cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA-directed assembly of asymmetric nanoclusters using Janus nanoparticles.

Asymmetric assembly of nanomaterials has attracted broad interests because of their unique anisotropic properties that are different from those based on the more widely reported symmetric assemblies. Despite the potential advantages, programmable fabrication of asymmetric structure in nanoscale remains a challenge. We report here a DNA-directed approach for the assembly of asymmetric nanoclusters using Janus nanoparticles as building blocks. DNA-functionalized spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNSs) can be selectively attached onto two different hemispheres of DNA-functionalized Janus nanoparticle (JNP) through DNA hybridization. Complementary and invasive DNA strands have been used to control the degree and reversibility of the assembly process through programmable base-pairing interactions, resulting in a series of modular and asymmetric nanostructures that allow systematic study of the size-dependent assembly process. We have also shown that the attachment of the AuNSs onto the gold surface of the Janus n...
HYBRIDIZATION IN WESTERN ATLANTIC STONE CRABS (GENUS MENIPPE): EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY AND ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT INFLUENCE SPECIES INTERACTIONS.

Two distinct taxa of marine crabs (Menippe mercenaria and M. adina, sensu Williams and Felder [1986]) interbreed extensively in two disjunct areas of the coastal southeastern United States. We used variation in coloration and allele frequencies at three diagnostic loci to examine in detail the structure of the two zones of variation. A narrow hybrid zone in northwest Florida is situated at the junction of the present ranges of the two parental forms, in an area of strong ecological change and hydrological convergence. Despite extensive hybridization in this area, there is a significant deficiency of heterozygotes for the Alp-2 locus, nonrandom associations of alleles for two diagnostic loci, and an absence of certain combinations of phenotypes and genotypes. Along the Atlantic coast (east central Florida into South Carolina), a broad zone of increased variability exists within the range of M. mercenaria. Allele frequencies throughout this zone are similar to those of M. mercenaria but reflect apparent introgression from M. adina. In contrast, color patterns are quite variable, but only in the center of this zone. There is little evidence of a heterozygote deficiency, and the preferred habitat of M. mercenaria is not present. The Atlantic zone of variability is apparently expanding, with alleles at enzyme loci introgressing more rapidly than color characteristics. Despite these differences, certain features are common to both zones. These include 1) asymmetry in terms of the direction of introgression, 2) differential introgression of alleles, and 3) an almost complete absence of M. adina phenotypes that carry high proportions of M. mercenaria alleles. Differences between the two zones illustrate the influence that environmental setting, time of contact in relation to time of divergence, and location of the zone relative to the parental species ranges can have on hybridization events. However, observed similarities between the zones suggest that certain patterns of introgression and recombination may be independent of environmental setting. Thus, we suggest that factors inherent to the organism (intrinsic factors) and factors inherent to the environment (extrinsic factors) both act to structure and maintain the two hybrid zones.
Multiple sclerosis lesions: relationship between MR enhancement pattern and magnetization transfer effect.

PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between the enhancement pattern of a multiple sclerosis lesion and its magnetization transfer effect. METHODS Fifty-four lesions were chosen from 29 patients with multiple sclerosis on the basis of enhancement pattern on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR images. They included 14 homogeneously enhancing lesions, 26 nonenhancing lesions, and 14 ring-enhancing lesions. Magnetization transfer ratios of the homogeneously enhancing lesions, nonenhancing lesions, and central portion of the ring-enhancing lesions were measured. Means were calculated and compared. RESULTS The magnetization transfer ratios for homogeneously enhancing lesions were higher (mean, 32.2%; SD, 3.4%) than those for nonenhancing lesions (mean 29.4%; SD, 4.3%) and for the central portion of ring-enhancing lesions (mean, 24.5%; SD, 4.0%). Significant differences were found between the ring-enhancing lesions and the homogeneously enhancing lesions and between the ring-enhancing lesions and the nonenhancing lesions. CONCLUSION We found a relationship between decreased magnetization transfer ratios and those enhancement patterns in which myelin is known to be decreased histopathologically. Thus, use of the magnetization transfer technique may increase the specificity of MR imaging in assessing the extent of residual myelination in multiple sclerosis lesions.
Study on Health Related Behaviors of Rural Population in Sichuan Province

Objective To explore the health related behaviors of rural people in Sichuan Province,and to provide scientific evidence for carrying out health education and health promotion in rural areas.Methods Observation method and questionnaire were used to investigate women in whose family there were children under 13 years old in three rural areas in Sichuan Province.Also,in-depth interview was used in the survey of three primary schools.Results The positive behavior rate of targeted people—who would wash hands with soap after contacting to fecal(7.81%) or before cooking or children feeding(4.69%)—is low.The ways of depositing children's fecal had the possibility to pollute enviornment and water around.The effect of health education carried out in school is not good.Conclusion It is necessary to enhance health education and health promotion in rural areas to ameliorate negative health related behaviors,and eventually to improve the life quality of rural population.
A phase I/II trial of combination paclitaxel and carboplatin in advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer : Preliminary results of an ongoing study

Because of paclitaxel's (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) high single-agent activity in non-small cell lung cancer we developed a study to determine the maximum tolerated dose and a dose suitable for outpatient phase II/III trials of paclitaxel combined with a fixed dose of carboplatin (area under the concentration-time curve of 6, Calvert formula). From October 1993 to November 1994, 41 patients were entered into this trial, including six at dose level I (paclitaxel 150 mg/m2), six at dose level 2 (paclitaxel 175 mg/m2), II at dose level 3 (paclitaxel 200 mg/m2), 13 at dose level 4 (paclitaxel 225 mg/m2), and five at dose level 5 (paclitaxel 250 mg/m2). Patient characteristics included 27 men and 14 women with a median age of 64 years (age range, 46 to 81 years). The median Southwest Oncology Group performance status was I (range, 0 to 2). Nineteen patients had unresectable stage III and 22 had stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. Forty-one patients and 167 treatment courses were evaluable for toxicity. Hematologic toxicity was generally mild to moderate, not related to paclitaxel dose, and never dose limiting. Thrombocytopenia was remarkably mild, with only one episode of grade 3 toxicity (no grade 4). Arthralgias and cumulative sensory neuropathy were dose related and dose limiting. The maximum tolerated dose was defined at the 250 mg/m2 dose level with three of five patients achieving grade 3 (severe toxicity. The 225 mg/m2 dose level appears to be well tolerated, but accrual at this dose level is ongoing. This appears to be a highly active regimen, with objective responses in 20 (two complete responses and 18 partial responses) of 32 patients with objectively measurable disease for an overall response rate of 62.5%.
SU‐C‐209‐05: Monte Carlo Model of a Prototype Backscatter X‐Ray (BSX) Imager for Projective and Selective Object‐Plane Imaging

Purpose: To develop a Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) model for the validation of a prototype backscatter x-ray (BSX) imager, and optimization of BSX technology for medical applications, including selective object-plane imaging. Methods: BSX is an emerging technology that represents an alternative to conventional computed tomography (CT) and projective digital radiography (DR). It employs detectors located on the same side as the incident x-ray source, making use of backscatter and avoiding ring geometry to enclose the imaging object. Current BSX imagers suffer from low spatial resolution. A MCNP model was designed to replicate a BSX prototype used for flaw detection in industrial materials. This prototype consisted of a 1.5mm diameter 60kVp pencil beam surrounded by a ring of four 5.0cm diameter NaI scintillation detectors. The imaging phantom consisted of a 2.9cm thick aluminum plate with five 0.6cm diameter holes drilled halfway. The experimental image was created using a raster scanning motion (in 1.5mm increments). Results: A qualitative comparison between the physical and simulated images showed very good agreement with 1.5mm spatial resolution in plane perpendicular to incident x-ray beam. The MCNP model developed the concept of radiography by selective plane detection (RSPD) for BSX, whereby specific object planes can be imaged by varying kVp. 10keV increments in mean x-ray energy yielded 4mm thick slice resolution in the phantom. Image resolution in the MCNP model can be further increased by increasing the number of detectors, and decreasing raster step size. Conclusion: MCNP modelling was used to validate a prototype BSX imager and introduce the RSPD concept, allowing for selective object-plane imaging. There was very good visual agreement between the experimental and MCNP imaging. Beyond optimizing system parameters for the existing prototype, new geometries can be investigated for volumetric image acquisition in medical applications. This material is based upon work supported under an Integrated University Program Graduate Fellowship sponsored by the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy.
Inquilinus limosus in pulmonary disease: case report and review of the literature

Inquilinus limosus is a slow growing, gram-negative, oxidase-positive, non-fermentative bacillus that is rarely isolated from clinical samples. When clinically identified, I. limosus is almost exclusively isolated from the respiratory tracts of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). We report the first case of I. limosus isolation from a pulmonary specimen in an individual without a diagnosis of CF. A review of the English-language literature has been made and shows 33 cases (excluding the present report) in which I. limosus was isolated from the respiratory tracts of patients. Our patient, at 60years of age, is more than two decades older than the any previously reported patient. Similar to previous reports, the I. limosus isolated from her lungs demonstrated intrinsic multidrug resistance. The pathogenicity, clinical relevance, and optimal therapeutic management of I. limosus remains largely unknown due to its infrequent recovery from clinical samples.
Validation of diagnostic accuracy with whole-slide imaging compared with glass slide review in dermatopathology.

Background Teledermatopathology has evolved from static images to whole slide imaging (WSI), which allows for remote viewing and manipulation of tissue sections. Previous studies of WSI in teledermatopathology predated College of American Pathologists (CAP) telepathology validation guidelines. Objective We conducted a comprehensive retrospective WSI validation study of routine dermatopathology cases, adhering to CAP guidelines. Method In all, 181 consecutive cases arranged into 3 categories (inflammatory, melanocytic, nonmelanocytic proliferations) were reviewed by 3 board-certified dermatopathologists via traditional microscopy (TM) and WSI. Intraobserver (TM vs WSI), TM intraobserver and interobserver (TM vs TM), and WSI interobserver (WSI vs WSI) concordance was interpreted using a 3-tier system. Results TM versus WSI intraobserver concordance (86.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 83.7-89.6) did not differ from TM versus TM intraobserver concordance (90.3%; 95% CI 86.7-93.1) or interobserver concordance (WSI: 89.9%; 95% CI 87.0-92.2, and TM: 89.5%; 95% CI 86.5-91.9). Melanocytic proliferations had the lowest TM versus WSI intraobserver concordance (75.6%; 95% CI 68.5-81.5), whereas inflammatory lesions had the highest TM versus WSI intraobserver concordance (96.1%; 95% CI 91.8-98.3). Nonmelanocytic proliferations had an intraobserver concordance of 89.1% (95% CI 83.4-93.0). Limitations Efficiency and other logistical WSI parameters were not evaluated. Conclusion Intraobserver and interobserver diagnostic concordance between WSI and TM was equivalent. Therefore, WSI appears to be a reliable diagnostic modality for dermatopathology.
Effect of anode conductivity degradation on the Thevenin Circuit Model of lithium ion batteries

This paper proposes a high resolution anode degradation model of the lithium ion battery based on its physics of operation in 3D and in layers. This model is developed in a multiphysics software called COMSOL and in Matlab. This paper describes the procedure followed to develop the model in 3D and the features of this model. The performance of the model is validated with experimental data obtained from a battery of the same chemistry and capacity. The paper will then relate the effect of the degradation of the anode conductivity on the Thevenin Circuit Model parameters. The established relationship can help identify the parameters that are important for battery degradation and will be invaluable for real-time and online estimation of SOH and SOF of the battery.
Biologic Sequelae of CDC2 Inhibition in MM.

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a malignant proliferation of plasma cells characterized by disruption of cell cycle checkpoint controls which maintain G2M transition and/or mitosis. CDC2 is the cyclin-dependent kinase that normally drives cells into mitosis and is universally expressed in MM. To examine the biologic role of CDC2 in MM, we evaluated cellular and molecular effects of Terameprocol (M4N, tetra-O-methyl nordihydroguaiaretic acid) that has been shown to inhibit cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase by inhibiting the transcription of sp-1 dependent expression of CDC2. We observed that Terameprocol downregulated the expression of cdc2 in a time-dependent manner, with a maximal effect at 24h. This was associated with induction of G2/M growth arrest in a panel of MM cell lines (INA6, OPM1, OPM2, MM1S, RPMI-8226, U266), as determined by PI staining. Interestingly, Terameprocol treatment led to increase in p21waf1 protein levels. Importantly, we observed inhibition of DNA synthesis by Terameprocol in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with IC50 range from 1–20 uM for a 24 hours period of treatment, as assessed by 3H-thymidine uptake. Longer exposure of MM cells to Terameprocol resulted in cytoxicity, as assessed by MTT assay, via induction of apoptosis, evidenced by Annexin V+ /PI staining, in all the MM cell lines tested. Terameprocol -induced apoptosis is predominantly associated with caspase-9 and caspase-3, but not caspase-8 activation, suggesting that Terameprocol triggers intrinsic apoptotic pathway in MM cells. Our results show that genes that control entry and progression of G2/M phase, especially cdc2, may be an attractive target for MM therapy and Terameprocol represents a prototypic agent for the control of unregulated cellular proliferation in MM.
Should the public sector play a greater role funding brownfield redevelopment projects? A transatlantic comparison

ABSTRACTIn the US and Germany, various public funding tools are available to make brownfield redevelopment projects financially feasible. The practices of private or public sector involvement differ from an international perspective. The following discussion will explore funding practices in the US and Germany. In Germany, there is a long tradition of public sector involvement while the US is predominately driven by private sector funding. A comparison will help identify long-standing practices in Germany and how they might be adapted to the US context. In a manner similar to the previous chapter on policies and programs, findings in this chapter are discussed at federal US, state of Michigan and local municipal levels, and European Union, Germany, and local-level funding.
Mechanisms of fosfomycin resistance in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter sp.

We report on fosfomycin susceptibility and mechanisms of resistance in clinical strains of blaKPC-positive Enterobacter sp. (n = 19). A total of 14 strains (74%) were susceptible to fosfomycin; 8 strains (42%) were positive for fosA and no strains were positive for FosA3 or FosC2. FosA presence does not appear to correlate with susceptibility.
Diversity Consulting and Teaching from a Social Justice Perspective

What does consulting and teaching look like from the sociopolitical spaces of privilege, ambivalence and oppression? Giving voice to visible social identities is explored through narrative exploration of teacher and student voices. Who can raise these issues and who cannot? Pedagogically, how can and should we as trainers address these issues? We discuss consulting and teaching about privilege and oppression across race, ethnicity and gender in psychology programs at urban universities in eastern and western United States. The three issues explored include: a) teaching about privilege and oppression from a visibly privileged social identity; b) acknowledging the ambiguities of privilege and oppression of minorities and immigrants from a sociopolitical space of ambivalence; and c) mentoring and modeling on issues of privilege and oppression from a visibly oppressed social identity. Consulting from this postmodernist perspective is different and more effective when members of all level of the organizations embrace readiness, patience and commitment toward organizational change. This approach is more aligned with the current shifts towards globalization and diversification occurring within organizations today.
Exploring opportunistic ambient notifications in the smart home to enhance quality of live

Smart home technology became more and more widespread within recent years. They aim to make life easier and taking over unwanted tasks. In traditional homes, it is often not clear whether all windows and doors of a house are closed before inhabitants leave the home or go to sleep. However, this can be easily addressed by smart homes. We present a system based on opportunistically located ambient lights that assist inhabitants of a smart home in answering this question. In this paper, we show the concept of our system and the inhabitant-centered design process behind the development. The system was installed in a one-family smart home. We report on insights gained through data collected from this deployment over a period of six months. Within interviews, we found that the ambient light system gave inhabitants a more confident feeling about open doors/windows.
Self-efficacy and physical activity among adults with visual impairments.

Abstract Background According to empirical evidence, adults with visual impairments are generally less physically active than their sighted peers, however less is known about what specific motivational factors influence physical activity participation among this population. While research has identified self-efficacy as one important motivational factor for physical activity, no previous research has examined this association among individuals with visual impairments. Objective The primary purpose of the current study was to examine the association between self-efficacy and physical activity for adults with visual impairments. Methods A total of 147 participants (Mage = 44.5, 65.2% female) completed three online surveys (i.e., demographic questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form [IPAQ-SF], and Self-Efficacy for Exercise Beliefs [SEEB] scale) and were included in the analysis. MET-min/wk and SE beliefs were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using correlation and multiple regression analyses. Results Participants reported an average of 2799.98 MET-min/wk. Body mass measures showed a mean BMI of 27.59, which was within the overweight range. A positive association (r = 0.29, p Conclusions A positive relationship was found between physical activity participation and self-efficacy beliefs, which is aligned with earlier research conducted among individuals without disabilities. This finding underscores the need for further exploration of motivational constructs associated with physical activity engagement among individuals with visual impairments in order to better understand what specific factors impact and can be leveraged to promote physical activity engagement of this population.
Simulating the Evolution of Fluid Underpressures in the Great Plains, by Incorporation of Tectonic Uplift and Tilting, with a Groundwater Flow Model

Underpressures (subhydrostatic heads) in the Paleozoic units underlying the Great Plains of North America are a consequence of Cenozoic uplift of the area. Based on tectonostratigraphic data, we have developed a cumulative uplift history with superimposed periods of deposition and erosion for the Great Plains for the period from 40 Ma to the present. Uplift, deposition, and erosion on an 800 km geologic cross-section extending from northeast Colorado to eastern Kansas is represented in nine time-stepped geohydrologic models. Sequential solution of the two-dimensional diffusion equation reveals the evolution of hydraulic head and underpressure in a changing structural environment after 40 Ma, culminating in an approximate match with the measured present-day values. The modeled and measured hydraulic head values indicate that underpressures increase to the west. The 2 to 0 Ma model indicates that the present-day hydraulic head values of the Paleozoic units have not reached steady state. This result is significant because it indicates that present-day hydraulic heads are not at equilibrium, and underpressures will increase in the future. The pattern uncovered by the series of nine MODFLOW models is of increased underpressures with time. Overall, the models indicate that tectonic uplift explains the development of underpressures in the Great Plains.
Evaluation of the inactivation of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus by several common methods.

Working with virological samples requires validated inactivation protocols for safe handling and disposal. Although many techniques exist to inactivate samples containing viruses, not all procedures have been properly validated or are compatible with subsequent assays. To aid in the development of inactivation protocols for Alphaviruses, and specifically Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), a variety of methods were evaluated for their ability to completely inactivate a high titer sample of the vaccine strain VEEV TC-83. The methods evaluated include reagents used in RNA extraction, fixation, treatment with a detergent, and heat inactivation. Most methods were successful at inactivating the sample; however, treatment with only Buffer AVL, SDS, and heat inactivation at 58 °C for one hour were not capable of complete inactivation of the virus in the sample. These results provide a substantial framework for identifying techniques that are safe for complete inactivation of Alphaviruses and to advise protocol implementation.
The diagnostic and cellularity yield of reverse bevel versus fork-tip fine needle biopsy.

Introduction Two new systems with a novel tip (Procore™ and SharkCore™) have been introduced for ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (US-FNB). Direct comparison of the diagnostic yield of these needles in the evaluation of pancreatic lesions is currently under investigation. This study aims to compare the diagnostic and cellular yields of the two needle systems. Methods Consecutive patients with upper gastrointestinal lesions undergoing EUS-FNB using 22 gauge Procore™ (reverse bevel) or SharkCore™ (fork-tip) needles were included in the study. Cytological rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) slides were scored on a numerical scale of diagnostic yield relative to the number of passes. Similarly, histology of biopsy material was assessed on diagnostic quality using a numeric score. The final diagnosis was based on resection specimens and/or follow-up of clinical and imaging data of the subject. Results The diagnostic yield was similar between the fork-tip and reverse bevel needles (125/163; 77% vs 103/139;74% with P = .60). Sub-analysis for solid pancreatic masses demonstrated similar results (69/88; 78% vs. 83/107; 78% with P = .88). The fork-tip needle had a lower mean number of passes (2.5 vs 3.1; P = .04) and ROSE was utilized in significantly less cases than in the reverse bevel needle group (77% versus 98.3%). Conclusions Although we observed no difference in the diagnostic yield using either the fork-tip or the reverse bevel needle, the fork-tip needle had significantly better performance with regards to achieving more adequate cytologic specimen in fewer number of passes while at the same time requiring fewer episodes of ROSE.
The Public and Private in Education

This chapter traces some of the shifting meanings of the public and private in educational thought from Plato to the present, with special reference to the United States and the idea of the common school. It identifies two distinct lines of debate: one concerning the nature of public educational goods and the other concerning the fate of individuation and self-cultivation. Reconstructing these debates side by side leads to a surprising conclusion. What looks like ‘public schooling’ can be shown to be the pursuit of merely overlapping private goods. At the same time, what looks like a system prioritizing the individual’s private purposes can be shown in fact to largely stifle individual self-formation. Modern schooling is best described as an expression of what Arendt calls the ‘social’ and thus falls short of cultivating either public or private life.
CYTOCHROME-REACTION CENTER-QUINONE INTERACTIONS: MODELS FOR BIOLOGICAL ELECTRON TRANSFER

This paper presents a digest of current knowledge of the redox reactions in photosynthetic bacteria, with the idea of providing some simplifying generalities useful to non-biologists. Hopefully it will also provide some basic information which will promote experiments to improve our understanding of tunneling in biological electron transfer.
OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THREE SOLAR PROCESS HEAT PLANTS IN EUROPE AND ARABIA

ABSTRACT Collector design, plant layout and operational experience with solar industrial process heat plants in Europe and Arabia are described.
Spatial cross-correlation

We propose in this paper a new class of model processes for the extraction of spectral information from the neural representation of acoustic signals in mammals. We are concerned particularly with mechanisms for detecting the phase-locked activity of auditory neurons in response to frequencies and intensities of sound associated with speech perception. Recent psychophysical tests on deaf human subjects implanted with intracochlear stimulating electrodes as an auditory prosthesis have produced results which are in conflict with the predictions of the classical place-pitch and periodicity-pitch theories. In our model, the detection of synchronicity between two phase-locked signals derived from sources spaced a finite distance apart on the basilar membrane can be used to extract spectral information from the spatiotemporal pattern of basilar membrane motion. Computer simulations of this process suggest an optimal spacing of about 0.3---0.4 of the wavelength of the frequency to be detected. This interval is consistent with a number of psychophysical, neurophysiological, and anatomical observations, including the results of high resolution frequency-mapping of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus which are presented here. One particular version of this model, invoking the binaurally sensitive cells of the medial superior olive as the critical detecting elements, has properties which are useful in accounting for certain complex binaural psychophysical observations.
Minimally Invasive Approaches for Complex Elbow Trauma

The use of arthroscopic approaches in complex elbow trauma has several advantages over more traditional open approaches. Arthroscopy results in less soft tissue dissection and may reduce postoperative pain and ease rehabilitation. Additionally, arthroscopy allows for improved visualization of intraarticular fractures and may improve anatomic reduction of the articular surface. Aside from standard diagnostic or therapeutic arthroscopy, there are several indications for arthroscopy in addressing fractures about the elbow.
Baboon Nursery Rearing Practices and Comparisons between Nursery-Reared and Mother-Reared Individuals

The size, hardiness, and adaptability of baboons have influenced their ability to populate vast regions of Africa, from sub-Saharan deserts to lush tropical forests. These factors are also key reasons they are chosen for many types of biomedical and behavioral research, including studies of cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, reproduction, osteoporosis, genetics, and social organization.
Changes in the Policing of Civil Disorders Since the Kerner Report: The Police Response to Ferguson, August 2014, and Some Implications for the Twenty-First Century

The Kerner Commission identified factors contributing to police ineffectiveness during the 1960s civil disorders. Since release of the Kerner report, the frequency and intensity of civil disorders has declined and the policing of disorders has changed. Using the report recommendations as a framework, we analyze changes in police disorder management during the 2014 events in Ferguson as these involve operational planning and equipment. Data for the Ferguson case are constructed from media reports, police and activist accounts, after action reports, and field observations. We link changes seen in Ferguson to larger institutional changes in law enforcement over the last fifty years. We conclude with discussions on what did and did not work in the policing of Ferguson and highlight implications for policing of protest and disorder in the twenty-first century.
What I Saw at the Revolution

This chapter develops in narrative nonfiction style a portrait of Brazilian evangelicals that leads into a historical and theological critique of the nascent evangelical left in Brazil. While rendering in journalistic fashion varying instances of the self-consciously “social politics” of this progressive wing of Brazilian evangelicalism, this chapter places the emergence of such conceptions of politics in historical perspective within the broader flow of Western political and intellectual history. In the end, this chapter highlights the tenuous relationship between religious faith and progressive politics. To do so, it turns to the history of base communities in Brazil during the 1970s and 1980s, which too sought to unify leftist politics with Christian mission. Just as leaders of those Catholic efforts encouraged the faithful to remain grounded in a conception and practice of their faith that remained independent of politics, this chapter urges a similar ecclesiocentric vision for those seeking maximum political effect.
Self-Regulated Learning in Online Graduate Business Communication Courses: A Qualitative Inquiry.

This qualitative study reviewed student application of self-regulated learning (SRL) processes in self-paced graduate business communication courses. It was preceded by a quantitative analysis of t...
Gender wage inequality during Sri Lanka’s post-reform growth: A distributional analysis

Abstract This paper investigates gender wage inequality in Sri Lanka during 1992–2014, a period of robust economic growth following pro-market reforms. The gap in mean wages between men and women decreased steadily over this period. Unconditional quantile regression reveals the decline in gender wage inequality was driven by the upper half of the distribution, and was due to improvements in women’s observable human capital. Yet, the pay structure became more unequal, indicating widening gender gaps in the returns to labor market characteristics and in unobservable determinants of wages. The gender gap in pay structure widened disproportionately in the lower half of the distribution, coinciding with falling absolute and relative returns to women in manufacturing industries and production occupations facing greater international competition. The study also demonstrates selection bias underestimates the gender wage gap and overestimates the gains in equality over time. Factors that hinder gender equality in the labor market are discussed along with policy implications.
Medial preoptic area antagonistically mediates stress-induced anxiety and parental behavior

Anxiety is a negative emotional state that is overly displayed in anxiety disorders and depression. Although anxiety is known to be controlled by distributed brain networks, key components for its initiation, maintenance and coordination with behavioral state remain poorly understood. Here, we report that anxiogenic stressors elicit acute and prolonged responses in glutamatergic neurons of the mouse medial preoptic area (mPOA). These neurons encode extremely negative valence and mediate the induction and expression of anxiety-like behaviors. Conversely, mPOA GABA-containing neurons encode positive valence and produce anxiolytic effects. Such opposing roles are mediated by competing local interactions and long-range projections of neurons to the periaqueductal gray. The two neuronal populations antagonistically regulate anxiety-like and parental behaviors: anxiety is reduced, while parenting is enhanced and vice versa. Thus, by evaluating negative and positive valences through distinct but interacting circuits, the mPOA coordinates emotional state and social behavior. Zhang et al. show in mice that the medial preoptic area antagonistically regulates stress-induced anxiety and parental behaviors, coordinated by opposing roles of its glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons through their competitive interactions.
The Null Hypothesis of IFN-γ and Monocyte Function in Leishmaniasis

The phagosomal pathogen Leishmania appears unaffected by deliberate changes in the early Th1/Th2 balance. In this issue, Carneiro et al. explain these paradoxical results by showing that manipulations affecting IFN-γ-mediated phagocyte activation are counteracted by effects on IFN-γ-dependent recruitment of CCR2+ monocytes permissive to parasite growth.
Clinical Genetic Testing Options

Genetic testing is becoming increasingly commonplace in the clinical setting, in large part due to significant advances in testing technologies combined with reductions in cost. An increase in the number of available testing options warrants an understanding of the basic strengths and limitations of those presently offered. In pediatric endocrinology practice, the use of molecular, cytogenic, and sequencing platforms are characterized by unique applications and limitations. This chapter aims to review the scope and basic technical methodologies presently available and describe relevant clinical use.
Time for Time: Uncovering Case Processing Duration as a Source of Punitiveness:

The literature on sentencing has devoted ample consideration to how prosecutors and judges incorporate priorities such as retribution and public safety into their decision making, typically using l...
Анализ на състоянието на системата за споделяне на знания и иновации в селското стопанство (Analysis of the State of the System of Sharing of Knowledge and Innovations in Bulgarian Agriculture)

Bulgarian Abstract: В разработката се прави анализ на състоянието и развитието на системата за споделяне на знания, иновации и цифровизация в селското стопанство в България. Първо се представя обхвата на изследването и изсточниците на информация. След това се прави анализ на състоянието и развитието на НИРД в България. Следва анализ на състоянието и развитието на основните агенти в системата за споделяне на знания и иновации в селското стопанство и връзките между тях - системата на аграрни изследвания, системата на аграрно обучение, съвети и консултации, и системата на внедряване на аграрни иновации. След това се анализира състоянието и развитието на дигитализацията на селското стопанство и селските райони в страната. След това се представят резултатите от експертна оценка на състоянието, ефективноста и факторите на развитие на системата за споделяне на знания, иновации и цифровизация в селското стопанство. Накрая се правят обобщаващи изводи от изследването. English Abstract: This study analyses the state and development of the system of sharing of knowledge, innovations and digitalisation of Bulgarian agriculture. First, the scope of the study and information sources are outlined. After that analysis is made of the state and evolution of the research and development activity in Bulgaria. Following is the analysis of the state and development of major agents in the system of sharing knowledge and innovations in agriculture and the relations - the system of agrarian research, the system of agrarian education, advises and consultations, and the system of application of agrarian innovations. Next, the state and evolution of the digitalisation in agriculture and rural regions are analysed. After that the results of an expect assessments on the state, efficiency and factors of development of the system of sharing of knowledge, innovations and digitalisation in agriculture are presented. Finally, conclusions of the study are made.
The role of financial literacy in describing the use of professional financial advisors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

This paper documents the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of profession financial advisors across a broad sample of financial decision makers (N = 16,431). Findings show that financial literacy played a significant role in describing the use of financial advisors in the USA before and during the pandemic. Those who exhibited higher levels of financial literacy were more likely to use the services of professional financial advisors. Based on a series of regression tests, it was determined that the effect of COVID-19 on the use of financial advisors was, to some extent, moderated by financial literacy.
The Beleaguered Sport of Thoroughbred Horse Racing

The essay reviews the overall consequences of the possible disqualification of the horse Medina Spirit who finished first in the 2021 Kentucky Derby.
Mechanisms of RNA-Modifying and -Editing Enzymes

This chapter focuses on mechanistic issues involved in RNA-modifying enzymes. From a chemical/structural viewpoint, modified nucleosides can be divided into two groups. The first group consists of relatively "simple" modifications (e.g., methylation, thiolation, deamination, and isomerization). The second group of modified nucleosides consists of more "complex" modifications (e.g., multiple modifications and hypermodifications), involving a multi-enzyme pathway or, as is the case with queuine and archaeosine, involving biosynthetic precursors synthesized by other enzymes for this purpose alone. The X-ray crystal structure of a nucleoside adenosine deaminase has been determined, and a zinc ion and an ordered water molecule have been located in the active site. The X-ray crystal structure of cytidine deaminase complexed with uridine has also recently been determined. The miaA enzyme utilizes Δ2-isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP, or dimethylallyl diphosphate) as the isopentenyl group donor. Δ2-IsopentenyI pyrophosphate is utilized by a number of isopentenyl transferases leading to various isoprenoids and ultimately to steroids. Two reaction mechanisms have been postulated for the isopentenyl transferases, an associative mechanism and a dissociative mechanism. Technological advances in RNA generation (both by in vitro transcription and by chemical synthesis) along with advances in molecular biological approaches (to identify, clone and express modifying enzyme genes) have been predominantly responsible for the renewed activity in RNA modification and editing research.
A prototype application of fuzzy logic and expert systems in education assessment

This paper reports on the design and development of an expert fuzzy classification scoring system for grading student writing samples. The growing use of written response tests in the education sector provides fertile domain areas for new and innovative applications of soft computing and expert systems technology. The main function of the expert fuzzy classification scoring system is to support teachers in the evaluation of student writing samples by providing them with a uniform framework for generating ratings based on the consistent application of scoring rubrics. The system has been tested using actual student response data. A controlled experiment demonstrated that teachers using the expert fuzzy classification scoring system can make assessments in less time and with a level of accuracy comparable to the best teacher graders. The paper introduces fuzzy classification techniques that can encapsulate knowledge about imprecise qualities needed for constructing rule-based scoring models that provide consistent, uniform scoring results. This increased consistency in the application of the scoring rubrics allows for more valid individual and group assessment.
See‐through Hall‐Heroult Cell

See-through bench scale Hall-Heroult cells were constructed employing either quartz walls, or graphite walls with sapphire windows. Observations were made of electrolyte circulation, gas bubbles and metal mist prior to, during, and following electrolysis. Decreasing oxide content increased anode bubble size culminating in an anode effect. Hydrogen bubbles and dark violet “metal mist” streamers emanated from the cathode. The color of the streamers suggests F-centers.
Autonomous Transient Ocean Event Monitoring (ATOEM)

A novel conceptual design is presented for a research platform for Autonomous Transient Ocean Event Monitoring (ATOEM). In simplest form, ATOEM would be an autonomous diesel-electric submarine of conventional design, but stripped of all of its requirements for human occupation and life support, and whose “torpedo” tubes would instead be loaded with a variety of AUV configurations ( e.g. , benthic, photic zone and midwater) capable of autonomous docking with the “mother ship”. Global deployment of a large fleet of modular, low-cost, highly-manufacturable ATOEM platforms has the potential to transform oceanographic research by providing coordinated, comprehensive, time-series, spatiotemporal measurements of all key ocean properties on an unprecedented scale.
Transaminase B from Escherichia coli: Quaternary Structure, Amino-Terminal Sequence, Substrate Specificity, and Absence of a Separate Valine-α-Ketoglutarate Activity

Transaminase B (branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.42), the ilvE gene product, was purified to apparent homogeneity from an Escherichia coli K-12 strain which carries the ilvE gene both on the host chromosome and on a plasmid. The oligomeric structure of the enzyme, as determined by analytical ultracentrifugation and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, was confirmed to be that of a hexamer with a molecular weight of about 182,000 and apparently identical subunits. Cross-linking with dimethylsuberimidate yielded trimers, dimers, and monomers, but essentially no species of higher molecular weight. These results are consistent with a double-trimer arrangement of the subunits in native enzyme. The amino-terminal sequence was found to be: Gly Thr Lys Lys Ala Asp Tyr Ile (Trp) Phe Asn Gly (Thr) (Met) Val. Purified transaminase B catalyzed transamination between alpha-ketoglutarate and l-isoleucine, l-leucine, l-valine, and, to a lesser extent, l-phenylalanine and l-tyrosine, the latter reacting very sluggishly. The enzyme was free of aspartate transaminase and of transaminase C. The apparent K(m) values for the branched-chain alpha-ketoacids were smaller than those for the corresponding amino acids. The lowest K(m) was recorded for dl-alpha-keto-beta-methyl-n-valerate, and the highest was recorded for l-valine. The ratio of the valine- and isoleucine-alpha-ketoglutarate activities did not change significantly during purification, and both activities were quantitatively removed from crude extract by antibody raised against purified transaminase B. These observations argue against the existence of a separate valine-alpha-ketoglutarate transaminase. Anti-E. coli transaminase B antibody cross-reacted with crude extract from Salmonella typhimurium, but not with extract obtained from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Comparison of the fractional postcoital test and semen analysis

Abstract This twofold investigation was designed to determine the prognostic value of the midcycle fractional postcoital test (PCT) in regard to the semen analysis (SA). The first portion of the study involved a comparison of the SA and PCT in 101 infertility couples. A significant correlation was noted between the number of motile sperm per high-power field at the internal cervical os level and the SA (p 6 sperm. Since the PCT and the SA were not collected from the same ejaculate, the second portion of the study was designed to alleviate this problem. Thirty-eight normal female subjects had midcycle cervical mucus collections after insemination of known amounts of sperm. With time held constant there was a significant correlation between the motile inseminated sperm and the number of cervical mucus sperm (p 6 per cubic centimeter produced greater than 15 motile sperm per high-power field at the internal cervical os. Also a sperm count of 9 × 10 6 per cubic centimeter resulted in 11 to 12 motile sperm per high-power field, whereas only 3 × 10 6 resulted in 5 to 6 sperm per high-power field. Thus, while more than 5 motile sperm per high-power field are considered normal for the fractional PCT, an SA is still necessary for the infertility evaluation. Only when moer than 15 motile sperm per high-power field are noted at the internal cervical os level is repeated SA probably not necessary.
Wages or welfare? Compensating caregiving in two conservative social welfare states.

While nearly all developed nations have some form of attendance allowance for the elderly and disabled, the United Kingdom and several of the American states have provisions to pay caregivers directly if they are family members. This paper compares and contrasts provisions in the U.K. Invalid Care Allowance with provisions of a program in one American state-Michigan. Such payments potentially benefit disabled people, caregivers, and cost-conscious states. However, two particular goals shape the programs' impacts on caregiver functioning and adequacy. One is the extent to which programs operate as welfare provisions and benefits directed at the social or household economy. The other is the extent to which they function as a substitute for wage labor in the market economy. Each of these can be assessed in relation to the real, personal choices and economic gains it provides caregivers. Presumably, both are important in sustaining adequate and satisfying long-term care. Only by truly expanding choice as well...