cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Making sense of transient responses in simulation studies

Traditional simulation modelling focuses upon the analysis of steady-state data. This focus may not be appropriate, however, for the study of transient responses – data reflecting some form of disruption or change in the system norms. Transient responses are often encountered when dealing with new product introductions, changes in production systems, or supply chain disruptions. In these situations, it is the transient response, how the system responds to these changes as well as the tactics and strategies used to deal with these changes, that tend to be of the greatest interest. Unfortunately, current approaches that focus on analysing such responses are limited. This paper introduces a new approach for analysing transient responses – one that merges outlier detection, a time series analysis tool, with simulation modelling. This combined approach allows the researcher to identify those factors that have the greatest impact upon operations during these transient conditions. Using a simulated supply chain ...
Effect of fluctuations on the thermal conductivity of He I near Tλ

Abstract A microscopic calculation of the contribution of order-parameter fluctuations to the thermal conductivity of liquid helium I near T λ is shown to give results in agreement with experiments and the dynamic scaling hypothesis.
Open-Label Randomized Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of a Single Dose Conivaptan to Raise Serum Sodium in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

Background Conivaptan is an arginine-vasopressin-receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of hyponatremia. We hypothesized that administration of conivaptan to normonatremic patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is safe and could reduce intracranial pressure (ICP).
NO(ν = 1) scattering from Ag(111)

Abstract Application of laser excitation and detection techniques has allowed us to perform state-specific studies of the scattering of a molecular beam of vibrationally excited NO molecules from a Ag(111) surface. State-specific angular and velocity distributions have been obtained which indicate a direct-inelastic type of scattering mechanism. This information is combined with rotational and electronic (spin-orbit) distributions to determine the probability for survival of vibrational excitation, SP = 0.9.
Critical wetting of surfaces in systems with long-range forces.

We solve the mean-field equations for a lattice gas in the presence of a substrate. All forces in the system are long ranged. We show that, for a suitable choice of potentials, critical wetting can occur and we observe it explicitly for the first time. This contrasts with all previous calculations and with claims in the literature that first-order wetting is generic.
Isozyme variation in Minnesota populations of Eurasian watermilfoil

Abstract We examined isozyme variation at 19 putative loci in 80 plants of Eurasian watermilfoil ( Myriophyllum spicatum L., Haloragaceae) collected from six populations in Minnesota and one plant from northern Wisconsin. Two genotypes were observed, one present in all samples from two lakes, and one which differed at three loci and was found in the remaining lakes. This suggests at least two introductions of the species into the area. No evidence was found of a role for sexual reproduction in determining the genetic structure of these populations.
Incorporation of post-translational modified amino acids as an approach to increase both chemical and biological diversity of conotoxins and conopeptides

Bioactive peptides from Conus venom contain a natural abundance of post-translational modifications that affect their chemical diversity, structural stability, and neuroactive properties. These modifications have continually presented hurdles in their identification and characterization. Early endeavors in their analysis relied on classical biochemical techniques that have led to the progressive development and use of novel proteomic-based approaches. The critical importance of these post-translationally modified amino acids and their specific assignment cannot be understated, having impact on their folding, pharmacological selectivity, and potency. Such modifications at an amino acid level may also provide additional insight into the advancement of conopeptide drugs in the quest for precise pharmacological targeting. To achieve this end, a concerted effort between the classical and novel approaches is needed to completely elucidate the role of post-translational modifications in conopeptide structure and dynamics. This paper provides a reflection in the advancements observed in dealing with numerous and multiple post-translationally modified amino acids within conotoxins and conopeptides and provides a summary of the current techniques used in their identification.
Differential processing of the Xenopus ATP(CTP):tRNA nucleotidyltransferase mRNA.

Abstract The ATP(CTP):tRNA nucleotidyltransferase (CCA-adding enzyme) adds CCA to the 3′ end of immature or damaged tRNAs. It is reported on here the cloning, expression analysis, and functional characterization of the Xenopus CCA-adding enzyme, XCCA (GenBank Accession # AF466151 ). It is demonstrated that XCCA adds cytosine and adenosine residues to the ends of prepared tRNA and is therefore a functional CCA-adding enzyme. XCCA is encoded by a rare mRNA present at less than 0.001% of the cellular mRNA in all adult tissues examined. The mRNA is expressed as two transcripts of 1.5 and 2.3 kb, generated through differential utilization of two transcription start sites and two 3′ cleavage and polyadenylation sites. Utilization of the most 5′ transcription initiation site produces an mRNA encoding a putative mitochondrial import sequence. It is anticipated that the Xenopus oocyte will be an excellent system for analyzing the regulation of XCCA expression and the intracellular targeting of the XCCA enzyme.
High resolution 20 GHz wideband delay generator

A digitally-programmable method for linearly controlling signal delay over a wide frequency and delay range has been developed. Circuits were fabricated in the HRL's G2+ InP HBT technology. Test results at 20 GHz confirm simulation results, showing a 5 ps range in delay, ramped in 16 steps to provide a 0.3 ps resolution step. Larger delay ranges are possible by combining several of the delay cells in series.
The Definition of the 'Predicables' in Aristotle

But in 1970, Jonathan Barnes published a paper', where he defended the view that per se accidents are not properties. A consequence of this was that the 'predicables' were not well defined by Aristotle. In this paper, I will try to show that Barnes is mistaken. The argument he offers in support of his view seems to be a very good one, but it involves a faulty move. Let us quote Barnes' argument in full:
Monitoring techniques for an online neuro-adaptive controller

Abstract The appeal of biologically inspired soft computing systems such as neural networks in complex systems comes from their ability to cope with a changing environment. Unfortunately, adaptability induces uncertainty that limits the applicability of static analysis to such systems. This is particularly true for systems with multiple adaptive components or systems with multiple types of learning operation. This work builds a paradigm of dynamic analysis for a neuro-adaptive controller where different types of learning are to be employed for its online neural networks. We use support vector data description as the novelty detector to detect unforeseen patterns that may cause abrupt system functionality changes. It differentiates transients from failures based on the duration and degree of novelties. Further, for incremental learning, we utilize Lyapunov functions to assess real-time performance of the online neural networks. For quasi-online learning, we define a confidence measure, the validity index, to be associated with each network output. Our study on the NASA F-15 Intelligent Flight Control System demonstrates that our novelty detection tool effectively filters out transients and detects failures; and our light-weight monitoring techniques supply sufficient evidence for an insightful validation.
Fish subchronic toxicity prediction model for industrial organic chemicals that produce narcosis

A model based on partition coefficient was developed for predicting subchronic toxicities of selected chemicals to fish. Early life stage tests were conducted under flow-through conditions using fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) as test organisms. Embryos, larvae and juveniles were continuously exposed to chemicals for a total of 31 to 33 d. Test endpoints included egg hatchability, incidence of developmental abnormalities, survival and growth. The “chronic value” for each test was a point estimate of the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC), and was determined as the geometric mean of the highest test concentration producing no effect and the lowest concentration significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affecting one or more endpoints. Ten industrial organic compounds from four chemical classes (ketones, benzenes, ethers and alkyl halides) were used in model development. All chemicals were considered to induce narcosis in fish in acute toxicity tests. The relationship between estimated MATC n-octanol/water partition coefficient (log P) was expressed by the equation log estimated MATC (mol L−1) = -0.886 log P - 2.18 (r2 = 0.925). This model was used to predict subchronic toxicities for eight other alkyl halides and chlorinated benzenes that had been tested with fathead minnows and reported in the literature. The mean ratio for observed chronic toxicity value to predicted chronic toxicity value was 2.00 ± 2.03. Observed values ranged from 0.29 to 6.02 times the predicted values. For the 10 chemicals used in the model, the mean acute/chronic toxicity ratio (96-h LC50/chronic value) was 12.2 ± 8.5.
Scalar DC electrical conductivity of partially ionized gases

Calcul de la conductivite electrique d'un plasma sans champ magnetique en fonction de la densite et la temperature electroniques et de la densite du gaz, compte tenu des collisions electrons-neutres et de Coulomb
Effect of Scalp and Facial Hair on Air Displacement Plethysmography Estimates of Percentage of Body Fat

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of body hair (scalp and facial) on air displacement plethysmography (BOD POD) estimates of percentage of body fat. Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 25 men (31.4 ± 8.0 years, 83.4 ± 12.2 kg, 181.8 ± 6.9 cm) agreed to grow a beard for 3 weeks to participate in the study. Total body density (g/cm3) and percentage of body fat were evaluated by BOD POD. To observe the effect of trapped isothermal air in body hair, BOD POD measures were performed in four conditions: criterion method (the beard was shaven and a swimcap was worn), facial hair and swimcap, facial hair and no swimcap, and no facial hair and no swimcap. Results: The presence of only a beard (facial hair and swimcap) resulted in a significant underestimation of percentage of body fat (16.2%, 1.0618 g/cm3) vs. the criterion method (17.1%, 1.0597 g/cm3, p < 0.001). The effect of scalp hair (no swim cap worn) resulted in a significant underestimation in percentage of body fat relative to the criterion method, either with facial hair (facial hair and no swimcap; 14.8%, 1.0649 g/cm3) or without facial hair (no facial hair and no swimcap; 14.8%, 1.0650 g/cm3, p < 0.001 for both). Discussion: A significant underestimation of percentage of body fat was observed with the presence of facial hair (∼1%) and scalp hair (∼2.3%). This underestimation in percentage of body fat may be caused by the effect of trapped isothermal air in body hair on body-volume estimates. Thus, excess facial hair should be kept to a minimum and a swimcap should be worn at all times to ensure accurate estimates of body fat when using the BOD POD.
Flecainide-Induced Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia Successfully Treated with Lidocaine

A 69-year-old man had new sustained ventricular tachycardia caused by flecainide which promptly responded to intravenous lidocaine therapy. Discontinuation of the lidocaine infusion resulted in the reappearance of ventricular tachycardia which again immediately terminated after lidocaine was given. In this case, lidocaine effectively reversed the proarrhythmic effects of flecainide.
Do preferential looking techniques underestimate infant visual acuity

Abstract Held et al . (1979) Vision Res . 19 , 1377–1379, have recently provided evidence for the existence of non-monotonic psychometric functions in infant acuity testing. We argue that these non-monotonicities are statistically significant in the original report, but are not robust across small variations of stimuli and testing techniques. The existence of such non-monotonicities in some laboratories does not imply that infant acuity has been universally underestimated by all PL techniques, nor does it argue against the general sensitivity of PL techniques as measures of other visual capacities in infants.
Trifluoroacetic acid levels in 1994–1996 fog, rain, snow and surface waters from California and Nevada

Abstract Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is an atmospheric breakdown product of the chlorofluorocarbon replacements HCFC-123, HCFC-124, and HFC-134a. Due to its low Henry's law constant, TFA will partition into the various aqueous phases that occur throughout the environment. TFA was detected and measured in fog, rain, snow, and surface water obtained in 1994–1996 from several locations in California and Nevada. Fog and rain samples contained 31 – 3779 ng 1−1 TFA. Snow samples taken in more remote areas had 51 – 584 ng 1−1. Surface water varied from 55 ng 1−1 – 41 μg 1−1 depending on type and location. Washout of TFA from the lower atmosphere was observed in both rain and fog samples. There was a trend toward decreasing TFA in precipitation samples taken at later stages during a single storm event, indicating cleansing of TFA from the lower atmosphere by precipitation. The magnitude of TFA levels suggest that formation in the environment from HCFC and HFC degradation is occurring more rapidly than expected, or that alternate sources of TFA exist.
The UF series of tomographic computational phantoms of pediatric patients

Two classes of anthropomorphic computational phantoms exist for use in Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations: tomographic voxel phantoms based upon three-dimensional (3D) medical images, and stylized mathematical phantoms based upon 3D surface equations for internal organ definition. Tomographic phantoms have shown distinct advantages over the stylized phantoms regarding their similarity to real human anatomy. However, while a number of adult tomographic phantoms have been developed since the early 1990s, very few pediatric tomographic phantoms are presently available to support dosimetry in pediatric diagnostic and therapy examinations. As part of a larger effort to construct a series of tomographic phantoms of pediatric patients, five phantoms of different ages ( 9 ‐ month male, 4 ‐ year female, 8 ‐ year female, 11 ‐ year male, and 14 ‐ year male) have been constructed from computed tomography(CT)image data of live patients using an IDL-based image segmentation tool. Lungs, bones, and adipose tissue were automatically segmented through use of window leveling of the original CT numbers. Additional organs were segmented either semiautomatically or manually with the aid of both anatomical knowledge and available image-processing techniques. Layers of skin were created by adding voxels along the exterior contour of the bodies. The phantoms were created from fused images taken from head and chest-abdomen-pelvis CT exams of the same individuals ( 9 ‐ month and 4 ‐ year phantoms) or of two different individuals of the same sex and similar age ( 8 ‐ year , 11 ‐ year , and 14 ‐ year phantoms). For each model, the resolution and slice positions of the image sets were adjusted based upon their anatomical coverage and then fused to a single head-torso image set. The resolutions of the phantoms for the 9 ‐ month , 4 ‐ year , 8 ‐ year , 11 ‐ year , and 14 ‐ year are 0.43 × 0.43 × 3.0 mm , 0.45 × 0.45 × 5.0 mm , 0.58 × 0.58 × 6.0 mm , 0.47 × 0.47 × 6.00 mm , and 0.625 × 0.625 × 6.0 mm , respectively. While organ masses can be matched to reference values in both stylized and tomographic phantoms, side-by-side comparisons of organdoses in both phantom classes indicate that organ shape and positioning are equally important parameters to consider in accurate determinations of organ absorbed dose from external photon irradiation. Preliminary studies of external photon irradiation of the 11 ‐ year phantom indicate significant departures of organdose coefficients from that predicted by the existing stylized phantom series. Notable differences between pediatric stylized and tomographic phantoms include anterior-posterior (AP) and right lateral (RLAT) irradiation of the stomach wall, left lateral (LLAT) and right lateral (RLAT) irradiation of the thyroid, and AP and posterior-anterior (PA) irradiation of the urinary bladder.
Sensitivity of aquatic invertebrate resting eggs to SeaKleen (Menadione): a test of potential ballast tank treatment options.

The introduction of aquatic species in resting life stages by the release of ballast water is a less well-known but potentially important invasive species vector. Best-management practices designed to minimize transport of ballast water cannot eliminate this threat, because residual water and sediment are retained in ballast tanks after draining. To evaluate the potential efficacy of chemical treatment of residual material in ship ballast tanks, the present study examined the acute toxicity of the proposed biocide SeaKleen (menadione; Garnett, Watkinsville, GA, USA) on resting eggs of Brachionus plicatilis (a marine rotifer), a freshwater copepod, Daphnia mendotae (a freshwater cladoceran), and Artemia sp. (a marine brine shrimp). SeaKleen was toxic to resting eggs of all taxa. Daphnia mendotae resting eggs encased in protective ephippia were the least sensitive, as indicated by a 24-h lethal con- centration of toxicant to 90% of organisms of 8.7 mg/L (95% confidence interval, 0.1 mg/L). SeaKleen induced teratogenic effects in D. mendotae and Artemia sp. Exposure to sunlight quickly degraded SeaKleen, which lost all toxicity after 72 h outdoors. SeaKleen increased in toxicity slightly after 72 h in darkness. Burial of D. mendotae ephippia in natural lake sediment reduced SeaKleen toxicity by a factor of 20. Reduced toxicity in the presence of sediment raises serious doubts as to the potential for this, or any, chemical biocide to kill aquatic invertebrate resting stages buried in sediment retained in ship ballast tanks. Keywords—Resting egg Biological invasion Ballast SeaKleen Menadione
Numerical solution of nonequilibrium multicomponent mass transfer operations

An improved model and solution procedure for nonequilibrium, multicomponent, two-phase, steady-state mass transfer problems are developed. Processes as diverse as packed column operation and the drying of porous solids are included. Ideas such as “HETP,” “HTU” or “mass transfer section” are avoided. “Stiff” systems appear to be handled well.
A framework for the adoption of lean thinking within public procurement

Public procurement is suffering from rule-driven processes, inefficient delivery systems and poor management of resources. Lean thinking, an approach centred on providing customers with exactly what they want, when they want it, may provide a means to address the problems associated with public procurement. A review of the extant literature, involving studies that span nearly every continent, provide strong support for these claims. The problems associated with public procurement, a distinction between lean production versus lean thinking, examples of how lean thinking has been successfully applied within the public sector, barriers to overcome, how to identify the procurement value stream, potential sources of waste, moving forward with rapid improvement events and how to achieve longer-term sustainable change are discussed. The purpose of this paper is two fold. First, to present in practical terms, how lean thinking can be applied so that some of the problems associated with public procurement can be overcome. Second, to provide an approach that could be used to address a number of questions suggested to guide future research.
ARMA modeling based on partial AR and MA parameter approximation

A transfer-function modeling concept is developed for an unknown casual stable, linear-time invariant system. The approach taken has been to treat the models separately and then to achieve the general autoregressive-moving-average (ARMA) transfer function representation. The AR approach has been obtained from conventional methods of the Yule-Walker formulations and associated Levinson-Durbin algorithm. A somewhat different approach based on the Tauberian approximation is proposed to achieve the MA modeling. >
The Relationship between Age Structure and Homicide Rates in the United States, 1970 to 1999:

The nature of the temporal association between age structure and homicide rates between 1970 and 1999 is examined using U.S. county data. Specifically, the following questions are asked: (a) does the strong temporal association between the relative size of the young population and homicide rates demonstrated at the U.S. national level hold at a disaggregated level and (b) does the association between the proportion young and homicide rates differ by varying social and economic conditions. The results confirm that a positive temporal association between age composition and homicide rates exists within U.S. counties. However, the analysis reveals that other criminogenic forces, such as poor social conditions that produce higher crime rates, can alter the association between the relative size of the young population and homicide rates. The positive effect of the percentage aged 15 to 24 years on homicide rates is generally attenuated when criminogenic conditions exist while that of the percentage aged 25 to ...
Untangling Euler Diagrams

In many common data analysis scenarios the data elements are logically grouped into sets. Venn and Euler style diagrams are a common visual representation of such set membership where the data elements are represented by labels or glyphs and sets are indicated by boundaries surrounding their members. Generating such diagrams automatically such that set regions do not intersect unless the corresponding sets have a non-empty intersection is a difficult problem. Further, it may be impossible in some cases if regions are required to be continuous and convex. Several approaches exist to draw such set regions using more complex shapes, however, the resulting diagrams can be difficult to interpret. In this paper we present two novel approaches for simplifying a complex collection of intersecting sets into a strict hierarchy that can be more easily automatically arranged and drawn (Figure 1). In the first approach, we use compact rectangular shapes for drawing each set, attempting to improve the readability of the set intersections. In the second approach, we avoid drawing intersecting set regions by duplicating elements belonging to multiple sets. We compared both of our techniques to the traditional non-convex region technique using five readability tasks. Our results show that the compact rectangular shapes technique was often preferred by experimental subjects even though the use of duplications dramatically improves the accuracy and performance time for most of our tasks. In addition to general set representation our techniques are also applicable to visualization of networks with intersecting clusters of nodes.
Agricultural Production under Climate Change: The Potential Impacts of Shifting Regional Water Balances in the United States

General circulation models predict significant and accelerating changes in local patterns of precipitation and temperature over the next century. The vulnerability of agriculture to climate change will depend on both the biophysical impacts of climate change on crop yields and on the agricultural system’s ability to adapt to changing production conditions. Shifts in the extent and distribution of irrigated and dryland production are a potentially important adaptation response. Farmer flexibility to adapt may be limited, however, by changing availability of irrigation water under future climate conditions. This study uses a suite of models to explore the biophysical and economic impacts of climate change on U.S. fieldcrop production under several potential future climate projections, and the potential limits and opportunities for adaptation arising from shifting regional water balances. Study findings suggest that the impacts of irrigation shortage on cropland use vary by region but that the net impacts on national production of surface-water irrigation shortages attributable to climate change are small relative to the direct biophysical impacts of climate change on yield.
Sedimentary Oxygen Consumption and Nutrient Regeneration in the Northern Gulf of Mexico Hypoxic Zone

ABSTRACT Nunnally, C.C.; Rowe, G.T.; Thornton, D.C.O., and Quigg, A., 2013. Sedimentary oxygen consumption and nutrient regeneration in the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone. In: Brock, J.C.; Barras, J.A., and Williams, S.J. (eds.), Understanding and Predicting Change in the Coastal Ecosystems of the Northern Gulf of Mexico, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 63, pp. 84–96, Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Seasonal summer stratification and enhanced nutrient loading of the Louisiana continental shelf (U.S.A.) west of the Mississippi River create hypoxic regions that affect large areas of the benthos. Total sediment oxygen uptake and nutrient recycling were measured during different, (e.g. pre, early, late and post) hypoxic regimes using shipboard Batch Micro-Incubation Chambers (BMICs) in 2004 to 2005 and again in 2007 to 2009. Sediment community oxygen consumption during oxic regimes (dissolved oxygen > 63 µmol L-1) was -9.5 ± 0.7 mmol O2 m-2 d-1 (mean ± SE), almost twice that measured (-5....
On the proximity relation between two surface-melted clusters involved in inter-cluster mass transfer

We explore the way free particles produced by dissociating \particle-hole pairs" on a surface- melted cluster can be transferred to a second, nearby surface-melted cluster. This mass transport is based on an inter-cluster direct transfer mechanism of the particles. We found that in this particular case one cluster may grow at the expense of another, obeying a temporal power law with the exponent 1=2 for the average radius (R t 1=2 ). The change from the expected universal power law (R t 1=3 ) is a consequence of the proximity relation between these two clusters which lead to enhance the eective transport rates. PACS. 36.40.-c Atomic and molecular clusters { 81.10.-h Methods of crystal growth; physics of crystal growth
HIGH-ORDER GLOBAL DIFFERENTIABILITY NUMERICAL SOLUTIONS IN GAS DYNAMICS USING k-VERSION OF FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Various finite element strategies are considered for time dependent Navier-Stokes equations describing high speed compressible flows with shocks with the ultimate objective of achieving a general mathematical and computational framework for initial value problems (IVP) in which the computed solutions are in agreement with the physics described by the governing differential equations (GDEs), the solutions are admissible in the non-discretized form of the GDEs in the point-wise sense (i.e. anywhere and everywhere) in the entire space-time domain, and the numerical approximations progressively approach the same global differentiability in space and time as the theoretical solutions. The space-time least squares processes presented yield variationally consistent integral forms and hence unconditionally stable, non-degenerate computational processes. When considered in higher order Hilbert space ) ( H ˆ , e p
Effects of Prolonged Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitor Treatment on Amyloid β-Protein Metabolism in Mouse Models of Alzheimer Disease

Genetic and pathologic studies have associated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) with Alzheimer disease. Previously, we and others have reported that ACE degrades in vitro the amyloid beta-protein (Abeta), a putative upstream initiator of Alzheimer disease. These studies support the hypothesis that deficiency in ACE-mediated Abeta proteolysis could increase Alzheimer disease risk and raise the question of whether ACE inhibitors, a commonly prescribed class of anti-hypertensive medications, can elevate Abeta levels in vivo. To test this hypothesis, we administered the ACE inhibitor captopril to two lines of APP transgenic mice harboring either low levels of Abeta or high levels of Abeta with associated plaque deposition. In both models, we show that captopril does not affect cerebral Abeta levels in either soluble or insoluble pools. Furthermore, we find no change in plaque deposition or in peripheral Abeta levels. Data from these Alzheimer models suggest that captopril and similar ACE inhibitors do not cause Abeta accumulation in vivo.
Structure-Toxicity Relationships of Substituted Phenothiazines

The goldfish test system is capable of discerning structure-toxicity relationships of substituted phenothiazine derivatives. A rank order correlation between dodecane partition coefficients, surface activity, and toxicity in goldfish was observed for various 2-substituted chlorpromazine derivatives (triflupromazine > chlorpromazine > promazine > chlorpromazine sulfoxide). Dodecane partition coefficients were also found to correlate with the death of goldfish induced by the 1-chloro, 2-chloro, and 3-chloro analogs of chlorpromazine. The data imply that differences in the absorption of the phenothiazines could account, in part, for the observed differences in toxicity.
DISCIPLINES OF PRESENCE IN MODERN TURKEY: Discourse, Companionship, and the Mass Mediation of Islamic Practice

This article examines a contemporary Turkish Sufi order's devotional practice of sohbet—translated here as “companionship in conversation”—to show how characteristically modern practices and techniques have come to take a role in the constitution of dispositions that are central to the viability of Islamic virtues. In the act of oral transmission sohbet cultivates the kinds of relationships considered liable to constitute a morally structured disposition in the practitioner. These relationships are subject to reformulation in the context of the mass mediation of the social environment and use of radio by the order, as practices of discipline based on face-to-face interaction articulate with models of liberal citizenship.
Detection Prospects for Majorana Fermion WIMPless Dark Matter

We consider both velocity-dependent and velocity-independent contributions to spin-dependent (SD) and spin-independent (SI) nuclear scattering (including one-loop corrections) of WIMPless dark matter, in the case where the dark matter candidate is a Majorana fermion. We find that spin-independent scattering arises only from the mixing of exotic squarks or from velocity-dependent terms. Nevertheless (and contrary to the case of minimal supersymmetric standard model neutralino WIMPs), we find a class of models which cannot be detected through SI scattering, but can be detected at IceCube/DeepCore through SD scattering. We study the detection prospects for both SI and SD detection strategies for a large range of Majorana fermion WIMPless model parameters.
The Hydrothermal Transformation Of Sodium And Potassium Smectite Into Mixed-Layer Clay

The transformation of sodium and potassium smectite into mixed-layer clay was followed in hydrothermal kinetic experiments. Glasses of beidellite composition and the Wyoming bentonite were used as starting materials. Temperatures ranged between 260 and 490°C at 2 kbar pressure, and run times ranged between 6 hr and 266 days. The course of the reactions was found to be strongly affected by interlayer chemistry. When potassium was the interlayer cation, increasing reaction produced the series: randomly interstratified illite/smectite-ordered interstratifled illite/smectite-illite. This sequence is equivalent to that formed in shales during burial diagenesis. With interlayer sodium and temperatures above 300°C, an aluminous beidellite (Black Jack analog)-rectorite-paragonite series was realized. The difference between these two diagenetic families is discussed. Below 300°C, sodium beidellite formed randomly interstratifled mixed-layer clay much like potassium beidellite, except that a higher layer charge was required to produce sodium mica-like layers. The higher charge resulted from sodium’s higher hydration energy. The difference in hydration energy between potassium and sodium may account for the fixation of potassium rather than sodium in illite during burial diagenesis. The appearance of ordered interlayering in mixed-layer phases is also related to interlayer chemistry. Ordering formed in sodium clays at high expandabilities, whereas it never appeared in the potassium clays above approximately 35% expandable. The appearance of ordering may be partly related to the polarizing power of the mica-like layers. Phase diagrams, constructed from the kinetic experiments and from the composition and occurrence of natural clays, are presented for the systems paragonite and muscovite-2 quartz-kaolinite-excess water. This study also reports the first synthesis of a Kalkberg-type mixed-layer clay.
The Pressure-Viscosity Coefficient of a Perfluorinated Polyether Over a Wide Temperature Range

An unbranched perfluoropolyether is the current ball bearing lubricant for deep space flight. We report measurements of viscosity to moderate pressures for the calculation of pressure-viscosity coefficients to temperatures as low as -40°C. A free volume model predicts that a minimum pressure-viscosity coefficient exists at higher temperature. The existence of a minimun α 0 (T) is confirmed by viscometry at temperatures to 180°C.
Peptide Conjugates for Directing the Morphology and Assembly of 1D Nanoparticle Superstructures

Designed peptide conjugates molecules are used to direct the synthesis and assembly of gold nanoparticles into complex 1D nanoparticle superstructures with various morphologies. Four peptide conjugates, each based on the gold-binding peptide (AYSSGAPPMPPF; PEPAu ), are prepared: C12H23O-AYSSGAPPMPP (1), C12H23O-AYSSGAPPMPPF (2), C12H23O-AYSSGAPPMPPFF (3), and C12H23O-AYSSGAPPMPPFFF (4). The affect that C-terminal hydrophobic F residues have on both the soft-assembly of the peptide conjugates and the resulting assembly of gold nanoparticle superstructures is examined. It is shown that the addition of two C-terminal F residues (3) leads to thick, branched 1D gold nanoparticle superstructures, whereas the addition of three C-terminal F residues (4) leads to bundling of thin 1D nanoparticle superstructures.
How to Evaluate and Give Feedback

Evaluating learners and providing them with feedback is a key component of medical education. The academic physician assesses whether the learner has achieved the goals and objectives outlined by a course or by the clinical rotation or experience and uses feedback for improving performance. This chapter focuses on how to assess learners for the purpose of providing feedback and reviews best practices regarding the completion of evaluations.
Intracellular regulation of intestinal folate uptake: studies with cultured IEC-6 epithelial cells

Although the mechanism of folate uptake in the small intestine has been well characterized, very little is known about the intracellular regulation of the uptake process. Using mature confluent monolayers of the intestinal epithelial cell line IEC-6 as an in vitro intestinal epithelial cell model, we have found the uptake of folic acid to be similar to that of the native small intestine in that it is 1 ) temperature, energy, and pH dependent, 2) Na+ independent, 3) inhibited by structural analogs and anion transport inhibitors, and 4) saturable as a function of substrate concentration [apparent Michaelis constant (Km) = 0.45 +/- 0.06 microM; maximal velocity (Vmax) = 3.08 +/- 0.14 pmol x mg protein(-1) x 5 min(-1)]. Furthermore, IEC-6 cells were found by Northern blot analysis to lack the expression of the membrane folate-binding protein. Pretreatment of IEC-6 monolayers with specific protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors genistein and tyrphostin A25 caused a significant inhibition in folic acid uptake. On the other hand, their negative controls, genistin and tyrphostin A1, respectively, had no effect. The inhibitory effect of genistein was mediated through inhibition in the Vmax of the folate uptake process with no change in the apparent Km. Pretreatment of IEC-6 monolayers with compounds that increase intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) level (e.g., dibutyryl cAMP) also resulted in a significant (though modest) inhibition in folic acid uptake; however, specific inhibitors of protein kinase A did not affect the uptake process. Specific modulators of protein kinase C and Ca2+/calmodulin-mediated pathways did not significantly affect folic acid uptake. These results demonstrate the suitability of IEC-6 monolayers as an intestinal epithelial model to study folate transport and demonstrate for the first time that uptake of folic acid is regulated by a PTK- and a cAMP-mediated pathway.
After Noah's Arc: Where Do We Go from Here?

Noah's Arc is an American cable television dramedy (drama/comedy) that chronicles the lives of four gay African-American friends in Los Angeles. Noah's Arc premiered on October 19, 2005, on the Logo television network and became Logo's most popular program. From its inception, the program was well received at film festivals and independent circuits, and these screenings eventually resulted in the Logo channel running the series for an initial season and renewing for an additional season. Over the course of two seasons Noah's Arc characters Noah, Chance, Alex, and Ricky all struggle with a variety of issues that include dating, marriage, HIV I AIDS awareness, infidelity, sexual curiosity, promiscuity, homophobia, gay bashing, and parenthood while simultaneously attempting to build careers and "search for Mr. Right." At the conclusion of the second season Logo chose not to renew the series, and this decision was widely criticized by many in the African-American gay community as indicative of the Logo network's inability or unwillingness to diversify its programming.
Directions for Future NFL Research and the New CBA

The sixteen preceding chapters outline the state of the art of the economics of the NFL, which as was pointed out in the Introduction remains a relatively young field. There remain substantial opportunities for scholars to add to the literature. One of the purposes of this concluding chapter is to offer some suggestions as to where future work might yield valuable insights.
Is the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivor at Risk for Late Effects? It Depends on Where You Look

Purpose: The adolescent and young adult (AYA) population is a growing group of survivors, exceeding more than 600,000, at high risk for late effects of cancer-directed therapy. While many guidelines exist for cancer survivorship care, choosing which to use for an AYA cancer survivor is challenging, yet vital, to ensure comprehensive follow-up care. Methods: Survivorship care plans (SCPs), including treatment summaries (TS) and follow-up care plans, were created for three clinical vignettes (acute lymphoblastic leukemia, osteosarcoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma). Four sets of guidelines were used, including the Children's Oncology Group Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines (COG LTFU), National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for Age- Related Recommendations: AYA Oncology (NCCN-AYA), NCCN Guidelines for Treatment of Cancer by Site (NCCN-Site), and NCCN Guidelines for Supportive Care: Survivorship (NCCN-Survivorship) and NCCN supplemental cancer screening guidelines. The follow-up care plans were compared...
Privileging the Diaspora in Mauritius: Making World Heritage for a Multicultural Nation

This essay contributes to the discourse on diaspora by describing the emergence of a diasporic identification, specifically the emergence of Aapravasi Ghat as the designated heritage site of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius and on UNESCO's World Heritage List (WHL). As with many moments of transition, its emergence provided an opportunity to examine how diasporic heritage is generated and operates as a project, reminding us that all "identities" are processes in motion rather than static or substantive entities. I argue that while Aapravasi Ghat is inscribed on UNESCO's WHL as a transnational symbol of the Indian diaspora, it functions as a particular expression of a (contested) political vision of Mauritian nationalism, one that contrasts expressions of nationalism that emphasize mixed identities, entanglement, or common residence. Ultimately, I suggest that diaspora is a primary modality for distinguishing Mauritian citizens and for articulating national citizenship. Moreover, the uses of diaspora bear a striking resemblance to nationalisms that contribute to primordial senses of identity and that encourage loyalty and belonging to a single place.
Parkquest: mobile media learning as a large group activity

Last year, our design team was approached by the Inside Out! organization. They wanted help encouraging urban youth to explore the many trails found at a nearby state park, and thought a 'game' might motivate kids to try hiking. The game would be a small part of a larger event called Let's Go Outside. Over the last year we made our first attempt to introduce kids to hiking for fun and created ParkQuest. It wraps story, digital maps, and real-life hiking trails together in a mobile game that lead kids into the forest--some for the first time. This chapter reviews the design, implementation, results, and lessons from a playtest of ParkQuest at Let's Go Outside. Moreover, ParkQuest should be an idea others can rather easily use or modify for similar outdoor spaces and gatherings. This game could be a model for many other home-grown outdoor learning experiences that include elements of both story and game.
Variation in response of various mouse strains to hexobarbital (evipal).

Summary1. Significant differences in sleeping time have been demonstrated between various strains of mice, inbred and non-inbred, when injected with 125 mg per kilo body weight of hexobarbital. 2. Three different levels of genetic homozygosity were represented in the various strains tested. The most closely inbred strains (A/L, DBA/2, A/He, BALB/c, C57L, C57BL/6, C57BR/cd, C3HfB, BRSUNT, SWR) showed the least variation, the less closely inbred strain (CFW) showed more variation, and the non-inbred Swiss strain showed the most variation.
Materialist Epistemontology Sohn-Rethel with Marx and Spinoza

Sohn-Rethel’s theory undermines the line of thought that, from Kant to deconstruction, severs being or the thing from representation, by showing that the Kantian a priori categories of thought (representation) are a posteriori effects of the relations of things (being), to the point that it is ‘only through the language of commodities that their owners become rational beings’. This is the thesis of Marx’s theory of ‘commodity fetishism’, and Sohn-Rethel’s work develops the methodology that follows from it. ‘Realabstraktion’ means that the commodification of things amounts to their transformation into the language that provides the a priori categories of human thought. As a result, far from being inaccessible to representation, being is precisely that which reveals itself whenever the transcendental categories of representation are laid out. Therefore, Sohn-Rethel’s theory entails that not only can one not separate economy from thought but also economy and thought from being, so that there are no three dis...
Analysis of Shigella spp.surveillance in Fujian Province from 2006 to 2007

Objective:To discover the etiological characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility of Shigella spp.in Fujian province,thus providing suggestion for shigellosis prevention and rational prescriptions in clinics.Methods:Positive Shigella isolates from the surveillance sites were systematically re-identified according to National Protocol of Shigellosis Surveillance.Results:60 positive isolates were re-identified,41 Shigella strains were confirmed,including 24 S.sonnei strains and 17 S.flexneri strains,i.e.58.5% and 41.5% respectively.Susceptibility tests indicated that the 41 Shigella strains were highly sensitive to cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin,but resistant to tetracycline,rifampicin and sulfamethoxazole.Conclusion:The dominant Shigella isolates in Fujian from 2006 to 2007 were S.sonnei,the rest were S.flexneri.Meanwhile,it should be concerned that these isolated strains possessed considerable resistance to common antibiotics.
SU-F-T-140: Assessment of the Proton Boron Fusion Reaction for Practical Radiation Therapy Applications Using MCNP6

Purpose: The proton boron fusion reaction is a reaction that describes the creation of three alpha particles as the result of the interaction of a proton incident upon a 11B target. Theoretically, the proton boron fusion reaction is a desirable reaction for radiation therapy applications in that, with the appropriate boron delivery agent, it could potentially combine the localized dose delivery protons exhibit (Bragg peak) and the local deposition of high LET alpha particles in cancerous sites. Previous efforts have shown significant dose enhancement using the proton boron fusion reaction; the overarching purpose of this work is an attempt to validate previous Monte Carlo results of the proton boron fusion reaction. Methods: The proton boron fusion reaction, 11B(p, 3α), is investigated using MCNP6 to assess the viability for potential use in radiation therapy. Simple simulations of a proton pencil beam incident upon both a water phantom and a water phantom with an axial region containing 100ppm boron were modeled using MCNP6 in order to determine the extent of the impact boron had upon the calculated energy deposition. Results: The maximum dose increase calculated was 0.026% for the incident 250 MeV proton beam scenario. The MCNP simulations performed demonstrated that the proton boron fusion reaction rate at clinically relevant boron concentrations was too small in order to have any measurable impact on the absorbed dose. Conclusion: For all MCNP6 simulations conducted, the increase of absorbed dose of a simple water phantom due to the 11B(p, 3α) reaction was found to be inconsequential. In addition, it was determined that there are no good evaluations of the 11B(p, 3α) reaction for use in MCNPX/6 and further work should be conducted in cross section evaluations in order to definitively evaluate the feasibility of the proton boron fusion reaction for use in radiation therapy applications.
Standardization and streamlining of a pancreas surgery practice improves outcomes and resource utilization: A single institution's 20-year experience

Abstract Background In the past two decades, pancreas surgery (PS) has undergone significant advances in operative techniques and with a focus on multidisciplinary high-volume practices. Methods A review of patients undergoing PS from 3/1995-2/2015 was conducted; dividing patients into group A (1995–2005) and group B (2005–2015) for a detailed comparison. Effect of surgeon volume in group B was determined. Results A total of 1001 patients underwent PS (group A: 259; group B: 742). The mean age was 62.7 years and 52.8% were female. Group B patients were associated with a higher rate of pylorus preservation and minimally invasive resection and a lower rate of morbidity, pancreas fistula (PF), and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) than group A. High-volume surgeons (HVS) had lower operative blood loss (300 mL vs 600 mL), transfusion requirements, PF (14% vs 20%), DGE, surgical site infections, reoperations, and major morbidity rate (15.5 vs 39%) than low-volume surgeons. Conclusions This study demonstrates improved patient outcomes and hospital resource utilization over the past 20 years. Concentration of PS to HVS results in superior results.