cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Access to DIII-D data located in multiple files and multiple locations

The General Atomics DIII-D tokamak fusion experiment is now collecting over 80 MB of data per discharge once every 10 min, and that quantity is expected to double within the next year. The size of the data files, even in compressed format, is becoming increasingly difficult to handle. Data is also being acquired now on a variety of UNIX systems as well as MicroVAX and MODCOMP computer systems. The existing computers collect all the data into a single shot file, and this data collection is taking an ever increasing amount of time as the total quantity of data increases. Data is not available to experimenters until it has been collected into the shot file, which is in conflict with the substantial need for data examination on a timely basis between shots. The experimenters are also spread over many different types of computer systems (possibly located at other sites). To improve data, availability and handling, software has been developed to allow individual computer systems to create their own shot files locally. The data interface routine PTDATA that is used to access DIII-D data has been modified so that a user's code on any computer can access data from any computer where that data might be located. This data access is transparent to the user. Breaking up the shot file into separate files in multiple locations also impacts software used for data archiving, data management, and data restoration.
Toward Voluntary Parenthood

David Lykken's proposal to license married parents for child rearing, and to deny the same opportunity to single and inept parents, springs from his deep concern for millions of youngsters cruelly subjected to abusive and neglectful rearing circumstances. Children from such inadequate homes grow up to have high rates of school failure, criminality, and drug addiction. The problem is clear, but Lykken's remedies of mandated marriage and parental licensure are unacceptable in U.S. society, where our reproductive rights are fortunately protected by our Constitution. As a devoted proponent of reproductive rights, I propose a legally and morally acceptable proposal to the same end. Increasing women's effective control of reproduction and moving toward entirely voluntary parenthood will accomplish the same goals without compromising our civil liberties.
Effects of surfactants and simulated rainfall on the efficacy of the Engame formulation of glyphosate in johnsongrass, prickly sida and yellow nutsedge

The effects of surfactants and simulated rain were investigated on the efficacy of Engame and Roundup Ultramax formulations of glyphosate on johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense L.), prickly sida (Sida spinosa L.) and yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.). Flame surfactant provided the greatest enhancement of Engame efficacy and the effect was species-dependent. Flame enhanced the activity of Engame on johnsongrass and yellow nutsedge but not on prickly sida. Engame and Engame plus Flame were more active than Roundup Ultramax on a glyphosate acid-equivalent basis on johnsongrass without rain, and on yellow nutsedge with or without rain. The Engame and Roundup Ultramax activities on johnsongrass were similar with rain, and rain occurring between five and 30 min after treatment diminished their activities to <38% of the control. With the addition of Flame surfactant, Engame activity on johnsongrass increased, such that 50% and 80% of the control were realized, even with rain occurring between five and 15 min after treatment, respectively. Engame and Roundup Ultramax provided better control of prickly sida than of johnsongrass following a rain event. The addition of Flame surfactant to Engame did not enhance the activity on prickly sida. Yellow nutsedge control with Engame and Engame plus Flame was greater than with Roundup Ultramax and rain had little effect on control regardless of the length of the rain-free period. These results demonstrated that the activities of Engame, Engame plus Flame and Roundup Ultramax were species-dependent and surfactant-dependent.
The Antimicrobial Effect of Fluorides (Acidulated Phosphate, Sodium and Stannous) on Actinomyces viscosus

The effect of three commercially prepared fluoride compounds (acidulated phosphate fluoride 1.23% F-, stannous fluoride 0.4%, and sodium fluoride 0.05%) diluted to various concentrations with brain heart infusion broth, on the growth of five strains of Actinomyces viscosus following 1 and 24 hours' exposure to the fluorides was studied. Results demonstrated that SnF2 was the most effective growth inhibitor of the organisms at 500 ppm F- after 1 hour and at 100 ppm F-after 24 hours' exposure. APF and NaF were not effective within a 1 hour exposure period, but did suppress growth of the organisms at 200 ppm in the cultures exposed for 24 hours.
Building a Network Theory of Social Capital

This chapter reviews social capital as discussed in the literature, identifies controversies and debates, considers some critical issues, and provides conceptual and research strategies for building a theory. It argues that such a theory and the research enterprise must be based on the fundamental understanding that social capital is captured from embedded resources in social networks. Such measurements can strength of tie network bridge, or intimacy, intensity, interaction and reciprocity be made relative to two frameworks: network resources and contact resources. There are many other measures, such as size, density, cohesion, and closeness of social networks which are candidates as measures for social capital. Network locations are necessary conditions of embedded resources. By considering social capital as assets in networks, the chapter discusses some issues in conceptualization, measurement, and causal mechanism. A proposed model identifies the exogenous factors leading to the acquisition (or the lack) of social capital as well as the expected returns of social capital.
Strategies for recombinant protein production in maize

Maize is not only one of the world’s most important crops, but it is also the first fieldgrown plant-based recombinant expression system developed for commercial purposes. With advantages of low cost, high yield, high protein stability, and well-developed transformation technology over other plant systems, maize is considered to be an ideal recombinant production system. However, there are three major challenges limiting the use of maize for producing recombinant proteins: 1) maize lacks mammalian-like post-translational modification ability that may be required for pharmaceutical and industrial proteins; 2) transgenic pollen containment in open-field production; and 3) low expression of recombinant products. The aim of the present study was to develop strategies to safely produce recombinant proteins with high yield and adequate modification in maize seeds. Firstly, we showed that the recombinant human collagen type I alpha 1 (rCIα1) with high ratio of hydroxylated prolines (Hyp) similar to native human collagen was expressed in maize seeds co-expressing a recombinant human prolyl 4-hydroxylase (rP4H). The hydroxylated rCIα1 had a markedly enhanced thermal stability compared to nonhydroxylated rCIα1. Secondly, we demonstrated that a cytoplasmic male-sterile maize system could be used for open-field production of maize-derived recombinant protein to minimize contamination risk caused by pollen drift. Two strategies were presented: the transgene was directly transformed into a male-sterile line via biolisticor Agrobacterium-mediated methods, or introgressed from male-fertile to male-sterile germplasm by conventional breeding. The male-sterile transgenic maize seed from the second strategy can be used for
Situated Practice: A Reflection on Person-Centered Classroom Management

This article provides a situated perspective on the person-centered classroom management practices described in this issue, in order to highlight the special contribution these practices make to sustaining meaningful student engagement in classroom activity. Building on Paul Gump's efforts to conceptualize the classroom environment, the discussion focuses especially on understanding the programs of action embedded in activities as central elements in establishing and sustaining productive classroom order. Because these action systems are jointly constructed by teachers and students, person-centered practices have enormous power for engaging students in classroom events.
Computations in large N matrix mechanics

The algebraic formulation of Large N matrix mechanics recently developed by Halpern and Schwartz leads to a practical method of numerical computation for both action and Hamiltonian problems. The new technique posits a boundary condition on the planar connected partsXw, namely that they should decrease rapidly with increasing order. This leads to algebraic/variational schemes of computation which show remarkably rapid convergence in numerical tests on some manymatrix models. The method allows the calculation of all moments of the ground state, in a sequence of approximations, and excited states can be determined as well. There are two unexpected ndings: a large d expansion and a new selection rule for certain types of interaction.
The Impact of the E46K Mutation on the Properties of α-Synuclein in Its Monomeric and Oligomeric States†

The third and most recently identified Parkinson's disease-linked variant of the neuronal protein alpha-synuclein to be identified (E46K) results in widespread brain pathology and early onset Parkinson symptoms (Zarranz et al. (2004) Ann. Neurol. 55, 164-173). Herein, we present biochemical and biophysical characterization of E46K alpha-synuclein in various states of aggregation. Circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy illustrate that the E46K mutation results in subtle changes in the conformation of the monomeric protein both free in solution and in the presence of SDS micelles. However, it does not alter the overall helical propensity of the protein in the presence of phospholipids. E46K alpha-synuclein formed insoluble fibrils in vitro more rapidly than the wild type protein, and electron microscopy revealed that E46K alpha-synuclein fibrils possess a typical amyloid ultrastructure. E46K alpha-synuclein protofibrils, soluble aggregates that form during the transition from the monomeric form to the fibrillar form of alpha-synuclein, were characterized by electron microscopy and gel filtration and were found to include annular species. The unique ability of a subfraction of E46K and wild type alpha-synuclein protofibrils containing porelike species to permeabilize lipid vesicles was demonstrated in vitro using a real-time chromatographic method. In contrast to simplistic expectations, the total amount of protofibrils and the amount of permeabilizing activity per mole protein in the protofibril fraction were reduced by the E46K mutation. These results suggest that if the porelike activity of alpha-synuclein is important for neurotoxicity, there must be factors in the neuronal cytoplasm that reverse the trends in the intrinsic properties of E46K versus WT alpha-synuclein that are observed in vitro.
The importance of the normality assumption in large public health data sets.

■ Abstract It is widely but incorrectly believed that the t-test and linear regression are valid only for Normally distributed outcomes. The t-test and linear regression compare the mean of an outcome variable for different subjects. While these are valid even in very small samples if the outcome variable is Normally distributed, their major usefulness comes from the fact that in large samples they are valid for any distribution. We demonstrate this validity by simulation in extremely non-Normal data. We discuss situations in which in other methods such as the Wilcoxon rank sum test and ordinal logistic regression (proportional odds model) have been recommended, and conclude that the t-test and linear regression often provide a convenient and practical alternative. The major limitation on the t-test and linear regression for inference about associations is not a distributional one, but whether detecting and estimating a difference in the mean of the outcome answers the scientific question at hand.
Performance of a Multi-Cell MgCl2/NH3 Thermo-Chemical Battery During Recharge and Operation

The development of thermal energy storage technologies to match sustainable energy production is of interest. A prototype of a multi-cell thermochemical battery consisting of connected cells containing MgCl2 salt, and additional air-cooled or air-heated cells containing liquid ammonia of varying quality, was constructed and tested. Each of the 17 cells contained thermocouple probes at three different axial locations within the cylindrical cells. Heat transfer rates, pressures, and ammonia condensation and vaporization rates were measured.Three tests were run. In the first test, the hot bed containing 10 cells was heated using cartridge heaters, driving vaporous ammonia from the salt phase once sufficient salt temperatures were reached. The evolved gaseous ammonia was condensed in an additional 7 empty air-cooled cells. Once the recharging cycle was complete, a valve in the ammonia vapor line connecting the cold and hot beds was closed, allowing indefinite storage of cooling or heating capacity. The second operational test involved the opening of the valve while simultaneous air-cooling the hot bed cells and air-heating the cold bed cells. Heating rates and cooling rates to/from air forced through the hot bed and cold bed, respectively, were monitored to gauge HVAC performance. The second recharge was performed by using a air/air heat exchanger that captured waste heat from an automobile engine exhaust manifold and transferred it to air that was re-circulated through the hot bed array. Temperatures, pressures, heating rates, cooling rates, and cell array heat transfer specifications are reported.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Ectopic Ureteral Insertion into the Seminal Vesicle Causing Recurrent Epididymitis in a 24-Year-Old.

Abstract A 24-year-old male was found to have recurrent epididymitis secondary to ectopic ureteral insertion to the seminal vesicle. His ipsilateral kidney was atrophic and ectopic in the pelvis, suggesting a complex failure of embryological development. He was successfully treated with robot-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy.
Exploiting Device Physics in Circuit Design for Efficient Computational Functions in Analog VLSI

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Technology and Devices Current-Mode Approach Translinear Principle Contrast-Sensitive Silicon Retina Discussion This chapter contains sections titled: Appendix A Bipolar Transistor Model References ]]>
Biocontrol of Verticillium Wilt of Eggplant and Potato

Verticillium dahliae is a soil inhabiting fungus that causes wilt diseases on over 250 different plant species worldwide. In most hosts there is no agronomically acceptable resistance to this pathogen, and with the exception of the broad spectrum biocides such as metham-sodium and methyl bromide, there are no chemicals which will control this pathogen. Moreover, use of these chemicals often is not economically feasible and these chemicals may have adverse ecological consequences. For these reasons, a program to investigate alternative control measures for v. dahliae, such as biocontrol, was initiated.
Curves and Jacobians over Function Fields

These notes originated in a 12-hour course of lectures given at the Centre de Recerca Matem`atica in February 2010. The aim of the course was to explain results on curves and their Jacobians over function fields, with emphasis on the group of rational points of the Jacobian, and to explain various constructions of Jacobians with large Mordell–Weil rank.
The fate of the ego in contemporary psychiatry with particular reference to etiologic theories of schizophrenia.

DESPITE its fruitfulness, the concept of the ego has fallen into disuse in contemporary psychiatry. It is the aim of this paper to explore the phenomenon of the decline of the concept of the ego by looking at the psychoanalytic theory of schizophrenia in which the ego is central and the genetic/neurochemical theory in which the ego is absent. Kuhn's (1970) explication of the competition of explanatory paradigms is utilized to frame this investigation and some of the factors involved in the displacement of the ego-oriented theory with the genetic/neurochemical theory are elucidated. Each theory is reviewed as to its theoretic and epistemological assumptions and its overall explanatory power. The psychoanalytic theory centers on the role of regression to an early state of ego development, and utilizes an intersubjective mode of data collection to describe developmental determinants of pathognomonic ego deficits. The genetic/neurochemical theory rests on the therapeutic outcome of neuroleptic treatment and family clustering of the illness. In failing to take into account data derived from intrapsychic, interpersonal, and cultural influences, the genetic/neurochemical theory is limited in its ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature of schizophrenia. The ego-oriented theory gains significance at the border of these limitations. The concept of the ego is capable of integrating a wide range of biologic, developmental, and social influences that can account for the clinical phenomena of schizophrenia and should be restored to a central position in etiologic theories.
Photo-thermal oxidation of single layer graphene

Controlled oxidation of graphene is important for electronic and sensing applications as it offers routes for hole doping and metal–insulator transition. Current methods of oxidation, however, disrupt the graphene lattice and yield pores having diameter > 20 nm for any oxidizing species. In this work, a method for photo-thermal oxidation of graphene is presented for the first time that suggests absence of pores in the graphene layer during atomic force microscopy. The mechanism of oxidation is studied on CVD (chemical vapor deposition)-grown graphene using in situ Raman spectroscopy. Analysis of the temporal evolution of Raman spectra in different oxidizing environments enabled extraction of the reaction energy of oxidation – providing fundamental insight into the oxidation process. Additionally, atomic force microscopy revealed clear phase contrast between the oxidized and un-oxidized domains which were randomly distributed across the graphene layer. This work will enable engineering of oxygen-related defects in graphene for electronic and sensing applications.
From Amateur to Framauteur: Art Development of Adolescents and Young Adults Within an Interest-Based Community

In this article, the art developmental progression of adolescents and young adults within the cultural context of an interest-based community is described; the role of narrative and sociocultural community to the art development of adolescents and young adults is highlighted. Artistic development begins in response to an aesthetic phenomenon, is affirmed through repetition, confirmed through accord with social norms, and compelled by desires to be recognized as special among others. Thus, sense of self-efficacy as an artist, together with development of conceptual and technical artistic skills, evolve in a symbiotic way as feedback shifts alternatively from external to internal motivational factors.
Privacy Preserving in the Publication of Large-Scale Trajectory Databases

In recent years, preserving individual privacy when publishing trajectory data receives increasing attention. However, the existing trajectory data privacy preserving techniques cannot resolve the anonymous issues of large-scale trajectory databases. In traditional clustering constraint based trajectory privacy preserving algorithms, the anonymous groups lack of diversity and they cannot effectively prevent re-clustering attacks against the characteristics of publishing data. In this thesis, a segment clustering based privacy preserving algorithm is proposed. Firstly, the original database is divided into blocks and each block is treated as a separate database. Then, the trajectories in each block are partitioned into segments based on the minimum description length principle. Lastly, these segments are anonymized with cluster-constraint strategy. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can improve the safety and have good performance in data quality and anonymous efficiency.
Crisis and Conflict in the Western Region, 1962–63

During 1960 and 1961, fundamental tensions in the Action Group had begun to crystallise and then to surface. To a significant degree, the brewing crisis stemmed from the staggering defeat of the Action Group in the 1959 Federal Elections, which left Chief Awolowo stranded in opposition at the centre without a firm base of power resources and at the same time compelled him to devise a fresh strategy for building a national political majority. Defeat led him to more strident opposition, while convincing his party’s more conservative businessmen and traditional rulers of the futility of political pursuits beyond their own region. Increasingly, the party found itself sharply divided over ideology, political strategy and party control between the rival factions of Party Leader Obafemi Awolowo and Regional Premier Samuel Ladoke Akintola.
Reduced left lateralization of language in congenitally blind individuals

Language processing depends on a left-lateralized network of frontotemporal cortical regions. This network is remarkably consistent across individuals and cultures. However, there is also evidence that developmental factors, such as delayed exposure to language, can modify this network. Recently, it has been found that, in congenitally blind individuals, the typical frontotemporal language network expands to include parts of "visual" cortices. Here, we report that blindness is also associated with reduced left lateralization in frontotemporal language areas. We analyzed fMRI data from two samples of congenitally blind adults n = 19 and n = 13 and one sample of congenitally blind children n = 20. Laterality indices were computed for sentence comprehension relative to three different control conditions: solving math equations Experiment 1, a memory task with nonwords Experiment 2, and a "does this come next?" task with music Experiment 3. Across experiments and participant samples, the frontotemporal language network was less left-lateralized in congenitally blind than in sighted individuals. Reduction in left lateralization was not related to Braille reading ability or amount of occipital plasticity. Notably, we observed a positive correlation between the lateralization of frontotemporal cortex and that of language-responsive occipital areas in blind individuals. Blind individuals with right-lateralized language responses in frontotemporal cortices also had right-lateralized occipital responses to language. Together, these results reveal a modified neurobiology of language in blindness. Our findings suggest that, despite its usual consistency across people, the neurobiology of language can be modified by nonlinguistic experiences.
Synthesis and characterization of Na(Gd0.5Lu0.5)F4: Nd3+,a core-shell free multifunctional contrast agent

Compared to conventional core-shell structures, core-shell free nanoparticles with multiple functionalities offer several advantages such as minimal synthetic complexity and low production cost. In this paper, we present the synthesis and characterization of Nd3+ doped Na(Gd0.5Lu0.5)F4 as a core-shell free nanoparticle system with three functionalities. Nanocrystals with 20 nm diameter, high crystallinity and a narrow particle size distributions were synthesized by the solvothermal method and characterized by various analytical techniques to understand their phase and morphology. Fluorescence characteristics under near infrared (NIR) excitation at 808 nm as well as X-ray excitation were studied to explore their potential in NIR optical and X-ray imaging. At 1.0 mol% Nd concentration, we observed a quantum yield of 25% at 1064 nm emission with 13 W/cm2 excitation power density which is sufficiently enough for imaging applications. Under 130 kVp (5 mA) power of X-ray excitation, Nd3+ doped Na(Gd0.5Lu0.5)F4 shows the characteristic emission bands of Gd3+ and Nd3+ with the strongest emission peak at 1064 nm due to Nd3+. Furthermore, magnetization measurements show that the nanocrystals are paramagnetic in nature with a calculated magnetic moment per particle of ~570 μB at 2T. These preliminary results support the suitability of the present nanophosphor as a multimodal contrast agent with three imaging features viz. optical, magnetic and X-ray.
Journal Club: Change in brain network connectivity during PACAP38-induced migraine attacks

There is evidence to suggest that migraine attacks involve changes in complex neuronal networks that can be measured using functional MRI (fMRI) methods including resting state functional connectivity (RSFC). Networks that have previously been shown to be involved in the sensory and affective aspects of pain perception include the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and sensorimotor network (SMN) (figure).1 In a recent study, Amin et al.2 examined the RSFC of these 3 networks at baseline and in the early phases of experimentally induced migraine in patients with migraine without aura. In order to capture the early phases of migraine, corresponding to the time closest to migraine attack onset, migraine attacks were induced using the potent vasodilator neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP38).3 Since vasodilators can alter hemodynamics and potentially confound the fMRI signal, another vasodilator, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), was used as a control since it also acts on extracranial arteries, but is much less likely (<20%) to provoke migraine-like attacks.3
Supporting Transgender College Students: Implications for Clinical Intervention and Campus Prevention

ABSTRACTThis study examines the experiences of transgender college students in coping with stress in comparison to their cisgender peers. Undergraduate and graduate students from 73 colleges, totaling 26,292 participants, of which 47 identified as transgender completed an online survey. Transgender students reported greater exposure to trauma and higher rates of suicidal experiences, as well as different precipitants to reported stressful periods and sources of support than their cisgender peers. Implications for individual and group counseling as well as outreach and prevention to better support transgender students are explored.
The Mismatch between Expectations and Realities of AS4 Audits: A Post-Implementation Research Analysis

SUMMARY: We conduct a post-implementation research analysis of AS4, a standard guiding voluntary audits of material weakness (MW) remediation disclosures, to understand the reasons for the scarcity of AS4 audits in practice. We use multiple methods (experiments, comment letter analysis, and surveys) to understand the perspectives of key stakeholders. We find that regulators' expectations of the use of the standard did not come to fruition because an equilibrium market for active use of the standard could not be achieved; that managers desire to engage in AS4 audits for the riskier MWs but do not expect the associated costs to be high; and that auditors are reluctant to audit riskier MWs and would charge a considerable risk premium. Finally, we find that investors value AS4 audits, especially for riskier MWs, and find value in an AS4 audit for those risky MWs beyond that of the year-end audit. The overall findings of our study indicate that a mismatch in the cost-benefit functions of the key stakeholders l...
Beyond Therapy Dogs: Coordinating Large-Scale Finals Week Activities.

Column description. The Marketing column features essays about a variety of creative and innovative marketing strategies used to highlight collections or promote services in all types of libraries. Its purpose is to provide real examples of how libraries are using marketing and outreach techniques in interesting ways. The column offers practical insight from libraries engaged with marketing. In addition to marketing, the column also features essays on successful programs and events that promote the library. Readers are invited to suggest topics or projects by contacting the column editor, Katy Kelly.
Technology Considerations for Inclusion of Survivability in MDAO

Rising traffic density, along with autonomy and diversity of vehicles in the air, will fundamentally change the safety environment of the future air transportation system. The change in risk is two-fold: increasing chances of mid-air collisions with non-cooperative objects and increasing chances of crashes over highly populated areas. The changing nature of the vehicles populating the airspace means that civilian aircraft design must now explicitly include considerations of survivability in the event of collision with other vehicles, as well as prevention of damage to people, animals and property on the ground, to a much greater extent than today. This paper offers a preliminary perspective on how MDAO could contribute toward these goals. One of the conclusions is that, in contrast to traditional vehicle design, to accommodate the complexity of the future airspace safely and efficiently, vehicle design requirements, modeling, and design optimization must be closely connected to the properties of the airspace, including those of other vehicles in the air. Thus, the total measure of a vehicle's survivability should include the traditional survivability in malfunction scenarios, combined with new considerations of survivability in collisions and survivability of the public on the ground.
Moving ahead of Rivals: Gaining Product Market Advantage via Product Imitation in Apple App Store

Strategy and innovation scholars have paid undue attention to deterring imitation to sustain a superior performance. However, mastering imitation can be as important as preventing imitation under s...
Cell-based computational model of early ovarian development in mice†

Despite its importance to reproduction, certain mechanisms of early ovarian development remain amystery. To improve our understanding, we constructed the first cell-based computationalmodel of ovarian development in mice that is divided into two phases: Phase I spans embryonic day 5.5 (E5.5) to E12.5; and Phase II spans E12.5 to postnatal day 2. We used the model to investigate four mechanisms: in Phase I, (i)whether primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergomitosis duringmigration; and (ii) if the mechanism for secretion of KIT ligand from the hindgut resembles inductive cell–cell signaling or is secreted in a static manner; and in Phase II, (iii) that changes in cellular adhesion produce germ cell nest breakdown; and (iv) whether localization of primordial follicles in the cortex of the ovary is due to proliferation of granulosa cells. We found that the combination of the first three hypotheses produced results that aligned with experimental images and PGC abundance data. Results from the fourth hypothesis did not match experimental images, which suggests that more detailed processes are involved in follicle localization. Phase I and Phase II of the model reproduce experimentally observed cell counts and morphology well. A sensitivity analysis identified contact energies,mitotic rates, KIT chemotaxis strength, and diffusion rate in Phase I and oocyte death rate in Phase II as parameters with the greatest impact on model predictions. The results demonstrate that the computational model can be used to understand unknown mechanisms, generate new hypotheses, and serve as an educational tool.Summary SentenceWe have constructed a cell-based model that simulates the signaling and morphological development involved in early ovarian development in mice, from first detection of primordial germ cells to formation of primordial follicles.
Improving accuracy of vehicle-terrain interface algorithms for wheeled vehicles on fine-grained soils through Bayesian calibration

Abstract The Vehicle-Terrain Interface (VTI) model for off-road vehicle performance is often used in virtual prototyping to support preliminary vehicle design. Five VTI algorithms for wheeled vehicles on fine-grained soils are calibrated in this study using a Bayesian calibration technique and the Database Records for Off-road Vehicle Environments (DROVE): powered and unpowered sinkage, drawbar pull, motion resistance, and gross traction. These algorithms are improved through a two-stage Bayesian calibration technique utilizing the Metropolis algorithm with three separate calibration strategies. The VTI and proposed algorithms are compared for performance in coefficient of determination and root-mean square error. The results from each algorithm were validated through k-fold cross validation with five folds. The final algorithms from the best performing strategy after accounting for increased complexity for each of the five performance parameters are reported as calibrated algorithms. Validated improvements in coefficient of determination are recorded for all five parameters: 7.8% for powered sinkage, 1.4% for unpowered sinkage, 6.4% for drawbar pull, 0.9% for motion resistance, and 12.5% for gross traction. Improvements are also seen in the normalized root-mean square error performance: 13.4% for powered sinkage, 1.9% for unpowered sinkage, 7.6% for drawbar pull, 17.5% for motion resistance, and 23.2% for gross traction.
Factors Influencing Southeastern U.S. Mothers’ Participation in Baby-Friendly Practices: A Mixed-Methods Study:

Background:Mothers in the southeastern United States, including rural-dwelling and African American mothers, have historically had low rates of breastfeeding; however, no studies have investigated these mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding support processes associated with the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.Research aim:This study aimed to determine factors influencing southeastern U.S. mothers’ participation in Baby-Friendly practices and breastfeeding decisions.Methods:Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, medical record review of mother–infant dyads (n = 234) provided data to determine if those who participated in more than half of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding had improved breastfeeding outcomes. Logistic regression was conducted to determine whether maternal demographic/clinical characteristics were predictive of Baby-Friendly practice participation. Qualitative methods included in-depth interviews (n = 16). Directed content analysis was conducted to identify themes. Resul...
World Englishes: Changing the Paradigm of Linguistic Diversity in Global Academia

This paper discusses the ways that the publications of multilingual and non-native speakers of English are treated in academic publications. Using the World Englishes theory as a framework, it attempts to enumerate which overt and hidden advantages native speakers may have over non-native speakers in academic writing communities, and how these can be deconstructed. It also explores possible solutions to this problem, both to improve non-native studentsâ€™ written scholarly work and to restructure global perceptions and biases towards different regional varieties of English. The paper focuses on certain gatekeeping behaviors performed by institutions of knowledge production, and on how the World Englishes theory can be applied to help improve parity in international academia.
Enhancement of HCO(3)(-) permeability across the apical membrane of bovine corneal endothelium by multiple signaling pathways.

Purpose In this study, the involvement of signaling pathways in the regulation of HCO(3)(-) permeability across the apical membrane of the corneal endothelium was examined. Methods Cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells (CBCECs) were grown to confluence on permeable membranes. Apical and basolateral sides were perfused with a HCO(3)(-)-rich Cl(-)-free Ringer's solution (28.5 mM; pH 7.5). Relative changes in apical HCO(3)(-) permeability were assayed by pulsing the apical perfusion bath with a low-HCO(3)(-) Cl(-)-free Ringer's solution (2.85 mM; pH 6.5), in the presence or absence of agonists or inhibitors, and comparing the rates of change in intracellular pH (pH(i)), as measured with a pH-sensitive dye. Ca(2+)-activated signaling was measured with the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye Fura-2. Qualitative changes in membrane potential (E(m)) were measured with a voltage-sensitive dye. RT-PCR using calcium-activated chloride channel (CLCA)-specific primers was used to examine the expression of CLCA in the corneal endothelium. Results The adenoceptor agonist adenosine (20 M) enhanced HCO(3)(-) permeability by a factor of 2. Forskolin (40 microM) exerted a 6.3-fold increase of HCO(3)(-) permeability, which was inhibited by the Cl(-) channel blockers, glibenclamide (50 microM) and niflumic acid (100 microM). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and ATPgammaS, P(2) receptor agonists that increased intracellular Ca(2+) in corneal endothelium, enhanced HCO(3)(-) permeability by 87% and 79%, respectively. ATPgammaS induced depolarization of the E(m), consistent with anion channel activation, rather than activation of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels, which could secondarily increase extrusion of anions by E(m) hyperpolarization. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+)-pump inhibitor that increased [Ca(2+)](i), also enhanced HCO(3)(-) permeability by 95%. Both the calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN-62 and the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I (BIMI), decreased HCO(3)(-) permeability induced by ATPgammaS. The PKC activator PMA also increased HCO(3)(-) permeability by a factor of 1.8. RT-PCR using CLCA-specific primers showed the expression of CLCA1 in both fresh and cultured BCECs. Conclusions Activation of adenoceptors and purinoceptors enhances HCO(3)(-) permeability across the apical membrane of the cultured corneal endothelium. Multiple signaling pathways (PKA, PKC, and Ca(2+)/CaMKII) contribute to the HCO(3)(-) transport in cultured corneal endothelium. Both cAMP and Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels (possibly CLCA) may be involved in HCO(3)(-) transport.
Mechanisms of Immunological Perturbations

Immunological Perturbations were discussed in three sections: Pharmacologic Modulation, Acquired Immunodeficiency, and Transplantation.
Minimizing occupational exposure to pesticides: reliability of analytical methodology.

In the gross field of occupational human exposure to pesticide chemicals we are concerned with unintentional exposures of man during manufacturing, packaging, formulating, formulation packaging, spray mixing, application, and the postapplication field operations of cultivation, irrigation, pruning, thinning, and harvesting. The epidemiological history of authenticated episodes of pesticide poisonings indict manufacturing, packaging, formulating, formulation packaging, application, and harvesting operations, with “application” including the filling (“mixing”) of the application equipment as well as the application operation itself. In the United States the field operations of cultivation, irrigation, pruning, and thinning seem to be almost devoid of authenticated poisoning episodes, although the opportunities for considerable exposures to pesticide chemicals certainly exist for hand weeding, pruning, and thinning operations [see Gunther et al. (1977), pp. 4 and 5, for examples of such documented cases in California].
Alternate and learn: finding witnesses without looking all over

Most symbolic bug detection techniques perform search over the program control flow graph based on either forward symbolic execution or backward weakest preconditions computation. The complexity of determining inter-procedural all-path feasibility makes it difficult for such analysis to judge up-front whether the behavior of a particular caller or callee procedure is relevant to a given property violation. Consequently, these methods analyze several program fragments irrelevant to the property, often repeatedly, before arriving at a goal location or an entrypoint, thus wasting resources and diminishing their scalability. This paper presents a systematic and scalable technique for focused bug detection which, starting from the goal function, employs alternating backward and forward exploration on the program call graph to lazily infer a small scope of program fragments, sufficient to detect the bug or show its absence. The method learns caller and callee invariants for procedures from failed exploration attempts and uses them to direct future exploration towards a scope pertinent to the violation.
Coronary endothelial dysfunction is associated with elevated serum PCSK9 levels in people with HIV independent of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Background HIV+ people are at increased risk of coronary artery disease, but the responsible mechanisms are incompletely understood. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is traditi...
Effect of Synthetic Jets Spacing on Flow Separation over Swept, Flapped Airfoils

An experimental study was performed on flow field interactions and aerodynamic performance enhancement due to the activation of an array of synthetic jet actuators on a swept, flapped, modified NAC...
Yoga as a Community-Based Recreational Therapy Intervention for Older Adults: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this multi-method pilot study was to ex-plore the efficacy of a yoga intervention on the leisure constraints and functional fitness of community-dwell-ing older adults. Seven community-dwelling older adults engaged in 16, 60-minute sessions of hatha yoga con-ducted twice a week for eight weeks at a local continuing education center. Individuals enrolled in either a seated yoga class (n=4) or a standing yoga class (n=3). Pre-/ post-measures included physical measures and a sur-vey of leisure constraints. A focus group was conducted with each group to determine their perspectives of par-ticipation. Results indicated significant improvement in lower-body strength and endurance. Balance, upper and lower body flexibility, upper-body strength, and self-re-ported leisure constraints did not show significant im-provements. Qualitative data showed that participants perceived psychosocial and physical benefits to yoga participation including increased energy and motivation to engage in other types of physical activities. Findings indicate the potential for the use of yoga to increase participation in other forms of leisure-time physical activity, but further evaluation of the influence of yoga on leisure constraints is warranted. Implications for recreational therapists are discussed, includ-ing helping clients identify community yoga classes that will best meet their needs based on class size, accessibility, and pace. Subscribe to TRJ
Leisure-time physical activity and all-cause mortality among adults with intellectual disability: the National Health Interview Survey

BACKGROUND Adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared with the general population, necessitating a need to identify modifiable targets for intervention to mitigate risk. While the benefits of leisure-time physical activity (PA) are well established in the general population; there is a dearth of evidence confirming its health benefits among adults with IDs. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between leisure-time PA and all-cause mortality among a population-based sample of adults with IDs. METHODS A total of 413 adults with IDs from 17 waves (1997-2014) of the National Health Interview Survey, a U.S. nationally representative survey, were studied. Minutes per week of leisure-time PA was ascertained by self-report and classified as poor, intermediate or ideal levels of PA. RESULTS Over a median follow-up of 7.2 years, 60 participants died. In a multivariable-adjusted model, higher levels of leisure-time PA were dose-dependently associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (P-trend = 0.008). The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for all-cause mortality comparing participants with intermediate and ideal versus poor levels of PA were 0.43 (0.18, 1.04) and 0.30 (0.10, 0.87), respectively. CONCLUSION These findings show that leisure-time PA confers mortality benefit in adults with IDs and should be considered as a priority target for promoting health and longevity in this population.
Does Indonesia Have a

Indonesia has long been characterized as having a "low-pay civil service," which is in turn used to explain corruption at various levels of government. Analysis of individual and household level data show that the earnings of government employees, on average, is comparable to what they might earn in the private sector. Changing the structure of compensation may be an important part of civil service reform, but should not be seen as the main instrument to address corruption. Government officials and policy analysts maintain that Indonesia's civil servants are poorly paid and have been for decades. This conclusion is supported by anecdotal evidence and casual empiricism. Filmer and Lindauer systematically analyze the relationship between government and private compensation levels using data from two large household surveys carried out by Indonesia's Central Bureau of Statistics: The 1998 Sakernas and 1999 Susenas. The results suggest that government workers with a high school education or less, representing three-quarters of the civil service, earn a pay premium over their private sector counterparts. Civil servants with more than a high school education earn less than they would in the private sector but, on average, the premium is far smaller than commonly is alleged and is in keeping with public/private differentials in other countries. These results prove robust to varying econometric specifications and cast doubt on low pay as an explanation for government corruption. This paper - a product of Public Service Delivery, Development Research Group - is part of a larger effort in the group to understand ways to improve the delivery of public services.
Hybrid systems for constraint-based spatial reasoning

Constraint-based spatial reasoning problems frequently arise in the area of military mission planning. In this domain, mission planners employ complex criteria, which may include numeric and optimization constraints in addition to logical constraints and rules, to develop engineering construction and resource deployment plans. Automated planning aid systems for the military must have the capability to represent the various types of constraints used in human decision-making and must be able to provide efficient and optimal or near optimal solutions to the resulting constraint satisfaction problems. This paper describes a methodology for transforming constraint satisfaction problems into nonlinear optimization problems and for solving the resulting optimization problems using a hybrid neural network/genetic algorithm procedure. The method is applied to illustrative problems which employ different types of constraints for determination of future construction sites. The results of the experiments demonstrate the potential of this methodology for finding feasible and optimal solutions to nonlinear optimization problems.