cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association study identifies four novel loci associated with Alzheimer's endophenotypes and disease modifiers.

More than 20 genetic loci have been associated with risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but reported genome-wide significant loci do not account for all the estimated heritability and provide little information about underlying biological mechanisms. Genetic studies using intermediate quantitative traits such as biomarkers, or endophenotypes, benefit from increased statistical power to identify variants that may not pass the stringent multiple test correction in case–control studies. Endophenotypes also contain additional information helpful for identifying variants and genes associated with other aspects of disease, such as rate of progression or onset, and provide context to interpret the results from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We conducted GWAS of amyloid beta (Aβ42), tau, and phosphorylated tau (ptau181) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 3146 participants across nine studies to identify novel variants associated with AD. Five genome-wide significant loci (two novel) were associated with ptau181, including loci that have also been associated with AD risk or brain-related phenotypes. Two novel loci associated with Aβ42 near GLIS1 on 1p32.3 (β = −0.059, P = 2.08 × 10−8) and within SERPINB1 on 6p25 (β = −0.025, P = 1.72 × 10−8) were also associated with AD risk (GLIS1: OR = 1.105, P = 3.43 × 10−2), disease progression (GLIS1: β = 0.277, P = 1.92 × 10−2), and age at onset (SERPINB1: β = 0.043, P = 4.62 × 10−3). Bioinformatics indicate that the intronic SERPINB1 variant (rs316341) affects expression of SERPINB1 in various tissues, including the hippocampus, suggesting that SERPINB1 influences AD through an Aβ-associated mechanism. Analyses of known AD risk loci suggest CLU and FERMT2 may influence CSF Aβ42 (P = 0.001 and P = 0.009, respectively) and the INPP5D locus may affect ptau181 levels (P = 0.009); larger studies are necessary to verify these results. Together the findings from this study can be used to inform future AD studies.
Effects of Cyclopiazonic Acid: Guinea Pig Skeletal Muscle

Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is a mycotoxin originally isolated from Penicillium cyclopium Westling by Holzapfel in 1968. CPA has been characterized as a toxic indole tetramic acid, similar to the mycotoxins tenuazonic acid and erythroskyrine, and acts as a lipophilic monobasic acid. 25,26,27,28,61
Parameter Constraints of the Logit Form of the Reduced RUM

The Reduced Reparameterized Unified Model (Reduced RUM) has received considerable attention among educational researchers. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) or Expectation Maximization (EM) is typically used for estimating the Reduced RUM. Implementations of the EM algorithm are available in the latent class analysis (LCA) routines of commercial software packages (e.g., Latent GOLD, Mplus). Using a commercial LCA routine as a vehicle for fitting the Reduced RUM with the EM algorithm requires that it be reparameterized as a logit model, with complex constraints imposed on the parameters. This article summarizes the general parameterization of the Reduced RUM as a logit model and the associated parameter constraints.
Using Pathfinder networks to discover alignment between expert and consumer conceptual knowledge from online vaccine content.

Abstract This study demonstrates the use of distributed vector representations and Pathfinder Network Scaling (PFNETS) to represent online vaccine content created by health experts and by laypeople. By analyzing a target audience’s conceptualization of a topic, domain experts can develop targeted interventions to improve the basic health knowledge of consumers. The underlying assumption is that the content created by different groups reflects the mental organization of their knowledge. Applying automated text analysis to this content may elucidate differences between the knowledge structures of laypeople (heath consumers) and professionals (health experts). This paper utilizes vaccine information generated by laypeople and health experts to investigate the utility of this approach. We used an established technique from cognitive psychology, Pathfinder Network Scaling to infer the structure of the associational networks between concepts learned from online content using methods of distributional semantics. In doing so, we extend the original application of PFNETS to infer knowledge structures from individual participants, to infer the prevailing knowledge structures within communities of content authors. The resulting graphs reveal opportunities for public health and vaccination education experts to improve communication and intervention efforts directed towards health consumers. Our efforts demonstrate the feasibility of using an automated procedure to examine the manifestation of conceptual models within large bodies of free text, revealing evidence of conflicting understanding of vaccine concepts among health consumers as compared with health experts. Additionally, this study provides insight into the differences between consumer and expert abstraction of domain knowledge, revealing vaccine-related knowledge gaps that suggest opportunities to improve provider-patient communication.
Critical heat dissipation length scales in fully dense thermite foils

Abstract One strategy to suppress metal vapor production in fully dense thermite mixtures is to dilute with excess inert metal to lower the reaction temperature below the boiling point of the metal. However, if the diluent is inhomogenously distributed throughout the microstructure, localized hot regions can be present, resulting in local temperatures exceeding the boiling point of the metal. Fully dense Al:Cu2O:Cu foils are analyzed to determine the critical length scales necessary to suppress Cu vapor during reaction. The microstructures of these foils, more specifically length scales of reactive and inert material, are critically analyzed using image analysis. The results from image analysis are then compared with finite element heat transfer simulations used to determine critical length scales of thermite and diluent required to suppress metal vapor production during reaction of fully dense Al:Cu2O:Cu foils.
Endothelial TFEB (Transcription Factor EB) Positively Regulates Postischemic Angiogenesis.

Rationale: Postischemic angiogenesis is critical to limit the ischemic tissue damage and improve the blood flow recovery. The regulation and the underlying molecular mechanisms of postischemic angiogenesis are not fully unraveled. TFEB (transcription factor EB) is emerging as a master gene for autophagy and lysosome biogenesis. However, the role of TFEB in vascular disease is less understood. Objective: We aimed to determine the role of endothelial TFEB in postischemic angiogenesis and its underlying molecular mechanism. Methods and Results: In primary human endothelial cells (ECs), serum starvation induced TFEB nuclear translocation. VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) increased TFEB expression level and nuclear translocation. Utilizing genetically engineered EC-specific TFEB transgenic and KO (knockout) mice, we investigated the role of TFEB in postischemic angiogenesis in the mouse hindlimb ischemia model. We observed improved blood perfusion and increased capillary density in the EC-specific TFEB transgenic mice compared with the wild-type littermates. Furthermore, blood flow recovery was attenuated in EC-TFEB KO mice compared with control mice. In aortic ring cultures, the TFEB transgene significantly increased vessel sprouting, whereas TFEB deficiency impaired the vessel sprouting. In vitro, adenovirus-mediated TFEB overexpression promoted EC tube formation, migration, and survival, whereas siRNA-mediated TFEB knockdown had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, TFEB activated AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase)-α signaling and upregulated autophagy. Through inactivation of AMPKα or inhibition of autophagy, we demonstrated that the AMPKα and autophagy are necessary for TFEB to regulate angiogenesis in ECs. Finally, the positive effect of TFEB on AMPKα activation and EC tube formation was mediated by TFEB-dependent transcriptional upregulation of MCOLN1 (mucolipin-1). Conclusions: In summary, our data demonstrate that TFEB is a positive regulator of angiogenesis through activation of AMPKα and autophagy, suggesting that TFEB constitutes a novel molecular target for ischemic vascular disease.
Meanings and Functions of Money in Different Cultural Milieus

We explore the psychological meanings of money that parallel its economic functions. We explore money's ability to ascribe value, give autonomy, and provide security for the future, and we show how...
Measurement of large on-axis and off-axis mirrors using software configurable optical test system (SCOTS)

One of the major challenges of optical fabrication is measurement of the surface when first polished out, before its figure is within the capture range of interferometry. A high dynamic range instrument with good accuracy is needed to efficiently guide the processing. Our approach is to use the Software Configurable Optical Test System (SCOTS), a deflectometry technique that uses a camera and liquid crystal display to measure the surface slope. We describe the use of SCOTS in the fabrication of a 6.5 m on-axis mirror and an 8.4 m off-axis mirror segment (Giant Magellan Telescope primary). SCOTS has the dynamic range to measure high slope errors early in the mirror figuring process, with sufficient accuracy to corroborate later interferometric measurements. Accurately measuring low order figure errors with SCOTS requires careful calibration of the system geometry. Details of the data collection and processing, and comparison to interferometry measurements are presented.
A Truncated SQP Algorithm for Large Scale Nonlinear Programming Problems

We consider the inequality constrained nonlinear programming problem and an SQP algorithm for its solution. We are primarily concerned with two aspects of the general procedure, namely, the approximate solution of the quadratic program, and the need for an appropriate merit function. We first describe an (iterative) interior-point method for the quadratic programming subproblem that, no matter when it is terminated, yields a descent direction for a suggested new merit function. An algorithm based on ideas from trust-region and truncated Newton methods is suggested and some of our preliminary numerical results are discussed.
Coral in Alaska: distribution, abundance, and species associations

To help identify fishery management actions that minimize the adverse impacts of fishing activities on corals in Alaska, the distribution and abundance of corals were analyzed based on trawl survey data collected during 1975–1998. We also examined the species of commercially managed fish that are associated with coral. Soft corals, primarily Gersemia sp. (=Eunephthya sp.), were the most frequently encountered corals in the Bering Sea. In the Aleutian Islands gorgonian corals, primarily in the genera Callogorgia, Primnoa, Paragorgia, Thouarella, and Arthrogorgia were the most common corals. In the Gulf of Alaska, gorgonian corals, primarily in the genera Callogorgia and Primnoa, and cup corals, primarily `Scleractinia unidentified', occurred most frequently. The Aleutian Islands area appears to have the highest abundance and diversity of corals. Some fish groups are associated with particular types of coral. Rockfish (Sebastes spp. and Sebastolobus alascanus) and Atka mackerel (Pleurogrammus monopterygius) were the most common fish captured with gorgonian, cup, and hydrocorals, whereas flatfish and gadids were the most common fish captured with soft corals.
Determinants and Outcomes of Satisfaction With Healthcare Provider Communication Among Cancer Survivors

Background: Despite the surge of interest in improving provider communication, empirical research is sparse on the determinants and outcomes of cancer survivors' satisfaction with healthcare provider communication. Methods: Longitudinal Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data spanning 2008 through 2014 was used to identify 4,588 respondents who were ever diagnosed with cancer. A composite score was generated by combining 5 measures of satisfaction. We used multivariate logistic regressions and 2-part models to examine the associations between satisfaction ratings and outcomes, including general, mental, and physical health; office visits; and total healthcare, drug, and out-of-pocket expenditures. Results: The study sample comprised 2,257 nonelderly (age 18-64 years) and 2,331 elderly (age ≥65 years) respondents. Among both age groups, higher satisfaction was associated with fewer comorbidities, fewer year 1 office visits, and absence of year 1 emergency department visits. Membership of higher satisfaction tertile in year 1 was associated with better year 2 mental health (tertile 1 [T1]: predictive margin [PM], 27.1%; tertile 2 [T2]: PM, 35.5%; P=.013; tertile 3 [T3]: PM, 37.0%; P=.005) and general health (T1 [ref]: PM, 30.3%; T3: PM, 38.9%; P=.007) among the elderly. Greater satisfaction was associated with fewer year 2 office visits (T1 [ref]: PM, 7.42 visits; T3: PM, 6.26 visits; P=.038) among the nonelderly; and lower year 2 healthcare expenditures (T1 [ref]: PM, $34,071; T3: PM, $26,995; P=.049) among the elderly. Conclusions: We identified potential differences in cancer survivors' needs and expectations of provider communication based on comorbidities and baseline service use. These results emphasize the need for individualized communication strategies for patients with cancer and survivors shaped by their distinct requirements. Our findings of better health, lower service use, and lower expenditures among more satisfied cancer survivors suggest that interventions to improve provider communication could lead to a more efficient use of healthcare resources.
Comparative Immune Responses to Licensed Herpes Zoster Vaccines

Background Live attenuated (ZV) and recombinant adjuvanted (HZ/su) zoster vaccines differ with respect to efficacy, effect of age, and persistence of protection. We compared cell-mediated immunity (CMI responses to ZV and HZ/su. Methods This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial stratified by age (50-59 and 70-85 years) and by HZ vaccination status (received ZV ≥5 years before entry or not). Varicella zoster virus (VZV)- and glycoprotein E (gE)-specific CMI were analyzed by interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) FluoroSpot and flow cytometry at study days 0, 30, 90, and 365. Results Responses to ZV peaked on day 30 and to HZ/su (administered in 2 doses separated by 60 days) peaked on day 90. Age and vaccination status did not affect peak responses, but higher baseline CMI correlated with higher peak responses. HZ/su generated significantly higher VZV-specific IL-2+ and gE-specific IL-2+, IFN-γ+, and IL-2+/IFN-γ+ peak and 1-year baseline-adjusted responses compared with ZV. VZV-specific IFN-γ+ and IL-2+/IFN-γ+ did not differ between vaccines. HZ/su generated higher memory and effector-memory CD4+ peak responses and ZV generated higher effector CD4+ responses . Conclusions The higher IL-2 and other memory responses generated by HZ/su compared with ZV may contribute to its superior efficacy. Clinical trials registration NCT02114333.
Three Isomers in Equilibrium: Phosphine Exchange of Coordinated and Pendant Phosphines in a Unique Complex, (OC)5WL (L = 1,2-Bis(diphenylphosphino)-1-di-p-tolylphosphinoethane), and Implications for Understanding the k2 Term in the Rate Law for Phosphine Substitution in Group 6 Metal Carbonyl Complexes

The linkage isomers [(OC)5W{κ1-PPh2CH2CH(PPh2)[P(p-tol)2]}] 3a, [(OC)5W{κ1-P(p-tol)2CH(PPh2)CH2PPh2}] 3b, and [(OC)5W{κ1-PPh2CH[P(p-tol)2]CH2PPh2}] 3c isomerize at ambient temperatures to give a mixture of the three isomers in equilibrium. Rates of isomerization and equilibrium constants have been measured at temperatures from 10 to 55 °C, and from these, enthalpies and entropies have been determined. The isomerization reactions are initiated by a nucleophilic attack of a pendant phosphine on a bound carbonyl group followed by dissociation of a coordinated phosphine. These studies lead us to suggest that the k2 term in the rate law for CO replacement by phosphines is based on a similar mechanism and offers a plausible clarification of the currently accepted understanding. The crystal structure of 3b, the most stable of the three isomers, has been determined.
The effect of brief mindfulness training on momentary impulsivity

Abstract Delay discounting describes the tendency to select smaller-sooner rewards over larger-later rewards, which has been proposed as a behavior analytic model of impulsivity. Framed in this way, impulsivity is problematic because it results in the sub-optimization of rewards and is related to several addictive behaviors. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a brief, 5-min mindfulness exercise on participants’ momentary state impulsivity using a monetary delay discounting questionnaire. Twenty-three participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental (n = 11) or control group (n = 12). Both groups completed delay discounting surveys before and after their respective interventions, where the experimental group watched a brief mindful breathing video and the control group watched a contemporary music video of approximately the same duration. Decreases in impulsive responding were seen in the experimental group and no significant changes were observed in the randomized control group. These results have implications for applying brief mindfulness-based strategies that can reduce the probability of impulsive choice behavior.
Metal-insulator-metal photodetection and photon-assisted quantum tunneling

We use the current-voltage characteristics to calculate the photo-responsivity and efficiency of the metal-insulator-metal photodiode with one insulator sandwiched between two different metals. The rectified operation of the device is based quantum mechanical tunneling theory.
Teacher leadership for social change in Bilingual and bicultural education

The number of emerging bilinguals has increased in the US, but teachers and teacher educators in bilingual/bicultural contexts still lack resources to meet the needs and communities to collaborate....
Influence of immobilized cations on the thermodynamic signature of hydrophobic interactions at chemically heterogeneous surfaces

Hydrophobic interactions play a central role in bioinspired strategies for molecular self-assembly in water, yet how these interactions are encoded by chemically heterogeneous interfaces is poorly understood. We report an experimental investigation of the influence of immobilized polar groups (amine) and cations (ammonium and guanidinium) on enthalpic and entropic contributions to hydrophobic interactions mediated by methyl-terminated surfaces at temperatures ranging from 298 K to 328 K and pH values between 3.5 to 10.5. We use our measurements to calculate the change in free energy (and enthalpic and entropic components) that accompanies transfer of each surface from aqueous TEA containing 60 vol% methanol into aqueous TEA (i.e., transfer free energy that characterizes hydrophobicity). We find the thermodynamic signature of the pure methyl surface (positive transfer enthalpy and entropy) to be altered qualitatively by incorporation of amine or guanidinium groups into the surface (negative transfer enthalpy and near zero transfer entropy). In contrast, ammonium groups immobilized on a methyl surface do not change the thermodynamic signature of the hydrophobic interaction. Compensation of entropy and enthalpy is clearly evident in our results, but the overall trends in the transfer free energies are dominated by enthalpic effects. This observation and others lead us to hypothesize that the dominant effect of the immobilized charged or polar groups in our experiments is to influence the number or strength of hydrogen bonds formed by interfacial water molecules adjacent to the nonpolar domains. Overall, these results provide insight into entropy–enthalpy compensation at chemically heterogeneous surfaces, and generate hypotheses and a rich experimental dataset for further exploration via simulation.
Atypical meiosis can be adaptive in outcrossed S. pombe due to wtf meiotic drivers

Killer meiotic drivers are genetic parasites that destroy 9sibling9 gametes lacking the driver allele. The fitness costs of drive can lead to selection of unlinked suppressors. This suppression could involve evolutionary tradeoffs that compromise gametogenesis and contribute to infertility. Schizosaccharomyces pombe, an organism containing numerous gamete-killing wtf drivers, offers a tractable system to test this hypothesis. Here, we demonstrate that in scenarios analogous to outcrossing, wtf drivers generate a fitness landscape in which atypical gametes, such as aneuploids and diploids, are advantageous. In this context, wtf drivers can decrease the fitness cost of mutations that disrupt meiotic fidelity and, in some circumstances, can even make such mutations beneficial. Moreover, we find that S. pombe isolates vary greatly in their ability to make haploid gametes, with some isolates generating more than 25% aneuploid or diploid gametes. This work empirically demonstrates the potential for meiotic drivers to shape the evolution of gametogenesis.
Online Computation Performance Analysis for Distributed Machine Learning Pipelines in Fog Manufacturing

Smart manufacturing enables real-time data streaming from interconnected manufacturing processes to improve manufacturing quality, throughput, flexibility, and cost reduction via computation services. In these computation services, machine learning pipelines integrate various types of computation method options to match the contextualized, on-demand computation needs for the maximum prediction accuracy or the best model structure interpretation. On the other hand, there is a pressing need to integrate Fog computing in manufacturing, which will reduce communication time latency and dependency on connections, improve responsiveness and reliability of the computation services, and maintain data privacy. However, there is a knowledge gap in using machine learning pipelines in Fog manufacturing. Existing offloading strategies are not effective, due to the lack of accurate prediction model for the performance of computation services before the execution of those heterogeneous computation tasks. In this paper, machine learning pipelines are implemented in Fog manufacturing. The computation performance of each sub-step of pipelines is predicted and analyzed via linear regression models and random forest regression models. A Fog manufacturing testbed is adopted to validate the performance of the employed models. The results show that the models can adequately predict the performance of computation services, which can be further integrated into Fog manufacturing to better support offloading strategies for machine learning pipelines.
Faith or Doctrine? Islam and Support for Political Violence in Pakistan

Discussions of how to deal with terrorism around the world have repeatedly touched on whether Islam contributes to a uniquely virulent strain of non-state violence targeted at civilians. These popular debates almost always conceive of “Islam” in general terms, not clearly defining what is meant by Islamic religious faith. We address this debate by designing and conducting a large-scale public opinion survey in Pakistan. We measure multiple elements of religiosity, allowing us to separately consider the relationship between militancy support and (1) personal piety, (2) support for political Islam, and (3) jihadism, which we define as a particular textual interpretation common to Islamist groups espousing violent political action. Further, we measure support for specific militant organizations using a novel form of an “endorsement experiment” to address the challenges of asking about these sensitive issues in a violent context. We find that neither personal religious piety nor support for political Islam is correlated with support for militant organizations. However, Pakistanis who believe jihad is both an external militarized struggle and that it can be waged by individuals are more supportive of militant groups than those who believe it is an internal struggle for righteousness.
Student Attitudes Toward Syntax Exercises in CS1

Syntax is a barrier to success for many students in Introductory Computer Programming (CS1). A supplemental approach to standard CS1 curricula that has gained attention recently is a "syntax-scaffolded" or "syntax-first" approach where students practice necessary syntax before a lesson on problem solving or program design. In this study, we analyze student perceptions of a syntax-first teaching method. For the first five weeks of a university semester, we assigned students syntax exercises to complete before coming to class. At the end of the semester they were given a prompt asking them to write their thoughts about the exercises. A qualitative approach was used to investigate student responses and understand perceived value of the exercises. Our results show a strong positive reaction to a syntax-first approach as well as an awareness among students of the exercises' effect on their own learning.
Integrating Ethics into Introductory Programming Classes

Increasing attention to the role of ethical consideration in computing has led to calls for greater integration of this critical topic into technical classes rather than siloed in standalone computing ethics classes. The motivation for such integration is not only to support in-situ learning, but also to emphasize to students that ethical consideration is inherently part of the technical practice of computing. We propose that the logical place to begin emphasizing ethics is on day one of computing education: in introductory programming classes. This paper presents one approach to ethics integration into such classes: assignments that teach basic programming concepts (e.g., conditionals or iteration) but are contextualized with real-world ethical dilemmas or concepts. We report on experiences with this approach in multiple introductory programming courses, including details about select assignments, insights from instructors and teaching assistants, and results from surveys of a subset of students who took these courses. Based on these experiences we provide preliminary plans for future work, along with a roadmap for instructors to emulate our approach and suggestions for overcoming challenges they might face.
Preparation and Electrochromic Performance of TiO_2 Thin Film

TiO2 films were prepared by sol-gel methods on ITO conductive glass substrate surface.Structural and thermogravimetric properties were investigated by XRD and TG-DTA,electrochromic properties were investigated by electrochemical workstation and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy.The results indicate that the TiO2 films have better electrochromic properties when the film are amorphous with heat treatment temperature at 250℃ and applied voltage of±2V with respect to the reference electrode.And injected charge density is 5.13mC·cm-2,cyclic reversibility K value is 0.49,transmittance is below 60% and the difference of transmittance between colored state and bleached state is 20%.
Policies Affecting Food Supply Chains

Food and agricultural policies shape what types of food are produced and their movement through the food supply chain at the global, regional, and local levels. Well-functioning, ideal food supply chains provide sufficient safe, nutritious food for everyone around the world. This chapter discusses the many different types of food supply policies relevant to diets and nutrition, as well as the role that different actors play in shaping these policies. Policies that affect food production and trade; processing and packaging; and markets, distribution, and public procurement represent opportunities to improve supply chains and leverage them for nutrition and health goals.
Implement A Framework for an Effective Asynchronous E-Learning Environment

E-learning system is one of the most important systems used in development of education especially in higher education. The proposed e-learning system involves a systematic process of ADDIE frameworks that are comprised of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation to buildup a desired network that creates and offers e-learning system. The ADDIE framework processes and rapid prototype approaches have been integrated for establishing a derivative framework to enhance the e-learning system. In this study, a framework for e-learning and web teaching system has been designed and implemented to deliver courses, lessons, examples, exercises, exercise solutions, self evaluation test, sending and receiving report via web technology and database systems. The proposed e-learning system can be used over Internet or intranet and it represents a new technology of education to facilitate and improve learning process especially for universities. The designed system represents structure for e-learning system interfaces. The interfaces are administrator, instructor and student. They are implemented on a Web server and clients. E-learning Database has been designed to store all of data in an appropriate relational and independent table that related to the e-learning interfaces.
Once a Teacher, Always a Learner: A Study in Professional Development of ESL Teachers

An English language teacher is a continuing English language learner. One needs to constantly update oneself with the changing times and learning styles of learners. The traditional notion that “once a teacher always a teacher” is no longer sustainable in the fast changing contemporary world and it needs to be re-conceptualized as “once a teacher, always a learner.” The rationale is that the nature of English language changes; theories of teaching and learning second language change; learning materials change; teaching methodologies change; learning styles change; learners’ needs change; testing techniques change; and above all, the concept of ESL teacher has changed diachronically. This paper proposes to examine what constitutes the professional development of a teacher of English as a second language in the Indian context.
Polymer Blend Electrolytes for Batteries and Beyond

Polymer blend electrolytes are reemerging as an exciting class of industrially relevant electrolytes. They replace both the solvent and the salt of conventional electrolytes with polymers: termed p...
2 – STOCHASTIC VARIABLES AND PROCESSES

This chapter reviews elements of random variables and fundamentals of stochastic processes. A random variable (stochastic variable) is defined by a set (Ω) of possible values and a probability distribution (P) over this set. The chapter focuses on the real random variables for which Ω is a subset of the real numbers and with collections of real random variables indexed by vector-valued random variables or by time and/or space. There are two types of real random variables: (1) continuous random variables—whose set of possible values is an interval on the real line and (2) discrete random variables—whose sample space consists of a finite or countable infinite subset of real numbers. The chapter also introduces several mathematical tools, such as Dirac delta function, Fourier transform, and Laplace transform that are frequently used f to study flow in porous media.
The Perl Debugger

The Perl debugger, a part of the core Perl distribution, is a useful tool to master, allowing close interactive examination of executing Perl code
Connexins and pannexins in the immune system and lymphatic organs

Connexin43 and pannexin1 are found in immune cells. While gap junctional communication has been demonstrated between immune cells, hemichannels have been implicated in many cellular functions. Among the functions involved as being connexin dependent and pannexin dependent are cell migration, phagocytosis, antigen presentation, T-cell reactivity and B-cell responses. Surprisingly, many of these connexin-related and pannexin-related functions are not recapitulated in in vivo models. This is leading to a reevaluation of the role of these proteins in immune function.
Overview no. 49: On the mechanisms for the electroplastic effect in metals

Abstract The effects of high density d.c. current pulses (10 3 A/mm 2 for 60 μs) on the flow stress of a number of polycrystalline metals (Al, Cu, Ni, Fe, Nb, W and Ti) tested in uniaxial tension at 300 K were investigated with the objective of determining the mechanisms responsible for the concurrent load drops. Both reversible and irreversible (plastic) strains contributed to the load drops. The major component of the reversible strain was the thermal expansion due to Joule heating; skin, pinch, and magnetostrictive effects were of less importance. An analysis of the plastic strain contribution to the load drops suggested that it resulted from the enhancement of dislocation mobility due to the action of drift electrons. Employing the thermally activated plastic flow concept, the electron wind “push” coefficient B ew could be determined for Al and Cu and was found to be of the order of 10 4 dyn-s/cm 2 , in accord with Roschupkin et al .'s theory. This value is in accord with the dislocation damping constant B determined by other techniques at ~300 K; it is however about an order of magnitude larger than is normally expected for the electron drag coefficient B e . In addition to the force exerted on dislocations by an electron wind, the analysis indicated that drift electrons also have a significant effect on one or more of the other parameters of the thermally-activated rate equation. Because of test machine inertia effects, oscillations in the load occurred as it dropped in response to a current pulse. A clear resolution of the influence of the oscillations on the results could not however be made, because of the small plastic strains involved ( Δϵ p ≈ 10 −4 ) and the limited accuracy of the thermal activation parameters employed in the analysis.
Critical ethnography/poststructuralist concerns: Foucault and the play of memory

Critical ethnography regards research as action taken in the interests of those who are rendered marginal by the dominant culture and often relies upon narrative knowledge as a way to speak to issues of power and equity. Following Foucault and the suspicion he brings to any knowledge, narrative or otherwise, being a means of extending not mitigating existing relations of power, how can/might critical ethnography respond to or thwart this concern? Drawing and reflecting upon two memoirs discovered by Foucault as exemplars of a kind of "weak knowledge" and in a more general sense, examining the transformative and disruptive role memory can play, illuminates one way of approaching such work.
New hash functions for message authentication

We show that Toeplitz matrices generated by sequences drawn from small biased distributions provide hashing schemes applicable to secure message authentication. This work extends our previous results from Crypto'94 [4] where an authentication scheme based on Toeplitz matrices generated by linear feedback shift registers was presented. Our new results have as special case the LFSR-based construction but extend to a much wider and general family of sequences, including several simple and efficient constructions with close to optimal security. Examples of the new constructions include Toeplitz matrices generated by the Legendre symbols of consecutive integers modulo a prime (of size significantly shorter than required by public-key modular arithmetic) as well as other algebraic constructions. The interest of these schemes extends beyond the proposed cryptographic applications to other uses of universal hashing (including other cryptographic applications).
Executing Conceptual Graphs

This paper addresses the issue of directly executing conceptual graphs by developing an execution model that simulates interactions among behavioral concepts and with attributes related to object concepts. While several researchers have proposed various mechanisms for computing or simulating conceptual graphs, but these usually rely on extensions to conceptual graphs. The simulation algorithm described in this paper is inspired by digital logic simulators and reactive systems simulators. Behavior in conceptual graphs is described by action, event and state concept types along with all their subtypes. Activity in such concepts propagates over conceptual relations to invoke activity or changes in other behavioral concepts or to affect the attributes related to object type concepts. The challenging issues of orderly simulation of behavior recursively described by another graphs, and of combinational relations are also addressed.
Long-Term Natural History of Adult Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome Patients Treated With and Without Catheter Ablation.

Background— There are a paucity of data about the long-term natural history of adult Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome (WPW) patients in regard to risk of mortality and atrial fibrillation. We sought to describe the long-term outcomes of WPW patients and ascertain the impact of ablation on the natural history. Methods and Results— Three groups of patients were studied: 2 WPW populations (ablation: 872, no ablation: 1461) and a 1:5 control population (n=11 175). Long-term mortality and atrial fibrillation rates were determined. The average follow-up for the WPW group was 7.9±5.9 (median: 6.9) years and was similar between the ablation and nonablation groups. Death rates were similar between the WPW group versus the control group (hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–1.11; P =0.56). Nonablated WPW patients had a higher long-term death risk compared with ablated WPW patients (hazard ratio, 2.10; 95% confidence interval: 1.50–20.93; P <0.0001). Incident atrial fibrillation risk was higher in the WPW group compared with the control population (hazard ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.29–1.87; P <0.0001). Nonablated WPW patients had lower risk than ablated patients (hazard ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.28–0.53; P <0.0001). Conclusions— Long-term mortality rates in WPW patients are low and similar to an age-matched and gender-matched control population. WPW patients that underwent the multifactorial process of ablation had a lower mortality compared to nonablated WPW patients. Atrial fibrillation rates are high long-term, and ablation does not reduce this risk.
STABILIZATION OF PROTOPLASTS AND SPHEROPLASTS BY SPERMINE AND OTHER POLYAMINES

Tabor, Celia W. (National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases, Bethesda, Md.). Stabilization of protoplasts and spheroplasts by spermine and other polyamines. J. Bacteriol. 83:1101–1111. 1962.—Spermine (10−3m) or spermidine prevents lysis of lysozyme-produced protoplasts of Escherichia coli W, E. coli B, and Micrococcus lysodeikticus in hypotonic media. Spheroplasts prepared by the action of penicillin are also stabilized by these concentrations of spermine and spermidine, but the protection is not as complete. Streptomycin, polylysine, and Ca++ are also effective or partially effective stabilizers, but 1,4-diaminobutane, 1,5-diaminopentane, ornithine, Mg++, and monovalent cations have no protective action at 10−3m concentration, and only a slight effect at higher concentrations. The osmotic stability conferred on protoplasts by spermine is irreversible. However, the protective effect of polyamines against lysis is not accompanied by restoration of viability to lysozyme protoplasts. There is a marked reduction in the loss of ultra-violet-absorbing material from the protoplasts to the medium when 10−3m spermine is present.
Central Issues of American Administrative Law

During the last decade the principal issues of American administrative law have been presented within a framework largely dominated by the recruitment and administration of a military establishment far beyond our normal peacetime complement, by the application of emergency economic controls to that part of our civilian economy normally left to the freedom of the market place, and by the development of security techniques designed to guard against real or fancied dangers of espionage, sabotage and divided loyalties. In such an atmosphere, it is not surprising that many of the burning issues of the thirties which aroused leaders of the American Bar Association to storm the citadels of bureaucratic power have seemed to pale into relative insignificance beside the sweep of discretionary authority exercised in the name of national emergency. A society which had scarcely freed itself from the controls born of the Second World War before the threatening clouds brought a re-emergence of the familiar pattern of selective service, priorities and allocation, price regulations and wage orders, could derive small comfort from the niceties of the Administrative Procedure Act as bulwarks for the defense of ancient liberties. Nevertheless, emergency controls account for only a part of the machinery of government, and it is still our hopeful assumption that they are temporary phenomena.
Plate-tectonics model for Proterozoic continental accretion in the southwestern United States

Proterozoic crustal provinces in the southwestern United States decrease in age south from the Archean Wyoming province. Supracrustal rocks define three major age provinces from north to south: 1.72 to 1.80, 1.65 to 1.72, and 1.1 to 1.2 b.y. Successions within each province are similar and define two assemblages: a bimodal volcanic assemblage commonly overlain by a quartzite-shale assemblage. Precambrian granitic plutons intrude all three provinces. Geochemical and Sr-isotope data indicate a variably depleted upper mantle source for basalts and a short-lived ( These observations can be explained by a plate-tectonics model involving successive marginal basin closures and Andean-type orogenies associated with southward-migrating arcs. The net result is to accrete ≥ 1,300 km of continental crust to the southwestern margin of North America between 1.8 and 1.1 b.y. ago.
Phenotypic diversity is the cornerstone of evolution: variation in cortical field size within short-tailed opossums.

Natural selection operates on phenotypic variation that exists within a population. Variable aspects of cortical organization, such as the size and connections of a cortical field, can generate differences in behavior, which is a target of natural selection. Yet studies pertaining to within-species variability in cortical organization are limited. In the present investigation, we examined variation in brain size, cortical sheet size, and primary sensory cortical field sizes in the adult short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica). Within individuals, we found no significant difference between the right and left hemispheres in the overall size of the dorsolateral cortex or in primary cortical field sizes. Between individuals, we found relatively little intraspecies variation in brain weight, brain volume, and cortical sheet area for the dorsolateral neocortex and pyriform cortex; however, we observed a large degree of variability in body weight and primary sensory cortical field size, as defined by myeloarchitecture. Further, we found that the size of each cortical field correlated with the size of the other cortical fields as well as with the total size of the dorsolateral cortex. Here we discuss the possible sources of variation and examine the relationship between cortical field size and sensory processing abilities and behaviors across species. Since behavior is the target of natural selection, variation in cortical field size across individuals may supply the raw material necessary for cortical field evolution. J. Comp. Neurol. 499:990 –999, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Indexing terms: Monodelphis domestica; allometry; myeloarchitecture; neocortex
A Sociohistorical Analysis of Gay Men's Procreative Consciousness

SUMMARY This qualitative study argues that an understanding of gay men's thoughts about fatherhood must be situated within a socially constructed historical context that is rapidly changing how gay men think about the possibility of creating families. Analysis draws on 39 interviews with gay men about their reproductive decision-making. Two samples of gay men were recruited-19 childless gay men ranging in age from 19–53 years, and 20 gay fathers who became a parent through non-heterosexual means, aged 33–55 years. Findings reveal how gay men's procreative consciousness and fathering desires are intimately tied to the social and historical context by which they came of age. Private thoughts about fatherhood and reproductive decision-making are better understood within a sociohistorical framework that can grasp how institutional relations shape how gay men navigate the reproductive arena.
An empirical study of issues and barriers to mainstream video game accessibility

A gap between the academic human-computer interaction community and the game development industry has led to games not being as thoroughly influenced by accessibility standards as most other facets of information and communication technology. As a result, individuals with disabilities are unable to fully, if at all, engage with many commercial games. This paper presents the findings of a pair of complementary empirical studies intended to understand the current state of game accessibility in a grounded, real-world context and identify issues and barriers. The first study involved an online survey of 55 gamers with disabilities to elicit information about their play habits, experiences, and accessibility issues. The second study consisted of a series of semi-structured interviews with individuals from the game industry to better understand accessibility's situation in their design and development processes. Through quantitative and qualitative thematic analysis, we derive high-level insights from the data, such as the prevalence of assistive technology incompatibility and the value of middleware for implementing accessibility standardization. Finally, we discuss specific implications and how these insights can be used to define future work which may help to narrow the gap.
Partial Purification and Characterization of an Aminopeptidase from Lactobacillus helveticus CNRZ 32

Summary An intracellular aminopeptidase (α-aminoacylpeptide hydrolase, E.C. 3. 4.11) which catalyzed hydrolysis of L-lysine-p-nitroanilide was partially purified from the cell-free extract of Lactobacillus helveticus CNRZ 32. The enzyme was purified about 55-fold by streptomycin sulfate precipitation, followed by several Chromatographic procedures. The partially purified enzyme had a molecular weight of 97,000 which was estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Optima for activity by the enzyme were pH 6.5 and 45°C. During incubation at 45°C for 15 min, the enzyme was activated by Co 2+ , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , and was inhibited by Cu 2+ , Mn 2+ , Zn 2+ , ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 1, 10-phenanthroline and HgCl 2 . Aminopeptidase activity was strongly inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoate, N-ethylmaleimide, iodoacetic acid and iodoacetamide but was not affected by dithiothreitol, diisopropyl fluorophosphate and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. Enzyme activity inhibted by 1.0 mM EDTA was partially restored by addition of Co 2+ , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Mn 2+ and Zn 2+ . Sodium chloride at concentrations above 50 mM (about 0.3%, w/v) and pH 5.0 markedly inhibited enzyme activity. The enzyme had broad substrate specificity and catalyzed release of unsubstituted, N-terminal amino acids from dipeptides and p-nitroanilide derivatives of amino acids, but was not active on peptides having proline as the N-terminal or C-terminal amino acid. The enzyme also lacked endopeptidase, carboxypeptidase and proteolytic activity toward casein.