cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circular dichroism studies on conformational transitions of phytohemagglutinins effected by some alcohols

The effects of methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol and 2,2,2,-trifluoroethanol (TFE) on conformation of 10 phytohemagglutinins (lectins) were examined by applying the circular dichroism (CD) method. Concanavalin A and the lectins isolated from pea (Pisum sativum), lentil (Lens culinaris), soybean (Glycine max), peanut (Arachis hypogaea), Dolichos biflorus, Sophora japonica, Lotus tetragonolobus, Ulex europaeus I, and Phaseolus vulgaris (leucoagglutinin) were used. Slight changes in the structure of these proteins were observed at relatively low concentrations (5-20 vol. %, pH 7.2-8.2, at 22-25 degrees) of the perturbants, and the effectiveness of the alcohols increased with their concentration and molecular weight. The circular dichroism bands related to the aromatic side chain chromophores decreased in the presence of the alcohols. The secondary structure was reorganized by high concentrations (30-80 vol. %) of the alcohols, as indicated by CD at 187-250 nm. Curves typical for proteins of relatively high alpha-helix content (strong positive CD bands at 191 nm and negative bands at 206-208 and 222 nm) were recorded in the presence of high concentrations of trifluoroethanol.
Teacher Verbalizations and Task Performance with Autistic Children.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of teacher verbalizations on the correct task performance of autistic children when positive reinforcement was presented in a noncontingent fixed-time schedule. Individual sessions were conducted using easy and difficult tasks with two autistic children. A within-subjects A- B- A- B withdrawal design was used. The results indicate that teacher verbalizations produced increases in the percentage of correct responding on difficult and easy tasks. This finding is discussed in terms of negative reinforcement and demand characteristics. The educational implications are also presented.
Effects of repeated fires on native plant community development at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Catastrophic fires in wet forest have been highlighted as examples of drivers that overcome community resilience by altering feedback processes such that ecosystems are shifted into alternative, often less-desirable stable states. Recent successive lava-ignited wildfires, in slow-growing evergreen Myrtaceae-dominated mesic and wet forests at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, provided an ideal opportunity to examine how forest species’ responses differ after single and repeated fires. In mesic (Metrosideros polymorpha–Dicranopteris linearis) and wet (Metrosideros–Cibotium glaucum) forests, the first fire was stand-replacing where 99% of the dominant overstorey trees (M. polymorpha) were top-killed; however, nearly half of these individuals survived by basal sprouting. The second fire dramatically increased mortality by killing the basal sprouts. Similarly, native tree fern C. glaucum survival was significantly reduced after repeated fires in the wet forest. The composition of the understorey in both communities after repeated fires differed in unexpected ways from once-burned and unburned forests. Repeated fires resulted in lower tree survival and rapid occupation by aggressive herbaceous species, potentially limiting tree growth and recruitment. The expected consequence is that native forest recovery will be delayed or even prevented by feedback processes established post-fire serving to maintain novel treeless alternate states.
Challenges of Biomechanical Data Capture in an Anthropometrically Diverse Geriatric Population at Risk for Falls

A range of methodological challenges were encountered during a biomechanical study of 56 older adults ranging from ages 50-95 years of age. The sample included individuals with strength and gait impairments who were at risk for falls and fall-related injury. Methodological and participant-related issues encountered during data collection were 1) preventing falls and fall-related injuries, 2) difficulty with osteological landmark palpation and retroreflective marker placement due to obesity, 3) retroreflective marker obstruction by body fat and clothing, as well as the safety harness, hospital bed and other structures in the motion capture space, 4) marker loss during in-bed movements, 5) participant fatigue and instability necessitating trial modification. The development of a customized fall arrest system and other solutions will be discussed.
Control Aspects of the Tacoma Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage Project

On February 16, 1983, a 10 MW/30 MJ superconducting magnetic energy storage unit was energized at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) substation in Tacoma, Washington. The unit was retired a year later, after extensive tests directed toward its experimental use as a small-signal stabilizer for the Pacific AC Intertie. This paper addresses the control aspects of the project. These include the response characteristics of the unit, a-priori modeling of power system response, tradeoffs in control-law design, measured power system dynamics, and projection of unit effectiveness as a stabilizer.
Dopamine Signaling Architecture in Caenorhabditis elegans

1. Aims: In this review, we highlight the identification and analysis of molecules orchestrating dopamine (DA) signaling in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, focusing on recent characterizations of DA transporters and receptors. 2. Methods: We illustrate the isolation and characterization of molecules important for C. elegans DA synthesis, packaging, reuptake and signaling and examine how mutations in these proteins are being exploited through in vitro and in vivo paradigms to yield novel insights of protein structure, DA signaling pathways and DA-supported behaviors. 3. Results: DA signaling in the worm, as in man, arises by synaptic and nonsynaptic release from a small number of cells that exert modulatory control over a larger network underlying C. elegans behavior. 4. Conclusions: The C. elegans model system offers unique opportunities to elucidate ill-defined pathways that support DA release, inactivation, and signaling in addition to clarifying mechanisms of DA-mediated behavioral plasticity. Further use of the model offers prospects for the identification of novel genes and proteins whose study may yield benefits for DA-supported neural disorders in man.
Tools for visualization and integration of intermediate sequencing results in large disease gene discovery projects.

Abstract We describe two Java applets which are useful for insightful presentation of intermediate experimental data in gene discovery projects involving large scale sequencing. One of these applets provides a physical map of a genomic region and provides easy access to the second applet, which furnishes a detailed map of sequence contigs associated with clones on the physical map. In particular, the second applet displays all the known information about each contig, including the presence of exons, database homology `hits', repetitive elements and other features; the graphics are linked to other World Wide Web pages, providing detailed information on each feature. These applets should be useful to other research groups working on large sequencing projects.
Dopamine receptors mediate differential morphological effects on cerebral cortical neurons in vitro

A morphogenic role of neurotransmitters during cellular differentiation in vitro has been demonstrated in recent years. Using in situ hybridization, we confirm the presence of the D1 receptor at E16 and show additionally that the transcript is relatively widespread and present in both proliferative and differentiating areas of the cerebral wall. Because DA receptor expression precedes the arrival of presynaptic terminals during forebrain development, we examined the role of DA in cerebral cortical neuron differentiation in vitro, using immunohistochemical markers of dendrites, microtubule-associated-membrane protein 2 (MAP2) and axons, neurofilament protein (NF-H). Neurite length, cell size, and cell viability in response to D1 and D2 receptor agonists SKF38393 and quinpirole, respectively, and to DA were analyzed in neurons obtained from embryonic (E) day 16 rats. We have shown that 1) paradoxically, DA at different concentrations can either stimulate or inhibit neurite outgrowth; 2) there is a bimodal pattern of DA-induced axonal outgrowth, i.e., at low and high doses; 3) D2 receptor activation induces neurite outgrowth while D1 receptor activation is inhibitory; 4) D2-mediated neurite elongation is preferentially axonal while D1 receptor activation reduces both axonal and dendritic outgrowth; 5) low doses of DA promote the expression of cytoskeletal components of axonal maturation; and 6) D1 receptor activation decreases neuronal size. We suggest that DA may influence cellular differentiation and circuitry formation early in development of the cerebral cortex through receptor-mediated effects on process outgrowth, which could lead to effects on circuit formation.
Nightmares, Idylls, Mystery, and Hope: Walk Two Moons and the Artifice of Realism in Children’s Fiction

Sharon Creech’s Walk Two Moons is a defining example of contemporary realistic fiction for children. This article argues that Walk Two Moons models storytelling as a tool which children need to understand their own relationship to reality and to literature. Rather than employing a grim verisimilitude, as some critics have charged, Creech has created a novel of realistic character development which also challenges any simplistic understanding of children’s realistic fiction through its complex and self-referential narrative structure and use of literary language. The result is a narrative which, in the face of painful and tragic circumstances, empowers readers toward a hopeful and optimistic view of life’s mysteries.
Mutations on the Second Chromosome Affecting the Drosophila Eye

In the developing eye of Drosophila, cell interactions appear to be responsible for organising undifferentiated cells into unit eyes, or ommatidia. Extensive mutagenesis has been used to search for mutations affecting the development and differentiation of ommatidia. These mutations have been characterized using sections of adults and immunocytochemistry of imaginal discs. Fourteen loci on the second chromosome are described that affect the spacing of the preclusters, the differentiation of ommatidial cells, orientation of the ommatidia, or architecture of the adult retina, that cause retinal degeneration in larval or pupal eye discs, or that cause homeotic transformation of part of the head.
Big Freaky-Looking Women: Normalizing Gender Transgression Through Bodybuilding

Based on participant observation and in-depth interviews with 10 college-level female bodybuilders, this paper focuses on several aspects of female bodybuilding that are underexplored in existing literature, including purposeful gender transgressions, gender attribution, racialized bodies, and the conflation of sex, gender, and sexual preference. We draw on critical feminist theory and the social constructionist perspective to enhance collective understanding of the subversive possibilities emerging from female bodybuilders� lived experience. Collectively, female bodybuilders� experiences affect somatic and behavioral gender norms in a wider Western-type industrialized society such as the United States. A partir de l�observation participante et d�entrevues en profondeur avec 10 femmes culturistes universitaires, cet article se centre sur plusieurs aspects du culturisme feminin qui sont sous-explores dans les ecrits, incluant la transgression intentionnelle des genres, l�attribution des genres, la « racialisation » des corps et la confusion existant entre le sexe, le genre et l�orientation sexuelle. Nous empruntons a la theorie critique feministe et la perspective de la construction sociale pour ameliorer la comprehension des possibilites subversives emergeant des experiences vecues par les femmes culturistes. Collectivement, ces experiences affectent les normes de genre au plan somatique et comportemental dans une societe occidentale comme les Etats- Unis
Spherical Aberration Corrected Z-STEM Characterization of CdSe and CdSe/ZnS Nanocrystals

Spherical aberration corrected Atomic Number Contrast Scanning Electron Microscopy (Z-STEM) has recently demonstrated an amazing ability to not only obtain sub-angstrom levels of detail but also yield chemical information at that level as well. With an optimal probe size of 0.8 A, extremely detailed images of CdSe nanocrystals were obtained showing the lattice structure and surface morphology. As an example of the usefulness of this technique, a sample of CdSe nanocrystals prepared using trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) as the surfactant was compared to a sample of CdSe prepared using a mixture of TOPO and hexadecylamine (HDA) as the surfactant. The TOPO/HDA nanocrystals exhibit a narrower size distribution and several orders of magnitude greater fluorescence compared to that of the TOPO only nanocrystals. Interestingly, the Z-STEM images show a striking difference in nanocrystal morphology as the result of the addition of HDA to the reaction mixture. This result suggests surface morphology can be tuned through judicious choice of surfactant. A second example of Z-STEM imaging involves the characterization of CdSe/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals. The mass contrast afforded by Z-STEM can easily distinguish between core and shell.
3D MFIE accuracy improvement using regularization

The ultimate goal of this work is to obtain accuracy for the MFIE that is just as good as the EFIE for Rao-Wilton-Glisson (RWG) basis functions. It is hoped that regularization will provide similar benefits for RWG as for pulse functions, since RWG basis functions have a pulse type dependence (abrupt edge) on two sides of each triangular mesh element.
Correlation of Aspiration Results With Periprosthetic Sepsis in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who had undergone revision total hip arthroplasty with a synovial aspiration with greater than 100 WBC since the institution of our electronic medical record. Infection was defined using a combination of criteria. A diagnosis of periprosthetic sepsis was established in 52 of the 253 included hips. No significant differences existed with respect to gender, age, BMI, Deyo–Charlson Comorbidity Index, or the cause of initial hip degeneration. Using receiver-operating characteristic curves accuracy was maximized for WBC of 745 or segmented cell count of 73.5% with a sensitivity of 98%, specificity of 37%, negative predictive value of 99% and accuracy of 50%. Application of the current American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery Clinical Practice Guidelines (AAOS CPG) thresholds revealed a similar accuracy of 49%.
Applied e-commerce metrics for small- to medium-sized enterprises

E-commerce enables marketers by providing them with access to broader markets, enhanced communications and a 24/7 global market place. The benefits to Small- to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) who establish e-commerce capabilities have received much attention in the literature. Similarly, the need to develop and utilise performance metrics is well documented. What is missing is a practical guide to calculating performance metrics with which to measure e-commerce marketing efforts. To operate without marketing metrics, or measurement tools, invites failure. Simple, actionable, e-commerce metrics are presented for adoption by SMEs who seek to track and improve their internet marketing efforts. The use of these basic metrics easily implemented by using a standard spreadsheet package should provide marketers with enough information to monitor and control their e-commerce marketing implementations.
Is Diversity Management Related to Financial Performance in Family Firms

Policies and practices designed to foster diversity in organizations are now well integrated into a firm’s corporate strategy. In this article, we examine the role diversity management policies play in the financial performance of family firms, based on the premise that family firms have unique goals and governance structures that may affect the adoption of such policies. Using a longitudinal data set covering 952 publicly listed firms and multidimensional measures for diversity and financial performance, our empirical analyses suggest that family firms underperform nonfamily firms on diversity performance indicators. Interestingly, however, we find that the weaker diversity management practices of family firms may contribute to their robust financial performance.
Sol-gel synthesis on self-replicating single-cell scaffolds: applying complex chemistries to nature's 3-D nanostructured templates

A sol-gel process was used, for the first time, to apply a multi-component, nanocrystalline, functional ceramic compound (BaTiO3) to a three-dimensional, self-replicating scaffold derived from a single-celled micro-organism (a diatom).
HIV-1 replication is differentially regulated by distinct clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is the largest cause of death in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, having claimed an estimated one third to one half of the 30 million AIDS deaths that have occurred worldwide. Different strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb), the causative agent of TB, are known to modify the host immune response in a strain-specific manner. However, a MTb strain-specific impact upon the regulation of HIV-1 replication has not previously been established. Methology/Principal Findings: We isolated normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and co-infected them with HIV-1 and with either the well characterized CDC1551 or HN878 MTb clinical isolate. We show that HIV-1 coinfection with the CDC1551 MTb strain results in higher levels of virus replication relative to co-infection with the HN878 MTb strain ex vivo. Furthermore, we show that the distinct pattern of CDC1551 or HN878 induced HIV-1 replication is associated with significantly increased levels of TNF and IL-6, and of the transcription and nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of the transcription factor NF-kB, by CDC1551 relative to HN878. Conclusions/Significance: These results provide a precedent for TB strain-specific effects upon HIV-1 replication and thus for TB strain-specific pathogenesis in the outcome of HIV-1/TB co-infection. MTb strain-specific factors and mechanisms involved in the regulation of HIV-1 during co-infection will be of importance in understanding the basic pathogenesis of HIV-1/TB co-infection.
Growth and characterization of TbAs:GaAs nanocomposites

Recently, there has been interest in semimetallic rare earth monopnictide nanoparticles epitaxially embedded in III-V semiconductors due to the drastic changes brought about in these materials’ electrical and thermal properties. The properties of terbium codeposited with gallium arsenide by molecular beam epitaxy are discussed here. These new materials were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, resistivity measurements, photoluminescence, time-domain thermoreflectance thermal conductivity measurements, optical absorption spectroscopy, and plan-view high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. Results revealed successful formation of randomly distributed nanoparticles with an average diameter of ∼1.5 nm, reduction of thermal conductivity by a factor of about 5, and consistency with theoretical predictions of mid-band-gap Fermi level pinning and behavior of past similar materials. The success of these TbAs:GaAs materials will lead the way for...
Cavity door effects on aerodynamic loadings of compressed-carriage store configurations separating from cavities at supersonic speeds

An experimental wind-tunnel investigation has been conducted at supersonic Mach numbers to determine the effects of cavity doors on the aerodynamic characteristics of compressed-carriage store configurations during separation from a shallow box cavity (closed cavity flow) located in a simulated generic parent aircraft. The tests were conducted in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at free-stream Mach numbers of 1.70, 2.00, and 2.65 for a constant Reynolds number per foot of two million. Results are summarized to show the effects of cavity door opening angles, vertical door height, folded and unfolded tail fins, and Mach number on the near-field aerodynamic separation characteristics of a single missile-type store with in-line cruciform wings and tail fins.
A philosophy and software tool for teaching and learning signal processing and communication systems

Graphical modeling software tools have become commonplace in educational laboratories associated with courses in signal processing and communication systems. This paper explains that the purely graphical approach to modeling and simulation can be improved upon by combining graphical modeling with some low-level programming tasks. To implement this philosophy, a new software tool called EduCOM was developed. EduCOM offers a graphical modeling environment to construct system models. It also translates a graphical model into C/C++ code that can be compiled into an executable to simulate the model. Students are required to program the functionality of important blocks in their models such as filters, minimum-distance hard-decision rules, and look-up-tables. Anecdotal evidence is provided indicating that this approach offers an improved learning experience over pure graphical modeling approaches.
Recognition of nine base pair sequences in the minor groove of DNA at subpicomolar concentrations by a novel microgonotropen.

Abstract The dsDNA interactions of the novel microgonotropen L1 have been characterized via spectrofluorometric titrations and thermal melting studies. A microgonotropen consists of a DNA minor groove binding moiety attached to a basic side chain capable of reaching out of the minor groove and grasping the acidic DNA phosphodiester backbone. L1 was synthesized employing solid-phase chemistry. L1 is shown to distinguish nine base pair A/T rich binding sites from sites possessing fewer than nine contiguous A/T base pairs. Further, L1 binds its preferred dsDNA sequences at subpicomolar concentrations. The equilibrium constant for complexation ( K 1 ) of a nine base pair A/T rich dsDNA binding site by L1 is roughly 10 13 M −1 . Single base pair A/T → G/C substitutions within the nine base pair A/T rich binding site of L1 decreases the equilibrium constant for DNA binding by 1–2 orders of magnitude. The three proplyamine side chains of L1 enhance the agents free energy of binding by more than 5 kcal. Molecular modeling suggests that L1 adopts a ‘spiral-like’ conformation which fits almost a full turn of the DNA helix.
Estrogen modulates parathyroid hormone-induced interleukin-6 production in vivo and in vitro.

Interleukin (IL)-6 promotes osteoclastogenesis and is thought to play a role in the bone loss that follows estrogen withdrawal. In vitro studies have demonstrated that IL-6 is produced in response to PTH by cells in the osteoblast lineage and that PTH-induced bone resorption is inhibited by a neutralizing antibody to the IL-6 receptor. In addition, we have recently reported that IL-6 plays a role in PTH-induced bone resorption in humans with chronic PTH excess and in experimental animals during the short-term infusion of PTH. In the current study, we examined whether estrogen withdrawal augments PTH-induced IL-6 production. When cultured in the absence of estrogen, human osteosarcoma cells (Saos-2) treated with PTH demonstrated significantly greater release of IL-6 than cells grown under estrogen-replete conditions, 30-fold vs. 15-fold (P = 0.005). A similar effect but of lesser magnitude was seen with primary human osteoblasts. In vivo, PTH induced IL-6 production was also increased in the estrogen-defic...
Propensity Score Matching: An Illustrative Analysis of Dose Response

Background. Health services researchers are often interested in the effect of a treatment or a service in situations in which randomization is difficult or impossible. One useful alternative involves propensity score methods, a means for matching members of different groups based on a range of chara
DISPUTES ON THE ONE THREAD OF CHUNG‐SHU

Soulevant la controverse historique sur l'interpretation du lien entre le chung (loyaute) et le shu (reciprocite) dans l'enseignement de Confucius, l'A. montre que la question du lien structurel et spirituel entre les deux notions n'a rien perdu de sa valeur philosophique, puisqu'elle interroge le principe meme de l'ethique confuceenne. Examinant les cinq definitions du chung et du shu proposees par F. Yu-lan, D. Nivison, H. Fingarette, H. Roetz et D. C. Lau, a partir du meme concept de pensee analogique, l'A. souligne la complementarite des deux notions, l'une designant une attitude, l'autre une direction pour les actions morales
Analogical Power and Aristotle's Model of Persuasion

Hofmann et al. (2006) offer an analysis of the importance of analogies in understanding and managing new technologies such as umbilical cord blood banking. They state: “more precisely we aim to unv...
Puzzled: Rectangles galore

Welcome to three new puzzles. Solutions to the first two will be published next month; the third is (as yet) unsolved. In each, the issue is how your intuition matches up with the mathematics.
PU.1 regulation of human alveolar macrophage differentiation requires granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is critically implicated in lung homeostasis in the GM-CSF knockout mouse model. These animals develop an isolated lung lesion reminiscent ...
Estimation Over Fading Channels With Limited Feedback Using Distributed Sensing

We consider a wireless sensor network for distributed estimation over fading channels. The sensors transmit their observations over a multiple access fading channel to a fusion center (FC), where a source parameter is estimated. The sensor transmissions add incoherently over a multiple access channel, which motivates the need for channel knowledge at the sensors to improve performance. We consider the effects of different fading channel models on the performance of the system, and characterize the effect of different amounts of channel information at the sensors. We calculate the variance of the estimate for cases when both perfect, and differing amounts of partial channel information are available at the sensors. Asymptotic variance expressions for large number of sensors are derived for different channel statistics and feedback scenarios. We show that the degradation in variance due to using only channel phase information is at most a factor of 4/? over Rayleigh fading channels. We consider continuous feedback error and evaluate the degradation in performance due to differing degrees of error. The loss in performance due to feedback quantization, and effect of error in feedback are also quantified. We also consider speed of convergence, and compare the rate of convergence under different conditions. Further, we characterize the effect of correlated channels between sensors and the FC, and provide the different values for the speed of convergence for this case. Simulation results are provided to show that only a few tens of sensors are required for the asymptotic results to hold. Numerical results corroborate our analytical results.
Cross-species genomic and functional analyses identify a combination therapy using a CHK1 inhibitor and a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor to treat triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that is diagnosed in approximately 15% of all human breast cancer (BrCa) patients. Currently, no targeted therapies exist for this subtype of BrCa and prognosis remains poor. Our laboratory has previously identified a proliferation/DNA repair/cell cycle gene signature (Tag signature) that is characteristic of human TNBC. We hypothesize that targeting the dysregulated biological networks in the Tag gene signature will lead to the identification of improved combination therapies for TNBC. Cross-species genomic analysis was used to identify human breast cancer cell lines that express the Tag signature. Knock-down of the up-regulated genes in the Tag signature by siRNA identified several genes that are critical for TNBC cell growth. Small molecule inhibitors to two of these genes were analyzed, alone and in combination, for their effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Synergy between the two drugs was analyzed by the Chou-Talalay method. A custom siRNA screen was used to identify targets within the Tag signature that are critical for growth of TNBC cells. Ribonucleotide reductase 1 and 2 (RRM1 and 2) and checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) were found to be critical targets for TNBC cell survival. Combination therapy, to simultaneously attenuate cell cycle checkpoint control through inhibition of CHK1 while inducing DNA damage with gemcitabine, improved therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in xenograft models of TNBC. This combination therapy may have translational value for patients with TNBC and improve therapeutic response for this aggressive form of breast cancer.
Seepage-Induced Acoustic Emission in Granular Soils

This technical paper presents the results of a study on detecting excessive seepage in granular soils by monitoring the seepage-induced acoustic emission (AE). The laboratory experiments and data analyses were performed using specially designed data acquisition instruments and computer-based data analysis devices. The monitored data were analyzed using three methods, namely, amplitude, time, and frequency domain analyses. The analysis results showed that the seepage-induced AE in the test soils were broadband Gaussian signals which were zero mean, normally distributed, and leptokurtic. All of the measured autospectral density functions showed that the most prominent AE activities occurred within a frequency range of about 0.8 – 10 kHz. Based on acoustic similarity laws and a graphical fitting method, the test results were subjected to dimensional analysis. The results of this analysis provided a relationship between a nondimensional sound pressure level and a nondimensional frequency, in which AE intensity, seepage velocity, soil, and permeant properties were interrelated. This relationship provided a fundamental basis for detecting excessive seepage using the monitored seepage-induced AE intensity.
Iterative technology assessment of medical devices

Summary form only given. Technology assessment and outcomes research play an increasingly important role in determining the potential cost effectiveness of new medical technology. While historically these methodologies have been applied after a technology has been accepted into clinical use, their use is occurring earlier in the technology development cycle. Applied at the outset of a project, technology assessment can be used to define the clinical specifications of a new medical device. It can be updated or iterated repeatedly during the development process to reassess the potential technology benefit as more data is obtained during clinical trials. Appropriately designed clinical trials can also generate preliminary outcomes data which help with regulatory submission and initial clinical acceptance of the new technology. This paper reviews the fundamental aspects of technology assessment and outcomes research important for biomedical engineers to consider before embarking on the development of a new technology.
Preserving ignitable liquid residues on soil using Triclosan as an anti-microbial agent

Abstract When a fire is suspected to be intentionally set, fire debris samples can be collected and analyzed for ignitable liquid residues (ILRs). In some cases, samples will contain highly organic substrates such as soil or rotting wood. These substrates will contain a high bacterial load, which can result in systematic and irreversible damage to the ILR due to microbial degradation. This paper explores ways to preserve ILR by sterilizing fire debris samples without interfering with their subsequent analysis. There are many methods reported in the literature for sterilizing soil, such as freezing, irradiation, autoclaving, and various chemical fumigation techniques. However, these methods either do not kill all bacterial species, cannot be easily applied in the field or would interfere with the analysis of the ILRs. For this work, various anti-microbial compounds including triclosan (2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether) were tested for their efficacy at killing bacteria present in the soil. Triclosan was highly effective in qualitative growth studies and was therefore used to measure bacterial growth (or lack thereof) by spectroscopic analysis as well as passive headspace analysis. These experiments showed that triclosan was able to sterilize soil samples in less than 60s, maintain their sterility for at least 77h and preserve gasoline residues on a soil matrix for at least 30 days.
Experimental evaluation of a lightweight method for augmenting requirements analysis

We introduce the concept of augmentation methods, methods that complement other methods by addressing specific non-functional requirements (NFRs). Since most projects do not have dedicated expertise in all relevant NFRs most team members may be comparative novices for that class of NFR. STRAP is a lightweight goal-refinement method for analyzing privacy NFRs. We describe it briefly and then present three experiments to assess its effectiveness and that of several existing privacy frameworks. We analyze the results in terms of method efficiency: the number of analysts needed to find a given proportion of benchmark problems. The alternative methods are generally effective in identifying privacy vulnerabilities but they are inefficient, since the average analyst misses many potential problems. In three distinct application domains, STRAP led to equal or better identification of privacy vulnerabilities and was in all cases more efficient. We conclude that a combination of lightweight structuring and heuristic appropriateness is the reason for these advantages.
Agency Preemption and the Subprime Crisis

A few years before the subprime mortgage market collapsed, several states began to notice a dramatic increase in the rate of foreclosures among many of their most vulnerable citizens. Attributing the increase to predatory lending, these states enacted a new type of fair lending law that, for the first time, imposed liability not only on the originators of abusive subprime loans, but also on investors in the secondary mortgage market that helped to finance those loans. National banks, which were some of the biggest players in the secondary market, went to their federal regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and asked the agency to preempt the state laws. The OCC agreed, and in January 2004 declared the laws preempted.This paper examines that preemption determination and uses it as a case study to explore how best to address the phenomenon of agency preemption. The consensus view is that permitting agencies with narrow regulatory agendas to preempt state laws could unjustifiably undermine state autonomy. In response, commentators have repeatedly called on the courts to help check agency preemption. But courts are unlikely to prove up to the task: as a general matter, they lack the institutional competence to counter an agency’s expert and informed determination that certain state laws pose a substantial obstacle to federal regulatory goals. It is therefore unsurprising that the courts have readily deferred to the OCC’s highly contestable preemption determination. Effectively curbing agencies’ appetite to preempt will instead require the development of alternative approaches, which could include deputizing independent intra-agency authorities to vet preemption determinations, constituting a new body to institutionalize a greater role for state officials in regulatory decision-making, or crafting new procedural tools to guide courts’ review of agency preemption determinations.
Upper drift region double step partial SOI LDMOSFET: A novel device for enhancing breakdown voltage and output characteristics

Abstract A new LDMOSFET structure called upper drift region double step partial silicon on insulator (UDDS-PSOI) is proposed to enhance the breakdown voltage (BV) and output characteristics. The proposed structure contains two vertical steps in the top surface of the drift region. It is demonstrated that in the proposed structure, the lateral electric field distribution is modified by producing two additional electric field peaks, which decrease the common peaks near the drain and gate junctions. The electric field distribution in the drift region is modulated and that of the buried layer is enhanced by the two steps in the top surface of the drift region, thereby resulting in the enhancement of the BV. The effect of device parameters, such as the step height and length in the top surface of the drift region, the doping concentration in the drift region, and the buried oxide length and thickness, on the electric field distribution and the BV of the proposed structure is studied. Simulation results from two-dimensional ATLAS simulator show that the BV of the UDDS-PSOI structure is 120% and 220% higher than that of conventional partial SOI (C-PSOI) and conventional SOI (C-SOI) structures, respectively. Furthermore, the drain current of the UDDS-PSOI is 11% larger than the C-PSOI structure with a drain-source voltage V DS = 100 V and gate-source voltage V GS = 5 V. Simulation results show that R on in the proposed structure is 74% and 48% of that in C-PSOI and C-SOI structures, respectively.
Regulation of K+ and Ca++ Channels by a Family of Neuropeptide Y Receptors

We examined the ability of rat Y1, Y2 and Y4 neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors to regulate K + and Ca ++ channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes and HEK 293 cells, respectively. Stimulation of all three receptors with NPY or related peptides activated inwardly rectifying K + currents resulting from the expression of rat GIRK1/CIR in frog oocytes. These effects were inhibited by pertussis toxin treatment. The effects of activating Y1 receptors were antagonized competitively by BIBP3226, SR120819A and GW1229. The effects of Y2 receptor activation were not blocked by these drugs, and the effects of Y4 receptor activation were only blocked by GW1229. Activation of all three NPY receptors also inhibited human alpha -1B Ca ++ channels stably expressed in HEK293 cells. The effects of agonists at all three receptors were blocked by pertussis toxin treatment and were voltage dependent. Activation of all three types of NPY receptors produced much smaller inhibition of human alpha -1E Ca ++ channels also stably expressed in HEK293 cells. These results suggest that NPY receptors can regulate K + and Ca ++ channels and that these effects may be responsible for the observed effects of NPY on neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission.
The dark side of home: Assessing possession ‘clutter’ on subjective well-being

This research investigates a “dark side of home,” created when the experiential quality of home is compromised by ‘clutter,’ defined as an overabundance of possessions that collectively create chaotic and disorderly living spaces. Based on relationships among constructs largely developed by phenomenologists, we conceptualize psychological home as a reflection of one's need to identify self with a physical environment. Clutter was proposed as an antagonist to the normally positive benefits and consequences of home for subjective well-being. An online survey was conducted with a population of U.S. and Canadian adults. A structural equation model was used to test hypotheses. Findings reveal that place attachment and self-extension tendencies toward possessions positively contribute to psychological home. Clutter had a negative impact on psychological home and subjective well-being. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of how meanings of home are both cultivated and undermined by individuals' place-making efforts.
Metal substitution in the active site of nitrogenase MFe7S9 (M = Mo4+, V3+, Fe3+)

The unifying view that molybdenum is the essential component in nitrogenase has changed over the past few years with the discovery of a vanadium-containing nitrogenase and an iron-only nitrogenase. The principal question that has arisen for the alternative nitrogenases concerns the structures of their corresponding cofactors and their metal-ion valence assignments and whether there are significant differences with that of the more widely known molybdenum−iron cofactor (FeMoco). Spin-polarized broken-symmetry (BS) density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to assess which of the two possible metal-ion valence assignments (4Fe2+4Fe3+ or 6Fe2+2Fe3+) for the iron-only cofactor (FeFeco) best represents the resting state. For the 6Fe2+2Fe3+ oxidation state, the spin coupling pattern for several spin state alignments compatible with S = 0 were generated and assessed by energy criteria. The most likely BS spin state is composed of a 4Fe cluster with spin Sa = 7/2 antiferromagnetically coupled to a 4Fe‘...
Dose-response relationship in aminonucleoside nephrosis.

SummaryAdministration of 1–3 mg of PA subcutaneously to normal rats at intervals of 1–2 weeks produced significant proteinuria after a prolonged latent period provided the total dose exceeded a threshold dose of approximately 4–5 mg. Analysis of the cumulative dose-response curves revealed that doses administered subcutaneously at biweekly intervals were more effective in producing proteinuria than the same total dose given on a daily or weekly schedule. While the mechanism of PA nephrotoxicity is still not known, it is unlikely that it acts by direct enzyme inhibition.
Analysis on Structural Reliability of Multi-Circuit Tower for EHV and UHV AC Power Transmission Line

By use of reliability theory,the influence of the ratio of variable action effect to permanent action effect on structural reliability of multi-circuit towers for exrta high voltage(EHV) and ulrta high voltage(UHV)AC power transmission line in China is discussed.Selecting an axial compression member where the gradient of a SSZT2 tower changes,on which two 1 000 kV AC circuits and two 500 kV AC circuits are arranged,as research object,the reliability indices of the member corresponding to different structural importance factors are calculated by first order second moment method,and the influencing law of structural importance factor on structural element of the tower is obtained.The economy of tower,to which different structural importance factors are chosen,is analyzed,and the method to estimate the utilization amount of the material for tower,which is available for reference to structure designers and analysts,is given.
Bilingual approach to online cancer genetics education for Deaf American Sign Language users produces greater knowledge and confidence than English text only: A randomized study

Abstract Introduction Deaf American Sign Language-users (ASL) have limited access to cancer genetics information they can readily understand, increasing risk for health disparities. We compared effectiveness of online cancer genetics information presented using a bilingual approach (ASL with English closed captioning) and a monolingual approach (English text). Hypothesis Bilingual modality would increase cancer genetics knowledge and confidence to create a family tree; education would interact with modality. Methods We used a parallel 2:1 randomized pre-post study design stratified on education. 150 Deaf ASL-users ≥18 years old with computer and internet access participated online; 100 (70 high, 30 low education) and 50 (35 high, 15 low education) were randomized to the bilingual and monolingual modalities. Modalities provide virtually identical content on creating a family tree, using the family tree to identify inherited cancer risk factors, understanding how cancer predisposition can be inherited, and the role of genetic counseling and testing for prevention or treatment. 25 true/false items assessed knowledge; a Likert scale item assessed confidence. Data were collected within 2 weeks before and after viewing the information. Results Significant interaction of language modality, education, and change in knowledge scores was observed ( p = .01). High education group increased knowledge regardless of modality (Bilingual: p d = .56; Monolingual: p d = 1.08). Low education group increased knowledge with bilingual ( p d = .85), but not monolingual ( p = .79; d = .08) modality. Bilingual modality yielded greater confidence creating a family tree ( p = .03). Conclusions Bilingual approach provides a better opportunity for lower educated Deaf ASL-users to access cancer genetics information than a monolingual approach.
Nocturnal Penile Tumescence

Nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) analysis using the Rigiscan system is composed of two parts: (1) a portable nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity data-logging unit and (2) a computer with printer for processing and printing the data. The test was developed to study a man’s erectile function while sleeping.
The use of coaching strategies within the field of social work

ABSTRACTThe rapidly growing field of coaching has permeated a variety of social science disciplines over the last 40 years, including social work. Because social work continues to evolve in its service to diverse populations with wide-ranging needs, its flexibility has allowed for the inclusion of a variety of progressive treatment approaches such as coaching. To better document the empirical prevalence of coaching approaches by social work professionals, the primary objective of the present study is to identify the extent to which social workers use coaching strategies in their work with families. Furthermore, the research explores whether or not social workers identify these strategies as coaching strategies and if social workers consider themselves to be ‘coaches’. Using a mixed-methods research design, online survey data were collected from (n = 171) social workers and social work students who serve youth and families. Results indicated that social workers recognise the techniques they use as coaching...