cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hetero-cis–normativity and the gendering of transphobia

ABSTRACTA persistent finding in past research reifies a “gendered” cisnormative bias whereby heterosexual men (compared to heterosexual women) have been found to be overwhelmingly less supportive of transgender individuals in quantitative studies conducted in the United States and in Canada, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. I suggest that this finding reflects a synergistic relationship between “transphobia” and “homophobia” or, put another way, an overarching presence of hetero-cis–normativity whereby it is “normal” to be both heterosexual and cisgender and it is not normal (and therefore acceptable to be prejudiced toward) nonheterosexual and noncisgender individuals. Using this hetero-cisnormative framework in the current study, I utilize quantitative survey data from college-age students (N = 775; average age, 22; 78% White) at a university in the southern United States to investigate attitudes toward transgender individuals in three ways. ...
Cultural diversity for virtual characters (extended abstract)

In human conversation, meaning is transported through several channels such as verbal and nonverbal behavior. Certain of these behavioral aspects are culturally dependent. Mutual understanding or acceptance is thus, amongst others, depended on the cultural background of the interlocutors. When designing virtual character behavior, culture should be considered as it may improve the character's acceptance by users of certain cultural backgrounds. This paper proposes a hybrid approach for the generation of culture-specific behaviors in a multiagent system. A computational model has been established by refining theoretical knowledge of culture-specific behavior with statistical data extracted from a video corpus of German and Japanese first-time meetings. Evaluation studies of such culturally enhanced virtual characters were conducted in both targeted cultures. Results indicate that human observers tend to prefer character behavior that was designed to resemble their own cultural background.
Entropic control over nanoscale colloidal crystals

ABSTRACTHere the collective results of a recent body of work, which reveal how polymer architecture determines the most thermodynamically stable colloidal crystal structure in binary nanoscale colloid–polymer mixtures, are reviewed. At the nanoscale, the dimensions of the colloids, polymer segments and overall polymer size begin to converge. This may be exploited to thermodynamically stabilise a single desired crystal polymorph from a suite of competitors by leveraging the size and shape of the polymer. When each polymorph has a unique void symmetry, the entropic cost of polymer confinement in each crystal becomes significantly different. Thus, when a sufficient amount of polymer partitions into the crystal phase, the system's total free energy difference between the competing structures is significantly amplified; in some cases by up to three orders of magnitude. The focus of this discussion is primarily on selectively stabilising one of the two close-packed polymorphs over the other; however, the heuris...
DC-DC boost converter design for Kettering Universitys GEM fuel cell vehicle

This paper presents the design and performance of a low cost, fully integrated DC-DC power conversion and control system for a modified global electric motors (GEM) fuel cell hybrid vehicle. The system incorporates a custom designed DC-DC boost converter which steps up the nominal 26 V DC fuel cell stack voltage to interface with the 72 V DC vehicle battery bus at an input power level of 1.2 kW. Additionally, several embedded control functions are implemented to integrate a Ballard Nexa" fuel cell power module into the GEM vehicle. The converter and control system features a microchip PIC micro-controller programmed using embedded C code. The power converter section is designed around a custom wound toroidal inductor. Several low loss considerations were incorporated into the design to attain high efficiency conversion. Design equations supported by performance data indicates that the DC-DC power converter achieves a conversion efficiency approaching 98% for a single fuel cell power module operating at full output power (1.2 kW). Design enhancements are discussed that facilitate the operation of the converter with two parallel connected fuel cell modules (2.4 kW) at high efficiencies. The control system incorporates algorithms to perform battery charging and power ramp rate, as well as fuel cell voltage and current limiting. The control system exhibits stable performance characteristics throughout the entire vehicle load range and battery state of charge range, while tracking vehicle transient conditions
Where Are My On-Wafer Reference Planes?

In order to characterize the accuracy of on-wafer measurements, there is the need to understand microwave waver probe calibrations over a matrix of planar transmission line types, sizes, and substrate materials. One of the calibration issues which arise is the electrical lengths of the planar calibration standards relative to each other and relative to the device under test. In this paper, three techniques for verifition of planar calibration standards are presented and shown to agree within ±0.1 ps of electrical length.
Expert Advice with Multiple Decision Makers

Cheap talk models provide a strategic analysis of information transmission between the expert and the decision maker when their preferences are not perfectly aligned. Although the majority of these models analyze the case of a single decision maker, in many important settings the decision-making authority is shared between several agents. Here we consider a commonly used procedure: ultimatum bargaining. We examine how the addition of the second decision maker (the veto player) affects communication and the utilities of the players. Surprisingly, we find that the veto player may be worse off ,a nd thefirst decision maker may be better off, than in the absence of the veto threat.
DNA damage repair and response (DDR) gene alterations (alt) and response to PD1/PDL1 blockade in platinum-treated metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC).

4509Background: Somatic DDR alts are associated with increased mutation load (ML) and improved clinical outcomes for platinum-treated mUC (Teo et al, CCR 2017). We examined the relationship between DDR alts and response to PD1/PDL1 blockade. Methods: mUC pts enrolled to phase 2 trials of atezolizumab or nivolumab who had targeted exon sequencing of 410 genes (MSK-IMPACT) were identified. Pts were dichotomized based on presence of alts in a panel of 34 DDR genes. Analyses were performed based on: (1) any DDR alts and (2) deleterious DDR alts (frameshift, splice site, nonsense or Hotspot point mutations). Study endpoint was overall response (OR) per RECIST. ML was defined as total number of nonsynonymous mutations by MSK-IMPACT. Fisher exact, Wilcoxon rank sum, and stratified logistic regression were used. Results: Fifty two pts were identified (atezo: n=18, nivo: n=34). Median age was 67 years (range: 32 – 84) and majority (44) was male. Median platinum-free interval was 10.2 months (range: 0.3 – 150.4). D...
Modeling of a viscometric MEMS affinity glucose sensor

Coupled structural vibration and fluid flow is a challenging problem of great practical relevance to MEMS sensors and actuators. We address this problem with a MEMS viscometric glucose sensor as a demonstrative example using theory of squeeze-film damping and vibrations of pre-stressed diaphragms. The theory, combined with experimental verification, is used to understand the interactions between structural vibrations and highly confined flow in the device. A first-principle-based model resulting from the theory can be evaluated from the device's geometric and material properties, and quantitatively determine the device response to vibrational excitations at varying glucose concentrations. The calculated device response correctly predicts trends observed in experiments.
Method for estimating available groundwater volume of small coral islands

We present a simple modelling method to estimate the volume of available groundwater in the freshwater lens of atoll islands under steady-state conditions. Model inputs include annual rainfall dept...
Panel: Influencing culture and curriculum via revolution

The goal of this panel session is to introduce audience members to the challenges and successes of significant cultural and curricular change as enacted by awardees in the NSF program Revolutionizing Engineering and Computer Science Departments (RED). This panel will explore how organizations go about the process of cultural investigation and how they embark on culture change, using RED awardees of 2016 as the featured panelists (the second cohort). These teams are engaged in high-risk, high-trust-required activities focused on both the organizational and operational structure of their departments, and on re-envisioning engineering and computer science curricula to create professionals with 21st century skills like problem solving and teamwork. A panel session allows the wider community to peek into these projects to see from the inside what's happening, even if only a bit. This paper captures short narratives on different themes of interest, developed by the individual teams and aggregated here as a first glimpse into the operations, challenges, and successes of these projects.
Minimally Invasive Lateral Retroperitoneal Approach for Resection of Extraforaminal Lumbar Plexus Schwannomas: Operative Techniques and Literature Review.

Background Traditional approaches for retroperitoneal lumbar plexus schwannomas involve anterior open or laparoscopic resection. For select tumors, the lateral retroperitoneal approach provides a minimally invasive alternative. Objective To describe a minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach for the resection of retroperitoneal schwannomas. Methods A lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach was used to resect a 3.1 × 2.7 × 4.1 cm schwannoma embedded within the psoas muscle. A minimally invasive retractor system allows for appropriate visualization and complete resection with the aid of the microscope. The patient tolerated the procedure without complication and was discharged on postoperative day 2 in good condition at her neurological baseline. Results The lateral retroperitoneal approach provides a minimally invasive alternative for select retroperitoneal schwannomas. In theory, this procedure allows for faster recovery and less blood loss compared to traditional open anterior approaches. For a subset of tumors, anterior laparoscopy may provide better access, but the lateral approach is well known to most neurosurgeons who perform lateral interbody fusions and can be easily tailored to extraforaminal tumor resection. Conclusion Retroperitoneal schwannomas pose a challenge due to their deep location. The lateral retroperitoneal approach provides a useful alternative for resection of a subset of retroperitoneal schwannomas.
Attributions of morality and mind to artificial intelligence after real-world moral violations.

Abstract The media has portrayed certain artificial intelligence (AI) software as committing moral violations such as the AI judge of a human beauty contest being “racist” when it selected predominately light-skinned winners. We examine people's attributions of morality for seven such real-world events that were first publicized in the media, experimentally manipulating the occurrence of a violation and the inclusion of information about the AI's algorithm. Both the presence of the moral violation and the information about the AI's algorithm increase participant's reporting of a moral violation occurring in the event. However, even in the violation outcome conditions only 43.5 percent of the participants reported that they were sure that a moral violation occurred. Addressing whether the AI is blamed for the moral violation we found that people attributed increased wrongness to the AI – but not to the organization, programmer, or users – after a moral violation. In addition to moral wrongness, the AI was attributed moderate levels of awareness, intentionality, justification, and responsibility for the violation outcome. Finally, the inclusion of the algorithm information marginally increased perceptions of the AI having mind, and perceived mind was positively related to attributions of intentionality and wrongness to the AI.
Effects of a Summer Reading Intervention on Reading Skills for Low-Income Black and Hispanic Students in Elementary School

We evaluated the effects of a summer reading intervention with a sample of low-income Black and Hispanic students who were struggling readers. In the summer before their 2nd- or 3rd-grade school ye...
Do spacing and self-testing predict learning outcomes?:

Studies have demonstrated that utilizing spacing (spreading out study sessions at regular intervals) and self-testing strategies are optimal for learning. While some applied work has examined the relationship between these strategies on general academic achievement, there is still a need to explore how both spacing and self-testing are related to course-level learning outcomes. The goal of this study was to examine whether utilizing spacing and self-testing strategies was related to final course grade. Participants were asked to report the study strategies they utilized during the course. We found no relationship between using spacing strategies and final course grade. However, self-testing was significantly related to higher final course grades. The relationship between self-testing and final course grade remained significant even after accounting for demographic differences and prior academic achievement. Our results suggest that self-testing strategies can enhance learning even in a highly structured c...
Interdisciplinaridade: Perspectivas e Desafios na Atualidade

Resumo: O estudo se concentra na realidade vivenciada de se trabalhar com interdisciplinaridade, apontando suas perspectivas inovadoras e o desafio de se colocar em pratica. Tem como objetivo acerca da realidade vivenciada em que o tradicionalismo, e um empecilho e tambem desafio a ser considerado para se muda a realidade educacional, e que a interdisciplinaridade e um processo de melhoria na qualidade do ensino. Sobre essa perspectiva parte-se da hipotese interdisciplinaridade visto para a melhoria e qualidade do ensino, ja que se trata da interacao entre as disciplina e a realidade do aluno. A metodologia adotada foi a pesquisa bibliografica que revela opiniao de diversos estudiosos como: Libânio (1996), Comenius (2006) e Pires (1998). O estudo permitiu concluir que e necessario que a escola trabalhe os professores, mesmo aquele que seja acarretado de trabalho e que nao tem tempo para se reuniao com os demais professores, para planejar e por em pratica a interdisciplinaridade, visando no trabalho com as disciplinas no qual ira permitir ao educando a compreensao e o estabelecimento de uma nova forma de olhar o conhecimento, o ensino e a aprendizagem.
Classifier Systems for Continuous Payoff Environments

Recognizing that many payoff functions are continuous and depend on the input state x, the classifier system architecture XCS is extended so that a classifier’s prediction is a linear function of x. On a continuous nonlinear problem, the extended system, XCS-LP, exhibits high performance and low error, as well as dramatically smaller evolved populations compared with XCS. Linear predictions are seen as a new direction in the quest for powerful generalization in classifier systems.
Important factors influencing water infiltration and sediment production on arid lands in New Mexico

Factors influencing infiltration rates and sediment production were evaluated on representative study areas of four watersheds in New Mexico under various land management practices. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the most important factors influencing infiltration and sediment production. Factors found important were soil texture, soil organic matter, soil bulk density, plant cover, biomass production, time to runoff and time to ponding. Of all variables studied, total ground cover was considered to be the most important single variable influencing infiltration and sediment production.
Online virtual standardized patient for communication skills training

We propose an online virtual agent based communication skills training program for oncologists to promote better prognosis understanding. We first develop machine learning techniques to identify different characteristics of effective communication automatically from a dataset of 382 conversations between oncologists and late stage cancer patients. We then use these techniques to give feedback through a virtual agent, which acts as a standardized patient.
Computational investigation of ion cyclotron heating on Proto-MPEX

Ion cyclotron heating (ICH) on the Prototype Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (Proto-MPEX) is to be accomplished using the “beach-heating” technique. Beach heating has not been previously demonstrated to efficiently heat core ions at the high electron density values present in Proto-MPEX. This work numerically investigates the wave propagation characteristics of the ICH region on Proto-MPEX to explore avenues for efficient core ion heating. The analysis reveals that finite electron temperature effects are required to predict core ion heating. Cold plasma dispersion analysis and full-wave simulations show that the inertial Alfven wave (IAW) is restricted from coupling power into the core plasma because (1) the group velocity is too shallow for its energy to penetrate into the core before damping in the periphery and (2) when operating in a magnetic field where ω/ωci≳0.7, the IAW is cut off from the core plasma by the Alfven resonance. However, including kinetic effects shows that the kinetic Alfven wave (KAW) can propagate in the electron temperature regime in Proto-MPEX. Full-wave simulations show that when the electron temperature is increased to Te > 2 eV and the edge electron density is sufficiently high needge>1×1017 m−3, ion power absorption in the core increases substantially (≈25% of total power). The increase in ion power absorption in the core is attributed to the propagation of the KAW. Calculations of electron and ion power absorption show that the electron heating is localized around the Alfven resonance, while the ion heating is localized at the fundamental ion cyclotron resonance.
Black phosphorous-based nanostructures in environmental remediation: Current status and future perspectives

Abstract In recent years, increased attention has been given to black phosphorous (BP)-based materials (i.e., 2D nanomaterials) due to their applications in electronics, biomedical equipment, energy conversion and storage, and environmental remediation. The uses of BP-based materials in pollution control are emerging. BP possesses puckered honeycomb like structure with high surface area, high charge-carrier mobility, and layer-dependent direct-bandgap (0.3–2.0 eV) for broadband light absorption. These properties make BP a superior material to carry out solar light-based photocatalytic processes. This review presents the current status of these materials in adsorption and photocatalytic processes in removing a wide range of pollutants from water and air. The progress made in elucidating the mechanisms of the processes is discussed. The strong interactions between the active sites of BP and the pollutants (e.g., As(III) and Cr(VI)) result in the excellent efficiency of the materials in pollution remediation of the spiked clean water samples. In the photocatalytic processes, the superior performance for eliminating pollutants (e.g., dyes) is attributed to the improved light harvesting and reduced recombination of the photo-induced electrons and holes. Importantly, BP-based composites possess significantly enhanced stability and excellent reusability in both adsorptive and photocatalytic processes. Future investigations on BP-based materials should include their structural development to enhance their stability and usability in real environmental matrices.
Risk Guidelines for the Nuclear Materials and Waste Arenas

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS) regulates a wide range of materials and waste facilities and activities. In 1999, the Commission directed the staff to develop appropriate risk guidelines as one part of an overall framework to risk-inform NMSS regulatory activities. This paper presents the current status of work on draft risk guidelines for the nuclear materials and waste arenas and focuses on risk from accidents at operating facilities or activities. Both qualitative and quantitative guidelines are under consideration for public and worker health and safety.
The Economics of Optimal Foraging by the Red Imported Fire Ant

For social organisms, foraging is often a complicated behavior where tasks are divided among numerous individuals. Here, we ask how one species, the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), collectively manages this behavior. We tested the Diminishing Returns Hypothesis, which posits that for social insects 1) foraging investment levels increase until diminishing gains result in a decelerating slope of return and 2) the level of investment is a function of the size of the collective group. We compared how different metrics of foraging (e.g., number of foragers, mass of foragers, and body size of foragers) are correlated and how these metrics change over time. We then tested the prediction that as fire ant colonies increase in size, both discovery time and the inflection point (i.e., the time point where colonial investment toward resources slows) should decrease while a colony's maximum foraging mass should increase. In congruence with our predictions, we found that fire ants recruited en masse toward baits, allocating 486 workers and 148 mg of biomass, on average, after 60 min: amounts that were not different 30 min prior. There was incredible variation across colonies with discovery time, the inflection point, and the maximum biomass of foragers all being significantly correlated with colony size. We suggest that biomass is a solid indicator of how social taxa invest their workforce toward resources and hypothesize ways that invasive fire ants are able to leverage their enormous workforce to dominate novel ecosystems by comparing their foraging and colony mass with co-occurring native species.
Chapter 4 – Amber

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses amber, which is a fossilized resin ranging from several million to 300 million years of age. Amber is a gold mine for the entomologist because it contains a variety of insects preserved in pristine, three-dimensional condition. External features are so well preserved that taxonomists can make detailed comparisons with living taxa to follow evolutionary development of families, genera, and species. Aside from establishing direct evidence of an insect taxon at a particular time and place, the presence of specific insects provides indirect evidence of plants and vertebrates, establishes the time frame for symbiotic associations, and provides clues for reconstructing ancient landscapes. As a result of the excellent preservation of amber arthropods, the ancestry of specific genera and families can be traced back to tens of millions of years. Discovering extinct generic and family lineages is also possible, especially in Cretaceous amber. Further, amber insects can provide evidence of specific habitats. Because of the sudden death of captured organisms in amber, symbiotic associations may be preserved in a manner unlikely to occur with other types of preservation. Also, the fine details of preservation may reveal morphological features characteristic of symbiotic associations. Cases of paleosymbiosis in amber include inquilinism, commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism. Amber insects can provide evidence of past distributions as well as clues to climatic regimens that occurred at the original sites.
Peritoneal Cell-Free Tumor DNA as Biomarker for Peritoneal Surface Malignancies

Disease burden in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is difficult to estimate. We evaluate whether peritoneal cell-free tumor DNA can be used as a measure of disease burden. Malignant ascites or peritoneal lavage fluids were collected from patients with PC under approved IRB protocol. Cell-free DNA was extracted from peritoneal fluid. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was performed using a commercially available KRAS G12/G13 screening kit. Mutant allele frequency (MAF) was calculated based on the numbers of KRAS wild-type and mutant droplets. Clinicopathological, treatment and outcome data were abstracted and correlated with MAF of cell-free KRAS mutant DNA. Cell-free KRAS mutant DNA was detected in 15/37 (40%) malignant peritoneal fluids with a MAF of 0.1% to 26.2%. While peritoneal cell-free KRAS mutant DNA was detected in all the patients with KRAS mutant tumors (N = 10), 3/16 (19%) patients with KRAS wild-type tumors also had peritoneal cell-free KRAS mutant DNA. We also found that 71% (5/7) of patients with disease amenable to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) had a MAF of 1% (median: 4.4%, range: 0.1–26.2%). This pilot proof-of-principle study suggests that peritoneal cell-free tumor DNA detected by ddPCR may enable prediction of disease burden and a measure of disease amenable to CRS in patients with PC.
TRPM7 is critical for short-term synaptic depression by regulating synaptic vesicle endocytosis

Abstract TRPM7 contributes to a variety of physiological and pathological processes in many tissues and cells. With a widespread distribution in the nervous system, TRPM7 is involved in animal behaviors and neuronal death induced by ischemia. However, the physiological role of TRPM7 in CNS neuron remains unclear. Here, we identify endocytic defects in neuroendocrine cells and neurons from TRPM7 knockout (KO) mice, indicating a role of TRPM7 in synaptic vesicle endocytosis. Our experiments further pinpoint the importance of TRPM7 as an ion channel in synaptic vesicle endocytosis. Ca2+ imaging detects a defect in presynaptic Ca2+ dynamics in TRPM7 KO neuron, suggesting an importance of Ca2+ influx via TRPM7 in synaptic vesicle endocytosis. Moreover, the short-term depression is enhanced in both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission from TRPM7 KO mice. Taking together, our data suggests that Ca2+ influx via TRPM7 may be critical for short-term plasticity of synaptic strength by regulating synaptic vesicle endocytosis in neurons.
In search of umami: product rebranding and the global circulation of the fifth taste

This article examines how a Japanese food corporation used its vast resources to rehabilitate one of its products. In doing so, it helped promote the so-called fifth basic taste of umami as a natur...
Assumptions about Human Nature: Implications for Researchers and Practitioners

The Pervasiveness of Assumptions about Human Nature The Historical Background of Assumptions about Human Nature Conceptualizing Philosophies of Human Nature Measurement of Philosophies of Human Nature Group Differences Relationship of Philosophies of Human Nature to Attitude, Personality, and Aptitude Variables Relationship of Philosophies of Human Nature to Behavior Determinants of Philosophies of Human Nature The Zeitgeist and Philosophies of Human Nature, or Where Did All the Idealistic, Imperturbable Freshmen Go? Philosophies of Human Nature - How Much Change is Possible? A Time for Taking Stock
Cross-cultural differences in uses of online experts

Abstract Existing research on how consumers utilize online reviewers to make purchasing decisions has generally taken a Western viewpoint. However, the majority of new online consumers come from Eastern nations. Therefore, the present article takes a cross-cultural view of how consumers from Eastern nations, such as China and India, respond to expert and non-expert online reviewers, in comparison with consumers from Western nations, such as the United States and Canada. The results from an experimental study of 134 North American respondents and 132 Asian respondents reveal that Asians are more likely to rely on advice from an online reviewer, while North Americans are more skeptical of and less reliant on non-expert reviewers. Asians are more forgiving of non-experts and do not necessarily distinguish between experts and non-experts when deciding on whom to rely. This article thus highlights a clear difference between Asian and North American expectations of online reviewers.
Acute early transplant renal artery thrombosis; a complex etiologic diagnosis.

Please cite this paper as: Hamidian Jahromi A, Bastani B. Acute early transplant renal artery thrombosis; a complex etiologic diagnosis. J Nephropathol. 2014; 3(4): 151-152. DOI: 10.12860/jnp.2014.28
Effects of Impact Velocity on Crush Behavior of Honeycomb Specimens

Effects of impact velocity on the crush behavior of aluminum 5052-H38 honeycomb specimens are investigated by experiments. An impact test machine using pressurized nitrogen was designed to perform dynamic crush tests. A test fixture was designed such that inclined loads can be applied to honeycomb specimens in dynamic crush tests. The results of dynamic crush tests indicate that the effects of impact velocity on the normal and inclined crush strengths are significant. The trends of the inclined crush strengths for specimens with different in-plane orientation angles as functions of impact velocity are very similar to that of the normal crush strength. Experimental results show similar progressive folding mechanisms for honeycomb specimens under pure compressive and inclined loads. Under inclined loads, the inclined stacking patterns were observed. The inclined stacking patterns are due to the asymmetric locations of the horizontal plastic hinge lines. These experimental observations provide a better understanding of the dynamic crush behaviors of honeycomb materials under pure compressive and inclined loading conditions.
Stratification and the Life Course: Life Course Capital, Life Course Risks, and Social Inequality

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the relationship of stratification with the life course. The cumulative acquisition of life-course capital is conditioned by life-course risks that are confronted from birth until death. The first life-course risks are attached with social origins—when the unequal provision of physical, social, and economic resources by parents to their children conditions lifelong patterns of inequality. Another source of inequality of parental investment in prenatal, neonatal, and infant care is related, on average, to socioeconomic resources but is most strongly tied to poverty or near poverty and social exclusion from mainstream institutional resources. Postnatal childhood adversity related to poor nutrition or poverty has been found to have serious formative implications for subsequent acquisition of human capital and maintenance of health. Educational attainment appears to be the pivotal life course transition for predicting later well being in adulthood. The cumulative processes of stratification set individuals on different pathways of relative advantage or disadvantage. Early advantage increases access to beneficial opportunity structures, but considerable heterogeneity develops within aging cohorts as encounters with potentially fortunate, derailing, or deflecting life course risks emerge.
Pee-dots: biocompatible fluorescent carbon dots derived from the upcycling of urine

We have demonstrated an easy, economic, one-step synthetic route to water-soluble fluorescent carbon dots derived from the thermal upcycling of urine. These “pee-dots” (PDs), which primarily comprise hydrophile-decorated amorphous carbon, exhibit bright, stable, excitation wavelength dependent fluorescence in aqueous solution and are shown to be useful nanoscale labels in cell imaging applications. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrate that these PDs are benign toward model cell lines, even at concentrations as high as 500 μg mL−1. Notably, this approach converts an otherwise useless, negatively-valued byproduct of human life into a value-added nanoscale product while simultaneously pasteurizing the waste stream. The reported PDs proved to be effective nanoprobes for the fluorescence-based detection of heavy metal ions of environmental concern, particularly Cu2+ and Hg2+ ions which were found to be strong quenchers of their fluorescence. Interestingly, the optical properties and nanoscale dimensions of the PDs are a direct reflection of the diet (e.g., vitamin C or asparagus (sulfur) fortified) followed by the urine donor.
Carbon nanotubes as probes for atomic force microscopy

Tip-derived artifacts remain one of the chief limitations of atomic force microscopy (AFM) when attempting to measure sub-nanometre structures. Carbon nanotubes represent ideal structures for use as AFM tips because of their small diameter, high aspect ratio and high strength. We attached single carbon nanotube AFM tips using a novel arc discharge method. Using these modified tips, we successfully imaged a protein filament found in sponge spicules of Tethya aurantia . We report a modular stave-like structure for the protein filament that was previously unobservable with conventional AFM cantilevers.
Connecting small-angle diffraction with real-space images by quantitative transmission electron microscopy of amorphous thin-films

Abstract We have explored quantitative methods to study projected density fluctuations on the scale 0.5–2 nm in amorphous thin-films using weak phase object transmission electron microscopy. A useful method includes quantitative analysis of electron images and their Fourier amplitudes, essentially combining small-angle scattering analysis and high-resolution imaging from the same microscopic region. By comparing the Fourier spectra of differently prepared SiO 2 specimens, we show that clear differences between similar-looking samples can be detected quantitatively, and defect sizes and densities can be measured. Further development of this technique may hold significant value for researchers working to understand small-angle diffraction and for those investigating the performance of microelectronic thin oxides.
Spatial and seasonal patterns in sediment nitrogen remineralization and ammonium concentrations in San Francisco Bay, California

Nitrogen remineralization and extractable ammonium concentrations were measured in sediments from several locations in North and South San Francisco bays. In South Bay, remineralization rates decreased with depth in sediment and were highest in the spring following the seasonal phytoplankton bloom. At the channel stations, peak remineralization lagged peak water-column phytoplankton biomass (as measured by chlorophylla) by a month. Remineralization rates were generally higher in South Bay than North Bay. The lower remineralization rates in North Bay may be a result of anomalously low phytoplankton production and thus reduced deposition to the sediments, as well as low reiverine organic inputs to the upper estuary in recent years. Remineralization rates were positively correlated to carbon and nitrogen content of the sediments. In general, ammonium profiles in South Bay sediments showed no increase in deeper (4–8 cm) sediments. In North Bay, ammonium concentrations were greatest at stations with highest remineralization rates, and, in contrast to South Bay, extractable ammonium increased in deeper sediment. Differences in ammonium pools between North Bay and South Bay may be a result of increased irrigation by deep-dwelling macrofauna, which are more abundant in South Bay.
Transformation properties of Bloch functions

Abstract The transformation properties of a Bloch function belonging to a non-degenerate band are established to all orders in k Z p perturbation theory.
Statistical Analysis and Process Variation-Aware Routing and Skew Assignment for FPGAs

With constant scaling of process technologies, chip design is becoming increasingly difficult due to process variations. The FPGA community has only recently started focusing on the effects of variations. In this work we present a statistical analysis to compare the effects of variations on designs mapped to FPGAs and ASICs. We also present CAD and architecture techniques to mitigate the impact of variations. First we present a variation-aware router that optimizes statistical criticality. We then propose a modification to the clock network to deliver programmable skews to different flip-flops. Finally, we combine the two techniques and the result is a 9x reduction in yield loss that translates to a 12% improvement in timing yield. When the desired timing yield is set to 99%, our combined statistical routing and skew assignment technique results in a delay improvement of about 10% over a purely deterministic approach.
High Dielectric Dopants for Low Voltage Liquid Crystal Operation

Several linear polyene compounds with extraordinarily large dielectric anisotropy and small elastic constant were synthesized and their physical properties evaluated. The dielectric anisotropy of these compounds varies from 60 to 70, depending on the detailed molecular structures. Adding 3% of these compounds to a polar and a nonpolar liquid crystal mixtures significantly reduces their threshold voltage while only causes a modest increase in viscosity.
Neuromonitoring in pediatric spine surgery

Abstract Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring has an integral role during pediatric spinal deformity correction to mitigate the risk of iatrogenic neurologic injury. This review describes the nuances of pediatric spine surgery as they relate to neurophysiologic monitoring, addresses how the advent of multimodal techniques has expanded the scope of management of complex curvatures, and discusses the role of neuromonitoring during contemporary pediatric spine procedures, including growing rod and vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib implantation.
Impact of energy depletion and reliability on wireless sensor network connectivity

The impact of the non-uniform individual sensor node lifetime on the connectivity of a data gathering tree over time is studied in this research. The lifetime of sensor devices depends on the device failure rate and/or battery energy depletion, and surviving nodes may not preserve the uniform node density across the network as nodes age. We first examine the general node aging problem by considering the energy consumption rate and the node failure rate. The energy consumption rate in a data gathering tree is presented with or without data aggregation. The nodes in each hop level show a different energy depletion rates even with data aggregation, which is studied by mathematical analysis as well as simulation results. Then, the resulting non-uniform connectivity over time in a data gathering tree is examined with a node's survivor function. It is shown by mathematical analysis and simulation results that the node aging process has a significant impact on the connectivity as the hop distance increases.
Bilateral intraocular glandular choristomas in a Thoroughbred foal

Intraocular choristomas are rare anomalies in domestic animals and are often associated with multiple ocular malformations. A Thoroughbred foal presented for ocular abnormalities and was diagnosed with microphthalmia, corneal dermoids, severe anterior segment dysgenesis (including glandular choristomas), aphakia, retinal dysplasia, and optic nerve hypoplasia. Morphological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical comparisons were made between ocular choristomatous tissues from this foal and lacrimal gland, third eyelid gland, nasopharynx, trachea, and lacrimal sac/nasolacrimal duct from normal horses. Morphologically the choristomatous tissues (glands and epithelium lining the anterior segment) were most similar to the lacrimal sac. Histochemistry of glandular components found the glands associated with the lacrimal sac/nasolacrimal duct to be serous, as was the glandular intraocular choristomas. Our findings suggest that the origin of intraocular glandular choristomas in this case is from the lacrimal sac.
There goes the macrophage neighborhood

The lymph node is a highly structured organ optimized for generating adaptive immune responses. Lymph fluid carrying pathogens and their antigens from infected tissue is first distributed into a large cavity just beneath the node's surface, which is populated by a dense layer of specialized macrophages. These subcapsular sinus (SCS) macrophages filter incoming lymph, capture pathogens, and relay pathogen-derived antigen to B cells in subjacent follicles, provoking them to produce antibodies (see the figure). At the original infection site, migratory dendritic cells (DCs) are activated, acquire antigen, and deliver it to the node through the lymph, generating a secondary wave of immune cell activation. Until now, this influx of DCs has been viewed as beneficial to the host, as they activate T cells within the node's paracortex. However, on page 667 of this issue, Gaya et al. ( 1 ) demonstrate that incoming DCs can be harmful. These cells can disrupt the SCS macrophage layer and reduce the host's ability to mount a humoral (antibody) response to a secondary pathogen.
Simple method of computing the partition coefficient

The values of log10P (partition coefficient, in octanol/water) were calculated for about 200 organic molecules of diverse structures and functionalities. The method involves a simple procedure and appears accurate enough for semiquantitative applications. Further, this method of calculating log10P values was shown to be successful in providing a better quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) than the Hansch-type approach in the study of inhibitory activity of substituted phenols on Bacillus Subtilis spore germination.
Human fecal metabolism of soyasaponin I

The metabolism of soyasaponin I (3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]olean-12-ene-3beta,22beta,24-triol) by human fecal microorganisms was investigated. Fresh feces were collected from 15 healthy women and incubated anaerobically with 10 mmol soyasaponin I/g feces at 37 degrees C for 48 h. The disappearance of soyasaponin I in this in vitro fermentation system displayed apparent first-order rate loss kinetics. Two distinct soyasaponin I degradation phenotypes were observed among the subjects: rapid soyasaponin degraders with a rate constant k = 0.24 +/- 0.04 h(-)(1) and slow degraders with a k = 0.07 +/- 0.02 h(-)(1). There were no significant differences in the body mass index, fecal moisture, gut transit time, and soy consumption frequency between the two soyasaponin degradation phenotypes. Two primary gut microbial metabolites of soyasaponin I were identified as soyasaponin III (3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]olean-12-ene-3beta,22beta,24-triol) and soyasapogenol B (olean-12-ene-3beta,22beta,24-triol) by NMR and electrospray ionized mass spectroscopy. Soyasaponin III appeared within the first 24 h and disappeared by 48 h. Soyasapogenol B seemed to be the final metabolic product during the 48 h anaerobic incubation. These results indicate that dietary soyasaponins can be metabolized by human gut microorganisms. The sugar moieties of soyasaponins seem to be hydrolyzed sequentially to yield smaller and more hydrophobic metabolites.
Subsidence in the Nocturnal Boundary Layer

Abstract Nights with clear skies and strong radiative cooling that favor the formation of statically stable nocturnal boundary layers (NBL) are also those nights most likely to have subsidence, because of the presence of synoptic high-pressure regions. The divergence associated with subsidence laterally removes some of the chilled nocturnal boundary layer air causing the NBL to not grow as rapidly as would otherwise be expected. An equivalent interpretation is that subsidence-induced heating partially counteracts the radiative and turbulent cooling. A new form of nocturnal integral depth scale, HT, is introduced that incorporates the heating and cooling contributions at night. This scale can be used with a variety of idealized temperature profile shapes, including slab, linear, and exponential. It is shown that observed values of subsidence for two case studies can reduce the NBL growth rate, as measured by ∂HT/∂t, by 5 to 50% and can cause corresponding errors in the estimation of accumulated cooling unl...
Measuring Normative Beliefs and Shared Behavioral Expectations in Organizations: The Reliability and Validity of the Organizational Culture Inventory:

The Organizational Culture Inventory measures 12 sets of normative beliefs or shared behavioral expectations associated with three general types of cultures, Constructive, Passive-Defensive, and Ag...
Reconstruction of chaotic signals using symbolic data

Abstract We discuss the reconstruction of dynamical systems from noisy time-series. In particular, we consider the use of the symbol statistics (coarse-grained signal data) as the target for reconstruction. The statistics of symbol sequences is relatively insensitive to moderate amounts of measurement noise (σ(noise)/σ(signal) ≈ 10–20%), while larger amounts produce a substantial bias. We show that it is possible to produce robust reconstructions even when σ(noise)/σ(signal) ≈ O(1). Our study shows that even at such high noise levels the procedure is convergent : i.e. the accuracy of parameter estimates is limited only by the amount of data and computer time available.
Action of Hydrogen Peroxide on Degradation of DNA after Irradiation in Escherichia Coli

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which produces breaks in cellular DNA, has not hitherto been shown to cause degradation of DNA. In this investigation it is shown that if transcription is blocked with rifampin, treatment with H2O2 causes degradation of DNA to nearly the same extent as does gamma-radiation. Further, if cells are given a treatment with H2O2 and incubated for 50 min, the amount of degradation in a second treatment is markedly less. This is attributed to the induction of the inhibitor of post-irradiation degradation of DNA (prd) by the first treatment. There is thus a double action of H2O2: first, to induce inhibition, and second, to cause degradation of DNA to begin in non-induced cells. The genetic dependence of induction by H2O2 mimics that of ionizing radiation. Accordingly, the induction process does not occur in recA- and lex- cells, because they are not inducible and is absent in recB- cells because they lack exonuclease V, the major component of prd. Potassium iodide (KI), an OH radical scavenger, negates the action of peroxide on DNA. The results obtained in this study suggest a possible theory for the evolution of radiation response systems