cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fractionation of liver microsomes with polyethylene glycol and purification of NADH-cytochrome b5 oxidoreductase and cytochrome b5.

Abstract A simplified, rapid procedure for the purification of NADH-cytochrome b 5 oxidoreductase and cytochrome b 5 from either rat or rabbit liver is described. Microsomes were prepared by fractionation with polyethylene glycol and solubilized with Triton X-100. Cytochrome b 5 was purified by a two-column procedure, anion exchange chromatography using DEAE-cellulose, and hydrophobic chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose. The final preparation of cytochrome b 5 was purified more than a 120-fold from rat or rabbit liver microsomes, with specific content of about 50 nmol per mg protein, and overall yield of 22 to 32%. Only a single band with mol wt of 18,600 was found on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-gels or on Western blots using a polyclonal antibody raised against the purified b 5 . NADH-cytochrome b 5 oxidoreductase was purified by a three-column procedure, DEAE-cellulose, hydroxylapatite, and ADP-agarose. The final product was purified more than 400-fold from rat or rabbit liver microsomes with a yield of about 25% and find specific activity of about 1600 μmol ferricyanide reduced per minute per milligram of protein. A single band with mol wt of 33,100 was found on SDS-gels. The reductase catalyzed reduction of ferricyanide, dichlorophenol-indophenol, and cytochrome b 5 . Cytochrome c was reduced in the presence of reductase plus cytochrome b 5 , and this was inhibited by the anti-b 5 IgG. The reductase catalyzed a rapid rate of reduction of ferric-ATP, which was slightly elevated by cytochrome b 5 . Ferric-histidine and ferric-ammonium sulfate were slowly reduced by reductase; addition of cytochrome b 5 markedly stimulated reduction of these ferric complexes but inhibited reduction of ferric-EDTA. The procedures described result in highly purified preparations of reductase and cytochrome b 5 with relatively good yield and require fewer chromatographic steps than previously reported.
Fast Track: Supporting Unsafe Optimizations with Software Speculation

The shift in processor technology toward multi-core, multi-processors opens new opportunities for software speculation where program code is speculatively executed to improve speed at the cost of having handle errors. In this paper we describe a new use of software speculation in a system we call fast track in which we can use some unsafely optimized code while still ensuring correctness.
A microfabricated electrical SPLITT system.

A growing need for methods to analyze and prepare monodisperse nanoparticles on an industrial scale exists and may be solved by the application of split flow thin fractionation (SPLITT) at the microscale. Microfluidic systems of this type have the ability to separate nanoparticles with high precision in a continuous manner. A miniaturized SPLITT system can be fabricated using standard microfabrication technologies, works in a continuous mode, and can be used as a sample preparation instrument in a micro-total-analysis-system (μ-TAS). In this paper, a miniaturized electrical SPLITT system, which separates particles continuously based on electrophoretic mobility, has been characterized. The advantages of miniaturization have been elucidated. The various aspects of the micro SPLITT system discussed in this paper can be broadly classified into: micro SPLITT system design, fluidics modeling to refine the splitter arrangements, and experimental characterization of the SPLITT system. The design of the micro SPLITT system has been elucidated focusing on the two designs that were implemented. Fluid modeling, used to arrive at a new SPLITT design, was done using a commercially available CFD package to investigate behavior of the fluid in the microchannel with various splitter arrangements. Testing was done with nanoparticles of varying diameter and electrophoretic mobilities to verify the modeling results and demonstrate functionality of the SPLITT system. Particles eluted from both outlets of the SPLITT system were characterized using AFM and SEM to verify the function of the system.
Construction and evaluation of coordinated performance skeletons

Performance prediction is particularly challenging for dynamic environmentsthat cannot be modeled well due to reasons such as resource sharingand foreign system components. The approach to performance prediction takenin this work is based on the concept of a performance skeleton which is a shortrunning program whose execution time in any scenario reflects the estimated executiontime of the application it represents. The fundamental technical challengeaddressed in this paper is the automatic construction of performance skeletonsfor parallel MPI programs. The steps in the skeleton construction procedure are1) generation of process execution traces and conversion to a single coordinatedlogical program trace, 2) compression of the logical program trace, and 3) conversionto an executable parallel skeleton program. Results are presented to validatethe construction methodology and prediction power of performance skeletons.The execution scenarios analyzed involve network sharing, different architecturesand different MPI libraries. The emphasis is on identifying the strength and limitationsof this approach to performance prediction.
What do we really know about Women’s Rites in the Israelite Family Context?

What we know about the roles of women in Israelite family religion is a topic in need of reassessment. In this article, the author evaluates a number of common claims which have been made about family religion and gender. These include the idea that goddess worship was especially important to women; that Judean pillar figurines were used primarily or exclusively by women in their ritual activities; that the religious practices of ancient Israelite women overlapped little with those of men; and that birth-related ritual contexts were a special preserve of women.
A proof of the Tn conjecture: Centralizers, Jacobians and spectrally arbitrary sign patterns

We prove the so-called Tn conjecture: for every real-monic polynomial p(x) of degree n⩾2 there exists an n by n matrix with sign pattern Tn=-+0⋯0-0⋱⋮0⋱⋱⋱0⋮⋱0+0⋯0-+, whose characteristic polynomial is p(x). The proof converts the problem of determining the nonsingularity of a certain Jacobi matrix to the problem of proving the non-existence of a nonzero matrix B that commutes with a nilpotent matrix with sign pattern Tn and has zeros in positions (1,1), and (j+1,j) for j=2,…,n-1.
Deregulating Freight Transportation: Delivering the Goods

This book examines both the causes and effects of government intervention in the operations of the freight transportation industry. While overviews of all major segments of the transportation industry are provided, the focus is on the trucking mode in particular. Trucking is the largest and most important component of freight transportation and arguably has the most varied regulatory history. For most of this century, trucking has been governed by a prototypically dual system that granted considerable autonomy to both state and federal levels of government. Hence, it is a good case from which to analyze the consequences of multilevel government policy and demonstrate how even seemingly minor state operating restrictions can have sizable effects on the performance of the industry and the economy at large. More important, the trucking industry's regulatory structure provides a fair test of whether contemporary theories of regulatory decision making are valid within a federal system. The book is divided into six sections, with the following titles: 1. Introduction; 2. The Development of Transportation Regulatory Federalism; 3. Interstate Trucking Deregulation; 4. State Economic Regulation of Trucking; 5. State Operating Restrictions on Trucking Firms; 6. Conclusions.
Hydrocarbon mineralization in soil: Relative bacterial and fungal contribution

Abstract The relative contributions to n-hexadecane mineralization by soil bacteria and fungi were assessed using the streptomycin-cycloheximide inhibition technique. In a sandy loam with no history of hydrocarbon pollution 82% n-hexadecane mineralization was attributable to bacteria and only 13% to fungi. In the same soil, glucose mineralization was shared evenly between the bacterial and fungal segments of the soil microbial community.
A microperfusion chamber for brain slice pharmacology.

Abstract The construction of a chamber for extracellular recording from submerged CNS tissue is described. Its operation is illustrated using hippocampal slices prepared from rat brains. The total volume of perfusing medium is less than 0.4 ml, and a drug solution can be uniformly distributed throughout this volume in less than 1 min. Drug-laden medium can also be rapidly replaced with fresh medium. The perfusing medium is continuously stirred with a jet of 95% O 2 - 5% CO 2 , maintaining submerged slices viable for many hours. The system has exceptional advantages for investigating synaptic pharmacology of scarce and expensive drugs.
Problems with evaluation of courseware for instruction in psychology

Recent trends in courseware evaluation have stressed the importance of program characteristics ancillary to the learning process, such as the use of menus. Although attention to these aspects of programming may improve the appearance and ease of use of software, the primary consideration in the selection of instructional software is whether it can provide instructional content to the students who use it. This can best be determined by the instructor alone, who may often find it necessary to write programs to suit specific instructional needs. Such programs are in wide use and are often better than commercially available sets designed by professionals.
Further studies on the ionizing radiation inactivation of bacterial spores.

Previous observations showing that there are two classes of radiation inactivation for bacterial spores are extended to germinating forms. Spores which inactivate in a multiple target fashion inactivate in a two target fashion upon germination, whereas spores which inactivate in a single target fashion inactivate in a single target fashion upon germination. Spores of the multiple target class seem to have a higher content of dipicolinic acid per g of dry spore material than do those of the single target class. (auth)
Association of childhood trauma with fatigue, depression, stress, and inflammation in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

Background This pilot study examined whether breast cancer patients with childhood trauma exhibit increased fatigue, depression, and stress in association with inflammation as a result of whole breast radiotherapy (RT). Methods Twenty breast cancer patients were enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal study of fatigue, depression, and perceived stress prior to RT, week 6 of RT, and 6 weeks post-RT. Six weeks after RT, subjects completed the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ). Patients were also administered the multidimensional fatigue inventory, inventory of depressive symptomatology-self-reported, and perceived stress scale at all three time-points and underwent blood sampling prior to RT for gene expression and inflammatory markers previously associated with childhood trauma and behavioral symptoms in breast cancer patients. Results Eight subjects (40%) had past childhood trauma (CTQ+). Compared to CTQ− patients, CTQ+ patients had significantly higher fatigue, depression, and stress scores before, during, and after RT (p < 0.05); however, RT did not increase these symptoms in either group. CTQ+ patients also exhibited increased baseline expression of gene transcripts related to inflammatory signaling, and baseline inflammatory markers including c-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1 receptor antagonist were positively correlated with depression, fatigue, and stress scores in CTQ+ but not CTQ− patients. Conclusions Childhood trauma was prevalent and was associated with increased symptoms of fatigue, depression, and stress irrespective of RT. Increased symptoms in CTQ+ patients were also associated with baseline inflammatory markers. Treatments targeting childhood trauma and related inflammation may improve symptoms in breast cancer patients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new network state information updating policy using fuzzy tolerance classes and fuzzified precision

Maintaining global network state information with unlimited precision in a dynamic large-scale network is practically impossible. The nature and the level of the inevitable imprecision vary significantly when different policies are used for updating the global network state information. This has a direct effect on the routing decisions and the network performance. We discuss the concept of precision of a network state, presenting a model for the impossibility of reaching, not only unlimited precision, but also the desired level of precision. We propose a novel network state updating policy to achieve two goals: bounded imprecision and much lower overhead by its ability to impede frequently unneeded updates without the need for a hold-down timer. The proposed policy is based on overlapping fuzzy tolerance classes and is partitioning-mechanism-independent. Hence, it can be used on top of currently available class-based policies.
Molecular dissection of the quantitative inheritance of wood property traits in loblolly pine

Significant progress has been made toward the molecular dissection of the quantitative inheritance of wood property traits in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and several other forest tree species. QTL mapping experiments have been used to reveal the approximate number of genes controlling traits such as wood specific gravity and microfibril angle and the individual effects of these genes on the total phenotypic variance for the trait. These analyses help to define the scope of the challenge to identify genes controlling complex traits. Verification experiments are nee- ded to be certain of QTLs and to determine the effects of environmental variation and differences among genetic backgrounds. Genetic marker by QTL associations might be used for within family marker-aided breeding, although this application will have limited impact on wood quality improvement in pine. New technologies are being used to identify the genes underlying QTLs. Candidate genes can be identified by a variety of approaches such as functional studies, gene mapping and gene expression profiling. Once candidate genes are identified then it is possible to dis- cover alleles of these genes that have direct effects on the phenotype. This will be accomplished by finding SNPs in linkage disequilibrium with the causative polymorphism. Discovery of such markers will enable marker-aided selection of favorable alleles and can be used for both family and within family breeding. DNA marker technologies will complement traditional breeding approaches to improve wood quality in parallel with growth and yield traits. QTL / wood properties / SNP / marker-aided breeding / loblolly pine
Hot Topic: Using a Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase Transgene to Alter Milk Fatty Acid Composition

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase enzyme converts specific medium- and long-chain saturated fatty acids to their monounsaturated form. Transgenic goats expressing a bovine β-lactoglobulin promoter-rat stearoyl-CoA desaturase cDNA construct in mammary gland epithelial cells were produced by pronuclear microinjection. The fatty acid composition of milk from 4 female transgenic founders was analyzed on d 7, 14, and 30 of their first lactation. In 2 animals, the expression of the transgene changed the overall fatty acid composition of the resulting milk fat to a less saturated and more monounsaturated fatty acid profile at d 7 of lactation; however, this effect diminished by d 30. In addition, one animal had an increased proportion of the rumen-derived monounsaturated fatty acid C18:1 trans11 converted by stearoyl-CoA desaturase to the conjugated linoleic acid isomer C18:2 cis9 trans11. Milk that has higher proportions of monounsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid may have benefits for human cardiovascular health.
Differential Regulation of Cysteinyl Leukotriene Receptor Signaling by Protein Kinase C in Human Mast Cells

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys-LTs) are a group of lipid mediators that are potent bronchoconstrictors, powerful inducers of vascular leakage and potentiators of airway hyperresponsiveness. Cys-LTs play an essential role in asthma and are synthesized as well as activated in mast cells (MCs). Cys-LTs relay their effects mainly through two known GPCRs, CysLT1R and CysLT2R. Although protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms are implicated in the regulation of CysLT1R function, neither the role of PKCs in cys-LT-dependent MC inflammatory signaling nor the involvement of specific isoforms in MC function are known. Here, we show that PKC inhibition augmented LTD4 and LTE4-induced calcium influx through CysLT1R in MCs. In contrast, inhibition of PKCs suppressed c-fos expression as well MIP1β generation by cys-LTs. Interestingly, cys-LTs activated both PKCα and PKCe isoforms in MC. However, knockdown of PKCα augmented cys-LT mediated calcium flux, while knockdown of PKCe attenuated cys-LT induced c-fos expression and MIP1β generation. Taken together, these results demonstrate for the first time that cys-LT signaling downstream of CysLT1R in MCs is differentially regulated by two distinct PKCs which modulate inflammatory signals that have significant pathobiologic implications in allergic reactions and asthma pathology.
A Materials Approach to Site-Isolation of Grubbs Catalysts from Incompatible Solvents and m-Chloroperoxybenzoic Acid

The development of a method for site-isolation of Grubbs second-generation catalyst from MCPBA is described. In these reac- tions, Grubbs catalyst was dissolved in a solvent consisting of a mixture (1:1 v/v) of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and methylene chloride and completely encapsulated within a thimble fabricated from poly- dimethylsiloxane (PDMS). A series of molecules that react by cross metathe- sis or ring-closing metathesis were added to the interior of the thimble and allowed to react. In the last step, m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (MCPBA) dissolved in MeOH/H2O (1:1 v/v) was added to the exterior of the PDMS thimble. Small organic molecules dif- fused through the PDMS to react with MCPBA to form epoxides, but the Grubbs catalyst remained encapsulat- ed. This result is important because Grubbs catalyst catalytically decompos- es MCPBA at ratios of MCPBA to Grubbs of 3000 to 1. The yields for this two-step cascade sequence ranged from 67 to 83 %. The concept behind this se- quence is that small organic molecules have high flux through PDMS but large molecules—such as Grubbs cata- lyst—and ionic reagents—such as MCPBA—have much lower flux through PDMS. Small molecules can thus react both outside and inside PDMS thimbles, whereas incompatible catalysts and reagents remain site-iso- lated from each other. This method does not require alteration of struc- tures of the catalysts or reagents, so it may be applied to a wide range of ho- mogeneous catalysts and reagents. To demonstrate further that the catalyst was encapsulated, the Grubbs catalyst was successfully recycled within the cascade sequence.
Teaching an Artificial Language to Nonverbal Retardates

Eight nonverbal retarded subjects were taught to communicate utilizing a technique developed by Premack. The subjects were moderately to pro-foundly retarded and had not responded to other forms of remedial language therapy. The technique used was a behavioral approach in which plastic shapes represented words of varying degrees of abstractness. All eight subjects learned some words within a four-month training period. Six of the eight subjects learned to construct three-to seven-word sentences. The rate of learning and level of difficulty attained varied greatly, and was not correlated with MA or CA. Children in a normal nursery school comparison group learned all words and constructed three-to seven-word sentences within a three-week period.
Catheter Ablation of Idiopathic Ventricular Tachycardia Arising from the Aortic Root

Most idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT) arises from the area of the outflow tracts, and the most common left ventricular site is the aortic root, usually from the right and left sinuses of Valsalva. This site of origin is suggested by specific patterns on the electrocardiogram. Activation mapping and pace mapping are both useful strategies, and their relative benefits and limitations need to be appreciated. The mapping strategy for a VT of suspected aortic root origin is based on the consideration that multiple chambers may need to be mapped, and the temptation to ablate at suboptimal sites based on the justification that it was easy to get to should be resisted. The entire surface of each cusp needs to be sampled, as distinct activation times and pacemaps are obtained at each site. Standard radiofrequency energy is typically adequate and the precision of mapping rather than the amount of tissue ablated is tantamount to success. In my opinion, the indications for ablation of aortic root VT are similar to those for other idiopathic VT. Although I offer patients both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options, I feel that ablation is first line therapy for patients with sufficient symptoms to warrant therapy.
Study of the polyvinyl alcohol-borate-iodine complex. II. Test papers.

Boric acid and acidified solutions of borates have been qualitatively detected by the time-honored test utilizing “turmeric paper.” While adequate, the test does present some difficulty in its interpretation. Unless certain precautions are taken the results of this test may be misleading. Recently, it was shown that solutions of polyvinyl alcohol and iodine would produce a blue color when added to solutions of borates. Strips of filter paper impregnated with a solution of polyvinyl alcohol and iodine, and allowed to dry, also give a blue color when a drop of acidified borate is added. However since starch will also give a blue color in the presence of iodine, samples of borate containing starch (borate dusting powders, powdered boric acid) must be first treated with pancreatin or other enzymes which will render the starch inactive against iodine. The same principles can be extended to the use of a paper impregnated with a solution of polyvinyl alcohol and boric acid for the detection of iodine; while paper impregnated with boric acid and iodine can be used as a qualitative test for polyvinyl alcohol. Starch must also be rendered inactive when present with the polyvinyl alcohol. These test papers provide a rapid, reliable, and accurate means for the detection of borates, iodine, or polyvinyl alcohol.
Staged Cheek‐to‐Nose and Auricular Interpolation Flaps

Background. Staged interpolation flaps are priceless options in skin cancer reconstruction. Their value lies in their flexibility, reach, reliability, and ability to repair distant, complex facial defects. Familiar interpolation flaps to dermatologic surgeons include the paramedian forehead flap, cheek-to-nose interpolation flaps, and auricular staged flaps. Objective. In this special reconstructive issue, the paramedian forehead flap is discussed separately. This article highlights the cheek-to-nose and auricular interpolation flaps as applied to skin cancer defects. Design considerations, anatomic basis, execution, and the distinctions of each repair are presented. Materials and Methods. Patients with facial defects from Mohs micrographic surgery serve to illustrate the surgical techniques of each repair. Results. With meticulous planning and thoughtful execution, cheek-to-nose and auricular staged flaps are capable of restoring both function and cosmesis. Several surgical stages are necessary, and an adequate supporting infrastructure is essential for an optimal outcome. Conclusion. Skin cancer patients with complex facial wounds from Mohs micrographic surgery may be assured of the highest possible cure rate. Further, their esthetic and functional reconstructive goals may be achieved with staged flaps for the nose and ear.
Assessing motivation orientations in schizophrenia: Scale development and validation

Motivation deficits are common in several disorders including schizophrenia, and are an important factor in both functioning and treatment adherence. Self-Determination Theory (SDT), a leading macro-theory of motivation, has contributed a number of insights into how motivation is impaired in schizophrenia. Nonetheless, self-report measures of motivation appropriate for people with severe mental illness (including those that emphasize SDT) are generally lacking in the literature. To fill this gap, we adapted and abbreviated the well-validated General Causality Orientation Scale for use with people with schizophrenia and with other severe mental disorders (GCOS-clinical populations; GCOS-CP). In Study 1, we tested the similarity of our measure to the existing GCOS (using a college sample) and then validated this new measure in a schizophrenia and healthy control sample (Study 2). Results from Study 1 (N=360) indicated that the GCOS-CP was psychometrically similar to the original GCOS and provided good convergent and discriminant validity. In Study 2, the GCOS-CP was given to individuals with (N=44) and without schizophrenia (N=42). In line with both laboratory-based and observer-based research, people with schizophrenia showed lower motivational autonomy and higher impersonal/amotivated orientations. Additional applications of the GCOS-CP are discussed.
Contrasting the Indian and East Asian monsoons: implications on geologic timescales

The surface winds over the Arabian Sea and South China Sea are meaningful indicators for the strength of the Indian monsoon and East Asian monsoon, respectively. Paleo-monsoon variability has been studied through analysis of sediment records from these two monsoon regions. To facilitate interpretation of these records, we focus on the impacts of ‘internal’ and ‘external’ forcing of the monsoon system by contrasting the annual cycle and interannual variability of two subsystems: the monsoon over the Indian sector (40^105‡E) and over the East Asian sector (105^ 160‡E). Differences in the annual cycle within these subsystems arise primarily from the different land^ocean configurations that determines atmospheric response to the solar forcing. Thus factors that drive intensities of the monsoonal annual cycle share common features with the external (geographic and orbital) forcing that controls paleomonsoon variability. We show that the differences in interannual variations between the two monsoon subsystems are primarily due to internal factors of the coupled atmosphere^ocean^land system, such as remote impacts of El Nin ‹ o/La Nin ‹ a and local monsoon^ocean interactions. The mechanisms that operate on interannual to interdecadal timescales may differ fundamentally from that on geologic/orbital timescales. The low-level flows over the East Asia and Australia are essentially established by geographic forcing. The amplification of the Australia summer monsoon during increased solar precession is likely caused by an enhanced East Asian winter monsoon, rather than following an enhanced Indian summer monsoon as on the interannual timescale. It is also found that El Nin ‹ o influences the low-level flow moderately over the Arabian Sea but to a greater extent over the South China Sea. As such, large changes in the Pacific thermal conditions may significantly alter the intensity of the East Asian monsoon but not the Indian monsoon.
Specialized brain regions and sensory inputs that control locomotion in leeches

Locomotor systems are often controlled by specialized cephalic neurons and undergo modulation by sensory inputs. In many species, dedicated brain regions initiate and maintain behavior and set the duration and frequency of the locomotor episode. In the leech, removing the entire head brain enhances swimming, but the individual roles of its components, the supra- and subesophageal ganglia, in the control of locomotion are unknown. Here we describe the influence of these two structures and that of the tail brain on rhythmic swimming in isolated nerve cord preparations and in nearly intact leeches suspended in an aqueous, “swim-enhancing” environment. We found that, in isolated preparations, swim episode duration and swim burst frequency are greatly increased when the supraesophageal ganglion is removed, but the subesophageal ganglion is intact. The prolonged swim durations observed with the anterior-most ganglion removed were abolished by removal of the tail ganglion. Experiments on the nearly intact leeches show that, in these preparations, the subesophageal ganglion acts to decrease cycle period but, unexpectedly, also decreases swim duration. These results suggest that the supraesophageal ganglion is the primary structure that constrains leech swimming; however, the control of swim duration in the leech is complex, especially in the intact animal.
PHY-layer location privacy-preserving access point selection mechanism in next-generation wireless networks

The deployment of small-cell base stations in 5G wireless networks is an emerging technology to meet an increasing demand for high data rates of a growing number of heterogeneous devices. The standard algorithms designed for the physical layer communications exhibit security and privacy vulnerabilities. As a 5G network consists of increasingly small cells to improve the throughput, the knowledge of which cell a mobile user communicates to can easily reveal valuable information about the user's location. This paper investigates the location privacy of the access point selection algorithms in 5G mobile networks, and we show that the stable matching of mobile users to access points at the physical layer reveals information related to users' location and their preferences. Traditional location privacy is mainly treated at the application or network layer but the investigation from the physical layer is missing. In this work, we first establish a matching game model to capture the preferences of mobile users and base stations using physical layer system parameters, and then investigate the location privacy of the associated Gale-Shapley algorithm. We develop a differential privacy framework for the physical layer location privacy issues, and design decentralized differential private algorithms to guarantee privacy to a large number of users in the heterogeneous 5G network. Numerical experiments and case studies will be used to corroborate the results.
General Skills, Specific Skills and the Migration Decision

This study contends that past research has failed to recognize the fundamental differences between the two types of skills — general and specific. It is contended that the possession of each of these types of skills affects geographic mobility differentially and that the failure to account for this difference has biased the results from past studies.
Citizen Science, Ecojustice, and Science Education: Rethinking an Education from Nowhere

There is an emerging emphasis in science education on engaging youth in citizen science. The goals are similar to other context-sensitive pedagogical strategies such as increasing scientific knowledge and skills, understanding of the natural world, geographic awareness and ecological literacy, and ethical care for biological and physical environments. This chapter explores whether citizen science goes further with respect to citizen development. The emphasis is on how healthy communities and environments are indicative of school achievement rather than students’ scientific literacy. Different limitations for citizen science are analyzed in relation to the challenges of top-down, scientist-driven citizen science projects and bottom-up, community-centered investigative priorities for local choices and policy. Citizen science is emerging as citizens become more fully involved with their community and ecosystems, going back to the basics of civic responsibility and participatory democracy, community capitalism, and a shared sense of environmentalism. A guiding framework for citizen science cultivates the knowledge and skills needed to participate more fully in regional action and global advocacy, and how to address local situations in relation to larger global ones. This chapter takes account of the ways educators will collaborate with members of the community to effectively guide decisions, which offers promise for sharing a responsibility for democratizing science with others.
Recent Developments in Urethane Elastomers and Reaction Injection Molded (RIM) Elastomers

Abstract The chemistry and technology of urethane elastomers has advanced rapidly since their inception in Europe in the late 1930'a and early 1940's. The earliest elastomers were Vulkollan, developed by I. G. Farbenindustrie (IGF) and Vulcaprene, developed by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). IGF developed a casting process for Vulkollan, while the processing of Vulcaprene was carried out on conventional rubber equipment. While these elastomers were crosslinked, new types of urethane elastomers were developed which were thermoplastic in nature and allowed processing by means of conventional thermoplastic processing equipment. Urethane elastomers were also developed in various other forms such as latices, solutions in organic solvents, poromeric sheets, spandex fibers, sealants and caulks (consisting generally of low modulus elastomers), and expanded or micro-cellular elastomers. Omitting spandex fibers and poromerics, urethane elastomers can be classified according to the method of processing by which ...
16.8 A 3-to-40V 10-to-30MHz automotive-use GaN driver with active BST balancing and VSW dual-edge dead-time modulation achieving 8.3% efficiency improvement and 3.4ns constant propagation delay

The growing demand for both reliability and performance in automotive electronics has placed mounting pressure on silicon-based power converters to be increasingly reliable and efficient. Automotive electronics operate from the car battery (VIN) which experiences cold-cranks and load dumps that range from 3V to 40V [1]. This requires power converters, supplied by the battery, to withstand the harsh operating conditions. Compounding these challenges is the growing number of electronics in cars, despite fixed volume and thermal budgets. Gallium Nitride (GaN) FETs have demonstrated merits in alleviating these challenges, due to smaller input/output capacitance and near-zero reverse recovery current in comparison to silicon FETs. These attributes facilitate highly efficient power conversion due to a ×10 reduction in switching losses, and thus enable high switching frequency (fSW) operation to reduce the PCB footprint and lower cost.
Studies on the thromboplastic agent in plasma.

SummaryStatistical evidence is presented for a relationship between the coagulation time of recalcified plasma and the coagulation time accelerated by the addition of a thromboplastic lipid. This relationship is thought to imply that the thromboplastic substance in plasma responsible for the clotting of recalcified plasma has the same physiological characteristics as the lipid thromboplastic agent and that both require for activity some limiting factor present in plasma.
Phylogeny of the Phalacrocoracidae

I undertook a phylogenetic analysis of the Recent taxa of Phalacrocoracidae using qualitative osteological characters. The family comprises two subfamilies. The Phalacrocoracinae (cormorants) comprise four genera of all-dark, littorine species: Microcarbo (microcormorants), Compsohalieus (marine cormorants), Hypoleucos (mesocormorants), and Phalacrocorax (macrocormorants). The Leucocarboninae (shags) comprise five genera of variably plumaged, littorine, and pelagic species: Leucocarbo (guano shags), Notocarbo (blueeyed shags), Nesocarbo (Campbell Island Shag), Euleucocarbo (New Zealand blue-eyed shags), and Stictocarbo (cliff shags). The relationship of the anhingas (Anhingidae) to the Phalacrocoracidae remains problematical and unresolved. Additional analyses using cranial or postcranial characters produced comparable results, with the greatest divergence obtained when only crania were compared. I discuss the nature of homoplasy in the family: cormorants are characterized by convergences, hags by reversals. Plumage patterns have functional correlates, but phylogenetic history may be the ultimate factor.
Simulation of a Flapping Wing UAV using a Coupled CFD-Control Tool

A tool is developed to couple high-fidelity CFD computations with a vehicle feedback controller. Using a flapping-wing geometry as a vehicle test case, wing stroke kinematics are extracted from experimental trials and simulated in a computational environment to determine wing force time histories. The pitch dynamics of the vehicle are studied and a closed-loop controller is implemented to effect changes in vehicle pitch attitude through biasing the wing stroke midpoint. Simulations show successful implementation of the coupled CFD-control tool, and an initial analysis of wing ROMs demonstrates the need for more careful modeling of wing forces to capture the relevant flow characteristics.
Protestants and Proselytization During the Second French Empire

The Second French Empire has long been regarded by some as a regime which was authoritarian, even a precursor of modern fascism.1 No quarrel exists as to the reality of repression during the first ten years of the regime, but the nature and extent of that tyranny needs further analysis. Howard C. Payne and Theodore Zeldin2 have elucidated that the coercive features of the empire were as much manipulative as they were repressive; and Lynn M. Case and I. Kulstein have illustrated the respect the emperor displayed for the power of public opinion.3 Napoleon III continued the tradition he inherited from his uncle, the attempt to reconcile liberty and order.4 A tradition of human rights and liberties accompanied by a centralized and powerful state had been bequeathed by the Revolution of 1789. Henceforth, opponents of the regime in power (bourgeois or aristocratic) would also become the enemy of the centralized state or "etatisme." The consequent desire for more autonomy from the suffocating direction of the Paris government as well as the pressing demands for more economic and social equality resulted not only in the Revolution of 1848 but also in the violence of June Days later that year. The bourgeois were enormously disturbed by the threat of social upheaval and its resultant disorder. They threw their support overwhelmingly
Intracellular calcium: lack of effect on ovine red cells.

SummaryNormal mammalian erythrocytes contain very small amounts of Ca2+. When erythrocytes from most species of mammal are subjected to ionophore-induced Ca2+ accumulation, extensive morphologic an...
Tackling multidrug resistance mediated by efflux transporters in tumor-initiating cells

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Expression of the multifunctional ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporter gene family is a well-established mechanism for protecting cancer stem cells (CSCs) from damage or death due to toxins. The outcome of such protection makes CSCs innately multidrug resistant (MDR) to conventional chemotherapy.Areas covered: While research has focused on gaining better insight into the role of ABC transporters in CSC drug resistance, various strategies to circumvent the function of these transporters have been proposed, including inhibition of transporter function through targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors, competitive and allosteric modulators, shRNA-mediated inhibition, nanoparticle-mediated delivery of inhibitors, and modulating the regulation of transcriptional and signaling pathways involving ABC transporters. This review highlights the role of MDR mediated by ABC transporters, particularly in CSCs, and the current progress and pitfalls of strategies to circumvent MDR in CSCs.Expert ...
Reclosing Operation Modes for 110 kV and Above Power System

Reclosing plays an important role,which can raise the continuity of power supply when transient failure happens,and parallel operation stability for double lines on the side of the system.It can rectify malfunction of breakers or relay protection.The working logic,operation modes and check modes of auto reclosing in 110 kV and above power system are introduced,and the standard differences between State Grid and China Southern Power Grid under various modes are compared.The features and realizations of the reclosing function in different voltage grades are expounded.
Epidemiological survey of caterpillar dermatitis outbreak caused by Euproctis plana larva in a primary school in Shenzhen,Guangdong,2013

Objective To understand the etiology and epidemiology of a dermatitis outbreak in a primary school in Shenzhen,Guangdong province and provide evidence for the prevention and control of dermatitis.Methods Casecontrol study was conducted to analyze the risk factors;Moth larvae were captured for etiological identification.Results Eighty nine cases were surveyed and maculopapule on exposed skin was the major clinical symptom.The attack rate was32.79%,in males(60 /183) and 27.62% in females(29 /105),the difference had no statistic significance(χ2= 0.83,P 0.05).The captured larvae were identified as Euproctis plana.The case-control study indicated that frequent stay under the trees with the larvae(OR = 5.88,95% CI:2.73-12.69),direct contact with larvae in school(OR = 3.31,95% CI:1.57-7.01) and inappropriate clothes protection(OR = 2.36,95% CI:1.07-5.22) were the risk factors.Conclusion A caterpillar dermatitis outbreak caused by Euproctis plana larva was identified for the first time.Exposure to this kind of caterpillar or related fomites such as setae could cause typical sensitization dermatitis.It is suggested to conduct prevention for the health of students and the public.
Regional Disparities in the Hypertension Risk in China: A Longitudinal Study

Context: Hypertension is a tremendous public health burden in China. The understanding of geographic variability in hypertension risk would help to optimize resource allocation and policy making. Objective: Examine the regional disparities in hypertension risk in China. Design: This is a longitudinal cohort study. Risk profiles of hypertension for eight east provinces in China were studied using generalized estimating equation approach with covariates adjustment of gender, age, urban residence, and BMI. Results: The analysis cohort included 7,710 participants with 30,934 observations, consisting of 3,918 (50.8%) men and 3,792 (49.2%) women from eight participating provinces which line up from south to north China. The prevalence of hypertension in this cohort increased from 15.1 to 32.2% from 1997 to 2009. The rate of awareness doubled to 43.7%, and the treatment rate among those being aware increased to 79%. However, among all hypertensive population there was only 10.1% people were controlled in 2009. Hypertension risk was found to be significantly higher in female, rural residents, older people, and be increasing with higher BMI. Adjusting for these risk factors, region was significant associated with hypertension risk over years. Adjusted odds ratios escalated from south to north of China. People from Heilongjiang, the most north province, had greatest odds having hypertension (odd ratio 2.4, 95% CI: 2.0 – 2.8). Conclusion: We found significant latitudinal disparities in the hypertension risk in China. The risk gradually escalates from south to north. This spatial pattern was not explained by effect of gender, age, urban/rural residence, and BMI.
Ablative Fractional Laser–assisted Topical Fluorouracil for the Treatment of Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ: A Follow-up Study

BACKGROUNDThe authors previously reported the safety and short-term efficacy of ablative fractional laser (AFXL)–assisted delivery of topical fluorouracil in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) and squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCis).OBJECTIVEThis follow-up study was conduct
A Collaborative Turn: Trends and Directions in Community Engagement

The most significant trend that has emerged around community engagement in higher education is something more widespread than community engagement and larger than what takes place in colleges and universities alone. It is what can be described as a pervasive collaborative turn that has impacted many sectors of society, including higher education. This turn toward collaboration is a perceptible, disruptive shift in perspective and practice. It recognizes fundamentally that addressing complex social, political, environmental, health, and educational issues is more effective when solutions are not determined solely by specialized experts, thus opening up spheres of collaborative knowledge generation and problem solving in ways that redefine where knowledge comes from and who has expertise.
Designing high-efficiency DSP-based motor controls for consumer goods

Publisher Summary Electric motors are the major components in the electric appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and clothes dryers. The energy consumed by the electric motor is a very significant portion of the total energy consumed by the machine. Controlling the speed of the appliance motor can both directly and indirectly reduce the total energy consumption of the appliance. In various major appliances, advanced three-phase variable-speed drive systems enable performance improvements. Digital Signal Processor (DSP)-based motor control systems offer the control bandwidth that is required to make possible the development of advanced motor drive systems for domestic appliance applications. This chapter discusses some of the technical challenges involved in the design of fractional-horsepower drives for domestic appliances, such as washing machines and refrigerators. In one application, an advanced back-EMF (electromagnetic force) sensing algorithm provides very efficient operation of a brushless permanent magnet motor in a refrigerator compressor. In a washing machine, field-oriented control of a three-phase induction motor increases the drum speed range, allowing for much more efficient spinning action.