cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gastrin-releasing peptide directly releases pepsinogen from guinea pig chief cells

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and bombesin can stimulate pepsinogen release by both gastrin-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Using isolated guinea pig gastric chief cells, we determined that GRP can act directly on the guinea pig chief cell to cause pepsinogen release. GRP and bombesin stimulated a 2.5- to 3-fold increase in pepsinogen release above basal release. Substance P also stimulated a small but significant increase in pepsinogen release. No gastrin immunoreactivity was detected in the supernatants of cells stimulated with up to 1 microM GRP or bombesin or 1 mM carbachol. GRP-stimulated pepsinogen release was completely inhibited by GRP/bombesin receptor agonists as well as substance P receptor antagonist but not by antagonists to receptors for gastrin, the octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-8), secretin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), or muscarinic agents. Substance P-stimulated pepsinogen release was completely inhibited by substance P receptor antagonist but not by GRP/bombesin receptor antagonists. An additive effect on pepsinogen release was seen when GRP was combined with maximally effective concentrations of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated agents (VIP, secretin, 8-BrcAMP) but not with calcium-mediated agents (carbachol, CCK-8, gastrin). These results indicate that GRP can directly stimulate pepsinogen release from guinea pig chief cells by a specific GRP receptor that mobilizes intracellular calcium.
Fusion-based localization for a Heterogeneous camera network

Heterogeneous sensor networks (HSNs) are becoming more commonly used for purposes such as monitoring and surveillance, as they offer richer sources of data for situational awareness. An important aspect of HSNs is localization. In this paper, we describe a novel method for localizing a network of cameras equipped with wireless radios. Our method fuses both the image data and radio interferometry data in order to determine the position of the sensors and the orientation of each camerapsilas field of view. While existing methods that rely solely on image data alone are often limited in that they can only recover position up to scale factors, by fusing the image data and radio interferometry data, we are able to recover the position and orientation with no scale factor ambiguity. In contrast, localization of sensor nodes using radio alone only recovers the position of the sensors and often relies on computationally expensive methods. The method discussed in this paper exploits both the image and radio data for a more computationally efficient process of localization. We discuss both a linear and nonlinear approach to fusing the data which depend on different constraints on the network. We demonstrate our approach on a real network of camera and radio nodes.
MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY CONDITION ASSOCIATED WITH THE SEVERITY OF STREAMFLOW ALTERATION

Natural streamflows play a critical role in stream ecosystems, yet quantitative relations between streamflow alteration and stream health have been elusive. One reason for this difficulty is that neither streamflow alteration nor ecological responses are measured relative to their natural expectations. We assessed macroinvertebrate community condition in 25 mountain streams representing a large gradient of streamflow alteration, which we quantified as the departure of observed flows from natural expectations. Observed flows were obtained from US Geological Survey streamgaging stations and discharge records fromdams and diversionstructures.During low-flow conditions inSeptember, samples of macroinvertebratecommunities were collected at each site, in addition to measures of physical habitat, water chemistry and organic matter. In general, streamflows were artificially high during summer and artificially low throughout the rest of the year. Biological condition, as measured by richness of sensitive taxa (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) and taxonomic completeness (O/E), was strongly and negatively related to the severity of depleted flows in winter. Analyses of macroinvertebrate traits suggest that taxa losses may have been caused by thermal modification associated with streamflow alteration. Our study yielded quantitative relations between the severity of streamflow alteration and the degree of biological impairment and suggests that water management that reduces streamflows during winter months is likely to have negative effects on downstream benthic communities in Utah mountain streams. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Epistasis and quantitative traits: using model organisms to study gene-gene interactions

The role of epistasis in the genetic architecture of quantitative traits is controversial, despite the biological plausibility that nonlinear molecular interactions underpin the genotype-phenotype map. This controversy arises because most genetic variation for quantitative traits is additive. However, additive variance is consistent with pervasive epistasis. In this Review, I discuss experimental designs to detect the contribution of epistasis to quantitative trait phenotypes in model organisms. These studies indicate that epistasis is common, and that additivity can be an emergent property of underlying genetic interaction networks. Epistasis causes hidden quantitative genetic variation in natural populations and could be responsible for the small additive effects, missing heritability and the lack of replication that are typically observed for human complex traits.
The Impact of Obesity on Follow-Up after an Abnormal Screening Mammogram

Background: Effective breast cancer screening and early detection are crucial for obese women, who experience a higher incidence of the disease and present at later stages. Methods: We examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and timeliness of follow-up after 241,222 abnormal screening mammograms carried out on 201,470 women in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium. Each mammogram had one of three recommendations for follow-up: short-interval follow-up, immediate additional diagnostic imaging, and biopsy/surgical consultation. We used logistic regression to estimate the adjusted effect of BMI on any recorded follow-up within 270 days of the recommendation; linear regression was used to model the mean follow-up time among those with recorded follow-up. Results: As compared with normal-weight women, higher BMI was associated with slightly increased odds of follow-up among women who received a recommendation for short-interval follow-up (ORs: 1.03–1.10; P = 0.04) or immediate additional imaging (ORs: 1.03–1.09; P = 0.01). No association was found for biopsy/surgical consultation recommendations ( P = 0.90). Among those with recorded follow-up, higher BMI was associated with longer mean time to follow-up for both short-interval (3–10 days; P < 0.001) and additional imaging recommendations (2–3 days; P < 0.001) but not biopsy/surgical consultation ( P = 0.06). Regardless of statistical significance, actual differences in days to follow-up across BMI groups were small and unlikely to be clinically significant. Conclusions: Once obese women access screening mammography, their follow-up after abnormal results is similar to that of normal-weight women. Impact: Efforts to improve early detection of breast cancer in obese women should focus elsewhere, such as improving participation in screening mammography. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(2); 327–36. ©2011 AACR .
ORACLE - A Simulator for Bipolar and MOS IC Design

This paper describes a logic simulation system that supports both Bipolar as well as MOS IC design. Some of the underlying concepts implemented in this system, which also supports mixed-level simulation, are described. A brief discussion of the basic Current Mode Logic (CML) primitives, simulation algorithms and basic data structures will also be presented.
Analysis of Transition-Region Emission-Line Profiles from Full-Disk Scans of the Sun Using the SUMER Instrument on SOHO

We examine statistical properties of line profiles seen in full-disk observations with the UV spectrograph SUMER on board SOHO. In the SUMER data archive, full-disk data with complete spectral information are available only for wavelength regions including the He I (584 A), Ne VIII (770 A), C III (977 A) and C IV (1548 A) emission lines. In this paper we will concentrate on C IV and Ne VIII. Collectively these data provide us with the unique opportunity to study the properties of line profiles in the lower and upper solar transition-region beyond what could be achieved with earlier instruments. In particular, these data reveal the center-to-limb behavior of line shifts and line widths for the first time in a statistically meaningful way. For C IV these data show the well-known redshift of the transition-region lines in the quiet Sun and a clear correlation of the Doppler shift and the nonthermal broadening to the intensity as a characteristic of the network structure. This correlation is not found in the coronal holes. No indications for the network can be found in Ne VIII. For Ne VIII we find a center-to-limb variation of the line shift opposite to C IV, which leads to the conclusion that Ne VIII must be blueshifted at disk center. This also shows the need for a remeasurement of the wavelength of Ne VIII in the laboratory. The center-to-limb variation of the line width leads to the conclusion that the nonresolved motions are not isotropic with a preference for the vertical component. Both lines show a clear signal for an outflow in the polar coronal holes. We discuss the implications of these and other observations for models of the transition-region and corona. The line shift behavior of Ne VIII and other lines from the upper transition-region deserves deeper investigation and probably has pivotal importance in our understanding of the solar transition-region. We are pursuing such work.
Teaching Genesis: A Present‐Day Approach Inspired by the Prophet Nathan

The prophets Nathan (2 Samuel 12:1-15) and John the Baptist (Mark 6:16-28) load comparable tasks before them: to convince their respective kings about the wrongs of taking somebody else's wife and marrying her. Nathan succeeded, while John failed and furthermore lost his life. What made the difference? One possible explanation is that Nathan proceeded in two steps: (1) Tell an interesting, nonthreatening story that nevertheless makes the point at issue; (2) transfer that message to the case at hand. In contrast, John used a direct approach, which raised apprehension, even fear (on the part of Herodias, the woman involved), and led to failure. That lesson has wider applications, as illustrated here for teaching the biblical Genesis narration. The other ingredient in this teaching is relational and contextual reasoning (RCR), the use of which is also indicated for other issues besides teaching Genesis.
Colonization with antibiotic-susceptible strains protects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus but not vancomycin-resistant enterococci acquisition: a nested case-control study

Introduction: Harboring sensitive strains may prevent acquisition of resistant pathogens by competing for colonization of ecological niches. Competition may be relevant to decolonization strategies that eliminate sensitive strains and may predispose to acquiring resistant strains in high-endemic settings. We evaluated the impact of colonization with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and vancomycin-sensitive enterococci (VSE) on acquisition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), respectively, when controlling for other risk factors. Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study of patients admitted to eight ICUs performing admission and weekly bilateral nares and rectal screening for MRSA and VRE, respectively. Analyses were identical for both pathogens. For MRSA, patients were identified who had a negative nares screen and no prior history of MRSA. We evaluated predictors of MRSA acquisition, defined as a subsequent MRSA-positive clinical or screening culture, compared to those with a subsequent MRSA-negative nares screen within the same hospitalization. Medical records were reviewed for the presence of MSSA on the initial MRSA-negative nares screen, demographic and comorbidity information, medical devices, procedures, antibiotic utilization, and daily exposure to MRSA-positive patients in the same ward. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess predictors of acquisition. Results: In multivariate models, MSSA carriage protected against subsequent MRSA acquisition (OR = 0.52, CI: 0.29, 0.95), even when controlling for other risk factors. MRSA predictors included intubation (OR = 4.65, CI: 1.77, 12.26), fluoroquinolone exposure (OR = 1.91, CI: 1.20, 3.04), and increased time from ICU admission to initial negative swab (OR = 15.59, CI: 8.40, 28.94). In contrast, VSE carriage did not protect against VRE acquisition (OR = 1.37, CI: 0.54, 3.48), whereas hemodialysis (OR = 2.60, CI: 1.19, 5.70), low albumin (OR = 2.07, CI: 1.12, 3.83), fluoroquinolones (OR = 1.90, CI: 1.14, 3.17), third-generation cephalosporins (OR = 1.89, CI: 1.15, 3.10), and increased time from ICU admission to initial negative swab (OR = 15.13, CI: 7.86, 29.14) were predictive. Conclusions: MSSA carriage reduced the odds of MRSA acquisition by 50% in ICUs. In contrast, VSE colonization was not protective against VRE acquisition. Studies are needed to evaluate whether decolonization of MSSA ICU carriers increases the risk of acquiring MRSA when discharging patients to high-endemic MRSA healthcare settings. This may be particularly important for populations in whom MRSA infection may be more frequent and severe than MSSA infections, such as ICU patients.
The Virtual Tax Library: A Comparison of Five Electronic Tax Research Platforms

Improved LexisNexis and Westlaw tax research platforms and new electronic tax research platforms offered by BNA (BNA Tax Management Library), CCH (CCH Tax Research NetWork), and RIA (RIA Checkpoint) constitute a virtual tax library that offers tax researchers much of the content and functionality of a physical tax library, as well as some useful functionality features (e.g., direct linking of primary and secondary sources) a physical tax library cannot provide. The new virtual tax library offers tax researchers numerous benefits, including the convenience of a portable library, more reliable and current research results, and increased research efficiency. Many tax researchers have not adapted their tax research techniques to effectively utilize the virtual tax library, however, because they are unfamiliar with the new and improved electronic tax research platforms. To reduce tax researchers' costs of evaluating and comparing the five electronic platforms, this Article provides detailed comparisons of the content and functionality features offered by the platforms. This Article also explains how to access various types of primary and secondary tax sources on the platforms and provides detailed "search pathways" that will enable tax researchers to navigate around the electronic platforms.Part I of this Article provides background information regarding the development of the new electronic tax research platforms and explains our project and methodology. Part II compares the primary and secondary source content offered on the five electronic platforms and compares various types of free tax information that are available on the internet. Part III compares the various functionality features offered on the five electronic platforms. Part IV illustrates the differences in search results obtained by using the various electronic platforms to research a topical tax research question. Part V discusses the factors that are relevant when designing an electronic tax research system and makes recommendations about combining the electronic tax research platforms to create a workable virtual tax library.
Treatment of recalcitrant idiopathic orbital inflammation (chronic orbital myositis) with infliximab.

Purpose To report results of treatment with a monoclonal antibody (infliximab) directed against tumor necrosis factor α in seven patients with chronic and difficult-to-control idiopathic orbital inflammation (orbital myositis). Design Observational case series. Methods Retrospective data were collected from seven patients who had idiopathic orbital inflammation and who were evaluated at three medical centers. All patients were treated with infliximab after the failure of traditional therapy, which included corticosteroids, radiotherapy, or anti-inflammatory chemotherapeutic agents. Results All seven patients had a favorable response to treatment with infliximab. One patient with Behcet disease required supplemental oral corticosteroids. Pain, swelling, and need for concomitant corticosteroids were the primary measures of treatment success. Symptoms of comorbid disease in four patients also improved (Crohn disease in two, Behcet disease in one, and psoriasis in one). There were no untoward effects of treatment after a mean follow-up of 15.7 months (range, 4 to 31 months). Conclusions Treatment with infliximab appears to offer another therapeutic option in cases of recalcitrant or recurrent idiopathic orbital inflammation in which conventional treatment fails.
Integrated reconfiguration and age-based preventive maintenance decision making

The use of manufacturing system reconfiguration in conjunction with maintenance operations has not been previously reported in the literature. This research attempts to incorporate reconfiguration into Preventive Maintenance (PM) actions for improved system performance in terms of reduced total cost. This paper presents an Integrated Reconfiguration and Age-Based Maintenance (IRABM) policy and applies it to a parallel-serial manufacturing system. The expected total cost of implementing the IRABM policy is estimated and minimized through a simulation-based heuristic optimization procedure. Using this method, it is possible to systematically identify the conditions under which the integration of reconfiguration into maintenance is cost effective. In addition, numerical examples demonstrate that the manufacturing system could have a higher probability of fulfilling production requirements at a lower cost under the IRABM policy compared to the conventional age-based PM policy. The influences of the input para...
Computer-assisted image analysis protocol that quantitatively measures subnuclear protein organization in cell populations

Many nuclear proteins, including the nuclear receptor co-repressor (NCoR) protein are localized to specific regions of the cell nucleus, and this subnuclear positioning is preserved when NCoR is expressed in cells as a fusion to a fluorescent protein (FP). To determine how specific factors may influence the subnuclear organization of NCoR requires an unbiased approach to the selection of cells for image analysis. Here, we use the co-expression of the monomeric red FP (mRFP) to select cells that also express NCoR labeled with yellow FP (YFP). The transfected cells are selected for imaging based on the diffuse cellular mRFP signal without prior knowledge of the subnuclear organization of the co-expressed YFP-NCoR. The images acquired of the expressed FPs are then analyzed using an automated image analysis protocol that identifies regions of interest (ROIs) using a set of empirically determined rules. The relative expression levels of both fluorescent proteins are estimated, and YFP-NCoR subnuclear organization is quantified based on the mean focal body size and relative intensity. The selected ROIs are tagged with an identifier and annotated with the acquired data. This integrated image analysis protocol is an unbiased method for the precise and consistent measurement of thousands of ROIs from hundreds of individual cells in the population.
A Theoretical Study of Negative Bias Temperature Instability in p-Type NEMFET

Negative Bias Temperature Instability (NBTI) in PMOS transistors is a major reliability concern in MOS technology. However, the effect of NBTI is yet to be studied in Nanoelectromechanical Field Effect Transistor (NEMFET). In this paper we study the NBTI for p-type NEMFET, for the first time within Reaction-Diffusion (RD) framework - well established for studying NBTI in MOS transistors. Therefore, we show that NBTI for NEMFET is worse than that for CMOSFET. Our theoretical analysis suggests that NBTI in NEMFET may significantly reduce the pull-out voltage of the device and may result in permanent failure of the device.
On multicasting ABR protocols for wireless ATM networks

The major challenges of designing multicast rate-control protocols for a combined wired/wireless network are the varying transmission characteristics (bandwidth, error, and propagation delay) of the wireless and wired media, and the different, possibly conflicting flow control requests from multiple receivers. To address these issues, in this paper we study multicasting rate-control ABR algorithms for a combined wired/wireless network with unreliable links and irregular network feedback. We propose a new ABR multicast extension algorithm that can readily extend any unicast ABR rate control scheme for multicast services. By formal analysis, we show that it is max-min fair, and that its maximum cell loss is less than or equal to that of an existing algorithm proposed by K.Y. Siu and H.Y. Tseng (1997). We also extend the definition of global feasibility to multicast flows, and propose a delayed-increase policy to ensure global feasibility. Both the waiting time of the delayed-increase policy, and the maximum cell loss in the absence of the policy are formally analyzed. The new algorithm requires a waiting time no longer than, and has a maximum cell loss less than or equal to, that of the existing algorithm. The significance of our approach is illustrated by the formal analysis, which allows us to design a new multicast extension algorithm that is max-min fair, results in a small cell-loss bound, and achieves global feasibility. The analytical method may also assist the design and analysis of other multicasting flow algorithms over ATM and wireless ATM, and other network protocols such as multicast IP and mobile IP.
FORWARD-IN-TIME DIFFERENCING FOR FLUIDS: SIMULATION OF GEOPHYSICAL TURBULENCE

The Earth’s atmosphere and oceans are essentially incompressible, highly turbulent fluids. Herein, we demonstrate that nonoscillatory forward-in-time (NFT) methods can be efficiently utilized to accurately simulate a broad range of flows in these fluids. NFT methods contrast with the more traditional centered-in-time-and-space approach that underlies the bulk of computational experience in the meteorological community. We challenge the common misconception that NFT schemes are overly diffusive and therefore inadequate for high Reynolds number flow simulations, and document their numerous benefits. In particular, we show that, in the absence of an explicit subgrid-scale turbulence model, NFT methods offer means of implicit subgrid-scale modeling that can be quite effective in assuring a quality large-eddy-simulation of high Reynolds number flows. The latter is especially important where complications such as large span of scales, density stratification, planetary rotation, inhomogeneity of the lower boundary, etc., make explicit modeling of subgrid-scale motions difficult. Theoretical discussions are illustrated with examples of meteorological flows that address the range of applications from micro turbulence to climate.
Raytheon Enterprise Management System Reference Architecture

Raytheon Information Systems is actively involved in numerous Network Centric development programs. A common element for these programs is an Enterprise Management System (EMS) responsible for all facets of network operations. The Raytheon EMS Reference Architecture (REMSRA) provides technical descriptions, COTS implementation options, and cost estimation information that can be directly inserted into engineering proposals. REMSRA consolidates EMS knowledge into a single consistent set of documentation artifacts that can be maintained, re-used, and tailored as appropriate. REMSRA describes 16 functional capabilities generally required by customers. From these functions, three architectures were developed addressing basic, intermediate, and advanced system needs. With these architectures, EMS designers have a starting point for engineering their systems based on customer requirements; REMSRA has been applied to commercial and classified customer programs and proposals.
Some Large-Scale Characteristics Associated with Tropical Cyclone Development in the North Indian Ocean during FGGE

Abstract This paper discusses the meteorological conditions associated with tropical cyclone formation in the north Indian Ocean during the 1979 FGGE year. Seven developing systems are composited together using FUGE Ill-b analyses to show the common circulation features surrounding developing cloud clusters. Three systems are further discussed to show different environmental influences on the low-level buildup of circulation during formation. The characteristics of these three disturbances’ 200 mb outflow patterns and a general discussion of north Indian Ocean tropical cyclone activity are also given. Results show that tropical cyclone formation generally follows the initial increase of strong low-level winds on one side (either equatorial or polar) of a precyclone disturbance. This early buildup of wind appears to result from environmentally forced asymmetric wind surge action. Some of this increase appears to result from inward advection of velocity, but part of the increase seems to occur in situ. Thes...
Genetic diversity of kochia

Abstract Genetic diversity of kochia was determined using 45 polymorphic intersimple sequence repeat markers. Comparisons of genetic diversity within and among populations were made after structuring 453 kochia plants into samples representing 13 populations on the basis of the collection site and into two sample groups on the basis of the cropping history and geographic region of the sites. Mean Nei's gene diversity (h) for the 13 populations was 0.35, and total diversity (HT) was 0.35, indicating that genetic diversity in kochia is very high. There was a greater proportion of diversity within (HS = 0.31) populations than among (GST = 0.09) populations. A hierarchical analysis of molecular variance showed that 90% of the variation occurred within populations (P = 0.0001). Of the remaining variance, 4.5% was attributed to differences between the two groups (P = 0.0001) and 5.5% to differences among the 13 populations within the groups (P = 0.0001). Gene flow (Nm) among populations was 2.4. The high level ...
PKCδ is required for survival of cells expressing activated p21Ras.

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 4123 Previous studies have shown that inhibition of PKC activity in transformed cells and cancer cells containing activated p21Ras results in apoptosis. The molecular basis underlying this process, however, have remained elusive. To gain insight into the mechanism of the apoptotic pathway induced by the p21Ras oncoprotein, we first determined whether inhibition of one specific PKC isozyme was sufficient to initiate apoptosis. Isozyme-specific chemical inhibitors, dominant-negative proteins, and siRNA were employed to inhibit individual PKC isozymes. These studies demonstrated that PKCδ plays the critical role in p21Ras-mediated apoptosis. The p21Ras effector pathways leading to apoptosis were next examined. The PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) partially blocked Ras-mediated apoptosis. In agreement, a constitutively-activated PI3K (p110-CAax) was capable of inducing apoptosis after PKCδ inhibition. In contrast, the other Ras effectors Raf and RIF-CAax (Ral-GEF) induced little apoptosis in cells after treatment with PKCδ-specific inhibitors. The presence of an activating p21Ras mutation, either naturally-occurring or experimentally-induced, increases the expression of PKCδ transcript and protein in mesenchymal and epithelial cells. Conversely, inhibition of p21Ras activity by a farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FPTIII) decreased expression of PKCδ. Activation of the PI3K Ras effector pathway induced PKCδ to the same extent as activated p21Ras. Collectively, our data demonstrates that p21Ras, through its downstream effector PI3K, induces PKCδ expression and that this increase in PKCδ is required for cell survival. Selective suppression of PKCδ activity and consequent induction of apoptosis is a potential strategy for targeting of tumor cells containing an activated p21Ras.
Modeling and optimization of manufacturing process performance using Modelica graphical representation and process analytics formalism

This paper concerns the development of a design methodology and its demonstration through a prototype system for performance modeling and optimization of manufacturing processes. The design methodology uses a Modelica simulation tool serving as the graphical user interface for manufacturing domain users such as process engineers to formulate their problems. The Process Analytics Formalism, developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, serves as a bridge between the Modelica classes and a commercial optimization solver. The prototype system includes (1) manufacturing model components’ libraries created by using Modelica and the Process Analytics Formalism, and (2) a translator of the Modelica classes to Process Analytics Formalism, which are then compiled to mathematical programming models and solved using an optimization solver. This paper provides an experiment toward the goal of enabling manufacturing users to intuitively formulate process performance models, solve problems using optimization-based methods, and automatically get actionable recommendations.
Civilian Analogs of Army Tasks: Supporting Pedagogical Storytelling Across Domains

Storytelling is the most basic means by which people learn from the experiences of others. Advances in educational technologies offer new opportunities and experiences for learners, but risk losing the natural forms of pedagogical storytelling afforded by face-to-face teacher-student discussion. In this paper, we present a technology-supported solution to the problem of curating and algorithmically delivering relevant stories to learners in computerbased learning environments. Our approach is to mine public weblogs for textual narratives related to specific activity contexts, both inside and outside the domain of the target skillset. These stories are then linked directly to task representations in the learner model of an intelligent tutoring system, and delivered to learners along with other tutoring guidance. We demonstrate our approach to curating stories by creating collections of narratives that are analogous to tactical tasks of the U.S. Army, and evaluate the difficulty of incorporating these stories into intelligent tutoring systems.
The Micro-Cluster Showcase: 7 Inexpensive Beowulf Clusters for Teaching PDC

Just as a micro-computer is a personal, portable computer, a micro-cluster is a personal, portable, Beowulf cluster. In this special session, six cluster designers will bring and demonstrate micro-clusters they have built using inexpensive single-board computers (SBCs). The educators will describe how they have used their clusters to provide their students with hands-on experience using the shared-memory, distributed-memory, and heterogeneous computing paradigms, and thus achieve the parallel and distributed computing (PDC) objectives of CS 2013 [1].
Semipermeable Layer in Seeds

Semipermeability may be defined as the ability of seed coverings to allow water uptake and gas exchange, while solute diffusion is restricted or prevented. The presence and location of a semipermeable layer was studied in seed coats of cabbage, leek, onion, tomato, and pepper. Morphological studies did not reveal a semipermeable layer in cabbage seed coats, and all subsequent research was performed on seeds of the other four species. Electron microscopy studies revealed that the semipermeable layer is located at the innermost layer of the seed coat just next to the endosperm. Ultrastructurally, the layer was similar for the four species, typically amorphous, highly compact, but easily distinguished from the remainder of the seed coat and endosperm tissue. The layer was permeable to water while inhibiting uptake of lanthanum salts. Histochemical analysis revealed that the semipermeable layer in seed coats of leek and onion was composed primarily of cutin, while in tomato and pepper the layer was composed of suberin.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Linguistic Parity: Multilingual Perspectives on the Declaration of Independence

Reading these fascinating essays on translations of the Declaration of Independence into various languages-including Russian, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, French, and Spanish-what emerges is how remarkably paradoxical that document is. It is clearly both revolutionary and universal. Yet, we should perhaps remind ourselves of the inevitable contradiction in those two claims. If it is revolutionary, its precepts run counter to mainstream tradition: They contravene received wisdom and contradict normative experience, which together constitute the basis of the universal. In other words, if the declaration is revolutionary, how can it be universal? Few would deny that the Declaration of Independence was-literally in its time and figuratively in later years-revolutionary. It departed markedly from longstanding historical traditions, yet its rhetoric and its logic-in short, its style-could not have been more classical and traditional. But what may appear heroically revolutionary, admirably original in concept, is distinctly eccentric, not to say fanciful, in the perspective of traditions other than the French, the British, and the American. Joaquim Oltra tells us, for example, that "translations of the American Declaration of Independence have not been very common in Spain"; Frank Li suggests that the ideals espoused in the declaration were scarcely imagined through the long millennia of traditional China; Nikolai N. Bolkhovitinov maintains that the document "was always a hard nut for official Russia to crack, under both the tsarist and the Soviet regimes."1 Certainly, from the perspective of traditional China and Japan, according to Frank Li and Tadashi Aruga, the ideas behind the declaration were strikingly new. In the twentieth century the document continues to attract worldwide attention. In the second half of the twentieth century, in the transition from the colonial to the postcolonial era, when more countries have declared independence than at any other
Sensitivity of protein adsorption to architectural variations in a protein-resistant polymer brush containing engineered nanoscale adhesive sites.

Patchy polymer brushes contain nanoscale (5–15 nm) adhesive elements, such as polymer coils or nanoparticles, embedded at their base at random positions on the surface. The competition between the brush’s steric (protein resistant) repulsions and the attractions from the discrete adhesive elements provides a precise means to control bioadhesion. This differs from the classical approach, where functionality is placed on the brush’s periphery. The current study demonstrates the impact of poly(etheylene glycol) (PEG) brush architecture and ionic strength on fibrinogen adsorption on brushes containing embedded poly-l-lysine (PLL, 20K MW) coils or “patches”. The consistent appearance of a fibrinogen adsorption threshold, a minimum loading of patches on the surface, below which protein adsorption does not occur, suggests multivalent protein capture: Adsorbing proteins simultaneously engage several patches. The surface composition (patch loading) at the threshold is extremely sensitive to the brush height and io...
57Fe Mössbauer Spectroscopic Study of the Geometrical Effects in the Catalytic Reactions with Intercalation Compounds

In situ57Fe Mossbauer spectra are reported for the first-, higher-stage ferric chloride, and a mixed ferric chloride-potassium chloride intercalated graphite catalysts under reduction and Fischer-Tropsch reaction conditions. The mass spectroscopic measurements reveal a different catalytic selectivity for the three catalysts. The first two catalysts predominantly possess a higher selectivity for methane, whereas the third catalyst has higher selectivity for the formation of propane. The differences are attributed to geometrical effects in the catalytic sites of the intercalated compounds.
The Face-Race Lightness Illusion Is Not Driven by Low-level Stimulus Properties: An Empirical Reply to Firestone and Scholl (2014)

Levin and Banaji (Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 135, 501-512, 2006) reported a lightness illusion in which participants appeared to perceive Black faces to be darker than White faces, even though the faces were matched for overall brightness and contrast. Recently, this finding was challenged by Firestone and Scholl (Psychonomic Bulletin and Review, 2014), who argued that the nominal illusion remained even when the faces were blurred so as to make their race undetectable, and concluded that uncontrolled perceptual differences between the stimulus faces drove at least some observations of the original distortion effect. In this paper we report that measures of race perception used by Firestone and Scholl were insufficiently sensitive. We demonstrate that a forced choice race-identification task not only reveals that participants could detect the race of the blurred faces but also that participants' lightness judgments often aligned with their assignment of race.
Auto-brewery syndrome in the setting of long standing Crohn’s Disease: A case report and review of the literature

CLINICAL BACKGROUND: A 71 year old male with 50 year history of Crohn’s disease was evaluated for acute onset fogginess, dizziness, and slurred speech. Blood ethanol levels were elevated despite abstinence from alcohol for over thirty years. CT enterography demonstrated massive dilation of the small bowel with anastomotic stricture. DISCUSSION: Auto-brewery syndrome may be considered in a patient with chronic obstruction or hypomotility presenting with elevated serum ethanol levels in the setting of high carbohydrate intake. While treatment algorithms lack validation, judicious use of antibiotic therapy, carbohydrate control, and short courses of antifungal therapy have all been reported in the literature. Importantly, clinical consideration of ‘auto-brewer’ should be undertaken with substantial caution given the lack of validated mechanisms linking endogenous ethanol production to peripheral blood ethanol.
INFLUENCE OF INTERPLANETARY MAGNETIC FIELD B_y ON THE FIELD-ALIGNED CURRENT IN THE MAGNETOPAUSE

Recent satellite observations and ground-based observations show that the interplanetary conditions have a strong influence on the field-aligned current (FAC) of the earth. This paper studies the influence of interplanetary magnetic field B y component on the FAC in the reconnection region of magnetopause by means of 3D MHD simulation. B y influences the reconnection process and the associated FAC of the simulation region by dayside boundary magnetic field B by at x=-L x. Results show a rapid increase of B by can increase FAC remarkably, sometimes about one order larger. Larger B by can also maintains FAC at a high level. In addition, asymmetric distribution of B y in the reconnection region caused by B by gives rise to the asymmetry of FAC. These results are in good agreement with satellite observations. Because FACs at the inner side of the reconnection layer flow into the polar ionosphere along magnetic field lines, the results are very important to better understanding of coupling of Solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere.
Recent advances in the treatment of ruptured lumbar intervertebral disks.

This article discusses the history of patients with disk disease, the use of physical examination versus contrast studies, and the efficacy of nonsurgical therapy. Diagnostic tests and various aspects of surgical care are detailed.
Suggest-Assert-Modify: A Taxonomy of Adaptive Scaffolds in Computer-Based Learning Environments.

Adaptive scaffolding in computer-based learning environments (CBLEs) continues to be an active area of research, with researchers framing the problem as determining the what, when, how, and by whom or what of adaptive scaffolding strategies. This paper presents our recent work in developing a taxonomy for adaptive scaffolds in CBLEs. The taxonomy, motivated by previous work in developing adaptive scaffolds, attempts to address the how of scaffolding by describing the tools and techniques available for scaffolding in CBLEs. We present the taxonomy, which describes adaptive scaffolds as one or more suggestions, assertions, and learning task modifications, and we discuss the utility of the taxonomy in describing adaptive scaffolding strategies.
Factors influencing the discharge inception voltage in gas-solid dielectric systems

While there are many factors that influence the discharge inception voltage, commonly known as corona start voltage (CSV), in gas-solid dielectric systems, only three or four will be brought out here. Some of these factors are not new, but will be presented somewhat differently in hopes that those who deal in the direct application of dielectrics to practical systems may find a little better tool with which to work.
Relevance of Fixed Versus Floating Charges to Book Debts

Over the last few years there has been a lot of debate in the business and legal professions around the correctness of whether book debts may be the subject of a fixed charge. This article explains the latest position in Australia based on some recent cases, and discusses the consequences of these decisions on the business landscape as well as potential implication on directors.
An integrated multi-port power converter with small capacitance requirement for switched reluctance machine

This paper presents an integrated multi-port converter(IMPC) for Switched Reluctance Machine(SRM). The conventional drive for SRM is based on asymmetrical H-bridge which needs a large capacitor on the dc bus to absorb the transient energy caused by turn-off process. The proposed topology is a multi-port converter which employs the capacitor as an extra port to the dc bus and is integrated based on switch multiplexing. With such converter, the capacitance can be reduced significantly by increasing the capacitor voltage ripple. In addition, the current commutation process can be accelerated with high voltage of capacitor based on such topology. The requirement of capacitance in asymmetrical H-bridge and the proposed topology is analyzed in detail and the corresponding control method for the proposed converter is introduced briefly as well. Simulation results in Matlab/Simulink verified the feasibility of the proposed topology and its superior performance compared with asymmetrical H-bridge structure.
An Overview of Quality Programs that Support Transition-Aged Youth

This article provides a concise overview of several programs that deliver services to transition-aged youth, ages 14–29. Included are family support, the Assisting Unaccompanied Children and Youth program, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration services, the wraparound approach, intensive home-based treatment, multisystemic therapy, foster care, independent living, mentoring, the Steps to Success program, the Jump on Board for Success program, the Options program, the Positive Action program, the Transition to Success model, and the Transition to Independence Program. Primary focus is placed upon the usefulness of each of the programs in facilitating successful outcomes for transition-aged youth.
No More Liaisons: Collection Management Strategies in Hard Times

ABSTRACTCollection development in medium to large academic libraries typically involves multiple subject librarians or “liaisons.” The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Libraries have lost significant numbers of personnel in the last four years due to attrition and retirements, including most of the professional liaison librarians whose positions will not be replaced in the foreseeable future. In addition to this challenge, collection budgets have been severely reduced due to the State of Alaska's ongoing budget crisis, necessitating large cancellation projects. This article examines UAF Libraries’ collection strategies used to sustain a research-intensive collection without liaisons and with a drastically reduced budget.
Winning and losing in North Carolina – Cultural citizenship struggles and lessons for Latino newspapers

From 1990 to 2004, North Carolina's Latino population increased more than 400 per cent, from approximately 76,726 to 600,913 inhabitants. Government reports, advocacy groups, academics and mainstream media have focused on what these changes mean for communities in North Carolina and other areas of the Southeast experiencing similar growth. These discourse analyses of the changes to driver's license rules, and of the Mt. Olive boycott on behalf of migrant farmworkers, sheds light on the complexity of how Latino issues are represented in North Carolina's mainstream and Latino newspapers and ultimately address questions of cultural citizenship. Discursive approaches go beyond a study of mere language, to examine the consequences of language: the power differentials, identities and subjectivities. The results show how societal forces work to marginalize groups, yet the marginalized groups do have opportunities to counter the hegemonic discourses and practices. The conclusion discusses the implications for Latino media producers and provides strategies for future struggles.
An Intestinal Organ Culture System Uncovers a Role for the Nervous System in Microbe-Immune Crosstalk

Investigation of host-environment interactions in the gut would benefit from a culture system that maintained tissue architecture yet allowed tight experimental control. We devised a microfabricated organ culture system that viably preserves the normal multicellular composition of the mouse intestine, with luminal flow to control perturbations (e.g., microbes, drugs). It enables studying short-term responses of diverse gut components (immune, neuronal, etc.). We focused on the early response to bacteria that induce either Th17 or RORg+ T-regulatory (Treg) cells in vivo. Transcriptional responses partially reproduced in vivo signatures, but these microbes elicited diametrically opposite changes in expression of a neuronal-specific gene set, notably nociceptive neuropeptides. We demonstrated activation of sensory neurons by microbes, correlating with RORg+ Treg induction. Colonic RORg+ Treg frequencies increased in mice lacking TAC1 neuropeptide precursor and decreased in capsaicin-diet fed mice. Thus, differential engagement of the enteric nervous system may partake in bifurcating pro- or anti-inflammatory responses to microbes.
Revisiting Outcomes–Based Pricing Propositions for the PCSK9 Inhibitor Evolocumab

This data analysis simulates the annual price of evolocumab under the outcome-based contracts proposed by Amgen and puts estimates in the context of the available evidence on the cost-effectiveness of PCSK9 inhibitors.