cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A maintenance policy for repairable systems based on opportunistic failure-rate tolerance

An opportunistic hazard rate replacement policy for a repairable system with several types of units is presented. A unit is repaired at failure when the hazard rate falls in (0, L-u). A unit is replaced at failure when the hazard rate falls in (L-u, L). An operating unit is replaced when its hazard rate reaches L. When a unit is replaced because its hazard rate reaches L, all operating units with their hazard rates falling in (L-u, L) are replaced. The long-run mean cost rate as a function of L and u is derived. Optimal L and u are obtained to minimize the total maintenance cost rate. Application and analysis of results are demonstrated through a numerical example. The maintenance model is designed for a system with multitype units. Each type has its own increasing hazard rate. Units are repaired or replaced depending on their hazard rate at a failure or active replacement of another unit. The repair interval, replacement limit, and replacement tolerance are determined to yield the optimal total maintenance cost rate. >
A Neurochemical Basis for Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction

There are major clinical observations in alcohol and other drug addicts and neurochemical studies in animals and humans that support the hypothesis for a common neurochemical basis for alcohol and other drug addiction. The common occurrence of concurrent alcohol and multiple drug dependence in clinical and general populations, family history and genetic studies, and basic and clinical research in the neurochemistry of addictive behavior provide evidence for a common genealogical vulnerability to combined alcohol and other drug addiction. Clinical neurochemical models for addictive behaviors can be derived from neurochemical pathways for the initiation and sustenance of addictive disorders. The role of tolerance and dependence is not specific to addiction but indicates a homeostatic response of the brain to the presence of a foreign substance. Animal and human studies are analyzed for clinical synthesis of a neurochemical basis for addictive disorders.
Multilateral Productivity Comparisons When Some Outputs are Undesirable: A Nonparametric Approach

Multilateral productivity comparisons of firms producing multiple outputs, some of which are undesirable, are obtained by making two modifications to the standard Farrell approach to efficiency measurement. The restriction that production technology satisfy strong disposability of outputs is relaxed to allow for the fact that undesirable outputs may be freely disposable, and the efficiency measures are modified to allow for an asymmetric treatment of desirable and undesirable outputs. Performance measures that satisfy these requirements are calculated as solutions to programming problems. The methodology is applied to a sample of mills producing paper and pollutants.
Manipulating Programmed Cell Death for Better Living

Manolagas provides a succinct review of the book Apoptosis in Health and Disease. He praises the book for the clarity with which it covers the topics, but he also points out two missing health issues for which regulating apoptosis may prove clinically important: One is the health and regulation of the female reproductive system and the other is the treatment of osteoporosis.
2,000‐year record of atmospheric methyl bromide from a South Pole ice core

This study reports measurements of methyl bromide (CH3Br) in air bubbles from a South Pole ice core, with gas ages covering the past two millennia. The air was extracted by mechanical shredding of the core under vacuum and the evolved gases were analyzed by gas chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry and isotope dilution. These samples had estimated mean gas ages ranging from 160 BCE to 1860 CE. The mean CH3Br mixing ratio in the ice core samples was 5.39 ±.06 ppt (1s.e., n = 113). The CH3Br measurements from this core agree with those from a Siple Dome ice core for mean gas ages between 1671 and 1860 CE, where there is overlap between the cores. The data show no linear trend over the 2000 year period prior to industrialization. Together, Antarctic ice core and firn air measurements clearly demonstrate that the increase in atmospheric CH3Br during the twentieth century exceeds natural variability during the past 2000 years. There is evidence of centennial-scale variability in CH3Br on the order of ±10–20% that may indicate a natural climate sensitivity of the atmospheric levels of this ozone depleting substance. The analysis of CH3Br in additional Antarctic ice cores will be needed to confirm that the centennial-scale variability observed in this core represents a southern hemisphere atmospheric history.
Using Text Mining to Enrich the Vocabulary of Domain Ontologies

Users organize personal information in various ways. We believe that this process could be expedited and improved by using domain ontologies. The main problem with this idea is the lack of automatic tools that help non-expert users to build and maintain their own ontologies. In this study we report progress in the process of adapting ontologies to better represent a given set of documents centered on a topic of interest. More specifically we investigate automatic approaches to enhance the representation of the concepts within the domain ontology. We show that our approach can enrich the vocabulary of each concept with words mined from the set of small documents provided. The method we propose is based on efficient text mining approaches combined with semantic information from WordNet.
Mental Health of Young Adults with Chronic Illness: The Mediating Effect of Perceived Impact

Examined psychological symptomatology in a community-based sample of 286 young adults with chronic health conditions randomly drawn from the rolls of two state programs for Children with Special Health Care Needs. The Psychiatric Symptom Index was used to assess mental health. We investigated how selected condition characteristics (e.g., indices of severity, symptom predictability, prognosis, age of onset, and visibility of condition) increased risk of psychological symptoms. Analyses indicate that (a) this population is at high risk for psychological symptoms, (b) selected risk factors (i.e., prognosis, restricted activity days, presence of hearing and speech problems, and perceived unpredictability of symptoms) have significant effects on mental health status when other variables are taken into account, and (c) respondents' perceptions of the impact of the condition mediates associations between selected risk factors and mental health. Results are discussed in relation to preventive interventions for this population of young adults.
Robust design of a spacecraft attitude tracking control system with actuator uncertainties

In this paper we apply the robust redesign for transient performance recovery of nonlinear systems with input uncertainties developed in [2] to a spacecraft attitude tracking problem with actuator uncertainties. We first extend the robust design of [2] to a generalized uncertainty structure. Next, we show that when the spin and transverse axis directions and/or the gains of the flywheel actuators are uncertain, the kinematic model of a spacecraft can be expressed in this structure. We apply the extended design to this spacecraft model, illustrate it with a simulation example, and numerically compute the permissible range of the uncertainties for which this design guarantees stability.
Composite, haustellate mouthparts in netwinged beetle and firefly larvae (Coleoptera, Cantharoidea: Lycidae, Lampyridae).

During lycid embryogenesis, labral and mandibular anlagen develop separately. Each anterolateral corner of the labrum elongates into a stylet, while the whole of each mandible involutes into a flute that is open to the lateral aspects. The stylets and flutes interlock in such a way as to leave canals, fashioning left and right haustellate apparatuses. During lampyrid embryogenesis, only one pair of anlagen forms instead of two. The pair matures into sharp, arcuate appendages that appear to be typical mandibles, but nevertheless a canal forms internally. The canal is not formed by coadaptation of two appendages; instead, cells within the pair create the canal autonomously. Indications are that the canal is homologous between these two families. It is suggested that in lampyrids, labral and mandibular cell fields develop together in the same anlage but behave according to their own respective programs, forming the canal with morphogenetic movements that are comparable to those of lycids. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A MEMS-Based Platform for Multi-Physics Characterization of Ultra-Thin Freestanding Films

Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based techniques can outperform conventional materials characterization tools in terms of specimen size and resolution. In addition, multi-functioning as well as access to analytical microscopy is also feasible for complete multi-physics characterization. We present the design and fabrication of a versatile tool that can perform mechanical, electrical and thermal characterization of nanoscale freestanding thin films. The tool is smaller than 3mm x 5mm and is compatible with virtually all types of analytical chambers. This feature allows 'in-situ' studies inside electron microscopes for real time acquisition of composition, microstructure and defect evolution and dynamics data. The unique advantage of such simultaneous acquisition of quantitative and qualitative data can be realized through accurate and quick 'observation-based' modeling of materials behavior. We present preliminary studies on multiphysics, as well as single domain characterization to demonstrate the novel experimental technique.
The Three Cultures: Social Sceinces 2

Political science is a relatively recent addition to university departments, attracting scholars whose interests range from philosophical theorizing to surveys of public opinion. However, their shared aim is to understand the sources of, and constraints on, power relationships among institutions, social groups, and nation states, where power is defined as the ability to force or persuade others to accept beliefs or practice behaviors they would not otherwise adopt. The discipline contains three types of scholars. The largest group conceives its mission to be the conduct of ethically neutral empirical science. A second group, which also tries to avoid taking an ethical position, relies on the formal models of rational choice theory to describe power relationships. The members of both groups, who assume that their task is to discover how societies might create an optimal balance between each person's liberty and dignity, resemble the Spanish Jews who during the Inquisition converted to Catholicism but behind closed doors and shuttered windows lit Sabbath candles. The third group remains loyal to the ethical concerns of ancient and Enlightenment philosophers because its members understand the impossibility of cleansing power relations of a moral evaluation. One cannot describe the Third Reich in ethically neutral language as “a society that chose to dominate one sector of its population in the service of restoring national confidence” in order to maintain the value neutral posture of the natural sciences.
Retrofit of Distillation Columns Using Thermodynamic Analysis

Abstract Thermodynamic analysis provides the column grand composite curves and exergy loss profiles, which are becoming readily available for a converged distillation column simulation. For example, the Aspen Plus simulator performs the thermodynamic analysis through its Column–Targeting tool for rigorous column calculations. This study uses the column grand composite curves and the exergy loss profiles obtained from Aspen Plus to assess the performance of the existing distillation columns, and reduce the costs of operation by appropriate retrofits in a methanol plant. Effectiveness of the retrofits is also assessed by means of thermodynamics and economics. The methanol plant utilizes two distillation columns to purify the methanol in its separation Section. The first column operates with 51 stages, has a side heat stream to the last stage, a partial condenser at the top and a side condenser at stage 2, and no reboiler. The second column operates with 95 stages, has a side heat stream to stage 95, a total...
The effects of age on inflammatory and coagulation-fibrinolysis response in patients hospitalized for pneumonia.

Objective: To determine whether inflammatory and hemostasis response in patients hospitalized for pneumonia varies by age and whether these differences explain higher mortality in the elderly. Methods: In an observational cohort of subjects with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) recruited from emergency departments (ED) in 28 hospitals, we divided subjects into 5 age groups (,50, 51–64, 65–74, 75–84, and $85). We measured circulating levels of inflammatory (TNF, IL-6, and IL-10), hemostasis (D-dimer, Factor IX, thrombin-antithrombin complex, antithrombin and plasminogen-activator inhibitor-1), and cell-surface markers (TLR-2, TLR-4, and HLA-DR) during the first week of hospitalization and at discharge and compared 90-day mortality. We used logistic regression to compare odds ratios (OR) for 90-day mortality between age groups, adjusting for differences in pre-infection factors alone and then additionally adjusting for immune markers. Results: Of 2,183 subjects, 495, 444, 403, 583, and 258 subjects were ,50, 51–64, 65–74, 75–84, and $85 years of age, respectively. Large age-related differences were observed in 90-day mortality (0.82% vs. 3.2% vs. 6.4% vs. 12.8% vs. 13.6%, p,0.01). No age-related differences in inflammatory and cell surface markers occurred during the first week. Older subjects had higher pro-coagulant markers on ED presentation and over first week (p#0.03), but these differences were modest (1.0–1.7-fold differences). Odds of death for older adults changed minimally in models incorporating differences in hemostasis and inflammatory markers (for subjects $85 compared to those ,50, OR=4.36, when adjusted for pre-infection factors and OR=3.49 when additionally adjusted for hemostasis markers). At discharge, despite clinical recovery as evidenced by normal vital signs in .85% subjects, older subjects had modestly increased hemostasis markers and IL-6 levels (p,0.01). Conclusions: Modest age-related increases in coagulation response occur during hospitalization for CAP; however these differences do not explain the large differences in mortality. Despite clinical recovery, immune resolution may be delayed in older adults at discharge.
Analysis of high dimensional gene data combining correlation principal component regression and additive risk model

One problem of interest is to relate genes to survival outcomes of patients for the purpose of building regression models to predict future patientspsila survival based on their gene expression data. Applying semiparametric additive risk model of survival analysis, we propose a new approach to conduct the analysis of gene expression data with the focus on modelpsilas predictive ability. The method modifies the correlation principal component regression to handle the censoring problem of survival data. In addition, we employ the time dependent AUC and RMSEP to assess how well the model predicts the survival time. Furthermore, the proposed method is able to identify significant genes that are related to the disease. Finally, this proposed approach is illustrated by the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) data set. The results show that the model fits the data set very well.
Clifford algebras of hyperbolic involutions

For $\As$ a central simple algebra of even degree with hyperbolic orthogonal involution, we describe the canonically induced involution ${\underline \sigma}$ on the even Clifford algebra $(C_0(A,\sigma),{\underline \sigma})$ of $(A,\sigma)$ . When $\deg A \equiv 0 \mod{8}$ , $A \cong M_2(B)$ and the interesting part of ${\underline \sigma} $ is isomorphic to the canonical involution on an exterior power algebra of B. As a corollary, we get some properties of the involution on the exterior power algebra.
Understanding algorithm performance on an oversubscribed scheduling application

The best performing algorithms for a particular oversubscribed scheduling application, Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) scheduling, appear to have little in common. Yet, through careful experimentation and modeling of performance in real problem instances, we can relate characteristics of the best algorithms to characteristics of the application. In particular, we find that plateaus dominate the search spaces (thus favoring algorithms that make larger changes to solutions) and that some randomization in exploration is critical to good performance (due to the lack of gradient information on the plateaus). Based on our explanations of algorithm performance, we develop a new algorithm that combines characteristics of the best performers; the new algorithm's performance is better than the previous best. We show how hypothesis driven experimentation and search modeling can both explain algorithm performance and motivate the design of a new algorithm.
Rapid detection of Bacillus anthracis spores directly from powders with an evanescent wave fiber-optic biosensor.

There currently are no rapid, sensitive tests to directly and reliably detect Bacillus anthracis spores in common powders. Traditional culture is time consuming and molecular techniques cannot directly process powders. This study describes a biosensor assay that detects B. anthracis at concentrations of 3.2×105 spores/mg or higher in spiked powders in less than 1 h with minimal sample preparation.
Trace Cache performance parameters

Instruction fetch mechanism is a performance bottleneck of a Superscalar Processor. The fetch performance of the processor can be improved with the aid of an instruction memory structure known as Trace Cache. This paper presents parameters and analytical expressions, which describe instruction fetch performance of a Trace Cache microarchitecture. The instruction fetch rates predicted by the expressions differ by seven percent from the simulated fetch rates for SPEC2000 benchmark programs. Presented analytical expressions are implemented in a computer program named Tulip. Tulip is used to explore parameters, and their influence on fetch performance. Tulip is also used to understand Trace Cache performance tradeoffs.
Field-programmed flow field-flow fractionation

A flow field-flow fractionation (FIFFF) system capable of accurate and reproducible flowrate programming has been assembled and tested. This modified system consists of three computer-controllable pumps, two that regulate the incoming and outgoing cross flowrates and one that controls the channel flowrate. The system also has a computer-linked balance that allows for instantaneous measurement of the cross flowrate. Programming of the field strength (or cross flowrate) was used to decrease the analysis time and improve detectability of late eluting peaks in FIFFF analysis. A six component latex mixture, with microspheres ranging from 20 to 426 nm in size, was used as a test material. With programming, this mixture can be separated in 8 min. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ozone inhalation leads to a dose-dependent increase of cytogenetic damage in human lymphocytes.

Ozone is an important constituent of ambient air pollution and represents a major public health concern. Oxidative injury due to ozone inhalation causes the generation of reactive oxygen species and can be genotoxic. To determine whether ozone exposure causes genetic damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes, we used a well-validated cytokinesis-block micronucleus Cytome assay. Frequencies of micronuclei (MN) and nucleoplasmic bridges (NB) were used as indicators of cytogenetic damage. Samples were obtained from 22 non-smoking healthy subjects immediately before and 24-hr after controlled 4-hr exposures to filtered air, 100 ppb, and 200 ppb ozone while exercising in a repeated-measure study design. Inhalation of ozone at different exposure levels was associated with a significant dose-dependent increase in MN frequency (P < 0.0001) and in the number of cells with more than one MN per cell (P < .0005). Inhalation of ozone also caused an increase in the number of apoptotic cells (P = 0.002). Airway neutrophilia was associated with an increase in MN frequency (P = 0.033) independent of the direct effects of ozone exposure (P < 0.0001). We also observed significant increases in both MN and NB frequencies after exercise in filtered air, suggesting that physical activity is also an important inducer of oxidative stress. These results corroborate our previous findings that cytogenetic damage is associated with ozone exposure, and show that damage is dose-dependent. Further study of ozone-induced cytogenetic damage in airway epithelial cells could provide evidence for the role of oxidative injury in lung carcinogenesis, and help to address the potential public health implications of exposures to oxidant environments.
Screencasting on a Shoestring: Using Jing

Being at the reference desk all day provides me with ample time to assist students with their information needs. Often they can either sit down next to me at the reference desk for a tutorial or I ...
Service Learning Connects Dietetic Experience to Community Needs

Abstract Effective service learning requires an academic base a community need connected to that base, the opportunity for students to plan ways to meet that need and student reflection on the project and the learning. While hunger statistics, class discussion and films create an awareness of the gravity of the hunger problem, a hands-on confrontation brings reality. This philosophy led to a service-learning project for coordinated program dietetics students. The project was intentionally open ended. A local chef addressed the class on his experience of homelessness and hunger, children in local communities who are hungry and his efforts on their behalf. The students then proposed conducting a soup kitchen at the homeless shelter, They planned, organized and implemented one, reported costs, difficulties met and problems solved. The class identified additional needs of the shelter. Sanitation received a high priority. This priority was met when the class plus recruits volunteered to clean the shelter kitchen and explain sanitation requirements. Class discussion centered on the effects of homelessness and hunger on the victims, the nutrition/health implications and long term strategies to alleviate hunger in the community. Related future activities include working at a shelter fund-raiser and food bank.
The crucified Christ as the motherly God: the theology of Julian of Norwich

Is there valid justification for affirming the motherliness of God while holding fast to the cross and to the Judeo-Christian heritage? Some feminists view the God of Abraham and Jesus as so closely linked with patriarchy and abuse that they reject this God as hopelessly male. Other theologians adhere to an exclusive emphasis on God as Father, and regard motherly appellations of God as distortions of biblical faith. Can the crucifixion and the atonement be seen in terms that are affirming of that which is female, yet remain grounded in the biblical texts and traditions? This article focuses on the theology of Julian of Norwich, whose meditations on the cross provide a middle way of affirming both the motherly nature of God and biblical revelation and tradition.
MuON: epidemic based mutual anonymity

A mutually anonymous service hides the identity of a client from the service provider and vice-versa. Providing mutual anonymity usually requires a large number of participants. While peer-to-peer (P2P) networks are capable of recruiting a large number of participants, reliable anonymous communication in these architectures, with low bandwidth usage, still needs further investigation. This paper presents MuON, a protocol to achieve mutual anonymity in unstructured P2P networks. MuON leverages epidemic-style data dissemination to deal with the high churn (changes in system membership) characteristic of unstructured P2P networks. The results from our security analysis and simulation show that MuON provides mutual anonymity over unstructured P2P networks while maintaining predictable latencies, high reliability, and low communication overhead
The "bioconcentration" aspects of DDT in the environment.

The term bioconcentration is not listed in any of the English language dictionaries; it is a compound word which combines the prefix bio, meaning life, and concentration, which means many things, but in the connotation of this text it refers to the accumulation of a pesticide in a living organism. Apparently, the word has been applied primarily to studies and discussions of the insecticide DDT and its metabolites as they occur and persist in the environment. The abundance of pesticide literature on this particular phase of the subject indicates that the term bioconcentration is a dirty word—that the presence of the pesticide in the soil, the waters, the air, the living organism, and the ecosystem in general is undesirable. In fact, one highly respected and world renowned authority in the pesticide field has concluded that the term has been ruined for scientific use.
Forecasting Technology Uncertainty in Preliminary Aircraft Design

Presented at the 4th World Aviation Congress and Exposition, San Francisco, CA, October 19-21, 1999.
Thermodynamic Pressure of Solid 3He in High Magnetic Fields

New measurements have been made of the thermodynamic pressure of solid 3He in high magnetic fields. The previous departure from the Heisenberg nearest neighbor model, observed by Kirk and Adams, has been confirmed. Careful measurements in several fields establish a B2 dependence of the pressure change with field at a fixed temperature.
Vegetation Patterns Associated With Abiotic Factors and Human Impacts At the Capitol Reef Field Station

Abstract The purpose of this study is to describe plant community structure within Capitol Reef National Park and identify possible effects of disturbance. We used Capitol Reef Field Station (Capitol Reef FS) as a proxy for current and historic disturbance. We collected data using two, 100-m transects located at differing proximities to Capitol Reef FS in each of four community types: pinyon-juniper, sagebrush, riparian, and grassland. Species frequency and percent cover were recorded within each transect using 20, 4-m2 plots. We used ordinations to describe gradients in community structure as they relate to the environment and disturbance. We compared community structure and environmental factors by vegetation type, proximity to Capitol Reef FS, and through time. We found that the two main gradients in community structure were represented by a soil nutrient and texture gradient and an annual species and phosphorus gradient. Specifically, the concentrations of many soil nutrients were inversely related to...
Microstructure of High-Performance Pure Al/Nano-Si3N4 Composites

The tensile testing was conducted at 100C. Al/0.5 Si 3 N 4 p has improved mechanical properties compared to pure Al. Al/2.0 Si 3 N 4 p shows highest UTS and 0.2% offset yield strength. In this research, Si 3 N 4 of nano size have been successfully processed and dispersed into molten aluminum using ultrasonic vibration aided casting method. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has been used to observe the distribution of the particles in the solidified Al. The SEM images show that most of the nano particles are distributed uniformly in the Al, while small clusters are still observed. The particles proved to be able to strengthen the pure Al while not affecting the thermal and electrical conductivity. The strengthening mechanism was also analyzed and proved by the SEM image. Al matrix composite have been widely used in industry, because of the higher tensile strength compared to pure Al. However, the ductility of Al will decrease with the addition of micro size ceramic particles. Metal Matrix Nanocomposite (MMNC), using nano size ceramic particles to strengthen the metal, has proven to be able to greatly reinforce light metals (Al, Mg) while not affecting the ductility of the pure metal. Casting is one of the most cost-effective ways to produce metal matrix nanocomposite. Pure Al (99.99%) was melted and held at 750C in a graphite crucible. 0.5 wt.% of 30nm sized Si 3 N 4 particles was added into molten metal. Ultrasonic vibration was applied on the molten metal to disperse the individual nano particles from their agglomeration. The molten metal containing Si 3 N 4 nano particles was then poured into a metal mold to cast the specimens. The microstructure of the specimens was observed with a SEM.
Addressing the High Costs of Pancreaticoduodenectomy at Safety-Net Hospitals

Importance Safety-net hospitals care for vulnerable patients, providing complex surgery at increased costs. These hospitals are at risk due to changing health care reimbursement policies and demand for better value in surgical care. Objective To model different techniques for reducing the cost of complex surgery performed at safety-net hospitals. Design, Setting, and Participants Hospitals performing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) were queried from the University HealthSystem Consortium database (January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2013) and grouped according to safety-net burden. A decision analytic model was constructed and populated with clinical and cost data. Sensitivity analyses were then conducted to determine how changes in the management or redistribution of patients between hospital groups affected cost. Main Outcomes and Measures Overall cost per patient after PD. Results During the 5 years of the study, 15 090 patients underwent PD. Among safety-net hospitals, low-burden hospitals (LBHs), medium-burden hospitals (MBHs), and high-burden hospitals (HBHs) treated 4220 (28.0%), 9505 (63.0%), and 1365 (9.0%) patients, respectively. High-burden hospitals had higher rates of complications or comorbidities and more patients with increased severity of illness. Perioperative mortality was twice as high at HBHs (3.7%) than at LBHs (1.6%) and MBHs (1.7%) ( P Conclusions and Relevance Safety-net hospitals performing PD have inferior outcomes and higher costs, and improving perioperative outcomes may have a nominal effect on reducing these costs. Redirecting patients away from safety-net hospitals for complex surgery may represent the best option for reducing costs, but the implementation of such a policy will undoubtedly meet significant challenges.
Kanthapura and Khasak: Utopia in Distress

The Gandhian vision of the village has been deeply influential within the Indian subcontinent. To a host of writers, Gandhi’s ideals and beliefs provided the stimulus for imagining a national collectivity, and his ashrams provided the templates for defining the contours of a new nation-state. Krishna Kripalani’s astute comments on Gandhi’s impact on Indian writing provide an overview that helps contextualize the two particular writers under study in this chapter, Raja Rao, and O. V. Vijayan: Gandhi’s impact on Indian writers was direct and widespread. Apart from its political repercussions, it was both moral and intellectual and at once inhibitive and liberating. Insofar as it sharpened the writer’s loyalties by narrowing them and encouraging puritanism and a horror of sex, it was inhibitive and unhealthy and resulted, without meaning to, in an irritating sanctimoniousness. But by and large, it was a liberating force and not only widened the range of the writer’s sympathy but also heightened its intensity.
A Transgenic Mouse Model of Multiple Myeloma Shows Heterogeneity in Drug Response with Alterations Due to Selective Gene Modifications.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a type of cancer characterized by malignant plasma cells (PCs) in the bone marrow. One difficulty in treating patients is that there is no single genetic event or abnormality common to all patients, resulting in heterogeneity of genes expressed, tumor aggressiveness, and response to therapy. In addition, mouse models of myeloma are limited. However, deregulation of MYC and BCL-XL are both common in patients’ tumors. Our lab has previously shown that a transgenic mouse line targeting overexpression of c-Myc and Bcl-x L to PCs results in an early expansion of non-malignant PCs, which then develop into clonal malignancies in multiple tissue types. Tumors develop quickly (median 16 weeks) in all mice and these cells can be adoptively transferred to syngeneic recipient mice to form tumors in as little as 10 days. Our lab has analyzed cell surface markers and generated genetic profiles on these Bcl-x L /Myc tumor cells, which show genetic heterogeneity in B-cell, PC, and myeloma markers, similar to human MM. Additionally, these tumor cells can be grown in vitro . The purpose of this study was to evaluate different drug sensitivities of our Bcl-x L /Myc primary tumor lines, and to determine if the sensitivities of these Bcl-x L /Myc tumors are dependant on the deregulated expression of specific genes. After treating cells with varying concentrations of dexamethasone, melphalan, and doxorubicin for a number of days, it was discovered that different tumor lines from the Bcl-x L /Myc transgenic mouse line have a range of sensitivity, from highly resistant to extremely sensitive. Three of these cell lines show a dose-response to varying concentrations of dexamethasone. Additionally, one cell line shows evidence of IL-6 protection against dexamethasone-induced apoptosis. Next, Bcl-x L /Myc primary cell lines were treated with BH3I-2′, a Bcl-x L small molecule inhibitor, at varying concentrations. Cell lines overexpressing Bcl-x L were more resistant to BH3I-2′, compared to S194 control cells, which express Bcl-x L at normal levels. One of the Bcl-x L /Myc cell lines did not show an increase in apoptosis or decrease in cell viability, but maintained the same number of cells over four days, whereas in other cell lines, viability started to decrease after 12 hours. Bcl-x L /Myc cell lines were also treated with siRNA targeted against Ezh2 and Cyclin D1, D2 and D3 transcripts, which have been shown to be deregulated in human myeloma as well as our own cell lines. These tumor lines are being treated with dexamethasone, melphalan and doxorubicin to evaluate the cell lines’ new sensitivities to chemotherapy. In total, our results show the Bcl-x L /Myc transgenic mouse tumor model demonstrates genetic heterogeneity that may be associated with heterogeneity in tumor responses. This serves as a useful model for human myeloma progression and allows us to examine the role of selective gene regulation in therapeutic response.
Training oscillatory dynamics with spike-timing-dependent plasticity in a computer model of neocortex

Neuronal networks are complex, adaptive systems that typically display oscillatory dynamics. The extent to which these dynamics can be shaped by training remains unknown. We explored this dynamical training in a computer model of 6-layered sensory neocortex with 470 excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) cells. AMPA, NMDA, and GABAA synapses were provided with Poisson input to provide baseline activation in the network. The learning rule employed spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) at all AMPA synapses. We trained with a 1–16 Hz thalamic afferent signal to E4 cells (layer 4 E cells). At baseline, the power spectrum of the network activity showed oscillations with a low-amplitude peak near 6 Hz. Plasticity in the absence of a training signal (white noise input) attenuated the network response, due to the potentiation of E-to-I synapses. Plasticity coupled with an 8 Hz training signal enhanced the network's oscillations and shifted the peak to ∼20 Hz. This was due to increased synaptic connection strengths between E cells caused by the near-synchronous firing of E4 cells. Plasticity coupled with a 16 Hz training signal shifted the network towards epilepsy, with high-amplitude 8 Hz oscillations and synchronous firing across all layers. The shift into epilepsy was caused by further enhancement of E-to-E synapses. In summary, our simulations demonstrate the feasibility of using plasticity and neuroprosthetic input signals to train a neuronal network's oscillatory dynamics. We predict that in order for learning in the brain to avoid transition to epilepsy, homeostatic control mechanisms must balance learning at E-to-E and E-to-I synapses.
The Fortunes of Foragers in Colonial and Post-colonial New Guinea

At contact, New Guinea was home to at least 30 forager groups of one kind or another. As one of the last regions on Earth to fall under colonial control, it therefore provides an unparalleled opportunity to examine how and with what consequences foraging communities engaged with colonial and post-colonial forces. Their experiences were profoundly shaped by a complex conjunction between local subsistence regimes and the logistics of colonial expansion. Groups located on waterways depended on wild sago and aquatic resources and comprised some of the largest villages in all New Guinea. They were also easily accessible to colonial vessels, however, and were therefore some of the earliest and the most profoundly affected by contact. Groups that depended on wild sago and terrestrial fauna, by contrast, formed small, low density, semi-mobile polities, and because they were isolated in the swamplands of the interior, they were among the last and least influenced of New Guinea’s communities. This chapter traces the historical contours of these different conjunctions and follows the chains of transformation they set in motion, from the initial and profound consequences of the suppression of indigenous warfare, through the economic effects of a burgeoning engagement with capitalist economies, to their impact on the political and cosmological realms of forager society.
Culturally Responsive Wraparound Supports: Collaborating with Families to Promote Students’ Behavior Regulation Across Settings

As public schools in the U.S. are becoming increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD), there has been an effort to generate empirical support for culturally responsive practices in schools to promote a variety of positive outcomes for children (e.g., behavioral health, mental health, academic achievement). School psychologists can assist with the delivery of culturally responsive practices based on their specialized training and expertise. For students with intensive needs, particularly for mental and behavioral health concerns, a wraparound service delivery model may be appropriate. Although resource-intensive, wraparound supports emphasize collaborative relationships between stakeholders. It aligns well with the provision of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), a comprehensive, coordinated framework to promote behavior regulation and increase displays of positive, prosocial behavior. The purpose of this paper is to provide a description of culturally responsive wraparound supports and present data from a preliminary case study. Specifically, the process of developing and implementing a family behavior support plan with a family in the northeast who recently emigrated from Puerto Rico is described. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
The Unfolding of LGBT Lives: Key Events Associated With Health and Well-being in Later Life.

Purpose of the study Life events are associated with the health and well-being of older adults. Using the Health Equity Promotion Model, this article explores historical and environmental context as it frames life experiences and adaptation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Design and methods This was the largest study to date of LGBT older adults to identify life events related to identity development, work, and kin relationships and their associations with health and quality of life (QOL). Using latent profile analysis (LPA), clusters of life events were identified and associations between life event clusters were tested. Results On average, LGBT older adults first disclosed their identities in their 20s; many experienced job-related discrimination. More had been in opposite-sex marriage than in same-sex marriage. Four clusters emerged: "Retired Survivors" were the oldest and one of the most prevalent groups; "Midlife Bloomers" first disclosed their LGBT identities in mid-40s, on average; "Beleaguered At-Risk" had high rates of job-related discrimination and few social resources; and "Visibly Resourced" had a high degree of identity visibility and were socially and economically advantaged. Clusters differed significantly in mental and physical health and QOL, with the Visibly Resourced faring best and Beleaguered At-Risk faring worst on most indicators; Retired Survivors and Midlife Bloomers showed similar health and QOL. Implications Historical and environmental contexts frame normative and non-normative life events. Future research will benefit from the use of longitudinal data and an assessment of timing and sequencing of key life events in the lives of LGBT older adults.
The influence of emotional intelligence and perfectionism on Error-Related Negativity: An event related potential study

Abstract In the present study, we examined group differences in Error-Related Negativity (ERN) based on perfectionism and emotional intelligence (EIQ). ERN is an ERP component that is generated in the anterior cingulate cortex and peaks 60–150 ms after making an error response on a task. The amplitude of the ERN after making a mistake reflects individual differences in emotional traits and performance concerns. Past researchers have found that participants higher in perfectionistic doubts displayed larger ERN amplitudes; however, researchers have not yet differentiated between type of perfectionism (i.e., adaptive or maladaptive) in relation to ERN. Additionally, previous researchers have found affective processes are reflected in ERN, but have not yet examined whether differences in ERN could be influenced by EIQ. Participants in the present study were 34 adults who responded to surveys and completed a computerized ERN paradigm utilizing a flanker task while neural activity was recorded using EEG. The paradigm was designed to elicit a high error rate, thereby allowing capture and measurement of the ERN component. ANOVA results indicated maladaptive perfectionists had the greatest negativity, followed by adaptive perfectionists, followed by nonperfectionists. ANOVA results indicated individuals with high EIQ had lower ERN than individuals with low EIQ.
The Dynamics of Organizations

This chapter examines complex organizations as a distinctive type of corporate unit. The macrolevel environment of organizations is examined first, with an emphasis on the structural and cultural fields of organizations. With respect to cultural fields, the differentiation of culture, the degree of integration of culture, the rate and circulation of generalized symbolic media, the ideologies and meta-ideologies, and the cultural logics are emphasized. With regard to structural fields, emphasis is on the modes and mechanism of integration among organizations—that is, segmentation, differentiation, interdependencies (via exchange, mobility, overlap, and embeddedness), power, and domination are examined. Then, the resource niches of organizations are assessed, drawing from theory in organizational ecology. Next, microlevel environments of organizations are examined, with special emphasis on emotional arousal and need states, identity dynamics, exchange payoffs, and group inclusion. Then, the mesolevel environments of organizations are explored, emphasizing the effects of other corporate units on organizations (groups, communities, other organizations). The effects of selection pressures and resource niches on organizational foundings are stressed. The dynamics of groups within organizations as an environment of any organization are examined. Structural dynamics within organizations are then explored, emphasizing organizational size and division of labor, centralization and decentralization of organizations, incentive systems in organizations, organizational culture, expectation states and emotional arousal, hierarchy and stratification, and organizational change. The chapter closes with a series of abstract theoretical principles on organizational dynamics within micro- and macroenvironments.
Defining B cell immunodominance to viruses

Immunodominance (ID) defines the hierarchical immune response to competing antigens in complex immunogens. Little is known regarding B cell and antibody ID despite its importance in immunity to viruses and other pathogens. We show that B cells and serum antibodies from inbred mice demonstrate a reproducible ID hierarchy to the five major antigenic sites in the influenza A virus hemagglutinin globular domain. The hierarchy changed as the immune response progressed, and it was dependent on antigen formulation and delivery. Passive antibody transfer and sequential infection experiments demonstrated 'original antigenic suppression', a phenomenon in which antibodies suppress memory responses to the priming antigenic site. Our study provides a template for attaining deeper understanding of antibody ID to viruses and other complex immunogens.
Immigration politics by proxy: state agency in an era of national reluctance

While attempts to reform immigration policy have stalled in the U.S. Congress, statehouses across the country are responsible for an explosion in immigration lawmaking. This study uses an intergove...
Down-Time During Work-Time:

An idle body can harbor an idle mind that often brews something appalling in emptiness. Refreshing one’s mind during Down-Time (Me-Time) with “harmless” activities is a must whether at home or at t...
Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Anti-Apoptotic BCL2 Family Members

Anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family members (BCL2, MCL1, BCLxL, BCLW, and BFL1) are key players in the regulation of intrinsic apoptosis. Dysregulation of these proteins not only impairs normal development, but also contributes to tumor progression and resistance to various anti-cancer therapies. Therefore, cells maintain strict control over the expression of anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members using multiple mechanisms. Over the past two decades, the importance of post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA in controlling gene expression and its impact on normal homeostasis and disease have begun to be appreciated. In this review, we discuss the RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) that mediate post-transcriptional regulation of the anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members. We describe their roles and impact on alternative splicing, mRNA turnover, and mRNA subcellular localization. We also point out the importance of future studies in characterizing the crosstalk between RBPs and miRNAs in regulating anti-apoptotic BCL2 family member expression and ultimately apoptosis.
Job Search and Sex Segregation: Does Sex of Social Contact Matter?

In this study, we investigate how the sex of the social contact women use to find jobs affects the segregation of women into jobs in female-dominated occupations. Using women in the Metropolitan Employer-Worker Survey (MEWS), we test two competing hypotheses from the literature. One body of literature argues that women who use men as social contacts in job search have a higher probability of finding a non-female-dominated job; another body of literature argues that sex of social contact has no effect on the probability of finding a non-female-dominated job. There are 1131 working women in the MEWS; 73% are white, 20% African American, and 2% other races. Our analysis shows that women are significantly less likely to find jobs in female-dominated occupations when their social contact is a man rather than a woman and this holds true regardless of the strength of the tie to the social contact or whether or not the social contact is work-related. We discuss the implications of these findings for theory and research on sex segregation.