cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coordination compounds of niobium(v) and tantalum(v) chloroalkoxides with ligands related to β-diketones

Abstract Solutions of niobium and tantalum pentachlorides in methanol react with salicylaldehyde, acetoacetanilide, benzoylacetanilide, 2-hydroxyacetophenone, 0-hydroxybenzophenone, and benzoylacetone, to produce crystalline compounds with the stoichiometry MCl 2 (OCH 3 ) 2 L. Molecular weight data indicate the compounds are monomeric. The complexes are diamagnetic. They react slowly with atmospheric moisture and decompose in methanol, benzene, and carbon tetrachloride solutions as indicated by conductance and spectral changes. Proton magnetic resonance, ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectra are reported. The NMR spectra suggest the complexes have a trans -dichloro structure.
The National Review “fires” Christopher Buckley: Image restoration and the rhetoric of severance and restraint

Abstract Image Restoration Discourse, Situational Crisis Communication Theory, and related crisis-response models tend to involve charges leveled at entities: individuals or organizations. In The New Rhetoric, Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca suggest an important mid-ground: stakeholder concerns regarding aberrant actions of a member of a larger public. Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca's “techniques of severance and restraint” comprise 11 strategies for countering the possible effects of an aberrant member's acts on the image and reputation of a larger public. This article will explore those techniques through an examination of how the National Review Online, the Web site complement of National Review magazine, responded to columnist Christopher Buckley's endorsement of Barack Obama in the 2008 U.S. presidential election.
Overview of channel models for underwater wireless communication networks

Acoustic communication in Underwater Wireless Communication Networks (UWCNs) has several challenges due to the presence of fading, multipath and refractive properties of the sound channel which necessitate the development of precise underwater channel models. Some existing channel models are simplified and do not consider multipath or multipath fading. In this paper, a detailed survey on ray-theory-based multipath Rayleigh underwater channel models for underwater wireless communication is presented and the research challenges for an efficient communication in this environment are outlined. These channel models are valid for shallow or deep water. They are based on acoustic propagation physics which captures different propagation paths of sound in the underwater and consider all the effects of shadow zones, multipath fading, operating frequency, depth and water temperature. The propagation characteristics are shown through mathematical analysis. Transmission losses between transceivers are investigated through simulations. Further simulations are carried out to study the bit error rate effects and the maximum internode distances for different networks and depths considering a 16-QAM modulation scheme with OFDM as the multicarrier transmission technique. The effect of weather season and the variability of ocean environmental factors such as water temperature on the communication performance are also shown. The mathematical analysis and simulations highlight important considerations for the deployment and operation of UWCNs.
Labor income taxation and human capital accumulation

Abstract This paper provides alternative analytical results concerning the effect of labor income taxation on human capital accumulation. With the tax revenues being consumed by the government and savings being negatively related to the labor tax rate, an increase in the labor income tax rate reduces the incentive for human capital accumulation, and thus, decreases human capital. With tax revenues being consumed by government and savings being positively related to the labor tax rate, an increase in the tax rate increases the incentive for human capital accumulation and increases human capital. With the tax revenues being used to compensate the individuals who pay the taxes, an increase in the tax rate has no effect on human capital.
Cerebrovascular segmentation from TOF using stochastic models

In this paper, we present an automatic statistical approach for extracting 3D blood vessels from time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) data. The voxels of the dataset are classified as either blood vessels or background noise. The observed volume data is modeled by two stochastic processes. The low level process characterizes the intensity distribution of the data, while the high level process characterizes their statistical dependence among neighboring voxels. The low level process of the background signal is modeled by a finite mixture of one Rayleigh and two normal distributions, while the blood vessels are modeled by one normal distribution. The parameters of the low level process are estimated using the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm. Since the convergence of the EM is sensitive to the initial estimate of the model parameters, an automatic method for parameter initialization, based on histogram analysis, is provided. To improve the quality of segmentation achieved by the proposed low level model especially in the regions of significantly vascular signal loss, the high level process is modeled as a Markov random field (MRF). Since MRF is sensitive to edges and the intracranial vessels represent roughly 5% of the intracranial volume, 2D MRF will destroy most of the small and medium sized vessels. Therefore, to reduce this limitation, we employed 3D MRF, whose parameters are estimated using the maximum pseudo likelihood estimator (MPLE), which converges to the true likelihood under large lattice. Our proposed model exhibits a good fit to the clinical data and is extensively tested on different synthetic vessel phantoms and several 2D/3D TOF datasets acquired from two different MRI scanners. Experimental results showed that the proposed model provides good quality of segmentation and is capable of delineating vessels down to 3 voxel diameters.
The cost of capital in the international firm

This paper argues that the international firm should use the firm's global weighted average cost of capital to evaluate investment decisions, domestic and international, and to judge the performance of affiliates at home and abroad. The paper discusses the adjustment necessary to quantitate exchange risk and to account for financing that is subsidized or tied to particular investments. Foreign subsidiaries, it is argued, do not have an independent capital structure because their liabilities are explicitly or implicitly the obligation of the parent firm.
Current and emerging concepts in muscle tension dysphonia: a 30-month review.

Summary The modern theory of hoarseness is that there are multifactorial etiologies contributing to the voice problem. The hypothesis of this study is that muscle tension dysphonia is multifactorial with various contributing etiologies. Methods: This project is a retrospective chart review of all patients seen in the Voice Speech and Language Service and Swallowing Center at our institution with a diagnosis of muscle tension (functional hypertensive) dysphonia over a 30-month period. A literature search and review is also performed regarding current and emerging concepts of muscle tension dysphonia. Results: One hundred fifty subjects were identified (60% female, 40% male, with a mean age of 42.3 years). Significant factors in patient history believed to contribute to abnormal voice production were gastroesophageal reflux in 49%, high stress levels in 18%, excessive amounts of voice use in 63%, and excessive loudness demands on voice use in 23%. Otolaryngologic evaluation was performed in 82% of patients, in whom lesions, significant vocal fold edema, or paralysis/paresis was identified in 52.3%. Speech pathology assessment revealed poor breath support, inappropriately low pitch, and visible cervical neck tension in the majority of patients. Inappropritate intensity was observed in 23.3% of patients. This set of multiple contributing factors is discussed in the context of current and emerging understanding of muscle tension dysphonia. Conclusions: Results confirm mutifactorial etiologies contributing to hoarseness in the patients identified with muscle tension dysphonia. An interdisciplinary approach to treating all contributing factors portends the best prognosis.
Reducing meat consumption in today’s consumer society: questioning the citizen-consumer gap

Our growing demand for meat and dairy food products is unsustainable. It is hard to imagine that this global issue can be solved solely by more efficient technologies. Lowering our meat consumption seems inescapable. Yet, the question is whether modern consumers can be considered as reliable allies to achieve this shift in meat consumption pattern. Is there not a yawning gap between our responsible intentions as citizens and our hedonic desires as consumers? We will argue that consumers can and should be considered as partners that must be involved in realizing new ways of protein consumption that contribute to a more sustainable world. In particular the large food consumer group of flexitarians offer promising opportunities for transforming our meat consumption patterns. We propose a pragmatic approach that explicitly goes beyond the standard suggestion of persuasion strategies and suggests different routes of change, coined sustainability by stealth, moderate involvement, and cultural change respectively. The recognition of more routes of change to a more plant-based diet implies that the ethical debate on meat should not only associate consumer change with rational persuasion strategies and food citizens that instantiate “strong” sustainable consumption. Such a focus narrows the debate on sustainable protein consumption and easily results in disappointment about consumers’ participation. A more wide-ranging concept of ethical consumption can leave the negative verdict behind that consumers are mainly an obstacle for sustainability and lead to a more optimistic view on modern consumers as allies and agents of change.
Chromosomal Instability in Microsatellite-Unstable and Stable Colon Cancer

Purpose: The genomic instability in colon cancer can be divided into at least two major types, microsatellite instability (MSI) or chromosomal instability (CIN). Although initially felt to be mutually exclusive, recent evidence suggests that there may be overlap between the two. The aim of this study was to identify chromosomal alterations at high resolution in sporadic colon cancers with high-level microsatellite instability (MSI-H) and to compare them to those present in a set of matched microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors. Experimental Design: Array-based comparative genomic hybridization was used to analyze a set of 23 sporadic MSI-H and 23 MSS colon cancers matched for location, gender, stage, and age. The arrays consisted of 2,464 bacterial artificial chromosome clones. Results: MSI and MSS colon cancers differed significantly with respect to frequency and type of chromosomal alterations. The median fraction of genome altered was lower among MSI-H tumors than MSS tumors (2.8% versus 30.7%, P = 0.00006). However, the MSI-H tumors displayed a range of genomic alterations, from the absence of detectable alterations to extensive alterations. Frequent alterations in MSI-H tumors included gains of chromosomes 8, 12, and 13, and loss of 15q14. In contrast, the most frequent alterations in MSS tumors were gains of 7, 13, 8q, and 20, and losses of 8p, 17p, and 18. A small, previously uncharacterized, genomic deletion on 16p13.2, found in 35% of MSI-H and 21% of MSS tumors, was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Conclusion: MSI and CIN are not mutually exclusive forms of genomic instability in sporadic colon cancer, with MSI tumors also showing varying degrees of CIN.
COVER STORYToto, I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore…

Editor's Note: Meredith's critique---adapted from her opening keynote address of the 2008 AIGA Massaging Media 2 conference---speaks to design education beyond the boundaries of graphic design. Our thanks to Hugh Dubberly for bringing her speech to our attention.
DIETARY METHIONINE STATUS AND ITS RELATION TO THE BIOAVAILABILITY TO RATS OF ZINC IN CORN KERNELS WITH VARYING METHIONINE CONTENT

Abstract A whole-body radioassay method was used to assess effects of supplemental dietary methionine (Met) on absorption by rats of zinc (Zn) provided in test meals labeled either extrinsically or intrinsically with 65 Zn. Intrinsically labeled meals contained kernels harvested from two genotypes of corn ( Zea mays L.) grown in 65 Zn-labeled nutrient solutions. One genotype had kernels with normal Met content (Nor-Met corn) (2.0 g Met per kg) and the other had Met-rich kernels (High-Met corn) (3.2 g Met per kg). Rats fed extrinsically labeled meals absorbed about 57, 67, 73 and 71% of the 65 Zn dose when a soy-based diet contained either 0, 1, 2 or 3 g of Met added per kg diet, respectively. Absorption of extrinsic 65 Zn from test meals was not affected by additional Met when dietary protein was provided by egg whites. Supplemental Met enhanced absorption by rats of intrinsic 65 Zn in kernels of both the Nor-Met and High-Met corn genotypes. As indicated by absorption of 65 Zn, the bioavailability to rats of intrinsic Zn in the kernels was similar regardless of the Met content of the corn. However, the Zn concentration in High-Met kernels (30 μg/g) was greater than that in the Nor-Met corn (22 μg/g) so that rats fed High-Met corn ingested and absorbed more Zn from the test meals than did rats fed the Nor-Met corn. Zinc absorption was depressed in rats fed a soy-based diet without added Met, and these rats were marginally deficient in Met. The Met status of experimental animals may be an important consideration in studies conducted to assess Zn bioavailability. Selection of seeds and grains with increased amounts of Met may enhance Zn bioavailability and thereby increase the nutritional value of plant foods. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Inc.
Coalition Policymaking and Legislative Review

Do legislatures in parliamentary democracies play a significant role in policymaking? If so, arealllegislativeactorsequallyabletoexercise policy influence? In what circumstances will those who can affect legislative outcomes actually choose to do so? These questions are central to an understanding of representative government in parliamentary democracies. In parliamentary systems, legislatures are typically the only political institutions at the national level thataredirectlyelectedby—‐andthusaccountableto—‐ citizens. Furthermore, with only rare exceptions, parliaments must approve all major policy initiatives. And yet, scholars know remarkably little about the extent to which legislatures in parliamentary systems matter. Instead, political scientists with an interest in policymaking in these systems have placed primary emphasis on understanding politics at the government (cabinet) level (see Gamm and Huber 2002, 323). In one sense,thisfocusongovernmentsisnatural.Thegovernment appears dominant in the policymaking process, at least with respect to the introduction of legislation (Andeweg and Nijzink 1995, 171). Moreover, since electionsusuallydonotyieldalegislativemajorityfora single party, political elites must engage in a process of complex bargaining that typically results in the formation of multiparty coalitions, which must then strive to retain the confidence of a majority of legislators for the remainder of the parliamentary term. This combination of facts readily suggests that to understand policymakinginparliamentarysystems,onemustunderstand aboveallelsetheformationanddissolutionofcoalition governments. Thus, over the last four decades, increasingly sophisticated theoretical and empirical accounts of the “birth” and “death” of coalitions have come to dominate the literature on parliamentary politics.
On fossil preservation and the stratigraphic ranges of taxa

The fossil record is incomplete in the sense that taxa for which there are no preserved finds are unrepresented. Because the probability that there is at least one preserved find is greater for long-lived taxa, failure to account for this effect will bias estimation of mean taxonomic duration. This paper describes maximum likelihood estimation of mean taxonomic duration, fossil preservation rate, and completeness of the local fossil record under a model in which duration has an exponential distribution and the locations of preserved finds follow a Poisson process. The estimates under this model have simple closed forms. It is also straightforward to construct confidence regions for the model parameters. The method is applied to data on 110 trilobite species from the Upper Cambrian-Lower Ordovician in Oklahoma.
A hybrid framework for design and analysis of fault-tolerant architectures

It is anticipated that self assembled ultra-dense nanomemories will be more susceptible to manufacturing defects and transient faults than conventional CMOS-based memories, thus the need exists for fault-tolerant memory architectures. The development of such architectures will require intense analysis in terms of achievable performance measures- power dissipation, area, delay and reliability. In this paper, we propose and develop a hybrid automation framework, called HMAN, that aids the design and analysis of fault-tolerant architectures for nanomemories. Our framework can analyze memory architectures at two different levels of the design abstraction, namely the system and circuit levels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such attempt at analyzing memory systems at different levels of abstraction and then correlating the different performance measures. We also illustrate the application of our framework to self-assembled crossbar architectures by analyzing a hierarchical fault-tolerant crossbar-based memory architecture that we have developed.
High incorporation of dietary 1‐O‐heptadecyl glycerol into tissue plasmalogens of young rats

Abstract When 1- O -heptadecyl- rac -glycerol was fed (20 mg/g of food) to 19-day-old rats for 10 days, a high incorporation of the heptadecyl group into the 1- O -alk-1′-enyl group of ethanolamine plasmalogens of all tissues was observed. For example, 62% of the alkenyl groups from liver plasmalogen was of the 17:0 variety. The analogous values for other tissues were 62% in kidney, 57% in lung, 57% in heart, 50% in intestine, 43% in erythrocytes, 25% in testis and 8% in brain. The corresponding figures in the control rats (fed normal rat chow) were only 2–3% of 17:0 for all tissues. Available evidence indicates that dietary 1- O -heptadecyl- sn -glycerol is utilized to form tissue plasmalogens without the cleavage of the ether bond. The relevance of these results to the possible dietary ether lipid therapy of patients suffering from congenital ether lipid deficiency is discussed.
Molendoa ogalalensis (Bryopsida, Pottiaceae) New to Mexico

The rare, North American, high plains moss, Molendoa ogalalensis (G. L. Smith) R. H. Zander, is newly recorded for stations in Sonora, Mexico.
Speciation: Expanding the Role of Biogeography and Niche Breadth in Macroevolutionary Theory

Understanding the processes that control speciation is critical to building a comprehensive macroevolutionary synthesis. A variety of theoretical constructs have been proposed to explain various differential speciation patterns observed in the fossil record, such as higher rates of speciation among specialist versus generalist taxa. Most of these explanations, however, rely on only one or two explanatory variables and may be overly simplistic. Developing a more complete understanding of speciation processes requires a broader synthesis of multiple explanatory factors including the role of external factors such as climatic and tectonics, impact of ecosystem-level processes, relative niche breadth, and relative stability of species’ niches during environmental change (biotic and abiotic). This chapter explores the relationship between biogeography, ecological niches, and speciation in a series of case studies focused on Paleozoic (Late Ordovician and Late Devonian) shallow marine brachiopods and bivalves and Cenozoic (Neogene) horses of North America.
Induction of human herpesvirus-8 DNA replication and transcription by butyrate and TPA in BCBL-1 cells

Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) is a gammaherpesvirus that is present primarily in a state of low level persistence in primary effusion lymphoma cell lines. Using BCBL-1 cells that harbour HHV-8 but lack Epstein-Barr virus, we demonstrate that sodium butyrate is much more effective than the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) at inducing high levels of class II and III virus transcription and viral DNA replication, but also initiates apoptosis. Apoptosis occurs prior to assembly of virions when high concentrations of butyrate (1-3 mM) are used, whereas reduction of butyrate concentration to 0.3 mM decreases the rate of apoptosis and results in production and secretion of enveloped virions that are visualized at high number by electron microscopy in approximately 20% of BCBL-1 cells. Butyrate induces much higher levels of multiple class II and class III transcripts than does TPA, including v-MIPI, v-IL-6, v-Bcl-2, vGPCR and ORF26. A decrease in concentration of butyrate from 3 to 0.3 mM delays the peak induction of these genes, but peak levels remain higher than peak levels in response to TPA. These studies indicate that the massive apoptosis induced by 3 mM butyrate could be diminished and delayed by reduction of butyrate concentration to 0.3 mM, thereby allowing expression of high levels of lytic-associated genes and production of high yields of HHV-8 virions.
Outsourcing and Offshoring Under the GATS

Globalization and the growth of outsourcing and offshoring are challenging international trade regulations. This paper asserts that current WTO/GATS framework suffers from several weaknesses including an inadequate classification method, difficulties in determining rules of origin and an opening for protectionist approaches through an inconclusive interpretation to footnote 9 to Article XVI. As empirical evidence shows, some protectionist legislation is already under way in the US. This paper suggests amending the current GATS classification method from a positive-list approach to a negative-list approach, namely, listing those divisions and subdivisions which a member whishes to safeguard and protect rather than those he is willing to liberalize. Such a shift might prove to be instrumental in promoting free trade in services and in soothing bureaucratic complexities. I further suggest establishing an operative mechanism that will respond expeditiously to needed adjustments regarding the subdivisions and lists. This mechanism, which may be applied in the form of a committee, will also resolve the problem of overlapping and promote harmonization.
Chinese as a Foreign Language in K-12 Education

A changing world requires new skills, and functional Chinese proficiency is one of such highly desired skills. The past two decades have witnessed unprecedented growth in Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) programs in K-12 schools in the United States. However, challenges also abound. In particular, there is an urgent need for qualified CFL teachers and mechanisms for teacher certification. Additionally, further development of CFL education in K-12 schools requires better curriculum articulation, systematic coordination of language requirements, and increased federal support and national policies that promote CFL education.
The Declaration of Independence and Constitutional Interpretation

This article argues that the Reconstruction Amendments incorporated the human dignity values of the Declaration of Independence. The original Constitution contained clauses, which protected the institution of slavery, that were irreconcilable with the normative commitments the nation had undertaken at independence. The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments set the country aright by formally incorporating the Declaration of Independence’s principles for representative governance into the Constitution.The Declaration of Independence provides valuable insights into matters of human dignity, privacy, and self-government. Its statements about human rights, equality, and popular sovereignty establish a foundational rule of interpretation. While the Supreme Court has rarely parsed the significance of the Declaration of Independence, several judicial predicates exist to provide guidance to courts and scholars for developing constitutional doctrines arising from the founding values of independence. The principles espoused by the document should inform substantive constitutional interpretation in matters of pressing legal concern, such as voting and marriage equality.
Neurotrophic growth factor responses to lower body resistance training in older adults

Resistance exercise is an efficacious stimulus for improving cognitive function in older adults, which may be mediated by the upregulation of blood-borne neurotrophic growth factors (NTFs) like bra...
Shear Stress-Induced Gene Expression in Human Endothelial Cells

Cells are surrounded by an extracellular fluid which contains nutrients essential for maintenance of cellular life. The transport of nutrients therefore significantly influences the metabolic function of cells. A single prokaryotic cell can readily obtain enough nutrients from the environment via diffusional transport. For large, multicellular organisms, such as humans, transport by diffusion alone, however, is unable to deliver sufficient nutrients to and remove metabolic wastes from cells. A circulatory system thus exists to provide rapid, convective mass transport throughout the body, supplemented by the diffusional transport between the blood capillaries and the cells via extracellular fluid. In vertebrates the circulatory system supplies the body with nutrients and removes metabolites via blood flow. It is therefore indispensable in maintaining a normal physiological state. Dysfunction of the circulatory system may result in many diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart failure, and hypertension.
Morphological and Tinctorial Behavior of B. leprae during its Adaptation to an in Vitro Habitat.

SummaryThe uncontaminated subcutaneous nodules from 4 cases of human leprosy were cultured upon a variety of media and under various conditions, in order to afford a systematic study of the morphol...
Influence of 1-MCP application and concentration on post-harvest peel disorders and incidence of decay in citrus fruit

SummaryThe effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application and concentration on the incidence of post-harvest peel disorders and decay was evaluated in ‘Fallglo’ tangerines, ‘Hamlin’ and ‘Valencia’ oranges, and white ‘Marsh’ grapefruit during the 2000-2002 growing seasons. The disorders studied were chilling injury (CI), post-harvest pitting and stem-end rind breakdown (SERB). The major diseases investigated in this study were Diplodia stem-end rot (Diplodia natalensis), anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides), and mould (Penicillium digitatum). Our studies confirmed that, in most cases, application of 1-MCP reduced CI and peel pitting in ‘Fallglo’ tangerine and grapefruit if applied at concentrations between 50-500 µg l–1, while concentrations higher than 1 mg l–1 enhanced the development of decay in ‘Fallglo’ tangerine and white ‘Marsh’ grapefruit. In oranges, application of 1-MCP markedly reduced the incidence of SERB and increased the development of decay, if the 1-MCP concentration was high (...
Numerical modeling of failure mechanisms in phyllite mine slopes in Brazil.

Abstract This paper presents three case studies comprising failure mechanisms in phyllite mine slopes at Quadrilatero Ferrifero, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Numerical modeling techniques were used in this study. Failure mechanisms involving discontinuities sub parallel to the main foliation are very common in these mines. Besides, failure through the rock material has also been observed due to the low strength of phyllites in this site. Results of this work permitted to establish unknown geotechnical parameters which have significant influence in failure processes, like the in situ stress field and the discontinuity stiffness.
A new medicinal plant from Amazonian Ecuador

Dalbergaria tessmanii, a shrub of the Gesneriaceae locally abundant in the tropical forests of Ecuador, is variously ethnomedicinally employed. For example, none of several Shuar (Jivaro) herbal healers know or use it, but the one Shuar Shaman consulted extols its importance in reducing vaginal bleeding. Although Mestizo native consultants from the provincial capital of Morona-Santiago report its use in alleviating heart problems, those from Pastaza Province employ it to reduce menstrual flow. The Lowland Quechua apparently use it for this purpose as well. This plant has apparently not yet been chemically examined. Its reported use in several different cultural context suggest that it should be phytochemically investigated.
Current Practices, Coming Changes

There is a consensus being developed in Washington for new government-sponsored efforts to encourage technological innovation as a partial means of increasing the competitiveness of American companies. Toward that end, Congress and industry have begun focusing on the resources of the national laboratory community to help companies use new technologies. It is a foregone conclusion, following the end of the Cold War, that these laboratories need to develop new missions, and that their activities will begin to see a more immediate result in the civilian rather than the military sector.
High-Pressure Transformations of Dioxides with the Rutile Structure

PbO2, SnO2, TiO2, MnO2, GeO2, and SiO2 are the only dioxides which crystallize in the rutile structure under appropriate P-T conditions and have been known to transform to other dense modifications at high pressures. This paper represents an attempt to summarize my studies of the post-rutile phases of these dioxides and to review the literature and unpublished data on this subject.
A Quantitative High-Throughput Screening Data Analysis Pipeline for Activity Profiling

The US Tox21 program has developed in vitro assays to test large collections of environmental chemicals in a quantitative high-throughput screening (qHTS) format, using triplicate 15-dose titrations to generate over 50 million data points to date. Counter screens are also employed to minimize interferences from non-target-specific assay artifacts, such as compound auto fluorescence and cytotoxicity. New data analysis approaches are needed to integrate these data and characterize the activities observed from these assays. Here, we describe a complete analysis pipeline that evaluates these qHTS data for technical quality in terms of signal reproducibility. We integrate signals from repeated assay runs, primary readouts, and counter screens to produce a final call on on-target compound activity.
Quantification of large uniaxial Bauschinger effects in sheet metal from pure bending/unbending tests and interferometer techniques

Abstract This work presents an improved technique used to quantify uniaxial stress-strain reversals for sheet metal under pure bending tests. Data modeling on the lnσ-lne scale resulted in simple and accurate descriptions ranging from small elastic strains to large strains typically represented by power fits. Pure bending-unbending strains of about 10% were measured by strain gages and interferometry. The reverse uniaxial stress-strain curves were determined from the optimal fit of the model. Bauschinger effects for two dual phase steels (DP590, DP780) and AA6022 aluminum alloy showed distinct features. For both DP steels the magnitudes of the reverse compressive σ-e curves compared moderately higher, and merged to a power curve with parameters K, n previously defined by tension testing. Bauschinger effects at smaller reversed strains were less pronounced for the AA6022. However, at higher strains the reverse elasto-plastic response for AA6022 softened considerably. During the unbending span the magnitudes of the reverse compressive strains remained below the corresponding K, n tensile values.
Improved kinect-based spatiotemporal and kinematic treadmill gait assessment

A cost-effective, clinician friendly gait assessment tool that can automatically track patients' anatomical landmarks can provide practitioners with important information that is useful in prescribing rehabilitative and preventive therapies. This study investigated the validity and reliability of the Microsoft Kinect v2 as a potential inexpensive gait analysis tool. Ten healthy subjects walked on a treadmill at 1.3 and 1.6m·s-1, as spatiotemporal parameters and kinematics were extracted concurrently using the Kinect and three-dimensional motion analysis. Spatiotemporal measures included step length and width, step and stride times, vertical and mediolateral pelvis motion, and foot swing velocity. Kinematic outcomes included hip, knee, and ankle joint angles in the sagittal plane. The absolute agreement and relative consistency between the two systems were assessed using interclass correlations coefficients (ICC2,1), while reproducibility between systems was established using Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (rc). Comparison of ensemble curves and associated 90% confidence intervals (CI90) of the hip, knee, and ankle joint angles were performed to investigate if the Kinect sensor could consistently and accurately assess lower extremity joint motion throughout the gait cycle. Results showed that the Kinect v2 sensor has the potential to be an effective clinical assessment tool for sagittal plane knee and hip joint kinematics, as well as some spatiotemporal temporal variables including pelvis displacement and step characteristics during the gait cycle.
Consensus-based distributed control for economic operation of distribution grid with multiple consumers and prosumers

This paper investigates the economic operation of distribution grid with multiple consumers and prosumers using consensus-based distributed control algorithms. Driven by the emerging Smart Grid technologies, a tremendous amount of electricity consumers and prosumers have the potential to actively participate into the retail electricity market. This paper formulates the utility and cost functions of a variety of consumers and prosumers and their local/global constraints. Case studies demonstrate the accuracy, robustness, effectiveness, and scalability of the proposed distributed control approaches for the economic operation of multiple consumers and prosumers under various operating conditions. The distributed control algorithms contained in this paper can apply to many other smart grid applications.
Impact of Probiotics for Reducing Infections in Veterans (IMPROVE): Study protocol for a double-blind, randomized controlled trial to reduce carriage of Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract Background Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) is an organism of great public health importance, causing 20,000 deaths annually. Decolonization of patients with S. aureus may prevent infections, yet current options are limited to antimicrobials that promote antibiotic resistance and can cause adverse side effects. Probiotics have potential to reduce colonization of pathogenic bacteria, representing a promising alternative for S. aureus decolonization, but thus far lack rigorous evaluation. Methods Potential subjects were recruited from inpatient and outpatient settings within a VA medical center and screened for S. aureus gastrointestinal (GI) or extra-GI colonization using swabs at multiple body sites. Positive, eligible, consenting participants were stratified by colonization site and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to 4-weeks of daily placebo or Lactobacillus rhamnosus ( L. rhamnosus ) HN001 probiotic treatment. Blood and stool samples, and treatment adherence reports were collected from each subject throughout the study, along with a final set of swabs at study completion to detect S. aureus carriage. The outcomes of this study are GI or extra-GI carriage by S. aureus at the end of 4 weeks of therapy, change in phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear cells from pre-intervention to post-intervention, and symptomatic S. aureus infection at any site during the study period. Conclusion 114 participants have been recruited for this study. Analysis of outcomes is underway. This is the first clinical trial to examine the efficacy of L. rhamnosus HN001 for decolonization of S. aureus , and investigates the mechanism by which L. rhamnosus HN001 mediates its effect on S. aureus colonization. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01321606
Dynamical and Thermodynamical Impacts of High- and Low-Frequency Atmospheric Eddies on the Initial Melt of Arctic Sea Ice

AbstractThe role of high-frequency and low-frequency eddies in the melt onset of Arctic sea ice is investigated through an examination of eddy effects on lower-tropospheric (1000–500 hPa) meridional heat transport into the Arctic and local surface downwelling shortwave and longwave radiation. Total and eddy components of the meridional heat transport into the Arctic from 1979 to 2012 are calculated from reanalysis data, and surface radiation data are acquired from the NASA Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) project dataset. There is a significant positive correlation between the mean initial melt date and the September sea ice minimum extent, with each quantity characterized by a negative trend. Spatially, the earlier mean melt onset date is primarily found in a region bounded by 90°E and 130°W. The decline in this region is steplike and not associated with an increase in meridional heat transport but with an earlier appearance of above-freezing temperatures in the troposphere. In most y...
Collaborative self-study: Lessons from a study of wearable fitness technology and physical activity

Abstract While researchers in related disciplines have embraced and benefited from use of unconventional contemporary qualitative research methods extending beyond interviews and case studies, sport management researchers largely have not thus far. The purpose of this article is to encourage greater use of collaborative self-study (autoethnography and self-ethnography) within sport management research. Based on our experience with a collaborative self-study research project examining the influence of wearable fitness technology on physical activity, we explore key methodological considerations focusing on the ethics of self-study, and the benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with employing this underutilized qualitative method in sport management research. Collaborative self-study offers the opportunity to address questions and examine sport phenomena from perspectives rarely addressed by traditional approaches. Through reviewing collaborative self-study, we provide guidance for sport management researchers and encourage researchers to consider this method in their future projects.
Water activation and carbon monoxide coverage effects on maximum rates for low temperature water-gas shift catalysis

Abstract Linear scaling relations and Bronsted-Evans-Polanyi (BEP) relations help to elucidate trends in activation energies and adsorption energies on different metal surfaces. In this paper, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations available in the literature are utilized to analyze these trends and their effect on the reactivity of transition metals for the low temperature water-gas shift reaction (CO + H2O ↔ CO2 + H2). The importance of O CO bond formation in water-gas shift is shown for metals not limited by water dissociation. In addition, the CO binding energy is shown to be an important parameter, as CO can crowd out the free sites which participate in adsorption steps, water dissociation, and carboxyl decomposition. From these results, we propose a catalyst design strategy to combine metals that adsorb O weakly, such as Au clusters or Pt nanoparticles, with supports that exhibit strong enough interactions with oxygen to be capable of easily dissociating water.
Impact of Reporting Frequency on UK Public Companies

Beginning in 2007, UK public companies were required to issue quarterly, rather than semiannual, financial reports. But the UK removed this quarterly reporting requirement in 2014. We studied the effects of these regulatory changes on UK public companies and found that the frequency of financial reports had no material impact on levels of corporate investment. However, mandatory quarterly reporting was associated with an increase in analyst coverage and an improvement in the accuracy of analyst earnings forecasts.
Understanding the Cherokee War

The Cherokee Nation launched a war against its former English allies in the fall of 1759, which lasted until the fall of 1761. The complex diplomatic relationship between the English and the Cherokees led to this relatively brief period of conflict. Against the backdrop of the North American Seven Years' War between France and England, Britain's continued exploitation and condescension toward the Cherokees, and its insatiable hunger for Cherokee land led to a great bloodshed of colonists and Cherokees. An examination of the events leading to the dissolution of this once robust alliance reveals the motivations for both British and Cherokees, as well as the cultural misunderstandings that existed between the two. This in turn helps us recognize and understand the near inevitability of the Cherokee War.
QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE PHYTOCHEMICALANALYSIS AND DPPH RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF DIFFERENT EXTRACTSOF FLOWER OF BAUHINIA ACUMINATA LINN

Objective: Bauhinia acuminate L (Fabaceae) is a species of flowering shrub native to tropical south eastern Asia. The flowerof B. acuminata are used against various skin diseases,worms, tumours and diabetes. The Indian vaiydas recommended as a remedy to treat severe biliousness. The qualitative and quantitative estimation of phytochemical constituents in various extracts and the antioxidant potential of flower of Bauhinia acuminata were evaluated. Methods: All the analysis was done based on standard protocols. Results: The phytochemical screening reveals the presence of various primary and secondary metabolites like sugar, carbohydrate, amino acid, fat, quinone, steroids, phenol, saponin, alkaloids, and acid content. In quantitative analysis the important secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and phenolic compounds were estimated in all the extracts. The ethanol and chloroformextract produced significant antioxidant properties in a dose-dependent manner. DPPH free radical scavenging assay of ethanol and chloroform extracts of flower exhibited IC 50 values of 24.44±1.201μg/ml and 196.68±0.456μg/ml respectively. At 1000 μg/ml concentration both extracts shows maximum radical scavenging activity (98.97% and 85.67 %). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that this plant is medicinal with prominent antioxidant property.
The influence of layering and barometric pumping on firn air transport in a 2-D model

Abstract. Ancient air trapped in ice core bubbles has been paramount to developing our understanding of past climate and atmospheric composition. Before air bubbles become isolated in ice, the atmospheric signal is altered in the firn column by transport processes such as advection and diffusion. However, the influence of low-permeability layers and barometric pumping (driven by surface pressure variability) on firn air transport is not well understood and is not readily captured in conventional one-dimensional (1-D) firn air models. Here we present a two-dimensional (2-D) trace gas advection–diffusion–dispersion model that accounts for discontinuous horizontal layers of reduced permeability. We find that layering or barometric pumping individually yields too small a reduction in gravitational settling to match observations. In contrast, when both effects are active, the model's gravitational fractionation is suppressed as observed. Layering focuses airflows in certain regions in the 2-D model, which acts to amplify the dispersive mixing resulting from barometric pumping. Hence, the representation of both factors is needed to obtain a realistic emergence of the lock-in zone. In contrast to expectations, we find that the addition of barometric pumping in the layered 2-D model does not substantially change the differential kinetic fractionation of fast- and slow-diffusing trace gases. Like 1-D models, the 2-D model substantially underestimates the amount of differential kinetic fractionation seen in actual observations, suggesting that further subgrid-scale processes may be missing in the current generation of firn air transport models. However, we find robust scaling relationships between kinetic isotope fractionation of different noble gas isotope and elemental ratios. These relationships may be used to correct for kinetic fractionation in future high-precision ice core studies and can amount to a bias of up to 0.45 °C in noble-gas-based mean ocean temperature reconstructions at WAIS Divide, Antarctica.
Stakeholder perspectives on costs and resource expenditures: tools for addressing economic issues most relevant to patients, providers, and clinics

Cost and other resources required are often primary considerations in whether a potential program or policy will be adopted or implemented and an important element in determining value. However, few economic analyses are conducted from the perspective of patient/family or small-scale stakeholders such as local clinics. We outline and discuss alternative cost assessment and resource expenditures options from the perspective of these small, proximal stakeholders. The perspective of these persons differs from larger societal or health plan perspectives, and often differs across individuals in terms of what they value and the types of expenditures about which they are concerned. We discuss key features of the perspectives of patients, health care clinics, and local leaders, and present brief examples and sample templates for collection of consumer/stakeholder relevant cost and return on investment issues. These tools can be used prospectively and iteratively during program planning, intervention delivery, summative analysis, and preparation for dissemination stages. There is an important need for this type of feasible, pragmatic, rapid, and iterative cost and resource expenditure analysis directly relevant to patients/families, small local stakeholders and their organizations. Future research on and use of these approaches is recommended.
Feasibility of endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration for massively parallel next-generation sequencing in thoracic cancer patients

Abstract Introduction Next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows for the identification of a growing number of therapeutic and prognostic molecular targets. However, NGS typically requires greater quantities of DNA than traditional molecular testing does. Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to sample central thoracic lesions, but it is not well established whether this technique provides sufficient material for NGS. Methods We performed a retrospective review of EBUS-TBNA at our institution (3/1/14-9/28/16). NGS was performed using a comprehensive hybrid-capture based assay (MSK-IMPACT) that detects >340 gene mutations. Samples found to be diagnostic for malignancy and for which MSK-IMPACT had been attempted were identified. Pathologic and clinical data were obtained from the medical record, and the results of MSK-IMPACT were examined. Results In total, 784 EBUS-TBNA procedures were performed during the study period. MSK-IMPACT was requested for 115 malignant samples and was successful for 99 (86.1%), identifying an average of 12.7 mutations at a mean coverage depth of 806X. NGS was performed on paraffin-embedded cell blocks in 93 cases (93.9%) and on cell-free DNA in needle rinse fluid in 6 cases. The success rate of the assay improved significantly from the first third of cases (76.3%), to 92.3% for the final one-third of cases (p Conclusions EBUS-TBNA reliably provided adequate tissue for hybrid capture NGS, and is a suitable option for comprehensive NGS testing in patients with thoracic malignancies.