cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The shifting geopolitics of water in the anthropocene

ABSTRACTThis forum responds to recent calls to hypothesize a geopolitics of the Anthropocene by examining how our notions of geopolitics of water may shift in the context of this new and, at times, divisive framework. The Anthropocene describes the geological epoch in which humans are the dominant actor in the global environmental system and has been a concept that is not without controversy. Taking the Anthropocene as an epistemological divergence where nature can no longer be viewed as separate from humanity, this forum asks how moving away from understanding hydraulic systems as essentially stable to understanding them as unstable and profoundly influenced by humans changes our understanding ofthe geopolitics of water. Collectively the contributions to this forum illustrate that formulating a water geopolitics of the Anthropocene requires 1) moving beyond a focus on fluvial flows to consider other forms of water; 2) broadening our understanding of the actors involved in water geopolitics; 3) examining ...
Double Barrel Nasal Trumpets to Prevent Upper Airway Obstruction after Nasal and Non-Nasal Surgery.

Objectives. During anesthesia emergence, patients are extubated and the upper airway can become vulnerable to obstruction. Nasal trumpets can help prevent obstruction. However, we have found no manuscript describing how to place nasal trumpets after nasal surgery (septoplasties or septorhinoplasties), likely because (1) the lack of space with nasal splints in place and (2) surgeons may fear that removing the trumpets could displace the splints. The objective of this manuscript is to describe how to place nasal trumpets even with nasal splints in place. Materials and Methods. The authors describe techniques (Double Barrel Technique and Modified Double Barrel Technique) that were developed over three years ago and have been used in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other patients who had collapsible or narrow upper airways (i.e., morbidly obese patients). Results. The technique described in the manuscript provides a method for placing one long and one short nasal trumpet in a manner that helps prevent postoperative upper airway obstruction. The modified version describes a method for placing nasal trumpets even when there are nasal splints in place. Over one-hundred patients have had nasal trumpets placed without postoperative oxygen desaturations. Conclusions. The Double Barrel Technique allows for a safe emergence from anesthesia in patients predisposed to upper airway obstruction (such as in obstructive sleep apnea and morbidly obese patients). To our knowledge, the Modified Double Barrel Technique is the first description for the use of nasal trumpets in patients who had nasal surgery and who have nasal splints in place.
Going Camping: A New Strategy for Preparing Academically Diverse Students

Students enrolling in public affairs come from increasingly diverse academic backgrounds, and, although that diversity is a valuable asset, it represents a challenge for institutions, faculty, and ...
CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ALLELES OF THE NATURAL OVALBUMIN GENE CREATED BY MUTATIONS IN THE INTERVENING SEQUENCES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the cloning and characterization of alleles of the natural ovalbumin gene created by mutations in the intervening sequences. Two allelic forms of the natural chicken ovalbumin gene have been independently cloned. These alleles differ from each other by an Eco RI restriction cleavage site in one of the seven intervening sequences within the natural ovalbumin gene. Detailed restriction mapping and sequence analysis of these cloned genotypic alleles have shown identical sequence organization and molecular structure of the interspersed structural and intervening sequences except for the particular Eco RI cleavage site. Sequencing data of the cloned DNA suggest that this Eco RI site may be created or eliminated by a single-base mutation in the intervening sequence of the ovalbumin gene. The occurrence of apparent homozygous and heterozygous allelic forms of the ovalbumin gene in individual hens and roosters within the same breed has been observed. It is found that out of 40 chickens examined, 40% of them are homozygous for the ovalbumin gene without the extra Eco RI site while 10% of them are homozygous possessing this site. It is found that the other half of the populations are heterozygous for this Eco RI site.
Antimonide Type-II “W” Lasers

This chapter has reviewed the various classes of antimonide Type-II “W” lasers developed to date and the status of their performance, as well as factors limiting their operating temperature, output power, spectral purity, and beam quality. Since the “W” concept was first introduced in 1995, dramatic progress has been made by both optically-pumped devices and their electrically-injected counterparts. Recent results from the latest embodiments of the “W”-ICL configuration have been especially encouraging. PCDFB designs that maintain coherent output from very wide stripes open a promising avenue to “W” devices exhibiting both much higher powers and good beam qualities.
The Role of Microtubules in Plant Cell Wall Growth

The earliest microscopic evidence that higher plants are composed of cells rested on visualization of walls as cell remnants in wood and cork (Figure 1). In time it was recognized that the living eukaryotic plant cell is usually encased in a wall which grows by apposition from within, and that crystalline cellulose predominates as a skeletal component of the wall. Cell shape and function are determined largely by the extent and pattern of wall material deposition, along with the orientation in which cellulosic elements are laid down. The longstanding interest in the physical and biological properties of walls is reflected in several summaries which have appeared on the subject through the years.1–3
A Poet in the Car Company: Sustainability of Passion and Profitability

When Bill Ford was named chairman of the board for the Ford Motor Company in 2000, I was honored to be selected as Ford’s global manager of Human Rights. I spent my first 17 years at the company working in manufacturing – often in jobs that I hated but loving the people I worked with. I often joke that I’m probably the only person in Ford that has a bachelor’s degree in poetry and a graduate degree in operations research, but I think this unusual background put me on a team that required a different type of systems thinking.
All-Mechanical Polarization Control and Anomalous (Electro)Mechanical Responses in Ferroelectric Nanowires.

Piezoelectric and ferroelectric nanowires exhibit properties and phases that are not available in the bulk. They are extremely promising for functional nanoscale application. On the basis of atomistic first-principles-based simulations, we predict an all-mechanical polarization control in ferroelectric nanowires. We report that the application of uniaxial compressive stress to ferroelectric nanowires with poor surface charge compensation leads to a reversible phase switching between the polar phase with axial polarization and macroscopically nonpolar flux-closure phase. The phase switching is associated with anomalously large changes in polarization and piezoelectric and mechanical response. In particular, in PbTiO3 nanowires the values as large as 5400 pC/N and 140 TPa–1 are predicted for the piezoelectric coefficient and elastic constant, respectively. Remarkably, the effect persists up to the gigahertz frequency which is potentially promising for nanoscale applications, such as nanogenerators, biomedic...
Characterization of a new N-terminally acetylated extra-mitochondrial isoform of frataxin in human erythrocytes

Frataxin is a highly conserved protein encoded by the frataxin (FXN) gene. The full-length 210-amino acid form of protein frataxin (1–210; isoform A) expressed in the cytosol of cells rapidly translocates to the mitochondria, where it is converted to the mature form (81–210) by mitochondrial processing peptidase. Mature frataxin (81–210) is a critically important protein because it facilitates the assembly of mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster protein complexes such as aconitase, lipoate synthase, and succinate dehydrogenases. Decreased expression of frataxin protein is responsible for the devastating rare genetic disease of Friedreich’s ataxia. The mitochondrial form of frataxin has long been thought to be present in erythrocytes even though paradoxically, erythrocytes lack mitochondria. We have discovered that erythrocyte frataxin is in fact a novel isoform of frataxin (isoform E) with 135-amino acids and an N-terminally acetylated methionine residue. There is three times as much isoform E in erythrocytes (20.9 ± 6.4 ng/mL) from the whole blood of healthy volunteers (n = 10) when compared with the mature mitochondrial frataxin present in other blood cells (7.1 ± 1.0 ng/mL). Isoform E lacks a mitochondrial targeting sequence and so is distributed to both cytosol and the nucleus when expressed in cultured cells. When extra-mitochondrial frataxin isoform E is expressed in HEK 293 cells, it is converted to a shorter isoform identical to the mature frataxin found in mitochondria, which raises the possibility that it is involved in disease etiology. The ability to specifically quantify extra-mitochondrial and mitochondrial isoforms of frataxin in whole blood will make it possible to readily follow the natural history of diseases such as Friedreich’s ataxia and monitor the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.
Frailty Predicts Medical Complications, Length of Stay, Readmission, and Mortality in Revision Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Background The purpose of this study is to evaluate the 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) as a predictor of postoperative complications, readmission, and mortality in patients undergoing revision hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeon’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program’s database for patients undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) and revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) between the years 2005 and 2016 was conducted. The 5-factor score, which includes presence of comorbid diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and functional status, was calculated for each patient. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the mFI-5 and postoperative complications while controlling for demographic variables. Results In total, 13,948 patients undergoing rTHA and 16,304 patients undergoing rTKA were identified. The mFI-5 was a strong predictor of serious medical complications (cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, septic shock, pulmonary embolism, postoperative dialysis, reintubation, and prolonged ventilator requirement), discharge to a facility, total length of stay, readmission, and mortality (P ≤ .007). Conclusion The mFI-5 predicts serious medical complications, increased length of stay, discharge to a facility, hospital readmission, and mortality in patients undergoing rTHA and rTKA. All the variables within the mFI-5 are easily obtained through the patient history, allowing for a practical clinical tool that hospitals and physicians can use to identify at-risk patients, educate and engage patients and their families in a shared decision-making conversation, and guide perioperative care in order to optimize patient outcomes. Level of Evidence III.
Improved Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus sp. Strain YF23, Which Has Plant Growth-Promoting Activity

We report here the improved draft genome sequence of Bacillus sp. strain YF23, a bacterium originally isolated from switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) plants and shown to exhibit plant growth-promoting activity. The genome comprised 5.82 Mbp, containing 5,933 genes, with 193 as RNA genes, and a GC content of 35.10%.
An advanced recording and analysis system for the differentiation of guinea pig cough responses to citric acid and prostaglandin E2 in real time

Cough number and/or sound have been used to assess cough sensitivity/intensity and to discriminate cough patterns in clinical settings. However, to date, only manual counting of cough number in an offline manner is applied in animal cough studies, which diminishes the efficiency of cough identification and hinders the diagnostic discrimination of cough patterns, especially in animals with pulmonary diseases. This study aims to validate a novel recording/analysis system by which cough numbers are automatically counted and cough patterns are comprehensively differentiated in real time. The experiment was carried out in conscious guinea pigs exposed to aerosolized citric acid (CA, 150 mM) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, 0.43 mM). Animal body posture (video), respiratory flow, and cough acoustics (audio) were simultaneously monitored and recorded. Cough number was counted automatically, and cough sound parameters including waveform, duration, power spectral density, spectrogram, and intensity, were analyzed in real time. Our results showed that CA- and PGE2-evoked coughs had the same cough numbers but completely different patterns [individual coughs vs. bout(s) of coughs]. Compared to CA-evoked coughs, PGE2-evoked coughs possess a longer latency, higher cough rate (coughs/min), shorter cough sound duration, lower cough sound intensity, and distinct cough waveforms and spectrograms. A few mucus- and wheeze-like coughs were noted in response to CA but not to PGE2. In conclusion, our recording/analysis system is capable of automatically counting the cough number and successfully differentiating the cough pattern by using valuable cough sound indexes in real time. Our system enhances the objectivity, accuracy, and efficiency of cough identification and count, improves the intensity evaluation, and offers ability for pattern discrimination compared to traditional types of cough identification. Importantly, this approach is beneficial for assessing the efficacy of putative antitussive drugs in animals without or with pulmonary diseases, particularly in cases without significant change in cough number.
Novelty detection improves performance of reinforcement learners in fluctuating, partially observable environments.

Abstract Evolved and engineered organisms must adapt to fluctuating environments that are often only partially observed. We show that adaptation to a second environment can be significantly harder after adapting to a first, completely unrelated environment, even when using second-order learning algorithms and a constant learning rate. In effect, there is a lack of fading memory in the organism’s performance. However, organisms can adapt well to the second environment by incorporating a simple novelty detection algorithm that signals when the environment has changed and reinitializing the parameters that define their behavior if so. We propose that it may be fruitful to look for signs of this novelty detection in biological organisms, and to engineer novelty detection algorithms into artificial organisms.
Cost-Savings of Fluoride Varnish Application in Primary Care for Medicaid-Enrolled Children in Virginia

Objectives To determine the cost-benefit of fluoride varnish application during pediatric well-visits for the Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Program population in Virginia (VA) from a Medicaid payer perspective. To provide initial cost estimates from the primary care provider (PCP) perspective. Study design A systematic search of recent literature was completed to obtain input data for a Monte Carlo cost-benefit simulation and for the fluoride varnish application time, labor, and materials costs for PCPs. The analysis was conducted from a Medicaid perspective; costs and savings related to fluoride varnish application in primary dentition through 7.5 years were calculated for all Medicaid-eligible children up to 3 years of age in VA. Sensitivity analysis was performed to mitigate the effects of parameter uncertainty. Results Delivering fluoride varnish to all children Conclusions Application of fluoride varnish by a PCP to children under 3 years of age is cost-saving in this study population. Costs to provide fluoride varnish from the PCP perspective are favorable compared with the Medicaid reimbursement, but additional studies on optimizing fluoride varnish application into the well-visit workflow are needed.
An Adaptive Resilient Control Approach for Pressure Control in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

This paper introduces a novel controller design for pressure control in the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The proposed controller can control the system under the fault/failure of the actuators. The introduced design uses an artificial neural network for online fault detection and isolation in the pressure valves of the PEM fuel cell (PEMFC). We designed a nonlinear controller based on feedback linearization technique to compensate for the fault effects in real time. We also investigated the stability of the proposed design based on the Lyapunov theory. The simulation and the hardware in the loop results clearly show that the proposed active fault-tolerant control design is able to detect, estimate, and track the PEMFC actuators faults and failure accurately, and to compensate for their negative impacts while keeping the desired control performances in real time.
Parasite defense mechanisms in bees: behavior, immunity, antimicrobials, and symbionts

Parasites are linked to the decline of some bee populations; thus, understanding defense mechanisms has important implications for bee health. Recent advances have improved our understanding of factors mediating bee health ranging from molecular to landscape scales, but often as disparate literatures. Here, we bring together these fields and summarize our current understanding of bee defense mechanisms including immunity, immunization, and transgenerational immune priming in social and solitary species. Additionally, the characterization of microbial diversity and function in some bee taxa has shed light on the importance of microbes for bee health, but we lack information that links microbial communities to parasite infection in most bee species. Studies are beginning to identify how bee defense mechanisms are affected by stressors such as poor-quality diets and pesticides, but further research on this topic is needed. We discuss how integrating research on host traits, microbial partners, and nutrition, as well as improving our knowledge base on wild and semi-social bees, will help inform future research, conservation efforts, and management.
Semi-Automated Design of Functional Elements for a New Approach to Digital Superconducting Electronics: Methodology and Preliminary Results

In an ongoing project at Sandia National Laboratories, we are attempting to develop a novel style of superconducting digital processing, based on a new model of reversible computation called Asynchronous Ballistic Reversible Computing (ABRC). We envision an approach in which polarized flux-ons scatter elastically from near-lossless functional components, reversibly updating the local digital state of the circuit, while dissipating only a small fraction of the input fluxon energy. This approach to superconducting digital computation is sufficiently unconventional that an appropriate methodology for hand-design of such circuits is not immediately obvious. To gain insight into the design principles that are applicable in this new domain, we are creating a software tool to automatically enumerate possible topologies of reactive, undamped Josephson junction circuits, and sweep the parameter space of each circuit searching for designs exhibiting desired dynamical behaviors. But first, we identified by hand a circuit implementing the simplest possible nontrivial ABRC functional behavior with bits encoded as conserved polarized fluxons, namely, a one-bit reversible memory cell with one bidirectional I/O port. We expect the tool to be useful for designing more complex circuits.
A transgene targeted to the zebrafish nkx2.4b locus drives specific green fluorescent protein expression and disrupts thyroid development.

Background With the goal of labeling and manipulating the zebrafish hypothalamus, we sought to target a green fluorescent protein (gfp) transgene to the expression domains of nkx2.4b, a gene expressed during hypothalamic and thyroid development. We combined transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs)-mediated mutagenesis with a targeting construct to enable insertion of a gfp transgene into the endogenous nkx2.4b genomic locus. Results Injection of TALENs targeted to the first exon of nkx2.4b created a predicted null allele, and homozygous mutant embryos displayed loss of thyroid markers. From embryos injected with both TALENs and a targeting construct carrying a gfp transgene, we recovered a line in which GFP was expressed specifically in the hypothalamus and thyroid. Fish homozygous for this allele lacked exon 1 of nkx2.4b and exhibited hypothyroid phenotypes. Conclusions By combining TALENs injections with a targeting construct that contained a gfp transgene, we were able to recover an allele in which GFP is expressed in the nkx2.4b expression domains, with homozygous phenotypes suggesting the creation of a loss-of-function transgenic line. These results demonstrate the creation of a useful tool for studying hypothalamus and thyroid development.
A Lagrangian analysis of the gravity-inertial oil spreading on the calm sea using the reflective oil-water interface treatment

Negative impacts are caused by oil spills on coastal ecosystems. In the phenomenon of oil spreading, the knowledge of the physical properties of the pollutant, such as velocities and positions, is of fundamental importance for the adoption of timely contingency measures to protect the environment (Fraga Filho, Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics: Fundamentals and Basic Applications in Continuum Mechanics, 2019). This paper presents a Lagrangian particle modelling for the prediction of the oil slick diameter in the first stage of the oil spreading on a calm sea. At the first studies on the oil spreading (Fay, The Spread of Oil Slicks on a Calm Sea, 1969; Fay, Physical Processes in the Spread of Oil on a Water Surface, 1971), curves were adjusted to laboratory experimental data. The modelling employed in this work is based on the continuum Navier-Stokes equations, and the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method has been used to obtain the solution for the conservation equations of mass and momentum. The oil-water interface was treated using a reflective treatment. The solution achieved was compared to the oil slick diameter predicted by Fay’s equation, and an error lower than 1% was found.
Biophysical Modeling of Excitable Cells - A New Approach to Undergraduate Computational Biology Curriculum Development

As part of a broader effort of developing a comprehensive neuroscience curriculum, we implemented an interdisciplinary, one-semester, upper-level course called Biophysical Modeling of Excitable Cells (BMEC). The course exposes undergraduate students to broad areas of computational biology. It focuses on computational neuroscience (CNS), develops scientific literacy, promotes teamwork between biology, psychology, physics, and mathematics-oriented undergraduate students. This course also provides pedagogical experience for senior Ph.D. students from the Neuroscience Department at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). BMEC is a three contact hours per week lecture-based course that includes a set of computer-based activities designed to gradually increase the undergraduates’ ability to apply mathematics and computational concepts to solving biologically-relevant problems. The class brings together two different groups of students with very dissimilar and complementary backgrounds, i.e., biology or psychology and physics or mathematics oriented. The teamwork allows students with more substantial biology or psychology background to explain to physics or mathematics students the biological implications and instill realism into the computer modeling project they completed for this class. Simultaneously, students with substantial physics and mathematics backgrounds can apply techniques learned in specialized mathematics, physics, or computer science classes to generate mathematical hypotheses and implement them in computer codes.
Impact of organic dairy cattle manure on environmental and egg microbiology of organic free-range laying hens

SUMMARY The popularity of free-range and organic poultry has increased in recent years due to consumer demands. A study was conducted to evaluate how the presence of organic dairy cattle manure could influence the environmental and egg microbiology of organic free-range laying flocks. A flock of brown egg layers was split and maintained in a rotational paddock grazing schedule of which was free of or exposed to organic dairy manure. Environmental and egg sampling occurred approximately every 8 wk between 20 and 44 wk of age for a presence of Listeria spp., Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of Listeria spp., Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. in environmental and egg samples between integrated and control grazing organic free-range flocks. A random sampling of Enterobacteriaceae colonies produced 211 viable isolates for biochemical identification. Seventeen genera, species, or serotypes were identified. There was a greater (P
Property's Perspective (Or of Whom to be Jealous)

Those rowdy property plaintiffs—sometimes it’s hard to tell what it is they want. Their desires are often much harder to decipher than those of plaintiffs in other common law fields. Tort litigation usually involves an individual who believes she has been wronged and asks a court to undo that wrong. The plaintiff compares her current situation to the reality she would have enjoyed if the injury had not befallen her. She then asks a court to provide the remedy necessary to get as close as possible to that “benchmark reality.”1 Similarly, in contract disputes, the plaintiff compares her current situation to a reality where both parties abided by their respective agreements.2 Unlike in a tort dispute, however, where the benchmark reality is simply the status quo ante, the benchmark reality in a contract dispute is likely to be contested, since it is not prescribed by law. Still, the law
Book Review: Explorations in Ecclesiology and Ethnography

Explorations in Ecclesiology and Ethnography. Edited by Christian B. Scharen. Studies in Ecclesiology and Ethnography. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans Publishing, 2012. v + 180 pp. $40.00 (paper).The basic aim of this work is to stimulate and deepen research and scholarship on the church in order to strengthen pastoral leadership, as well as the congregations they serve. The resultant understanding will enable church leaders to guide their congregations more effectively for the sake of faithful witness and service in the world (p. 3).Ethnography, academically understood as qualitative research, and ecclesiology, academically understood as theological research, have generally remained distinct and distinctive disciplines (p. 3). However, this volume creatively employs the tools of ethnographic research to investigate more deeply the "meaning of life" questions and answers of people of faith who worship in congregations-people who are very diverse in terms of their psycho-socialspiritual-sexual-cultural points of departure as they live their lives on earth. This methodology presumes that the church does not live in strict isolation from the human condition, even as it draws upon foundational theological normative theory and praxis. Employing the tools of ethnography together with church studies arguably grounds the church and congregations in their actual experiences within and outside the church.This volume has been divided into three parts ("On Congregations and the Church," "On Congregations and Worship," and "Congregations and Society"), mainly to cluster what the various authors have contributed to the broad topics in the various ways they attend to the life of the church or perhaps are attentive to the modes of the churches to which they attend.Part one, for example, begins the explorations with rich reflections on what is to be unearthed for a deeper understanding of congregations when empirical and theological approaches work in collaborative ways. It also introduces the main proposal of the volume: in order for scholarship about the church to be most helpful to the church's missional engagement in daily life, both through its pastoral leadership and its living corporate membership as a body of Christ, rapprochement between empirical and theological understandings of the church ought to be encouraged (p. 2).Part two, which primarily discusses congregational worship, affirms that sacramental life concretizes theological understandings and praxis. However, it notes that understandings and praxis may be manifested quite differently within the same church. …
Experimental Evaluation of Corner Vanes-Summary

Two types of turning vane airfoils (a controlled-diffusion shape and a circular arc shape) have been evaluated in the high-speed and fan-drive corners of a 0.1-scale model of NASA Lewis Research Center's proposed Altitude Wind Tunnel. The high-speed corner was evaluated with and without a simulated engine exhaust removal scoop. The fan-drive corner was evaluated with and without the high-speed corner. Flow surveys of pressure and flow angle were taken for both the corners and the vanes to determine their respective losses. The two-dimensional vane losses were low; however, the overall corner losses were higher because three-dimensional flow was generated by the complex geometry resulting from the turning vanes intersecting the end wall. The three-dimensional effects were especially pronounced in the outer region of the circular corner.
Creating and Managing a Technology Economy

The International Association for Management of Technology (IAMOT) is one of the largest scientific associations dedicated to advance the education, research and application of management of technology. The annual IAMOT conference assembles the most prominent scientists and experts in the field. The 17th conference held in 2008 included over 300 papers by experts from various countries. This volume is a collection of the best, high quality papers presented at the conference, covering topics and issues related to the knowledge economy, commercialization of knowledge, green technologies, and sustainable development.
Determination of Guanosine 3',5'-Monophosphate in Tissues and of Guanyl Cyclase in Rat Intestine

Abstract A method for the assay of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate has been applied to the determination of the nucleotide in tissues. Concentrations of cyclic GMP were determined in various tissues from several animal phyla. These levels were in most cases much lower than cyclic AMP, but an insect, the cricket, contained more cyclic GMP than cyclic AMP. Cyclic GMP was found in all rat tissues examined, and the upper small intestine contained relatively large amounts. The contents of the small intestine also were found to contain cyclic GMP, with that from the lower part containing more. Theophylline, an inhibitor of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, elevated the level of cyclic GMP in rat small intestine. This suggests a rapid turnover of the nucleotide in this tissue. An enzyme system which catalyzed the formation of cyclic GMP from GTP was demonstrated in small intestine. This enzyme required Mn++ for maximal activity and was inhibited by ATP. It was apparently different from adenyl cyclase.
A big development for a small RNA.

The RNA-processing enzyme MRP contains an RNA component that is essential for its activity. Unexpectedly, it seems that mutations in the gene encoding this RNA cause a multifaceted human disease.
First Results in the Coordination of Heterogeneous Robots for Large-Scale Assembly

While many multi-robot systems rely on fortuitous cooperation between agents, some tasks, such as the assembly of large structures, require tighter coordination. We present a general software architecture for coordinating heterogeneous robots that allows for both autonomy of the individual agents as well as explicit coordination. This paper presents recent results with three robots with very different configurations. Working as a team, these robots are able to perform a high-precision docking task that none could achieve individually.
An endocrine basis for endometrial carcinoma.

In 165 endometrial cancer cases in which ovariectomy was performed i n the course of the surgical treatment hilar regions were not included in the tissue sections of 1 or both ovaries in 32 cases. For controls ovarian sections from 86 postmenopausal women were studied including 52 cases of postmenopausal endometrial hyperplasia. The hilar or Leydig cells were suspected of being of major significance in the etiology of endometrial carcinoma. Since Leydig cells are hormonally dependent upon the pituitary gonadotropin LH or ICSH a corollary study of the urinary excretion of LH was done in selected patients using the ventral prostate weight technique described by MacArthur. In this study urine was assayed in 31 patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the endometrium 37 patients with other conditions 19 patients who had previously been treated for endometrial carcinoma and 4 cases in which LH determinations were repeated after administration of Delalutin (17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate). 133 cases of primary endometrial carcinoma had ovarian hilar tissue available for study in at least 1 section of 1 ovary. Leydig cell hyperplasia was present in 109 cases (81.9%). In the 29 cases of primary adenocarcinoma of the uterus studied since 1957 hilar-cell hyperplasia has been present in 100%. In the controls 14 of 86 cases contained hilar cells. In the 34 controls without evidence of postmenopausal endometrial hyperplasia the incidence of hilar cell clumps was 2 (5.88%). The 52 control patients with such hyperplasia had hilar cell components in 12 cases (23%). The number of hilar or Leydig cells was much lower in cases not associated with endometrial cancer. The urine assays for LH showed that the patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the endometrium had elevated LH levels in all 31 cases. Following bilateral oophorectomy the level of LH fell to normal in all the cases. According to the authors concept at birth a female destined to develop adenocarcinoma of the endometrium is endowed with an abnormal complement of hilar Leydig or theca cells which are LH responsive. During reproductive years these cells are mini mally functioning because of other hormonal activity. However they may cause increased sterilit y. After menopause this restraining activity is less the pituitary is stimulated to excrete excessive LH endometrial hyperplasia results and finally carcinoma of the endometrium.
Does emotional intelligence predict breaking bad news skills in pediatric interns? A pilot study.

Background : While both patients and physicians identify communication of bad news as an area of great challenge, the factors underlying this often complex task remain largely unknown. Emotional intelligence (EI) has been positively correlated with good general communication skills and successful leadership, but there is no literature relating EI to the delivery of bad news. Purpose : Our objectives were to determine: 1) performance of first-year pediatric residents in the delivery of bad news in a standardized patient (SP) setting; and 2) the role of EI in these assessments. Our hypothesis was that pediatric trainees with higher EI would demonstrate more advanced skills in this communication task. Methods : Forty first- year residents participated. Skill in bad news delivery was assessed via SP encounters using a previously published assessment tool (GRIEV_ING Death Notification Protocol). Residents completed the Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI) as a measure of EI. Results : Residents scored poorly on bad news delivery skills but scored well on EI. Intraclass correlation coefficients indicated moderate to substantial inter-rater reliability among raters using the delivering bad news assessment tool. However, no correlation was found between bad news delivery performance and EI. Conclusions : We concluded that first-year pediatric residents have inadequate skills in the delivery of bad news. In addition, our data suggest that higher EI alone is not sufficient to effectively deliver death news and more robust skill training is necessary for residents to gain competence and acquire mastery in this important communication domain. Keywords: breaking bad news; emotional intelligence; pediatrics (Published: 17 August 2015) Citation: Med Educ Online 2015, 20: 24245 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/meo.v20.24245
An anti-cloning framework for software defined radio mobile devices

The superior reconfigurability of software defined radio mobile devices has made it the most promising technology on the wireless network and in the communication industry. Despite several advantages, there is still a lot to discuss regarding security. One of the more dangerous threats in SDR wireless communication is cloning. Besides illegal billing, cloned units increase the competition of shared resources, the network congestion and degrade network services. In this paper, an anti-cloning framework for software defined radio mobile devices is proposed. In the framework, the SDR mobile device together with the wireless operator is responsible for detecting if it has been cloned or not. Another key point is that the framework is independent of the wireless communication technology, working well for different cellular technologies and the Internet. New pieces of hardware and new protocols are specified to avoid network services being used by cloned units. Proofs that analyze correctness of the protocols and the framework are also presented.
Information management in medical and graduate education

One goal of graduate-level education is to promote a sense of responsibility for continual self education. It is evident that the scientist must renew and refresh the mindstore of information. So must the physician. But the task of self-education is increasingly difficult because of the rate at which the volume of scientific literature expands. While the literature doubles in size each 10 years, the available time to read it, much less search through it, does not keep pace. This proposal describes an approach to these issues.
TOWARD A LAGRANGIAN THEORY OF CURRENTS FOR INTERACTING HADRONS.

Abstract An attempt is made to obtain a theory of currents from a Lagrangian model describing interacting pseudoscalar mesons and quarks. Upon introducing appropriate Schwinger terms in the current algebra, we are able to avoid the parity doubling problem, verify the Schwinger covariance condition and obtain the current conservation equations.
Cancer resistance of SR/CR mice in the genetic knockout backgrounds of leukocyte effector mechanisms: determinations for functional requirements

Spontaneous Regression/Complete Resistant (SR/CR) mice are a colony of cancer-resistant mice that can detect and rapidly destroy malignant cells with innate cellular immunity, predominately mediated by granulocytes. Our previous studies suggest that several effector mechanisms, such as perforin, granzymes, or complements, may be involved in the killing of cancer cells. However, none of these effector mechanisms is known as critical for granulocytes. Additionally, it is unclear which effector mechanisms are required for the cancer killing activity of specific leukocyte populations and the survival of SR/CR mice against the challenges of lethal cancer cells. We hypothesized that if any of these effector mechanisms was required for the resistance to cancer cells, its functional knockout in SR/CR mice should render them sensitive to cancer challenges. This was tested by cross breeding SR/CR mice into the individual genetic knockout backgrounds of perforin (Prf-/-), superoxide (Cybb-/), or inducible nitric oxide (Nos2-/). SR/CR mice were bred into individual Prf-/-, Cybb-/-, or Nos2-/- genetic backgrounds and then challenged with sarcoma 180 (S180). Their overall survival was compared to controls. The cancer killing efficiency of purified populations of macrophages and neutrophils from these immunodeficient mice was also examined. When these genetically engineered mice were challenged with cancer cells, the knockout backgrounds of Prf-/-, Cybb-/-, or Nos2-/- did not completely abolish the SR/CR cancer resistant phenotype. However, the Nos2-/- background did appear to weaken the resistance. Incidentally, it was also observed that the male mice in these immunocompromised backgrounds tended to be less cancer-resistant than SR/CR controls. Despite the previously known roles of perforin, superoxide or nitric oxide in the effector mechanisms of innate immune responses, these effector mechanisms were not required for cancer-resistance in SR/CR mice. The resistance was functional when any one of these effector mechanisms was completely absent, except some noticeably reduced penetrance, but not abolishment, of the phenotype in the male background in comparison to female background. These results also indicate that some other effector mechanism(s) of granulocytes may be involved in the killing of cancer cells in SR/CR mice.
Alternative Assessment in a Mathematics Course.

Sometimes a radical shift in assessment procedures may uncover a whole new set of objectives that neither the students nor the instructor expected. Such an experience is described in the context of freshman mathematics.
Fetal surgery: exploring the challenges in nursing care.

The diagnosis and treatment of fetal abnormalities before birth remain formidable challenges. Prospective parents have several options upon discovery of a fetal abnormality, and nurses play an important role in helping the family through the decision-making process. A case study focusing on the care of a fetus diagnosed with a congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation is presented to illustrate the role of the nurse in providing comprehensive, expert care. Advances in obstetric and neonatal technology continue to create controversy; however, the use of research and evidence-based practice will improve the outcomes for the children of tomorrow. JOGNN , 28 , 427–432; 1999.
Correlating the Surface Chemistry of C2 and C3 Aldoses with a C6 Sugar: Reaction of Glucose, Glyceraldehyde, and Glycolaldehyde on Pd(111)

The catalytic conversion of biomass into fuels and chemicals requires an understanding of the adsorption and reaction of C5 and C6 sugars on catalytically active metals. In this investigation glycolaldehyde and glyceraldehyde were used as model compounds in a density functional theory (DFT) and experimental surface science study of the reaction of sugars on Pd(111). For the first time the stable intermediates formed by glucose on a single crystal metal surface were identified, allowing for comparisons with the surrogate molecules. Adsorption was governed by aldehyde group–surface interactions forming η1(C═O) intermediates, which, upon heating, transformed into more stable di-σ η2(C–O) species followed by α-O–H bond scission to produce an α-oxo-η2 intermediate. A consequence of the surface–carbonyl group interaction is that it precludes using simple alcohols or polyols as model compounds for biomass-derived sugars in mechanistic studies of heterogeneously catalyzed biomass reforming on metal surfaces and s...
Stoichiometry and characterization of aluminum oxynitride thin films grown by ion-beam-assisted pulsed laser deposition

Abstract Oxides are inherently stable in air at elevated temperatures and may serve as wear resistant matrices for solid lubricants. Aluminum oxide is a particularly good candidate for a matrix because it has good diffusion barrier properties and modest hardness. Most thin film deposition techniques that are used to grow alumina require high temperatures to impart crystallinity. Crystalline films are about twice as hard as amorphous ones. Unfortunately, the mechanical properties of most engineering steels are degraded at temperatures above 250–350 °C. This work is focused on using energetic reactive ion bombardment during simultaneous pulsed laser deposition to enhance film crystallization at low temperatures. Alumina films were grown at several background gas pressures and temperatures, with and without Ar ion bombardment. The films were nearly stoichiometric except for depositions in vacuum. Using nitrogen ion bombardment, nitrogen was incorporated into the films and formed the Al–O–N matrix. Nitrogen concentration could be controlled through selection of gas pressure and ion energy. Crystalline Al–O–N films were grown at 330 °C with a negative bias voltage to the substrate, and showed improved hardness in comparison to amorphous films.
Depressive symptoms and momentary affect: the role of social interaction variables

Background: Interpersonal functioning may be one important factor in the development and course of depression symptomatology. This study used ecological momentary assessment to test the associations among depressive symptoms, social experiences and momentary affect in women. Methods: Middle-aged women (N=108, M age: 41.6 years, 81% White) completed diary questions on handheld computers for 2 days. Diary items assessed social (conflictive versus supportive) and affective (negative versus positive) experiences at random times during the day. Women also completed a self-report measure of recent depressive symptoms. Results: Multilevel modeling analyses showed that higher levels of symptoms of depression were related to higher negative affect and lower positive affect both directly and indirectly, through experiences of social conflict. Depressive symptoms were not significantly related to socially supportive interactions. In an alternative model testing the reverse association, neither positive nor negative affect significantly predicted social experiences. Generalizability is limited by the homogenous small sample and strict inclusionary criteria (working full-time or part-time, cohabitating or married, healthy). Due to the cross sectional nature of the data as well as the manner in which social and affective experiences were assessed, definitive conclusions regarding the temporal associations among depression symptoms, social functioning, and affect are not possible. Results are consistent with prior reports suggesting the salience of socially conflictive experiences, and the role of affect, in the etiology and maintenance of depression symptoms. Conclusions: Interventions that attempt to decrease socially conflictive experiences via cognitive-behavioral skills training, whereas concomitantly targeting positive and negative affect, could help prevent the development of full-blown depressive episodes in vulnerable individuals. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.