cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CORRELATIONS AMONG FIELD DEPENDENCE/INDEPENDENCE, LOCUS OF CONTROL AND SELF-MONITORING

72 college students completed the Witkin Rod and Frame Test and the Group Embedded Figures Test as measures of Field Dependence/Independence, the Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Locus of Control Scale, and the Synder Self-monitoring Scale. Analysis indicated a small but significant relationship between scores on the first two tests but none between the second two. A significant correlation between scores on locus of control with the Group Embedded Figures Test and none with the Rod and Frame test, and a small but significant relationship between scores on self-monitoring with those on both measures of field dependence.
Effect of ionic strength on oil removal from stainless steel in the presence of ionic surfactant

Abstract Contact angles of oil droplets on solid surfaces provide useful insight into surfactant cleaning behavior. Contact angles of hexadecane and MAR‐TEMP® 355, an industrial quench oil, on stainless steel were measured for ionic surfactant solutions as a function of ionic strength. The ionic strength of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) solutions was modified by the addition of sodium chloride. Increases in the contact angle with additions of 1.0 mM and 2.5 mM NaCl were observed for the two oils in SDS and for hexadecane in CTAB. For the industrial quench oil, detachment occurred in CTAB concentrations above the critical micelle concentration; as a result, the equilibrium contact angle measurements were not measured. The critical concentration of CTAB decreased with increasing NaCl concentration. Oil‐removal studies indicate that increasing ionic strength by as little as 2.5 mM can result in improved cleaning. A theoretical insight previously used to explain cont...
IDENTIFICATION OF HIGHLY REGENERATIVE PLANTS WITHIN SUGAR BEET (BETA VULGARIS L.) BREEDING LINES FOR MOLECULAR BREEDING

Development of an efficient transformation method for recalcitrant crops such as sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) depends on identification of germplasm with relatively high regeneration potential. Individual plants of seven sugar beet breeding lines were screened for their ability to form adventitious shoots on leaf disk callus. Disks were excised from the first pair of true leaves of 3-wk-old seedlings or from partially expanded leaves of 8-mo.-old plants and cultured on medium with 4.4 μM 6-benzylaminopurine for 10 wk. At 5 wk of culture, friable calluses and adventitious shoots began to develop. Rates of callus and shoot formation varied between breeding lines and between individual plants of the same line. Line FC607 exhibited the highest percentage (61%) of plants that regenerated shoots on explants. Among the plants with a positive shoot regeneration response, line FC607 also had the highest mean number (8.3±1.1) of shoots per explant. Individual plants within each line exhibited a wide range of percentages of explants that regenerated shoots. A similar variation was observed in the number of shoots that regenerated per explant of an individual plant. No loss of regeneration potential was observed on selected plants maintained in the greenhouse for 3 yr. Regenerated plants exhibited normal phenotypes and regeneration abilities comparable to the respective source plants. Based on our results, it is imperative to screen a large number of individual plants within sugar beet breeding lines in order to identify the high regenerators for use in molecular breeding and improvement programs.
A three-dimensional atlas of pituitary gland development in the zebrafish.

The pituitary gland is unique to Chordates, with significant variation within this group, offering an excellent opportunity to increase insight into phylogenetic relationships within this phylum. The structure of the pituitary in adult Teleosts (class: Osteichthyes) is quite different from that in other chordates and is also variable among members of the class. Therefore, a complete description of the structure and development of the pituitary in members of this class is a critical component to our overall understanding of this gland. An obvious teleost model organism is the zebrafish, Danio rerio, as a significant amount of work has been done on the molecular control of pituitary development in this fish. However, very little work has been published on the morphological development of the pituitary in the zebrafish; the present study aims to fill this void. The pituitary develops from cells on the rostrodorsal portion of the head and reaches its final position, ventral to the hypothalamus, as the cephalic flexure occurs and the jaws and mouth form. The pituitary placode is juxtaposed to cells that will form the olfactory vesicles, the stomodeum, and the hatching gland. The volume of the pituitary is greatest at 24 hours post fertilization (hpf). From 24 to 120 hpf, the pituitary decreases in height and width as it undergoes convergent extension, increasing in length with the axis. The adenohypophysis is a morphologically distinct structure by 24 hpf, whereas the neurohypophysis remains indistinct until 72 hpf. The findings of this study correlate well with the available molecular data. J. Comp. Neurol. 487:428 – 440, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Indexing terms: adenohypophysis; neurohypophysis; forebrain; morphology; anatomy; stomodeum
Flow kinetics of nylon open-tubular and beaded immobilized glucose oxidase reactors.

Abstract Equations describing the flow kinetics of immobilized glucose oxidase in open nylon tubes and in tubes filled with solid glass spheres were experimentally determined. Reactors of three different tube ( d t ) and bead ( d b ) diameters were tested using various linear flow rates ( v f ) and glucose concentrations ([S]). The kinetics of the open-tubular reactors were described by [P] = 1.5·10 −3 [S] L 0.86 v f −0.78 d t −0.9 and the kinetics of the beaded-tubular reactors by [ P ] = 5·10 −3 [ S ] L 0.98 v f −0.75 d t −1.0 (d b /d t ) 2.7 , where [P] equals the concentration of H 2 O 2 formed. The aspect ratio, d b / d t , is the critical design factor for beaded reactors.
Interactive simulation of fire

In this paper we describe a fast and interactive model to simulate and control the fire phenomenon. We use a modified interactive fluid dynamics solver to describe the motion of a 3-gas system. We simulate the motion of oxidizing air, fuel gases, and exhaust gases. The burning process is simulated by consuming fuel and air based on the amounts of fuel and air inside each grid cell. By modeling heat distribution, we also simulate the spread of fire to and self-ignition in other combustible solids.
A Checklist and New Species of Eleodes Eschscholtz (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Pertaining to the Subgenus Promus Leconte, with a Key to United States Species

Abstract The tenebrionid genus Eleodes Eschscholtz, 1829 was monographed by Blaisdell in 1909. Blaisdell's monograph did not cover most of the continental Mexican species, and most of the Eleodes subgenera have not been revised since the time of that publication. The subgenus Promus LeConte, 1862 is herein reviewed. Eleodes compositus Casey, 1891, revised status, is removed from synonymy with Eleodes hispilabris (Say, 1824) and placed in the subgenus Promus. Moreover, Eleodes hepburni Champion, 1892 is moved from Promus to the subgenus Steneleodes Blaisdell, 1909. Eleodes subnitens sinuata Blaisdell, 1909 is placed as a junior synonym of Eleodes subnitens LeConte, 1851, new synonymy. Eleodes madrensis Johnston, new species, is described from Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico. A checklist is given for all species currently assigned to Promus, and a key is presented for the eight species known to occur in the United States.
Delinquent bonding, moral beliefs, and illegal behavior: A three-wave panel model

This paper examines the relationships among delinquent peer group bonding, conventional moral beliefs, and the frequency of minor and serious illegal behavior in the framework of an integrated theory of delinquent behavior. Three-wave, three-variable structural equation models are tested for minor and serious illegal behavior with data from a national longitudinal probability sample. The results are generally consistent with the integrated theory. Theoretical and methodological implications of the results are considered in the context of previous research on delinquent peer group bonding, moral beliefs, and illegal behavior.
STUDIES OF THE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF l-TRIIODOTHYRONINE ON THYROIDAL I131 UPTAKE IN EUTHYROID PERSONS AND PATIENTS WITH EXOPHTHALMIC GOITER*†

Inhibition of thyroidal collection of I131 in human subjects by the oral administration of l-triiodothyronine has been studied by several groups of investigators. In euthyroid persons, Starr and Liebhold-Schueck (1, 2) compared the 24-hour uptake of I131 before the administration of l-triiodothyronine with the uptake after one week of administration of this substance. They reported that a daily dose of 8.8 micrograms resulted in maximal inhibition of uptake, whereas a dose of 4.4 micrograms was ineffective. Werner and Spooner (3) carried out similar studies in both euthyroid persons and patients with exophthalmic goiter, and found that a daily dose of 75 or 150 micrograms of l-triiodothyronine for eight days inhibited 24-hour uptake in euthyroid persons, but not in patients with exophthalmic goiter. These workers, as well as Perlmutter and Slater (4) have proposed this as a diagnostic test for exophthalmic goiter. In a group of 13 euthyroid control subjects, Starr and Liebhold-Schueck (1) compared the 24-...
Gender and visual communication: toward a feminist theory of design

Drawing on recent studies of visual design and current feminist theory, and based on a research project in which males and females were asked to create visual representations of factual information, a feminist theory of design is posited. Three primary positions relevant for technical communicators are argued: (1) social constructionism is a feminist perspective; (2) technical communicators need to eliminate the hierarchy of visuals and text and represent information by balancing both; and (3) technical communicators need to emphasize the rhetorical, contextual situations in which visuals and texts co-mingle. >
Coprophagy by foals: effect of age and possible functions.

Summary In colts and fillies observed from birth to 24 weeks old, coprophagy occurred from Weeks 1 to 19. Its frequency was greatest during the first two months. Coprophagy was rarely observed in mares and stallions. Foals usually ate the faeces of their mother but were observed to eat their own and those of a stallion and another unrelated mare. Urination by the foal occurred before, during or after 26 per cent of the coprophagy incidents. It is hypothesised that foals may consume faeces in response to a maternal pheromone which signals the presence of deoxycholic acid or other acids which the foal may be deficient in and which it may require for gut immunocompetence and myelination of the nervous system. Such a pheromone may also serve to accelerate growth and sexual maturation. Coprophagy may also provide nutrients and introduce normal bacterial flora to the gut.
Throwing Darts, Time, and the Infinite

In this paper, I present a puzzle involving special relativity and the random selection of real numbers. In a manner to be specified, darts thrown later hit reals further into a fixed well-ordering than darts thrown earlier. Special relativity is then invoked to create a puzzle. I consider four ways of responding to this puzzle which, I suggest, fail. I then propose a resolution to the puzzle, which relies on the distinction between the potential infinite and the actual infinite. I suggest that certain structures, such as a well-ordering of the reals, or the natural numbers, are examples of the potential infinite, whereas infinite integers in a nonstandard model of arithmetic are examples of the actual infinite.
Taxonomic Revision of the Neotropical Species of Elaphoglossum Sect. Squamipedia (Dryopteridaceae)1

Abstract Taxonomic keys, illustrations, descriptions, synonymy, distribution maps, and an index to collectors' names and numbers are given for the Neotropical taxa belonging to Elaphoglossum Schott ex J. Sm. sect. Squamipedia Mickel & Atehortua. Eighteen taxa are recognized herein, consisting of 16 species, with one of the species, E. peltatum (Sw.) Urb., having three forms. Three new species are described: E. anthracinum A. Vasco, Mickel & R. C. Moran, E. blepharis A. Vasco, Mickel & R. C. Moran, and E. rhomboideum A. Vasco, Mickel & R. C. Moran. The following name is lectotypified: Acrostichum flabellatum Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. var. sphenophyllum Kunze. Four species are atypical in the genus by having divided laminae: E. colombianum (Maxon) Mickel and E. moorei (E. Britton) Christ have pinnately divided laminae, E. peltatum (Sw.) Urb. has isodichotomously divided laminae, and E. tripartitum (Hook. & Grev.) Mickel has ternately divided laminae. The Neotropical species of the section can usually be dist...
Biogeochemistry in Mineral Exploration.Colin E. Dunn. Pp. 462 and CD-ROM. 2007. Handbook of Exploration and Environmental Geochemistry series (M. Hale, series editor), Volume 9. Amsterdam, Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-444-53074-5. Price US$160.

This book, published in July 2007, is the latest in the Handbook series produced by Elsevier. The first six volumes were published as the Handbook of Exploration Geochemistry series (editor, Gerry Govett). Martin Hale assumed editorial responsibilities starting with volume 7, and the series was expanded in scope and title to include environmental geochemistry. Biogeochemistry in Mineral Exploration returns to the series’ roots and Govett’s original exploration-oriented vision, focusing mainly on the use of plants in exploration geochemistry. This book is the first major publication on the subject in many years and it provides documentation on the methodologies that have been fine tuned or developed in recent decades. These improvements have resulted, in part, from advancements in analytical techniques, which now allow for determination of ultra-trace abundances of elements in plant tissues and even for plant mineralogy, all described in the book. Colin Dunn is extremely well suited to the task of writing this book, having spent some 30 years in biogeochemical research, mainly in exploration, for the Geological Survey of Canada and as a private consultant to numerous …
Activating Consumers for Better Service Coproduction Outcomes Through Eustress: The Interplay of Firm-Assigned Workload, Service Literacy, and Organizational Support

AbstractCompanies are allocating increasing coproduction workloads to consumers. Ironically, many consumers may be ill-equipped to coproduce, as indicated by widespread low service literacy (e.g., financial literacy, medical literacy). This research examines how consumers, particularly those low in service literacy, respond to varying levels of firm-assigned coproduction workload. Five studies, including a hospital field experiment, reveal three findings. First, service literacy plays a moderating role, such that higher (vs. lower) levels of coproduction workload improve service outcomes (e.g., compliance intentions), particularly for consumers with low service literacy. Second, coproduction eustress is a crucial mediator, such that positive service outcomes result from consumers appraising coproduction tasks as positive and meaningful challenges. In turn, eustress is elicited by consumers’ belief that they are collaborating with the provider to achieve a shared goal. Third, offering organizational suppor...
"Casbahism” in Europe: the Journey of an Architectural Idea

The paper examines how a new architectural idea gained visibility within post-WWII European architectural culture. By tracing its trajectory from Casablanca to Berlin, attempting to reconstruct the relationship between the Free University, often considered the prime representative of what later became known as the "mat-building” typology, and the North African "casbah”, the paper explores how the visual or perceptual, emphasized during interactions between the narrative's protagonists or disseminated through architectural publications, played a salient role in popularizing the idea in European circles. The main argument the inquiry puts forward, by situating the original spark that launched the mat-building idea in research that its chief promoters conducted while in North Africa prior to instrumentalizing this research in later design projects, is that research can stretch the discipline's boundaries by introducing new ideas from plural sources, which can only enrich architectural culture and critique its prevalent, increasingly autonomous, practices. The paper thus elucidates a way in which foreign influences entered Western architectural discourse, constituting a palpable example of how modernist dogmas were challenged by its very agents, through a historicist as well as a cultural 'other', on the eve of postmodernism.
Water in the Evolution of the Earth and Other Terrestrial Planets

Water plays an essential role in the evolution of the terrestrial planets. The processes of water acquisition during planetary formation and the long-term geologic cycling of water in terrestrial planets are reviewed. The water acquisition during planetary formation is critically dependent on the nature of condensation. The majority of water acquired by a terrestrial planet is from materials within or near the snow line. Water acquired by a terrestrial planet undergoes global cycling by mantle convection. The planetary interior is a big water reservoir, and processes in the planetary interior have important influence on the evolution of the ocean mass.
Effects of the Trematode Proctoeces Maculatus on the Mussel Mytilus Edulis

Members of the family Fellodistomatidae, like other digenetic trematodes, normally have a life cycle in which a fish hosts the adult worm, sporocysts mature in bivalve mollusks, and cercariae infect the fish. Members of the genus Proctoeces, however, have an unusual abbreviated life cycle (termed progenetic) in which both adult trematodes and sporocysts mature within the molluscan host. Adults of Proctoeces maculatus have been found in the kidney of the bivalve Scrobicularia plana (Fr eeman and Ll ewel lyn, 1958) and in Mytilus edulis (Stunkard and Uzmann, 1959). When we discovered a population of M. edulis in Lewes, Delaware, infected with P. maculatus, we decided to study the seasonality of inf ection and the histopathology associated with the infection. This is a preliminary report of the first 10 months of this study.
Identification and Co-complex Structure of a New S. pyogenes SpeB Small Molecule Inhibitor.

The secreted Streptococcus pyogenes cysteine protease SpeB is implicated in host immune system evasion and bacterial virulence. We present a small molecule inhibitor of SpeB 2477 identified from a high-throughput screen based on the hydrolysis of a fluorogenic peptide substrate Ac-AIK-AMC. 2477 inhibits other SpeB-related proteases but not human caspase-3, suggesting that the molecule targets proteases with the papain-like structural fold. A 1.59 A X-ray crystal structure of 2477 bound to the SpeB active site reveals the mechanism of inhibition and the essential constituents of 2477 necessary for binding. An assessment against a panel of 2477 derivatives confirms our structural findings and shows that a carbamate and nitrile on 2477 are required for SpeB inhibition, as these moieties provide an extensive network of electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions with SpeB active site residues. Surprisingly, despite 2477 having a reduced inhibitory potential against papain, the majority of 2477-related com...
The Role of CA 125 as Tumor Marker: Biochemical and Clinical Aspects

CA 125 also known as mucin 16 or MUC16 is a large membrane glycoprotein belonging to the wide mucin family, encoded by the homonymous MUC16 gene. Following its discovery in the blood of some patients with specific types of cancers or other benign conditions, CA125 has found application as a tumor marker of ovarian cancer. Thirty years after its discovery, use of CA 125 is still FDA-recommended to monitor response to therapy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and to detect residual or recurrent disease in patients who have undergone first-line therapy and would be considered for second-look procedures. However, due to its limited specificity and sensitivity, CA 125 alone cannot still be an ideal biomarker. Increased clinical performance, in terms of better sensitivity and specificity in identifying epithelial ovarian cancer relapse, has been obtained by combined use of CA 125 with HE4, another ovarian cancer marker recently introduced in clinical use. Significant advancements have been achieved more recently, due to the introduction of FDA-approved ROMA and OVA1 algorithms to evaluate the risk of ovarian cancer for patients with a pelvic mass.
Electrical Behavior of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Epoxy under Compression

An experimental investigation was conducted to study the effect of quasi-static and dynamic compressive loading on the electrical response of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced epoxy nanocomposites. An In-situ polymerization process using both a shear mixer and an ultrasonic processor were employed to fabricate the nanocomposite material. The fabrication process parameters and the optimum weight fraction of MWCNTs for generating a well-dispersed percolation network were first determined. Absolute resistance values were measured with a high-resolution four-point probe method for both quasi-static and dynamic loading. In addition to measuring the percentage change in electrical resistance, real-time damage was captured using high-speed photography. The real-time damage was correlated to both load and percentage change in resistance profiles. The experimental findings indicate that the bulk electrical resistance of the nanocomposites under both quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions initially decreased between 40% - 60% during compression and then increased as damage initiated and propagated.
The challenge of biocompatibility evaluation of biocomposites

The evaluation of biological response, i.e., biocompatibility, of biocomposites is complex, complicated and challenging. Biocompatibility studies of biocomposites present two major challenges: 1) identification of the overall biocompatibility (safety) of the biocomposite and identification of the contributions made by each of the distinct phases of the biocomposite structure at the tissue/biocomposite interface; and 2) surface characterization of the biocomposite structure where the distinct characteristics of each of the phases are appropriately and adequately characterized. The recent use of bioactive materials, tissue engineering, and nanotechnology in the development and/or utilization of biocomposites further enhance these challenges. This chapter focuses on the challenges that must be met in the future development of biocomposites.
Hoping, Empowering, Strengthening: Theories Used in Intimate Partner Violence Advocacy

Many theoretical frameworks have been suggested for practice with survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) with very little verification of application. This study uses data from qualitative interviews with 22 IPV advocates to assess what constructs guide practice. What theories and philosophies guide advocacy practice? The findings revealed that empowerment, feminism, and strengths-based perspective are dominant lenses for practice but that hope theory and emerging clinical models are beginning to be adopted by advocates. Implications are discussed.
Time and cost analysis of gallbladder surgery under the acute care surgery model.

BACKGROUNDThe acute care surgery (ACS) model has been shown to improve work flow efficiency and to reduce hospital stay. We hypothesized that, in patients with gallbladder (GB) disease who were admitted through our emergency department (ED) and then underwent surgery, the ACS model shortened the tim
Design Considerations for Electrode Buffer Layer Materials in Polymer Solar Cells

Electrode buffer layers in polymer-based photovoltaic devices enable highly efficient devices. In the absence of buffer layers, we show that diode rectification is lost in ITO/P3HT:PCBM/Ag (ITO = indium tin oxide; P3HT = poly(3-hexylthiophene); PCBM = phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester) devices due to nonselective charge injection through the percolated phase pathways of a bulk heterojunction active layer. Charge-selective injection, and thus rectification and device function, can be regained by placing thin, polymeric buffer layers that break the direct electrode-active layer contact. Additionally, we show that strong active layer–buffer layer interactions lead to unwanted vertical phase separation and a kinked current–voltage curve. Device function is regained, increasing power conversion efficiency from 3.6% to 7.2%, by placing a noninteracting layer between the buffer and active layer. These results guide the design and selection of future polymeric electrode buffer layers for efficient polymer sola...
HS-SPME-GC-MS/MS Method for the Rapid and Sensitive Quantitation of 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline in Single Rice Kernels

Demand for aromatic rice varieties (e.g., Basmati) is increasing in the US. Aromatic varieties typically have elevated levels of the aroma compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP). Due to its very low aroma threshold, analysis of 2AP provides a useful screening tool for rice breeders. Methods for 2AP analysis in rice should quantitate 2AP at or below sensory threshold level, avoid artifactual 2AP generation, and be able to analyze single rice kernels in cases where only small sample quantities are available (e.g., breeding trials). We combined headspace solid phase microextraction with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS/MS) for analysis of 2AP, using an extraction temperature of 40 °C and a stable isotopologue as internal standard. 2AP calibrations were linear between the concentrations of 53 and 5380 pg/g, with detection limits below the sensory threshold of 2AP. Forty-eight aromatic and nonaromatic, milled rice samples from three harvest years were screened with the method for their 2AP content, and overall reproducibility, observed for all samples, ranged from 5% for experimental aromatic lines to 33% for nonaromatic lines.
Survey on Microbial Contamination of Centralized Air Ventilation System in Public Place in Zhongshan City

[Objective] To know the microbial contamination of centralized air ventilation system in public place in Zhongshan city. [Methods]18 sets of centralized air ventilation system in Zhongshan city were collected by random sampling method,the samples of supply air,inner surface of blastpipes and cooling water were selected to test the total bacteria count,total epiphyte count,β-streptococcushaemolyticus,staphylococcus aureus,dust volume and legionella pneumophila. [Results]Among 183 supply air samples from 18 sets of centralized air ventilation system,the qualified rate of total bacteria count,total epiphyte count,β-streptococcus haemolyticus and staphylococcus aureus was 86.34%,76.50%,100.0% and 99.45%,respectively. Among 183 samples of inner surface of blastpipes,the qualified rate of dust volume,total bacterial count,total epiphyte count,β-streptococcushaemolyticus and staphylococcus aureus was 95.63%,94.54%,87.98%,100.0% and 100.0%,respectively. Legionella pneumophila was detected in 2 of 35 samples of cooling water,and the detection rate was 5.71%. [Conclusion]The health status of centralized air ventilation system in public place in Zhongshan city is generally good,but some prombles still exist,which should be paid attention to. Disinfection and health managenment must be strengthened.
Community Mobility and Dementia: The Role for Health Care Professionals

This chapter introduces the reader to the importance of community mobility for the older adult. Driving is the primary means of maintaining community mobility for most people. Implications for this method of transportation will be discussed for medically-at-risk drivers and in particular, the cognitively-impaired driver. We discuss stakeholders’ responsibilities in assuring individual and public safety. We acquaint the health care professional to the current state of screening and assessment of fitness-to-drive in persons with dementia. This includes the importance of referring the driver for the appropriate service at the right time in the disease process, including referrals to a driving rehabilitation specialist. We describe the transition from driver to passenger for the person with cognitive impairment and introduce the concept of supportive transportation while recognizing the need for the development of such services for persons with dementia and their care partners including strategies for meeting those needs.
Self-assembly of noble metal monolayers on transition metal carbide nanoparticle catalysts

One approach for increasing the activity of precious metals in catalysis is to coat them onto less expensive earth-abundant transition metal cores such as nickel, but often these structures alloy and deactivate during reactions. Hunt et al. synthesized several types of transition metal carbide nanoparticles coated with atomically thin precious-metal shells. Titanium-doped tungsten carbide nanoparticles with platinum-ruthenium shells were highly active for methanol electrooxidation, stable over 10,000 cycles, and resistant to CO deactivation. Science , this issue p. [974][1] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aad8471
Is Disruptive Blockchain Technology the Future of Financial Services

The American corporate graveyard is littered with prior darlings of Wall Street and pillars of the New York Stock Exchange, such as Kodak and Polaroid (both photography pioneers). More recently, other businesses and entire industries that were once household names have similarly experienced plummeting demand: pay telephone manufacturers; travel agencies; wrist watch manufacturers; print news media such as newspapers and magazines; and many traditional brick and mortar retailers (replaced by Amazon). The common characteristic is that all of these businesses have become completely or substantially obsolete due to digitized technology.Now, the equivalent disruptive technological revolution in financial services is underway. During recent years, rapid technological advances have resulted in a sea change to the way most of the world conducts and regulates financial services. While the implications are vast and the ultimate ramifications are largely unknown at this time, this article: examines the brief but important history of virtual currencies in general; considers the impact of Bitcoin in particular; and explores the promise for widespread application of Bitcoin’s underlying blockchain technological platform to the financial services industry.This brief article proceeds in five parts, as follows. First, there is a discussion of disruptive changes taking place in financial services. Second, the article briefly explores virtual currencies and the genesis of Bitcoin. Third, there is an explanation of blockchain technology - what it is and why it is important. Fourth, the article discusses recent developments that provide a validation of blockchain application to financial services markets. Finally, there is a brief review of regulatory challenges to the adoption of this new technology. A purpose of this article is to enhance the reader’s understanding of the promises and challenges faced by financial service providers due to these rapid advances in technology.
Novel vaccines for glioblastoma: clinical update and perspective

Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain cancer. Aggressive treatment with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy provides limited overall survival benefit. Glioblastomas have a formidable tumor microenvironment that is hostile to immunological effector cells and these cancers produce profound systemic immunosuppression. However, surgical resection of these tumors creates conditions that favor the use of immunotherapeutic strategies. Therefore, extensive surgical resection, when feasible, will remain part of the equation to provide an environment in which active specific immunotherapy has the greatest chance of working. Toward that end, a number of vaccination protocols are under investigation. Vaccines studied to date have produced cellular and humoral antitumor responses, but unequivocal clinical efficacy has yet to be demonstrated. In addition, focus is shifting toward the prospect of therapies involving vaccines in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors and other immunomodulatory agents so that effector cells remain active against their targets systemically and within the tumor microenvironment.
Examining Socio-Cultural and Neighborhood Factors Associated with Trajectories of Mexican-Origin Mothers' Education-Related Involvement.

Parental involvement in education is an important determinant of youth's academic success. Yet, there is limited knowledge on how Latino parents' education-related involvement changes over time. Using data from a longitudinal study of 674 Mexican-origin families (mother-adolescent dyad; M age of child at Wave 1=10.4, SD = 0.60), we examined trajectories of parental involvement from 5th to 11th grade and the effects of socio-cultural (e.g., family SES and acculturation) and contextual (e.g., neighborhood) factors on these trajectories. Results showed that mothers reduced two aspects of the educational involvement: home-based involvement and academic aspirations, but increased on a third aspect of involvement, resource seeking. Furthermore, family SES, acculturation, and neighborhood context were differentially associated with mothers' involvement at 5th grade and predicted changes in involvement across elementary and high school.
Palliative Medicine and Preparedness Planning for Patients Receiving Left Ventricular Assist Device as Destination Therapy—Challenges to Measuring Impact and Change in Institutional Culture

Abstract Context Although left ventricular assist devices as destination therapy (DT-LVAD) can improve survival, quality of life, and functional capacity in well-selected patients with advanced heart failure, there remain unique challenges to providing quality end-of-life care in this population. Palliative care involvement is universally recommended, but how to best operationalize this care and measure success is unknown. Objectives To characterize the process of preparedness planning (PP) for patients receiving DT-LVAD at our institution and better understand opportunities for quality improvement or procedural transferability. Methods Retrospective review of 107 consecutive patients undergoing DT-LVAD implantation at a single institution between 2009 and 2013. Information regarding demographics, advance care planning, and mortality was abstracted from the medical record and analyzed. Findings were compared with a historical cohort who received DT-LVAD implantation at the same institution before the development of PP (2003–2009). Results Mean age of patients receiving DT-LVAD was 64.3 years (SD ± 10.7). At last follow-up, 46 patients (43%) had died. Mean post-DT-LVAD survival in this group was 1.1 years (SD ± 1.2). Eighty-nine percent of patient had palliative care consultation before implantation, and 70% completed PP. Although 66% of patients completed an advance directive (AD) preimplantation, only two ADs (2.8%) specifically mentioned DT-LVAD and none addressed core elements of PP. AD completion rates improved from 47% before our policy on PP (P = 0.012). Conclusion A disconnect was evident between the rigor of PP discussions and the content of ADs in the medical record. We urge that future efforts focus on narrowing this gap.
Full-duplex in a hand-held device — From fundamental physics to complex integrated circuits, systems and networks: An overview of the Columbia FlexICoN project

Full-duplex wireless is an exciting emerging wireless communication paradigm that also poses tremendous challenges at virtually every layer: from the antenna interface and integrated circuits (ICs) and systems to the network layer. This paper covers recent advances at Columbia University across all these dimensions. Several potential full-duplex system architectures that are appropriate for different application spaces are discussed. Specific research advances include (i) a novel integrated CMOS non-reciprocal circulator that utilizes time-variance to break Lorentz reciprocity, (ii) a polarization-based antenna cancellation technique that achieves very wideband isolation that can be reconfigured as the environment changes, (iii) several generations of RF and analog self-interference cancellation circuits that combat noise, distortion and bandwidth limitations, (iv) higher-layer resource allocation algorithms that evaluate full-duplex rate gains given realistic physical layer models, and (v) demonstrations of full-duplex operation using realistic IC-based nodes.
Workshop Summary: Roles of the TNF Family in Neuronal Development, Function and Pathology

Once believed to be “immune privileged” and relatively protected from the effects and influence of the immune system, it is now well established that the brain is capable of mounting inflammatory responses in response to various stimuli. In addition, proteins once believed to be solely expressed in immune organs (and in particular TNF superfamily members and their receptors) have now been demonstrated to have important roles in normal central nervous system (CNS) function. Importantly, cross talk between the brain and the immune system and its regulation are critical determinants of normal central and peripheral nervous system (PNS) physiology and dysregulation of such is believed to underlie a number of chronic neurological disorders. While the role of inflammation in pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis can be clearly appreciated, there are a number of other CNS and PNS disorders in which the role of the immune system is not well understood yet neuroinflammatory responses appear to be dysregulated and may be contributing to disease progression and neuronal loss. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease fall within this category and affect a large number of individuals over age 65. Therefore, investigations aimed at gaining a better understanding of the role of TNF superfamily signaling cascades in normal brain function or in neurological disorders is of high importance and extremely timely in light of the rising number of aging individuals worldwide.
Polymorphic Distribution in Individual Electrospun Poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate] (PHBHx) Nanofibers

We have observed, for the first time, a heterogeneous spatial distribution of crystalline polymorphs in a single electrospun polymer nanofiber. Two crystalline polymorphs of PHBHx, the thermodynamically stable α-form consisting of chains with a 21 helical conformation and the metastable β-form consisting of chains with a planar zigzag conformation, are spatially distributed as a core–shell structure composed of an α-form-rich core and a β-form-rich shell. In addition, it was found that the thickness of the shell is independent of the fiber diameter. The characterization of crystalline polymorphic distribution in individual nanofibers has been made possible by utilizing a technique combining atomic force microscopy (AFM) and infrared spectroscopy (IR), which simultaneously provides the nanoscale spatial resolution and crystalline phase specificity. Based on the experimental results, a possible generation mechanism of this polymorphic heterogeneous core–shell structure is proposed. The implications of this ...
An inkjet-printed capacitive sensor for water level or quality monitoring: investigated theoretically and experimentally

Ink printing is utilized to develop a coplanar capacitive senor with microscale electrodes, which exhibits high sensitivity. The sensor’s capacitance has been theoretically and experimentally correlated to the water resistivity. As a cost-effective, portable and reusable sensor, its application for water level measuring and quality monitoring has been demonstrated.
Pain and Complementary Therapies

Treatment of both acute and chronic pain typically involves a combination of pharmacologic and provider-based interventions, which is effective for some patients but not for others. Use of pain medications, especially repeated and frequent usage, involves the risk of adverse reactions, overuse, and dependency. Complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) offer an alternative or adjunctive method to decrease the pain experience and enhance function and quality of life. Various evidence-based CAT methods have been proved to be effective in the management of both acute and chronic pain. Nurses are well placed to implement various CAT modalities.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Prison Admissions Across Counties: An Evaluation of Racial/Ethnic Threat, Socioeconomic Inequality, and Political Climate Explanations:

Previous macro-level studies of racial and ethnic disparities in prison admissions have focused narrowly on differences in offending and have limited their analyses to national- and state-level dat...
Assembly of deletion mutants of the Rieske iron-sulfur protein into the cytochrome bc1 complex of yeast mitochondria.

The assembly of two deletion mutants of the Rieske iron-sulfur protein into the cytochrome bc 1 complex was investigated after import in vitro into mitochondria isolated from a strain of yeast, JPJ1, from which the iron-sulfur protein gene (RIP) had been deleted. The assembly process was investigated by immunoprecipitation of the labeled iron-sulfur protein or the two deletion mutants from detergent-solubilized mitochondria with specific antisera against either the iron-sulfur protein or the bc 1 complex (complex III) [Fu and Beattie (1991). J. Biol. Chem. 266, 16212–16218]. The deletion mutants lacking amino acid residues 55–66 or residues 161–180 were imported into mitochondria in vitro and processed to the mature form via an intermediate form. After import in vitro, the protein lacking residues 161–180 was not assembled into the complex, suggesting that the region of the iron-sulfur protein containing these residues may be involved in the assembly of the protein into the bc 1 complex; however, the protein lacking residues 55–66 was assembled in vitro into the bc 1 complex as effectively as the wild type iron-sulfur protein. Moreover, this mutant protein was present in the mitochondrial membrane fraction obtained from JPJ1 cells transformed with a single-copy plasmid containing the gene for this protein lacking residues 55–66. This deletion mutant protein was also assembled into the bc 1 complex in vivo, suggesting that the hydrophobic stretch of amino acids, residues 55–66, is not required for assembly of the iron-sulfur protein into the bc 1 complex; however, this association did not lead to enzymatic activity of the bc 1 complex, as the Rieske FeS cluster was not epr detectable in these mitochondria.
An Empirical Research on the Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility and Performance in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region: A Case Study of Listed Companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges

According to Stakeholder Theory, the author of the article conducted a research on the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR for short) on its performance by using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM for short). On the basis of the research results of available literatures, setting up an assumptive Conceptual Model indicating the relationship between the factors of corporate social responsibility and the factors of its performance, selecting the annual report data of 138 listed companies in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in the 5 consecutive years from 2005 to 2009 as research sample, the author conducted hypothesis testing through the Structural Equation Modeling. The result is that CSR for creditors has a positive effect on a company’s performance. CSR for shareholders has the same effect on financial performance rather than on operating performance. Generally speaking, CSR causes great effects on a company’s performance, the more responsibility for stakeholders, the better a company’s performance.
Contemporary Aphasia Diagnostics

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on contemporary aphasia diagnostics. Diagnosis and assessment hold a prominent place in historical and contemporary aphasiology. Diagnostics provide the data base for clinicians and researchers. The physician must address the question of whether the symptom complex of which aphasia is but a part is the result of a completed or ongoing process. A decision based on the clinical evidence including laboratory tests must be made as to etiology. It is at this point in time that the physician begins to probe in a general fashion the language behavior of the patient. The goal is to determine the locus of lesion and to make a general assessment of the medical status of the patient. Techniques for assessing and determining the site of lesion-producing aphasic symptoms with greater precision are certainly more powerful now than they were only a decade or two ago. It is no longer necessary to wait for an autopsy to obtain a picture of the lesion, because of the use of brain scan techniques. Advances in neuroradiology have made it possible to visualize with great accuracy the locus, size, and depth of an infarct producing aphasia. This increase in precision allows the physician to ask questions relative to aspects of the lesion and its effects on behavior in a somewhat different fashion.
Tensional homeostasis in multicellular clusters: effects of geometry and traction force dynamics

The ability of cells to maintain a constant level of their cytoskeletal tension in response to external and internal disturbances is referred to as tensional homeostasis. It is essential for the normal physiological function of cells and tissues, and for protection against disease progression, including atherosclerosis and cancer. It has been shown recently that some cell types, such as endothelial cells, can maintain tensional homeostasis only when they form multicellular clusters, whereas other cell types, such as fibroblasts, do not require clustering for tensional homeostasis. For example, measurements of cell-extracellular matrix traction forces have shown that temporal fluctuations of the traction field in clusters of endothelial cells become progressively attenuated with increasing number of cells in the cluster, whereas in fibroblasts cell clustering does not influence traction field variability. Mechanisms that are responsible for these observations are largely unknown. In this study, a theoretical analysis and mathematical modeling have been applied to analyze experimental data obtained previously from traction microscopy measurements in order to investigate possible physical mechanisms that influence temporal variability of the traction field in multicellular forms. The focus of the analysis is on the contribution of dynamics and distribution of focal adhesion traction forces in conjunction with geometrical shape and size of multicellular clusters. Results of the analysis revealed that cluster size, magnitude and temporal fluctuations of focal adhesion traction forces have a major influence on traction field variability, whereas the influence of cluster shape appears to be minor.