cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute toxicity of butylbenzyl phthalate to shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata).

The Clean Water Act of 1971 directed the Environmental Protection Agency to establish ambient water quality criteria for several classes of elements and compounds, including phthalate esters. Multispecies acute toxicity data are required to develop these criteria. Static bioassay LC50s for butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP) for a single species of marine fish based on nominal doses range from 3 mg/L to 440 mg/L. Flow-through bioassays were used in this study of BBP with shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata). Using measured exposure concentrations, 96-hr LC50s averaged 0.51 mg/L. Effects on schooling behavior were found at 0.08 mg/L and coloration at 0.24 mg/L. Coupled with the behavioral changes, reduced brain levels of epinephrine found in surviving fish indicated that the mode of acute toxicity for BBP may be through its effects on the catecholamines of the central adrenergic nervous system.
Open-ended and Open-door Treatment Groups for Young People with Mental Illness

The concept of open-ended groups is expanded to include an open-door model (OEOD) wherein members with severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia disorders and bi-polar, can join, leave, and re-enter groups as their life circumstances dictate their availability and willingness for treatment. This model is grounded on the work of Schopler and Galinsky's (1984/2006) and Galinsky and Schopler's (1989) theses on the value and processes of open-ended groups and includes perspectives on mutual aid and group development. Groupwork with the OEOD format is illustrated with examples taken from a group of 79 participants diagnosed with first-episode schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders, 40 of who had co-occurring substance abuse. Of the 79 participants in the OEOD group program, 70 (89%) remained in treatment for the maximum of 3 years. The over-all value of group treatment for this population is reviewed along with the small number of available publications on open-ended and open-door-type groups.
Use of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 for Mandible Reconstruction

Background Microvascular osseous free tissue transfer is the standard of care for reconstructing significant mandibulectomy defects; however, this procedure can carry a significant rate of morbidit...
Higher Education Reform in the Balkans: the Bologna Process

The AVCC data also include valuable information on mode of delivery. For example, the data show that less than 17 percent of Australian offshore programs in China included a period of study in Australia. Just over 25 percent include at least some study by distance learning, while only 15 percent are offered wholly at a distance. The AVCC data give no details on enrollments. In the second Observatory report, 20 Sino-foreign education partnerships were selected for analysis, covering nine countries and six categories of activity. As would be expected, almost all activity began following the 1995 regulations, and there is evidence over time of more ambition and greater commitment on the part of joint ventures—moving from joint centers and programs to branch campuses. Both the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom and Oklahoma City University from the United States were expressly invited by the national authorities to set up operations in China, marking the first official push in this direction.
Nanocrystalline TiO2 Photocatalytic Membranes with a Hierarchical Mesoporous Multilayer Structure: Synthesis, Characterization, and Multifunction†

A novel sol–gel dip-coating process to fabricate nanocrystalline TiO2 photocatalytic membranes with a robust hierarchical mesoporous multilayer and improved performance has been studied. Various titania sols containing poly(oxyethylenesorbitan monooleate) (Tween 80) surfactant as a pore-directing agent to tailor-design the porous structure of TiO2 materials at different molar ratios of Tween 80/isopropyl alcohol/acetic acid/titanium tetraisopropoxide = R:45:6:1 have been synthesized. The sols are dip-coated on top of a homemade porous alumina substrate to fabricate TiO2/Al2O3 composite membranes, dried, and calcined, and this procedure is repeated with varying sols in succession. The resulting asymmetric mesoporous TiO2 membrane with a thickness of 0.9 μm exhibits a hierarchical change in pore diameter from 2–6, through 3–8, to 5–11 nm from the top to the bottom layer. Moreover, the corresponding porosity is incremented from 46.2, through 56.7, to 69.3 %. Compared to a repeated-coating process using a single sol, the hierarchical multilayer process improves water permeability significantly without sacrificing the organic retention and photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 membranes. The prepared TiO2 photocatalytic membrane has great potential in developing highly efficient water treatment and reuse systems, for example, decomposition of organic pollutants, inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms, physical separation of contaminants, and self-antifouling action because of its multifunctional capability.
Effects of load magnitude on diagnosing broken bar faults in induction motors using the pendulous oscillation of the rotor magnetic field orientation

The effects of load level on the ability to diagnose broken bar faults in squirrel-cage induction motors are studied in this paper. The pendulous oscillation of the rotor magnetic field orientation is implemented as a fault signature for rotor fault diagnostic purposes at steady-state operations. Moreover, the effects of load level on the low-side band component of the stator current spectrum, and associated diagnostic difficulties in this approach particularly in the presence of motor operation from pulsewidth-modulation drives, are reported as well. These investigations were performed through testing 2-hp and 5-hp induction motors over a wide range of load levels and control drives. The results of these tests and investigations demonstrate the efficacy of the pendulous oscillation signature as a diagnostic means that can be used for a wide range of motor operating conditions.
DOROTHY: enhancing bidirectional communication between a 3D programming interface and mobile robots

Dorothy is an integrated 3D/robotics educational tool created by augmenting the Alice programming environment for teaching core computing skills to students without prior programming experience. The tool provides a drag and drop interface to create graphical routines in virtual worlds; these routines are automatically translated into code to provide a real-time or offline enactment on mobile robots in the real world. This paper summarizes the key capabilities of Dorothy, and describes the contributions made to: (a) enhance the bidirectional communication between the virtual interface and robots; and (b) support multirobot collaboration. Specifically, we describe the ability to automatically revise the virtual world based on sensor data obtained from robots, creating or deleting objects in the virtual world based on their observed presence or absence in the real world. Furthermore, we describe the use of visually observed behavior of teammates for collaboration between robots when they cannot communicate with each other. Dorothy thus helps illustrate sophisticated algorithms for fundamental challenges in robotics and AI to teach advanced computing concepts, and to emphasize the importance of computing in real world applications, to beginning programmers.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is classically highlighted by a pentad of features: fever, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia purpura, transient or permanent central nervous system signs, and renal disease. The antemortem diagnosis is reliant upon the multisystem clinical signs and symptoms in conjunction with severe hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Relapse is common within the first six months after initial presentation. Laboratory findings have been generally nonspecific per se, and antemortem tissue biopsy findings are frequently unrewarding. Recently, however, unusually large multimers of the Factor VIII:Ag molecule (von Willebrand protein) have been identified in the plasma of patients with TTP who have recovered from an acute attack. This observation is very important because it may lead to essential information on the nature of the inciting event in this devastating illness. The differential diagnosis includes several multisystem disease processes such as the hemolytic uremic syndro...
Influence of Schmidt number on the fluctuations of turbulent mass transfer to a wall

Measurements are presented on the influence of Schmidt number on the frequency of the mass transfer fluctuations at a solid boundary. The shape of the spectral function is similar at all Schmidt numbers. A relation between the mass transfer fluctuations and the fluctuating velocity field can be obtained only at high frequencies. A comparison of the scale and the frequency of the mass transfer fluctuations and the velocity fluctuations suggests that the rate of mass transfer is controlled by convective motions in the flow oriented eddies described by a number of previous investigators. However, the concentration fluctuations caused by these convective motions are greatly dampened close to the wall by molecular diffusion. Thus the mass transfer fluctuations reflect only the scale and not the frequency of the convective motions in the flow oriented eddies.
CAN PLANTS STIMULATE SOIL MICROBES AND THEIR OWN NUTRIENT SUPPLY? EVIDENCE FROM A GRAZING TOLERANT GRASS

The primary source of mineral nutrients for plants is the decomposition of organic matter by soil microbes. Plants are traditionally viewed as largely passive participants in the decomposition process, incapable of directly affecting rates of decomposition significantly and primarily assimilating nutrients unused by the microbial pool. We performed a 13C pulse-chase experiment on a common grazing tolerant grass, Poa pratensis L., of Yellowstone National Park, to follow carbon flow into the soil rhizosphere and microbial biomass and the associated effects on soil N availability and plant N dynamics. Grazing promoted root exudation of carbon, which was quickly assimilated into a burgeoning microbial population in the rhizosphere of clipped plants. Moreover, these facilitating effects of defoliation on rhizospheric processes positively fed back on soil inorganic N pools, plant N uptake, leaf N content, and photosynthesis. Such findings are the first evidence, to our knowledge, that suggest (1) plants are cap...
Dynamic Load Balancing for Cluster-Based Publish/Subscribe System

In this paper we present load balancing techniques for Cluster-based pub/sub framework that include both static and dynamic load balancing. The static load balancing is done through a multi-cluster architecture for broker overlay network which is based on subscription distribution knowledge in the event space. The dynamic load balancing,on the other hand, is achieved through exploiting multiple inter-cluster and intra-cluster connections to dynamically distribute publication and subscription forwarding load among brokers during run time. Our experimental results show that the proposed load balancing techniques effectively prevent overloaded brokers without having significant effect on content dissemination efficiency.
Wideband Dual-Polarized Microstrip Patch Excited by Hook Shaped Probes

A new design of a wideband dually-polarized shorted microstrip patch antenna coupled to hook shaped probes is presented. The antenna is designed to operate around 4 GHz. The mechanisms of the shorted microstrip patch antenna provide wider impedance bandwidth over 37%. The shorted patch is smaller than the full unshorted patch. A gain around a 9-10 dBi is achieved within the bandwidth. The present design provides about 40 dB isolation level between the two ports. A stable low cross polarization level of -20 dB is obtained.
Greater insulin-mediated Akt phosphorylation concomitant with heterogeneous effects on phosphorylation of Akt substrates in soleus of calorie-restricted rats

Akt is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a key role in numerous cellular functions including metabolism, growth, protein synthesis, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. The most consistent and robust effect of moderate calorie restriction (CR; ∼60% of ad libitum, AL, food consumption) on insulin signaling in rodent muscle has been enhanced insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt (pAkt). However, there is limited knowledge regarding the mechanism for this enhancement and its consequences in predominantly slow-twitch muscle. Accordingly, in soleus muscle of 9-mo-old rats, we analyzed the effect of CR and insulin on important signaling events that are proximal to Akt activation including: pIRTyr1162/1163, pIRS1Tyr, pIRS1Ser312, IRS1-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, or pPTENSer380. In addition, we analyzed the effect of CR and insulin on Akt substrates that have established or putative roles in glucose metabolism, cellular growth, maintenance of muscle structure, or protein synthesis including pGSK3αSer21, pGSK3βSer9, pTSC2Ser939, pP70S6KThr412, pAS160Thr642, and pFLNcSer2213. The current study demonstrated that the CR-induced increase in pAkt in isolated soleus muscles from 9-mo-old rats can occur without concomitant enhancement of several important insulin signaling events that are proximal to Akt activation. These results suggest that the greater pAkt in the soleus muscles from CR rats was attributable to an alternative mechanism. We also observed that the effects of CR were not uniform for phosphorylation of six insulin-regulated Akt substrates in the soleus. The differential response in phosphorylation by Akt substrates likely has important implications for explaining the complex effect of CR diverse cellular functions.
Dynamics of sprite streamers in varying air density

Similarity laws for streamer discharges, which state that the properties of streamers such as streamer radius, electric field, and electron density should respectively scale as N−1, N1, and N2 in different but uniform air densities N, are important relations that have provided a general understanding of the mesospheric sprite discharges based on existing knowledge of streamers in laboratory conditions. Recent modeling studies, however, show that the properties of sprite streamers in varying air density do not follow exactly or even contradict the similarity relations. We present here simulation results and related analysis of sprite streamers to provide a unified view and resolve these contradictions. Our results indicate that the properties of streamers in varying air density are determined by the physical dimensions of streamers and the reduced electric field E/N, with the varying air density N being only one of the three factors controlling the streamer properties.
Tribe or Nation?: Nation Building and Public Goods in Kenya versus Tanzania

This article examines how government policies affect ethnic relations by comparing outcomes across two nearby districts, one in Kenya and one in Tanzania, using colonial-era boundary placement as a “natural experiment.” Despite similar geography and historical legacies, governments in Kenya and Tanzania have followed radically different language, education, and local institutional policies, with Tanzania consistently pursuing more serious nation building. The evidence suggests that nation building has allowed diverse communities in rural Tanzania to achieve considerably better local public goods outcomes than diverse communities in Kenya. To illustrate, while Kenyan communities at mean levels of diversity have 25 percent less local school funding than homogeneous communities on average, the comparable figure in the Tanzanian district is near zero. The Kenya-Tanzania comparison provides empirical evidence that serious reforms can ameliorate social divisions and suggests that nation-building should take a place on policy agendas, especially in Africa.
Sperm–Egg Interactions: Sperm–Egg Binding in Invertebrates

During fertilization, spermatozoa undergo a series of responses (including chemoattraction and the acrosome reaction) to egg-derived factors before they contact the egg proper. Specific cell surface proteins direct the interactions between the sperm and the egg that lead to fusion and egg activation. Keywords: fertilization; reproduction; egg; sperm; gamete
Molybdenum Nutriture in Humans

Molybdenum is a trace element that functions as a cofactor for at least 4 enzymes: sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, and mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component. In each case,...
The Spread of Infection by the Microsporidan, Nosema disstriae, in Insect Cell Lines

Nosema disstriae, a parasite of the forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria, was cultured with cell lines UMN-MDH-1 (Malacosoma disstria), IPLB-1075 (Heliothis zea), and BTC-32 (Triatoma infestans). Infected cultured cells were used to infect the healthy cell lines. Electron micrographs of thin sections of 6-day-old cultures revealed infected cells that exocytosed vesicles containing vegetative and immature sporulating forms of the parasite. Some of these forms were believed to be responsible for intercellular transmission of the parasite. The spread of infection was augmented by culturing the cells at high densities; if the density was too low, there was little or no cross infection. Cross infection was inhibited, but not blocked completely, by high osmolality of the culture medium. The yield of spores from a confluent cell monolayer at the end of growth was generally 1–4 × 107 per ml of culture medium.
The Effects of Respondents’ Consent to be Recorded on Interview Length and Data Quality in a National Panel Study

Recording interviews is a key feature of quality control protocols for most survey organizations. We examine the effects on interview length and data quality of a new protocol adopted by a national panel study. The protocol recorded a randomly chosen one-third of all interviews digitally, although all respondents were asked for permission to record their interview, and interviewers were blind to whether or not interviews were recorded. We find that the recording software slowed the interview slightly. Interviewer knowledge that the interview may be recorded improved data quality, but this knowledge also increased the length of the interview. Interviewers with higher education and performance ratings were less reactive to the new recording protocol. Survey managers may face a trade-off between higher data quality and longer interviews when determining recording protocols.
Nondegenerate two-photon absorption in zinc blende semiconductors

An algorithm is presented for the calculation of the nondegenerate two-photon absorption coefficient by using second-order perturbation theory and a Kane band-structure model, including the effects of nonparabolicity and nonzone-center wave functions. The polarization dependence is included by correctly accounting for the symmetry of the electronic wave functions. A comparison is made with degenerate two-photon absorption data in various zinc blende semiconductors, and excellent agreement is found without the use of fitting parameters. Comparisons are also made with nondegenerate two-photon absorption spectra measured in ZnSe and ZnS by using a picosecond continuum and with some polarization-dependent measurements obtained by a two-color Z-scan measurement.
Garp: a MIPS processor with a reconfigurable coprocessor

Typical reconfigurable machines exhibit shortcomings that make them less than ideal for general-purpose computing. The Garp Architecture combines reconfigurable hardware with a standard MIPS processor on the same die to retain the better features of both. Novel aspects of the architecture are presented, as well as a prototype software environment and preliminary performance results. Compared to an UltraSPARC, a Garp of similar technology could achieve speedups ranging from a factor of 2 to as high as a factor of 24 for some useful applications.
Fluoroscopic assessment of rotator cuff fatigue on glenohumeral arthrokinematics in shoulder impingement syndrome

Background Although prior researchers have assessed glenohumeral arthrokinematics using isometrically held arm postures with standard radiographs, dynamic assessment of glenohumeral arthrokinematics has been limited. This study utilized video fluoroscopy to analyze superior inferior glenohumeral migration during dynamic arm elevation in individuals with outlet impingement syndrome, before and after fatigue of the rotator cuff. Hypothesis Prior to the study, it was hypothesized that during the pre-fatigue state, glenohumeral migration would be in the superior direction, and that post-fatigue there would be a significant increase in superior migration. Materials and methods Digital fluoroscopic videos (30 Hz) were used to analyze 20 male volunteers (27.7 ± 7.3 years) with right shoulder outlet impingement syndrome during concentric elevation of the arm in the plane of the scapula, both before and after fatigue of the rotator cuff. Results During concentric arm elevation, there was superior glenohumeral migration (1.6 mm) between 45° and 90° of arm elevation, regardless of fatigue-state ( P = .02). After rotator cuff fatigue, the humeral head was positioned more superiorly on the glenoid fossa ( P = .03). The position of the humeral head was 0.4 mm more superior than that reported in a previous study on healthy individuals. Conclusion These results support prior findings that suggest superior glenohumeral migration during arm elevation is influenced both by shoulder pathology and the state of fatigue of the rotator cuff musculature. Future research should examine the effects of physical therapy and surgical interventions on glenohumeral arthrokinematics to better determine the most effective treatment methods for outlet impingement. Level of evidence Controlled laboratory study
Lipomas of the Upper Extremity

A consecutive series of 122 patients with 141 lipomas of the upper extremities has been studied and the data analyzed. The anatomical distribution of these lesions has been documented, and the classic concept of lipoma of tendon sheaths has been questioned. The clinical presentation of the lesions and its significance has been explored.
Highly stable Ni–Al2O3 catalyst prepared from a Ni–Al layered double hydroxide for ethanol decomposition toward hydrogen

Abstract The preparation, characterization, activity, and stability of a Ni–Al2O3 catalyst derived from reduction of a Ni–Al layered double hydroxide precursor (LDH, Ni6Al2(OH)16(CO3)0.75(OH)0.25·4H2O) are reported in this paper. In-situ X-ray adsorption spectroscopy shows that reduction of Ni from the LDH precursor to form a highly loaded 80% Ni–Al2O3 catalyst (Ni–Al2O3–LDH) is faster than reduction of a 10% impregnated Ni–Al2O3 alumina (Ni–Al2O3–I) catalyst. The reduced Ni–Al2O3–LDH catalyst exhibits highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles (3–5 nm) distributed on top, partially embedded nanoparticles, and some encapsulated in the Al2O3 matrix. The nanoparticles impregnated on alumina (Ni–Al2O3–I) are larger (∼7–15 nm) and appear on top of the alumina support. Conversion vs time on stream (TOS) results during ethanol decomposition at 250 °C on Ni–Al2O3–LDH exhibits only a slight deactivation during 100 h TOS, while the Ni–Al2O3–I catalyst shows rapid deactivation with no conversion after 2 h TOS. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the carbon content increases up to 48% after 100 h TOS on the Ni–Al2O3–LDH catalyst, while a similar increase occurs after 2 h TOS on the Ni–Al2O3–I catalyst. TEM shows that after 100 h TOS either a thin layer of amorphous carbon or carbon nanotubes forms on Ni on top of the alumina matrix and on partially embedded Ni nanoparticles on the Ni–Al2O3–LDH catalyst. Total surface area of the Ni–Al2O3–LDH catalyst increased during TOS, which may be suplying fresh surface Ni from the encapsulated Ni nanoparticles that sustain the high activity.
Scaling limits for conditional diffusion exit problems and asymptotics for nonlinear elliptic equations

The goal of this paper is to supplement the large deviation principle of the Freidlin–Wentzell theory on exit problems for diffusion processes with results of classical central limit theorem kind. Namely, we describe a class of situations where conditioning on exit through unlikely locations leads to a Gaussian scaling limit for the exit distribution. Our results are based on Doob’s h-transform and new asymptotic convergence gradient estimates for elliptic nonlinear equations that allow one to reduce the problem to the Levinson case. We devote an appendix to a rigorous and general discussion of h-transform.
Inlet Cone Effect on Particulate Matter Deposition and Regeneration Temperature in a Diesel Particulate Filter

A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is used to remove particulate matter (PM) from the effluent of a diesel engine. A major technological challenge in the operation of the ceramic cordierite filter is to prevent formation of local high temperatures that can melt the DPF or generate a thermal stress that may cause cracking. Most previous studies of the temperature rise during the DPF periodic regeneration (combustion of the deposited PM) considered cases in which the inlet velocity to all the parallel channels was uniform. A wide-angled cone (diffuser) is sometimes used to connect the diesel engine exhaust pipe to the DPF leading to a nonuniform velocity to the inlet channels, with the highest attained at the DPF center. We used a PM deposition and regeneration computational model to investigate the impact of the inlet cone on the DPF behavior under stationary feed conditions. The cone led to mal-distribution of the deposited PM, with the highest thickness in the DPF center. The highest regeneration temperat...
Surface silanols in silica-bonded hydrocarbonaceous stationary phases

Abstract “Irregular” retention behavior of crown ethers in reversed-phase chromatography with silica-bonded hydrocarbonaceous stationary phases is interpreted by using a dual binding model. It is assumed that retention is caused not only by the usual solvophobic interactions but also by “silanophilic” interactions between the eluite and the accessible silanol groups at the surface of various alkyl-silica bonded phases. Minima observed in the dependence of the retention factor of dibenzo-18-crown-6 on the composition of methanol-water mixtures used as the eluent are in agreement with the theory. The model also correctly predicts the temperature dependence of retention under various conditions as far as the nature of the stationary phase and the eluent composition are concerned. Thus curved Van 't Hoff plots of the experimental data are attributed to the sufficiently dissimilar enthalpies involved in the solvophobic and silanophilic binding. It is likely that minima exhibited by plots of retention factor against eluent composition in reversed-phase chromatography are in most cases manifestations of the countervailing effect of the solvophobic and silanophilic forces on retention.
Interlaboratory comparison of magnetic thin film measurements

A potential low magnetic moment standard reference material (SRM) was studied in an interlaboratory comparison. The mean and the standard deviation of the saturation moment m s, the remanent moment m r, and the intrinsic coercivity H c of nine samples were extracted from hysteresis-loop measurements. Samples were measured by thirteen laboratories using inductive-field loopers, vibrating-sample magnetometers, alternating-gradient force magnetometers, and superconducting quantum-interference-device magnetometers. NiFe films on Si substrates had saturation moment measurements reproduced within 5 % variation among the laboratories. The results show that a good candidate for an SRM must have a highly square hysteresis loop (m r/m s > 90 %), H c ≈ 400 A·m(-1) (5 Oe), and m s ≈ 2 × 10(-7) A·m(2) (2 × 10(-4) emu).
Utility of Secondary Task as a Workload Assessment Technique

Recently Navon (1984) suggests that much of the dual task data that lend support to resource theories are methodologically flawed and that there are non-resource related mechanisms such as outcome conflict that could explain dual task data equally well. If Navon's concerns can be validated, the current view of workload as a resource-related concept would have to be revamped. The present research examined performance tradeoff - demonstration of resource allocation - with the optimum-maximum method. The optimum-maximum method was a variation of the secondary task technique proposed by Navon to encourage maximum joint task performance without conveying to the subjects that task performances must tradeoff. A continuous tracking task and a Sternberg memory task were used; three priority levels were used to induce resource allocation. An absence of performance tradeoff with the optimum-maximum method would support Navon's claim that performance tradeoffs may not be true indications of resource competition or ta...
Sector Distinctions and the Privatization of Public Education Policymaking.

Current trends indicate declining distinctions between ‘public’ and ‘private’ sectors in education. Reformers see sector barriers as unnecessary impediments to innovation, distracting attention and effort from ‘what works’. This analysis questions whether trends in education policy are simply a natural evolution away from state control of public goods, noting the agency involved in blurring the boundaries between sectors. While the weakening of public and private distinctions is real and substantial, there are reasons for researchers and policymakers to rely on these distinctions in understanding education policy and policymaking, not so much as principles that should guide policymaking, but as means for analyzing competing interests, agendas, and beneficiaries of policies. In that respect, education policymaking itself is being privatized through a significant shift toward private interests in the making of public policy for public education. The analysis focuses on the central role that some private philanthropies play in shaping hybridized private–public policy networks in education policymaking.
Thyroid function tests. Physiologic basis and clinical interpretation.

None of the generally available thyroid function tests (1131 uptake, PBI, serum T3 binding, B.M.R.) measures the function of the gland directly, and all may be influenced by changes other than altered thyroid function. The tests may also be affected by the use of any of a wide variety of drugs. Proper interpretation can be made only if the physiologic basis of the tests is understood and the effect of non-thyroidal factors is kept in mind.
A Garbage Collector for Windows Applications

It proposes a garbage collector(RT-AGC) to resolve memory leaks in long running Windows applications.RT-AGC uses Mark-Sweep algorithm and makes it have more flexibility by improving the trigger conditions.This collector detects and reclaims garbage memory for non-cooperative applications at run time using PE file structures and Windows API functions by scanning program space.Key algorithm and implementation for this collector is presented.A defective test application is written for verifying the effect of RT-AGC.Experiment proves that the collector can prevent memory leaks effectively.
Digital library research and application.

The last decade has seen an exponential rise in the amount and the nature of information that is available on the Internet. Internet and World Wide Web technology have raised many technical as well as social and economic issues. The paper begins with a description of the recent digital library research initiative funded by the U.S. federal government. Digital library research addresses a host of informatics issues relevant to the current Internet-based environment. The paper continues with a discussion of some problems in information access, including a discussion of the potential of the Unified Medical Language System for navigating among multiple biomedical information systems. Next, some issues in creating Web-accessible resources for health care consumers are addressed, with a focus on recent work at the National Library of Medicine, including a description of the MEDLINEplus system. The paper ends with a brief discussion of some implications of digital library research for the health informatics community.
Security Threats: Protecting the New Cyberfrontier

As reliance on information and communications technology increases and attacks become more sophisticated, cybersecurity is more critical--and challenging--than ever before. New threats demand new defenses.
Four-Segment Tandem Ligation of Proteins with Unusual Branched Architecture

Chemoselective and orthogonal (NT-amino acid-specific) peptide ligation for coupling free peptides, proteins, and biopolymers afford non-amide and amide bonds, respectively. These peptide ligation methods are attractive because they are not burdened by the use of a protecting group scheme or a coupling reagent. Thus, they are applicable to both chemistry and biology. Our laboratory has recently reported several three-segment tandem ligation strategies [1,2] that utilize two orthogonal ligation approaches. To further exploit tandem ligation methods, we have combined chemoselective and orthogonal peptide ligation to produce a four-segment tandem peptide ligation strategy. This tandem ligation scheme, suitable for synthetic vaccines and combinatorial protein synthesis, couples consecutively four different segments S1-S4 to produce two amide bonds and a thioether bond at three ligation sites (Figure 1). To demonstrate the versatility of this new strategy, we describe the synthesis of branched proteins of 56–70 residues with the S1-S4 segments derived from Bac7, NK-lysin, melittin, and gpl20 sequences.
Capitalizing on convergence for health care

For decades, scientists have called for more collaboration between the life and physical sciences, and in the past 5 years, we have been among those calling for a new national research strategy—one we call “convergence”—that would integrate engineering, physical, computational, and mathematical sciences with biomedical science ( 1 ). Thanks to the accelerating pace of biological discovery, the expanding power of computation, and a new focus in engineering on biocompatible materials and nanotechnology, the potential of such a strategy for advances in health care is greater than ever (see the photo). Technologies emerging from such efforts have potential implications far beyond health care: creating jobs; speeding products to market; and improving everything from agriculture and the environment to defense, the economy, and energy production. It all adds up to a moment of unprecedented opportunity, if we choose to invest in it meaningfully. But so far we have not. We detail below, and in greater depth in a new report with colleagues from across the country ( 2 ), the stakes in the convergence revolution and what we should do to capitalize on it.
Process and Microstructure to Achieve Ultra-high Dielectric Constant in Ceramic-Polymer Composites

Influences of process conditions on microstructure and dielectric properties of ceramic-polymer composites are systematically studied using CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) as filler and P(VDF-TrFE) 55/45 mol.% copolymer as the matrix by combining solution-cast and hot-pressing processes. It is found that the dielectric constant of the composites can be significantly enhanced–up to about 10 times – by using proper processing conditions. The dielectric constant of the composites can reach more than 1,000 over a wide temperature range with a low loss (tan δ ~ 10−1). It is concluded that besides the dense structure of composites, the uniform distribution of the CCTO particles in the matrix plays a key role on the dielectric enhancement. Due to the influence of the CCTO on the microstructure of the polymer matrix, the composites exhibit a weaker temperature dependence of the dielectric constant than the polymer matrix. Based on the results, it is also found that the loss of the composites at low temperatures, including room temperature, is determined by the real dielectric relaxation processes including the relaxation process induced by the mixing.
Ethnonationalism as a Source of Stability in the Party Systems of Bulgaria and Romania: Minority Parties, Nationalism, and EU Membership

Democratization, economic transformation, and EU accession have shaped the Bulgarian and Romanian party systems in ways similar to that seen across the rest of eastern Europe. A quarter century after democratization, the party systems remain unstable. The article demonstrates that nationalism and ethnic identity provide stable voter salience in party systems that remain dominated by fragmentation, personalistic political parties, and a lack of issue differentiation. An analysis of the use of ethnonationalism by political elites in Bulgaria is contrasted with a briefer analysis of Romania.
Does Posttransfer Involvement Matter for Persistence of Community College Transfer Students

ABSTRACTBecause of increasing mobility among various college student populations, both the baccalaureate degree attainment of community college beginners and the role played by their receiving 4-year institution are growing in importance. In this study, we examined how the academic and social involvement of community college transfer students differs by the type of receiving institution, and how strongly their posttransfer involvement is associated with persistence. Results indicated that academic and social involvement were higher for students who transferred to private not-for-profit doctoral institutions, as compared to those who transferred to other types of institutions. Also, among the involvement variables, academic advising is the factor that is most positively associated with the persistence of these students. Our findings make the case for a comprehensive examination of persistence of community college transfer students, looking at both their level of involvement and the type of institution they...
Shapeable Inlet Manifold for Hypersonic Scramjet

A shapeable inlet manifold for a hypersonic scramjet includes an inlet lower cowling; a mount surface; and an inlet stream surface movably coupled to the mount surface, wherein the inlet lower cowling and the inlet stream surface define an opening of the shapeable inlet manifold allowing fluid flow therethrough. The inlet stream surface has first and second dispositions relative to the lower cowling defining first and second shapes of the opening, thereby providing respective first and second flow characteristics through the inlet manifold during flight.
Novel 2-Substituted 7-Azaindole and 7-Azaindazole Analogues as Potential Antiviral Agents for the Treatment of Influenza

JNJ-63623872 (2) is a first-in-class, orally bioavailable compound that offers significant potential for the treatment of pandemic and seasonal influenza. Early lead optimization efforts in our 7-azaindole series focused on 1,3-diaminocyclohexyl amide and urea substitutions on the pyrimidine-7-azaindole motif. In this work, we explored two strategies to eliminate observed aldehyde oxidase (AO)-mediated metabolism at the 2-position of these 7-azaindole analogues. Substitution at the 2-position of the azaindole ring generated somewhat less potent analogues, but reduced AO-mediated metabolism. Incorporation of a ring nitrogen generated 7-azaindazole analogues that were equipotent to the parent 2-H-7-azaindole, but surprisingly, did not appear to improve AO-mediated metabolism. Overall, we identified multiple 2-substituted 7-azaindole analogues with enhanced AO stability and we present data for one such compound (12) that demonstrate a favorable oral pharmacokinetic profile in rodents. These analogues have th...
Gendered Expectations Distort Male-Female Differences in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Later Adulthood.

Objectives The ability of older adults to live independently is often assessed with a battery of questions known as Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Many of these questions query the difficulty conducting household activities that have been predominantly conducted by women (e.g., the ability to prepare a meal), especially for cohorts now in old age. Although previous research has documented gender differences in IADL limitations, it has not been documented whether IADLs equivalently measure the same latent construct for men and women. Methods We apply psychometric tests of measurement invariance to data from the 1998 Health and Retirement Study. We then estimate corrected models that account for violations of measurement invariance across genders. Results We find that IADLs do not equivalently measure same latent construct for men and women. We find that men are more likely not to do the IADL activities for reasons unrelated to health limitations, which may reflect gendered expectations regarding household activities. Accounting for this we still find that women report greater health-related IADL limitations than men. Discussion Researchers should be cautious making gender comparisons for IADLs without attending to the gender-specific measurement properties of many of the items of which the IADL is comprised.
Development of alternative concrete bridge superstructure systems for short and medium span bridges

Abstract Two new concrete bridge superstructure systems for short and medium span bridges are presented. The investigated systems consist of adjacent hollow precast concrete beams with and without concrete topping. The proposed configurations are compared with traditional adjacent box beam and decked bulb tee systems for spans that range from 24.4 m to 45.7 m. It is demonstrated that the proposed system that features concrete topping (PS2) is lighter than the adjacent box beam system, requires fewer strands, provides shallower superstructure depths, and exhibits lower cambers for spans equal to 24.4 m and 30.5 m. PS2 addresses the reflective cracking problems manifested in adjacent box beam systems by shifting the location of the longitudinal connections to the bottom flange and away from traffic loads. The system that features no topping (PS4) is slightly heavier than the decked bulb tee system, but features shallower superstructure depths, requires fewer strands, and exhibits lower live load deflections and camber. Transverse bending moments demand in PS4 are reduced compared to the decked bulb tee system due to the smaller span provided by the two web supports. Live load distribution factors (LLDF) for PS2 and PS4 can be conservatively estimated using AASHTO provisions for adjacent box and decked bulb tee systems, respectively.
Get out the early vote: co-ethnic mobilization and convenience voting

Minority voters are more likely to vote in the presence of a co-ethnic candidate. We argue that co-ethnicity should be significantly related to the decision to cast a ballot prior to Election Day. ...
Innate Immune Regulation of Lung Injury and Repair

Mechanisms that regulate host defense to noninfectious tissue injury are poorly understood. Here we summarize our recent work investigating the role of the innate immune response in regulating the inflammatory and fibrotic response to noninfectious lung injury. We have identified key roles for two cell surface receptors in regulating lung inflammation and fibrosis. CD44 has an essential role in resolving inflammation following noninfectious lung injury. A major function of CD44 in vivo is to clear hyaluronan degradation products that are produced following lung injury. Failure ot clear hyaluronan leads to unremitting inflammation. In contrast, the chemokine receptor CXCR3 has an essential role in limiting the extent of fibrosis following lung injury. This protective effect of CXCR3 in limiting tissue fibroproliferation is mediated, in part, by the innate production of interferon-γ following lung injury. These studies reveal a previously unsuspected role for the innate immune response in regulating inflammation and fibrosis.
An Internet-based survey of the dance fitness program OULA.

Background:OULA is a high-energy dance workout to top 40 hits that is inspired by yoga and non-impact aerobics. Created in Missoula, Montana, the program has been gaining national and international...
Complex Vestibular Schwannomas: Case Illustrations of Surgical Technique

Surgical approaches for the treatment of complex vestibular schwannoma (VS) cases are discussed with a case-based discussion. Subtotal resection or staged resection should be considered to minimize the risk of cranial nerve and/or other neural injury in complex cases. Complicating factors include anatomical variations such as a high-riding jugular bulb, a forward-riding sigmoid sinus which narrows the presigmoid exposure, small and/or contracted mastoid bone, a previously thrombosed or absent sigmoid sinus on the contralateral side. Additional factors may include cystic schwannomas, tumors with brainstem compression and associated hydrocephalus, comorbid diseases that complicate anesthesia, prior history of VS surgery or radiation therapy, and rapid tumor progression associated with intratumoral hemorrhage. We have discussed and provided examples of the surgical approaches and considerations for the treatment of complex vestibular schwannomas through five case illustrations. The surgical team should consider, especially when difficulties arise, if the surgery should be staged to improve surgical exposure, and/or if the surgery should be terminated without achieving total resection to reduce the potential of damage to the critical structures.
If analytic philosophy of religion is sick, can it be cured?

In this article, I argue that, if ‘the overrepresentation of Christian theists in analytic philosophy of religion is unhealthy for the field, since they would be too much influenced by prior beliefs when evaluating religious arguments’ (De Cruz & De Smedt (2016), 119), then a first step towards a potential remedy is this: analytic philosophers of religion need to restructure their analytical tasks. For one way to mitigate the effects of confirmation bias, which may be influencing how analytic philosophers of religion evaluate arguments in Analytical Philosophy of Religion (APR), is to consider other points of view. Applied to APR, this means considering religious beliefs, questions, and arguments couched in non-Christian terms. In this article, I focus on Islam in particular. My aim is to show that Islam is a fertile ground of philosophical questions and arguments for analytic philosophers of religion to engage with. Engaging with questions and arguments couched in non-Christian terms would help make work in APR more diverse and inclusive of religions other than Christianity, which in turn would also be a first step towards attracting non-Christians to APR.
The Privileged Perspectives of Queen Victoria Eugenia in Spanish Historical Fiction of the Twenty-First Century

In first decade of the twenty-first century, three historical novels of the life of Queen Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg were published in Spain: Jose Infante’s Victoria Eugenia de Battenberg: un a...
In-Hospital Mortality among Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United States: A Retrospective Analysis of US Hospital Discharge Data.

A retrospective data analysis using 2004–2014 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample was conducted to examine in-hospital mortality among adults with autism spectrum di...
Synthesis of [18F]-γ-fluoro-α,β,-unsaturated esters and ketones via vinylogous 18F-fluorination of α-diazoacetates with [18F]AgF.

This communication reports a method for the vinylogous radiofluorination of α-diazoacetates to generate [18F]-γ-fluoro-α,β-unsaturated esters and ketones in moderate to good radiochemical yields. The method uses no-carrier-added [18F]AgF and is compatible with aromatic and non-aromatic substrates and a number of different functional groups. The labeling method is showcased in the synthesis of a fluorinated cholest-5-en-3-one derivative as well as a difluorinated product pertinent to drug discovery.