cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The 1903 Skinner Mission: Images of Ethiopia in the Progressive Era

This essay examines the 1903 U.S. diplomatic mission to Ethiopia, which offers an unusual perspective on racial attitudes in the Progressive Era. Desirous of exploring new trade possibilities, the Theodore Roosevelt administration sent Robert P. Skinner to Addis Ababa to sign a reciprocity treaty with Emperor Menelik II. The timing of the mission had much to do with Roosevelt's global interests, but it happened to occur at a critical point for Ethiopia, which had recently thwarted an attempted Italian invasion. This victory delighted African Americans, especially those with a pan-Africanist perspective. Black Americans had long identified with the idea of Ethiopia, but they now identified with the actual nation and its leader. Black writers argued that the Ethiopians had triumphed over modern racism when they triumphed over the Italians. Those involved in Skinner's trip had a different view of the racial implications of Ethiopia's success. To them, the victory was that of a Semitic people whose triumphs were less startling. When talking about Ethiopia, black and white American observers revealed more about their own preconceptions and hopes than about the country to which the United States was making overtures.
PTSD among a treatment sample of repeat DUI offenders

Recent studies indicate that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common psychiatric comorbidities among driving-under-the-influence (DUI) offenders in treatment. Investigation of DUI offenders' PTSD and clinical characteristics could have important implications for prevention and treatment. This prospective study examined the demographic and clinical characteristics of repeat DUI offenders with PTSD symptoms at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Seven hundred twenty-nine DUI offenders admitted to a 2-week inpatient program participated in the study. Participants with PTSD evidenced more severe psychiatric comorbidity and reported a higher DUI recidivism rate at 1-year than those without PTSD. This study suggests a need to address PTSD among DUI offenders, as well as to further develop methodologies for accurately reporting DUI recidivism.
Alternative low-pressure surface chemistry of titanium tetraisopropoxide on oxidized molybdenum

Titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) is a precursor utilized in atomic layer depositions (ALDs) for the growth of TiO2. The chemistry of TTIP deposition onto a slightly oxidized molybdenum substrate was explored under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Comparison of the Ti(2p) and C(1s) peak areas has been used to determine the surface chemistry for increasing substrate temperatures. TTIP at a gas-phase temperature of 373 K reacts with a MoOx substrate at 373 K but not when the substrate is at 295 K, consistent with a reaction that proceeds via a Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism. Chemical vapor deposition was observed for depositions at 473 K, below the thermal decomposition temperature of TTIP and within the ALD temperature window, suggesting an alternative reaction pathway competitive to ALD. We propose that under conditions of low pressure and moderate substrate temperatures dehydration of the reacted precursor by nascent TiO2 becomes the dominant reaction pathway and l...
The Redemption Puzzle

Following the adoption of partial integration in 2003, there was only a modest increase in dividends during the period 2004-7, from about 300 to about 500 (if 1987 levels are set at 100). Redemptions, however, showed a remarkable increase, jumping from about the same as dividends (300) to 1,800. This, therefore, leads to a new puzzle: Why the sudden sharp increase in redemptions following 2003? Like the dividend puzzle, the redemption puzzle is susceptible to several explanations. For example, Bratton and Wachter note that managers who hold stock options tend to favor redemptions over dividends. But in this case, I believe there is also a tax explanation for the puzzle, related to the different treatment of redemptions and dividends to foreign shareholders.
Screening-level ecological and human health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in stormwater detention pond sediments of Coastal South Carolina, USA.

Abstract Screening-level ecological and human health assessments were performed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in the sediments of 19 stormwater detention ponds located in coastal South Carolina. For ecological screening benchmarks, we used threshold and probable effect concentrations (TEC and PEC) derived from consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for individual PAH analytes and equilibrium partitioning sediment benchmarks-toxic units (ΣESB-TU) derived for PAH mixtures. For human health benchmarks, we used preliminary remediation goals (PRGs). Sediments of five stormwater ponds (four commercial ponds and one residential pond with a large drainage area) exceeded PEC values for several PAH analytes and the ΣESB-TU safe value of 1 for PAH mixtures. These same five stormwater ponds also exceeded the PRG values for five carcinogenic PAH analytes. These results suggest that the PAH levels in sediments from certain commercial and residential ponds have the potential to pose moderate to high risks for adverse, chronic effects to benthic organisms in situ and an increased risk of cancer to humans ex situ following excavation and on-site disposal. We recommend that sediment from these stormwater ponds be tested prior to excavation to determine the appropriate method of disposal. We also recommend that regulatory agencies enforce guidelines for periodic sediment removal as this should reduce both in situ and ex situ risks resulting from sediment PAH exposure.
Mineralization Patterns of Dentin of Human Teeth

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUACONFIGURATIONES DE MINERALISATION IN LE DENTINA DE DENTES HUMAN.—Esseva investigate le incidentia, le location, e le morphologia del configurationes de mineralisation in dentina e lor relation al absentia o presentia de carie. Series de mollite sectiones longitudinal de dentes human esseva studiate microscopicamente. Le materiales examinate monstrava le presentia de dentina globular e/o interglobular in le grande majoritate del sectiones ab dentes tanto sin como etiam con carie. In le majoritate del sectiones plus dentina globular e interglobular esseva in le vicinitate del margines exterior del corona que in le areas central, con un predominantia del typo globular super le typo interglobular. Nulle relation specific pareva exister inter un particular configuration de mineralisation del dentina e le presentia o absentia de carie.
Supplemental dietary leucine and the skeletal muscle anabolic response to essential amino acids

Skeletal muscle protein synthesis (MPS) is regulated by a number of dietary factors, to include essential amino acids (EAAs). Leucine, a branched-chain amino acid, has been identified as a stimulator of MPS in many cell culture and animal studies. However, whether supplemental leucine exerts a unique stimulatory effect, as compared to other EAAs, on muscle anabolism in humans has not been clearly demonstrated. A recent study found no improvement in resting MPS in adults who consumed a 10 g EAA supplement providing added leucine (3.5 g leucine) when compared to a control 10 g EAA supplement (1.8 g leucine). These findings suggest that added leucine is unnecessary for the stimulation of MPS when sufficient EAAs are provided; however, the study of supplemental leucine during conditions such as endurance exercise, caloric deprivation, and ageing may be warranted.
Neurochecks as a Biomarker of the Temporal Profile and Clinical Impact of Neurologic Changes after Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Background We sought to determine whether a quantitative neurocheck biomarker could characterize the temporal pattern of early neurologic changes after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and the impact of those changes on long-term functional outcomes. Methods We enrolled cases of spontaneous ICH in a prospective observational study. Patients underwent a baseline Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assessment, then hourly neurochecks using the GCS in a neuroscience intensive care unit. We identified a period of heightened neurologic instability by analyzing the average hourly rate of GCS change over 5 days from symptom onset. We used a multivariate regression model to test whether those early GCS score changes were independently associated with 3-month outcome measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results We studied 13,025 hours of monitoring from 132 cases. The average rate of neurologic change declined from 1.0 GCS points per hour initially to a stable baseline of .1 GCS points per hour beyond 12 hours from symptom onset ( P P = .043) after adjustment for age, hematoma volume, hematoma location, initial GCS, and intraventricular hemorrhage. Conclusions Neurochecks are effective at detecting clinically important neurologic changes in the intensive care unit setting that are relevant to patients' long-term outcomes. The initial 12 hours is a period of frequent and prognostically important neurologic changes in patients with ICH.
Rituximab therapy in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis improves alveolar macrophage lipid homeostasis

Rationale: Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP) patients exhibit an acquired deficiency of biologically active granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) attributable to GM-CSF specific autoantibodies. PAP alveolar macrophages are foamy, lipid-filled cells with impaired surfactant clearance and markedly reduced expression of the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and the PPARγ-regulated ATP binding cassette (ABC) lipid transporter, ABCG1. An open label proof of concept Phase II clinical trial was conducted in PAP patients using rituximab, a chimeric murine-human monoclonal antibody directed against B lymphocyte specific antigen CD20. Rituximab treatment decreased anti-GM-CSF antibody levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and 7/9 patients completing the trial demonstrated clinical improvement as measured by arterial blood oxygenation. Objectives: This study sought to determine whether rituximab therapy would restore lipid metabolism in PAP alveolar macrophages. Methods: BAL samples were collected from patients pre- and 6-months post-rituximab infusion for evaluation of mRNA and lipid changes. Results: Mean PPARγ and ABCG1 mRNA expression increased 2.8 and 5.3-fold respectively (p ≤0.05) after treatment. Lysosomal phospholipase A2 (LPLA2) (a key enzyme in surfactant degradation) mRNA expression was severely deficient in PAP patients pre-treatment but increased 2.8-fold post-treatment. In supplemental animal studies, LPLA2 deficiency was verified in GM-CSF KO mice but was not present in macrophage-specific PPARγ KO mice compared to wild-type controls. Oil Red O intensity of PAP alveolar macrophages decreased after treatment, indicating reduced intracellular lipid while extracellular free cholesterol increased in BAL fluid. Furthermore, total protein and Surfactant protein A were significantly decreased in the BAL fluid post therapy. Conclusions: Reduction in GM-CSF autoantibodies by rituximab therapy improves alveolar macrophage lipid metabolism by increasing lipid transport and surfactant catabolism. Mechanisms may involve GM-CSF stimulation of alveolar macrophage ABCG1 and LPLA2 activities by distinct pathways.
Thermal management of mid-infrared (IR) quantum cascade lasers

Semiconductor quantum cascade lasers that emit mid-infrared light in the wavelength range of 4 to 9 μm are unipolar and the laser emission is due to intersubband transitions in a repeated stack of multiple quantum wells. The thermal management of these devices is a challenge. The overheating of the active region (referred to as ‘core’ throughout this paper) in these lasers decreases the optical power and ultimately results in laser failure. In this work, we present a detailed finite element (FE) based numerical modeling of the thermal behavior of these devices and the measurements performed to validate the models. The studies include the effect of submount material, mounting schemes such as epi-side down or epi-side up mounting and finally, the effect of core geometry on the thermal impedance. We have also looked at various core designs such as split core. We conducted various experiments to correlate the results with the numerical modeling by measuring the thermal impedance between the laser diode's core and the bottom of the substrate and measuring the temperature change within a pulse of a distributed-feedback (DFB) QCL which emits in a single longitudinal mode of narrow linewidth [11]. The temperature of the active core of a DFB QCL can be determined by measuring the lasing frequency, which changes with the temperature of the active core as: v=v 0 +svT core =v 0 +svT submount +svR th P dec , where v is the lasing wavenumber, R th is the thermal resistance, P elec is the electric power loading, and s is the thermal tuning coefficient [13]. By measuring the lasing frequency as a function of time within a pump current pulse, we can determine the temperature change, and the thermal conductance of a laser structure. In the conclusion, we provide various recommendations for efficient thermal performance of these quantum cascade lasers.
Volumes and Compliances Measured Simultaneously in the Right and Left Ventricles of the Dog

In 10 normal dogs, the right and left ventricular volumes and compliances were determined in the fresh post-mortem heart. With the use of a SigmaMotor pump, Ringer's solution at 23°C was simultaneously infused into both ventricles within an hour after death. When the ventricles were full but open to atmospheric pressure, the mean volumes were 35.8 ml/m 2 for the right and 23.1 ml/m 2 for the left ventricle; when the transmural pressure was increased by 10 mm Hg, the mean volumes were 56.9 ml/m- for the right and 41.9 ml/ m- for the left ventricle; at 20 mm Hg, the values were 60.8 and 48.5 ml/m-, respectively. The initial volumes and the increases in volume produced by increase in transmural pressure were affected by the position of the ventricular septum and by the presence of rigor mortis. With infusions into only one ventricle, right and left ventricular volumes were 20 to 74% greater at 10 mm Hg than the values when both ventricles were filled simultaneously. Compliance began to decrease 40 to 60 min after death; at 130 min after death (23°C), the change in volume when the transmural pressure was increased to 10 mm Hg was only about 1/5 of that immediately after death.
Post-traumatic stress disorder among patients with chronic pain and chronic fatigue.

Background. Fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic pain condition of unknown aetiology often develops following a traumatic event. FM has been associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression disorder (MDD). Method. Patients seen in a referral clinic (N = 571) were evaluated for FM and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) criteria. Patients completed questionnaires, and underwent a physical examination and a structured psychiatric evaluation. Critical components of the diagnostic criteria of FM (tender points and diffuse pain) and CFS (persistent debilitating fatigue and four of eight associated symptoms) were examined for their relationship with PTSD. Results. The prevalence of lifetime PTSD was 20% and lifetime MDD was 42%. Patients who had both tender points and diffuse pain had a higher prevalence of PTSD (OR=3.4, 95% CI 2.0-5.8) compared with those who had neither of these FM criteria. Stratification by MDD and adjustment for sociodemographic factors and chronic fatigue revealed that the association of PTSD with FM criteria was confined to those with MDD. Patients with MDD who met both components of the FM criteria had a three-fold increase in the prevalence of PTSD (95 % CI 1.5-7.1); conversely, FM patients without MDD showed no increase in PTSD (OR= 1.3,95 % CI 0.5-3.2). The components of the CFS criteria were not significantly associated with PTSD. Conclusion. Optimal clinical care for patients with FM should include an assessment of trauma in general, and PTSD in particular. This study highlights the importance of considering co-morbid MDD as an effect modifier in analyses that explore PTSD in patients with FM.
Using stereoscopy to teach complex biological concepts

Used effectively, stereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) technologies can engage students with complex disciplinary content as they are presented with informative representations of abstract concepts. In addition, preliminary evidence suggests that stereoscopy may enhance learning and retention in some educational settings. Biological concepts particularly benefit from this type of presentation since complex spatially oriented structures frequently define function within these systems. Viewing biological phenomena in 3D as they are in real life allows the user to relate these spatial relationships and easily grasp concepts making the key connection between structure and function. In addition, viewing these concepts interactively in 3D and in a manner that leads to increased engagement for young prospective scientists can further increase the impact. We conducted two studies evaluating the use of this technology as an instructional tool to teach high school students complex biological concepts. The first study tested the use of stereoscopic materials for teaching brain function and human anatomy to four classes. The second study evaluated stereoscopic images to support the learning of cell structure and DNA in four different high school classes. Most important, students who used stereoscopic 3D had significantly higher test scores than those who did not. In addition, students reported enjoying 3D presentations, and it was among their top choices for learning about these complex concepts. In summary, our evidence adds further support for the benefits of 3D images to students' learning of science concepts.
Cooperativity between the β-tubulin carboxy tail and the body of the molecule is required for microtubule function

Using Drosophila spermatogenesis as a model, we show that function of the β-tubulin C-terminal tail (CTT) is not independent of the body of the molecule. For optimal microtubule function, the β-tubulin CTT and body must match. β2 is the only β-tubulin used in meiosis and spermatid differentiation. β1-tubulin is used in basal bodies, but β1 cannot replace β2. However, when β1 is co-expressed with β2, both β-tubulins are equally incorporated into all microtubules, and males exhibit near wild type fertility. In contrast, co-expression of β2β1C and β1β2C, two reciprocal chimeric molecules with bodies and tails swapped, results in defects in meiosis, cytoskeletal microtubules, and axonemes; males produce few functional sperm and few or no progeny. In these experiments, all the same β-tubulin parts are present, but unlike the co-assembled native β-tubulins, the “trans” configuration of the co-assembled chimeras is poorly functional. Our data thus reveal essential intra-molecular interactions between the CTT and other parts of the β-tubulin molecule, even though the CTT is a flexible surface feature of tubulin heterodimers and microtubules. In addition, we show that Drosophila sperm tail length depends on the total tubulin pool available for axoneme assembly and spermatid elongation. D. melanogaster and other Drosophila species have extraordinarily long sperm tails, the length of which is remarkably constant in wild type flies. We show that in males of experimental genotypes that express wild type tubulins but have half the amount of the normal tubulin pool size, sperm tails are substantially shorter than wild type. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Maternal autoantibody triggers de novo T cell-mediated neonatal autoimmune disease.

Although human maternal autoantibodies may transfer transient manifestation of autoimmune disease to their progeny, some neonatal autoimmune diseases can progress, leading to the loss of tissue structure and function. In this study we document that murine maternal autoantibody transmitted to progeny can trigger de novo neonatal pathogenic autoreactive T cell response and T cell-mediated organ-specific autoimmune disease. Autoantibody to a zona pellucida 3 (ZP3) epitope was found to induce autoimmune ovarian disease (AOD) and premature ovarian failure in neonatal, but not adult, mice. Neonatal AOD did not occur in T cell-deficient pups, and the ovarian pathology was transferable by CD4+ T cells from diseased donors. Interestingly, neonatal AOD occurred only in pups exposed to ZP3 autoantibody from neonatal days 1–5, but not from day 7 or day 9. The disease susceptibility neonatal time window was not related to a propensity of neonatal ovaries to autoimmune inflammation, and it was not affected by infusion of functional adult CD4+CD25+ T cells. However, resistance to neonatal AOD in 9-day-old mice was abrogated by CD4+CD25+ T cell depletion. Finally, neonatal AOD was blocked by Ab to IgG-FcR, and interestingly, the disease was not elicited by autoantibody to a second, independent native ZP3 B cell epitope. Therefore, a new mechanism of neonatal autoimmunity is presented in which epitope-specific autoantibody stimulates de novo autoimmune pathogenic CD4+ T cell response.
Transient creeping flow around fluid spheres

A description of transient behavior of a spherical liquid drop rising or falling in a quiescent continuous field has been obtained by numerical methods. It is found that for the same disperse phase to continuous phase density ratio, the transient behavior of a liquid drop is usually intermediate between that of a gas bubble and a solid sphere. However, at the region where V/V∞ of a solid sphere is approximately equal to that of a gas bubble, the liquid drop generally has a higher value of V/V∞ than either the gas bubble or the solid sphere. For short times, behavior of a liquid drop is shown to be in agreement with that obtained from potential flow theory.
Technical roles and success of US federal laboratory-industry partnerships

Drawing from questionnaire-based data of 229 US federal laboratory-industry joint R&D projects, this research examines the composition of the technical interaction by character of the R&D performed to determine the impacts on effectiveness of the technical roles played by research partners. In addition to the particular technical roles, their number and diversity are examined, giving particular attention to the subset of projects in which the company played no technical role. Our findings show that increased technical range on the part of industry is associated with increased product development and net economic benefit. Relatively few companies are technically passive with respect to their partnerships with federal laboratories. Nevertheless, a passive role can have positive results in terms of product development and improvement. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is a disease that is heterogeneous in its presentation, potentially curable, and generally necessitating multidisciplinary management. Radiation therapy (RT) plays an important role in the management of LABC. The integration of radiation with surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes breast reconstruction can be complex. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria Breast Committee aims to provide guidance for the management of a variety of LABC cases. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria is evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is either lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.
Underascertainment of Child Maltreatment Fatalities by Death Certificates, 1990–1998

Objective. Child fatality review teams have emerged across the United States in the past decade to address the concern that systems of child protection, law enforcement, criminal justice, and medicine do not adequately assess the circumstances surrounding child fatality as a result of maltreatment. Methods. We compared data collected by a multidisciplinary child fatality review team with vital records for all children who were aged birth to 16 years and died in Colorado between January 1, 1990, and December 1, 1998. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for ascertainment by the death certificate were estimated using logistic regression. Results. Only half of the children who died as a result of maltreatment had death certificates that were coded consistently with maltreatment. Black race and female gender were associated with higher ascertainment, whereas death in a rural county was associated with lower ascertainment. Deaths resulting from violent causes (eg, shaking, blunt force trauma, striking) were more likely to be ascertained than those that involved acts of omission (eg, neglect and abandonment, drowning, fire). The most common perpetrators of maltreatment were parents. However, maltreatment by an unrelated perpetrator was 8.71 times (95% confidence interval: 3.52–21.55) more likely to be ascertained than maltreatment by a parent. Conclusions. The degree of underascertainment found in this study is of concern because most national estimates of child maltreatment fatality in the United States are derived from coding on death certificates. In addition, the patterns recognized in this study raise concern about systematic underascertainment that may affect children of specific sociodemographic groups.
A high-speed sensing scheme for 1T dynamic RAMs utilizing the clamped bit-line sense amplifier

A clamped-bit-line sense amplifier (CBLSA) capable of very high-speed operation in one-transistor (1T) DRAM applications has been developed. Results from an experimental test chip demonstrate that the speed of the new circuit is insensitive to bit-line capacitance. Circuit speed is also found to be insensitive to the initial bit-line difference voltage. The CBLSA maintains a low impedance fixed potential on the bit lines during sensing, virtually eliminating sensitivity to inter-bit-line noise coupling and minimizing power supply bounce during sensing. The new sense amplifier operates at higher speeds than conventional circuits and still dissipates less power. >
Energy, Population and the Urban Canopy: An Integrated GIScience Approach Towards Modeling Human-Environmental Interactions

This paper examines the interaction between socio-demographic characteristics (electrical energy usage, population density, and percentage of owner occupied dwellings) and the ability of these characteristics to predict urban leaf area index using ordinary least squares regression (OLS). Urban leaf area index was estimated using a combination of field work, remote sensing, and artificial neural networks, and socio-demographic data were obtained from the United States Census 2000. Results show that the independent variables statistically accounted for about 11% of observed variance in urban leaf area, underscoring the impact of socio-demographic characteristics on natural features in urban environments. Further, the study demonstrates that the interaction between built and natural environments can be effectively modeled using proxy data obtained from remote sensing platforms. The paper also shows the efficacy of using interaction terms to model human-environment interactions. Studies like this may be used by urban researchers, planners, government officials, and others to understand the demographic forces that help to shape urban environments.
Downregulation of the human taurine transporter by glucose in cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells.

In diabetes, activation of the aldose reductase (AR) pathway and alterations of glucose-sensitive signal transduction pathways have been implicated in depletion of intracellular taurine, an endogen...
Visual analytics for detecting communication patterns

Our visual analytics system that we developed as part of the 2015 VAST Challenge provided us with insights to characterize the communication patterns of visitors.
Paddle Generated Waves in Laboratory Channels

The wave field generated by single frequency and biharmonic motion of a plane paddle wavemaker is investigated theoretically and in laboratory experiments. Regardless of the detailed paddle geometry, nonlinear effects associated with the paddle boundary conditions introduce free waves which are the order of forced nonlinear corrections (Stokes type) associated with nonlinearities of the surface boundary conditions. For simple harmonic paddle motion at frequency σ, the largest free waves have frequency 2σ. For biharmonic paddle motions of frequencies σ 1 and σ 2 , additional free difference frequency (—σ 1 - σ 2 —) long waves are generated. These can resonate in a closed basin, leading to undesired modulations of breaker location and other shallow water phenomenon.
Social Security Number Assignments: Coincidental, Intentional or Urban Legend?

One can agree that the Social Security Administration does issue social security numbers for the purpose of calculating retirement, social security benefit recipients and data organization. However, three major credit bureaus use the same issued social security numbers as part of their data to assist lenders, property managers, and employers in decision making concerning the applicant. Moreover, the credit bureau agency issues credit score data based on geographical locations of the people seeking credit. Credit bureau agencies compile data in target groups and compare the controlled data to compose individual credit scores which is attached to individual social security numbers. Perhaps the even fifth digit of the social security “group number” segregation is a myth, urban legend, or coincidental. However, if this is intentional data, this data may concur with the separation of the United States born whites from other races, ethnicities, immigrants, and internationals. The data may correlate with lower credit scores and unequal lending opportunities or higher interest rates.
Collagen formation and endochondral ossification in estrogen treated mice.

SummaryThe effect of estrogen on rate of collagen synthesis and new bone formation in the mouse was investigated by high resolution autoradiographic methods. H3-proline and H3-glycine were administered on the first and seventh days, respectively, following estrogen treatment, and the mice were sacrificed at various intervals during the 24 hours following each tracer injection. The position of the radioproline label on metaphyseal tra-beculae indicated that the control bones grew in length 135 μ/day, whereas the bones from mice injected with estrogen 24 hours previously grew only 66 μ/day. Grain counts indicated that (a) uptake of the labeled amino acids by osteoblasts, and (b) subsequent transfer of the label with time after injection to surfaces of newly forming metaphyseal and endosteal bone were not affected by prior estrogen treatment. Silver grains were observed over the bone 16-24 hours after tracer administration. It was concluded that estrogen stimulates the processes which promote the differentia...
Entropy of Charge Separation in Organic Photovoltaic Cells: The Benefit of Higher Dimensionality

The role of entropy in charge separation processes is discussed with respect to the dimensionality of the organic semiconductor. In 1-D materials, the change in entropy, ΔS, plays no role, but at higher dimensions, it leads to a substantial decrease in the Coulomb barrier for charge separation. The effects of ΔS are highest in equilibrium systems but decrease and become time-dependent in illuminated organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. Higher-dimensional semiconductors have inherent advantages for charge separation, and this may be one reason that C60 and its derivatives, the only truly three-dimensional organic semiconductors yet known, play such an important role in OPV cells.
IDIOPATHIC JAUNDICE OF PREGNANCY. REPORT OF A CASE.

A case of idiopathic jaundice of pregnancy of short duration is reported in detail. This syndrome occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy, frequently is (but was not in this instance) preceded by pruritus, and is relieved by delivery. Liver function tests support biliary obstruction and militate against hepatocellular disease as the cause. The negative thymol turbidity, normal cephalin flocculation, and minimal elevation of SGPT seen in the condition quite well rule out hepatitis. A normal cholecystogram just as definitely rules out calculus disease of the biliary tree. In previous reports, mention has not been made of two pigment findings noted in histologic sections of the liver biopsy in this case. There was a mild increase in iron stain. In addition and separately in the cells was a definite increase in a golden brown or “lipochrome-like” pigment. Serum bile acid determination should be made in future cases. More than usual biliary stasis of pregnancy has been considered the etiological factor, but recent studies on the inhibition of glucuronosyl transferase by steroids seems worthy of consideration.
100 Years of Curriculum History, Theory, and Research:

This article reviews a collection of papers written by the American Educational Research Association’s first 50 presidents that deal specifically with curricular issues. It characterizes the ways in which curricula were conceptualized, implemented, and assessed, with an eye toward the epistemological and methodological framings that the authors brought to bear. The analysis reveals interesting lines of continuity as well as significant changes from 1916 until now, the Association’s centennial anniversary.
Application of ionic liquid electrolytes in rechargeable lithium battery

The great expectation is placed on the application of rechargeable lithium battery in power batteries.However,the safety issue has been paid much more attention on the rechargeable battery.The electrolyte is one of the mainly problems.It associates with the properties of the electrolyte.Ionic liquids(ILs)have exhibited excellent properties,such as wide electrochemical window,high conductivity,high thermal stability,non-volatility etc.As the green solvent,the ILs have been paid more attention by the electrochemistry.It can be used for the substitutes of the traditional organic solvents because of the nonflammable ability.Therefore,ILs as a great promising electrolyte can be used in lithium ion batteries. In this review,the application of the new-type solvent"ionic liquid"was reviewed in rechargeable batteries.The materials of the cathode or anode are mainly include carbon,Li4 Ti5 O12,LiFePO4,LiCoO2, LiNix Mny Oz,LiNix Coy Mnz Ow,and lithium-sulfur batteries etc.
Use of LC-MS/MS and Bayes' theorem to identify protein kinases that phosphorylate aquaporin-2 at Ser256.

In the renal collecting duct, binding of AVP to the V2 receptor triggers signaling changes that regulate osmotic water transport. Short-term regulation of water transport is dependent on vasopressi...
Una Mujer Ante el Cáncer de Mama en México (A Woman facing Breast Cancer in Mexico)

I´m a woman who lives with breast cancer and I´m a woman who lives with breast cancer in Mexico. Living with cancer allowed me identify the need of collective action by women to face the challenges of this illnes.
Disputed memory and the social interactive functions of remembering/forgetting expressions in Mandarin conversation

Abstract Remembering (including forgetting) is both an important cognitive process and a pervasive linguistic phenomenon. This paper focuses on a less researched phenomenon in remembrance, namely, how remembrance can be disputed by interlocutors in conversation. I show, with data from audio/video-recorded Mandarin conversations, that disputed remembering in the form of debating, augmentation, emendation, and alternation, etc. is often displayed in the service of social interaction. The types of disputed memory analyzed include (1) disputes between interlocutors with regard to a past experience; (2) selective (or contradictory) remembering by the same speaker; (3) adults disputing and elaborating on memory on behalf of children; and (4) mother–children memory disputes regarding children's past behaviors. The Mandarin data involving remembering add to the linguistically and socio-culturally diverse range of forms and functions of negative epistemic expressions.
Knowledge Gain of Pharmacy Students and Pharmacists Comparing Simulation Versus Traditional Learning Methodology

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference between education via written materials alone and written materials enhanced with hands-on simulation. METHODS: A simulation case, educational module, and assessment regarding torsades de pointes (TdP) in an adolescent patient were designed. The written educational module was given to all study participants. A total of 92 third-year pharmacy students and 26 pharmacists participated in the study. RESULTS: When approximately half of the participants had been to simulation, an anonymous assessment was given. Responses from those who had been to simulation and those who had not, and whether they had read, skimmed or not read the educational material were compared. A non-paired Student t-test compared the percentage correct and responses of individual questions between groups. Mean participant scores of those who went to simulation (70% ± 16%) were statistically significantly higher than mean scores of those who had not attended simulation (5...
Serial prenatal and postnatal MRI of dystroglycanopathy in a patient with familial B3GALNT2 mutation

The dystroglycanopathies are a heterogeneous group of conditions, with mutations in B3GALNT2 described in association with congenital muscular dystrophy. The serial prenatal MRI findings in this disorder have not been well described. We present sequential prenatal and postnatal MRI findings in a boy with compound heterozygous mutations in B3GALNT2, as well as the MRI findings of his two siblings with similar mutations. These findings provide new insight into the molecular pathogenesis and neurodevelopment of congenital muscular dystrophy.
Design and Optimization of a Compact Low-Cost Optical Particle Sizer

Direct measurements of time- and size-resolved particulate matter (PM) concentrations are of major importance in air quality studies and pollution monitoring. Low-cost, compact optical particle counters (OPCs), which provide accurate PM measurements independent of the particle complex index of refraction (CRI), can be useful in personal exposure monitoring and distributed sensor network studies applications. A methodology is presented for the optimization of the sensor design and operation parameter space aimed at reducing the effect of the CRI on particle sizing errors. The Monte Carlo numerical simulation, which utilizes Mie scattering calculations, is used to determine the optimal detector angle for the specific set of constraints described by the weighting coefficients. The optimized detector position (θ = 48°) has the lowest dependency on CRI over the entire particle size range of 0.5-10 microns. The near-forward, optimized, and perpendicular detector angles are compared experimentally using monodisperse 2 μm and 4 μm particles of silica, PSL, and alumina; the light collection cone angle is set at α = 20° in all experiments. The data agree well with the numerical results for all tested scenarios. Overall, the perpendicular detector location has the best precision and worst accuracy related to the CRI variations. The optimized detector position has the best accuracy for both silica and alumina particles. The use of low-cost components, such as laser diodes, photodiodes, miniaturized integrated electronics, and simple component layouts allows for the development of compact OPCs capable of accurately sizing PM. The number of sizing bins, sizing accuracy and precision, and other parameters of interest can be used as an input to an optimization algorithm.
Texture segmentation using Voronoi polygons

Textures are defined in terms of primitives called tokens. A texture segmentation algorithm based on the Voronoi tessellation is discussed. The algorithm first builds the Voronoi tessellation of the tokens that make up the textured image. It then computes a feature vector for each Voronoi polygon. These feature vectors are used in a probabilistic relaxation labeling on the tokens, to identify the interior and the border regions of the textures. Some experimental results are shown. >
Preventing Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Failure: Evidence-Based and Physiologically Sound Practices from Delivery Room to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Routine use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to support preterm infants with respiratory distress is an evidenced-based strategy to decrease incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. However, rates of CPAP failure remain unacceptably high in very premature neonates, who are at high risk for developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Using the GRADE framework to assess the quality of available evidence, this article reviews strategies aimed at decreasing CPAP failure, starting with delivery room interventions and followed through to system-based efforts in the neonatal intensive care unit. Despite best efforts, some very premature neonates fail CPAP. Also reviewed are predictors of CPAP failure in this vulnerable population.
Encapsulation of purple corn and blueberry extracts in alginate-pectin hydrogel particles: Impact of processing and storage parameters on encapsulation efficiency.

Abstract Purple corn (PC) and blueberry (BB) extracts were encapsulated in alginate-pectin hydrogel particles to protect anthocyanins (ACNs) from degradation. Combinations of alginate to pectin ratios at 82 to 18% and 43 to 57% and total gum concentrations (TGC) at 2.2% and 2.8% TGC were prepared to encapsulate both PC and BB ACN. The alginate-pectin hydrogel particles containing PC or BB extracts were produced by dripping solution into pH 1.2 buffer. Blueberry extract encapsulation efficiency was significantly higher than that of purple corn extract due to ACN chemical structure differences and the compatibility between the ACN structures and alginate-pectin hydrogel structure at the low pH environment. Effect of initial ACN concentration in droplets, particle shape, alginate to pectin ratio, TGC, ACN source, and curing bath conditions on encapsulation efficiency after curing (EEm) was investigated. The initial ACN concentration and particle shape didn't influence the EEm, while the alginate to pectin ratio, TGC, ACN source and the pH of the curing bath showed significant effect on the EEm. The EEm was improved from 26% to 65% for PC ACN and from 48% to 116% for BB ACN by augmenting curing bath with ACN at various concentrations. The ACN retention during storage (ARs) in hydrogel particles stored in pH 3.0 buffer was improved at low temperature and high particle weight to solution volume ratio. Higher amount of ACN was retained in the hydrogel particles when spherical particles were used. Encapsulation in hydrogel particles significantly reduced the anthocyanin photodegradation upon exposure to fluorescence light. The degradation of ACN was described with a first-order kinetics with half-life values of 630 h for encapsulated PC ACN and 58 h for PC ACN aqueous solution. Hydrogel production and subsequent storage conditions can be optimized to increase the anthocyanin delivered to human body using the low pH beverages such as fruit juices as a delivery vehicle.
Microdroplets Accelerate Ring Opening of Epoxides

The nucleophilic opening of an epoxide is a classic organic reaction that has widespread utility in both academic and industrial applications. We have studied the reaction of limonene oxide with morpholine to form 1-methyl-2-morpholino-4-(prop-1-en-2-yl) cyclohexan-1-ol in bulk solution and in electrosprayed microdroplets with a 1:1 v/v water/methanol solvent system. We find that even after 90 min at room temperature, there is no product detected by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in bulk solution whereas in room-temperature microdroplets (2–3 μm in diameter), the yield is already 0.5% in a flight time of 1 ms as observed by mass spectrometry. This constitutes a rate acceleration of ~ 105 in the microdroplet environment, if we assume that as much as 5% of product is formed in bulk after 90 min of reaction time. We examine how the reaction rate depends on droplet size, solvent composition, sheath gas pressure, and applied voltage. These factors profoundly influence the extent of reaction. This dramatic acceleration is not limited to just one system. We have also found that the nucleophilic opening of cis-stilbene oxide by morpholine is similarly accelerated. Such large acceleration factors in reaction rates suggest the use of microdroplets for ring opening of epoxides in other systems, which may have practical significance if such a procedure could be scaled.
A preference for mathematical processing outweighs the selectivity for Arabic numbers in the inferior temporal gyrus

A region in the posterior inferior temporal gyrus (ITG), referred to as the number form area (NFA, here ITG-numbers) has been implicated in the visual processing of Arabic numbers. However, it is unknown if this region is specifically involved in the visual encoding of Arabic numbers per se or in mathematical processing more broadly. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during experiments that systematically vary tasks and stimuli, we find that mathematical processing, not preference to Arabic numbers, consistently drives both mean and distributed responses in the posterior ITG. While we replicated findings of higher responses in ITG-numbers to numbers than other visual stimuli during a 1-back task, this preference to numbers was abolished when participants engaged in mathematical processing. In contrast, an ITG region (ITG-math) that showed higher responses during an adding task vs. other tasks maintained this preference for mathematical processing across a wide range of stimuli including numbers, number/letter morphs, hands, and dice. Analysis of distributed responses across an anatomically-defined posterior ITG expanse further revealed that mathematical task but not Arabic number form can be successfully and consistently decoded from these distributed responses. Together, our findings suggest that the function of neuronal regions in the posterior ITG goes beyond the specific visual processing of Arabic numbers. We hypothesize that they ascribe numerical content to the visual input, irrespective of the format of the stimulus.
Revisiting “power in the classroom”: exploring online learning and motivation to study course content

Online learning is growing in popularity among students (Allen & Seaman, 2015. Grade level: Tracking online education in the United States. Newburyport, MA: Sloan Consortium), and online course opp...
Stress Exacerbates Shooting Errors Among Police Officers

Numerous studies have demonstrated that racial bias influences the decision to fire weapons for non-police officer samples. However, little evidence exists about how these biases operate under stressful situations. We investigated police officers’ decisions to shoot Black and White targets carrying guns or objects in a computer simulation. Officers’ decisions were examined under a stressful context in which the two primary stress systems were activated and under no-stress conditions. Results revealed that under stress, officers made more errors in their shooting decisions compared to no-stress conditions. However, officers were no more likely to make errors based on target race under stress compared to no-stress. Instead, under stress as cortisol increased, officers made fewer errors with armed Black targets, suggesting that HPA activation exacerbates vigilance for threat cues. This study demonstrates the importance of examining how hot situations can influence decision making even among highly trained police officers.