cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A historic perspective on organizational ignorance

Attempts to document how different forms of ignorance may evolve in different organizational dialogues and become embedded in organizational context. Develops the four primary forms of ignorance based on the research from social psychology, public opinion studies, legal studies, behavioral economics, and clinical psychology. The recognition of the historic interdisciplinary evolution of the concept of ignorance plays an important role in the knowledge economy and learning organizations. If management is not aware of the various latent forms of organizational ignorance, it is difficult to develop meaningful innovation programs for organizations in the twenty‐first century. Develops a framework to address the issue of “not knowing what one does not know” (i.e. ignorance of ignorance) that may be the biggest barrier for organizations to becoming an active participant in the knowledge economy.
Quantum mechanical studies of weakly bound molecular clusters

Abstract A supermolecule approach is used to predict the stable structures of small, neutral molecular clusters. These clusters are dimers or trimers of small polyatomic molecules which can potentially associate via hydrogen-bond formation or by non-hydrogen-bond interactions. The intermolecular interactions in these stable clusters are examined and analyzed in terms of the different contributions to their stability, including hydrogen-bond cooperativity, charge transfer, monomer distortions, etc. Ab initio electronic structure calculations with double zeta and larger basis sets are used. Energies and electron densities are optimized at both Hartree-Fock and postHartree-Fock (MP2) levels of theory so that the effects of electron correlation can be investigated.
National improvements in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol management of individuals at high coronary risk: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999 to 2002

Background This study sought to evaluate national levels of elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) before and after publication of the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). The ATP III guidelines intensified LDL-C targets and defined additional high-risk conditions. These recommendations are expected to have a noticeable impact on US cholesterol levels. Methods Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk was determined per ATP III guidelines for US residents aged 20 to 79 years in the 1999 to 2000 and 2001 to 2002 surveys. For those at high risk, the LDL-C mean percentage Results Of all high-risk US residents, the mean LDL-C dropped from 129 mg/dL in 1999 to 2000 to 120 mg/dL in 2001 to 2002 ( P = .003). Those P = .003). Those ≥130 mg/dL and not on medication dropped from 36% to 27% ( P = .001). Goal achievement and improvements were more favorable in the subset with CHD compared with those at high risk due to high-risk equivalent conditions. Conclusions The sharp increase in high-risk US residents at the goal and the drop in the untreated percentage of those above treatment threshold illustrate national improvements in the management of LDL-C for those at high coronary risk. High-risk subjects without CHD displayed less significant improvements, suggesting an opportunity for better recognition and management of these individuals.
Capillary electrophoresis of anions in an untreated polypropylene hollow fiber

Capillary electrophoresis has been performed primarily in small-bore fused-silica capillaries. The walls of these capillaries are acidic, generating a large electroosmotic flow (EOF) at elevated pH. In order to reverse the high EOF in these capillaries to allow for early detection of the fast, inorganic anions, electroosmotic flow modifiers (OFMs) are added to the electrolyte or the walls of the capillary are covalently altered. Surface-modified, hollow polypropylene fibers have been employed recently for the separation of large biomolecules where sample adsorption to the walls of silica capillaries is a problem. The nonpolar inner surface of the polypropylene capillaries is an ideal site for graft copolymerization of polymeric coatings to aid in these separations. We have successfully used these polypropylene capillaries without wall modification, or addition of an OFM, to separate small, inorganic anions. Detection limits and resolution are comparable to those achieved using fused-silica capillaries and separations at elevated pH values are possible with this system.
Batch reactor kinetic studies on the reductive dechlorination of chlorinated ethylenes by tetrakis-(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin cobalt

Abstract Tetrakis-(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin cobalt was identified as a highly-active reductive dechlorination catalyst for chlorinated ethylenes. Through batch reactor kinetic studies, degradation of chlorinated ethylenes proceeded in a step-wise fashion with the sequential replacement of Cl by H. For perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), the dechlorination products were quantified and the C2 mass was accounted for. Degradation of the chlorinated ethylenes was found to be first-order in substrate. Dechlorination trials with increasing catalyst concentration showed a linearly increasing pseudo first-order rate constant which yielded rate laws for PCE and TCE degradation that are first-order in catalyst. The dechlorination activity of this catalyst was compared to that of another water-soluble cobalt porphyrin under the same reaction conditions and found to be comparable for PCE and TCE.
How to deal with the loss in plasmonics and metamaterials

Metal losses affect the performance of every plasmonic or metamaterial structure; dealing with them will determine the degree to which these structures will find practical applications.
Methylation of histone H4 at arginine 3 facilitating transcriptional activation by nuclear hormone receptor

Acetylation of core histone tails plays a fundamental role in transcription regulation. In addition to acetylation, other posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation and methylation, occur in core histone tails. Here, we report the purification, molecular identification, and functional characterization of a histone H4–specific methyltransferase PRMT1, a protein arginine methyltransferase. PRMT1 specifically methylates arginine 3(Arg 3) of H4 in vitro and in vivo. Methylation of Arg 3 by PRMT1 facilitates subsequent acetylation of H4 tails by p300. However, acetylation of H4 inhibits its methylation by PRMT1. Most important, a mutation in theS-adenosyl-l-methionine–binding site of PRMT1 substantially crippled its nuclear receptor coactivator activity. Our finding reveals Arg 3 of H4 as a novel methylation site by PRMT1 and indicates that Arg 3 methylation plays an important role in transcriptional regulation.
Nest-site selection and reproductive success of Common Yellowthroats in managed Iowa grasslands

ABSTRACT Birds are expected to select nest sites that maximize their reproductive success. In some settings, particularly in human-modified landscapes, birds may make maladaptive choices based on unreliable cues. We studied nest-site selection and the factors that influence reproductive success of Common Yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas) in managed switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) grasslands in Iowa. We compared vegetation variables at 115 nest sites and corresponding random points. Conditional logistic regression was used to relate nest success, brood parasitism, and number of young fledged per successful nest to vegetation characteristics. Common Yellowthroats selected nest sites with denser and more senescent vegetation, and more forb cover compared with random points. Nest success, however, was negatively related to forb cover. Brood parasitism was not well-explained by any variables. Number of young fledged was positively related to the proportion of senescent vegetation. Selection of nest sites with ...
A CMOS/SOS process for high reliability, radiation hard, high speed memory and logic IC's

A brief description is given of a low power, high speed, radiation hardened CMOS/SOS 64-K word by 1-b static RAM designed and fabricated with 2.0 mu m polysilicon and double level metal technology. The main RAM circuit design consists of an address transition detector, a bit-line prechange circuit, a multi-state row decoder, and a highly sensitive double-stage sense amplifier. The bit-line and bit-line-bar signals are normally precharged to (Vdd-Vthn) or approximately 3.5 V. The differential signals from the bit line pair are connected to the first-stage sense amplifier which feeds the output to the second-stage sense amplifier. The second-stage sense amplifier provides the current needed to drive the long, main data-line connected directly to the output buffer. The high sensing gain of the current mirror sense amplifier, which senses less than 150 mV, enables the device to achieve 35-ns fast access time. >
Ligand-enhanced reactive oxidant generation by nanoparticulate zero-valent iron and oxygen.

The reaction of zero-valent iron or ferrous iron with oxygen produces reactive oxidants capable of oxidizing organic compounds. However, the oxidant yield in the absence of ligands is too low for practical applications. The addition of oxalate, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to oxygen-containing solutions of nanoparticulate zero-valent iron (nZVI) significantly increases oxidant yield, with yields approaching their theoretical maxima near neutral pH. These ligands improve oxidant production by limiting iron precipitation and by accelerating the rates of key reactions, including ferrous iron oxidation by oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Product yields indicate that the oxic nZVI system produces hydroxyl radical (OH·) over the entire pH range in the presence of oxalate and NTA. In the presence of EDTA, probe compound oxidation is attributed to OH· under acidic conditions and a mixture of OH· and ferryl ion (Fe[IV]) at circumneutral pH.
Growth responses of male broilers subjected to increasing air velocities at high ambient temperatures and a high dew point

Abstract This study examined live performance responses of male broilers to increasing air velocity of 120 and 180 m/min reared under high cyclic temperatures (25-35-25 ° C) with a 23 ° C dew point from 21 to 49 d. Birds were reared in an environmental facility containing 2 wind tunnels (4 pens/tunnel) and 6 floor pens (control). At 21 d, 53 birds were placed in each pen of the wind tunnels and control group, respectively, and growth performance was determined weekly. Increasing air velocity from 120 to 180 m/min improved BW and BW gain from 29 to 35, 36 to 42, and 43 to 49 d of age leading to a cumulative advantage of 287 g in BW gain and a 10-point difference in feed conversion from 21 to 49 d of age. Subjecting birds to air velocity improved growth rate, feed consumption, and feed conversion at each weekly interval from 28 to 49 d over the control birds. These results indicate that male broilers approximating 2.0 to 3.0 kg respond to an air velocity of 180 m/min when exposed to high cyclic temperatures.
Airline fleet assignment concepts, models, and algorithms

The fleet assignment problem (FAP) deals with assigning aircraft types, each having a different capacity, to the scheduled flights, based on equipment capabilities and availabilities, operational costs, and potential revenues. An airlines fleeting decision highly impacts its revenues, and thus, constitutes an essential component of its overall scheduling process. However, due to the large number of flights scheduled each day, and the dependency of the FAP on other airline processes, solving the FAP has always been a challenging task for the airlines. In this paper, we present a tutorial on the basic and enhanced models and approaches that have been developed for the FAP, including: (1) integrating the FAP with other airline decision processes such as schedule design, aircraft maintenance routing, and crew scheduling; (2) proposing solution techniques that include additional considerations into the traditional fleeting models, such as considering itinerarybased demand forecasts and the recapture effect, as well as investigating the effectiveness of alternative approaches such as randomized search procedures; and (3) studying dynamic fleeting mechanisms that update the initial fleeting solution as departures approach and more information on demand patterns is gathered, thus providing a more effective way to match the airlines supply with demand. We also discuss future research directions in the fleet assignment arena. � 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
ROCK and Rho: Biochemistry and Neuronal Functions of Rho-Associated Protein Kinases

Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCKs) play key roles in mediating the control of the actin cytoskeleton by Rho family GTPases in response to extracellular signals. Such signaling pathways contribute to diverse neuronal functions from cell migration to axonal guidance to dendritic spine morphology to axonal regeneration to cell survival. In this review, the authors summarize biochemical knowledge of ROCK function and categorize neuronal ROCK-dependent signaling pathways. Further study of ROCK signal transduction mechanisms and specificities will enhance our understanding of brain development, plasticity, and repair. The ROCK pathway also provides a potential site for therapeutic intervention to promote neuronal regeneration and to limit degeneration.
Association of X-box binding protein 1 ( XBP1) genotype with morning cortisol and 1-year clinical course after a major depressive episode.

Brain diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's involve the cellular ‘unfolded protein’ (UPR) stress response. Psychiatric illnesses such as depressive disorders are thought to involve brain stress-response pathways. The XBP1 gene encodes a key transcription factor in the UPR stress response and therefore could be involved in the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. A functional polymorphism (–116C→G) in the XBP1 promoter was linked in some studies to bipolar disorder. Among 132 adults (mean age 39 yr) who presented with a major depressive episode, this polymorphism was found to be associated with a worse course during 1-yr prospective follow-up. In a subgroup ( n =22), the polymorphism was associated with higher plasma levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The results suggest that hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical and cellular stress pathways involving the XBP1 gene may be involved in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder. These relationships merit further study.
Automating variations in clinical research protocols workflow

Clinical research protocols follow rigorous methodologies requiring painstaking precision in every step of the process. A variety of factors determine the required steps an individual participant will take throughout the protocol timeline. Such steps could easily become more complicated and complex in a research setting aimed at new discoveries, which require various degrees of flexibility depending on the specific conditions at various points of the study. In this paper we describe our protocol workflow system (PWS), which is designed to accommodate all of the current and potential future protocols while simultaneously providing the capability for workflow adjustments during various phases of ongoing studies. Furthermore, it is robust enough to organize and handle participants who are enrolled concurrently in multiple protocols. This automated system not only collects information at an outpatient research center, but also automates the workflow and data collection points throughout the clinic.
A TEST FOR THE EFFECT OF CONFORMITY ON CRIME RATES USING VOTER TURNOUT

Using voter turnout to measure conformity, this article examines whether conformity with social norms moderates the crime rate in the United States at the state and county levels. If people are fairly consistent in their response to the perceived local degree of conformity with norms about voting and against crime, analysis predicts a unique quadratic relationship between reported crime rates and voter turnout. A pooled multivariate regression analysis of state crime rates for several index crimes in 1960, 1970, and 1980 confirms the predicted relationship, as do county-level analyses of the violent crime rate in 1985 and 1991. This method might also be used to assess the effect of social conformity on other social choices.
Lie Algebras of Formal Power Series

Pseudodifferential operators are formal Laurent series in the formal inverse ?-1 of the derivative operator ? whose coefficients are holomorphic functions. Given a pseudodifferential operator, the corresponding formal power series can be obtained by using some constant multiples of its coefficients. The space of pseudodifferential operators is a noncommutative algebra over C and therefore has a natural structure of a Lie algebra. We determine the corresponding Lie algebra structure on the space of formal power series and study some of its properties. We also discuss these results in connection with automorphic pseudodifferential operators, Jacobi-like forms, and modular forms for a discrete subgroup of SL(2, ).
Component Processes of an Overt Rehearsal Strategy in Young Children.

Abstract The locus of facilitation due to rehearsal was investigated in three experiments with first-grade children. Several different overt acquisition strategies in a four-item sequential memory task were compared, including ordered repetition, item repetition, item labeling, and free strategy conditions. Experiment 1 showed that ordered repetition yields most of the facilitation due to rehearsal, and Experiment 2 demonstrated that the facilitation cannot be attributed to spaced practice. Experiment 3 showed that retrieval practice during study may improve memory performance but that the facilitation due to ordered repetition and retrieval practice is relatively short term. Mere repetition and labeling were not found to be significant component processes of rehearsal in any of the experiments. These results were discussed in terms of their relevance to rehearsal training studies and a differentiation between maintenance and elaborative rehearsal.
Presumed influence on peer norms: How mass media indirectly affect adolescent smoking

In the context of adolescent smoking adoption, this study examined the presumed influence hypothesis, a theoretical model suggesting that smoking-related media content may have a significant indirect influence on adolescent smoking via its effect on perceived peer norms. That is, adolescents may assume that smoking-related messages in the mass media will influence the attitudes and behaviors of their peers and these perceptions in turn can influence adolescents’ own smoking behaviors. Analyzing data from a sample of 818 middle school students, we found that both pro- and antismoking messages indirectly influenced smoking susceptibility through their perceived effect on peers. However, this indirect effect was significantly stronger for prosmoking messages than for antismoking messages, an outcome that most likely increases adolescents’ susceptibility to cigarettes. doi:10.1111/j.1460-2466.2006.00002.x People who perceive that mass media can powerfully influence others may, often quite sensibly, react to that perception themselves. These reactions to presumed influence on others fall into two general categories. One category is prevention: Assuming, for example, that sexual content in media will corrupt the morals of others, people may support censorship of such content in an effort to thwart the undesirable outcome. The other reaction is accommodation: Assuming, in this alternative scenario, that advertising is going to influence public opinion about what is fashionable and attractive, people may adopt these new fashions themselves. In both cases, regardless of any actual direct effect, media may be exerting a very real indirect effect on individuals—an indirect effect via presumed influence on others. This general indirect effects model has been called the presumed influence hypothesis (Gunther & Storey, 2003). Prevention reactions have been repeatedly documented over the past 10 years, largely in the context of third-person-effect research (see, e.g., Gunther, 1995;
Baddeley's Grammatical Reasoning Test: active versus passive processing differences re-examined:

In Baddeley's grammatical reasoning test it is assumed that passive voice takes longer to process than active and that negative sentences take longer than posi tive ; however, such differences are confounded with sentence length. The present study equated sentence length to examine these issues. A factorial design was used with: (1) two methods of presentation (computer vs. paper and pencil); (2) using the words 'leads' vs. 'precedes'; (3) variable (3-6 word) vs. equal length (6-word) sentences; (4) two replications of each test. When sentences are of unequal length, there was a significant active-passive main effect; however, equal length sentences produced no significant active-passive main effect. Instead, there was an interaction such that there was an active- passive difference for positive sentences, but this difference was not significant for negative sentences.
Achieving near zero SSN power delivery networks by eliminating power planes and using constant current power transmission lines

Enhanced data rate requires the management of the voltage and timing margins in eye diagrams. This lays a great emphasis on controlling SSN in the power supply network. Thus, the ability of the power delivery network to convey clean power has become more important. In this paper, a practical scheme using power transmission lines is presented. Several accompanying issues are addressed to enable this novel approach for managing noise in the power delivery network. The simulation results demonstrate that with the proposed CC-PTL scheme, SSN-free eye opening can be achieved.
Gross morphological changes in thylakoid membrane structure are associated with photosystem I deletion in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

Cells of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 lacking photosystem I (PSI-less) and containing only photosystem II (PSII) or lacking both photosystems I and II (PSI/PSII-less) were compared to wild type (WT) cells to investigate the role of the photosystems in the architecture, structure, and number of thylakoid membranes. All cells were grown at 0.5μmol photons m(-2)s(-1). The lumen of the thylakoid membranes of the WT cells grown at this low light intensity were inflated compared to cells grown at higher light intensity. Tubular as well as sheet-like thylakoid membranes were found in the PSI-less strain at all stages of development with organized regular arrays of phycobilisomes on the surface of the thylakoid membranes. Tubular structures were also found in the PSI/PSII-less strain, but these were smaller in diameter to those found in the PSI-less strain with what appeared to be a different internal structure and were less common. There were fewer and smaller thylakoid membrane sheets in the double mutant and the phycobilisomes were found on the surface in more disordered arrays. These differences in thylakoid membrane structure most likely reflect the altered composition of photosynthetic particles and distribution of other integral membrane proteins and their interaction with the lipid bilayer. These results suggest an important role for the presence of PSII in the formation of the highly ordered tubular structures.
Identification of an orphan response regulator required for the virulence of Francisella spp. and transcription of pathogenicity island genes.

ABSTRACT Francisella tularensis is a category A agent of biowarfare/biodefense. Little is known about the regulation of virulence gene expression in Francisella spp. Comparatively few regulatory factors exist in Francisella, including those belonging to two-component systems (TCS). However, orphan members of typical TCS can be identified. To determine if orphan TCS members affect Francisella gene expression, a gene encoding a product with high similarity to the Salmonella PmrA response regulator (FTT1557c/FNU0663.2) was deleted in Francisella novicida (a model organism for F. tularensis). The F. novicida pmrA mutant was defective in survival/growth within human and murine macrophage cell lines and was 100% defective in virulence in mice at a dose of up to 108 CFU. In addition, the mutant strain demonstrated increased susceptibility to antimicrobial peptide killing, but no differences were observed between the lipid A of the mutant and the parental strain, as has been observed with pmrA mutants of other microbes. The F. novicida pmrA mutant was 100% protective as a single-dose vaccine when challenge was with 106 CFU of F. novicida but did not protect against type A Schu S4 wild-type challenge. DNA microarray analysis identified 65 genes regulated by PmrA. The majority of these genes were located in the region surrounding pmrA or within the Francisella pathogenicity island (FPI). These FPI genes are also regulated by MglA, but MglA does not regulate pmrA, nor does PmrA regulate MglA. Thus, the orphan response regulator PmrA is an important factor in controlling virulence in F. novicida, and a pmrA mutant strain is an effective vaccine against homologous challenge.
A micro-kininogenase assay for studies of kallikrein in renal micropuncture/microperfusion.

The kininogenase activity is widely determined for the estimation of kallikrein in urine (1), kidney homogenates (2) and in nephron segment homogenates (3,4,5). The technique involves incubation of samples with kininogen for a specified time and analysis of the generated kinins by a kinin radioimmunoassay. Recently a few preparations (e.g. 6) of kinin antibody are available which show detection of as little as 1 pg of bradykinin/tube. At this low level of kinin detection it should be possible, at least theoretically, to determine the kininogenase activity of far less than a picogram of kallikrein. However, the kinin antibody invariably shows recognition for kininogen. Therefore, in practice, 25-45 pg kallikrein is the lower limit of accurate assays.
Exhaustive attack analysis of BBC with glowworm for unkeyed jam resistance

An important problem is to provide jam resistance for wireless networks. This is more difficult in cases such as GPS, where the sender and receiver do not have a shared secret that is unknown to the jammer. Currently, the only known system for such jam resistance without shared secrets is the BBC algorithm, which is fastest when it uses the Glowworm hash. We present a new type of analysis of Glowworm, using exhaustive search to find the absolutely best possible attack for reduced forms of Glowworm, as well as for the full Glowworm applied to shorter packets. Because we are defending against a stronger threat model (an adversary with infinite computational power), the analysis is actually easier than for a traditional threat model, and we derive much stronger results than would be possible for cryptographic hashes that are designed for a more traditional use. In addition, surprising results were found for its behavior near the boundary conditions. The result is that BBC with Glowworm can be used with great confidence, and it is now clear how to choose the best combination of parameters for practical use. 1
Financial literacy education in the United States: Exploring popular personal finance literature

As libraries work to define their roles within the global financial literacy education movement, it will serve them well to understand the popular literary component to this movement: the personal finance self-help genre. In this literature study, the author read 12 of the most popular books of this genre, as determined by simulations of likely Google searches, and conveys herein some of the beliefs and strategies these books may have imparted to library patrons. This study will benefit librarians by enhancing their understanding of the personal finance genre, conveying the genre’s interrelation to the current financial literacy movement, and even prompting librarians to question their own understanding regarding certain financial literacy components.
The Use of Course Grades in the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes for General Education

The reliability and validity of course grades as measures of general education learning outcomes were assessed using the multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) proposed by Campbell and Fiske. Convergent validity and discriminant validity were assessed on college undergraduate students over a 12-year period. Two procedures were used to test the MTMM. The first procedure was a nested confirmatory factor analysis proposed by Widaman. The second procedure, proposed here, was a direct method to assess discriminant and convergent validity. The analyses were calculated on two different data sets. The data sets included discipline majors and general education categories. Convergent validity and discriminant validity were supported.
Cyber Attack Protection for a Resilient Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Malware pose a significant threat to the power grid and the connected electric vehicle infrastructure. Penetration and propagation of cyber attacks including worms and viruses vary depending on the nature of the connected systems. Electric vehicles (EVs) being the mobile portion of the smart grid may easily spread worms and viruses in a large geographic area. We propose a probabilistic model for the worm propagation in EV to Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) networks, formulate threat levels and then, we propose a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model as a protection scheme that relies on isolating infected nodes. The threat levels are used to determine temporarily isolated EVSEs in order to avoid malware propagation. isolated. Worm propagation depends on contact duration and next connection time. Similar to other networks, patches to fix bugs that cause malware propagation are released with certain delay. The aim of our protection scheme is to develop a response model that finds an optimal isolation solution for the infected nodes until the patches are released.
Emptying of the Gall Bladder in Monkeys

It has been clearly shown that in certain species of mammals, such as the opossum1 and the rabbit,2 there is little if any emptying of the gall bladder after meals, although Walsh reports that partial evacuation in the rabbit may be induced by cholecystokinin.3It is of especial interest, therefore, to ascertain the rate of emptying of the gall bladder in animals nearest man. Through the courtesy of Dr. J. C. McKinley, 5 specimens of Macacus rhesus were made available for study, and the gall bladder of each visualized: first, by intravenous injection of tetraiodophenolphthalein, and afterwards, by direct introduction of lipiodol at the time of laparotomy.Two of the animals (both of them females) failed to exhibit shadows after the Graham test and failed, subsequently, to empty the lipiodol after a meal of egg yolk. In one of these there was a supracolic peritonitis. In the other, as revealed by serial sections, there was a subacute or chronic cholecystitis with marked infiltration of plasma cells and lymph...
Antimicrobial activity of allicin against honey bee pathogens

SUMMARYAllicin is the chief antimicrobial compound produced in garlic. It has been studied for activities against human and food-born pathogens. In this study the antimicrobial activity of allicin (Allisure™ liquid) was tested against a number of bacterial and fungal pathogens (Paenibacillus larvae larvae, P. I. pulvifaciens, Ascosphaera apis and Ascosphaera aggregata) associated with social (Apis mellifera) and solitary bees. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of allicin were determined using a broth microdilution method in the range of 1000 ppm to 25 ppm. Allicin liquid showed activity against gram-positive bacterial isolates (MIC 350 ppm) and fungal isolates (MIC 250 ppm). The antimicrobial activity of allicin was also tested in an agar diffusion test using 250 μg of allicin per disk. Bacterial isolates (P. I. pulvifaciens and P. I. larvae) were associated with zones of inhibition in the range of 24–26 mm and 45–50 mm, respectively. The fungal isolates were associated with zones of inhibition ...
Chemo- and mechanosensory orientation by crustaceans in laminar and turbulent flows: From odor trails to vortex streets

Crustaceans use odor and fluid mechanical cues to extract information from their environment. These cues enable animals to find resources, orient to water currents, or escape predators. Because the properties of the fluid environment affect the transmission and structure of relevant signals, a better understanding of sensory and behavioral mechanisms will be aided by considering, at the same time, the hydrodynamic context of chemo- and mechanosensory behaviors. Crustaceans occupy aquatic habitats where flows range from almost completely laminar to nearly fully turbulent. The considerable scope of hydrodynamic properties is mirrored by equally extreme variations in the complexity of the signals entrained in these flows. Ambient noise and stochastic variation increase in increasingly energetic, turbulent conditions. The sensory and behavioral mechanisms of animals that orient in turbulent environments suggest that they have, in the course of evolution, been shaped by the flow properties. Here, sensory systems are geared to extract rapidly fluctuating signals against a noisy background. They sometimes have elaborate noise filtering mechanisms that enable the detection of rather coarse types of signal features to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. In contrast, the simpler and more predictable structure of signals carried in laminar flows may allow more accurate orientation and discrimination to occur, and free animals from the burden of supporting complex noise-filtering circuitry. Future comparative investigations of sensory physiology and behavior of animals in relation to their flow environment promise to increase our understanding of orientation by means of chemo- and mechanoperception.
The effect of coffee price shock on school dropout: new evidence from the 2008 global financial crisis

ABSTRACTThis article examines the effect of coffee price shock on the school dropout status of children in rural Ethiopia. To identify the effect, I exploit the exogenous coffee price shock caused by the 2008 global financial crisis. Using a unique rural data set collected before and shortly after the crisis, I compare the school dropout status of children in coffee-producing and non–coffee-producing villages. The difference-in-difference estimate suggests that the decline in the global price of coffee during the financial crisis increased school dropout rates among children aged 15–18 in coffee-producing villages. The effect is more pronounced among female children in this age group.
Functional coupling of endoplasmic reticulum signaling to drug resistance of dormant carcinoma cells

5951 Minimal residual disease, a stage in cancer progression where tumor cells after disseminating from the primary tumor enter into a protracted state of dormancy, is a common clinical phenomenon. Dormancy requires the simultaneous induction of growth arrest and survival programs and dormant disseminated cells are believed to resist chemotherapy due to their low or lack of proliferation. However, due to the lack of proper models to study dormancy, the exact mechanism(s) that allow dormant cells to resist chemotherapy remains unclear. We have established a model of tumor dormancy in human squamous carcinoma (Hep3), where prolonged passaging of these cells in vitro results in a non-clonal acquisition of a dormant phenotype characterized by a spontaneous induction of p38 signaling. Here we show that constitutively activated p38 signaling pathway in dormant cells is linked to the upregulation of BiP/Grp78 and activation of PERK and XBP-1 pathways, all characteristic of an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. Further, we found that the active ER stress rather than inducing apoptosis selectively protects dormant cells from chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in a proliferation independent manner. Moreover, the signals emanating from ER stress prevent Bax activation, cytochrome-C release and caspase-12 processing. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the mechanism of drug resistance in dormant cells is independent of P-glycoprotein mediated multidrug resistance. We therefore propose that in disseminated dormant cells the high p38 activation and ER stress signaling may serve as a survival mechanism protecting them from stress insults such as chemotherapy. Hence a combinatorial treatment using both conventional chemotherapy and specific ER stress signaling inhibitors may sensitize dormant cells to chemotherapy and favor the eradication of minimal residual disease.
Increasing the complexity of solutions produced by an evolutionary developmental system

Evolutionary computation and neuroevolution seek to create systems of ever increasing sophistication, such that the digitally evolved forms reflect the variety, diversity, and complexity seen within nature in living organisms. In general, most evolutionary computation and neuroevolution techniques do so by encoding the final form without any type of development. This is in contrast to nature, where most complex organisms go through a developmental period. Here we focus on an evolving digital tissues that develop from a single cell and unfold into a complex body plan. It quickly became evident that evolving developing forms is quite challenging. We compare four different techniques that have successfully been employed within evolutionary computation to evolve complex forms and behavior: scaffolding (i.e., gradually increasing the difficulty of the task rewarded by the environment over evolutionary time), stepping stones (i.e., rewarding easier tasks within an environment that can co-opted for the performance of more complex tasks), and island models (i.e., rewarding different fitness functions within different subpopulations with migration). We show the effect of these methods on the evolution of complex forms that develop from a single cell, the rate of adaptation, and different dimensions of robustness and variation among solutions.
Management of Head and Neck Burns-A 15-Year Review.

Purpose The purpose of this project was to characterize patients with isolated head and neck burns admitted to the Grady Memorial Hospital (GMH) Burn Center (Atlanta, GA). Materials and Methods This was a retrospective case series of patients admitted to the GMH Burn Center with the primary diagnosis of head and neck burns from 2000 through 2015. Demographic data (gender and age) were recorded. Burn details (etiology, mechanism, percentage of burned total body surface area, depth, and associated injuries) were summarized. Patient management and hospital course were documented. Data were collected using a standardized collection form. Descriptive statistics were computed. Results There were 5,938 patients admitted to the burn unit at the GMH Burn Center during the study period. Of these, 2,547 patients had head and neck burns and 205 patients met the inclusion criteria. Most (n = 136; 66%) were male, with a mean age of 40 years. The most common burn depth was superficial partial thickness. Flame burns were the most likely mechanism related to full-thickness injury. Approximately one fourth of patients had an associated injury, such as inhalation or ocular injury. Surgical interventions consisted of tangential excision and split-thickness skin grafting, contracture release, excision of hypertrophic scars, and rotational flaps. Mean length of hospital stay for isolated head and neck burns was 4.4 days. Overall mortality was 2%. Conclusion The results of this study show that superficial partial-thickness head and neck burns are more likely to occur from accidental exposure to flames in men older than 55 years. Owing to an increase in risk and mortality of inhalation injury associated with head and neck burns, airway protection and respiratory management are critical considerations of head and neck burn management.
National Football League Skilled and Unskilled Positions Vary in Opportunity and Yield in Return to Play After an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries pose a significant risk to the careers of players in the National Football League (NFL). The relationships between draft round and position on return to play (RTP) among NFL players are not well understood, and the ability to return to preinjury performance levels remains unknown for most positions.Purpose:To test for differences in RTP rates and changes in performance after an ACL injury by position and draft round. We hypothesized that skilled positions would return at a lower rate compared to unskilled positions. We further hypothesized that early draft-round status would relate to a greater rate of RTP and that skilled positions and a lower draft round would correlate with decreased performance for players who return to sport.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Utilizing a previously established database of publicly available information regarding ACL tears among NFL players, athletes with ACL tears occurring between the 20...
Development of Quantitative HPTLC–Densitometry Methods for the Analysis of Amiodarone HCl, Carvedilol, Doxylamine Succinate, Magnesium Salicylate, Metoprolol Succinate, Nebivolol HCl, and Salicylamide Using a Model Process Developed Earlier for the Transfer of TLC Screening Methods

A model process, previously developed in a series of studies, allows for the transfer of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) methods for qualitative screening of counterfeit drug products published in the Global Pharma Health Fund (GPHF) Minilab manual and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Compendium of Unofficial Methods for Screening of Pharmaceuticals by TLC to quantitative high-performance TLC (HPTLC)–densitometry methods. This article describes HPTLC–densitometry methods developed and validated according to this model process for pharmaceutical products of amiodarone HCl, carvedilol, doxylamine succinate, magnesium salicylate, metoprolol succinate, nebivolol HCl, and salicylamide, for which qualitative screening methods have not been published in the Minilab manual or FDA Compendium. These methods use relatively inexpensive and nontoxic “green solvents” for sample and standard solution and mobile phase preparation, Merck Premium Purity silica gel 60 F254 plates, automated standard and sample solution...
Control of an SSSC for oscillation damping of power systems with wind turbine generators

The increased adoption of wind generation capacity into worldwide electric power systems presents many challenges due to the intermittent nature of this energy resource. The equipment for flexible ac transmission systems (FACTS) are the focus of this paper with the goal of overcoming the difficulties of achieving improved electric power system reliability with large penetration of wind generation. FACTS equipment can also contribute towards reducing the cost of power system expansions by better utilizing existing assets to defer future infrastructure expenses. In addition, FACTS equipment can minimize issues concerning adequate damping of power oscillations, transmission capacities, and frequency regulation. The paper presents research results on improving power oscillation damping and increased transmission capacities under dynamic conditions using static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) technology. Detailed analysis and simulation of these factors are considered under normal and faulted in the power system network. Results of this investigation help in understanding the improvements that can be achieved by incorporating SSSC equipment in systems having large participation factors associated with wind turbine generators.
Healing the affective anemia of the university: Middle-class Latina/os, brown affect, and the valorization of Latina domestic workers in Pat Mora’s Nepantla poetry

This essay explores how Latina/o students become professionalized in the university—how their pursuit of middle-class social mobility often goes hand in hand with a shameful disavowal of their working-class, racialized identity and an adoption of what I term an “affective anemia” toward Latina/o immigrant laborers. First, I examine how higher education can promote and foster this affective anemia as the requisite for success. Second, I show how literature, particularly the Chicana nepantla poetry of Pat Mora, can allow upwardly mobile Latina/os to recover or maintain “brown affect” and embrace a cultural and class in-betweenness, as well as an affective identification with underprivileged workers. Using an affect studies lens to explore the possibilities of the nepantla third space that Chicana/os occupy between American and Mexicans cultures, I argue that this brown affect serves as a cure for the neoliberal soul-sickness of the professional workplace.
Why Judicial Disqualification Matters. Again.

I. INTRODUCTION 672 II. THE HISTORY OF JUDICIAL DISQUALIFICATION 677 A. Regime 1 : Common Law Presumption of Impartiality ......... 677 B. Regime 2: Statutory Conflicts of Interest 679 C. Regime 3: An Experiment with Disqualification Procedure 681 D. Regime 4: The Appearance of Partiality 686 III. THE CURRENT STATE OF THE APPEARANCES-BASED DISQUALIFICATION REGIME 690 A. Fractures Within the Bench and Bar 694 B. Fracture Between the Bench and Bar, and the Public ....701 1. The Historical Divide 701 2. The Legal Divide 702 3. The Psychological Divide 708 C. Fractures Within Public Attitudes 710 IV . PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES TO THE APPEARANCES-BASED DISQUALIFICATION REGIME 712 A. Revitalizing the Presumption of Impartiality 713 B. Reinvigorating a Conflicts Regime 715 C. Resurrecting a Procedural Regime 718 1. The Case for Procedural Reform 719 2. Procedural Reform and the Public Confidence Puzzle... 721 3. The Future of Procedural Reform 727 V. CONCLUSION 732 I. INTRODUCTION Judicial disqualification is hot - a phrase that, until recently, was likely turned only in sparsely attended conferences of lonely ethicists and marginalized proceduralists. Throughout the past decade, organizations such as the American Bar Association, the American Judicature Society, the Brennan Center for Justice, and the Justice at Stake Campaign have focused on disqualification problems,1 and law review articles have covered the issue like kudzu.2 A focal point has been the litigation in Caperton v. A. T. Massey Company, which spanned the better part of the last decade. It began in 2002, when a coal company lost a $50 million verdict in a West Virginia jury trial.3 While an appeal of that verdict was impending, the company's CEO spent $3 million on a supreme court race to replace a disfavored incumbent with someone more to his liking. The incoming justice declined to recuse himself from hearing the case and cast the deciding vote in the coal company's favor.4 John Grisham used the episode as fodder for his latest novel,5 editorial writers were apoplectic, and in 2009, a closely divided United States Supreme Court ruled that the justice's failure to step aside violated the plaintiffs due process rights.6 While Caperton may be the flagship, there is a multitude of vessels in the flotilla of recent disqualification activity. In 1999, the American Bar Association revised its Model Code of Judicial Conduct to disqualify judges from hearing cases involving significant campaign contributors.7 In 2003, the ABA revised its disqualification rule again, this time to disqualify judges from cases in which they had made prior public statements committing themselves to decide issues then before them in particular ways.8 Ih 2004, Justice Scalia prompted a media outcry when he declined to disqualify himself from hearing a case in which Vice President Dick Cheney was a named party, after flying with the Vice President on a government jet to Louisiana for a weekend of duck hunting, while the appeal was pending. …