce RhoA translocation and inhibition of ROK binding in nnr5 cells that lack TrkA, whereas the inhibition was reconstituted in receptor add-back B5 cells. In MM17-26 cells, which due to expression of dominant negative Ras do not differentiate, NGF-stimulated transient RhoA inhibition was unaffected. The inhibitory pathway from TrkA to RhoA involves phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), because the inhibitors LY294002 or wortmannin prevented NGF-induced RhoA translocation and increased RhoA association with ROK. Furthermore, inhibition of PI3K significantly reduced NGF- mediated Rac1 activation, whereas dominant negative Rac1 abolished the inhibitory signaling to RhoA. Taken together, these data indicate that NGF-mediated activation of TrkA receptor stimulates PI3K, which in turn increases Rac1 activity to induce transient RhoA inactivation during the initial phase of neurite outgrowth.
Neuro‐Fuzzy Control of Railcar Vibrations Using Semiactive Dampers

This paper details a new approach to reducing vertical vibrations in a 70-ton railcar using a neuro-fuzzy controller and a magnetorheological (MR) damper. A semiactive control technique is developed for a 2-degree-of-freedom quarter car model of the railcar that has an installed MR damper. A fuzzy controller in real time continuously updates damping properties of the device. The controller uses feedback acceleration of the freight mass to specify a voltage signal to the MR damper. Correlations between acceleration and voltage applied to the MR damper are developed using Neuro Fuzzy Controller (NEFCON). To assess effectiveness of the semiactive control scheme, responses of the railcar to various haul conditions are compared with those for uncontrolled and for passive operating conditions of the MR damper. Results indicate that semiactively controlled MR dampers can reduce vibrations to acceptable levels provided that sufficient force capacity can be supplied by the damper.
Psychological adjustment of children in the pretransplant phase of bone marrow transplantation: Relationships with parent distress, parent stress, and child coping.

Families of 22 children preparing to undergo bone marrow transplantation (BMT) provided information concerning parent-reported major negative life stress, child coping strategies, parental psychological symptomatology, and child adjustment. Immediately prior to BMT, children and families are confronted with multiple stresses which challenge the child's coping and strain the parents' ability to assist the child with coping. Hence, stress, parental adjustment (distress), and child coping may be important factors affecting the child's overall psychological adjustment. Results showed that 15–25% of children and parents experienced clinically significant levels of psychological distress. Parent and child psychological distress were closely related. Major negative life stresses experienced by the parent and use of avoidant coping by the child significantly predicted child adjustment problems in the pretransplant period. Coping skills interventions targeting avoidant coping and management of parental stress/distress may reduce child psychosocial risk prior to BMT.
A search for gender differences on fertility-related attitudes: questioning the relevance of sociobiology theory for understanding social psychological aspects of human reproduction.

Data from 12 NORC surveys done between 1965 and 1984 were analyzed to test the hypothesis, derived from sociobiology theory, that men and women would have different attitudinal orientations toward fertility. The hypothesis that men would be more oriented toward quantity of offspring than women, as reflected in their attitudes toward abortion and ideal family size, was not supported. The effect of gender was negligible both in the absolute sense and in comparison to that of education and religiosity.
Human Expression QTLs Are Enriched in Signals of Environmental Adaptation

Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) have been found to be enriched in trait-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, whether eQTLs are adaptive to different environmental factors and its relative evolutionary significance compared with nonsynonymous SNPs (NS SNPs) are still elusive. Compiling environmental correlation data from three studies for more than 500,000 SNPs and 42 environmental factors, including climate, subsistence, pathogens, and dietary patterns, we performed a systematic examination of the adaptive patterns of eQTLs to local environment. Compared with intergenic SNPs, eQTLs are significantly enriched in the lower tail of a transformed rank statistic in the environmental correlation analysis, indicating possible adaptation of eQTLs to the majority of 42 environmental factors. The mean enrichment of eQTLs across 42 environmental factors is as great as, if not greater than, that of NS SNPs. The enrichment of eQTLs, although significant across all levels of recombination rate, is inversely correlated with recombination rate, suggesting the presence of selective sweep or background selection. Further pathway enrichment analysis identified a number of pathways with possible environmental adaption from eQTLs. These pathways are mostly related with immune function and metabolism. Our results indicate that eQTLs might have played an important role in recent and ongoing human adaptation and are of special importance for some environmental factors and biological pathways.
Health benefits: Meta-analytically determining the impact of well-being on objective health outcomes

Abstract This research synthesis integrates findings from 150 experimental, ambulatory and longitudinal studies that tested the impact of well-being on objective health outcomes. Results demonstrated that well-being positively impacts health outcomes (r=0.14). Well-being was found to be positively related to short-term health outcomes (r=0.15), long-term health outcomes (r=0.11), and disease or symptom control (r=0.13). Results from the experimental studies demonstrated that inductions of well-being lead to healthy functioning, and inductions of ill-being lead to compromised health at similar magnitudes. Thus, the effect of subjective well-being on health is not solely due to ill-being having a detrimental impact on health, but also to well-being having a salutary impact on health. Additionally, the impact of well-being on improving health was stronger for immune system response and pain tolerance, whereas well-being was not significantly related to increases in cardiovascular and physiological reactivity...