cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The prenylation inhibitor manumycin A reduces the viability of Anaplasma phagocytophilum

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligately intracellular bacterium and is the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), an emerging and major tick-borne disease in the USA and other parts of the world. This study showed that the prenylation inhibitor manumycin A effectively blocked A. phagocytophilum infection in host cells (HL-60 or RF/6A cells). A. phagocytophilum infection activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase in host cells, and manumycin A treatment reduced ERK activation in A. phagocytophilum-infected host cells. As ERK activation is required for A. phagocytophilum infection, we examined whether manumycin A inhibited the bacteria directly or through host ERK signalling. Treatment of A. phagocytophilum alone with manumycin A significantly reduced the bacterial infectivity of host cells and bacterial viability in the absence of host cells, whereas pre-treatment of host cells did not inhibit bacterial infection in host cells. The inhibitory effect of manumycin A on A. phagocytophilum infection in host cells was achieved even at a concentration 100 times lower than that required for effective inhibition of mammalian cell signalling. These results suggested that manumycin A directly inactivates the bacterium, resulting in reduced infection and ERK1/2 activation. Thus, the manumycin group of drugs may have a therapeutic potential for HGA.
Planning, policy and polarisation in Vancouver's downtown eastside

Widely known as Vancouver's ‘skid road’ the Downtown Eastside struggles with the pressures of socio-spatial polarisation. While the neighbourhood has experienced deepening poverty, widening disadvantage, the entrenchment of an open air drug market, epidemic levels of HIV/AIDS and rising crime rates, it has also undergone extensive residential and commercial revitalisation. This paper explores, qualitatively, the City of Vancouver's policy and planning role in the spatial and temporal collision of both upgrading and downgrading within this single urban neighbourhood. Particular attention is paid to the unintended geographic and social impacts of municipal policy and the challenges faced by the city in attempting to address the conflicting expectations of community interests and the possibility of diametrically opposed, yet equally possible, neigh-bourhood futures. The paper points to the necessity of continued research on the local dynamics, policy implications and scale of intra-urban socio-spatial polarisation.
Development of a longitudinal density monitor for storage rings

We report on development of a new storage ring operations tool for measurement of longitudinal beam density profile. The technique mixes synchrotron light with light from a mode locked solid-state laser oscillator in a nonlinear crystal and detects the up-converted radiation with a photomultiplier. The laser is phase locked to the storage ring RF system. The laser choices available for repetition frequency, pulse length and phase modulation give a very wide range of options for matching the bunch configuration of particular storage rings. Progress in the technology of solid-state lasers ensures this system can be made robust for routine use in storage ring operations. A very large number of important applications are possible including measurement of the fraction of untrapped particles prior to acceleration, the population of particles in the nominally unfilled RF buckets in a bunch train ("ghost bunches"), longitudinal tails, the diffusion of particles into the beam abort gap and the normal bunch parameters of longitudinal shape and intensity. We are currently investigating application to two devices: (1) the 1.9 GeV ALS electron storage ring at LBNL with 328 RF buckets, 2 ns bucket spacing, 276 nominally filled bunches, 15-30 ps rms bunch length and (2) the 7 TeV LHC proton collider under construction at CERN with 35,640 RF buckets, 2.5 ns bucket spacing, 2,808 nominally filled bunches, 280-620 ps rms bunch length. A proof of principle experiment is being conducted on ALS. The results of the ALS experiment and detailed analyses of the application to LHC and its requirements are described.
Comparative feeding ecology of shortfin mako, blue and thresher sharks in the California Current

This study describes the feeding ecology of three pelagic shark species in the California Current: shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus); blue (Prionace glauca); and thresher (Alopias vulpinus) sharks. Stom- ach contents of sharks collected from 2002 to 2008 were identified to the lowest taxonomic level and analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods. Of 330 mako sharks sampled (53 to 248 cm fork length (FL)), 238 stomachs contained 42 prey taxa, with jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) and Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) representing the most important prey based on the geometric index of importance (GII). In addition, 158 blue sharks were sampled (76 to 248 cm FL) and 114 stomachs contained 38 prey taxa, with jumbo and Gonatus spp. squids representing the most important prey. Lastly, 225 thresher sharks were sam- pled (108 to 228 cm FL) and 157 stomachs contained 18 prey taxa with northern anchovy (Engraulis mor- dax) and Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) identified as the most important prey. Overall, mako sharks had the most diverse diet based upon Simpson's diversity index (1/D) (8.43±1.16), feeding on many species of teleosts and cephalopods, followed by blue sharks (6.20±2.11) which consumed a wide range of prey (primarily cephalopods), while thresher sharks were most specialized (2.62±0.34), feeding primarily on coastal pelagic teleosts. Dietary overlap was lowest between blue and thresher sharks (Sorensen similarity index00.321 and Simplified Morisita Horn index0 0.006), and seasonal variability in diet was greatest for blue sharks (Simplified Morisita Horn index0 0.260, Analysis of Similarity (ANOSIM) p<0.001). In addition, size class, and subregion were significant factors that affected diet of each species differently (ANOSIM p<0.001). Despite similarities in life histo- ry characteristics and spatial and temporal overlap in habitat, diets of these three common shark species are distinct in the California Current.
International Nongovernmental Organizations and Carbon Dioxide Emissions in the Developing World: A Quantitative, Cross-National Analysis*

This quantitative, cross-national study is designed to test hypotheses linking the activities of international nongovernmental organizations to reductions in carbon dioxide emissions in the developing world. While many quantitative studies of variation in carbon dioxide emissions have been published, none have included a control for the presence of international nongovernmental organizations. We review the literature that discusses the many ways that international nongovernmental organizations work to reduce environmental degradation in developing nations. We then conduct a panel regression analysis in which we include a variable to estimate the effects of international nongovernmental organizations on carbon dioxide emissions while including variables suggested by other relevant theoretical perspectives. Our findings are quite clear in that nations with high levels of international nongovernmental organization presence have lower levels of carbon dioxide emissions than nations with low levels of international nongovernmental organization presence. We also find support for the ecological modernization hypothesis pertaining to the existence of an environmental Kuznet's curve between the level of economic development and level of carbon dioxide emissions.
A transcriptome-based genetic map of Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) and identification of regions of segmental homology with peach (Prunus persica)

The Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) carries resistance to Cryphonectria parasitica, the fungal pathogen inciting chestnut blight. The pathogen, introduced from Asia, devastated the American chestnut (Castanea dentata) through- out its native range early in the twentieth century. A highly informative genetic map of Chinese chestnut was constructed to extend genomic studies in the Fagaceae and to aid the intro- gression of Chinese chestnut blight resistance genes into Amer- ican chestnut. Two mapping populations were established with three Chinese chestnut parents, 'Mahogany', 'Nanking' ,a nd 'Vanuxem', totaling 337 progeny. The transcriptome-based ge- netic map was created with 329 simple sequence repeat and 1,064 single nucleotide polymorphism markers all derived from expressed sequence tag sequences. Genetic maps for each parent were developed and combined to establish 12 consensus linkage groups spanning 742 cM, providing the the most com- prehensive genetic map for a Fagaceae species to date. Over 75 % of the mapped markers from the Chinese chestnut con- sensus genetic map were placed on the physical map using overgo hybridization, providing a fully integrated genetic and physical map resource for Castanea spp. About half (57 %) of the Chinese chestnut genetic map could be assigned to regions of segmental homology with 58 % of the peach (Prunus per- sica) genome assembly. A three quantitative trait loci (QTL) model for blight resistance was verified using the new genetic markers and an existing interspecies (C. mollissima × C. den- tata)F2mapping population. Two of the blight resistance QTLs in chestnut shared synteny with two QTLs for powdery mildew resistance in peach, indicating the potential conservation of disease resistance genes at these loci.
Downsizing Masculinity: Gender, Family, and Fatherhood in Post‐Industrial America

This paper employs interviewing of and participant observation among laid-off and soon to be laid-off industrial workers to explore how conceptions of masculinity, fatherhood, and family are negotiated during the traumatic and transitory period of a plant closing. As economic globalization erodes the industrial base of the Rust Belt, traditional ideas about masculinity, fatherhood and family—including the notion of a sole provider or “breadwinner”—become increasingly impracticable. This study finds that industrial workers adapt to the realities of downward mobility by discarding elements of the “breadwinner ideal”while clinging to others, including beliefs about the American dream and fatherhood.
Impact of exchange rates on air travel

Abstract The impact on the travel and tourism industry of changes in exchange rates has not obtained the same level of interest as that enjoyed by manufacturing. However, U.S. tourism competes with the world economy for travelers in the same way that the automobile manufacturers must. Increases in the value of the dollar make foreign travel more attractive to U.S. citizens and U.S. travel less attractive to foreigners. This paper provides some estimates of the impact on air travel of changes in the U.S. rate of exchange for 22 countries. The findings are that exchange rates have been important in nearly all cases, with most demand elasticities ranging between 1.0 and 1.5. Estimated demand elasticities can be used to estimate the impact on net air travel of percentage changes in exchange rates.
Reactivity and Migration of Hydrogen in A-SI:H

Tight-binding molecular dynamics calculations reveal a new mechanism for hydrogen diffusion in hydrogenated amorphous silicon. Hydrogen diffuses through the network by successively bonding with nearby silicon and breaking their Si-Si bonds. The diffusing hydrogen carried with it a newly created dangling bond. These intermediate transporting states are densely populated in the network and have lower energies than H at the center of stretched Si-Si bonds.
Benchmarking nanoparticulate metal oxide electrocatalysts for the alkaline water oxidation reaction

Nanoparticulate metal-oxide catalysts are among the most prevalent systems for alkaline water oxidation. However, comparisons of the electrochemical performance of these materials have been challenging due to the different methods of attachment, catalyst loadings, and electrochemical test conditions reported in the literature. Herein, we have leveraged a conventional drop-casting method that allows for the successful adhesion of a wide range of nanoparticulate catalysts to glassy-carbon electrode surfaces. We have applied this adhesion method to prepare catalyst films from 16 crystalline metal-oxide nanoparticles with a constant loading of 0.8 mg cm−2, and evaluated the resulting nanoparticulate films for the oxygen evolution reaction under conditions relevant to an integrated solar fuels device. In general, the activities of the adhered nanoparticulate films are similar to those of thin-film catalysts prepared by electrodeposition or sputtering, achieving 10 mA cm−2 current densities per geometric area at overpotentials of ∼0.35–0.5 V.
Trade and Tradeoffs: The Case of International Patent Exhaustion

Sellers of patented products ranging from printer cartridges to pharmaceuticals frequently charge higher prices in the United States than abroad. To maintain this price differential, such sellers often prohibit the resale of their goods in the United States. The Federal Circuit has maintained that importers may be sued for infringing U.S. patents on these goods. But that may soon change: in Lexmark v. Impression Products, the en banc Federal Circuit has been asked to hold that the sale of a patented product anywhere in the world “exhausts” the seller’s U.S. patent rights. If the Federal Circuit adopts a rule of international patent exhaustion, firms that sell patented products abroad will find it much harder to prevent those products from being resold in the United States. Advocates and opponents of international patent exhaustion both argue that their preferred rule would be more efficient (i.e., would increase aggregate welfare). In our view, however, whether international patent exhaustion increases aggregate welfare depends on whose welfare is aggregated. Put differently, the desirability of international patent exhaustion depends on a question that economic models alone cannot answer: how much weight (if any) should U.S. courts assign to foreign interests when crafting patent policy? Here, we explain why the Federal Circuit’s adoption of a rule of international patent exhaustion would likely lower prices of patented goods in the United States and raise prices abroad. Moreover, we explain why such a rule would impose costs on foreign governments that choose to subsidize access to patented goods for their own citizens. These tradeoffs between U.S. and foreign interests are ignored (or misunderstood) in the Lexmark briefing. This short Essay brings these tradeoffs into clearer focus.NOTE: The PDF available here is the draft that was cited by the Federal Circuit in its en banc Lexmark decision. The final published version of this essay is available at this link:http://columbialawreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/HO_Trade_and_Tradeoffs.pdf
Clinical and molecular significance of microvascular inflammation in transplant kidney biopsies

The diagnostic criteria for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) are continuously evolving. Here we investigated the clinical and molecular significance of different Banff microvascular inflammation (MVI) scores in transplant kidney biopsies. A total of 356 patients with clinically indicated kidney transplant biopsies were classified into three groups based on MVI scores of 0, 1, 2, or more for Groups 1–3, respectively. Gene expression profiles were assessed using arrays on a representative subset of 93 patients. The incidence of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies was increased from 25% in Group 1 to 36% in Group 2 and to 54% in Group 3. Acute and chronic AMR were significantly more frequent in Group 3 (15% and 35%) compared with the Group 2 (3% and 15%) and Group 1 (0% and 5%), respectively. Gene expression profiles showed increased interferon-γ and rejection-induced, cytotoxic and regulatory T-cell, natural killer cell–associated and donor-specific antibody (DSA)–selective transcripts in Group 3 compared with Groups 1 and 2. There was no significant difference in gene expression profiles between the Groups 1 and 2. Increased intragraft expression of DSA–selective transcripts was found in the biopsies of C4d− Group 3 patients. Thus, an MVI score of 2 or more was significantly associated with a histological diagnosis of acute and chronic antibody-mediated rejection. Hence, increased intragraft DSA–selective gene transcripts may be used as molecular markers for AMR, especially in C4d− biopsies.
Femtosecond Techniques for the Characterization of Nonlinear and Linear Properties of Waveguide Devices and Studies of All Optical Switching

Short pulse time domain measurements can provide the basis for a comprehensive diagnostic technology to characterize both nonlinear and linear optical properties in waveguide devices. In this chapter we outline methods for characterizing waveguide devices using femtosecond time resolved measurement. These investigations provide fundamental information on linear and nonlinear device behavior. In addition, by developing interferometric measurement techniques we can obtain important insights into the mechanisms of all optical switching in waveguide devices. Based on simple examples, we formulate criteria on material properties which must be satisfied to achieve high speed all optical switching and discuss performance issues for simple all optical switching device designs.
A Biomechanical Evaluation of Two Methods of Manual Load Lifting

Abstract Since the middle 1930's it has been advocated that all lifting should be carried out with the back near vertical and with the knees bent. The basis for this recommendation has been that it shifts the stresses on the body from the low-back to the legs. Under certain conditions this recommendation is invalid. In this paper Chaffin and Baker's biomechanical lifting model is extended by considering the erector spinae muscles and by considering load accelerations. Mathematical modeling shows that forces on the erector spinae muscles and the lumbosacral disc can be as much as 50% higher when using the recommended “straight back, bent knees” method when compared to the common “stooped back” method. The straight back method is recommended only for lifts when the object is initially close to the spine.
A Synergism Between Yoghurt Bacteria and Yeasts and the Effect of Their Association Upon the Viability of the Bacteria

Received forpublication April14,1954, revised December3,1954 Theyeasts thatarefoundinyoghurt, lebenand dahiaregenerally regarded ascontaminants inthat, asarule, theyresult inunpleasant odors, yeastiness, or bitter taste. Little isknownaboutthenature oftheseyeasts andtheir action uponthechemical constituents and thebacterial flora ofyoghurt andtherelated products. Ram Ayyar(1928) described a yeastfoundindahi whichfermented dextrose andsucrose, assimilated lactic acid, andpeptonized thecurd. Dahilactobacilli grownwiththis yeast lived for1month, whereas, grown alone, thelactobacilli ordinarily diedin7days. Graham (1943) foundthatLactobacillus bulgaricus usually died in2to3weeksbutsurvived manymonthswhengrown withdifferent yeasts. Fiveofthese yeasts didnotutilize lactic acid, whereas otheryeasts whichassimilated lactate didnotextend thelife ofL.bulgaricus. Theauthor obtained samples ofyeast-contaminated yoghurt which, although several months old, contained viable organisms ofL.bulgaricus andStreptococcus thermophilus. Asaresult ofthis observation, anumber ofyeasts wereisolated fromvarious samples ofyoghurt withthepurpose ofinvestigating theeffect ofthese yeasts upontheviability oftheabovebacteria: MATERIALSAND METHODS Twenty-seven yeasts wereisolated from35samples ofcommercial yoghurt, mostofwhichwereobtained fromsmall producers andrestaurants inWilmington (Delaware), Philadelphia andNewYorkCity. These yeasts werefound tofall intothree typesandarereferred tothroughout thispaperasyl,y2,andy3. Theywereisolated bystreaking yoghurt on Sabouraud's agarandincubating at25C.Theability to sporulate wastested bythefirst fourmethods described byWickerham (1951). Thelactic acidandcitric acid assimilation tests werecarried outaccording toWickerhamandBurton(1948) andthevitamin deficiency as suggested byWickerham (1950). TheL.bulgaricus andS.thermophilus cultures were obtained fromsamples ofyoghurt andfromtheAmeri
Cost-Plus Contractor Selection: A Case Study

A method for quantifying and measuring the effectiveness of contractors competing for a cost-plus contract has been developed. The methodology is demonstrated within the context of a $40,000,000 cost-plus incentive fee contract for electrical work on a nuclear power station. Four candidate contractors are evaluated and ranked using a multicriterion decision model. Comparisons are made between the decision model rankings and those arrived at by more traditional means. The procedure demonstrates the viability of a quantitative approach to a heretofore qualitative problem. Although not accomplished here, the procedure may be adapted to the selection of fixed price contractors as well.
Theoretical Beta Spectrum from Uranium-235 Fission Fragments in Secular Equilibrium

The theoretical beta spectrum of the thermal fission fragments of /sup 235/U in secular equilibrium was calculated using recent fission yields, nuclear decay scheme data, and very recent semi-empirical mass formulas to predict beta Q values of nuclides with unknown energy level structure. Better agreement with experiment is achieved when these isotopes are assumed to contain all of the excited states of isotopes with known decay schemes with the same atomic number Z and with neutron numbers N differing by even integers. The beta branching ratios for the unknown isotopes were assumed to be the renormalized collection of branching ratios found in all known isotopes of the families described above. The results obtained with these narrower restrictions are in better general agreement with experiment than those that replace the excited states and branching ratios of the unknown nuclides with those obtained by taking broad averages over known isotopes. There still appears to be some disagreement between theory and experiment, particularly at the high-energy end of the spectrum.
Reaction to Gram's stain by certain spore-forming bacteria.:

It has been customary to consider that the greater number of the spore-forming bacteria are positive in their reaction to Gram's stain. The positive correlation of these two properties has been considered very nearly perfect with the mesophilic bacteria. It might be expected that the same correlation would be obtained with the thermophilic bacteria. Various investigators working with the spore-forming thermophiles have reported some of these organisms to be Gram negative. The stain was made usually upon cultures at the end of 24 hours', and in some cases 48 hours', incubation. These statements would give further exceptions to the Gram-positive/spore-formation correlation of the bacteria, when their temperature requirements are disregarded.It has been the experience of the author that some of the spore-forming thermophilic bacteria are Gram negative at the end of 24 hours' incubation. These organisms, however, were positive in younger cultures. Many strains began to lose their power of retaining the violet...
Dynamic Regulatory Distortions: Coal Procurement at U.S Power Plants

This paper quanties the dynamic productive eciency gains in input procurement associated with introducing market mechanisms into a formerly price regulated industry. I do so within the context of the U.S coal-red power generation sector from 1983-2012. I formulate and estimate a dynamic plant-level model of coal purchase and storage decisions. Holding constant the plant’s pattern of input prices and output, I nd that it costs a regulated plant roughly 3% more per month to procure and store coal relative to the same plant facing market prices. This amounts to roughly $35 million per month saved in procurement costs if all price-regulated coal-red plants in the U.S instead faced market prices. This regulatory distortion stems primarily from two sources: regulators pass through a percentage of fuel purchase costs to electricity consumers and provide a working capital allowance for coal inventories held on-site. Empirically, I nd that the rst source is more important; changes in when and how much coal a plant buys under output price regulation explains more of the 3% regulatory distortion relative to changes in the level of inventories held. One of the primary concerns regarding output price regulation has been distortions in the level of investment due to the regulated return provided on capital; my ndings indicate that regulatory distortions to the timing of capital investments may be costlier.
The anterior operative approach to the cervical vertebral artery

BACKGROUND Vertebral arterial trauma continues to be a perplexing diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Operative management is often required despite improved radiologic interventions for these injuries. Accounts of the operative approaches to anterior cervical vertebral artery injuries have been limited. STUDY DESIGN We reviewed our experience with anterior cervical vertebral arterial trauma in 53 consecutive patients requiring operative management during a 14-year period. In seven patients, the vertebral arterial injury was identified at urgent surgical intervention either for an expanded cervical hematoma or active bleeding. The remaining injuries were identified by arteriographic investigation of penetrating cervical trauma. The injuries were equally distributed between the three anatomic zones of the anterior cervical vertebral artery. The general features of the operative approaches that were used to manage these injuries were the emphasis of the study. RESULTS The anterior approaches to patients with vertical arterial trauma were effective in controlling injuries in all cases. Proximal and distal ligation of the artery adjacent to the injury site was accomplished in 95 percent of the patients. Associated major cervical injuries in 43 percent of the patients (carotid artery, eight patients; pharyngoesophageal, six patients; and neurologic, nine patients) contributed to the postoperative morbidity rate and the overall mortality rate of 10 percent. CONCLUSIONS The surgeon approaching vertebral arterial trauma should have a clear appreciation of the deep anterior cervical anatomy to expedite the operative management and avoid unnecessary complications related to a misdirected surgical dissection. The descriptions of the operative techniques used in this clinical experience can aid the surgeon in managing patients with vertebral vascular trauma.
Carotid Artery Vascular Mechanics Serve as Biomarkers of Cognitive Dysfunction in Aortic‐Banded Miniature Swine That Can Be Treated With an Exercise Intervention

Background Cognitive impairment in the setting of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction remains poorly understood. Using aortic‐banded miniature swine displaying pathological features of human heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, we tested the hypothesis that increased carotid artery stiffness and altered carotid blood flow control are associated with impaired memory independent of decreased cardiac output. Furthermore, we hypothesized that chronic exercise prevents carotid artery vascular restructuring and preserves normal blood flow control and cognition in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Methods and Results Yucatan pigs aged 8 months were divided into 3 groups: control (n=7), aortic‐banded sedentary (n=7), and aortic‐banded exercise trained (n=7). At 6 months following aortic‐banded or control conditions, memory was evaluated using a spatial hole‐board task. Carotid artery vascular mechanics and blood flow were assessed at rest, and blood flow control was examined during transient vena cava occlusion. Independent of decreased cardiac output, the aortic‐banded group exhibited impaired memory that was associated with carotid artery vascular stiffening, elevated carotid artery vascular resistance, and exaggerated reductions in carotid artery blood flow during vena cava occlusion. Chronic exercise augmented memory scores, normalized blood flow control, and improved indices of carotid artery vascular stiffening. Indices of vascular stiffening were significantly correlated with average memory score. Conclusions Carotid artery stiffness and altered vasomotor control correlate with impaired cognition independent of cardiac systolic dysfunction. Carotid artery vascular mechanics may serve as a biomarker for vascular cognitive impairment in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Chronic low‐intensity exercise reduces vascular stiffening and improves cognition, highlighting the utility of exercise therapy for treating vascular cognitive impairment in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Meanings for Sex and Commitment Among First Semester College Men and Women: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend research on the meanings for sex and commitment using a sample of first semester college students (N = 268). We examined responses to a series of open-ended questions about participants' meanings for sex and how they described these meanings as connected with relationship commitment. Our qualitative analyses replicated those of Olmstead, Billen, Conrad, Pasley, and Fincham (2013). Our largest group was the Committers (sex is indicative of love and trust and occurs after commitment is developed in a relationship), followed by Flexibles (sex can hold deep personal meaning, but can also be purely for pleasure and isn't always connected with commitment), and then Recreationers (sex is a basic need or purely for pleasure and is not associated with commitment). Groups were then examined based on demographic characteristics and pre-college hookup experience. Groups were found to differ by gender, relationship status and type, religiosity, and pre-college hookup experience. For example, a greater proportion of women than men were in the Committers group, whereas a greater proportion of men than women were in the Flexibles and Recreationers groups. Those in the Committers group had fewer pre-college hookup partners than Flexibles and Recreationers; however, Flexibles and Recreationers did not differ in number of pre-college hookup partners. We then followed up (at the end of the semester) with a subsample (n = 73) of participants to examine whether meanings for sex and commitment remained stable or changed over a brief period of time. The majority (82.2 %) of participants' meanings remained stable. For those whose meanings shifted, meanings became more consistent with those of the Committers group than the other two groups. Implications for research and sexual and relationship education are discussed.
Chapter 2 – Biology of Adenovirus Cell Entry

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the procedure of adenovirus (Ad) cell entry in the host cells. Adenovirus cell entry requires interactions of multiple host cell receptors with distinct virus capsid proteins. Adenovirus associations with different receptors influences cell tropism and undoubtedly play an important role in determining the efficiency of Ad-mediated gene delivery in vivo. The Ad capsid structure is particularly well designed to mediate multiple receptor events. The Ad penton base displays five Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) integrin binding motifs and the precise geometrical arrangement of these motifs likely facilitates integrin clustering and subsequent signaling events. Adenovirus may provide important clues as to the mechanisms by which nucleic acids are transported into the nucleus. Increased knowledge of virus structure and host cell interactions has led to reengineering of first-generation Ad vectors to improve tissue targeting, and this may improve transgene expression as well as reduce vector toxicity.
Optimization of bioenergy crop selection and placement based on a stream health indicator using an evolutionary algorithm

The emission of greenhouse gases continues to amplify the impacts of global climate change. This has led to the increased focus on using renewable energy sources, such as biofuels, due to their lower impact on the environment. However, the production of biofuels can still have negative impacts on water resources. This study introduces a new strategy to optimize bioenergy landscapes while improving stream health for the region. To accomplish this, several hydrological models including the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, Hydrologic Integrity Tool, and Adaptive Neruro Fuzzy Inference System, were linked to develop stream health predictor models. These models are capable of estimating stream health scores based on the Index of Biological Integrity. The coupling of the aforementioned models was used to guide a genetic algorithm to design watershed-scale bioenergy landscapes. Thirteen bioenergy managements were considered based on the high probability of adaptation by farmers in the study area. Results from two thousand runs identified an optimum bioenergy crops placement that maximized the stream health for the Flint River Watershed in Michigan. The final overall stream health score was 50.93, which was improved from the current stream health score of 48.19. This was shown to be a significant improvement at the 1% significant level. For this final bioenergy landscape the most often used management was miscanthus (27.07%), followed by corn-soybean-rye (19.00%), corn stover-soybean (18.09%), and corn-soybean (16.43%). The technique introduced in this study can be successfully modified for use in different regions and can be used by stakeholders and decision makers to develop bioenergy landscapes that maximize stream health in the area of interest.
Future Application of Integrative Therapies for Sepsis: Bench and Experimental Animal Models

Sepsis refers to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome resulting from a microbial infection and represents the leading cause of death in the intensive care unit. Current therapies for the treatment of sepsis are still largely supportive, with an anticoagulant agent—activated protein C—as the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug for patients with severe sepsis. In animal models of sepsis (induced by cecal ligation and puncture), a nonhistone nucleosomal protein termed “high-mobility group box-1” (HMGB1) has recently been established as a late mediator with a wider therapeutic window than early pro-inflammatory cytokines. The discovery of HMGB1 as a critical mediator of sepsis has initiated a new area of investigation involving the development of experimental therapies. Here, we briefly summarize evidence from bench research and experimental animal models that support integrative strategies, such as vagus nerve stimulation and herbal remedies, as potential therapies for the clinical management of human sepsis. It is important that clinicians be informed about this recent bench and animal research since new clinical interventions will be derived from this new information.
Evaluation of Student Reflection As a Route To Improve Oral Communication

This study describes the use of guided self-reflection and peer feedback activities to improve student oral communication in a large ChE class (n ≈ 100) setting. Student performance tracked throughout an experimental semester indicated both reflection activities accelerated improvement in oral communication over control; student perception of the method is also positive. Use of guided reflection activities as described here was found to add a modest 8.5 minutes/student group of active time investment for instructors.
Non-equilibrium steady-state kinetics of He-air atmospheric pressure plasmas

A non-equilibrium, steady-state collisional-radiative kinetics model is developed to study atmospheric pressure discharges produced in He mixed with dry air (79% N2 and 21% O2). The model is based on a self-consistent solution of the Boltzmann equation for the electron energy distribution function coupled to a system of non-linear equations for species that govern plasma chemistry (electrons, ions, radicals, atoms, and molecules in ground and excited states). The main plasma parameters, including the maintaining electric field and species densities, are obtained as a function of He-to-air ratio. The results indicate that the concentration of air strongly influences the plasma. Notably, the He metastables and ion densities collapse at air concentrations above 0.1%, while the power required to maintain the plasma sharply increases as the concentration of air exceeds 1%. The model is applied to study the plasma characteristics along the length of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet using He as a carrier gas.
Robust adaptive droop control for DC microgrids

Abstract There are tradeoffs between current sharing among distributed resources and DC bus voltage stability when conventional droop control is used in DC microgrids. As current sharing approaches the setpoint, bus voltage deviation increases. Previous studies have suggested using secondary control utilizing linear controllers to overcome drawbacks of droop control. However, linear control design depends on an accurate model of the system. The derivation of such a model is challenging because the noise and disturbances caused by the coupling between sources, loads, and switches in microgrids are under-represented. This under-representation makes linear modeling and control insufficient. Hence, in this paper, we propose a robust adaptive control to adjust droop characteristics to satisfy both current sharing and bus voltage stability. First, the time-varying models of DC microgrids are derived. Second, the improvements for the adaptive control method are presented. Third, the application of the enhanced adaptive method to DC microgrids is presented to satisfy the system objective. Fourth, simulation and experimental results on a microgrid show that the adaptive method precisely shares current between two distributed resources and maintains the nominal bus voltage. Last, the comparative study validates the effectiveness of the proposed method over the conventional method.
MetaMap Lite: an evaluation of a new Java implementation of MetaMap

MetaMap is a widely used named entity recognition tool that identifies concepts from the Unified Medical Language System Metathesaurus in text. This study presents MetaMap Lite, an implementation of some of the basic MetaMap functions in Java. On several collections of biomedical literature and clinical text, MetaMap Lite demonstrated real-time speed and precision, recall, and F1 scores comparable to or exceeding those of MetaMap and other popular biomedical text processing tools, clinical Text Analysis and Knowledge Extraction System (cTAKES) and DNorm.
Endomyocardial Fibrosis (Davies Disease)

Differentiate from potentially treatable disease (e.g., Constrictive Pericarditis, Rheumatic Valve Disease)
Mom Power: A Parenting Group Intervention for Mothers with Trauma Histories

Unresolved trauma and mental health problems have significant effects on parenting quality and child outcomes, thus, there is a critical need for targeted, preventive interventions for mothers with experiences of trauma and psychopathology. This chapter describes the Mom Power program, a time-limited, attachment-based, parenting and self-care group intervention for mothers with histories of trauma. In this chapter, we discuss the theoretical underpinnings and conceptual framework for this intervention, describe the intervention itself and evidence for effectiveness, and conclude with a case vignette.
Steps Toward a Model of the Self

At a time when many Piagetian social-cognitive psychologists are applying their theories to real-life problems beyond the school setting (e.g., Gilligan 1982, Noam & Kegan 1982, Selman 1980), applied developmental psychology is gaining increased importance. Application to clinical phenomena is, in turn, renewing an interest in psychoanalytic and developmental integrations and in an inclusive theory of the self. But the integration of Freudian and Piagetian psychologies, which we call clinical-developmental psychology, is a difficult task, involving integration of the study of social-cognitive, developmental, clinical, and affective phenomena. Through this chapter, we hope to advance a few steps in the understanding of ego development, [1] psychopathology, and clinical intervention by reflecting on steps taken previously.
From Armament to Ornament: Performance Trade-Offs in the Sexual Weaponry of Neotropical Electric Fishes

The evolution of sexual weaponry is thought to have marked effects on the underlying static allometry that builds them. These weapons can negatively affect organismal survivability by creating trade-offs between trait size and performance. Here we use three-dimensional geometric morphometrics to study the static allometry of two species of sexually dimorphic electric fishes (Apteronotus rostratus and Compsaraia samueli) in which mature males grow elongate jaws used in agonistic male-male interactions. We quantify jaw mechanical advantage between the sexes of both species to track changes in velocity and force transmission associated with the development of sexual weaponry. We find evidence for trade-offs between skull shape and mechanical advantage in C. samueli, where males with longer faces exhibit lower mechanical advantages, suggesting weaker bite forces. In contrast, males, and females of A. rostratus exhibit no difference in mechanical advantage associated with facial elongation. We hypothesize that differences in the functionality of the sexual weaponry between the two species may drive divergences in the allometric scaling of mechanical advantage.
Role of biomarkers in predicting the occurrence of thyroid neoplasms in radiation-exposed children.

With increasing numbers of childhood cancer survivors who were treated with radiation, there is a need to evaluate potential biomarkers that could signal an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. We aimed to examine the relationships between thyrotropin and thyroglobulin levels and the risk of developing thyroid nodules and cancer in a cohort of radiation-exposed children. 764 subjects who were irradiated in the neck area as children were examined and followed for up to 25 years. All subjects underwent a clinical examination, measurements of thyrotropin, thyroglobulin levels and thyroid imaging. At baseline, 216 subjects had thyroid nodules and 548 did not. Of those with nodules, 176 underwent surgery with 55 confirmed thyroid cancers. During the follow-up, 147 subjects developed thyroid nodules including 22 with thyroid cancer. Thyroglobulin levels were higher in subjects with prevalent thyroid nodules (26.1 ng/mL vs 9.37 ng/mL; P < 0.001) and in those who had an initial normal examination but later developed thyroid nodules (11.2 ng/mL vs 8.87 ng/mL; P = 0.017). There was no relationship between baseline thyrotropin levels and the prevalent presence or absence of thyroid nodules, whether a prevalent neoplasm was benign or malignant, subsequent development of thyroid nodules during follow-up or whether an incident nodule was benign or malignant. In conclusion, in radiation-exposed children, higher thyroglobulin levels indicated an increased risk of developing thyroid nodules but did not differentiate between benign and malignant neoplasms. There was no association between the baseline TSH level and the risk of developing thyroid nodules or cancer.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and the Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders

There has been increasing interest in the overlap between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and psychoactive substance use disorder (PSUD). In this article the relationship between PSUD and ADHD and associated concurrent disorders such as conduct disorder is addressed. A review of the literature suggests a robust association between ADHD and PSUD; however, the precise nature of this association remains unclear. Diagnostic and treatment strategies for adolescents and adults with ADHD plus PSUD are discussed.
Research Directions in Multiattribute Utility Analysis

There have been many contributions in multiattribute utility research over the past two decades. This paper examines the progress of research on multiattribute utility theory and methods. The main purpose of this overview is to identify possible directions for further research.
A stochastic model of the bubble population in a fluidized bed

In this paper the generalized master equation is employed to model the bubble population in a bubbling fluidized bed. The random variables are the number of bubbles of different sizes in various compartments. The fluctuations in the total surface area of the bubble phase are also studied by deriving experessions for the mean, variance and correlation function. Details concerning the generalized master equation can be found elsewhere [2].
Using DES in a Modified Design to Keep it from Oblivion

DES, an old but very useful algorithm of encryption, has been endangered to be replaced in the latest years by the more advanced and competent algorithms as we can exemplify: Triple DES and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) both from the same category - block oriented encryption algorithms. Obviously, the more advanced the technology is, the requirements for implementation are more costlier and often, the devices that support these advanced implementations are very sophisticated and hard to build or require a lot of work comparing with the classic, traditional once. From the financial as well as from implementation point of view, it would be definitely very important for the cryptography to keep using DES as long as possible, this being dictated of the ability of this encryption algorithm to remain efficient and how many resources might still have.
Autofluorescent inclusions in long-term postconfluent cultures of retinal pigment epithelium.

Purpose To examine the accumulation and morphologic features of fluorescent inclusions in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in vitro and to determine whether accumulation correlates with parameters of age. Methods Cultured human RPE cells were maintained undisturbed at confluence for intervals as long as 2 years and then were examined for autofluorescent inclusions by fluorescence and electron microscopy, with comparisons to the lipofuscin of freshly isolated RPE. Autofluorescence was also examined in bovine RPE cultures that were aged in vitro by replicative senescence. In some postconfluent cultures,the activity of the lysosomal enzyme cathepsin D was measured, and the effect of cell growth on autofluorescence was examined by reinducing cell proliferation in late-stage cultures. Results Autofluorescent inclusions accumulated in human and bovine RPE cultures after extended postconfluent periods. Accumulation was not accelerated in cultures from older donors or in cultures that were aged in vitro. The number of granules per RPE cell varied for lipofuscin in situ and inclusions in vitro, although the latter were more heterogeneous in size and shape and in ultrastructural appearance of the granule contents. Lipofuscin and autofluorescent inclusions were lost when RPE cells were propagated, but in contrast to lipofuscin, the inclusions became smaller and fainter when growth was reinduced in postconfluent cultures. Cathepsin D activity varied among cultures and showed no significant change as time elapsed after confluence. Activity increased after repropagation of long-term postconfluent cultures. Conclusions In the absence of phagocytic challenge with photoreceptor outer segments, postconfluent RPE cultures accumulate heterogeneous materials that show autofluorescence. Accumulation is associated with one marker of age: time at confluence, which simulates a long-term, nonmitotic state similar to that which occurs in situ during aging in postproliferative tissues. The autofluorescent inclusions in vitro predictably differ from autofluorescent lipofuscin in situ, presumably because the inclusions formed in culture are derived from RPE autophagy alone. Postconfluent cultures can be used to examine the molecular and biologic properties of materials originating only from an autophagic source, or coupled with phagocytic challenge to produce a model of developing RPE lipofuscin that has an autophagocytic and a heterophagic component, similar to RPE cells in situ.