cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cystic renal neoplasia following conditional inactivation of Apc in mouse renal tubular epithelium

Alterations in Wnt/β-catenin signaling have been linked to abnormal kidney development and tumorigenesis. To gain more insights into the effects of these alterations, we created mice carrying a conditional deletion of the Apc tumor suppressor gene specifically in the renal epithelium. As expected, the loss of Apc leads to increased levels of β-catenin protein in renal epithelium. Most of these mice die shortly after birth, and multiple kidney cysts were found upon histological examination. Only rarely did these animals survive to adulthood. Analysis of these adults revealed severely cystic kidneys associated with the presence of renal adenomas. Our results confirm an important role for proper regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in renal development and provide evidence that dysregulation of the pathway can initiate tumorigenesis in the kidney.
Sharks Eat What

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) launched its Habitat Blueprint (habitat.noaa.gov/habitatblueprint) in early 2012, offering a framework to improve habitat for harvested an...
BREEDING BEHAVIOUR OF OSPREYS PANDION HALIAETUS IN SCOTLAND

SUMMARY Ospreys Pandion haliaetus nested at a site near Loch Garten, Inverness-shire continuously from 1959 to 1973. Each year the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has organized a continuous watch on the eyrie in the breeding season. The detailed records kept of the activities of Ospreys at the nest by those participating in the watch were analysed and the results presented here. Ospreys are migratory and arrived in the breeding area in early April. Nesting material was usually added to an existing eyrie platform. The male collected more material than the female. The female lined the nest cup. The extent of nest building activity and the frequencies of mating and other activities prior to laying varied markedly from year to year. These differences may have been related to changes in the identity of the nesting female, but the birds were not individually marked. Both sexes incubated but the female took the greater share and normally incubated at night. When the young hatched they were brooded by the female. The female stayed in the vicinity of the nest for most of the time until the young fledged at about 53 days old. The male Osprey caught almost all the fish eaten by his mate and young during the breeding season. The number of fish caught per day increased markedly after the young hatched. Pike Esox lucius and Trout Salmo trutta were the main species taken, and some Rainbow Trout Salmo gairdnerii were identified. There were seasonal and diurnal changes in the size and the species composition of the catch. The effects of weather conditions on hunting are examined. The occurrence of Ospreys other than the resident birds at the nest site is described. The behaviour of another pair of Ospreys which repeatedly failed to hatch eggs is described. There was an instance of egg eating in this pair, and some differences in behaviour were found between these birds and those at Loch Garten whose breeding success was good. The breeding biology of Ospreys is compared with that of other British diurnal birds of prey. In other species the female leaves the young unguarded at some stage in the nestling period and hunts food for them, whereas female Ospreys do not usually hunt in the nesting period.
Evaluation of a Real-Time PCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Kingella kingae and Staphylococcus aureus from Synovial Fluid in Suspected Septic Arthritis

Direct plating of synovial fluid (SF) on agar-based media often fails to identify pathogens in septic arthritis (SA). We developed a PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of Kingella kingae and Staphylococcus aureus from SF to evaluate molecular detection in SF and to estimate the incidence of K. kingae in SA in North America. The assay was based on detection of the cpn60 gene of K. kingae and the spa gene of S. aureus in multiplex real-time PCR. K. kingae was identified in 50% of patients between 0 and 5 yr of age (n=6) but not in any patients >18 yr old (n=105). Direct plating of SF on agar-based media failed to detect K. kingae in all samples. The PCR assay was inferior to the culture-based method for S. aureus, detecting only 50% of culture-positive cases. Our findings suggest that K. kingae is a common pathogen in pediatric SA in North America, in agreement with previous reports from Europe. PCR-based assays for the detection of K. kingae may be considered in children with SA, especially in those with a high degree of clinical suspicion.
Information Literacy Program Development for ESL Classes in a Community College

Abstract At Pima Community College' Downtown Campus, the ESL lead faculty, library intern and librarian collaborated to create a comprehensive, progressive information literacy curriculum, based upon principles and best practices in both Second Language Acquisition Theory and the Information Literacy Competency Standards for a suite of ESL courses. The collaboration resulted in the development of a matrix, which tied specific skills to goals and desired outcomes, and served as a framework to generate specific information literacy curricula. A review of the ESL bibliographic instruction professional literature resulted in the application of some “best practices” gleaned from the articles.
Washington Irving's Rip Van Winkle: A Dangerous Critique of a New Nation

With the 1819 publication of Rip Van Winkle, Washington Irving presents a dangerous fiction during an age when the reading public still considered fiction dangerous. Novels and stories might excite...
Phase Change in Liquid Face Seals II—Isothermal and Adiabatic Bounds With Real Fluids

Analytical studies of phase change effects in parallel and tapered liquid face seals are presented. An isothermal and adiabatic model of low Reynolds number flow are considered by numerical integration of the descriptive equations for a real fluid, and its thermodynamic properties are calculated for each step, using a computer program for the steam tables or fluid thermodynamic properties. It was shown that for low leakage rate the isothermal model is more accurate and for high leakage rates the adiabatic model is more accurate; that both models yield the same conclusions regarding stability; and that the transient of collapse is described by the adiabatic model which predicts a catastrophic collapse and then either failure or explosive return to a larger film thickness value. Finally, it is shown that converging seals may become unstable and the mass leakage rate is reduced significantly below the all liquid value when boiling occurs.
Spontaneous Reduction of a Low-Spin Fe(III) Complex of a Neutral Pentadentate N5 Schiff Base Ligand to the Corresponding Fe(II) Species in Acetonitrile

The iron complexes of a designed pentadentate Schiff base ligand N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine-N-ethyl-2-pyridine-2-aldimine (SBPy3) have been synthesized. The low-spin mononuclear Fe(III) complex [(SBPy3)Fe(DMF)](ClO4)3 (2), though stable in the solid state, is spontaneously reduced to the corresponding Fe(II) species [(SBPy3)Fe(MeCN)]2+ in MeCN. Fe(II) complex [(SBPy3)Fe(MeCN)](BF4)2 (3) has been isolated independently and characterized by crystallography. Electrochemical studies indicate that SBPy3, like other pentadentate polypyridine ligands, stabilizes the Fe(II) center to a great extent (E1/2 = 1.01 V vs SCE in MeCN). This fact is responsible for the ready reduction of 2. It is evident that such reactivity has brought complications in the syntheses of iron complexes of polypyridine ligands reported in previous accounts. Very low solubility of 2 in MeOH has allowed isolation of analytically pure 2 in the present work. Storage of dilute methanolic solution of 2 results in the formation of the μ-oxo F...
Quantitative sphingosine measurement as a surrogate for total ceramide concentration-preclinical and potential translational applications

Biomarkers are an increasingly important constituent of the drug development process, offering the potential of increased efficiency through reduced compound attrition and earlier proof of mechanism and/or efficacy. Assays developed for compound screening that can be directly translated for clinical trials are especially valuable, but their successful adoption requires a careful balance between assay performance and implementation costs. One such 'fit-for-purpose' biomarker assay, the indirect measurement of pharmacological modulation of sphingolipid biosynthesis and disposition, is presented here. Among sphingolipids, numerous ceramide species are readily detectable in different lipoprotein fractions of mammalian plasma, but their parallel quantification can be prohibitively expensive and time consuming. Ceramides differ in their fatty acid moiety, which is readily removed by hydrolysis, yielding a common sphingosine derivative, the measurement of which serves as an indicator of total ceramide. When followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for detection, robust analyte quantification becomes relatively straightforward. The practical utility of a method developed to be fit for the purpose of rapidly and quantitatively measuring treatment-induced variations in total ceramide from hamster plasma and individual lipoprotein fractions is described. With a linear calibration range from 0.003 to 33.4 microm sphingosine, precision and accuracy error in plasma-based quality controls spiked with ceramides was less than 15%. The specificity of the assay for ceramides was also assessed. The simplicity of the method would allow for its potential translation to other preclinical species, as well as for clinical applications in later-stage drug development.
Boredom proneness and emotion regulation predict emotional eating

Emotional eating is considered a risk factor for eating disorders and an important contributor to obesity and its associated health problems. It has been suggested that boredom may be an important contributor to overeating, but has received relatively little attention. A sample of 552 college students was surveyed. Linear regression analyses found that proneness to boredom and difficulties in emotion regulation simultaneously predicted inappropriate eating behavior, including eating in response to boredom, other negative emotions, and external cues. The unique contributions of these variables to emotional eating were discussed. These findings help to further identify which individuals could be at risk for emotional eating and potentially for unhealthy weight gain.
Undetectable thyroglobulin after total thyroidectomy in patients with low- and intermediate-risk papillary thyroid cancer— is there a need for radioactive iodine therapy?

Background The efficacy of radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) in patients who have an undetectable thyroglobulin (Tg) level after total thyroidectomy in well-differentiated papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is questionable. The objectives of this study were to report the risk of recurrence in patients with PTC who had an undetectable Tg level after total thyroidectomy managed with postoperative RAI and without RAI. Methods After approval by the institutional review board, 751 consecutive patients who had total thyroidectomy for PTC as well as postoperative Tg measurement were identified from our institutional database of 1163 patients treated for well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between 1999 and 2005. Of these, 424 patients had an undetectable postoperative Tg (defined as a Tg Results In the low-risk group ( n = 80), 35 patients received postoperative RAI and 45 did not. Comparison of patient and tumor characteristics showed patients treated without RAI were more likely to have T1 tumors (82% vs 60%, P = .027). There were no disease-specific deaths in either group. There was 1 neck recurrence in the group that did not receive RAI. Patients managed without RAI had a similar RFS to patients managed with RAI (96% vs 100%, P = .337). In the intermediate risk group ( n = 218), 135 were managed with RAI and 83 without. Comparison of patient and tumor characteristics showed patients managed without RAI were more likely to be older patients (≥45 years: 90% vs 39%, P P P P = .234). Conclusion Select low- and intermediate-risk group patients who have undetectable Tg after total thyroidectomy for PTC can be managed safely without adjuvant RAI with no increase in risk of recurrence.
The effects of phosphate on the biomineralization of the green alga, Halimeda incrassata (Ellis) Lam.

article i nfo Field surveys indicated that individuals of Halimeda incrassata (Ellis) Lamouroux, a rhizophytic alga, were significantly more mineralized when collected from phosphate-limited carbonate sediments of the Florida Keys than those collected from siliciclastic sediments at Tarpon Springs on the west coast of Florida. Results from field experiments in Tarpon Springs, which compared growth of H. incrassata in enriched conditions to unmanipulated controls, indicated that biomineralization of new growth was significantly lower when phosphate was added to plots. After 18 days in a tank culture experiment, newly produced segments of H. incrassata grown in 20 µM phosphate showed a significant decrease in mineralization compared to the new growth in control tanks. Phosphate enrichment also led to a non-significant increase in segment mortality and a significant decrease in amountof newgrowth. Results fromthe surveyand experimental studies suggest that biomineralization of H. incrassata is negatively impacted by elevated phosphate levels.
Continuous signature monitoring: low-cost concurrent detection of processor control errors

A low-cost approach to concurrent detection of processor control errors is presented that uses a simple hardware monitor and signatures embedded into the executing program. Existing signature-monitoring techniques detect a large portion of processor control errors at a fraction of the cost of duplication. Analytical methods developed in this study show that the new approach, continuous signature monitoring (CSM), makes major advances beyond existing techniques. CSM reduces the fraction of undetected control-flow errors by orders of magnitude, to less than 10/sup -6/, while the number of signatures reaches a theoretical minimum, being lowered by as much as three times to a range of 4-11%. Signature cost is reduced by placing CSM signatures at locations that minimize performance loss and (for some architectures) memory overhead. CSM exploits the program memory's SEC/DED code to decrease error-detection latency by as much as 1000 times, to 0.016 program memory cycles, without increasing memory overhead. This short latency allows transient faults to be tolerated. >
Mm-wave motion tracking system using beamforming antennas

In this paper we analyze the benefit of using beamforming arrays as opposed to using omnidirectional antennas as the receiving antennas of motion tracking systems. A 60 GHz carrier-based ultra-wide band positioning system for the simultaneous location of diverse markers is considered. Two targets simultaneously moving in a realistic indoor environment are tracked using both antenna systems. Results show that the tracking precision is greatly improved with the use of beamforming arrays meanwhile for omnidirectional antennas the error is in the range of meters.
KNUT WICKSELL: REAL BUSINESS CYCLE THEORIST

This essay argues that Knut Wicksell's trade cycle theory was an older version of real business cycle theory. Wicksell and modern real business cycle theorists both view technology shocks as the initial cause of business cycles. They also both explain money-income correlations as examples of reverse causality. However, Wicksell's analysis of credit market disequilibrium serving as a 'propagation mechanism' in his theory differentiates his analysis from that of modern real business cycle theory. Copyright 1993 by Scottish Economic Society.
Extended tuning range integrated receivers with grating-assisted codirectional coupler optical filters

In recent years, there has been continuous interest in developing tunable receivers for wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) systems. A direct-detection receiver with a combination of an optical preamplifier and an optical filter offers possible high sensitivity and selectivity. In this paper, we report on an InP/InGaAsP widely tunable receiver, which integrates a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), a tunable two-stage grating-assisted codirectional coupler (GACC) optical filter, and a waveguide photodetector. The integrated device can be continuously tuned for a 45-nm wavelength range, however, side-lobes are higher than desired. With suitable tapering in the GACC sections, it is predicted that the side-lobes of the integrated device can be depressed to be as low as -50 dB.
Modeling data envelopment analysis (DEA) efficient location/allocation decisions

Many types of facility location/allocation models have been developed to find optimal spatial patterns with respect to various location criteria that include cost, time, coverage, and access among others. In this paper we develop and test location modeling formulations that utilize data envelopment analysis (DEA) efficiency measures to find optimal and efficient facility location/allocation patterns. We believe that solving for the DEA efficiency measure, simultaneously with other location modeling objectives, provides a promising rich approach to multiobjective location problems.
The Contextual Effects of Race on White Voter Behavior: The 1989 New York City Mayoral Election

This analysis brings together two long-standing research traditions in political science. One tradition, beginning with Key (1949), focuses on the negative reaction white voters exhibit when located in areas of relatively higher levels of black voter density as measured at the county and/or state level. The second tradition, which can be traced back to Tingsten (1963) and Berelson, Lazarsfeld, and McPhee (1954), illustrates how the immediate social context within which voters find themselves exerts a positive influence on their electoral behavior. This study links these two traditions by examining the effect of black density at the local level on white voter behavior. The analysis finds that the level of black voter density at the local level positively influences the probability that a white voter in that locale will vote for a black candidate. The implications of this finding are discussed in the conclusion.
Improving Redundancy of Two-Girder Bridges

As the U.S. bridge inventory ages and traffic volumes increase, state highway departments are spending more on maintaining their current structures to extend the service life of the current bridge inventory. This includes two-girder bridges that are currently classified as fracture critical and nonredundant. Because of increased inspection costs associated with these fracture-critical bridges, many state highway departments are electing to evaluate alternate load paths and implement retrofit methods on existing bridge structures to avoid bridge replacement. Significant improvements to member and system redundancy can be achieved by using relatively straightforward retrofit methods and materials. Implementation of web reinforcement plate retrofits is discussed as a possible technique to improve redundancy and reduce the fracture potential of two-girder bridge structures. In each of two presented case studies, the bridge owner selected the design criteria of the redundancy retrofit (such as fracture environment, postfracture capacity, and postfracture performance). The industry lacks a clear, objective, and quantifiable definition of redundancy, and there is no rational minimum benchmark that can be quantified in the design standards.
LCAP2--Linear controls analysis program

The computer program LCAP2 (Linear Controls Analysis Program) provides the analyst with the capability to numerically perform classical linear control analysis techniques such as transfer function manipulation, transfer function evaluation, frequency response, root locus, time response and sampled-data transforms. It is able to deal with continuous and sampled-data systems, including multiloop multirate digital systems, using s, z and w transforms. This program has been used extensively for years at the Aerospace Corporation in the analysis and design of satellite and launch vehicle control systems.
Relationship of prospective memory to neuropsychological function and antiretroviral adherence.

Prospective memory is defined as the ability to “remember to remember” something at a future time despite intervening distractions and may be particularly important in remembering to take prescribed medication among people infected with HIV. Ninety-seven HIV-positive participants in a clinical trial had their adherence measured by electronic pillcaps and were administered neuropsychological screening tests and the memory for intentions screening test (MIST). Factor analysis of the MIST and other neuropsychological measures identified four factors. Two were derived from MIST subscales and accounted for approximately 50% of the variance in cognitive functioning. Only one factor was significantly correlated with adherence, and this was a MIST factor. In this preliminary study, the MIST assessed a memory function that (a) could be distinguished from traditional retrospective recall and executive functioning and (b) was correlated with antiretroviral adherence.
Portfolio Pumping in Singapore: Myth or Reality?

A 2004 case involving portfolio pumping led to the successful prosecution of a fund manager in Singapore in 2010. Relative to the prominent profile of the fund manager and the size of the AUM (Assets under management) under his charge, the amount of fines doled out was not significant. The signaling effect on the industry towards improving market integrity is therefore unknown. Against this background and together with the availability of hard to come by tick by tick equity market transaction data from the Singapore Exchange, we commenced a quantitative enquiry to examine the bourse’s degree of portfolio pumping activity before and after the legal prosecution and regulatory events.During the process, we also attempted to understand whether the existing regulatory framework is effective in dealing with such activities. Portfolio pumping (also known as marking the close) occurs when the price of a stock is bid up artificially at the end of the day (typically at quarter ends), and thereafter reverts down to its market equilibrium level the following day. Our findings found excess returns at the year ends, however it did not find evidence that these were due to portfolio pumping activities. The study also found limited evidence of window dressing activities (window dressing occurs when poor-performing stocks in the portfolio are sold and replaced with well-performing stocks. This typically occurs at the end of the year in an effort to paint a favorable picture of the fund manager’s portfolio when it is published in the annual report). We suspect that these results were due to the combination of the signaling effects of enforcement actions and relevant reforms in the regulatory framework, making portfolio pumping activity an expensive affair. The study also identified common characteristics of Singapore-listed companies that might merit further analysis.
13) C mannitol as a novel biomarker for measurement of intestinal permeability.

Background Gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI disorders are associated with altered intestinal permeability, which can be measured in vivo by urinary excretion after oral lactulose and mannitol ingestion. Inadvertent dietary consumption of (12) Carbon ((12) C, regular) mannitol in food or from other sources may interfere with the test's interpretation. (13) Carbon ((13) C) constitutes 1% of carbon in nature and (13) C mannitol is a stable isotope. Our aim was to determine the performance of (13) C mannitol for measurement of intestinal permeability. Methods Ten healthy volunteers underwent intestinal permeability assay using coadministered (12) C mannitol, (13) C mannitol and lactulose, followed by timed urine collections. Urinary sugar concentrations were measured using tandem high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Key results We found that (13) C mannitol can be distinguishable from (12) C mannitol on tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, (13) C mannitol had ~20-fold lower baseline contamination compared to (12) C mannitol. We describe here the (13) C mannitol assay method for the measurement of intestinal permeability. Conclusions & inferences In conclusion, (13) C mannitol is superior to (12) C mannitol for measurement of intestinal permeability. It avoids issues with baseline contamination and erratic excretions during the testing period.
Primary Versus Metastatic Cancer: Gene Expression Profiling

Accurate identification of the primary site of a cancer is important to predict prognosis and select appropriate therapy. Approximately 10%–15% of cancers initially present as metastases to solid organs, body cavities, or lymph nodes. However, the primary site of the metastatic cancer is not always clinically apparent. About 3%–5% of all cancers are carcinomas of unknown primary, making this type of tumor one of the 10 most frequent cancers in the world.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Even with autopsy, in a series published in 2005 by Al-Brahim et al., a primary site was identified in only 51% of 53 cases of metastatic cancer of unknown origin.9
Suppressive Soils to Bacterial Wilt of Tobacco in Japan and Population Dynamics of Pseudomonas solanacearum in These Soils

We demonstrated that there were suppressive soils to bacterial wilt in tobacco fields in Japan. Two hundred sixteen soil samples from tobacco fields in Japan were screened for suppression against bacterial wilt of tobacco caused by Pseudomonas solanacearum by planting tobacco seedlings in these soils and inoculating them with P. solanacearum in a greenhouse. Disease incidence in nine soils was significantly lower than that in conducive soils. Five of these soils were sedimentary soils and four were volcanic soils. Eight of the nine soils were classified as loamy soils, the other was classified as sandy. When P. solanacearum was added to these soils, the population in the eight suppressive loamy soils decreased slightly, whereas the population in the suppressive sandy soil decreased drastically. The results indicate that suppressiveness is found in a wide variety of soils and that the suppressive soils in Japan can be divided into two groups based on the survival of the pathogen.
Solubility of CO2, N2, and CO2 + N2 Gas Mixtures in Isooctane

The solubility of CO2 in isooctane at 270.8 K, 275.0 K, and 282.5 K and at pressures from (1.46 to 3.64) MPa and the solubility of N2 in isooctane at 269.9 K, 274.5 K, and 282.3 K and at pressures from (2.70 to 9.45) MPa were measured. The solubility of CO2 in isooctane is one order of magnitude greater than that in water at the same conditions. Temperature has no significant effect on the solubility of N2 in isooctane. The equilibrium compositions of CO2 and N2 binary mixtures in isooctane at 273.8 K and at a CO2 mole fraction range of (0.079 to 0.675) in the gas phase were also determined. The selectivity of CO2 over N2 in isooctane ranges from (7.2 to 14.6) at 273.8 K.
Effectiveness of Larval Defenses Against Spider Predation in Cranberry Ecosystems

Two laboratory experiments, a choice test and observations of individual spider-larva interactions, were conducted to determine how the morphological or behavioral defenses, or both, of larvae may affect spider predation success for 2 genera of spiders [Pardosa (Lycosidae), and Habronattus (Salticidae)] commonly found in Massachusetts cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton, ecosystems. Four species of pest larvae with different potential defenses were offered as prey: a spanworm, Ematurga amitaria Guenee (Lepidoptera: Geometridae); a sawfly, Pristophora idiota Norton (Hymenoptera: Tenthridinae); gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae); and a fruitworm, Sparganothis sulfureana Clemens (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). In the choice tests, E. amitaria larvae were killed significantly more often than either P. idiota or S. sulfureana larvae. No L. dispar larvae were killed in either experiment, and observations suggested that the long setae of the L. dispar larvae provided defense against spider attack. Observations revealed that behavioral and morphological crypsis was a more effective defense than thrashing and regurgitating when E. amitaria larvae were encountered by either genera of spider and also suggested the presence of a chemical defense(s) in P. idiota larvae. Construction of a retreat in cranberry foliage and wriggling movements by S. sulfureana larvae were highly effective in deterring salticid predation. We conclude that the defensive mechanisms possessed by these larvae may effectively influence prey selection and significantly limit predation by spiders in the cranberry agroecosystem.
Detoxification of meningococcal endotoxin by polymyxin B.

To the Editor?Baldwin et al. [1] describe the failure of polymyxin B to detoxify meningococcal endotoxin, either in rabbits or in vitro using the limulus assay. In contrast, Escherichia coli endotoxin was neutralized in both systems. A single preparation of meningococcal endotoxic lipooligosaccharide was used for their experiments. Although I have not studied this issue extensively, I did find, some years ago, that polymyxin effected a sharp reduction in limulus assay activity in the diluted broth culture supernatant of a meningococcal strain isolated from the spinal fluid of a patient with meningitis [2]. Activity was decreased 30-fold in the presence of 1.0 /ig of polymyxin/mL and 10,000-fold with 10 /ig of polymyxin/mL. In unpublished experiments, it was also possible to sharply decrease limulus assay activity of diluted spinal fluid from another patient with meningococcal meningitis with the addition of polymyxin directly to the fluid. It seems best to conclude that the interaction of polymyxin with meningococcal endotoxin needs further study in order to better understand these conflicting data.
Theoretical and Simulation Study on High Accuracy FFT Algorithm for tanδ Monitoring

In on-line monitoring tanδ of power equipment,the harmonic analysis based on conventional FFT brings significant errors because of the truncation of power frequency signal and unsynchronized sampling sequence.In this paper,the window and interpolation algorithm is derived,and a practical interpolation formula with Blackman-Harris window is proposed.For the unsynchronized sampling sequence caused by frequency fluctuation of power system,the simulation is performed via MATLAB code on the conventional FFT algorithm the interpolation algorithm with Blackman window,and the interpolation algorithm with Blackman-Harris window,respectively.The simulation results show that the interpolation algorithm with Blackman-Harris window can effectively reduce the measurement error and increase the precision,which satisfies the requirement for on-line monitoring tanδ of power equipment.
Sequence strata of the platform edge in the Changxing and Feixianguan formations in the Yuanba area,northeastern Sichuan Basin and their control on reservoirs

Based on the observation of outcrops and cores as well as on the interpretation of well-log and seismic data,the present paper studied sequence strata of the Changxing and Feixianguan formations in the Yuanba area,and recognized sequence boundaries and system tract boundaries.The Changxing and Feixianguan formations could be divided into four third-order sequences,namely SQ1,SQ2,SQ3 and SQ4.The comprehensive study on the reservoirs and sequences indicated that ① the distribution of reservoirs was clearly controlled by the system tract of the third-order sequence and sedimentary facies;② reservoirs were mainly distributed in high stand system tracts of the SQ1,SQ2 and SQ3 sequences,which were composed of shallow-shoal facies and reef-shoal facies of the platform edge;③ reservoirs in the Changxing Formation were lithologically dominated by bioclastic dolomites and bioclastic limestones with good physical property,while reservoirs in the Feixianguan Formation were mainly composed of oosparites with medium physical property.
Salivary Gland Neoplasms in Children

Salivary gland neoplasms in children represent an uncommon entity. However, the presence of such a tumor demands an accurate diagnostic evaluation in view of the commonplace occurrence of malignancy. Observation of fluctuant masses and surgical resection of firm masses are the recommended principles of management, with the majority of these neoplasms having a favorable prognosis.
How Thymocytes Achieve Their Fate.

One of the central principles of adaptive immunity is the subdivision of T lymphocytes into functionally distinct subsets. Although multiple T cell subsets were shown in recent years to emerge from the thymus, most mature T cells consist of MHC class II (MHC II)–restricted CD4+ T helper cells and
Sociocultural construction of food ways in low-income Mexican-American women with diabetes: a qualitative study

Aims and objectives The aim of the study was to explore how low-income Hispanic women, with at least 10 years of having type 2 diabetes, successfully manage the disease within a sociocultural context, especially in relation to foodways. Background Managing type 2 diabetes is challenging, particularly for underserved populations such as low-income Hispanic women. This population segment has higher rates of type 2 diabetes, diabetes-related complications, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles than the general U.S. population. Dietary management is a critical aspect of diabetes care, but it is perhaps the most difficult health behaviour to modify. Design A qualitative and ethnographically based study was used. Methods Participant observation and individual interviews explored the interrelationships of culture, food habits and type 2 diabetes among 12 low-income Hispanic women residing in an impoverished rural community located on the Texas-Mexico border. Results Hispanic women used unique strategies to adjust their diet, particularly portion control; for example, they emphasised the ‘use of the fork’, based on the notion that Hispanic finger foods are less healthy. Women categorised foods as bad or acceptable, depending on the context, such as important family or social gatherings. Those with years of diabetes experience confidently took charge of the disease based on knowledge of their bodies and a desire to avoid complications, while acknowledging brief infractions of dietary ‘rules’ and balancing various social roles and expectations. Conclusions Hispanic women manage their type 2 diabetes within a sociocultural environment. Those with expertise make changes in how they eat to care for their diabetes, but also continue to maintain traditional foodways. Relevance to clinical practice Foodways are critical to most cultural groups and modifying dietary behaviours can be challenging. Clinicians must develop self-management guidance within the sociocultural context of the patient if diabetes outcomes are to improve and be sustained.
Appropriating the Recent Past: Meaning-Making Processes through Time

Maracana. If you ask any Uruguayan youth about the events of Maracana, anyone will most likely be able to answer what it means. The intergenerational transmission of the narrative of the 1950 soccer World Cup victory has been passed on for several generations. This narrative centers on how the Uruguayan national team was able to overcome incredible difficulties in order to win against Brazil in Brazil. The Brazilian team was the favorite to win, being on its own ground and with 250,000 fans cheering, and having defeated all their rivals in previous games in huge upsets (e.g., Spain lost against them, 6–1). The Uruguayan team were the underdogs, but they played to win. The team captain, Obdulio Varela, coined a phrase then that is still remembered today, “los de afuera son de palo” [those outside are made of wood], meaning that the team had to ignore the loud cheers of Brazilian fans, and the comments of all experts who went against them — to focus on winning. After a heroic game that ended with Uruguay’s victory, 2-1 over Brazil, the narrative of the “garra charrua”1 [Charrua’s-go-get-it attitude] was constructed. This narrative highlights team spirit and the desire to win, as well as the courage and fearlessness of the players. The Maracana narrative contributes to a national identity construction where Uruguayans see themselves as confident, brave, and hopeful in the face of adversity.
Introducing the Study

The purpose of this book is threefold. Firstly, I examine the methodologies that other researchers use to study college-level classes for enhanced learning using technology and collaborative strategies. Secondly, I share my learning from an action research study I conducted in my undergraduate-level General Biochemistry I class. The impetus for this study was my goal of becoming a better teacher. Thirdly, I put forth ideas for other college faculty, who are grappling with improving the learning environment in their science classrooms, and who may identify with my experiences and learn from my action research study.
Determining Survey Satisficing of Online Longitudinal Survey Data in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study: A Group-Based Trajectory Analysis

Background: Survey satisficing occurs when participants respond to survey questions rapidly without carefully reading or comprehending them. Studies have demonstrated the occurrence of survey satisficing, which can degrade survey quality, particularly in longitudinal studies. Objective: The aim of this study is to use a group-based trajectory analysis method to identify satisficers when similar survey questions were asked periodically in a long-standing cohort, and to examine factors associated with satisficing in the surveys having sensitive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related behavioral questions. Methods: Behavioral data were collected semiannually online at all four sites of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) from October 2008 through March 2013. Based on the start and end times, and the word counts per variable, response speed (word counts per second) for each participant visit was calculated. Two-step group-based trajectory analyses of the response speed across 9 study visits were performed to identify potential survey satisficing. Generalized linear models with repeated measures were used to investigate the factors associated with satisficing on HIV-related behavioral surveys. Results: Among the total 2138 male participants, the median baseline age was 51 years (interquartile range, 45-58); most of the participants were non-Hispanic white (62.72%, 1341/2138) and college graduates (46.59%, 996/2138), and half were HIV seropositive (50.00%, 1069/2138). A total of 543 men (25.40%, 543/2138) were considered potential satisficers with respect to their increased trajectory tendency of response speed. In the multivariate analysis, being 10 years older at the baseline visit increased the odds of satisficing by 44% (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.27-1.62, P<.001). Compared with the non-Hispanic white participants, non-Hispanic black participants were 122% more likely to satisfice the HIV-related behavioral survey (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.69-2.91, P<.001), and 99% more likely to do so for the other race/ethnicity group (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.39-2.83, P<.001). Participants with a high school degree or less were 67% more likely to satisfice the survey (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.26-2.21, P<.001) compared with those with a college degree. Having more than one sex partner and using more than one recreational drug reduced the odds of satisficing by 24% (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61-0.94, P=.013) and 28% (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.55-0.93, P=.013), respectively. No statistically significant association of HIV serostatus with satisficing was observed. Conclusions: Using a group-based trajectory analysis method, we could identify consistent satisficing on HIV-related behavioral surveys among participants in the MACS, which was associated with being older, being non-white, and having a lower education level; however, there was no significant difference by HIV serostatus. Methods to minimize satisficing using longitudinal survey data are warranted. [JMIR Public Health Surveill 2016;2(2):e150]
A Contemporary Citation Analysis of Geography Education Journals: 2009–2015

ABSTRACTThis study examined the flow of citations from 713 documents emanating from ten geography education journals from 2009 to 2011. The citations generated from these articles were tracked within and between this set of journals from 2009 through 2015. Our searches found 1,067 citations, or an average of 1.5 citations per article. After excluding self-citations, the remaining citations (33.6 percent) filtered out into other geography education journals and were classified into three groups: splash, wave, and ripple. Although the Journal of Geography in Higher Education generated the largest in-degree count, it shared the lead with the International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education with seven undirected links. Three journals had six edges each, but only the Journal of Geography operated at the splash level of citation activity. The greatest volume of citation exchange occurred between the Journal of Geography in Higher Education and Journal of Geography, with the former sending thir...
Characteristics of brief sticky mittens training that lead to increases in object exploration.

Abstract The onset of independent prehension marks the beginning of infants’ direct interaction with the physical world. The success infants have in contacting objects with their hands and arms can have both visual and auditory consequences; objects may move and collide with other objects or fall onto table surfaces. Seeing and hearing these events could have important consequences for infants’ learning about objects and their subsequent behavior toward objects. The current research assessed the effects of brief object manipulation experiences and how a specific characteristic of training, auditory feedback produced by hard plastic toys colliding with a tabletop surface, affects pre-reaching infants’ subsequent object exploration. In Experiment 1, infants participated in either active “sticky” mittens training or passive “nonsticky” mittens training with a set of toys; before and after this experience, infants explored a teether. Results showed that infants participating in active training increased looking toward and sustained touching of the teether from pre- to post-training, whereas infants receiving passive training decreased their looking toward and touching of the teether following training. To investigate whether infants’ exploration behaviors were related to the amount of auditory feedback produced by the objects during training, in Experiment 2 data were collected from infants who received active sticky mittens training that had either more or less auditory feedback potential. Results showed more robust increases in infants’ exploratory activity from pre- to post-training in the more auditory feedback condition compared with infants’ exploratory activity in the less auditory feedback condition. These findings support the idea that active control of objects, including experiencing contingent feedback through multiple sensory modalities, promotes the development of object exploration during early infancy.
Perceived discrimination and drug involvement among black primary care patients who use drugs

Perceived discrimination has been associated with disparities for Black patients on a variety of health outcomes. Studies have suggested that perceived discrimination is associated with drug use in Blacks, but they have been limited by use of samples with little drug use and single measures of drug involvement. The current study examined the association between perceived discrimination and multiple measures of drug involvement among a sample of 203 Black adult primary care patients who were participants in a randomized trial of screening and brief intervention for drug use. The main independent variable was everyday perceived discrimination. The three outcomes were frequency of drug use in the past ninety days, drug-related consequences, and total drug involvement risk severity score from the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Test [ASSIST]. Analyses were conducted using negative binomial regression models for frequency and consequence outcomes and median regression models for drug involvement risk. Greater perceived discrimination was not significantly associated with frequency of use, but was associated with more drug-related consequences and a higher drug use risk level. These findings suggest that perceived discrimination may be an important variable to consider when selecting drug intervention approaches for Black primary care patients.
What kind of information is brain information

Neural systems process information. This platitude contains an interesting ambiguity between multiple senses of the term “information.” According to a popular thought, the ambiguity is best resolved by reserving semantic concepts of information for the explication of neural activity at a high level of organization, and quantitative concepts of information for the explication of neural activity at a low level of organization. This article articulates the justification behind this view, and concludes that it is an oversimplification. An analysis of the meaning of claims about Shannon information rates in the spiking activity of neurons is then developed. On the basis of that analysis, it is shown that quantitative conceptions of information are more intertwined with semantic concepts than they seem to be, and, partially for that reason, are also more philosophically interesting.
Spatial Analysis of Warehouses and Distribution Centers in Southern California

This paper analyzes the concentration of warehouses and distribution centers (W&DCs) in five counties in Southern California between 1998 and 2014, and it explores spatial relationships between W&DCs and other industry sectors through centrographic and econometric modeling techniques. Furthermore, the authors estimate factors that explain the concentration of W&DCs in the area. The analyses used aggregate establishment, employment, and other socioeconomic data for different industries, complemented with transportation-related variables. The results confirm the existence of logistics sprawl, although the analyses indicate that this trend did not continue to increase after 2007. Additional results follow: (a) W&DCs showed a lower spatial correlation compared with other industries, (b) the locations of the weighted geometric center shifted slightly differently for the W&DC industry and within its subindustries, (c) concentration levels for some subindustries were much lower than for the aggregated W&DC indus...
Measuring Undergraduates’ Innovation Capacities

This study describes the process of developing and validating an instrument that measures students’ innovation capacities as a higher education outcome. We introduce an interdisciplinary theoretical framework used to generate items and cover extant literature drawn primarily from the fields of higher education and entrepreneurship studies. We further discuss our use of latent trait theory and item response models to guide instrument development and measure scoring. We then provide the results of a second-order confirmatory factor modeling procedure, which indicated robust model fit. We close by discussing findings and offering implications for both higher education scholars and institutional researchers.
Temporal control of graphene plasmons

Electrostatic gating and optical pumping schemes enable efficient time modulation of graphene's free-carrier density, or Drude weight. We develop a theory for plasmon propagation in graphene under temporal modulation. When the modulation is on the timescale of the plasmonic period, we show that it is possible to create a backwards propagating or standing plasmon wave and to amplify plasmons. The theoretical models show very good agreement with direct Maxwell simulations.