cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A participatory approach to social impact assessment: The interactive community forum

The Interactive Community Forum is a method of social impact assessment that seeks community members' judgments of social impacts resulting from project alternatives in an environmental impact assessment. The method employs a participant-driven description of the social system along with a set of community constructs to guide in the identification of anticipated social impacts. A diversity of participants with different areas of community involvement are exposed to a structured small group process where information is shared and community-level impacts are deliberated. Based on group discussion, participants project social impacts and identify measures necessary for their mitigation. The Interactive Community Forum thereby provides a means to integrate local knowledge into an Environmental Impact Statement and inform environmental decision-making through a modified public involvement process.
A calorimetric combustible gas detector employing platinum film heaters

Abstract Calorimetric sensors employing exposed metallic film heaters have been evaluated on gas mixtures containing hydrogen or carbon dioxide. The sensor output exhibits high sensitivity to the tested gases. A combustible gas detector based on the described method appears suitable for integration into a multicomponent gas analyzer.
Some Difficulties in Barth's Development of Special Ethics

I wish to examine certain aspects of Barth's development of special ethics which are puzzling to me, and which I believe pose difficulties that mitigate considerably the possibility of a successfully completed programme in theological ethics. Whether these aspects are puzzling to others remains to be seen. At any rate, an important part of theological ethics, as I see it, lies in seeing what sorts of responses are engendered by taking up a position and attempting to elaborate it.
Computer Graphics Simulation of Metal Cutting

Refresh computer graphics is used to animate and display a dynamic process model for orthogonal cutting. The purpose of this model is to provide a way of emulating the cutting process for control purposes. The Ernst-Merchant model for the mechanics of chip formation serves as the forcing function for a lumped parameter representation of the machine tool structure, which is used to formulate the state variable dynamic model, with feed and cutting speed as the process inputs. The resulting model is transformed into discrete form thrugh the state transition matrix to provide a time domain simulation that includes regenerative effects and drives the computer graphics animation.
Dynamic confirmation of system integrity

It is always desirable to know the current state of any system. However, with most computing systems, a large class of failures can remain undetected by the system long enough to cause an integrity violation. What is needed is a technique, or set of techniques, for detecting when a system is not functioning correctly. That is, we need some way of observing the integrity of a system.
Maintenance of an extrachromosomal plasmid vector in mouse embryonic stem cells.

Abstract We have constructed and characterized a polyoma virus-based plasmid that is maintained as an autonomously replicating extrachromosomal element (episome) in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Plasmid pMGD20neo contains the polyoma origin of replication harboring a mutated enhancer (PyF101), a modified polyoma early region that encodes the large tumor (T) antigen only, and a gene that confers resistance to G418 (neo). After transfection, the plasmid replicates in ES cells and is maintained as an extrachromosomal element in 15% of G418-resistant clones. Integration of the plasmid DNA is undetectable for at least 28 cell generations. In one clone, the transfected DNA persists unaltered as an episome at 10-30 copies per cell for at least 74 cell generations in the presence of G418. Cells that maintain the autonomously replicating plasmid can efficiently replicate and maintain a second plasmid that carries the polyoma origin of replication. Independent vector-containing ES cell lines showed no significant alteration of the karyotype, and two cell lines yielded several chimeric animals when introduced into blastocysts, suggesting that the presence of an episomal element and expression of polyoma large T do not eliminate the ES cells' ability to populate an embryo. This system offers an efficient means for manipulating and analyzing various aspects of gene expression in ES cells.
Integrative Multilevel Family Therapy for Disputes Involving Child Custody and Visitation (IMFT-DCCV): An Interview With Jay Lebow

This article presents the integrative multi-level family therapy of Jay Lebow, focusing on his work in resolving disputes involving child custody and visitation. The interview addresses interventio...
The complexation chemistry of cycloamyloses: Equilibrium constants by novel spectrophotometric methods

Abstract Formation constants for binary complexes of cyclohexaamylose (Cy) and p-nitrophenol/p-nitrophenolate ( PNP PNP − ) are determined by means of a novel acid-base spectrophotometric analysis. Thermodynamic parameters ΔH0 and ΔS0 are derived from the temperature dependences of these constants in the range 20–40°C. The Cy/PNP/PNP− system is then employed as a spectrophotometric indicator to estimate Cy complex formation constants with acid-base inactive substrates potassium perchlorate and sodium benzoate at 25°C and pH 6.8. The advantages and limitations of these methods in comparison with spectrophotometric analyses relying on the Hildebrand-Benesi equation are discussed.
Photoaffinity Labeling with a Neuroactive Steroid Analogue: 6-AZI-PREGNANOLONE LABELS VOLTAGE-DEPENDENT ANION CHANNEL-1 IN RAT BRAIN *

Neuroactive steroids modulate the function of gamma-aminobutyric acid, type A (GABA(A)) receptors in the central nervous system by an unknown mechanism. In this study we have used a novel neuroactive steroid analogue, 3 alpha,5 beta-6-azi-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (6-AziP), as a photoaffinity labeling reagent to identify neuroactive steroid binding sites in rat brain. 6-AziP is an effective modulator of GABA(A) receptors as evidenced by its ability to inhibit binding of [(35)S]t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate to rat brain membranes and to potentiate GABA-elicited currents in Xenopus oocytes and human endothelial kidney 293 cells expressing GABA(A) receptor subunits (alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2)). [(3)H]6-AziP produced time- and concentration-dependent photolabeling of protein bands of approximately 35 and 60 kDa in rat brain membranes. The 35-kDa band was half-maximally labeled at a [(3)H]6-AziP concentration of 1.9 microM, whereas the 60-kDa band was labeled at higher concentrations. The photolabeled 35-kDa protein was isolated from rat brain by two-dimensional PAGE and identified as voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC-1) by both matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight and ESI-tandem mass spectrometry. Monoclonal antibody directed against the N terminus of VDAC-1 immunoprecipitated labeled 35-kDa protein from a lysate of rat brain membranes, confirming that VDAC-1 is the species labeled by [(3)H]6-AziP. The beta(2) and beta(3) subunits of the GABA(A) receptor were co-immunoprecipitated by the VDAC-1 antibody suggesting a physical association between VDAC-1 and GABA(A) receptors in rat brain membranes. These data suggest that neuroactive steroid effects on the GABA(A) receptor may be mediated by binding to an accessory protein, VDAC-1.
Magnetic resonance imaging-guided biopsy of mammographically and clinically occult breast lesions.

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a very sensitive technique for detection of breast cancer. We report on MRI-guided needle localization for biopsy of abnormalities seen only on MRI. A retrospective review was performed of 231 patients with invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma-in-situ who had MRI as part of their evaluation and treatment at the University of Pennsylvania between 1992 and 1998. Clinical, radiological, and pathologic data were examined. MRI needle localization was performed in 41 (18%) patients. MRI needle localization was required for a finding of a mammographically or clinically occult lesion in 31 patients, better MRI definition of tumor in 5 patients, and surgeon’s choice in 5 patients. In all cases, MRI localization and excisional biopsy were successfully completed. Nineteen of 31 patients were found to have additional mammographically and clinically occult tumors. There were 12 (29%) falsepositive MRI scans. MRI has a high sensitivity for detection of breast cancer; additional mammographically and clinically occult sites of tumor are detected in approximately 1 (15%) of 7 breast cancer patients. These otherwise occult sites of disease can be appropriately biopsied with MRI needle-localization techniques.
Concentration profiles of collagen and proteoglycan in articular cartilage by Fourier transform infrared imaging and principal component regression

Fourier-transform infrared imaging (FT-IRI) technique with the principal component regression (PCR) method was used to quantitatively determine the 2D images and the depth-dependent concentration profiles of two principal macromolecular components (collagen and proteoglycan) in articular cartilage. Ten 6 μm thick sections of canine humeral cartilage were imaged at a pixel size of 6.25 μm in FT-IRI. The infrared spectra extracted from FT-IRI experiments were imported into a PCR program to calculate the quantitative distributions of both collagen and proteoglycan in dry cartilage, which were subsequently converted into the wet-weight based concentration profiles. The proteoglycan profiles by FT-IRI and PCR significantly correlated in linear regression with the proteoglycan profiles by the non-destructive μMRI (the goodness-of-fit 0.96 and the Pearson coefficient 0.98). Based on these concentration relationships, the concentration images of collagen and proteoglycan in both healthy and lesioned articular cartilage were successfully constructed two dimensionally. The simultaneous construction of both collagen and proteoglycan concentration images demonstrates that this combined imaging and chemometrics approach could be used as a sensitive tool to accurately resolve and visualize the concentration distributions of macromolecules in biological tissues.
Regional variation and frequency dependence of Qβ in the crust of the United States

Approximate Lg attenuation coefficient values are determined for paths in eastern North America at periods between 2 and 4 sec where no data were previously available. These new data, together with reported values at a period of 1 sec, are consistent with values predicted by a frequency-dependentent Qβ of the crust in which Qβ varies as ω 0.2. The new data are inconsistent with values which would be predicted by models having prominent maxima or minima in Qβ −1 within the period range 1 to 5 sec. Lg attenuation coefficients were computed for the frequency-independent crustal Qβ models of Cheng and Mitchell (1981) for the Basin and Range Province and Colorado Plateau of the Western United States. The predicted values at 1 sec for the Colorado Plateau and Basin and Range Province are about twice as large, and three times as large, respectively, as those predicted for the Eastern United States. Recently reported values of Q for 1-sec Lg in those regions are consistent with the attenuation coefficients and Q values of Lg predicted by the Colorado Plateau and Basin and Range Province models. A model with a small degree of frequency dependence of Qβ would be consistent, but is not required by the data.
Leadership Matters: Policy Entrepreneurship in Corporate Environmental Policy Making

An important feature of the new public management paradigm is the increasing reliance on voluntary codes rather than coercive mandatory regulation to achieve public policy objectives. Often, the proponents of new public management overlook the important contributions of policy entrepreneurs within regulated firms in popularizing such codes. Focusing on the environmental policy arena, this article documents that such policy entrepreneurs—corporate environmental entrepreneurs—exist in many corporations and significantly influence firms’ adoption of progressive environmental policies. This article uses survey data from firms in 16 countries to examine the role of corporate environmental entrepreneurs in the context of an international voluntary code that seeks to encourage firms to adopt environmentally progressive policies.
System Requirements for Transition From Enroute to Approach Guidance

SUMMARY the airborne system operational/functional requirements (from navigation using enroute aids to navigation using approach guidance) are examined for the transitional phase of an aircraft flight. In this paper the automated navigation system (based nominally on enroute aids) and the ILS/MLS system capabilities are described, and the complementary nature of each is treated. To achieve the full potential benefits of proposed landing system operations, it is suggested that on–board enroute navigation systems will be an important aid to exploit fully the resulting operational capabilities. Proposed microwave landing system capabilities suggest new operational procedures for predefined maneuvers in the terminal area such as close–in captures and complex approach paths. These operational procedures, although only partially available at this time, can be expanded upon based on the operational advantages of the system. Equipment configurations are presented to demonstrate the system requirements.
Regional climate change adaptation strategies for biodiversity conservation in a midcontinental region of North America

Scenario planning should be an effective tool for developing responses to climate change but will depend on ecological assessments of broad enough scope to support decision-making. Using climate projections from an ensemble of 16 models, we conducted an assessment of a midcontinental area of North America (Minnesota) based on a resistance, resilience, and facilitation framework. We assessed likely impacts and proposed options for eight landscape regions within the planning area. Climate change projections sug- gest that by 2069, average annual temperatures will increase 3 C with a slight increase in precipitation (6%). Analogous climate locales currently prevail 400-500 km SSW. Although the effects of climate change may be resisted through intensive management of invasive species, herbivores, and disturbance regimes, conservation practices need to shift to facilitation and resilience. Key resilience actions include providing buffers for small reserves, expanding reserves that lack adequate environmental heterogeneity, prioritizing protection of likely climate refuges, and managing forests for multi-species and multi-aged stands. Modifying restoration practices to rely on seeding (not plants), enlarge seed zones, and include common species from nearby southerly or drier locales is a logical low-risk facilitation strategy. Monitor- ing ''trailing edge" populations of rare species should be a high conservation priority to support decision- making related to assisted colonization. Ecological assessments that consider resistance, resilience, and facilitation actions during scenario planning is a productive first step towards effective climate change planning for biodiversity with broad applicability to many regions of the world.
A Convenient Route to Tropolone Ethers

Abstract A general synthesis of tropolone ethers employing the reaction of tropolone with potassium carbonate, an alkyl halide and dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 in acetonitrile solvent is described.
Risk of tooth loss after cigarette smoking cessation.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Epidemiology (Merit Review grant); Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center; National Institutes of Health (R01 DA10073, R03 DE016357, R15 DE12644, K24 DE00419)
Modeling Interconnects for Post-CMOS Devices and Comparison With Copper Interconnects

Power dissipation in charge-based technology is the biggest roadblock toward miniaturizing circuits. Quantum-mechanical tunneling and subthreshold leakage current will ultimately limit scaling of silicon field-effect transistors. To continue Moore's law scaling, it is imperative that devices working with a state variable other than electron charge are sought for. Examples of alternate state variables include electron spins, pseudo-spins in graphene, direct and indirect excitons, plasmons, and phonons. At the same time, interconnection aspects of devices utilizing novel state variables must be considered early on. This paper provides a framework to quantify energy dissipation in interconnects for novel state variables. Models for energy per bit are then used along with previously derived models for delay of interconnects for novel state variables to compare performance and energy dissipation of novel interconnects with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) interconnects. Comparison results provide important insights into material, device, and circuit implications of post-CMOS technologies.
Brief problem‐solving training for family caregivers of persons with recent‐onset spinal cord injuries: a randomized controlled trial

Our objective was to examine the effectiveness of a brief individualized problem-solving intervention for family with caregivers of persons with recent-onset spinal cord injury (SCI). Family caregivers were randomly assigned to a usual care control group (N=30) or an intervention group (N=30) in which participants were to receive three face-to-face problem-solving training sessions (PST), educational materials, and telephone contacts as requested over the first year of caregiving. The participants included 60 caregivers (49 women, 11 men). The Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised, the Inventory to Diagnose Depression, and the SF-36 were administered at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Caregivers in the intervention group reported a significant decrease in dysfunctional problem-solving styles scores over time; there were no observable effects for PST on caregiver depression. There was also some indication that the intervention had beneficial effects on caregiver social and physical functioning. An intervention for new caregivers featuring brief PST, education, and contact may be associated with lower dysfunctional problem-solving styles over time and may promote certain aspects of caregiver quality of life. We also discuss limitations and implications of the present study.
Health problems and nursing practice in sub-Saharan Africa

THE FOLLOWING comments, drawn from observations and interviews in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya recognize that these countries are vastly different from one another in many ways but also that they share certain common characteristics, e.g., history of British influence, tribal group domination, and massive health problems. Before discussing health problems, background notes will be presented since climate, economy and tribal life affect the health of the people.
A Review of: “Evidence-based Rehabilitation: A Guide to Practice, 2nd edition (2008)”

The general purpose of this book, Evidence-Based Rehabilitation: A Guide to Practice 2nd Edition (2008), according to its editors is to “provide information to students and practitioners in rehabil...
Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated sorghum transformation using a mannose selection system

A dual-marker plasmid containing the selectable marker gene, manA, and the reporter gene, sgfp, was used to transform immature sorghum embryos by employing an Agrobacterium-mediated system. Both genes were under the control of the ubi1 promoter in a binary vector pPZP201. The Escherichia coli phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) gene, pmi, was used as the selectable marker gene and mannose was used as the selective agent. The sgfp gene encoding green fluorescence protein (GFP) was the reporter gene and served as a visual screening marker. A total of 167 transgenic plants were obtained from nine different embryogenic callus lines grown on a selection medium containing 1%-2% mannose. Embryoids and shoots regenerated via embryogenesis, that showed strong GFP fluorescence, were selected from two sorghum genotypes: C401, an inbred line, and Pioneer 8505, a commercial hybrid. The GFP accumulation in transgenic plants was observed with a dissecting stereomicroscope. The integration and expression of the manA gene was confirmed by Southern blot and Western blot analyses, and the feasibility of manA selection was demonstrated by the chlorophenol red (CPR) assay. Our results indicated that transgenes segregated in the Mendelian fashion in the T1 generation. The conversion of mannose to a metabolizable fructose carbon source is beneficial to plants. In addition, except in soybean and a few legumes, no endogenous PMI activity has been detected in plant species, indicating that PMI is useful in the transformation of sorghum. In addition, PMI has no sequence homology to known allergens. Optimization of this selection system for sorghum transformation provides an efficient way to produce transgenic plants without using antibiotic or herbicidal agents as selectable markers, and our results showed that the transformation efficiency reached 2.88% for Pioneer 8505 and 3.30% for C401, both values higher than in previously published reports.
Characterization of Heterogeneities in Detector-Grade CdZnTe Crystals

Synthetic Cd1–xZnxTe or “CZT” crystals are highly suitable for γ-spectrometers operating at room temperature. Secondary phases (SP) within CZT, presumed to be Te metal, have detrimental impacts on the charge collection efficiency of fabricated device. Using analytical techniques rather than arbitrary theoretical definitions, we identify two SP morphologies: (i) many void, 20-μm “negative” crystals with 65-nm nanoparticle residues of Si, Cd, Zn, and Te and (ii) 20-μm hexagonal-shaped bodies, which are composites of metallic Te layers with cores of amorphous and polycrystalline CZT material that surround the voids.
TOWARD THE DEVELOPMENT OF STRUCTURED CRITERIA FOR INTERPRETATION OF FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS DATA

Using functional analysis results to prescribe treatments is the preferred method for developing behavioral interventions. Little is known, however, about the reliability and validity of visual inspection for the interpretation of functional analysis data. The purpose of this investigation was to develop a set of structured criteria for visual inspection of multielement functional analyses that, when applied correctly, would increase interrater agreement and agreement with interpretations reached by expert consensus. In Study 1, 3 predoctoral interns interpreted functional analysis graphs, and interrater agreement was low (M = .46). In Study 2, 64 functional analysis graphs were interpreted by a panel of experts, and then a set of structured criteria were developed that yielded interpretive results similar to those of the panel (exact agreement = .94). In Study 3, the 3 predoctoral interns from Study 1 were trained to use the structured criteria, and the mean interrater agreement coefficient increased to .81. The results suggest that (a) the interpretation of functional analysis data may be less reliable than is generally assumed, (b) decision-making rules used by experts in the interpretation of functional analysis data can be operationalized, and (c) individuals can be trained to apply these rules accurately to increase interrater agreement. Potential uses of the criteria are discussed.
Interleukin-18 Regulates Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease by Enhancing Fas-mediated Donor T Cell Apoptosis

Interleukin (IL)-18 is a recently discovered cytokine that modulates both T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 responses. IL-18 is elevated during acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We investigated the role of IL-18 in this disorder using a well characterized murine bone marrow transplantation (BMT) model (B6 --> B6D2F1). Surprisingly, blockade of IL-18 accelerated acute GVHD-related mortality. In contrast, administration of IL-18 reduced serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, decreased intestinal histopathology, and resulted in significantly improved survival (75 vs. 15%, P < 0.001). Administration of IL-18 attenuated early donor T cell expansion and was associated with increased Fas expression and greater apoptosis of donor T cells. The administration of IL-18 no longer protected BMT recipients from GVHD when Fas deficient (lpr) mice were used as donors. IL-18 also lost its ability to protect against acute GVHD when interferon (IFN)-gamma knockout mice were used as donors. Together, these results demonstrate that IL-18 regulates acute GVHD by inducing enhanced Fas-mediated apoptosis of donor T cells early after BMT, and donor IFN-gamma is critical for this protective effect.
Doctors, Patients, and Lawyers — Two Centuries of Health Law

Legal procedures and courtrooms have changed little, but there have been almost as many changes in the application of law to medicine over the past 200 years as there have been changes in the practice of medicine. This article discusses the evolution of health law since 1812.
Cranial and trunk neural crest cells use different mechanisms for attachment to extracellular matrices.

We have used a quantitative cell attachment assay to compare the interactions of cranial and trunk neural crest cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules fibronectin, laminin and collagen types I and IV. Antibodies to the beta 1 subunit of integrin inhibited attachment under all conditions tested, suggesting that integrins mediate neural crest cell interactions with these ECM molecules. The HNK-1 antibody against a surface carbohydrate epitope under certain conditions inhibited both cranial and trunk neural crest cell attachment to laminin, but not to fibronectin. An antiserum to alpha 1 intergrin inhibited attachment of trunk, but not cranial, neural crest cells to laminin and collagen type I, though interactions with fibronectin or collagen type IV were unaffected. The surface properties of trunk and cranial neural crest cells differed in several ways. First, trunk neural crest cells attached to collagen types I and IV, but cranial neural crest cells did not. Second, their divalent cation requirements for attachment to ECM molecules differed. For fibronectin substrata, trunk neural crest cells required divalent cations for attachment, whereas cranial neural crest cells bound in the absence of divalent cations. However, cranial neural crest cells lost this cation-independent attachment after a few days of culture. For laminin substrata, trunk cells used two integrins, one divalent cation-dependent and the other divalent cation-independent (Lallier, T. E. and Bronner-Fraser, M. (1991) Development 113, 1069–1081). In contrast, cranial neural crest cells attached to laminin using a single, divalent cation-dependent receptor system. Immunoprecipitations and immunoblots of surface labelled neural crest cells with HNK-1, alpha 1 integrin and beta 1 integrin antibodies suggest that cranial and trunk neural crest cells possess biochemically distinct integrins. Our results demonstrate that cranial and trunk cells differ in their mechanisms of adhesion to selected ECM components, suggesting that they are non-overlapping populations of cells with regard to their adhesive properties.
Enhancing lisp instruction with RCXLisp and robotics

This paper presents the RCXLisp library, an extension to Common Lisp that allows students to investigate a broad range of artificial intelligence and computer science topics using the LEGO MindStorms® platform. The library has two features that distinguish it from other third-party packages and languages designed by academics and hobbyists for programming the MindStorms platform. The first is that it supports both remote control and on-board programming of MindStorms robots. The second is that it supports targeted communication between multiple LEGO robots and command-center desktops. The package is also the only one to be integrated into most popular Common Lisp programming environments. This paper also summarizes student experiences with the package over the years 2000-2003 in an Artificial Intelligence course.
Ethnic, socioeconomic, and sex differences in physical activity among adolescents

Regular physical activity is recommended for health maintenance in adolescence, but basic descriptive epidemiological data are lacking for this age group. The present study examined socioeconomic status (SES), ethnic, and sex differences in physical activity in a multiethnic sample of 1871 high school students in San Diego, California. Surveys were completed in required classes by a diverse sample of students from a low-income school district and by Anglo students from a nearby more affluent district. Boys reported more vigorous exercise outside of school and during school physical education, as well as more participation in sports teams, but girls reported taking more activity-related lessons and classes. High-SES students had more frequent physical education classes, spent more time in vigorous exercise in those classes, and participated in more activity lessons outside of school. There were few ethnic differences on summary physical activity or physical education variables. There were no SES differences, but there were ethnic differences on 5 of 22 specific activities. Demographic differences in 25 psychological, social, and environmental variables that may influence physical activity were also examined. Differences between boys and girls were found on several variables, which may explain some of the boys' higher activity levels. Ethnic and/or SES differences were found in 10 of 25 potential correlates of physical activity. These data may be used to identify specific activities that may be preferred by subgroups of adolescents and specific mediating variables that can be targeted in physical activity promotion programs for adolescents.
The Death of Dying Declarations in a Post-Crawford World

The struggle between logic and historical precedent in the law requires a judicial balance that knows when to yield to the logic of change and when to remain tied to tradition. The landmark case of Crawford v. Washington reflects that struggle as a work in progress. In Crawford, the Supreme Court fundamentally altered its interpretation of the Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment to such an extent that the full reach of the doctrinal logic will take decades to unravel.
Effects of Protein Source Added to Molasses-based Supplements on Performance of Range Cows

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare performance and reproductive efficiency of mature Braford cows offered molasses-based supplements containing urea (MU) or a blend of cottonseed meal and feather meal. Over 5 yr, an average of 52 pregnant non-lactating Braford cows were randomly allocated annually to 4 units of range pastures (in September), and received MU at a daily rate of 1.8 kg of DM beginning in early December. At the end of the winter range grazing (March), cows were stratified by BW and age, randomly allocated into 4 bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures, and exposed to bulls for 90 d. At this time, each pasture was randomly selected to receive MU or the cottonseed and feather meal twice weekly at a daily rate of 1.8 kg of DM per cow. Cow BW and BCS were assessed at the beginning and end of the winter range grazing period and at the end of the breeding season. Cow pregnancy status was verified by presence of fetus via rectal palpation 3 mo after the end of the breeding season. No treatment × year interaction was detected (P > 0.35). No treatment effects were detected for BW (P = 0.55), BCS (P = 0.34), or reproductive performance (P = 0.43). Nevertheless, pregnancy rates were positively affected by BCS (P
Scalable High-Performance Heuristics for Sensor Placement in Water Distribution Networks

A number of algorithms have been developed to solve the problem of where to place a limited number of sensors in a water distribution network such that public health protection from accidental or intentional contaminant injections is maximized. However, the ability of these algorithms to solve real-world, large-scale sensor placement problems has yet to be demonstrated. Existing research exhibits at least one of three fundamental flaws. First, most algorithms are tested exclusively on small-scale networks, leaving open the question of scalability. Second, many algorithms are heuristic in nature and no effort has been made to establish empirical or theoretical performance bounds. Third, the modeling assumptions underlying some algorithms are physically unrealistic, raising questions regarding the utility of the resulting solutions in operational settings. We describe a modeling methodology that precisely captures the impact of contaminant injection on a distribution network. Using exact methods, we generate provably optimal sensor placements for networks containing up to roughly 3,000 junctions using high-performance computing platforms; the magnitude of the model currently prevents solution for larger networks. Next, we use a simple heuristic based on GRASP, local search, and path relinking to quickly generate solutions to even larger networks containing up to 12,000 junctions. Where solvable via exact methods, we demonstrate that the heuristic yields solutions that are globally optimal. These results conclusively demonstrate the practical application of this heuristic to solve very large sensor placement problems under realistic modeling assumptions, and uniquely provides an empirical performance bound for the algorithm.
Settlement Pattern and Chinampa Agriculture at Tenochtitlan

Archival source materials and colonial period maps have been employed to reconstruct the settlement pattern characteristic of the chinampa districts of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. The evidence includes detailed descriptions of a number of individual residential sites and chinampa holdings, which can be drawn to scale on street maps of the modern city. Genealogies and census data have been employed to determine the average size and social composition of typical urban households. Rough estimates of the economic value of urban chinampa holdings in relation to individual households, and to the urban population as a whole, indicate much higher levels of non-agricultural economic specialization, and a more complete dependence of the city on agrarian support areas outside the city than previously supposed.
Optimization of fatigue maintenance strategies based on prognosis results

A general approach to determine the optimal set of maintenance alternatives for fatigue safety is introduced in this paper. The optimal maintenance alternatives are the solutions to maximize the fatigue reliability of aircrafts fleet subject to maintenance budget. A novel equivalent stress transformation model and the first-order-reliability method (FORM) are adopted to determine the failure probability or reliability associated with future fatigue loading. The equivalent stress transformation model is capable to transform future random loading to an equivalent constant loading, and does not require cycle-by-cycle simulation. First-order-reliability-method can resolve the computational complexity. Optimal maintenance solution can be efficiently found considering the future fatigue loading. Numerical examples are performed to demonstrate the application of the proposed approach.
Study of antimicrobial mechanism of Cecropin AD against E.coli

Objective To study the antibacterial mechanism of recombinant antimicrobial peptides Cecropin AD fromAntherea pernyi against E.coli by the technology of transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry. Methods Afteridentifying the antibacterial action of antimicrobial peptides against both E.coli ATCC25922 and ESBLs- producing strainATCC35218, the change of ultrastructure of E.coli after Cecropin AD treatment were observed by transmission electronmicroscopy. Then, FCM calcium fluorescence probe technology was used to detect the change of intracellular free calcium.Result The MIC of Cecropin AD against E.coli ATCC25922 and ESBLs-producing strain ATCC35218 were 8μg/m L. Themechanism of cecropin AD against E.coli observed by transmission electron microscopy was mainly performanced bydestruction of the integrity of bacterial cell membrane. The concentration of divalent cation calcium was increased afterCecropin AD treatemt as determined by flow cytometry fluoscent probing. Conclusion With the increase of intracellular freecalcium concentration, membrane-destrcution might be one of the antibacterial mechanisms of Cecropin AD.
Sand, jams and jets

The remarkable properties of granular materials are so familiar that most of us do not even notice them. It is clear, for example, that we cannot walk on water unless the temperature has dropped below freezing. However, we take it for granted that sand will support our weight as if it were a solid, even though it can also be poured like a liquid under the same ambient conditions. From breakfast cereal, sugar and flour to construction materials, mining products and pharmaceuticals, granular media are present everywhere in our daily lives.
Left Hemisphere Syndromes: Apraxias

Apraxia refers to an impairment in the performance of skilled motor acts. This is in the context of normal or near-normal elementary neurological function such as motor power and sensation. In addition a long list of specific exclusions and conditions that may masquerade as apraxia need to be excluded. These include the domains of attention, cognition, motor deficits, and movement disorders:
Global gender discourses in education: evidence from post-genocide Rwanda

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates global gender policy discourses within the education realm in post-genocide Rwanda. Drawing on interview data from students in seven secondary schools and Unterhalter’s gender framework (Unterhalter, Elaine. 2007. Gender, Schooling and Global Social Justice. New York, NY: Routledge), I analyse the extent global discourses are integrated into national education documents and how students understand global discourses around ‘gender equality’. I find that in national education policies and texts, discourses around gender equality are framed as a means to development, as a human right, and in relation to the past conflict rather than for the transformation of patriarchal structures. Similarly, students draw on themes from global policy discourse around development and rights but at the same time ‘re-gender’ this for a local context, propagating a public/private divide and cultural and biological stereotypes. Consequently, gendered hierarchies and biases persist in student attit...
The impact of shadow fading on the outage capacity and multiuser scheduling gain of MIMO systems

Shadow fading is generally not explicitly studied for MIMO systems. In this paper, through asymptotic large-system analysis, it is shown that shadow fading, while significantly limits the channel outage capacity as expected, actually enhances the multiuser scheduling gain, which is meaningful and obtainable for delay-tolerant applications.
Introduction: HIV-1 Proteomics, Why Should One Care?

This book focuses on applying proteomics to the study of the HIV-1 virion and its associated proteins. Before we go further, it is important to understand why this topic is worthy of a book or a researcher’s effort to read it. Proteomics, the detection of the constellation of proteins and their posttranslational modifications in complex samples from organisms, has been used for years to sample and analyze protein samples to better understand basic biology and for medical research aimed at developing new and improved diagnostic procedures and therapies.
Analysis of Pancreatic Cyst Fluid.

Pancreatic cysts are extremely common, and are identified in between 2% to 13% on abdominal imaging studies. Most pancreatic cysts are pseudocysts, serous cystic neoplasms, mucinous cystic neoplasms, or intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. The management of pancreatic cysts depends on whether a cyst is benign, has malignant potential, or harbors high-grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma. The diagnosis of pancreatic cysts, and assessment of risk of malignant transformation, incorporates clinical history, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopic ultrasound, and fine-needle aspiration of cyst fluid. This article reviews the cyst fluid markers that are currently used, as well as promising markers under development.
Putative) sex differences in neuroimmune modulation of memory.

The neuroimmune system is significantly sexually dimorphic, with sex differences evident in the number and activation states of microglia, in the activation of astrocytes, and in cytokine release and function. Neuroimmune cells and signaling are now recognized as critical for many neural functions throughout the life span, including synaptic plasticity and memory function. Here we address the question of how cytokines, astrocytes, and microglia contribute to memory, and specifically how neuroimmune modulation of memory differentially affects males and females. Understanding sex differences in both normal memory processes and dysregulation of memory in psychiatric and neurological disorders is critical for developing treatment and preventive strategies for memory disorders that are effective for both men and women. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing wearable devices with wet and textile electrodes for activity recognition

This paper explores the idea of identifying activities from muscle activation which is captured by wearable ECG recording devices that use wet and textile electrodes. Most of the devices available today filter out the high frequency components to retain only the signal related to an ECG. We explain how the high frequency components that correspond to muscle activation can be extracted from the recorded signal and can be used to identify activities. We notice that is possible to obtain good performance for both the wet and dry electrodes. However, we observed that signals from the dry textile electrodes introduce less artifacts associated with muscle activation.
Factors Accounting for Variability in Superintendent Ratings of Academic Preparation

This study utilized findings from the 2010 decennial study of the school superintendent to determine the extent to which four predictor variables (courses, professor credibility, size [enrollment of employing school district], and gender) accounted for variability in superintendent overall ratings of their academic preparation. The standardized regression coefficients indicate that most of the variance accounted for in the linear equation was due to ratings of professor credibility and ratings of the perceived value of courses. Neither the institutional variable, school district size, nor the personal variable, gender, accounted for meaningful variance in the overall ratings. Recommendations are made for extending this line of inquiry.
Native plants fare better against an introduced competitor with native microbes and lower nitrogen availability

While the soil environment is generally acknowledged as playing a role in plant competition, the relative importance of soil resources and soil microbes in determining outcomes of competition between native and exotic plants has rarely been tested. Resilience of plant communities to invasion by exotic species may depend on the extent to which native and exotic plant performance are mediated by abiotic and biotic components of the soil. We used a greenhouse experiment to compare performance of two native prairie plant species and one exotic species, when grown in intraspecific competition and when each native was grown in interspecific competition with the exotic species, in the presence and absence of a native prairie soil community, and when nitrogen availability was elevated or was maintained at native prairie levels. We found that elevated nitrogen availability was beneficial to the exotic species and had no effect on or was detrimental to the native plant species, that the native microbial community was beneficial to the native plant species and either had no effect or was detrimental to the exotic species, and that intraspecific competition was stronger than interspecific competition for the exotic plant species and vice-versa for the natives. Our results demonstrate that soil nitrogen availability and the soil microbial community can mediate the strength of competition between native and exotic plant species. We found no evidence for native microbes enhancing the performance of the exotic plant species. Instead, loss of the native soil microbial community appears to reinforce the negative effects of elevated N on native plant communities and its benefits to exotic invasive species. Resilience of plant communities to invasion by exotic plant species is facilitated by the presence of an intact native soil microbial community and weakened by anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen.
SIGACT News Complexity Theory Column 67

The satisfiability problem has emerged as the queen of the complexity zoo. She is the quintessential NP-complete hard-to-find but easy-to-recognize search problem in computer science. There are hundreds if not thousands of problems that are now known to be equivalent to SAT, and our rich theory of complexity classes is centered around its queen. In the world of communication complexity, the set disjointness problem has similarly emerged as the quintessential hard-to-find but easy-to-recognize problem. There is an impressive collection of problems in many diverse areas whose hardness boils down to the hardness of the set disjointness problem in some model of communication complexity. Moreover, we will argue that proving lower bounds for the set disjointness function in a particular communication
Enzyme–MOF (metal–organic framework) composites

The ex vivo application of enzymes in various processes, especially via enzyme immobilization techniques, has been extensively studied in recent years in order to enhance the recyclability of enzymes, to minimize enzyme contamination in the product, and to explore novel horizons for enzymes in biomedical applications. Possessing remarkable amenability in structural design of the frameworks as well as almost unparalelled surface tunability, Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have been gaining popularity as candidates for enzyme immobilization platforms. Many MOF–enzyme composites have achieved unprecedented results, far outperforming free enzymes in many aspects. This review summarizes recent developments of MOF–enzyme composites with special emphasis on preparative techniques and the synergistic effects of enzymes and MOFs. The applications of MOF–enzyme composites, primarily in transferation, catalysis and sensing, are presented as well. The enhancement of enzymatic activity of the composites over free enzymes in biologically incompatible conditions is emphasized in many cases.
XMOT: Extract and monitor PCB material properties using a T-resonator only

As the data transfer rate is going beyond 10Gbps, the high-speed link reliability is dependent on the link parameter control, presuming no variation of PCB material properties. But until now, there is no simple methodology and test structure that extract/monitor the material variations in production, due to the cost and the size of the structure. Our proposed methodology XMOT (eXtract and MOnitor pcb material properties using a T-resonator only) requires only one asymmetrical T-resonator and one-time measurement in the time domain, thereby minimizing the test cost/time and easily embedded to the production PCB platform. The post-processing of the measurement extracts the frequency-dependent properties of dielectric, conductor, and copper surface roughness. Our simulation based on the modeled T-resonator show that XMOT results are accurate enough, thereby applicable to collect the statistics of the material variations.
Rethinking Business Segmentation: A Conceptual Model and Strategic Insights

Segmenting business markets is challenging but potentially highly rewarding. An in-depth understanding of how to segment markets is necessary to guide the best decisions leading to profitable targe...