cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Qualified Immunity and Religious Liberty

Some illegal burdens on religious liberty are compensable only by money damages. And Congress enacted the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in part to address these cases. In Tanzin v. Tanvir, the Supreme Court recently held that RFRA permits damages suits against government officers in their individual capacities. But the Court assumed without deciding that officials are still qualifiedly immune from suit. So, plaintiffs’ ability to recover under RFRA now turns on the ability to identify existing law that “clearly establishes” their religious liberty rights. The Tanvir Court failed to comment on the substance of the qualified immunity defense in religious liberty cases. But courts have usually treated qualified immunity as a free-standing, homogenous doctrine not moored to any underlying claim, despite qualified immunity’s putatively statutory origins in the Civil Rights Act of 1871. And a growing body of recent scholarship is sharply critical of the state of qualified immunity doctrine. In particular, the Court’s requirement that plaintiffs point to “clearly established law” before they can overcome qualified immunity has been attacked as unjustifiable and disconnected from the animating justifications of qualified immunity. This paper makes two contributions to the literature. First, it approaches qualified immunity from a different angle than prior scholarship, which has tended to focus, understandably, on police use of force. But religious liberty cases raise unique concerns. This paper argues that applying the “clearly established law” test in religious liberty cases is both in deep tension with the Establishment Clause principle of denominational neutrality and unfaithful to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Second, this paper examines the consequences of the Court’s decision in Tanvir and demonstrates that the decision is unlikely to have any material impact without reforms to qualified immunity.
Rooted resistance: agrarian myth in modern America: by Jeff Motter, Ross Singer, and Stephanie Houston Grey, Fayetteville, University of Arkansas Press, 2020, 318 pp., ISBN 978-1-68226-143-9

In Rooted Resistance: Agrarian Myth in Modern America, authors Jeff Motter, Ross Singer, and Stephanie Houston Grey examine various iterations of the agrarian myth over time, from Thomas Jefferson ...
Students Who Stand Out: Faculty Perspectives on the Competencies that Define Outstanding Students Entering the Workforce

The future of work will be defined by increased connectivity between technology and people. The engineering workforce is situated at this intersection and needs a broad and ever-evolving system of competencies to address socio-technical issues. Although engineering practice continues to adapt at the human-technology frontier, education has been slower to respond. As a result, there is a purported competency gap between academia and industry. Within engineering education, faculty members play a critical role in the academic preparation and professional formation of students. Thus, it is instructive to consider faculty members’ perspectives on the competencies that define a student’s ability to succeed in the workplace. This study employed a qualitative approach through interviews with 11 engineering faculty members to characterize these perspectives. The findings indicate that faculty members emphasize students’ intra- and interpersonal competencies and their involvement in competency-building activities outside of the classroom. This paper concludes by leveraging the findings into a broader discussion of competencies needed for the future of work and equity and access related to competency-building activities.
Circadian regulation of cardiac metabolism

Circadian rhythm evolved to allow organisms to coordinate intrinsic physiological functions in anticipation of recurring environmental changes. The importance of this coordination is exemplified by the tight temporal control of cardiac metabolism. Levels of metabolites, metabolic flux, and response to nutrients all oscillate in a time-of-day-dependent fashion. While these rhythms are affected by oscillatory behavior (feeding/fasting, wake/sleep) and neurohormonal changes, recent data have unequivocally demonstrated an intrinsic circadian regulation at the tissue and cellular level. The circadian clock - through a network of a core clock, slave clock, and effectors - exerts intricate temporal control of cardiac metabolism, which is also integrated with environmental cues. The combined anticipation and adaptability that the circadian clock enables provide maximum advantage to cardiac function. Disruption of the circadian rhythm, or dyssynchrony, leads to cardiometabolic disorders seen not only in shift workers but in most individuals in modern society. In this Review, we describe current findings on rhythmic cardiac metabolism and discuss the intricate regulation of circadian rhythm and the consequences of rhythm disruption. An in-depth understanding of the circadian biology in cardiac metabolism is critical in translating preclinical findings from nocturnal-animal models as well as in developing novel chronotherapeutic strategies.
Effect of Thickness of a Dye-doped Polymeric Film on the Concentration Quenching of Luminescence

We have studied the dependence of concentration quenching of luminescence on the thickness d of dye-doped polymeric films (HITC:PMMA) and found a strong inhibition of the donor-acceptor energy transfer (concentration quenching) at small values of d.
National Trends and Outcomes of Segmentectomy in the Society of Thoracic Surgery Database

Abstract Background Segmentectomy is gaining popularity as a parenchyma sparing alternative for anatomic lung resection. We sought to investigate temporal changes in patient selection, case volume and outcomes for segmentectomy using the STS national database. Methods The STS General Thoracic Database was queried for patients who had undergone segmentectomy as the primary procedure between years 2002-2018. The ACOSOG definition of high-risk patients based on pulmonary function and major cardiovascular comorbidities was applied. Annual trends of case volume, patient risk profile, surgical indication, approach and outcomes were analyzed. Results A total of 10,629 patients were analyzed from 310 contributing centers. The annual segmentectomy volume more than doubled from Conclusions Segmentectomies are increasingly performed nationally, with a steady decline in the subset of high-risk patients over time. Complication rates have decreased significantly, parallel to the increasing use minimally-invasive techniques by VATS and robotic surgery.
Reconstruction of evolving gene variants and fitness from short sequencing reads

Directed evolution can generate proteins with tailor-made activities. However, full-length genotypes, their frequencies and fitnesses are difficult to measure for evolving gene-length biomolecules using most high-throughput DNA sequencing methods, as short read lengths can lose mutation linkages in haplotypes. Here we present Evoracle, a machine learning method that accurately reconstructs full-length genotypes (R2 = 0.94) and fitness using short-read data from directed evolution experiments, with substantial improvements over related methods. We validate Evoracle on phage-assisted continuous evolution (PACE) and phage-assisted non-continuous evolution (PANCE) of adenine base editors and OrthoRep evolution of drug-resistant enzymes. Evoracle retains strong performance (R2 = 0.86) on data with complete linkage loss between neighboring nucleotides and large measurement noise, such as pooled Sanger sequencing data (~US$10 per timepoint), and broadens the accessibility of training machine learning models on gene variant fitnesses. Evoracle can also identify high-fitness variants, including low-frequency ‘rising stars’, well before they are identifiable from consensus mutations. Using short-read sequencing data, Evoracle reconstructs full-length genotypes and fitness during directed evolution experiments, and can identify low-frequency variants before they can be identified using consensus mutations.
Steady-state and dynamic hysteresis effects during lean co-oxidation of CO and C3H6 over Pt/Al2O3 monolithic catalyst

Abstract A global kinetic model is developed for the co-oxidation of CO and C3H6 over a Pt/Al2O3 diesel oxidation monolithic catalyst based on a recent bench flow reactor study (Abedi et al., 2012). A monolith reactor model containing these kinetics is used to elucidate the dynamic and steady state hysteresis behavior observed during oxidation of a CO + C3H6 mixture on Pt/Al2O3. Dynamic hysteresis is observed during temperature-programmed oxidation which involves ramping the feed gas temperature up and down at a constant ramp rate. The predicted solid temperature spatial profile during ramp-up and ramp-down shows how the catalyst temperature lags behind the inlet temperature change, especially during the ramp-down. The dynamic hysteresis loop, whose width increases with the ramp rate and effective heat Peclet number (Peh,eff), is mainly a result of disparate time scales of thermal front propagation and temperature ramp and will be present even for reactions with negligible heat release. Steady state hysteresis can also be explained based on adiabatic temperature rise (ΔTad) and Peh,eff, i.e. thermokinetic multiplicity. The region of steady state hysteresis loop expands with an increasing ΔTad which is proportional to the feed concentrations of CO and C3H6. For fixed ΔTad, the steady state multiplicity disappears as Peh,eff increases or when there is negligible thermal feedback due to intra or interphase heat transfer. Finally, the model is used to construct a map that may be used to assess the light-off features of multiple reaction systems in monolith reactors.
Domain Specific Document Retrieval Framework for Real-Time Social Health Data

With the advent of the web search and microblogging, the percentage of Online Health Information Seekers (OHIS) using these online services to share and seek health real-time information has increased exponentially. OHIS use web search engines or microblogging search services to seek out latest, relevant as well as reliable health information. When OHIS turn to microblogging search services to search real-time content, trends and breaking news, etc. the search results are not promising. Two major challenges exist in the current microblogging search engines are keyword based techniques and results do not contain real-time information. To address these challenges, we developed an approach to search near real-time and reliable content from Twitter, based on triple-pattern mining, near real-time retrieval, and ranking considering popularity and relevancy of the results.
Child Sexual Abuse Survivors' Grief Experiences After the Death of the Abuser.

This qualitative study examined the language of women who were child sexual abuse survivors (N = 16) to gain insight into their grief experiences following the death of their abusers. Participants ...
Cognitive Function and Salivary DHEA Levels in Physically Active Elderly African American Women

Serum and plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) concentration has been associated with several health parameters associated with aging including cognitive function, bone mineral density, and muscular strength. However, the effectiveness of salivary DHEA for the prediction of cognitive function, bone mineral density, and muscular strength in older adults is currently unknown. Thirty elderly African American females provided early morning salivary samples and DHEA levels were determined using a commercially available immunoassay. Participants completed testing for psychomotor and executive function via Trail Making Tests (TMT) A and B, respectively. Bone ultrasound attenuation (BUA) was used to bone density and an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) was used to determine isometric strength. Age significantly correlated with time on TMT A (r=0.328) and B (r=0.615) but was not related to DHEA, BUA, or IMTP outcomes. Elevated DHEA was associated with longer time to completion for TMT A (χ2 = 5.14) but not to TMT B. DHEA levels were not associated with BUA or IMTP outcomes. While elevated levels of DHEA were correlated with impaired psychomotor function, salivary DHEA is not associated with executive function, bone mineral density, or isometric strength in elderly African American women.
Predicting mortality in low-birth-weight infants with pulmonary interstitial emphysema

Due to the high mortality associated with pulmonary interstitial emphysema in the low-birth-weight infant, a method was developed to predict the infants most at risk for death. This information will allow the discriminant selection of patients for future trials of an alternative method of mechanical ventilation, high-frequency ventilation. During a 3-year-period (July 1, 1979 through June 30, 1982), 70 infants were retrospectively analyzed to determine the clinical parameters important in predicting mortality. The infants at highest risk for death included those of younger gestational age, those with birth weight less than 1,500 g (95% of all mortalities), and those that developed pulmonary interstitial emphysema within the first 24 hours of life. Mortality sharply increased in the infants with birth weight less than 1,500 g whose ventilatory requirements exceeded a peak inspiratory pressure of 25 cm H2O on day 1. Morbidity was high in the survivors as evidenced by a 54% incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. With multivariant analysis, it was possible to isolate the variables (birth weight and highest peak inspiratory pressure on day 1) most influential in predicting mortality and to construct a formula for predicting mortality in the infants with birth weight less than 1,500 g. With a subsequent prospective study of 30 infants, the predictive accuracy of the formula was established.
CELL PROLIFERATION AND MIGRATION IN THE STOMACH, DUODENUM, AND RECTUM OF MAN: RADIOAUTOGRAPHIC STUDIES.

Summary Many data are available concerning cell proliferation and migration in the gut of animals. Little work has been done on man. In this study 2 ambulatory patients with incurable nongastrointestinal cancer were selected because of their excellent general health. Each was given 10 mc. of tritiated thymidine intravenously. Gastric, duodenal, and rectal suction biopsy specimens were obtained at 1 hour and at frequent intervals up to 14 days after injection. Within 1 hour many labeled cells were evident in the gastric pits and gland isthmuses and in the duodenal and rectal crypts. Parietal and chief cells were not labeled, but occasionally radioautographic reactions were seen over mucous neck cells deep in the gland. Rarely, duodenal goblet cells were labeled within the first hour; labeling of rectal goblet cells was not certain until later. Migration from gastric pits to surface usually took 4 to 6 days although cells from a few pits reached the surface in 36 hours. Duodenal cells migrated from the crypt mitotic zones up the villi to be extruded from the tips in 5 to 6 days. Rectal epithelial cells reached the surface in about 5 to 6 days. A few well labeled cells persisted in the mitotic regions of all 3 organs at 14 days. In these subjects the duodenal and rectal epithelial migration time was 5 to 6 days which is 2 to 3 times that reported in rodents. That of the human gastric fundal epithelium varied greatly between pits but was also probably longer than that reported in rodents. The labeling of goblet cells within 1 hour suggests that all goblet cells do not differentiate from undifferentiated columnar cells but that they may reproduce themselves. From this study it is apparent that animal data on gastrointestinal epithelial proliferation cannot be applied unreservedly to man.
Global constant-alpha force-free magnetic fields and coronal structures

Nakagawa's (1973) general formulation of constant-alpha global force-free magnetic fields is used to examine the topological characteristics of axisymmetric constant-alpha fields with specific reference to solar EUV, XUV, and X-ray structures observed from Skylab. The theoretical formulation is briefly summarized, and topological characteristics of the field lines are analyzed. The results are compared with X-ray observations of a large coronal arch and white-light observations of a coronal transient. It is concluded that global-scale force-free magnetic fields are present in the solar atmosphere and that their topological characteristics differ significantly from those of potential fields.
Astronomy and the News Media

The criteria used in selecting astronomical papers for press conferences and press releases are reviewed in the context of what the news media expect and require. The press activities developed over the past 15 years for the semiannual national meetings of the American Astronomical Society, including press conferences, media seminars, and photo opportunities, which are planned on the basis of these criteria, are briefly described. Guidelines used in helping scientists to write press releases and to prepare for press confererences are also summarized.
A Modeling Study of the Pore Size Evolution in Lithium-Oxygen Battery Electrodes

The increasing energy demands from portable electronic devices and the target of 300 miles driving range of electric vehicles have placed tremendous pressure on current electrical storage systems. Electric storage technologies with very high specific energy are required in order to meet the ever increasing energy demand without significantly increase the weight of the energy storage system. The lithium-oxygen battery is considered as a promising energy storage technology for portable and transportation applications considering its exceptionally high specific energy. Within four types of lithiumoxygen batteries, 1 the battery using organic electrolyte has attracted the most attention. 2 Although the active intermediates may react with non-aqueous electrolytes and produce lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, and lithium alkyl carbonate, 3‐6 the main product is expected to be Li2O2 2 . The overall reaction happens during charge and discharge of a lithium-oxygen battery using organic electrolyte is: 2Li + O2 ↔ Li2O2 (3. 1V ) . [1]
Where is the Black Barbie? An Analysis of the Media Portrayals of Single Black Women

This study focuses on the messages that Black women receive about singleness and their ability to maintain a healthy relationship with a Black man from movies that are distributed by mainstream media outlets as well as the implications those messages have on formation of potential relationships. This project analyzes the depictions of Black women in two blockbuster movies and explicates the messages of each character. The analyses and supported claims are heavily based in Social identity theory, Social comparison theory, and Gaze theory.
Preparation and biological evaluation of conformationally constrained BACE1 inhibitors.

Abstract The BACE1 enzyme is a key target for Alzheimer’s disease. During our BACE1 research efforts, fragment screening revealed that bicyclic thiazine 3 had low millimolar activity against BACE1. Analysis of the co-crystal structure of 3 suggested that potency could be increased through extension toward the S3 pocket and through conformational constraint of the thiazine core. Pursuit of S3-binding groups produced low micromolar inhibitor 6, which informed the S3-design for constrained analogs 7 and 8, themselves prepared via independent, multi-step synthetic routes. Biological characterization of BACE inhibitors 6–8 is described.
Seeing is Believing? Evidence from Property Prices in Inundated Areas.

We use hedonic property models to estimate the changes in implicit flood risk premium following a large flood event. Previous studies have used flood hazard maps to proxy flood risk. In addition to knowing whether a property lies in the floodplain, we use a unique data set with the flood inundation map. We find that the price discount for properties in the inundated area is substantially larger than in comparable properties in the floodplain that did not get inundated. This suggests that, in addition to capturing an information effect, the larger discount in inundated properties reflects potential uninsurable flood damages, and supports a hypothesis that homeowners respond better to what they have visualized (“seeing is believing”).
Fabrication of polygon mirror microscanner by surface micromachining

This paper describes the fabrication process and preliminary experimental results of a polygon mirror microscanner. The fabrication process is established by the integration of polysilicon surface micromachining and electroless plating of nickel. The scanner structures studied are similar to conventional mechanical polygon mirror scanners but utilize micromotors with diameters up to one millimeter. The micromotors are fabricated by polysilicon surface micromachining. The optical elements are hexagonal nickel reflectors up to 20 micrometers tall fabricated by selective electroless plating of nickel on the rotor of the micromotor. Successful fabrication of the micromotors with nickel reflectors on the motor has been demonstrated. Optical measurements have been performed at visible wavelength (633 nm) using multi-mode optical fibers for the source illumination positioned roughly in the plane of the substrate. The scanned, reflected radiation was detected via scattering from the substrate and by a television camera in the plane of the substrate.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of cobalt‐60 γ‐irradiation and mechanical damage on soft wheat flour

Several cake flours were irradiated with 60Co γ-rays and subjected to chemical, physicochemical and cake-making evaluation. Ball-milled and pin-milled samples were similarly studied. Damage to volume, grain and texture characteristics of white layer cakes occurred between 0.1 and 1.0 × 106 rads, and greater dosages caused progressively more deterioration. Profound changes in starch and protein occurred as the result of irradiation. Mechanical damage by pin- and (especially) ball-milling affected the properties of the starch and protein, but not always in the same way as irradiation. Whereas milling led to improvement in cake quality, irradiation apparently did not.
Software technology: present and future

This paper provides an examination of current software techniques and practices. Special attention is given to established methods for software production and management of software development activities. Present software development tools and their relationships to the development process are presented. In addition, other basic software technology areas for future research and development are discussed. These areas include: specialized language applications, generalized support software system, automated code verification/validation techniques and high order language computer.
A real-time scheduling service for parallel tasks

The multi-core revolution presents both opportunities and challenges for real-time systems. Parallel computing can yield significant speedup for individual tasks (enabling shorter deadlines, or more computation within the same deadline), but unless managed carefully may add complexity and overhead that could potentially wreck real-time performance. There is little experience to date with the design and implementation of realtime systems that allow parallel tasks, yet the state of the art cannot progress without the construction of such systems. In this work we describe the design and implementation of a scheduler and runtime dispatcher for a new concurrency platform, RT-OpenMP, whose goal is the execution of real-time workloads with intra-task parallelism.
Preparation Programs In Elementary School Guidance—a Status Study

The study attempts to determine the nature and scope of preparation programs for elementary school guidance workers: (a) the content and scope of the preparation programs; (b) the personal and professional characteristics of the counselor educators in these programs; (c) the personal and professional characteristics of the counselor enrollees in these programs. A preliminary questionnaire was mailed to 575 institutions which offered a master's and/or doctor's degree. Of these 575, 45 offered at least a master's degree in elementary school guidance. An institutional data blank, counselor educator and counselor enrollee data blanks were mailed to the chief counselor educator in each of the 45 institutions. 36 institutions participated fully in the study. Conclusions are that: (a) Although many institutions were offering preparation in the field of elementary school guidance, relatively few were offering preparation at this level that was significantly different from the preparation in guidance at the secondary school level. (b) The developmental aspects of guidance were stressed in the preparation at this level. (c) Emphasis was placed on the child development, child study and appraisal, and elementary education areas for preparation in elementary school guidance. (d) Preparation programs in elementary school guidance, at the time of the study, were relatively few.
Laparoscopic retroperitoneal live donor right nephrectomy for purposes of allotransplantation and autotransplantation.

Purpose: We report the technique of and initial experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic live donor right nephrectomy for purposes of renal allotransplantation and autotransplantation.Materials and Methods: A total of 5 patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic live donor nephrectomy of the right kidney for autotransplantation in 4 and living related renal donation in 1. Indications for autotransplantation included a large proximal ureteral tumor, a long distal ureteral stricture and 2 cases of the loin pain hematuria syndrome. In all cases a 3-port retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach and a pelvic muscle splitting Gibson incision for kidney extraction were used. In patients undergoing autotransplantation the same incision was used for subsequent transplantation.Results: All procedures were successfully accomplished without technical or surgical complications. Total mean operating time was 5.8 hours and average laparoscopic donor nephrectomy time was 3.1 hours. Mean renal warm ischemia time, including ...
Estimation of technical inefficiency in panel data models with firm- and time-specific effects

Abstract This paper uses a panel data model and develops methods to estimate production function parameters and technical inefficiency. The model distinguishes technical inefficiency from firm- and time-specific effects. Determinants of technical inefficiency is introduced by allowing its mean to be a function of exogenous variables. Both random and fixed effects treatment of firm- and time-specific effects are considered in estimation.
Interference between Coxsackie viruses in mice.

Summary1) Young adult mice were infected simultaneously and at various intervals with Coxsackie Group A and B viruses. Under certain circumstances, representatives of both groups interfered significantly with adult-mouse-adapted A14 strain, resulting in fewer mice becoming paralyzed. 2) The grade of interference depended on time interval between injection of interfering and challenging virus, and on route of inoculation. No interference could be observed when both viruses were injected by different routes.
The Effect of Winding Potentials on Voltage Transformer Errors

A method is presented for determining the effect of winding potentials on voltage transformer errors. The transformer is represented as a 5-terminal network and equations are developed which give the variation of error in terms of easily measured coefficients. Measurements on actual transformers are described which indicate that the method yields the error variation to an accuracy of about 10%. Examples are given of the magnitude of error variation which may be expected when a transformer is used for line-to-line voltage measurement in a 3-phase system.
The Maturation and Regulation of Glancing Off the Parents By Young Orange Chromides (Etroplus Maculatus: Pisces - Cichlidae)

I. During the parental period (3 to 4 weeks) young Etroplus maculatus skim or bounce against the body wall of the parent, a response termed glancing. 2. The glancing rate for the individual does not change during the first week of free-swimming but thereafter it increases; the increase, however, is only apparent in fry that have been fed. The glancing rate for the school decreases during the first week but this is due to mortality. 3. The individual glancing rate is independent of the number of individuals within a school (25-125 individuals) regardless of age. 4. Hour-to-hour changes in glancing rate also occur and are related to the time of feeding. 5. The orientation of glancing when characterized by 3 divisions, a ventral, a medial, and a dorso-anterior division, remains unchanged during development. 6. The orientation of glancing, when characterized by an anterior and a posterior division, shows definite ontogenetic changes. The anterio-posterior changes in orientation are reinacted each day, but steadily less so as the fry become older. 7. Feeding does not change the glancing rate for individuals about 7 days old or less, but it increases the amount of glancing 1.6-fold for fry 12 days old and 2.2-fold for fry 18 days old. The hour-to-hour changes in glancing rate can also be predicted from pre-feeding performance. 8. Feeding affects the school organization. After feeding the school becomes more uniform, moves closer to the parent, and as it does the young glance more. 9. Fry with normal parental care undergo progressive morphological changes. Fry deprived of parental care have a high mortality rate, while growth and morphological differentiation are severely retarded. After 9 days of parental care, fry have completed the major morphological changes and can survive independently of the parent. 10. During the early free-swimming days of the fry, the number of mucus glands in the epidermis of the parent increases by 34%. 11. When parents were coated with carbon powder it was shown that young actually eat from the parents' side when glancing, and presumedly eat mucus. 12. The changes in behavior during development are discussed with regard to the possible mechanisms by which feeding influences glancing rate, causal factors that might affect orientation of glancing, and the possible functional and ecological significance of this behavior.
Dynamic optimization and control of a stirred-tank chemical reactor

The control of a chemical plant may be viewed as an attempt to vary the plant inputs in such a way as to maximize a specified performance criterion, i.e., the average rate of return on investment. This must be done in the face of uncertainties as to the values of the parameters describing the process and specifying the economic performance criterion, and in spite of uncontrollable plant disturbances which are also partly random in nature.
Mapping the growth hormone--Stat5b--IGF-I transcriptional circuit.

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) exert powerful influences on somatic growth, metabolism, and tissue repair, and have been implicated in aging and carcinogenesis. Since the formulation of the somatomedin hypothesis over 50 years ago, GH and IGF-I have been linked intimately to one another. Recent studies have established that GH potently stimulates IGF-I gene transcription, and through this mechanism controls production of IGF-I. A key mediator of the GH–IGF-I biosynthetic pathway is the latent transcription factor Stat5b. This review summarizes the potentially complex mechanistic relationship between GH action, Stat5b, and IGF-I gene activation, and suggests that Stat5b may have a broad role in mediating IGF-I gene regulation in response to diverse physiological inputs.
Discrepancies between roughness measurements obtained with phase-shifting and white-light interferometry

Discrepancies between phase-shifting and white-light interferometry have been observed in step-height and surface roughness measurements. The discrepancies have a strong relation to the roughness average parameter of the surface. The skewing effect, which mainly occurs in the vicinity of peaks, valleys, and edges of the sample, causes this problem in white-light interferometry of step height. For roughness, two possible sources of the discrepancy are considered.
A New Approach to Assessing the Reliability of Applying Laboratory Fracture Toughness Test Data to Full-Scale Structures

In this paper, we propose a two-step approach to addressing the question of how reliable the practice of applying laboratory data on fracture toughness to full-scale structures and components is. In the first step, we construct a two-level eight-factor 16-run-plus-a-center-point fractional factorial orthogonal design of experiments and conduct an analysis using literature fracture toughness and parameter data, where the eight factors are: (1) the Young’s modulus, E, (2) a material property constant, α, as defined in a Ramberg-Osgood stress-strain model, (3) the work hardening exponent, n, of the same model, (4) the yield stress, σy , (5) the critical local fracture stress, σf , (6) a chemical composition parameter in the form of the ratio of manganese to carbon content, Mn/C, (7) the crack depth/width ratio, a/W, and (8) the critical microstructural distance, rc , from the crack tip. Based on the 17-run data and the design of experiments analysis, we first obtain a ranking of the relative importance of those eight factors and then select two most important ones, to be named “key parameters”, to perform a multi-linear least square fit of the fracture toughness data as a function of those two key parameters. This simplification allows us to calculate, for the number of tests equal to N (= 17), the best estimate of the fracture toughness with 95% confidence prediction intervals. In the second step, we apply the statistical concept of a tolerance interval for a fixed sample size N and three coverages, 90%, 95%, and 99%, to a conversion of the results of the first step (the prediction intervals) to a set of tolerance intervals for the fracture toughness of a full-scale structure. Significance and limitations of this novel approach to answering the question of reliability from laboratory data to full scale structures are discussed at the end of this presentation.© 2008 ASME
Comparative study of pyrolysis of algal biomass from natural lake blooms with lignocellulosic biomass

Pyrolysis experiments were performed with algal and lignocellulosic feedstocks under similar reactor conditions for comparison of product (bio-oil, gas and bio-char) yields and composition. In spite of major differences in component bio-polymers, feedstock properties relevant to thermo-chemical conversions, such as overall C, H and O-content, C/O and H/C molar ratio as well as calorific values, were found to be similar for algae and lignocellulosic material. Bio-oil yields from algae and some lignocellulosic materials were similar; however, algal bio-oils were compositionally different and contained several N-compounds (most likely from protein degradation). Algal bio-char also had a significantly higher N-content. Overall, our results suggest that it is feasible to convert algal cultures deficient in lipids, such as nuisance algae obtained from natural blooms, into liquid fuels by thermochemical methods. As such, pyrolysis technologies being developed for lignocellulosic biomass may be directly applicable to algal feedstocks as well.
Practical experience in using graphics in teaching process analysis and simulation

Abstract A digital computer simulation program is described that models the dynamics of arbitrary combinations and/or vessels. Students are acquainted with the dynamics of process processes via both tabulated and graphical presentation of model outputs. The software and hardware used for computer aided instruction are described together with some of the features of teaching effectiveness and economics of the interactive system.
Substrate specificity for interfacial catalysis by phospholipase A2 in the scooting mode.

Action of pig pancreatic phospholipase A2 on vesicles and micelles of homologous anionic phospholipids is examined in the absence of additives. As shown elsewhere (Jain et al. (1986) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 860, 435-447), hydrolysis of anionic vesicles occurs by interfacial catalysis in the scooting mode, i.e., the catalytic turnover is fast relative to the off-rate of the enzyme from the interface. When the rate of intervesicle exchange of the enzyme is negligibly slow, it hydrolyses only the substrate molecules in the outer monolayer of the vesicle to which it is bound. Interfacial catalysis in the scooting mode with a high processivity occurs on vesicles of anionic phospholipids, and under these conditions the dynamics and order of the substrate in the interface influences the catalytic turnover only moderately, i.e., about 2- to 10-fold. Similarly, anomalous kinetic effects of the thermotropic gel-fluid phase transition or of a change in the general disorder of the bilayer organization (fluidity) has a minor effect on the kinetics of hydrolysis in the scooting mode. Similarly, higher unsaturation and shorter acyl chains in the substrate modestly increase the rate of catalytic turnover by the low-calcium form of the enzyme without noticeably influencing the affinity of the enzyme for the interface. On the other hand, perturbation of the charge distribution in the substrate interface can shift the proportion of the bound enzyme by several orders of magnitude. For example, the membrane perturbing amphiphiles (e.g., mepacrine, indomethacin, compound 48/80, aristolochic acid, local anesthetics, and the products of hydrolysis) do not influence the catalytic turnover of the bound enzyme but the proportion of the bound enzyme. Short-chain anionic phospholipids are readily hydrolyzed by phospholipase A2. Now no anomalous increase in the rate of hydrolysis is observed at the critical micelle as is the case with the zwitterionic analogs. This is because with anionic (but not with zwitterionic) substrates the enzyme forms an aggregated complex below the cmc of the monomer. The stability of these micellar complexes does not appear to change noticeably with the acyl chain length of the monomers. These observations show that the factors regulating the quality of interface substantially influence the binding of the enzyme, but not the catalytic turnover in the interface.
Phytoplankton community assessment in eight Lake Ontario tributaries made using fluorimetric methods

Coastal inputs of nutrients and contaminants impact phytoplankton community composition and health in localized and large areas of coastal Lake Ontario. Advanced fluorimetric instrumentation (Fast Repetition Rate Fluorimeter [FRRF], FluoroProbe) was used during June 2006 to assess the in situ phytoplankton community of eight tributaries of Lake Ontario (Chaumont Bay, Sacketts Harbor/Black River, Oswego River, Port Bay, Sodus Bay, Irondequoit Bay, Genesee River, and Eighteen Mile Creek) representing a range of geomorphological features (rivers, protected embayments, open embayments). The instrumentation enabled high resolution (160 m) continuous monitoring of phytoplankton community composition (FluoroProbe) and photosynthetic efficiency (FRRF) along 1 m deep transect from nearshore (coastal Lake Ontario, > 7 m depth) to inshore (within the tributary, < 7 m depth). Limnological parameters such as water temperature, colored dissolved organic matter content (CDOM), total phosporus, nitrate, chloride, light e...
Introgression of a rare haplotype from Southeastern Africa to breed California blackeyes with larger seeds

Seed size distinguishes most crops from their wild relatives and is an important quality trait for the grain legume cowpea. In order to breed cowpea varieties with larger seeds we introgressed a rare haplotype associated with large seeds at the Css-1 locus from an African buff seed type cultivar, IT82E-18 (18.5g/100 seeds), into a blackeye seed type cultivar, CB27 (22g/100 seed). Four RILs derived from these two parents were chosen for marker-assisted breeding based on SNP genotyping with a goal of stacking large seed haplotypes into a CB27 background. Foreground and background selection were performed during two cycles of backcrossing based on genome-wide SNP markers. The average seed size of introgression lines homozygous for haplotypes associated with large seeds was 28.7g/100 seed and 24.8g/100 seed for cycles 1 and 2, respectively. One cycle 1 introgression line with desirable seed quality was selfed for two generations to make families with very large seeds (28-35g/100 seeds). Field-based performance trials helped identify breeding lines that not only have large seeds but are also desirable in terms of yield, maturity, and plant architecture when compared to industry standards. A principal component analysis was used to explore the relationships between the parents relative to a core set of landraces and improved varieties based on high-density SNP data. The geographic distribution of haplotypes at the Css-1 locus suggest the haplotype associated with large seeds is unique to accessions collected from Southeastern Africa. Therefore this QTL has a strong potential to develop larger seeded varieties for other growing regions which is demonstrated in this work using a California pedigree.
Metastatic thyroid cancer unresponsive to conventional therapies: novel management approaches through translational clinical research.

In this contribution, we review the limitations of the currently applied "standard" treatments for well-differentiated, non-medullary thyroid cancer (ThyrCa), and describe the molecular and cellular biologic basis of potential novel therapeutic modalities currently under study and/or development. Conventional therapy for ThyrCa consists of total/near-total thyroidectomy, radioiodine (RAI or 131I), and long-term thyroid hormone "suppressive" therapy (THST). RAI therapy remains the cornerstone of the "standard" management strategies for metastatic ThyrCa, and when administered under optimal conditions can achieve either eradication or long-term clinical "control" of the disease. Despite increasing sophistication in the protocols using 131I over the last 30 years, no significant down-trend has been observed in the annual mortality rate for this disease, a fact reflecting the existence of a "core" population of patients with RAI-"resistant" disease. The molecular basis for this phenomenon is believed to be the progressive tumoral de-differentiation over time, with loss of (or marked decrease in) the expression of cellular components responsible for iodine uptake, organification and retention. Adjuvant methods to RAI, such as radiosensitizers and lithium carbonate, provide only marginal additional therapeutic effect. Further, the role of non-RAI-based modalities, such as secondary extensive metastatectomies with curative intent, external beam radiotherapy, and cytotoxic chemotherapy (mainly with doxorubicin-based regimens) has been unfortunately limited to highly selected cases. Palliative methods for acute clinical management of widely metastatic ThyrCa are also presented, along with anecdotal evidence for the potential therapeutic role for octreotide and its radiolabeled therapeutic peptide analogs, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM's), as well as bisphosphonates. Translational "bench-to-bedside" research has recently led to the identification of the transcriptional machinery as a valid target for future therapeutic efforts in ThyrCa. Indeed, pre-clinical studies with a variety or agents that affect the rate of thyroid-specific gene transcription, i.e. retinoids, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, and histone deacetylase inhibitors, have shown their potential for induction of re-differentiation, growth inhibition, promotion of apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. These concerted genomic effects of the above compounds will probably yield novel types of therapies in the clinical arena, especially for RAI-non-avid tumors. Retinoid analogs have already been used in pilot studies in ThyrCa patients with limited success. These re-differentiating agents have raised our expectations for a type of therapy for this malignancy based on a solid molecular rationale, while future progress in the domains of tissue-targeted gene therapy and anti-angiogenesis is eagerly awaited.
Diagnosis of tapping process using spindle motor current

A two-stage pair-wise feature selection and classification method is proposed to diagnose the tapping process using the electrical current signal of the spindle motor. The motor current is measured with a non-intrusive Hall effect sensor. The diagnostic process is divided into two stages. In the first stage, wavelet coefficients of the current signals are computed and a subset of these coefficients is chosen as the initial diagnostic features based on their discriminatory powers for each pair of the fault classes. At the second stage, principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to reduce the dimensionality of the initial diagnostic features. Non-linear radial basis probabilistic neural networks (RPNNs) are employed for pair-wise feature classification. The final diagnostic decision is made based on a statistical voting procedure. The proposed method has been demonstrated with experimental data. On average a 93% success rate has been achieved.
Border Node Based Routing Protocol for VANETs in Sparse and Rural Areas

The improvements in MANET technology and the ever-increasing safety requirements have turned vehicle safety communication into an important research topic. In rural and sparse areas where there is very little or no fixed infrastructure available, VANETs will play an important role in providing public safety communications. VANETs in rural and sparse areas are characterized as partially connected mobile ad hoc networks with high node mobility and low node density. Current routing protocols for MANETs are mainly designed for fully connected ad hoc networks and not suitable for packet delivery for VANETs in rural areas. In this paper, we propose a border node based routing (BBR) protocol that can tolerate low node density and high node mobility. The performance of this protocol is evaluated in OPNETtrade with a geographic and traffic information (GTI) based mobility model applied. The simulation results are compared with the DSR routing protocol. The simulation results indicate that BBR protocol performs well under partially connected conditions where DSR fails and yields results comparable to DSR when the network is fully connected.