cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The justice and equity implications of the clean energy transition

The transition to lower-carbon sources of energy will inevitably produce and, in many cases, perpetuate pre-existing sets of winners and losers. The winners are those that will benefit from cleaner sources of energy, reduced emissions from the removal of fossil fuels, and the employment and innovation opportunities that accompany this transition. The losers are those that will bear the burdens, or lack access to the opportunities. Here we review the current state of understanding—based on a rapidly growing body of academic and policy literature—about the potential adverse consequences of the energy transition for specific communities and socio-economic groups on the frontlines of the transition. We review evidence about just transition policies and programmes, primarily from cases in the Global North, and draw conclusions about what insights are still needed to understand the justice and equity dimensions of the transition, and to ensure that no one is left behind. The costs and benefits of clean energy transitions will not be equally distributed. This Review of the literature on potential adverse impacts for specific communities highlights opportunities for future research to contribute to the design of policies and programmes that address these disparities.
An epigenome-wide association study of ambient pyrethroid pesticide exposures in California's central valley

Abstract Background Pyrethroid pesticide use is increasing worldwide, although the full extent of associated health effects is unknown. An epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) with exploratory pathway analysis may help identify potential pyrethroid-related health effects. Methods We performed an exploratory EWAS of chronic ambient pyrethroid exposure using control participants' blood in the Parkinson's Environment and Genes Study in the Central Valley of California (N = 237). We estimated associations of living and working near agricultural pyrethroid pesticide applications in the past 5 years (binary) with site-specific differential methylation, and used a false discovery rate (FDR) cut off of 0.05 for significance. We controlled for age, sex, education, cell count, and an ancestral marker for Hispanic ethnicity. We normalized methylation values for Type I/II probe bias using Beta-Mixture Quantile (BMIQ) normalization, filtered out cross-reactive probes, and evaluated for remaining bias with Surrogate Variable Analysis (SVA). We also evaluated the effects of controlling for cell count and normalizing for Type I/II probe bias by comparing changes in effect estimates and p-values for the top hits across BMIQ and GenomeStudio normalization methods, and controlling for cell count. To facilitate broader interpretation, we annotated genes to the CpG sites and performed gene set overrepresentation analysis, using genes annotated to CpG sites that were associated with pyrethroids at a raw p Results After controlling for cell count and applying BMIQ normalization, 4 CpG sites were differentially methylated in relation to pyrethroid exposures. When using GenomeStudio's Illumina normalization, 415 CpG sites were differentially methylated, including all four identified with the BMIQ method. In the gene set overrepresentation analyses, we identified 6 GO terms using BMIQ normalization, and 76 using Illumina normalization, including the 6 identified by BMIQ. For disease sets, we identified signals for Alzheimer's disease, leukemia and several other cancers, diabetes, birth defects, and other diseases, for both normalization methods. We identified minimal changes in effect estimates after controlling for cell count, and controlling for cell count generally weakened p-values. BMIQ normalization, however, resulted in different beta coefficients and weakened p-values. Conclusions Chronic ambient pyrethroid exposure is associated with differential methylation at CpG sites that annotate to a wide variety of disease states and biological mechanisms that align with prior research. However, this EWAS also implicates several novel diseases for future investigation, and highlights the relative importance of different background normalization methods in identifying associations.
A Note on the Existence of the Competitive Equilibrium in Grossman and Shapiro (1984)

In their seminal paper, Grossman and Shapiro (1984) assume that it is not profitable for a firm to deviate to the supercompetitive price of Salop (1979). In this paper, it is shown that this assumption is violated if, roughly, each firm reaches less than half of all consumers unless it is a duopoly. This implies that most of the simulations in Grossman and Shapiro (1984) are not actually equilibria. More importantly, this implies that for their equilibrium to exist nearly all consumers must receive at least one ad. For example, with more than four firms in the market, at least 96% of the consumers must receive at least one ad, and the percentage increases with the number of firms.
Aragog: Scalable Runtime Verification of Shardable Networked Systems.

Network functions like firewalls, proxies, and NATs are instances of distributed systems that lie on the critical path for a substantial fraction of today’s cloud applications. Unfortunately, validating these systems remains difficult due to their complex stateful, timed, and distributed behaviors. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of Aragog, a runtime verification system for distributed network functions that achieves high expressiveness, fidelity, and scalability. Given a property of interest, Aragogefficiently checks running systems for violations of the property with a scale-out architecture consisting of a collection of global verifiers and local monitors. To improve performance and reduce communication overhead, Aragog includes an array of optimizations that leverage properties of networked systems to suppress provably unnecessary system events and to shard verification over every available local and global component. We evaluate Aragog over several network functions including a NAT Gateway that powers Azure, identifying both design and implementation bugs in the process.
The effects of metabolic substrates glucose, pyruvate, and lactate added to a skim milk-based semen extender for cooled storage of stallion sperm.

Abstract Under in vitro conditions, stallion sperm might preferentially use energy substrates that primarily undergo mitochondrial metabolism. The present study sought to determine the effects of glucose, pyruvate, lactate, or their combinations on the quality of stallion sperm subjected to cooled storage at different temperatures, when using a skim milk-based semen extender. In Experiment 1, no substrate (Control), glucose (40 mM; Glu-40), pyruvate (2 mM, 19.8 mM; Pyr-2, Pyr-19), lactate (2 mM, 19.8 mM; Lac-2, Lac-19, respectively), or their combinations (G/P/L-2 or G/P/L-19, respectively) were added to a milk-based extender and their effects were determined on motion characteristics, viability/acrosomal intactness (VAI), lipid peroxidation status (VLPP), and DNA integrity (COMPα-t) of sperm incubated for 1 h at 37 °C, or sperm stored for 24 h at either 10 or 20 °C. At any period and temperature tested, Glu-40, G/P/L-2, and G/P-L-19 resulted in similar motion characteristics (P > 0.05) but were higher than that of other treatment groups (P
Global distribution and richness of Armillaria species inferred from public databases and amplicon sequencing datasets

Armillaria is a globally distributed fungal genus most notably recognized as economically important plant pathogens that are found predominantly in forest and agronomic systems. The genus sensu lato has more recently received attention for its role in woody plant decomposition and in mycorrhizal symbiosis with specific plants. Previous phylogenetic analyses suggest that around 50 species are recognized globally. Despite this previous work, no studies have analyzed the global species richness and distribution of the genus using data derived from fungal community sequencing datasets or barcoding initiatives. To assess the global diversity and species richness of Armillaria, we mined publicly available sequencing datasets derived from numerous primer regions for the ribosomal operon, as well ITS sequences deposited on Genbank, and clustered them akin to metabarcoding studies. Our estimates reveal that species richness ranges from 50 to 60 species, depending on whether the ITS1 or ITS2 marker is used. Eastern Asia represents the biogeographic region with the highest species richness. We also assess the overlap of species across geographic regions and propose some hypotheses regarding the drivers of variability in species diversity and richness between different biogeographic regions.
Fundamental Frequencies of Axially Moving Beams

There are several instances of engineering importance in which axial motion influences the linearized transverse vibration of a beam. Unexpected resonances can occur if the effect the axial motion has on the frequencies of the structure is not taken into account. Herein the method of assumed modes is used to estimate the fundamental frequencies of axially moving beams performing small transverse oscillations. The present procedure should also be applicable to the pipe and towed cable problems that are governed by similar differential equations.
Mandating Sustainability: When Federal Legislation May Preempt the Best Green Building Code Intentions

As sustainable practices continue to sweep across the country, the federal, state, and local governments chose to further encourage the construction industry through various legislative and regulatory actions. In these initiatives, the policymakers need to decide on whether to incentivize participants or compel compliance as well as whether to set their own standards legislatively or to adopt programs developed by third party organizations. In making these decisions and adopting legislation, the state and local policymakers may inadvertently spark another round in the lengthy struggle for power with the federal government under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. With this situation at hand, this chapter considers the approaches taken by federal and state governments, the solutions presented by third party organizations, and the responses by the courts to such legislative initiatives relating to environmentally friendly policies that promote sustainability mandates in construction.
A semiquantitative metric for evaluating clinical actionability of incidental or secondary findings from genome-scale sequencing

As genome-scale sequencing is increasingly applied in clinical scenarios, a wide variety of genomic findings will be discovered as secondary or incidental findings, and there is debate about how they should be handled. The clinical actionability of such findings varies, necessitating standardized frameworks for a priori decision making about their analysis. We established a semiquantitative metric to assess five elements of actionability: severity and likelihood of the disease outcome, efficacy and burden of intervention, and knowledge base, with a total score from 0 to 15. The semiquantitative metric was applied to a list of putative actionable conditions, the list of genes recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) for return when deleterious variants are discovered as secondary/incidental findings, and a random sample of 1,000 genes. Scores from the list of putative actionable conditions (median = 12) and the ACMG list (median = 11) were both statistically different than the randomly selected genes (median = 7) (P < 0.0001, two-tailed Mann-Whitney test). Gene–disease pairs having a score of 11 or higher represent the top quintile of actionability. The semiquantitative metric effectively assesses clinical actionability, promotes transparency, and may facilitate assessments of clinical actionability by various groups and in diverse contexts. Genet Med 18 5, 467–475.
Who Is Studying in Groups and Why?: Peer Collaboration Outside the Classroom.

y concern about peer learning grew through my dual role as doctoral student and academic support counselor at the University of Pennsylvania. Most students who visited the University Reading and Study Improvement Service (URIS) were first and second-year students who had diffi culties adjusting to the expectations and routines of academic life. We tried to help these students expand their learning and study strategies through a reflective, problem-solving dialogue (Cohen 1992). After interviewing hundreds of stu dents over time, I found some global pat terns of their concerns and needs. Stu dents needed to read and remember massive amounts of material, often from a wide array of texts including novels, textbooks, manuscripts, journal articles, and handouts. They struggled with the expectations of college writing and need ed to apply new strategies when research ing, organizing, drafting, and revising their papers. Most of all, these students were overwhelmed by major exams, which were usually given a few times during the semester. Between exams, many students did not feel pressured to keep up with the reading or review their class notes, and they often fell behind in their work. Exams usually
Constructing Business-to-Business Marketing Models that Overcome the Limitations in Variable-Based and Case-Based Research Paradigms

ABSTRACTPurpose: This article describes the principal limitations frequently observable in variable-based and case-based research in business-to-business (B-to-B) marketing.Focus: The limitations relate to B-to-B theory construction, data collection, and data analysis and interpretation. The principal limitations in variable-based research include the reliance on regression (net effects) models in theory construction and the pervasive failure to test resulting empirical regression models for predictive validity. The principal limitations of case-based research are the frequent absence of rigorous theory formulation either pre- or postdata collection and failures to test propositions for predictive validity.Recommendations: The article directs attention to iconic studies that break free in part from these and additional limitations. The article offers useful steps on how to break free completely from the principal limitations.Managerial implications: B-to-B executives should insist that researchers include...
A 4-pi liquid-scintillation whole-body counter. II. Coincidence counting studies.

Abstract A 4π liquid scintillation “whole body” counter, consisting of two 2π detector tanks was employed to study the feasibility of using coincidence techniques to efficiently count positron emitters in large samples. The background response for the coincidence mode was first studied. A significant portion of the background was observed to result from pulses in coincidence in both detector tanks. The possibility of background suppression by anticoincidence counting techniques was investigated but found not to be a useful method of improving counting statistics for counting ordinary gamma emitters. However, in the case of samples containing positron emitters, such as 22Na and 58Co, background could be greatly suppressed and counting statistics significantly improved, by the use of coincidence counting techniques. The method not only reduced the background, but also discriminated against monogamma emitters such as 137Cs and 40K. Thus, the method lends itself to measurement of positron emitters in humans where 137Cs and 40K are present as an interferring “background”.
Taxonomy of Psychrophilic Strains of Bacillus

The morphological and physiological characteristics of 20 isolates of psychrophilic Bacillus were compared with 29 strains representing nine species of mesophilic Bacillus and 2 strains of Sporosarcina ureae to determine the taxonomic position of the psychrophiles. The psychrophiles formed four distinct groups which were sufficiently different from the mesophiles to warrant their designation as new species of Bacillus. The names B. psychrosaccharolyticus, B. insolitus, B. globisporus, and B. psychrophilus are proposed for the new species.
Nitrate-Nitrogen Concentrations in Percolate from Lysimeters Planted to a Legume-Grass Mixture

(...) Three Coshocton monolith lysimeters (Y-102A, B, and C) containing a well-drained silt loam soil on a 13% slope, and four lysimeters (Y103A, B, C, and D) containing a moderately well-drained silt loam soil on a 6% slope were used to study the effects of a legume-grass mixture on groundwater quality. Between experiments with corn (Zea mays L.), an alfalfa-orchard grass mix (70% Medicago sativa L.+30% Dactylis glomerata L.), was grown for 2 yr and 3 yr on the Y102 and Y103 lysimeters respectively. (...)
Cohesion, coherence, and declarative memory: Discourse patterns in individuals with hippocampal amnesia

Background: Discourse cohesion and coherence gives our communication continuity. Deficits in cohesion and coherence have been reported in patients with cognitive-communication disorders (e.g., TBI, dementia). However, the diffuse nature of pathology and widespread cognitive deficits of these disorders have made identification of specific neural substrates and cognitive systems critical for cohesion and coherence challenging. Aims: Taking advantage of a rare patient group with selective and severe declarative memory impairments, the current study attempts to isolate the contribution of declarative memory to the successful use of cohesion and coherence in discourse. Methods & Procedures: Cohesion and coherence were examined in the discourse of six participants with hippocampal amnesia and six demographically matched comparison participants. Specifically, this study (1) documents the frequency, type, and completeness of cohesive ties; (2) evaluates discourse for local and global coherence; and (3) compares u...
The Effect of Surface Acidic and Basic Properties on the Performance of Cobalt-Based Catalysts for Ethanol Steam Reforming

In this study, the effect of surface acidic and basic properties of y-Al2O3-, ZrO2-, and CeO2-supported cobalt catalysts on their catalytic performance during ethanol steam reforming was investigated using various characterization techniques including temperature programmed desorption, CO2 and NH3 pulse chemisorption, and diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopy. The steady-state reaction experiments showed that catalyst exhibited decreasing performance (i.e., less activity and worse stability) by following the order of Co/CeO2 > Co/ZrO2 > Co/Al2O3. Characterization results showed the catalysts had the reverse order of surface acidity (i.e., Co/CeO2 < Co/ZrO2 < Co/Al2O3), indicating that the performance difference could be attributed to the variation of surface acidic and basic properties in addition to the oxygen mobility variations reported previously.
Water Volume Transport and Oscillatory Current Flow through the Straits of Mackinac

Abstract Currents flowing through the Straits of Mackinac were recorded for a period of nearly 100 days during the summer and fall of 1973. Current meters were placed at four moorings on a north–south cross section at the Straits' narrowest constriction and arranged to measure vertical profiles of horizontal current velocity. The mean water volume transport from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron was measured at nearly 1900 m3 s−1. Seasonal variations in the vertical structure of the mean current flows are related to density stratification of the water mass. Spectral analyses of the current records revealed many periodic features of the flow field which were superimposed on the mean discharge. The periodic components are identified and correlated with oscillations of water level in the Michigan and Huron lake basins.
HOW ANTIARRHYTHMIC DRUGS INCREASE THE RATE OF SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH

Two large clinical trials of drugs that exhibited signicant antiarrhythmic properties in single cells were found to increase the rate of sudden cardiac death in patients by two to three fold over untreated patients. We hypothesized that premature excitation within the drug-altered vulnerable region, a region that trails each excitation wave, might be one mechanism for initiating re-entrant tachyarrhythmias that could lead to ventricular brillation and sudden cardiac death. With numerical studies of a cardiac cell model, we probed the determinants of the vulnerable period. We found that antiarrhythmic drugs that block the sodium channel can increase the duration of the cardiac vulnerable period by both slowing conduction velocity and reducing the gradient of excitability. Coupling the dynamics of drug binding to ion channels with wave formation in a nonlinear excitable medium provides new insights into possible arrhythmogenic mechanisms.
How to Stay Alive After Losing Your Tail

Prey that autotomize appendages to escape predation may suffer reduced escape speed and be unable to autotomize lost parts, rendering them more vulnerable. Little is known about behavioural compensation for increased risk by altering decisions about fleeing and entering refuges. Flight initiation distance (FID) is distance between prey and an approaching predator when the prey begins to flee. Escape theory predicts that FID increases with predation risk, but FID decreased after autotomy in the lizard Scincella lateralis, which compensated by becoming more cryptic via reduced mobility. We tested the hypotheses that in a lizard that does not decrease surface activity, stay closer to refuge, or shift to crypsis after autotomy associated with reduced speed, behavioural compensation occurs by increasing FID, distance fled and probability of entering refuge. Running speed in the striped plateau lizard Sceloporus virgatus decreased by 43%, suggesting that selection should favor compensation. Lizards altered escape behaviour after autotomy by increasing FID and refuge use, but did not increase distance fled. To predict effects of autotomy on FID and distance fled, the nature of qualitative compensatory changes must be known. Factors likely to affect which compensatory mechanisms are used include foraging mode and refuge availability.
Alloys: Strength from modelling.

A new multiscale computational method that is capable of predicting solute strengthening of alloys without adjustable parameters may lead to the development of new engineering materials.
Can a Protein's Evolutionary Fate be Predicted from its Structure?

A fundamental question in evolution is the role of a protein's 3D structure in determining its evolvability. We observe that different protein structures vary widely in their ability to respond adaptively to simulated selective pressures, even with the aid of folding chaperones. This variation that cannot be explained by factors such as stability, that are already understood to promote evolvability. In these simulations, lattice proteins evolve in a crowded, cell-like environment with complex dynamics between protein structure, protein-protein interactions, and cellular fitness, while remaining exactly solvable. We develop new structural metrics predictive of a protein's evolvability and corroborate the conclusions with analysis of protein folds in nature.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Continuously tunable two-photon excitation of individual rotational levels of the A2σ+ state of nitric oxide☆

Abstract Individual rotational lines have been resolved in the two-photon excitation spectrum of the α(0,0) band of nitric oxide at pressures as low as 50 mtorr. Two new branches, O( ΔJ = −2) and S(° J = +2), are present giving good agreement with calculated transition energies. A discussion of lineshapes, intensities and pressure dependence is given.
Effect of cytochalasin B on human neutrophil aggregation.

Abstract Human neutrophils aggregate after exposure to the bivalent cation ionophore A23187, the synthetic chemotactic tripeptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, and the chemotactic fragment of human C5. Cells preincubated with cytochalasin B (CB) (0.5 μg/ml) showed an enhanced aggregation response to each of these three agents. By itself, CB did not aggregate the cells. The enhancing effect of CB on the aggregation response developed immediately after exposure to the drug and was readily reversible. Since A23187 and chemotactic factors stimulate the transmembrane flow of Ca 2+ , Na + , and K + in the neutrophil, and since CB enhances this effect, CB may influence neutrophil aggregation through its influence on transmembrane cationic movements. It was also found that the enhancing effect of CB on neutrophil aggregation was abrogated by high (i.e., greater than 1.7 μg/ml) concentrations of the drug or by adding it to the neutrophils after the cells were exposed to a chemotactic factor.
Wendell Bell, The Democratic Revolution in the West Indies: Some reflections on the past, present, and future

Abstract The article looks at Professor Bell's early and seminal work in the West Indies and his attempt to interrogate the process of what he (Bell) labels as The Democratic Revolution in the West Indies. Bell, it is argued, uses theoretical paradigms of the social sciences to analyze how ideas from the enlightenment of the eighteenth century, to wit the process of spreading equality (writ large), and egalitarianism, can be effectuated in the new and small nation-states of the West Indies. It is argued, that this mode of inquiry was indeed the early beginning of, and laid the foundations for, Bell's futurist studies and pursuits currently, and, that by examining the findings, it can be seen if they are now borne out for these countries and, if not, the prospects for any recovery in the future. Finally, the author contends that, although the Democratic Revolution has been somewhat stymied, the earlier thrust for, and focus on, increased education has had the unintended effect of motivating fleeing migratory nationals and their progeny, to seek and demonstrate their equality through education in the core host democracies.
Nursing Home Management of Alzheimer's Disease A plea for standards of care

Between now and the year 2050 the number of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders will increase from 2 million to 8.5 million. Conservative estimates project that during this same period, nursing-home residencies of people age 65 and older will rise from 1.1 million to 5.4 million.1 Since people afflicted with Alzheimer's disease frequently require institutionalization, and since it is likely that nursing homes will continue to be an important part of the caring spectrum, how will these facilities deal with large numbers of people with dementia?Currently, there is an absence of industrywide standards defining Alzheimer's care. Nursing homes may identify “specialty care units” even when no special competence exists. To assure AD patients and their families that services consistent with their expectations for Alzheimer's care will be provided, industrywide standards must be established.This paper, presented in May to the American College of Health Care Administrators in San Diego, outli...
An Array of 1-to 2-GHz Electrodes for Stochastic Cooling

This paper describes an array of directional-coupler loop-pairs that are to be used as either pickup or kicker electrodes for the frequency range of 1 to 2 GHz. Each coupler pair is a lambda/4 long parallel-plane transmission line that is arranged to be flush with the upper and lower surfaces of a rectangular beam pipe. As pickups, the coupler pairs are used in arrays and are operated at 80 K for improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The loop output power is added in stripline combiner networks before being fed to a low noise preamplifier. When the couplers are used as kickers the combining network serves to split the power and distribute it uniformly to each electrode. The prototype array, whose mechanical features are both described and schematicized, is located in the center of a 15'' diameter experimental vacuum tank attached to a 2 MV electron Van de Graaff accelerator. The results of its performance testing in this configuration are presented.
Adherence to Dietary Regimens 1: An Overview of Research

In recent government reports, scientists have highlighted the link between diet and health and have concluded that dietary changes could reduce risks for some major chronic illnesses (ie, cancer and cardiovascular disease). As a result, the feasibility of lasting dietary change has become a central concern. Despite mixed findings from dietary adherence studies, there is evidence that meaningful dietary modification and adherence are possible, although not easily accomplished. Psychological, cultural, environmental, and behavioral factors exert an influence on whether individuals try to change their eating habits. Given the complex interaction between these factors, it is not surprising that education alone rarely produces lasting change. To develop comprehensive approaches to dietary management, practitioners must integrate theoretical and empirical information across a number of fields. In addition to focusing on individual behavior change, the authors suggest, those concerned with the nation's health should give serious consideration to the possibility of changes at the policy level.
Preterm prediction study: is socioeconomic status a risk factor for bacterial vaginosis in Black or in White women?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), an important risk factor for preterm birth, is a more common infection in Black compared with White pregnant women. Because Black women in the United States are more likely to have lower measures of socioeconomic status (SES), this study examined the hypothesis that BV is associated with low SES. The project evaluated data from the Preterm Prediction Study of 2929 women prospectively followed during their pregnancies. The women, who were screened for BV at 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, underwent a structured interview to evaluate demographic factors, SES, home and work environment, drug or alcohol use, and prior medical history. Black women in the study had many measures of lower SES compared with the White women, and reported less use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. In neither the Black nor White women was an association found between BV and measures of SES (with the sole exception of ``absence of a home telephone''). Most measures of SES do not explain the difference in rates of BV in Black and in White pregnant women.
The effect of ambiguity on the implementation of a social change initiative

Recent debate in the social sciences and the communication discipline has considered the value of ambiguity and uncertainty in a variety of contexts. This research considered the context of a community‐level change regarding health care, and investigated the impact of perceived ambiguity on beliefs about the likely success of the initiative. Interviews with 48 key participants were content analyzed in terms of statements regarding ambiguity and beliefs about implementation. Results indicated that respondents overwhelmingly talked about situations of high ambiguity and overwhelmingly viewed these situations of uncertainty as detrimental to the initiative's success.
Identification of the Origin of Transfer (oriT) and DNA Relaxase Required for Conjugation of the Integrative and Conjugative Element ICEBs1 of Bacillus subtilis

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), also known as conjugative transposons, are mobile genetic elements that can transfer from one bacterial cell to another by conjugation. ICEBs1 is integrated into the trnS-leu2 gene of Bacillus subtilis and is regulated by the SOS response and the RapI-PhrI cell-cell peptide signaling system. When B. subtilis senses DNA damage or high concentrations of potential mating partners that lack the element, ICEBs1 excises from the chromosome and can transfer to recipients. Bacterial conjugation usually requires a DNA relaxase that nicks an origin of transfer (oriT) on the conjugative element and initiates the 5'-to-3' transfer of one strand of the element into recipient cells. The ICEBs1 ydcR (nicK) gene product is homologous to the pT181 family of plasmid DNA relaxases. We found that transfer of ICEBs1 requires nicK and identified a cis-acting oriT that is also required for transfer. Expression of nicK leads to nicking of ICEBs1 between a GC-rich inverted repeat in oriT, and NicK was the only ICEBs1 gene product needed for nicking. NicK likely mediates conjugation of ICEBs1 by nicking at oriT and facilitating the translocation of a single strand of ICEBs1 DNA through a transmembrane conjugation pore.
3D object recognition by geometric context and Gaussian-Mixture-Model-based plane classification

In this paper, we propose a new 3D object recognition method. The method segments a 3D point set into a number of planar patches and extracts the Inter-Plane Relationships (IPRs) for all patches. Based on the IPRs, the method determines the High Level Feature (HLF) for each patch. A Gaussian-Mixture-Model-based plane classifier is then employed to classify each patch into one belonging to a certain model object. Finally, a recursive plane clustering procedure is performed to cluster the classified planes into the model objects. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has high success rates in object recognition with real-world data. Also, the method can be implemented for real-time operation. I. INTRODUCTION
The Reunion of the Episcopal Church, 1865

When the American Civil War began, the Southern dioceses of the Protestant Episcopal Church organized a Confederate Church. Contrary to sentiment in the other popular Protestant denominations,' there was in 1861 little hostility between the Confederate and Northern leaders of this Church. As the war progressed, however, bitterness developed until in 1865 at the close of the war many wanted to retain separate church organizations. Despite these animosities, some bold spirits succeeded in bringing about the reconciliation of the dioceses of the Church. The story of this reunion has been told before, but new material recently made available warrants a new analysis.2
Neonatal microscopic polyangiitis secondary to transfer of maternal MPO-ANCA resulting in neonatal pulmonary hemorrhage and renal involvement

Abstract Rationale Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a systemic vasculitis characterized by small vessel involvement. Studies suggest MPO-ANCA is involved in its pathogenesis, and the titer may reflect disease activity. Generally, MPA is not associated with pregnancy. Isolated case reports have only noted neonatal cutaneous vasculitis. We report a unique case of transplacental transfer of MPO-ANCA from mother to 32-week gestational age neonate resulting in neonatal pulmonary hemorrhage and renal involvement that was successfully treated. Methods We obtained MPO-ANCA titers from the cord blood and neonate on day of life (DOL) 8, 15, and 25. Corresponding neonatal and maternal labs were obtained, including: ANCA, ESR, CRP, ANA, serial UA, CBC, metabolic panels, and chest x-rays. Results The neonate was delivered by C-section secondary to maternal pre-eclampsia and dyspnea. Prior to delivery, the mother received 2 doses of betamethasone. Neonatal chest x-ray on DOL 1 showed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, and she was intubated. Initial UA showed proteinuria and hematuria. The MPO-ANCA titer was 3.30 in the cord blood and 2.5 in the mother. Acute pulmonary hemorrhage developed DOL 3, and the neonate was infused hydrocortisone 3 mg/kg. Persistence of the MPO-ANCA and concern of cardiac septal hypertrophy secondary to prolonged steroid therapy led to neonatal exchange transfusion on DOL 5. With the therapeutic interventions and progressive reduction of the MPO-ANCA titer, neonatal pulmonary-renal symptoms resolved. Conclusions Animal studies suggest MPO-ANCA contributes to vascular damage. Our patient represents an in vivo case of MPO-ANCA transfer and pulmonary-renal pathogenicity that was successfully treated with steroids and exchange transfusion.
Abstract PL3-2: Translating multiple myeloma stem cells

Emerging evidence suggest that many human cancers consist of phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous cell types. Moreover, the capacity for clonogenic growth and self-renewal may be restricted to specific cell populations. In multiple myeloma, malignant plasma cells make up the vast majority of tumor cells and are responsible for symptoms arising within the disease. However, myeloma plasma cells also appear to be terminally differentiated like their normal counterparts and incapable of long-term proliferation. Similar to other laboratories, we have identified minor populations of B cells that share the identical immunoglobulin gene rearrangements as the malignant plasma cells in most myeloma patients. We have further studied the functional capacity of these clonotypic B cells and found that they have ability to produce ectopic tumor growth both in vitro and in immunodeficient mice in which they recapitulate human disease. Moreover, these cells are relatively resistant to several agents currently used to treat multiple myeloma suggesting that they persist following treatment and are responsible for tumor regrowth and disease relapse. In order to inhibit these drug resistant cancer stem cells, we have studied cellular pathways that regulate the self-renewal of normal adult stem cells and found that several, including the developmental pathway Hedgehog, are potential therapeutic targets. Lastly, we have begun to develop biomarker strategies to serially quantify myeloma stem cells in patients undergoing treatment. We hope that these will serve as useful endpoints as myeloma stem cell directed therapies enter the clinic. Citation Information: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(7 Suppl):PL3-2
Object Constancy and Early Triadic Relationships

This paper traces the development of object constancy in childhood development and addresses the complexity of interrelated factors that must be taken into account for the appropriate application of the concept. The practical applications of this theoretical construct are discussed and the concept is examined within the context of the child's multiple primary relationships.
Mobile intelligent interruptions management (MIIM): a context aware unavailability system

Mobile phones that currently cause interruptions by blindly allowing calls to ring at busy moments and inappropriate situations can be managed using context aware computing, ubiquitous computing, and the available sensors built into a modern handheld. This paper proposes the architecture of a system named Mobile Intelligent Interruptions Management (MIIM), created for the automated administration of personal unavailability with regard to cell phones. Here, we provide the description of the problem, desirable characteristics and architecture of such an interruption management system. The system is being simulated and the initial results show that MIIM's computational volumes are low enough for a mobile device. Platform support has been found in Google Android.
Thermal Conductivity of Dilute Indium-Mercury Alloys

The thermal conductivities of a series of polycrystalline specimens of indium containing 0.1 to 2.5 at.% mercury have been measured in the temperature range 1.4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}-4.0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. By using an extrapolation procedure, the amount of phonon conduction in the superconductive state was calculated and was found to be about one-half as large as the value calculated from the theory of Bardeen, Rickayzen, and Tewordt. From the ratio of the electronic thermal conductivity in the superconductive state to that in the normal state, the temperature and composition dependences of the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) energy gap were calculated. Small systematic deviations of the measured gaps from the predictions of the BCS theory were observed.
Explanatory style and the performance of residents

Purpose Explanatory (i.e. attributional) style has been shown to be related to performance, especially when attributions are pessimistic. This study tested whether this relationship was present for residents. Method The Attributional Style Questionnaire and the Brief Symptom Inventory were completed by 45 residents. Clinical rotation evaluations and in-training examination scores were used as performance measures. Results Explanatory style and emotional distress were not related to performance, although explanatory style was correlated with emotional distress. Overall, residents displayed an optimistic explanatory style. Conclusion The absence of a relationship between explanatory style and performance may be due to the tendency for this resident sample to be optimistic. Also, common indicators of residency performance may not accurately measure clinical and academic performance.
Dutch Catholic emigration in the mid-nineteenth century: Noord-Brabant 1847-1871.

Using Dutch emigrant records, agricultural records, industrial employment records, population registers, and tax records, a cohort of Dutch Catholic emigrants (1847–1871) from the province of Noord-Brabant in the Netherlands was analysed according to regional variation in the emigration movement and social and economic background of the emigrant group. The regional analysis illustrates that areas with commercial agriculture and factory production had low emigration rates while areas with small-scale subsistence agriculture and a declining rural textile industry (northeastern Noord-Brabant) contributed to a relatively significant movement. It was discovered, furthermore, that emigration from northeastern Noord-Brabant (the municipalities of Uden, Zeeland, and Boekel) took place among the lower classes of rural society, and that emigrating individuals or households were more geographically mobile than was thought to have been the case previously. The outcome of the study signifies that emigration from the southern province of Noord-Brabant was related to the decline in domestic industry, and that Dutch emigration in the mid-nineteenth century was more varied than had been suspected.
Urban apprenticeships and Senegalese narratives of development: Mansour Sora wade's Picc Mi and Djibril Diop mambety's La petite vendeuse de Soleil

����� �� his essay examines critiques of Senegal’s neocolonial political economy in two powerful films: Mansour Sora Wade’s Picc Mi (1992) and Djibril Diop Mambety’s La petite vendeuse de Soleil (1999). In addition to interrogating Senegal’s position in the politics of development after independence, these two films bring attention to complex realities that are rarely examined by scholars outside of Africa: internal migration to African cities and the changing apprenticeships of the young urban underclass. Picc Mi explores the state of apprenticeship for boys who struggle to survive by begging on Dakar’s streets, and examines the role of African political elites who collaborate with “global” institutions for their personal gain. La petite vendeuse de Soleil projects a vision in which a young girl courageously breaks the norms of gendered apprenticeships, reflecting the virtues of local determination and women’s empowerment, and the hope for a brighter, more independent future. In their politically charged narratives of apprenticeship—which function in part as metaphors of national development—Wade and Mambety create protagonists who evaluate Senegal’s social, sexual and economic hierarchies. Picc Mi targets Senegalese leaders who use the poverty of the underclass as tools to appropriate international aid, while La petite vendeuse de Soleil calls for a radical revision of Senegal’s popular response to its place in the international economy. One of three shorts included in the film collection Three Tales from Senegal, Mansour Sora Wade’s Picc Mi depicts a day in the life of a young urban taalibe named Modou. Apprentices in the transcription and oral recitation of the Koran, taalibes are taken under the wing of a master marabout. Koranic schools, or daar in Arabic, are called daara in Senegal’s main language, Wolof. Traditionally, Senegalese taalibes would spend seven to ten hours per day in the daara learning the Koran, and other parts of the day assisting their marabouts with agricultural production. In some cases, the youngest taalibes would go from home to home, asking for provisions for the daara (Wane 115). 1 As Picc Mi shows, the daily lives of many taalibes currently dwelling in Dakar and other Senegalese cities have changed for the worse; although the tradition of a solid education in the Koran still exists, in an increasingly urban context, many young taalibes pass the majority of their waking hours begging for money on the streets and rendering their earnings to their marabouts. Picc Mi can be read on a number of levels. Initially, the film recreates an oral tale about a little bird in its nest, abandoned by its mother and preyed upon by a voracious, sly crocodile. On another level, Wade explores
Towards an integral futures vision

Purpose – There are many challenges to be addressed in today's world. Futurists have a process, methods and skills to submit to a positive advancement of these challenges, which is the purpose of this paper.Design/methodology/approach – The approach is the author's synthesis and reflection of the more positive aspects of addressing the problems facing contemporary society.Findings – The author concludes the visioning operation needs to be near the beginning of the future's practice with the focus on presencing “what does the future want from us in this matter?” How can people serve “it” instead of their ego? This will take maturity, being conscious, and having an attitude of gratitude and service to something bigger than ourselves.Originality/value – When futurist practitioners practice the approach of foresight planning, the viewpoint examined here is that the vision exercise should be placed at the beginning of the process. The priority of the visioning activity should include an inquiry of what wants t...
GAIA: A CAD Environment for Model-Based Adaptation of Game-Playing Software Agents☆

Abstract We view interactive games and game-playing software agents as complex systems. This allows us to adopt the stance of computer-aided design and model-based systems engineering to designing game-playing agents. In this paper, we describe a model-based technique for self-adaptation in game-playing agents. Our game-playing agent contains a self-model that describes its internal state.. Our approach to self-adaptation takes the form of an interactive game-agent development environment called GAIA, an agent modeling language called TMKL2, and an agent self-adaptation engine called REM.. We evaluate the approach by applying it to an agent that plays parts of the interactive turn-based strategy game called Freeciv.
Amphetamine effects on poor performance of rats in a shuttle-box.

In rats which showed consistently low rates of avoidance in the shuttle-box, in spite of extensive training, d-amphetamine caused a significant increase in performance. l-Amphetamine also stimulated these rats (type II poor performers) to better performance, but was much less potent.