cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"Kassinin" in mammals: the newest tachykinins.

Until recently, substance P was widely believed to be the only mammalian representative of the tachykinin peptide family. In 1983, however, four independent groups using three different approaches reported that mammalian tissues also contain two novel tachykinins which resemble the amphibian tachykinin kassinin in both C-terminal sequence and pharmacology. Thus, the discovery of an active peptide in anuran skin has once again preceded the discovery of its mammalian analogs. While the discovery of the new peptides, substance K and neuromedin K, has clarified some issues in substance P research, it has raised some questions about others. With hindsight, it is clear that some of the activities once thought to be mediated by substance P may in fact be mediated by another mammalian tachykinin. Current knowledge of tachykinins and their receptors in mammals represents only a lower limit on the complexity of the system. This review summarizes recent progress in a rapidly developing field.
A mild procedure for synthesis of the cytochalasin isoindolone; Allyl selenides from allyl silanes and PhSeSe+(CH3)Ph BF4−

Application de ce reactif pour la synthese de R-1 t-butyl-4 cyclohexene et de R-4 pentadiene-2,4oate de methyle (R=phenylselenomethyl) a partir des derives ou R=trimethylsilylmethyl
Characterization of direct radiation-induced immune function and molecular signaling changes in an antigen presenting cell line

Radiation therapy is a widely used cancer treatment and pre-transplantation conditioning regimen that has the potential to influence anti-tumor and post-transplantation immune responses. Although conventionally fractionated radiation doses can suppress immune responses by depleting lymphocytes, single high doses of local tumor radiation can enhance immune responses. Using phospho-flow cytometry analysis of a human monocytic cell line, we identified novel radiation-induced changes in the phosphorylation state of NFκB family members known in other cell types to maintain and regulate immune function. These phosphorylation changes were p53 independent, but were strongly dependent upon ATM activation due to DNA damage. We found that radiation promotes the activation and APC functional maturation through phosphorylation of NFκB Essential Modulator (NEMO). Our results and the analytic methods are especially well suited to the study of functional changes in APC when radiation is used for immune modulation in clinical protocols.
Adaptive inner-loop rover control

Adaptive control technology is developed for the inner-loop speed and steering control of the MAX Rover. MAX, a CMU developed Rover, is a compact low-cost 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steer (double Ackerman), with high-clearance agile durable chassis. It is outfitted with sensors and electronics that make it ideally suited for supporting research relevant to intelligent teleoperation, and as a low-cost autonomous robotic test bed and appliance. The control design consists of a feedback linearization based controller with a proportional-integral (PI) feedback that is augmented by an online adaptive neural network. The adaptation law has guaranteed stability properties for safe operation. The control design is retrofit in nature so that it fits below the outer-loop path planning algorithms. Successful hardware implementation of the controller is illustrated for several scenarios consisting of actuator failures and modeling errors in the nominal design.
Thermal evolution of Mercury as constrained by MESSENGER observations

[1] Orbital observations of Mercury by the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft provide new constraints on that planet's thermal and interior evolution. Specifically, MESSENGER observations have constrained the rate of radiogenic heat production via measurement of uranium, thorium, and potassium at the surface, and identified a range of surface compositions consistent with high-temperature, high-degree partial melts of the mantle. Additionally, MESSENGER data have placed new limits on the spatial and temporal variation in volcanic and tectonic activity and enabled determination that the planet's core is larger than previously estimated. Because Mercury's mantle layer is also thinner than previously thought, this result gives greater likelihood to the possibility that mantle convection is marginally supercritical or even that the mantle is not convecting. We simulate mantle convection and magma generation within Mercury's mantle under two-dimensional axisymmetry and a broad range of conditions to understand the implications of MESSENGER observations for the thermal evolution of the planet. These models demonstrate that mantle convection can persist in such a thin mantle for a substantial portion of Mercury's history, and often to the present, as long as the mantle is thicker than ~300 km. We also find that magma generation in Mercury's convecting mantle is capable of producing widespread magmas by large-degree partial melting, consistent with MESSENGER observations of the planet's surface chemistry and geology.
Node geometry and broadband jamming in noncooperative relay networks under received power constraint

This paper presents node geometry and broadband jamming in noncooperative wireless relay networks under the received power constraint. Diagonal relay amplifying matrices based on minimum mean square error (MMSE) criteria corresponding to node geometry and broadband jamming in wireless networks under the received power constraint are derived. All relay nodes are assumed not to communicate with their received signals for no cooperation. N relay nodes and one-source-one-destination node pair for amplify-and-forward (AF) strategy are employed. Bit error rate of the wireless relay network using the derived diagonal relay amplifying matrices is presented.
Explanation for nonleptonic decays of hyperons

Abstract On the basis of Okubo's dispersion approach, the resonance contribution to the current algebra result for nonleptonic decays of hyperons is calculated via Regge theory. A four parameter best-fit solution to both s and p-wave amplitudes is found to be in very good agreement with experiment. Our result provides a uniform explanation of puzzling features of previous work.
Role of copper in human neurological disorders

Copper is a trace element present in all tissues and is required for cellular respiration, peptide amidation, neurotransmitter biosynthesis, pigment formation, and connective tissue strength. Copper is a cofactor for numerous enzymes and plays an important role in central nervous system development; low concentrations of copper may result in incomplete development, whereas excess copper maybe injurious. Copper may be involved in free radical production, via the Haber-Weiss reaction, that results in mitochondrial damage, DNA breakage, and neuronal injury. Evidence of abnormal copper transport and aberrant copper-protein interactions in numerous human neurological disorders supports the critical importance of this trace metal for proper neurodevelopment and neurological function. The biochemical phenotypes of human disorders that involve copper homeostasis suggest possible biomarkers of copper status that may be applicable to general populations.
Ontogeny of cranial ossification in the small-mouthed salamander, Ambystoma texanum (Matthes)†

The ontogenetic sequence of cranial bony structure from initial ossifications through metamorphosis in Ambystoma texanum is described on the basis of 128 cleared and stained specimens. For convenience of discussion nine stages are recognized on the basis of conspicuous events. Cranial bones ossify and are modified in a definite sequence, and comparisons of complete sequences among groups of salamanders may prove useful in classification and in better understanding of relationships.
Presence of Fusarium spp. in Air and Soil Associated with Sorghum Fields.

Abstract Sorghum grain, valuable for feed, food, and bioenergy, can be colonized by several Fusarium spp.; therefore, it was of interest to identify possible sources of conidia. Analysis of air and soil samples provided evidence for the presence of propagules from Fusarium genotypes that may cause grain infections. Soil population estimates of members of the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex, that includes sorghum pathogens and other Fusarium spp., suggested that adequate inoculum for systemic infections was present. Conidia in air samples within two sorghum fields were collected by passive trapping for 2 years. Subsampled Fusarium isolates indicated that numbers of G. fujikuroi increased from anthesis through maturity, which coincides with grain development stages vulnerable to Fusarium spp. Genotyping using translation elongation factor 1-α gene sequences revealed that spore trap isolates included members of G. fujikuroi that are sorghum pathogens: Fusarium thapsinum, F. verticillioides, F. prolifera...
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: the paediatric perspective

Paediatric rheumatology is a relatively new specialty that has developed rapidly over the last 30 years. There have been major advances, which have included improvements in the classification and management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The former has led to enhanced international collaboration with disease registries, multicentre research and the development of new therapeutic agents. This has resulted in improved disease control and remission induction in many. There is, however, still significant morbidity associated with JIA during childhood, adolescence and adulthood, and challenges for the future include early identification of those with a poorer prognosis, appropriate administration of safe therapies and optimizing outcomes as young people move through adolescence into adulthood.
Wireless Usage Analysis and Data-Modeling Using a Performance-Based Approach

The analysis of network traffic in a heterogeneous network medium with wireless and wired networks is critical for cellular network operation. It is crucial that QoS be maintained end-to-end while transmitting data/ video across a wireless medium. We have analyzed the network traffic in terms of performance metrics and developed a data model that will be used for a test bed application. Test agents will be embedded in all network devices and will report to a central test server, which will be used to monitor and manage the network parameters. We intend to use these measures to develop performance evaluation models, follow set standards in software process development, collect real time data to validate our models and use quantitative techniques to analyze these results.
Decade Performance of a Roof-Mounted Photovoltaic Array

The Georgia Institute of Technology's Aquatic's Center is equipped with a 342 kW roof-mounted photovoltaic array. This array will reach its ten year anniversary in July of 2006. It is therefore an appropriate time to review its performance. This system is closely monitored and studied with the help of a data acquisition system. Data collected from this system is stored and analyzed. Meteorological parameters such as plane of array insolation are analyzed and compared with predicted values. Additionally, system parameters such as AC energy production, system efficiency, and module temperature are also monitored. The relationship between certain parameters, such as inverter efficiency and inverter loading, are also examined. With the collected data, the reliability of the system may be analyzed using data from system downtimes. From the analysis, we conclude that the system is operating well and in line with expectations
Measurement of Intersubject Variations in Categorizations

There are two primary approaches to measuring intersubject variations in sorting objects into categories. The first approach measures subject differences from a standard categorization. The second approach directly compares pairs of individual subject's sorts. Variations in sorts of rural Mexican-Spanish "have" verbs were analyzed using both approaches. The second approach revealed a consistent structure for a subset of the subjects not revealed by the first approach.
Optimistic Knowledge Gradient Policy for Optimal Budget Allocation in Crowdsourcing

In real crowdsourcing applications, each label from a crowd usually comes with a certain cost. Given a pre-fixed amount of budget, since different tasks have different ambiguities and different workers have different expertises, we want to find an optimal way to allocate the budget among instance-worker pairs such that the overall label quality can be maximized. To address this issue, we start from the simplest setting in which all workers are assumed to be perfect. We formulate the problem as a Bayesian Markov Decision Process (MDP). Using the dynamic programming (DP) algorithm, one can obtain the optimal allocation policy for a given budget. However, DP is computationally intractable. To solve the computational challenge, we propose a novel approximate policy which is called optimistic knowledge gradient. It is practically efficient while theoretically its consistency can be guaranteed. We then extend the MDP framework to deal with inhomogeneous workers and tasks with contextual information available. The experiments on both simulated and real data demonstrate the superiority of our method.
A Direct Measure of Adaptive Behavior.

(1980). A Direct Measure of Adaptive Behavior. School Psychology Review: Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 168-173.
Mathematics Teaching and Learning: A Reflection on Teacher Training in Rural Uganda

Building an elementary school, developing mathematics curriculum, and training teachers in Rural Uganda is a task filled with many challenges due to the lack of resources and high levels of poverty in the area. Embedded in these challenges are opportunities for creativity and leadership as teachers begin to shift from an education framework based on rote memorization and learner passivity to one that includes collaboration, active learning, and teaching for understanding.
Infinite Distance Between the I and the It

Traditional science and medical practice in the 21st century often separate the I of consciousness, the person who experiences daily life, from the it of an object that can be probed, tested, and fixed. This separation may also influence the development of occupational science and the practice of occupational therapy to the detriment of the profession. Occupation must be done and experienced by an I who initiates it and is conscious of its effects. Occupational science needs to become an integral science uniting the I of intention with the it of behavior, the we of cultures and the they of social systems. Our scholars need to debate the unique nature of our science, identify the ethics and values central to inquiry and intervention, and broaden and personalize the evidence sought to demonstrate the efficacy of practice. The mission of integral occupational science will be to promote human flourishing.
Thermal stress analysis of sintering using a moving grid

A moving finite element method that calculates the transient temperature distribution, the density distribution and the stress distribution during the sintering cycle has been developed. Coupled two-dimensional axisymmetric energy, continuity and stress equilibrium equations along with a constraint, specifying the direction of the initial material velocity, are solved in a Lagrangian co-ordinate system. The nodes move at the same speed as the material and therefore the convective terms in the differential equations drop out. At every time step, the energy equation is solved, and the computed temperatures are then used to find the densification rate. In two-dimensional problems, the continuity equation is not sufficient to calculate the two components of material velocity. Here, it is assumed that the diffusion caused by the density gradient is the driving force. This implies that the velocity vector of the material is perpendicular to the lines of constant density. Therefore, the combination of the diffusion and continuity equations will generate the initial sintering strains. The elastic stress equilibrium equations are then solved using the thermal and initial sintering strains as the driving forces. As a result, the final shape of the material and the stresses are determined.
Technique of Ophthalmic Artery Chemosurgery for Retinoblastoma

Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) has become an essential technique in the treatment of advanced intra-ocular retinoblastoma. In this chapter, we describe our experience with 1000 intra-arterial infusions for treating 290 eyes with retinoblastoma in 229 children, median age 15 month. According to the Reese-Ellsworth classification, 83 % eyes were Group V; according to the International classification, 70 % eyes were Group D and 13 % eyes were Group E. Catheterizations were successful in 98.8 %. The average number of IACs per eye was 3.4 (range 1–9). Three IAC techniques were used: direct ophthalmic artery infusion (77 %), infusion through the orbital branch of the middle meningeal artery (8 %), and balloon-assisted intracarotid infusion (14 %). The drug(s) were dosed according to age (which provides an estimate of the ocular size) and the angioanatomy of the ophthalmic artery and its branches. Body weight was taken into account only for limiting the total systemic dose. Three drugs were used: melphalan, topotecan, and carboplatin, usually in association. There were few complications. One patient died from a trilateral retinoblastoma, two patients who developed metastasis were treated with intensive chemotherapy and are doing well. The Kaplan–Meyer estimate of ocular survival was 85 % at 2 years, 77 % at 5 years, and 71 % at 7 years. In conclusion, IAC is a safe and effective technique that is used as first line therapy for advanced intra-ocular retinoblastoma.
A novel MHC- dextramer assay to identify melanoma antigen-specific CD8+ T cells from solid tumor disaggregates and matched peripheral blood

Meeting abstracts Cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTL) mediate target cell killing of tumor cells. New technological advances in multi-parameter flow cytometry have enabled the detection and enumeration of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells (MHC-class I dextramer staining) in peripheral blood. A new
Relevance of Bypass Protein to Cattle Feeding 13

Summary The primary cost for supplemental protein is for that portion of the protein which escapes (or bypasses) rumen digestion. Therefore, economical use of protein sources requires good estimates of protein bypass. This can be done by intestinal digesta collection or by animal growth, in order to adequately interpret estimates of bypass from growth studies, protein must be shown to be the first limiting nutrient and protein sources must be compared at levels below the animal’s requirement. Growth studies conducted using these criteria give bypass estimates similar to intestinal collection trials. High bypass protein sources can be effectively used in supplement formulations. Through the use of soybean meal equivalent values, supplements equivalent in feeding value to soybean meal can be formulated. Urea is used as an inexpensive source of rumen ammonia thus reducing the cost of the supplement containing bypass protein. Supplements containing bypass protein and urea can be supplied to producers at a lower cost than more traditional “all natural” protein supplements.
MATE SELECTION AND BALANCED POLYMORPHISM IN THE TROPICAL NYMPHALID BUTTERFLY, ANARTIA FATIMA.

Polymorphism in adult color pattern is found in many Lepidoptera species, particularly in mimicry complexes where mimetic coloration confers protection from predators or in cryptic forms where concealing coloration serves the same purpose (Ford, 1957, 1964). Other factors promoting discontinuous diversity, usually leading to a balanced polymorphism, are the maintenance of a normal sex ratio, heterozygous advantage, relative abundance of morphs in relation to learning behavior of vertebrate predators, and differential mating preferences (Ford, 1965). Negative assortative mating is one of several systems that could maintain in addition a high level of heterozygosity within a population without the heterozygote necessarily being superior in fitness to either homozygote. However, preference for mating with unlike partners has only rarely been encountered in nature. Disassortative mating is reported between morphs of the adult tiger moth, Panaxia dominula (Sheppard, 1952, 1953), between certain mutant lines of Drosophila melanogaster (Rendel, 1951), and in wild populations of the polymorphic whitethroated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis (Lowther, 1961; Thorneycroft, 1966). Frequency-dependent disassortative mating has also been discovered in laboratory colonies of six Drosophila species (see Ehrman, 1969 for review). All of these reported situations involve a positive contribution of this type of mate selection to the maintenance of a balanced polymorphism in the population. The present paper reports a situation in a polymorphic species where assortative and disassortative mating both work against the maintenance of a balanced (stable) polymorphism. The neotropical nymphalid butterfly Anartia fatima Fabricius shows a striking color dimorphism in the adult. This study presents data that indicate the polymorphism is balanced, and offers evidence that both negative and positive assortative mating contribute significantly in a negative way against the maintenance of the two phenotypes in natural populations in Costa Rica. Selective forces are outlined that may contribute to counterbalancing this negative effect of mate selection. These two sets of opposing selective pressures influence the frequencies of the forms at different altitudes, geographic localities, and seasons in this neotropical area.
Evaluation of a polysaccharide gel for laser-assisted skull base repair.

BACKGROUND Endoscopic reconstruction of skull base defects remains a challenge. Laser tissue welding (LTW) is a technique in which a laser-activated solder is used to create instantaneous repairs of skull base defects with burst strengths far exceeding intracranial pressure (ICP). This study was designed to define the thermal and inflammatory profile of a novel polysaccharide soldering gel, to assess the burst strength of the repair, and to determine the time required for solder resorption. METHODS A prospective study was performed in rabbit and mouse models. Ten dorsal rabbit maxillary sinusotomies were laser welded and burst pressure thresholds were compared with control wounds on postoperative days (PODs) 0 and 5. All welds were examined histologically on PODs 0, 5, and 45 for thermal injury, inflammation, and degree of solder resorption. In mice, dura was exposed and laser welding was performed (n = 2). Results were compared histologically with dura exposed to laser energy alone (n = 2) on POD 7. RESULTS The burst pressures of the rabbit LTW group were significantly higher than control on PODs 0 (135.0 mmHg and SD = 5.8 versus 8.0 mmHg and SD = 0.5; n = 4) and 5 (155.4 mmHg and SD = 2.9 versus 41.7 mmHg and SD = 7.3; n = 4; p < 0.05). No significant thermal or inflammatory effect was found in any of the rabbit or mouse welds. Complete solder resorption was noted by POD 45. CONCLUSION LTW using a polysaccharide gel is capable of creating mucosal repairs capable of withstanding over four times normal ICP without additional grafting materials. These repairs increase in strength over time, have no thermal or inflammatory sequelae, and establish complete solder resorption within 45 days.
An Approach to Interface Matlab Model with PSASP Transient Stability Module

Using the automatic source code generation function of Real-Time Workshop (RTW) module in Matlab and referring to implementation method of user-defined model and user program interface in Power System Analysis Software Package (PSASP), an approach to interface the model built in Matlab Simulink environment with PSASP transient stability module is proposed and realized by PSASP ver.7.0. By means of configuring RTW source code generation, compiling process, and developing corresponding interface program, the mathematical model built in Matlab Simulink environment can be converted into dynamic link library (DLL) automatically. According to the features of Matlab simulation, the process and manner of calling Matlab based model in PSASP transient stability module are researched, and the method to deal with the difference in initial value calculation of state variables and integration algorithm between Matlab and PSASP is put forward, while corresponding interfacing program is developed. Case study results show that under Matlab based model and user-defined model in PSASP the calculation results by these two methods are basically the same, thus the correctness of the proposed approach is verified. Using the proposed approach, the simulation by interfacing Matlab based model with PSASP is implemented, so a new measure to calculate the transient stability of new components and controllers for power grids is offered.
Identification of Physiological Races of Rice Blast Fungus in Partial Areas of Jiangxi Province in 2006

Forty-two monoconidial isolates were obtained from rice blast specimens collected from partial areas of Jiangxi province in 2006.The isolates could be classified into five groups and twenty-eight physiological races,when they were assessed with seven Chinese rice cultivars used for identification.The race ZA1 was the predominant one with a frequency of 16.70%.The composition of physiological races has changed from four groups in 1989 to now five groups and twenty-eight physiological races,and the predominant race has also changed from ZB1 to ZA1.Twenty-eight physiological races were strongly pathogenic to the tested three indica rice cultivars.Physiological races in close areas were quite different.
Isolation and identification of Listeria monocytogenes in feces samples from diarrhea patients

Objective To understand the infection situation of Listeria monocytogenes in diarrhea patients and to discuss the relationship between Listeria monocytogenes and clinical diarrhea patients,so as to provide data reference for etiological investigation on food poisoning and Listeria monocytogenes pollution in food. Methods Fecal samples were collected from diarrhea patients for isolation and culture of Listeria monocytogenes using two different enrichment broth and media,then VITEK2 Compact30 automatic biochemical analyzer was adopted for Listeria monocytogenes identification. Results Only one Listeria monocytogenes strain was isolated from 410 diarrhea feces samples,the positive rate was 0. 24%. Conclusion Listeria monocytogenes can be isolated from fecal samples of diarrhea patients. The bacteria isolation procedure should be optimized to improve the detection rate of Listeria monocytogenes in population who were infected.
Experimental murine and primate models for dissection of the immunosuppressive potential of photochemotherapy in autoimmune disease and transplantation

This paper reviews the results achieved in murine and primate models of autoimmune disease and transplantation. These studies have attempted to clarify the nature and specificity of the response induced by reinfusion of phototreated immunoactive lymphocytes. Results obtained in murine lupus have demonstrated that some of the disease features related to the abnormal proliferation of inducer T cells can be inhibited both prophylactically and therapeutically by exposure to photoinactivated autoimmune splenocytes. Radiolabeling studies performed in normal syngeneic mice have shown that, if immunoactive cells are phototreated and injected, their recirculation pattern is altered, and increased sequestration in the spleen, bone marrow, and kidney is noted. These studies suggest that reinfused, phototreated, antigen-activated lymphocytes may localize in sites where they are available for induction of immune responses. Primate cardiac xenotransplantation models have demonstrated that reinfusion of phototreated autologous leukocytes, administered with cyclosporine A and steroids, mediates enhanced specific suppression of both the cellular and humoral host response to foreign tissue. Taken as a whole, the experimental models suggest that photopheresis may provide a means of inducing specific suppression of immunoactive T cells. This form of therapy may have a role as an immunosuppressive agent in both autoimmune disease and transplantation.
High Capacity Rechargeable Magnesium-Ion Batteries Based on a Microporous Molybdenum–Vanadium Oxide Cathode

The three-dimensional microporous framework of the oxide Mo2.5+yVO9+δ (containing Mo5+/6+ and V4+/5+) is defined by three-, six-, and seven-membered ring channels. Due to the oxidation–reduction properties of Mo and V ions and the large open tunnels that can provide a diffusion pathway for small ions, Mo2.5+yVO9+δ has been found to intercalate both Li+ ions, reported previously, and also Mg2+ ions in Mg-ion batteries. Cathodes composed of Mo2.5+yVO9+δ were discharged and charged in Mg-ion cells at current densities ranging from 2 mA/g (C/70) to 10 mA/g (C/12). Mg2+ ions can be inserted into and extracted from MgxMo2.5+yVO9+δ between ∼3.33 and 1.73 V vs Mg/Mg2+ at room temperature, with up to 3.49 Mg2+ ions per formula unit intercalated into the framework, corresponding to a capacity of 397 mAh/g (1st discharge) which is among the highest capacities reported for Mg-based batteries. Powder X-ray diffraction was used to determine the lattice parameters of MgxMo2.5+yVO9+δ (0 < x ≤ 3) compositions prepared by ...
Racial Profiling, Attributions of Motive, and the Acceptance of Social Authority

During the past several years, issues of racial profiling have been central to public discussions of police–community relations. Before the terrorist actions of September 11, a variety of politicians condemned the practice of racial profiling—actions that legal authorities may be taking, at least in part, based on the race of a person. President Bush has labeled racial profiling “wrong” and argued that “we must end it,” while Congress and a number of states have considered or passed laws designed to lessen racial profiling. Further, more than 80% of Americans said in a poll that they “disapprove” of racial profiling (Gallup Poll, December, 1999). Racial profiling has been blamed for a variety of negative elements in policing, from increasing friction between the police and minority communities to overall decreased confidence in and cooperation with the police. The issue of racial profiling can be considered from a number of perspectives. For example, legal scholars focus on whether and under what conditions profiling based on ascribed characteristics such as race, gender, or age is or ought to be illegal (Harris, 1999; Kadish, 1997; Knowles & Persico, 2001; Meeks, 2000; Thompson, 1999). The discussion began with a focus on racial profiling of Blacks and/or Hispanics, but, after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, has more recently involved discussions of profiling based upon “Arabic” appearance or background (Gross and Livingston, 2002; Stuntz, 2002). The question these scholars are concerned with is when it should be legal for the police to stop someone not for actions they are engaged in, such as behaving suspiciously, but because they fit some demographic profile, such as “Driving while Black.” Criminologists have been interested in determining how often profiling based on ascribed characteristics actually occurs (Lamberth, 1998; Rudovsky, 2001). Through a variety of studies involving both the analysis of statistical information on arrests and the observation of police behavior, researchers have attempted to establish how frequently the police target people on the basis on race, rather than on whether they are engaging in potentially illegal behavior. Such studies look at the proportion of those stopped who are minorities in comparison to the proportion of those speeding who are minorities.
Qualitative modeling in the Turbojet engine domain

This paper addresses some of the issues involved in modeling the domain of turbojet engine operation. A causal model based on the relationships between engine parameters has been developed and used to implement an engine simulation. The implementation includes a facility for explaining the results of the simulation.
Amyloid Beta-Protein Fibrils from Human Alzheimer's Brain Tissue and from Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Differ in Structures

Electron microscopy (EM) and two dimensional infrared spectroscopy have shown that the molecular structure of amyloid fibrils prepared in vitro from synthetic 40-residue amyloid β-protein (Aβ40), are not uniquely determined by the amino acid sequence of Aβ40. Instead, fibril structure can vary depending on growth conditions. Therefore, the suitability of fibrils from mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) as models of fibrils that form in human AD is uncertain. In this study, fibrils extracted from brain tissue of three different human AD patients were used to seed the growth of synthetic Aβ40 fibrils. Because amyloid fibril structures self-propagate via seeded growth, the structure of seeded Aβ40 fibrils is likely to reflect the structure of fibrils formed in AD brain. Mass-per-length (MPL) measurements derived from dark-field transmission EM images indicate that the most prevalent number of filaments in human-fibril-seeded-fibrils is 3, with a secondary peak at 2 filaments per fibril. The same result was obtained from all three cases of human AD, but it differs from MPL measurements on Aβ40 fibrils seeded with extracted fibrils from the brain tissue of mouse models of AD (three strains of aged transgenic mice, 3xTg, J20 and 5xFAD), in which there are 3, 4 and 5 filaments per fibril. Moreover, the most prevalent number can vary among mice of the same strain. We conclude that amyloid fibrils in mouse models of AD and fibrils from human AD are fundamentally different in structure.
The True Cost of a Dural Tear: Medical and Economic Ramifications of Incidental Durotomy During Lumbar Discectomy in Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries.

STUDY DESIGN A retrospective database review. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify whether dural tears increase costs and the risk of wound complications and serious adverse events during the postoperative period following primary lumbar discectomy in elderly Medicare beneficiaries. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Rates of incidental durotomy during lumbar spine surgery range from 1% to 17%. The full economic and medical burden of this complication remains unclear, particularly as it occurs during lumbar discectomy in elderly patients. METHODS The full set of prospectively gathered Medicare insurance data (2005-2012) was retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent primary lumbar discectomy for lumbar disc herniations from 2009 to quarter 3 of 2012 were selected. This cohort (n = 41,655) was then divided into two subgroups: those who were diagnosed with incidental durotomy on the day of surgery (n = 2052) and those who were not (control population). To select a more effective control population, patients of a similar age, gender, smoking status, diabetes mellitus status, chronic pulmonary disease status, and body mass index were chosen at random from the control population to create a control cohort. In-hospital costs, length of stay, and rates of 30-day readmission, 90-day wound complications, and 90-day serious adverse effects were compared. RESULTS An incidental durotomy rate of 4.9% was observed. Higher rates of wound infection [2.4% vs. 1.3%; odds ratio (OR) 1.88; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.31-2.70; P < 0.001], wound dehiscence (0.9% vs. 0.4%; OR 2.39; 95% CI: 1.31-4.37; P = 0.004), and serious adverse events related to incidental durotomy (0.9% vs. 0.2%; OR 4.10; 95% CI: 2.05-8.19; P < 0.0001) were observed in incidental durotomy patients. In-hospital costs were increased by over $4000 in patients with incidental durotomy (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Incidental durotomies occur in almost one in every 20 elderly patients treated with primary lumbar discectomy. Given the increased hospital costs and complication rates, this complication must be viewed as anything but benign. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.
Early events in the biosynthesis of secretory and membrane proteins: the signal hypothesis.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on two cell biological problems—(1) the mechanism by which the cell select the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of secretory proteins for translation on membrane bound ribosomes; (2) the specialized mechanism by which nascent chains on membrane bound ribosomes are translocated across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. The signal hypothesis is suggested as a solution for both of these problems related to translocation of secretory proteins across the ER membrane. The evidence in favor of the signal hypothesis comes from several experimental approaches. The most powerful approach is the construction of a reconstituted heterologous cell-free system capable of translocation of nascent secretory proteins across membranes. This allows dissection of the role of various components in the translational process. The chapter explains two distinct assays for translocation across membranes in cell-free systems—(1) protection from proteolysis, and (2) principle of membrane asymmetry. These cell-free systems permit one to test several features of the signal hypothesis. This approach is used to study a large number of proteins.
Calling All Neighbors: Mobilizing Turnout for a Local Housing Referendum

Existing political science and marketing scholarship suggests that a get-out-the-vote (GOTV) message focused on a neighborhood or not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) issue will be more powerful than a basic GOTV script. However, randomized field experiments testing different scripts have found either minimal script effects or that neighbor scripts are less effective at moving voters to the polls. Here, we take advantage of a local vote on a NIMBY issue—approval of a zoning exemption for a low-income senior housing development—to test the effectiveness of reaching out to registered voters as members of a neighborhood. Consistent with prior work, we find that a basic GOTV message is more effective in increasing turnout; however, we also find that the neighbor message is more effective among some subgroups of voters, including those living farther away from the proposed development.
Mature larva of Stenichnus godarti (Latreille) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae): redescription, hypothesis of displaced epicranial suture and alternative interpretation of homology between chaetotaxic structures.

The mature larva of Stenichnus godarti is redescribed on the basis of a shed larval skin; identification was made by rearing the adult. New data on the life history of St. godarti are provided, including feeding behavior of the larva and adult and longevity of the adult under laboratory conditions. Possible serial homology of chaetotaxic structures across body segments is discussed, and morphological structures of immature St. godarti are compared with those of previously described St. collaris . It is concluded that despite structural similarities and some chaetotaxic structures (mainly on the antennae, mouthparts, legs and thoracic sternites) shared by St. godarti and St. collaris , differences in some important body regions are so profound that it is difficult to draw homologies between setal pattern on the head, thoracic and most of the abdominal tergites, based solely on topological evidence. Differences in the chaetotaxy of the head are especially puzzling and a hypothesis of displaced frontal arms of the epicranial suture is proposed, assuming homology between the presutural setae of St. godarti with postsutural setae of St. collaris . Furthermore, alternative interpretations of dorsal thoracic setae are discussed.
Rotational analysis of the 301 band of the Ã6Σ+←X̃6Σ+ system of CrCCH

The spectrum of chromium acetylide, CrCCH, has been investigated in the near-infrared region (10,500-14,500 cm(-1)) and an intense band system is observed. The 3₀¹ band of this system has been investigated at high resolution (0.025 cm(-1)) and this system is identified as the A⁶Σ⁺ ← X⁶Σ⁺ system, analogous to the near IR spectra of the CrH, CrF, and CrCl molecules. Among the many unidentified lines, we have assigned 341 lines belonging to 43 of the 54 allowed branches. Using combination differences, the rotational constants of the ground state have been determined. Computational results on the ground state are also reported, along with a comparison to other monoligated monovalent chromium compounds.
Breeding Season Occupancy of Long-Billed Curlews and Sandhill Cranes in Grazed Habitats at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Montana

Long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus) and sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) are species of concern at state and federal levels. The concern is largely due to declines in population resulting from loss and degradation of wetland and grassland habitats that have reduced the amount of available breeding habitat for both species. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (RRLNWR) in southwestern Montana encompasses one of the largest wetland complexes in the Intermountain West, providing important breeding habitat for cranes and curlews in the region. We explored landscape- and plot-scale drivers of curlew and crane breeding-season occupancy (ψ) in grazed grassland and wet meadow habitats at RRLNWR. Distance to palustrine emergent marsh was the best landscape-scale predictor of curlew and crane occupancy. Mean breeding season occupancy of curlews across sites was 0.68 (95% CI = 0.39–0.87) and increased with distance from emergent marsh, ranging from 0.37 (95% CI = 0.24–0.52) to 0.80 (95% CI = 0.56–0.93) as distance to emergent marsh went from 64 m to 629 m. Conversely, crane mean breeding season occupancy was 0.38 (95% CI = 0.17–0.64) and decreased as distance from emergent marsh increased, ranging from 0.58 (95% CI = 0.27–0.58) to 0.28 (95% CI = 0.11–0.56) as distance to emergent marsh went from 64 m to 629 m. Plot-scale vegetation characteristics available from a reduced data set indicated curlew occupancy was positively related to the ratio of vegetation 5–15 cm tall to vegetation >15cm (β = 4.92, SE = 2.53).
Novel Laboratory Design of Passive Enhanced Surveillance System of Resident Space Objects

The objective of this study is to present a novel experimental laboratory design for polarimetric exploratory data analysis for the detection and discrimination of dimly lit resident space objects ...
The Gospel Traditions Inferring to Jesus’ Proper Burial through the Depictions of Female Funerary Kinship Roles

The early Christians believed that Jesus was buried according to Jewish customs. However, the question regarding the nature of Jesus’ burial remains contestable and this leads our attention once ag...
Prediction of Dynamic Forces in Fire Service Escape Scenarios

When firefighters become trapped on elevated floors in a burning structure, their only option for escape is often through an exterior window utilizing an escape rope system. The rope becomes a firefighter’s lifeline until he can either rappel to safety or be rescued by other means. Quantifying the dynamic loading experienced by the anchor, rope, and firefighter is critical in order to understand the risk of injury and rope failure for various systems and establishing appropriate criteria for system acceptance. An experimental setup was fabricated with instrumentation to measure the dynamic loading for realistic escape scenarios. The experiments illuminated the importance of dynamic loading and the significant effects of friction on the dynamic loads felt by the firefighter and the rope anchoring system. The load experienced by a firefighter can be 30% larger than the load measured at the anchor as a result of friction at the window sill. A numerical model based on conservation of energy mirrored the experimental results. Model results are improved by including friction, though further improvements will be made by characterizing energy absorption due to knot slippage.
The Unimportance of Being a VEBA: Tax Attributes of Nonexempt Welfare Benefit Trusts

The proper tax treatment of a fully taxable welfare benefit trust – as opposed to the more common tax-exempt voluntary employees' beneficiary association ("VEBA") – is unsettled. This article explores the theories under which such a trust might be taxed, and demonstrates that if the ordinary trust tax rules apply, the presumed advantages of tax-exempt status as a VEBA may in many cases, surprisingly, be nonexistent. The article evaluates the arguments for and against taxation of a nonexempt welfare benefit trust as an ordinary trust, and concludes that the stronger arguments appear to support this (as opposed to taxation as a grantor trust or insurance company, for example) as the appropriate taxation theory.
Smoking-Related Attitudes and Their Sociodemographic Correlates Among Mexican-Origin Adult Smokers

The purpose of the study was to describe smoking-related knowledge and attitudes of a specific group of Latino smokers, and to identify sociodemographic correlates. This study is one of the few to provide information about smoking-related psychosocial variables and their correlates among a Latino subgroup. A survey was administered to a volunteer sample of adult smokers of Mexican-origin (n = 278) to assess their sociodemographic characteristics, and smoking-related knowledge and attitudes. Measures of smoking-related attitudes targeted six constructs: self-efficacy for quitting smoking, anticipated outcomes, intentions to quit, normative expectations, social support, and barriers to quitting. Smoking/cessation knowledge was assessed with a 14 item test. This sample of smokers had high knowledge and positive attitudes about quitting smoking. Several sociodemographic variables were associated with attitudinal knowledge variables, although no consistent pattern of association was seen. Results underscore the complexity between smoking-related attitudes and sociodemographic factors, and are discussed in terms of implications for culturally-tailored interventions.
Trumpism, Fake News and the “New Normal”

One clue that many of the critiques of Trump should be called “conspiracy theories” is that they often begin with, “I’m not a conspiracy theory, but…” But is Trump’s claim that he was deprived of a popular majority in the 2016 vote different ontologically from Stephen Colbert’s repeated insistence the Vladimir Putin has material to blackmail Trump? Both conform to the common sense definition of conspiracy offered in Chapters 1 and 2: They involve collaboration by two or more individuals to achieve a political goal, which would be frustrated by revelation and which is embarrassing, illegal, or unethical. This chapter reviews some of the most political controversial conspiracy theories, including claims about “fake news”, rigging elections, Russian collusion (“Russiagate”), illegal surveillance of Trump’s campaign (“Spygate”); it argues that both pro- and anti-Trump conspiracy theories involved charges of a group of people colluding with one another in what Chapter 2 has defined as “operational conspiracies.”
Network-assisted HTTP adaptive streaming for hybrid software defined network

With the ever increasing of Internet video traffic, HTTP adaptive streaming (HAS) is emerging as the de facto standard for video streaming. Many works based on software defined networking (SDN) have been proposed to improve HAS end-user quality of experience (QoE). While HAS can benefit greatly from SDN centralized controller - maintaining better network resource utilization and overall quality stability ensuring fairness between clients, it also has to deal with SDN's scalability problem which makes a full SDN deployment difficult. Hybrid-SDN, which combines SDN and traditional network is a potential solution to this problem. However, to the best of our knowledge, none of the existing works can be fully operated in a Hybrid-SDN environment. In this paper, we propose a novel network-assisted HAS system for Hybrid-SDN that can provide comparable end-user QoE to conventional approach. Our architecture alleviates the problem of SDN controller having partial view of the network by estimating HAS clients network conditions based on information from the egress link connecting SDN and traditional network. Experimental results show the feasibility of our approach.