cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of soluble starches having different molecular sizes and composition, by acid hydrolysis in different alcohols

Abstract Potato and waxy-maize starches were separately modified for 1 h at 65° with 0.36% hydrochloric acid in methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, and 1-butanol. All of the modified starches were readily soluble in hot water, to give crystal-clear solutions up to a concentration of at least 20% (w/v). The modified granules were studied by light-microscopy and iodine-iodide staining. All of the modified starches retained their granule appearance, although with various degrees of damage that progressively increased from methanol to 1-butanol. Both hydrolysis and alcoholysis occurred, but to different extents in the different alcohols. The highest proportion of alcoholysis occurred in methanol where 50% of the resulting molecules were glycosides, the lowest in 1-butanol where 6% were glycosides. The number-average molecular weights of the modified starches also progressively decreased from 126,670 for the methanol-modified waxy-maize starch to 4,750 for the 1-butanol-modified potato starch. The methanol- and ethanol-modified potato starches were fractionated into amylose and amylopectin components. The 2-propanol- and 1-butanol-modified potato starches gave only an amylopectin component. The amylose components were characterized by gel-permeation chromatography on Bio-Gel A-5m, and the amylopectin components, on Bio-Gels A-150m and A-0.5m. The molecular sizes of the amylose and amylopectin components progressively decreased from methanol- to 1-butanol-modified starches. Furthermore, the polymodal composition of the amylopectin component was decreased to give a more homogeneous product. Waxy-maize starch was modified in methanol and 2-propanol and gave products that were of lower molecular size and more homogeneous than the polymodal native starch. It is shown that the differential effect of the different alcohols on the modification of the starch granules is produced by effecting different concentrations of acid inside the granule, where hydrolysis occurs in the 10–12% of water contained in the granule. It is postulated that 2-propanol and 1-butanol dissolve the double-helical, crystalline regions in the starch granule to give different types of products under otherwise identical conditions of modification.
Discrimination between series and parallel fitting models for nearly constant loss effects in dispersive ionic conductors

Abstract The important effects of electrode polarization on the conductivity of ionic materials are illustrated for both low- and high-frequency regions. Experimental data fitting and simulation with a fully complex model, including a part representing ionic dispersion and constant-phase-element (CPE) power-laws in series or in parallel, show that the series element, usually representing electrode effects, can lead to σ ′ ( ω ) log–log slopes of 1.3 or more. In addition, over a substantial frequency region, such effects can yield σ ( ω ) response indistinguishable from that following from the parallel combination of the ionic dispersion model, here a form of Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts behavior, and a CPE. With a sufficiently wide experimental frequency range, one can discriminate between these two possibilities and identify the one that is associated with the measured experimental behavior. The problem of discrimination is particularly difficult, however, for low-temperature data that show nearly-constant-loss e ″( ω ) response. In contrast to recent conclusions, such response can be modeled and well fitted with a composite model involving either a series or a parallel CPE.
Pediatricians' Involvement in Community Child Health From 2004 to 2010

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pediatricians are encouraged to engage in community child health activities, yet practice constraints and personal factors may limit involvement. The objective was to compare community involvement in 2004 and 2010 and factors associated with participation in the past year. METHODS: Analysis of 2 national mailed surveys of pediatricians (2004: n = 881; response rate of 58%; 2010: n = 820; response rate of 60%). Respondents reported personal characteristics (age, gender, marital status, child ≤5 years old, underrepresented in medicine), practice characteristics (type, setting, full-time status, time spent in general pediatrics), formal community pediatrics training, and community pediatrics involvement and related perspectives. We used χ2 statistics to measure associations of personal and practice characteristics, previous training, and perspectives with involvement in the past 12 months. Logistic regression assessed independent contributions. RESULTS: Fewer pediatricians were involved in community child health in 2010 (45.1% in 2004 vs 39.9% in 2010) with a higher percentage participating as volunteers (79.5% vs 85.8%; both P = .03). In 2010, fewer reported formal training at any time (56.1% vs 42.9%), although more reported training specifically in residency (22.0% vs 28.4%; both P CONCLUSIONS: Formal training is associated with community child health involvement. Efforts are needed to understand how content, delivery, and timing of training influence involvement.
Screening the Modern Girl: Intermediality in the Adaptation of Flaming Youth

In the early 1920s, the film industry seized on the furor over the modern girls’ demands for sexual liberty and fulfillment inside and outside of marriage to introduce not only new subject matter, but new modes of addressing its diverse audience. Social upheaval in this period coincided with the media industries’ movement toward unprecedented speed of adaptation and cooperation, making possible a powerful new intermediality. The film industry used this to generate layered meanings beyond the confines of the film text, encouraging bold viewers to see through the camouflage with which it sought to appease more traditionalist audience members. With Flaming Youth , through a smokescreen of melodramatic conventions and moral lessons, it delivered a strikingly modern conception of sexuality and marriage to the big screen.
Statistical Pattern Classification with Binary Variables

Binary random variables are regarded as random vectors in a binary-field (modulo-2) linear vector space. A characteristic function is defined and related results derived using this formulation. Minimax estimation of probability distributions using an entropy criterion is investigated, which leads to an A-distribution and bilinear discriminant functions. Nonparametric classification approaches using Hamming distances and their asymptotic properties are discussed. Experimental results are presented.
Inner City Community Oriented Primary Care to Improve Medical Student Skills and Combat Obesity

Background: Efforts to increase medical student knowledge regarding obesity are needed in medi­cal school curriculum. This article examines a third year medical student intervention utilizing obesity group visits. Description: In our third-year family medicine clerkship, we implemented the Health not Cosmet­ics pilot intervention as part of a Community Oriented Primary Care experience. The intervention consisted of weekly group visits run by third and fourth year medical students to teach lifestyle modification. To evaluate the intervention, medical students filled out an anonymous departmental evaluation form and patients were surveyed using a short questionnaire during a group visit. Evaluation: Medical students rated the intervention as meeting or exceeding expectations and as improving Community Oriented Primary Care skills, especially in the following areas: identifying community needs, participating in an intervention, collecting data and presenting results. Patients adopted more active lifestyles and healthier eating habits. Conclusion: This intervention was well received by medical students and patients.
Learning Disabilities, Employment Discrimination, and the ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 2990 was intended to prohibit discriminationagainst individuals wifh disabilities. Although the scope of this legislation is broad, there are aspects of Title I and Title I1 of the ADA that may be of particular interest f o persons with learning disabilities who are preparing for employment. This article discusses those aspects and presents case studies to demonstrate how the ADA could potentially be applied to typical situations. Suggestions are given for individuals with learning disabilities, their parents, and teachers with regard to employment preparation in seconda y and postseconda y settings.
THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF NORMAL AND ANOMALOUS OSMOSIS TO THE OSMOTIC EFFECTS ARISING ACROSS CHARGED MEMBRANES WITH SOLUTIONS OF ELECTROLYTES

The osmotic effect arising across a porous membrane separating the solution of an electrolyte from water (or a more dilute solution) is ordinarily due to both normal osmosis, as it occurs also with non-electrolytes, and to "anomalous" osmosis. It is shown that the normal osmotic component cannot be measured quantitatively by the conventional comparison with a non-electrolytic reference solute. Anomalous osmosis does not occur with electroneutral membranes. Accordingly, with membranes which can be charged and discharged reversibly (without changes in geometrical structure), such as many proteinized membranes, the osmotic effects caused by an electrolyte can be measured both when only normal osmosis arises (with the membrane in the electroneutral state) and when normal as well as anomalous osmosis occurs (with the membrane in a charged state). The difference between these two effects is the true anomalous osmosis. Data are presented on the osmotic effects across an oxyhemoglobin membrane in the uncharged state at pH 6.75 and in two charged states, positive at pH 4.0 and negative at pH 10.0, with solutions of a variety of electrolytes using a concentration ratio of 2:1 over a wide range of concentrations. The rates of the movement of liquid across the membrane against an inconsequentially small hydrostatic head are recorded instead of, as conventional, the physiologically less significant pressure rises after a standard time.
Elevated plasma free fatty acids decrease basal protein synthesis, but not the anabolic effect of leucine, in skeletal muscle.

Elevations in free fatty acids (FFAs) impair glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. However, there is no information pertaining to the effect of elevated circulating lipids on either basal protein synt...
PROBE MEASUREMENTS OF THE DISCHARGE IN AN OPERATING ELECTRON BOMBARDMENT ENGINE

Langmuir probe data of current-voltage characteristics inside kaufman-type ion engine - plasma discharge
In vivo imaging of neuromodulation using positron emission tomography: Optimal ligand characteristics and task length for detection of activation

Considerable evidence suggests that cognitive state affects local levels of neurotransmitter in the brain. We introduce a compartment model of neuroreceptor ligand kinetics to describe the effect of change in cognitive state on positron emission tomography (PET) signal dynamics. The model is used to establish optimal experimental conditions, timing of activation, and ligand characteristics, for detecting cognitive activation. The model, which follows free and bound endogenous neurotransmitter, describes the PET curve predicted for a single injection of radioligand in the presence or absence of activation. Activation was conceptualized as the performance of a task that raises the level of neurotransmitter that competes for receptor sites with the radioligand. Simulating the dopamine system, for example, required making assumptions regarding the kinetic rate constants for binding/dissociation of endogenous dopamine to/from the receptor and dopamine concentrations in the synapse. Simulations suggest that activation of dopamine should be detectable with PET and the D2 receptor ligand (llC)raclopride, although this ligand might not be optimal. Aspects of experimental design can be modified to optimize the likelihood of detecting neurotransmitter changes. The ideal radioligand for these studies should bind irreversibly to its receptor. Furthermore, the task should commence at injection time and last for at least 7 minutes. Optimal task duration depends on the dynamics of free radioligand in the tissue and can be determined via model simulations for any well-characterized receptor ligand. Flow effects were shown to be distinguishable from those of neurotransmitter activation. General principles regarding desirable ligand characteristics and activation timing held for both the D2 receptor and the dopamine transporter site. o 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Influence of Electromagnetic Field on the Solidification Structure of C90500 Tin Bronze

The effect of electromagnetic field on the solidification structure of C90500 tin bronze (Cu-10%Sn-2%Zn in mass%) had been investigated in this paper. The results show that applying electromagnetic field during the solidification of C90500 tin bronze can refine macrostructure and δ phase, promote columnar-to-equiaxed transition, inhibit inverse segregation of Sn, and make the dendrite degenerate. The width of eutectoid structure (α-Cu+δ) becomes smaller, and the morphology of eutectoid δ changes from coarse acicular and massive shape to fine dotlike shape. The above mentioned effects become more obvious with the increasing of current intensity.
FTT0831c/FTL_0325 Contributes to Francisella tularensis Cell Division, Maintenance of Cell Shape, and Structural Integrity

The Francisella FTT0831c/FTL_0325 gene encodes amino acid motifs to suggest it is a lipoprotein and that it may interact with the bacterial cell wall as a member of the OmpA-like protein family. Previous studies have suggested that FTT0831c is surface exposed and required for virulence of Francisella tularensis by subverting the host innate immune response (M. Mahawar et al., J. Biol. Chem. 287:25216–25229, 2012). We also found that FTT0831c is required for murine pathogenesis and intramacrophage growth of Schu S4, but we propose a different model to account for the proinflammatory nature of the resultant mutants. First, inactivation of FTL_0325 from live vaccine strain (LVS) or FTT0831c from Schu S4 resulted in temperature-dependent defects in cell viability and morphology. Loss of FTT0831c was also associated with an unusual defect in lipopolysaccharide O-antigen synthesis, but loss of FTL_0325 was not. Full restoration of these properties was observed in complemented strains expressing FTT0831c in trans, but not in strains lacking the OmpA motif, suggesting that cell wall contact is required. Finally, growth of the LVS FTL_0325 mutant in Mueller-Hinton broth at 37°C resulted in the appearance of membrane blebs at the poles and midpoint, prior to the formation of enlarged round cells that showed evidence of compromised cellular membranes. Taken together, these data are more consistent with the known structural role of OmpA-like proteins in linking the OM to the cell wall and, as such, maintenance of structural integrity preventing altered surface exposure or release of Toll-like receptor 2 agonists during rapid growth of Francisella in vitro and in vivo.
Negative evidence in language acquisition

Whether children require "negative evidence" (i.e., information about which strings of words are not grammatical sentences) to eliminate their ungrammatical utterances is a central question in language acquisition because, lacking negative evidence, a child would require internal mechanisms to unlearn grammatical errors. Several recent studies argue that parents provide noisy feedback, that is, certain discourse patterns that differ in frequency depending on the grammaticality of children's utterances. However, no one has explicitly discussed how children could use noisy feedback, and I show that noisy feedback is unlikely to be necessary for language learning because (a) if noisy feedback exists it is too weak: a child would have to repeat a given sentence verbatim at least 85 times to decide with reasonable certainty that it is ungrammatical; (b) no kind of noisy feedback is provided to all children at all ages for all types of errors; and (c) noisy feedback may be an artifact of defining parental reply categories relative to the child's utterance. For example, because nearly all parental speech is grammatical, exact repetitions (verbatim repetitions of child utterances) necessarily follow more of children's grammatical utterances than their ungrammatical utterances. There is no evidence that noisy feedback is required for language learning, or even that noisy feedback exists. Thus internal mechanisms are necessary to account for the unlearning of ungrammatical utterances.
The MUR3 Gene of Arabidopsis Encodes a Xyloglucan Galactosyltransferase That Is Evolutionarily Related to Animal Exostosins

Xyloglucans are the principal glycans that interlace cellulose microfibrils in most flowering plants. The mur3 mutant of Arabidopsis contains a severely altered structure of this polysaccharide because of the absence of a conserved alpha-L-fucosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-galactosyl side chain and excessive galactosylation at an alternative xylose residue. Despite this severe structural alteration, mur3 plants were phenotypically normal and exhibited tensile strength in their inflorescence stems comparable to that of wild-type plants. The MUR3 gene was cloned positionally and shown to encode a xyloglucan galactosyltransferase that acts specifically on the third xylose residue within the XXXG core structure of xyloglucan. MUR3 belongs to a large family of type-II membrane proteins that is evolutionarily conserved among higher plants. The enzyme shows sequence similarities to the glucuronosyltransferase domain of exostosins, a class of animal glycosyltransferases that catalyze the synthesis of heparan sulfate, a glycosaminoglycan with numerous roles in cell differentiation and development. This finding suggests that components of the plant cell wall and of the animal extracellular matrix are synthesized by evolutionarily related enzymes even though the structures of the corresponding polysaccharides are entirely different from each other.
Occupational Exposures and Physician-diagnosed Asthma

Data from a community-based random sample of 3,606 adults 40 to 69 years of age residing in Beijing, China, were used to examine the relationship between occupational exposures to dusts and gases/fumes and physician-diagnosed asthma. The prevalence of asthma was 3.9 percent for men and 3.8 percent for women. After adjusting for sex, age, education, residential areas, indoor coal combustion, and smoking status, the attributable risks of asthma were 1.7 percent and 1.2 percent for dust and gas/fume exposure, respectively. The adjusted odds ratios of asthma for dust and gas/fume exposed groups were 1.6 (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 2.2) and 1.4 (95 percent CI, 0.9 to 2.1), which were independent of sex and smoking status. When subjects were classified into none, dust-only, gas/fume-only, and both-exposure groups, the estimated odds ratios of asthma were 1.3 (95 percent CI, 0.9 to 2.1) in dust-only group, 0.9 (95 percent CI, 0.5 to 1.9) in fume-only group, and 2.1 (95 percent CI, 1.2 to 3.6) in both-exposure group, suggesting a combining effect of the two agents. There was an exposure-response relationship between dust and gas/fume exposures and asthma. In analysis of specific occupational agents, our findings are consistent with previously reported airway effects of organic dusts, but they also suggest that exposure to organic solvents may result in asthma, particularly when combined with dust.
The signifi cance of attribution to cyberspace coercion: A political perspective

The question of cyber deterrence, or “What and how do you deter malicious actions in cyberspace?” has been hotly debated over the last few years. Stories of massive intellectual property theft and identity theft cases have surfaced in the Western news spurring several seminars and writings on the subject. Unfortunately, the discussion to date has not moved us effectively toward a comprehensive framework for building a coercion strategy. Most importantly, the debate has failed to accurately characterize the coercion challenge. In most cases confronting developed nations, the more pressing issue is not deterring an actor from choosing to conduct hostile intrusions in cyberspace but compelling the actor to stop conducting intrusions that already have been highly successful. Accurately recognizing the existing dynamic changes coercion calculations in several ways, such as the significance of positive attribution - an important component of coercion theory. Although the proposed coercion strategy framework in this paper will necessarily be less than comprehensive, one important outcome will be that the issue of unequivocal attribution may not be as critical as previously suggested.
Special Attention to the Motivation in the Voluntary Social Service

One of the positive phenomena of the present culture is the enhancement of the voluntary engagement in the social service. As far as the voluntary work is not financially remunerated and contemporary the social status of this service increases, motivation becomes the most important issue for understanding the reasons for this type of work. For the management of the voluntary services is more and more important to consider and to evaluate the motivation for this service, especially regarding the aspirants (but not only). In this issue some special attention could and should be given to the religious motivation – both as the prevention from some “dangerous” motivational factors, and as the way to the integral social service.
Need for Resourcefulness Training for Women Caregivers of Elders with Dementia

Nearly ten million American women are caregivers of elders with dementia and may experience overwhelming stress that adversely affects their mental health. Interventions to teach them resourcefulness skills for managing stress can promote optimal mental health and facilitate continued caregiving. However, effectiveness of resourcefulness training (RT) cannot be examined until its need is established. This pilot trial with 138 women caregivers of someone with dementia examined the need for RT using subjective and objective data. Data were collected before and after RT. Data analysis focused on baseline resourcefulness scores (higher scores = lower need); scores in relation to attrition; correlations among resourcefulness, stress, and depressive symptoms; and post-RT evaluation of the need for RT. Baseline resourcefulness scores were normally distributed and showed that 74% of the caregivers had a moderate to high need for RT. Reasons for attrition were unrelated to the need for RT; however, caregivers who dropped out had resourcefulness scores that averaged two points higher than those who remained in the study. Lower resourcefulness was associated greater stress (r = -.37, p < .001) and depressive symptoms (r = -.52, p < .001). Of the 63 caregivers who received RT, 82% (n = 52) reported a felt need for RT and 94% (n = 59) believed that other caregivers need RT. The results suggest a substantial need for resourcefulness training in women dementia caregivers and support moving forward to test RT's effectiveness for reducing caregiver stress and depressive symptoms.
TRENDS IN UTILIZATION OF SURROGATE ENDPOINTS IN CONTEMPORARY CARDIOVASCULAR CLINICAL TRIALS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Surrogate endpoints facilitate trial efficiency, but are variably linked to clinical outcomes and limited data are available exploring their utilization in cardiovascular clinical trials over time. We abstracted data regarding primary clinical, intermediate, or surrogate endpoints from all phase II
Direct evidence for fatty acid mobilization in response to growth hormone administration in rat.

SummaryThe release of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) from epididymal fat bodies removed from normal, hypophysectomized and hypophysectomized growth hormone treated rats has been investigated. Hypophysectomy inhibits and growth hormone administration stimulates NEFA release from adipose tissue in vitro. These findings are taken as direct evidence for the concept that growth hormone treatment causes NEFA mobilization from fat stores.
Activation of Si implants into InAs characterized by Raman scattering

Studies of implant activation in InAs have not been reported presumably because of challenges associated with junction leakage. The activation of 20 keV, Si+ implants into lightly doped (001) p-type bulk InAs performed at 100 °C as a function of annealing time and temperature was measured via Raman scattering. Peak shift of the L+ coupled phonon-plasmon mode after annealing at 700 °C shows that active n-type doping levels ≈5 × 1019 cm−3 are possible for ion implanted Si in InAs. These values are comparable to the highest reported active carrier concentrations of 8–12 × 1019 cm−3 for growth-doped n-InAs. Raman scattering is shown to be a viable, non-contact technique to measure active carrier concentration in instances where contact–based methods such as Hall effect produce erroneous measurements or junction leakage prevents the measurement of shallow n+ layers, which cannot be effectively isolated from the bulk.
Selection of extremes

A method of selection for two or more traits is investigated, where the selected individuals have to be the highest performing for any one trait, but not necessarily for several traits. The efficiency of selection of extremes is contrasted with the methods of culling levels and tandem selection. It is shown to be superior to culling level selection when the proportion of individuals retained for breeding exceeds 0·5. At higher selection intensities, the effectiveness of selection of extremes falls between that of culling levels and tandem selection.
Residual efficacy of insecticides applied to carpet for control of cat fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae).

Seven insecticides were diluted in water and applied at their labeled rates of application to nylon carpet to determine mortality of exposed adult cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felts (Bouche), at various times up to 21 days post treatment. Only 0.5% chlorpyrifos (96–100% mortality), 0.5% propetamphos (90% mortality), and 1% microencapsulated diazinon (84% mortality) provided > 80% mortality on the 1st day post treatment. Decreased efficacy of insecticide residues, compared with previous reports, may have been the result of insecticide resistance in the recently colonized wild strain of cat flea from Florida. Carpet, which is one of the most common surfaces treated indoors for flea control, appears to be a surface on which it is difficult to control resistant cat fleas. Currently registered insecticides provided significant mortality for only 1–7 days. Relative efficacy of insecticides on carpet is more accurately predicted by filter paper tests than by tests using glass surfaces.
Encryption Cannot Protect Consumer Privacy from ISPs

This is a response to misinformation about encryption that has appeared in several comments filed in the Federal Communications Commission proceeding on privacy in broadband Internet services. Those comments promoted the fallacy that use of encryption in the Internet could somehow prevent providers of a broadband Internet access service (BIAS) from obtaining extensive sensitive information about Internet users. This paper will show that, in reality, BIAS providers still have expansive access into their users’ traffic even when people use encryption, and even when they use multiple ISPs and devices.
Gay Activists Alliance

New York’s Gay Activists Alliance (gaa) single-handedly made gay people a force in liberal politics in New York City and then nationwide. It developed strategies that were widely emulated, combining militant actions with a pragmatic agenda of getting antidiscrimination provisions protecting gays into the city’s municipal code. The gaa constitution emphasizes its single-issue stance: to unite all homosexuals around a civil rights campaign without requiring or even permitting any other political positions to be discussed. Earlier homophile groups, such as the Mattachine Society, had emphasized respectability and disdained those parts of the gay community (such as drag queens) that heterosexuals most disliked. By contrast, the gaa emphatically welcomed all, regardless of their appearance or sexual preference.
Chronic Food Insecurity in Kenya's Asal Areas: Naturalizing Uneven Development Through Depeasantization and Deproletarianization:

Food security and insecurity is often conceptualized in narrow, economistic or technicist terms that simply postulate an inefficiency in production or exchange as the root cause of food security. M...
A History of the Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC) at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1956-2008

The Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC) is the oldest continuously Einstein-operated clinical program. Its history has paralleled that of other achievements at Einstein, as well as changes in the service system, legislative mandates, and creation of programs for the developmentally disabled in both the Bronx and the United States. This article describes the growth and development of CERC, identifies several key faculty members and staff who have been major contributors to CERC’s operations and to related Einstein activities, describes its numerous accomplishments over the past 50 years, and indicates some of the future directions for its programs.
Multi-aggregator fuzzy decision trees: EC-based optimization

We introduce a generic, multicriteria model based on fuzzy logic concepts for decision support systems. Our goal is to build such a model by 1) fitting real-world data and 2) representing the preferences of specific-domain users or experts. Toward this end, we used evolutionary computation techniques. Initially, we worked on a first order aggregation model and performed its learning using genetic algorithms. This has been used in a specific application related to university admissions. Then, we propose a more advanced multiaggregation model based on decision trees. For the learning process of this model, we developed a technique inspired from genetic programming.
Crecimiento y supervivencia de plántulas de Welfia georgii en un bosque pluvial en la costa caribeña de Costa Rica

Seedlings of the palm Welfia georgii were studied at the La Selva biological station in the Atlantic coast of Costa Rica during the years 1973 -1976. The distribution of sizes of seedlings corresponds qualitatively 10 what is expected. There were few seedlings larger than 4.5 cm, representing individuals that already had been exposed 10 a light gap and which therefore had grown rapidly. The majority of the individuals in the population had been degrowing due 10 their position in the understory. The general survivorship of seedlings was 61 %. The mean of the rate of growth was approximately -0.09 cm/ano (the mean of the width of lcaflets) a statistic which may leave a false impression. The rate of growth is related to the size of the seedling in a complicated non-linear manner, in which very small individuals grow relatively rapidly, intermediate individuals "degrow" (actually decrease in size over time), and larger seedlings also grow rapidly. Using a model modified after Leflkowitch it is observed that the population of seedlings appears 10 be stable in the distribution of stages.
Prediction of information diffusion in social networks using dynamic carrying capacity

Online social networks have become an effective channel for influencing millions of users by facilitating exchange and spread of information. Despite recent works on modeling information diffusion in social networks, the complexity of social interactions makes quantification of any spreading phenomenon in social networks a challenging task. Most of the research in this area rely on empirical or statistical approaches without considering the temporal aspects and the carrying capacity of the networks. In this paper, we capture the temporal evolution of information spread in a social network using linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Our proposed model shows the influence of users and their temporal actions on the carrying capacity. We validate the diffusion process across the network using a dataset collected from Digg which is a popular social news sharing website. The results show that our dynamic carrying capacity PDE model is able to predict with high accuracy how the information diffuses in the network during the different phases of the lifetime of a news story. We also propose a model to represent the carrying capacity based on the portion of the influenced users.
Abstract 230: Protein Kinase D1 Mediates Vegf-induced Vascular Permeability In Vitro And In Vivo By Promoting Endothelial Cell Stress Fiber Formation

Background Vascular hyperpermeability is critical components of many human diseases, including inflammation, cancer and diabetic retinopathy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent vascular permeability factor. Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which VEGF induces vascular permeability may provide novel therapeutic targets for these diseases. We and others have recently demonstrated that protein kinase D1 (PKD1), a newly discovered serine/threonine protein kinase, is implicated in VEGF signaling. We hypothesized that PKD1 plays a crucial role in VEGF-induced vascular permeability in vivo and vitro by promoting endothelial cell stress fiber formation. Methods and results Using Tie2-Cre transgenic mice and PKD1 flox mice, we generated endothelium-specific PKD1 knockout (PKD1-ecKO) mice. PKD1-ecKO mice were viable and born at the expected Mendelian ratio. Comparing with wild type mice, PKD1-ecKO mice exhibited the dramatic reduction of VEGF-induced vascular permeability in lung and ear with Miles assay, expressed as Evans blue leakage. Selective pharmacological PKD inhibitor also significantly attenuated in vivo vascular permeability induced by VEGF intravenously injection in mice. In cultured endothelial monolayer, down-regulation of PKD1 by siRNA, GFP-PKD1 dominant negative mutant plasmid or PKD inhibitor significantly reduced VEGF-induced endothelial permeability, measured by bovine serum albumin leakage through endothelial monolayer cultured on transwell system. Moreover, we found that the inhibition of PKD1 diminished F-actin stress fiber formation and the dismantlement of endothelial adherens junctions that lead to intercellular gap formation and leakage in response to VEGF. We further observed that PKD1 acted as a downstream mediator of Rho activation in VEGF-induced stress fiber formation. Specifically, Rho inhibitor Y27632 blocked VEGF-induced PKD1 phosphorylation, while down-regulation of PKD1 expression and activation did not affect VEGF-stimulated Rho activation in endothelial cells. Conclusion PKD1 is required for VEGF-induced vascular permeability in vivo and in vitro through promoting F-actin stress fiber formation and disrupting endothelial adherens junctions.
Technology for Large-Scale Assessment

Computer technology is now commonly used in the workplace, in university education, and in the devices we employ for entertainment, communication, and transportation. As a consequence, it should be no surprise that technology is finding its way into assessment. In this article, the recent evolution of technology for large-scale educational assessment is reviewed. The article is structured around a conceptual framework comprising three generations of technology use to support tests: (1) infrastructure-building, (2) qualitative change and efficiency improvement, and (3) reinvention. Examples that illustrate key characteristics of each generation are given. These examples suggest that a first generation of electronic tests is in place, and that next-generation tests designed to change what is being assessed and improve efficiency are beginning to emerge. Finally, although operational third-generation tests do not exist, some characteristics of these envisioned assessments have appeared in instructional products and national studies.
Greenhouse Effect in Miami, FL

Greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere absorb the infrared radiation from the sun andrelease it. Much of the released heat reaches the earth, along with the heat of the sun that hasalready penetrated the atmosphere. Now both solar heat and radiated heat are absorbed by theearth and released. Some are reabsorbed by greenhouse gases to perpetuate the cycle. Theproblem is that the more of these gases exist, the more heat is prevented from escaping intospace and, therefore, the earth is heated. This increase in heat is called the greenhouse effect.
Ventricular-Vascular Coupling in the Pulmonary Circulation

Ventricular performance quantities such as the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR) have been the subject of numerous basic science studies, yet their clinical use remains limited, particularly in the right ventricle (RV). This is primarily due to the difficulty of volume measurements in the small, crescent-shaped RV via catheterization. However, such parameters should be a superior indicator of ventricular function compared with other hemodynamic measures used in the prognosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), such as pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI). Thus, there is clinical interest in methods that estimate ESPVR and related parameters while being minimally invasive. The focus of this chapter is on one such method and its possible non-invasive extensions, a modified single-beat method which estimates the ventricular-vascular coupling ratio (VVCR), or the ratio of end-systolic ventricular elastance (Ees) to arterial elastance (Ea). Within the single-beat elastance framework, the maximum isovolumic pressure (Pmax,iso) and end-systolic pressure are found; based on a novel assumption about the slopes of Ees and Ea, VVCR is then computed using only pressure. A lower coupling ratio is hypothesized to be a good indicator of RV dysfunction and failure, as represented by the World Health Organization Functional Class (WHO-FC). We also investigate two non-invasive forms of this method using measurements in children: one in which pressure data is obtained from the velocity of the tricuspid regurgitant (TR) jet measured by Doppler ultrasound; and another in which myocardial performance index (MPI) is used to approximate VVCR. Finally, a very new but existing noninvasive method to compute VVCR using only volumes is explored as a predictor of reactivity in children with PH.
New onset squamous cell carcinoma in previous split-thickness skin graft donor site.

Abstract Introduction Marjolin' s ulcer, an aggressive ulcerating squamous cell carcinoma, is a well-known phenomenon that occurs in chronically inflamed or scarred tissue; however, squamous cell carcinoma arising in the acute setting after tissue trauma - specifically autograft donor harvest sites for burns - is a rare, but notable event. Methods This case series describes three instances of squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed in split-thickness skin graft donor sites in the immediate post-operative period. Charts were reviewed in detail after at least 9 months follow-up from identification of the tumor. Detailed descriptions of each case are included. A discussion of the literature on this rare entity is included as well. Results In the three cases discussed, all were characterized clinically as painful masses arising in a recently healed donor site. Two were managed surgically with adherence to oncologic principals. One lesion regressed or fell off spontaneously. With at least 9 months follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence. Conclusions Very few cases of acute neoplasm in donor sites have been described in the literature. Presently, there is no dominant theory as to how these lesions arise; however, this is an entity that burn care providers, world wide should be aware of, with a low threshold for oncologic evaluation if suspected.
Can post-operative prostate fossa radiation be omitted in patients with high-risk features using a genomic classifier?

101Background: At our institution, based upon the AUA/ASTRO guidelines, discussion of adjuvant radiation therapy (ART) for patients with adverse pathologic features (APF) (pT3/positive margins) occurs in a multidisciplinary setting. We had previously offered ART to approximately 50% of these patients. We describe our evaluation of Decipher genomic testing to select patients to offer observation following prostatectomy (RP). Methods: Since March 2014, patients at Thomas Jefferson University with APF and undetectable post-operative PSA underwent Decipher genomic testing. Collectively, we decided to offer observation with salvage radiation therapy (SRT) for patients with low or intermediate risk Decipher scores. The primary outcome of this analysis was biochemical progression free survival (bPFS) with failure defined as a PSA ≥0.1 ng/mL. Results: From March of 2014 through September of 2016, 47 patients met the above criteria. The median patient age was 64 and median follow up was 16 months. Median pre-treat...
Mapping Health and Work Provision in Healthcare and Business Degrees in England.

AbstractIll-health currently keeps a quarter of the UK’s working age population out of employment, at a significant social and economic cost to both those individuals and the country as a whole. It is, therefore, essential that healthcare and business professionals have sufficient skills to manage the physical and mental health of their teams and support individuals to re-enter employment. This study looked at the extent to which six core health and work topics were included in the curricula and assessment of healthcare and business degree courses. It included a quantitative review of 221 healthcare and business degree programmes in England. This was supplemented with secondary analysis of existing literature on health and work education and qualitative interviews with course leaders in 38 universities. The study found that across all healthcare and business courses, there was relatively little explicit coverage of health and work topics in course curricula or assessment. When health and work was covered,...
Moving Path Planning Forward

Path planning technologies have rapidly improved over the last 10 years, but further integration is needed if pathfinding engines are to drive the behavior of even more realistic characters. This paper briefly outlines existing approaches for path planning and suggests scenarios where integration of information about character’s relationships could improve the quality of path planning in games.
Etiology, Classification, and Management of Renal Trauma

The management of blunt renal trauma demands an aggressive effort to define the extent and severity of the injury using imaging studies. To treat all patients either with surgery or expectantly is illogical. Although less common than blunt injury, penetrating renal injury results in a higher incidence of renal loss. Serious associated injury is almost universal and is the most common cause of death.
An Alternate Moral Order

This chapter recapitulates some of the data presented in earlier chapters in order to construct a representation of Odia Hindu women that while ethnographically valid diverges quite substantially from other, more commonly available representations of Hindu women. These representations tend to portray Hindu women either as passive victims or as subversive rebels. This chapter suggests that both these representations are perhaps the result of a bias in favor of liberal values such as individual liberty or gender equality, and therefore, not entirely valid—because these Hindu women do not necessarily subscribe to these liberal values. If, however, one were to adopt the moral perspective of the Odia Hindu women who participated in the study, then a very different picture emerges—these women are neither passive victims nor subversive rebels; instead, they are active upholders of a moral order very different from that exemplified by liberalism, a moral order in which self-control, self-discipline, loyalty, patronage, protection, and the ability to defer or even subordinate personal gratification are prized moral goods.
Mechanism of Inactivation of Ornithine Aminotransferase by (1S,3S)-3-Amino-4-(hexafluoropropan-2-ylidenyl)cyclopentane-1-carboxylic Acid

The inhibition of ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme, has been implicated as a treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, for which there is no effective treatment. From a previous evaluation of our aminotransferase inhibitors, (1S,3S)-3-amino-4-(perfluoropropan-2-ylidene)cyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (1) was found to be a selective and potent inactivator of human OAT (hOAT), which inhibited the growth of HCC in athymic mice implanted with human-derived HCC, even at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg. Currently, investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies with 1 are underway. The inactivation mechanism of 1, however, has proved to be elusive. Here we propose three possible mechanisms, based on mechanisms of known aminotransferase inactivators: Michael addition, enamine addition, and fluoride ion elimination followed by conjugate addition. On the basis of crystallography and intact protein mass spectrometry, it was determined that 1 inactivates hOAT through fluoride ion elimination to an activated 1,1'-difluoroolefin, followed by conjugate addition and hydrolysis. This result was confirmed with additional studies, including the detection of the cofactor structure by mass spectrometry and through the identification of turnover metabolites. On the basis of this inactivation mechanism and to provide further evidence for the mechanism, analogues of 1 (19, 20) were designed, synthesized, and demonstrated to have the predicted selective inactivation mechanism. These analogues highlight the importance of the trifluoromethyl group and provide a basis for future inactivator design.
The HRC Model Set for Human-Robot Collaboration Research

In this paper, we present a model set for designing human-robot collaboration (HRC) experiments. It targets a common scenario in HRC, which is the collaborative assembly of furniture, and it consists of a combination of standard components and custom designs. With this work, we aim at reducing the amount of work required to set up and reproduce HRC experiments, and we provide a unified framework to facilitate the comparison and integration of contributions to the field. The model set is designed to be modular, extendable, and easy to distribute. Importantly, it covers the majority of relevant research in HRC, and it allows tuning of a number of experimental variables that are particularly valuable to the field. Additionally, we provide a set of software libraries for perception, control and interaction, with the goal of encouraging other researchers to proactively contribute to our work.