cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enzymic hydrolysis of glucosinolates in a low water system

The hydrolysis of glucosinolates by a co-occurring thioglucosidase, myrosinase, produces a range of physiologically active compounds including organic isothiocyanates and nitriles. Myrosinase is known to be a membrane-bound enzyme, thus the reaction with glucosinolates is likely to occur in vivo at an interface. Glucosinolates were hydrolysed in a low water system both with and without surfactant. In the former case, more rapid hydrolysis was observed than occurs in buffered aqueous solution. Desulphoglucosinolates were found to inhibit glucosinolate hydrolysis in this system.
Laser doppler measurements of flow in a rod bundle

Abstract A two component laser doppler velocimeter with polarized beams and frequency shift was used to measure the turbulent flow field for axial flow between the rods of a nine rod, square pitch rod bundle. Parameters measured include mean axial and lateral velocities, turbulence intensities and the friction factor. The axial velocities for 10000 to 40000 Reynolds number are slightly higher than those reported by Rowe. The maximum lateral velocities measured are about 1% of the bulk velocity; somewhat larger than suggested by earlier authors. Axial and lateral turbulence intensities are larger than those in pipe flows.
Retroperitoneal approach for lumbar interbody fusion with anterolateral instrumentation for treatment of spondylolisthesis and degenerative foraminal stenosis

Abstract Background An alternative approach for the treatment of the degenerative or unstable lumbar spine using retroperitoneal lateral LIF with anterolateral screw-plate or screw-rod fixation is introduced. Special attention is given to application of this procedure in patients who have undergone prior lumbar surgery. Methods Between 1998 and 2001, 14 patients underwent lateral LIF with anterolateral instrumentation to treat degenerative foraminal stenosis or spondylolisthesis. Eleven patients (79%) had undergone prior posterior lumbar surgery, 7 of whom were also fused at that time. All patients first presented with mechanical back pain, radicular pain, or both. The mean follow-up was 21 months (range, 8 to 36 months). Results Radicular pain and mechanical back pain significantly improved in 71% and 54% of patients, respectively. Of the 9 patients with preoperative neurological deficits, 7 were intact or had improved at their follow-up examination. One patient developed postoperative radiculopathy contralateral to his original symptoms. Radiography confirmed good positioning of the hardware and evidence of fusion in all 14 patients. No major complications occurred. Conclusions Retroperitoneal lateral LIF with anterolateral instrumentation is an attractive alternative for the treatment of the degenerative or unstable lumbar spine in the absence of significant spinal stenosis. This approach is particularly useful for treating spondylolisthesis or degenerative foraminal stenosis in the postoperative lumbar spine.
Cluster impact fusion and cluster size distributions

Abstract D+D fusion yields have been measured for small deuterated molecules incident on deuterated polyethylene and are one to two orders of magnitude smaller than previously reported by another group. They are, however, in good agreement with free-particle cross sections. Fusion has also been observed for pure carbon clusters incident on deuterated polyethylene. Comparison of fusion yields per carbon for clusters and single carbon atoms show no collective enhancements. The observed fusion for carbon clusters is shown to be due to a knock on mechanism. Cluster size distributions for graphite sputtered with cesium exhibit a rich periodic structure whose origin will be discussed in terms of molecular orbital theory.
The epistemic basis of defeasible reasoning

This article argues that: (i) Defeasible reasoning is the use of distinctive procedures for belief revision when new evidence or new authoritative judgment is interpolated into a system of beliefs about an application domain. (ii) These procedures can be explicated and implemented using standard higher-order logic combined with epistemic assumptions about the system of beliefs. The procedures mentioned in (i) depend on the explication in (ii), which is largely described in terms of a Prolog program, EVID, which implements a system for interactive, defeasible reasoning when combined with an application knowledge base. It is shown that defeasible reasoning depends on a meta-level Closed World Assumption applied to the relationship between supporting evidence and a defeasible conclusion based on this evidence. Thesis (i) is then further defended by showing that the EVID explication of defeasible reasoning has sufficient representational power to cover a wide variety of practical applications of defeasible reasoning, especially in the context of decision making.
Support for Spouses of Postdeployment Service Members

Spouses/significant others of service members who served in Iraq or Afghanistan (n = 228) were randomized into three study arms: telephone support groups, education webinars, and usual care. Telephone support groups and education webinars met 12 times during six months. Outcomes included depression, anxiety symptoms, resilience, personal/family coping, and family communication. Participants in all three study arms improved over time despite dealing with care challenges for an injured service member or not yet being adjusted to the service member's return in some way. All participants attributed benefit to improved self-efficacy. Findings suggest multiple avenues can be used to support families postdeployment.
Cocoon Construction By the Cecropia Silkworm I. the Role of the External Environment

The Cecropia silkworm spins a stereotyped cocoon consisting of an outer and an inner envelope, separated by a spongy intermediate layer. Each envelope has a localized weakness at its upper end which serves as an escape valve for the emergence of the adult moth. The valves are oriented by gravitational and tactile stimuli. Late in the last larval instar the silkworm ceases to feed, empties its gut, and then wanders for several hours before spinning begins. During this period of wandering the caterpillar will pass by locations suitable for cocoon construction. The caterpillar may be forced to spin in a variety of unlikely situations where the construction of a normal cocoon is impossible. Two mutually exclusive movement patterns, the stretch-bend and the swing-swing, are responsible for the spinning of the envelopes. Periodically, one of these patterns stops, the animal turns around, and the second pattern begins. If the animal is prevented from turning around, only the stretch-bend movement pattern, which is responsible for spinning the valve end of the cocoon, is observed. In abnormal environments the prevention of turning may force the silkworm to spin a cocoon shaped like a cylinder rather than a cone, or a cocoon from which the animal excludes itself. Double cocoons, which are occasionally found in nature, are shown to be expressions of the normal movement patterns under the abnormal condition of crowding. It is concluded that the behavior patterns are compounded of reflex-like responses to external stimuli and of "emitted" behavior independent of external stimulation.
Synthetic biology strategies for synthesizing polyhydroxyalkanoates from unrelated carbon sources

Abstract Discovered in the 1920s, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a naturally occurring class of biopolyesters that have long been touted as a renewable, biodegradable plastic alternative. Demand for sustainable products and over a half century of research have led to moderate commercial success of PHA. Yet, these materials are not pervasive. Therefore, an important question to address is, “what is the barrier that prevents widespread application of these materials?” PHA can be made from an incredibly diverse class of monomers that incorporate both simple and complex organic acids. Herein, we provide an updated list of unique PHA monomers that are substrates for a PHA polymerase. Unfortunately, most unique monomers are incorporated only after feeding a structurally related feedstock to a PHA accumulating bacterium. Therefore, we put forward an argument that research must now turn to developing feedstock-independent, synthetic pathways to produce an increased diversity of PHAs capable of competing with petroleum-derived plastics.
Developing and assessing stimulus control based on establishing operations during mand training using representative objects

The acquisition of verbal behavior can be difficult for some individuals with severe developmental disabilities. For two individuals who previously did not acquire picture exchange communication despite extensive efforts, we evaluated the effectiveness of using representative objects to teach mands for preferred items. In addition, we replicated and extended the findings of our previous research manipulating motivating operations (MO) for functional discriminated mands. Two individuals with developmental disabilities participated in a training procedure designed to teach two separate mands for two separate preferred items. Participants were taught to mand (e.g., for chips) using representative objects (e.g., empty bag of chips). Following training, the MO manipulation was used to assess for discriminated manding. This manipulation involved providing free access to one of the preferred items, such that there should be no motivation to ask for it, while motivation to ask for the other item remained in place. Results showed that both participants acquired at least a degree of discriminated manding using representative objects. At a minimum, a method was established to test complex discrimina- tions for preferred objects. Although we previously used this procedure in teaching picture card exchange discriminations, the current research extended previous research to individuals who were previously unresponsive to training and by using representative objects. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examining futures price changes and volatility on the trading day after a limit‐lock day

This paper examines the effect that price limits have on futures prices by testing what happens to price changes and volatility on the trading day following a limit‐lock day. The results show evidence that prices continue to rise on average the day after an up‐limit day. In addition, limits appear to influence price volatility for some but not all of the futures contracts. However, since the findings vary across the different commodity futures contracts, it is likely that limits do not directly impact price volatility. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 20:445–466, 2000
Sonography in the Diagnosis of Renal Transplant Torsion

Torsion following kidney transplant is a complication occurring when the kidney rotates around the vascular pedicle. It is a relatively rare occurrence but one that the sonographer should be aware ...
Modeling of one-cycle controlled switching converters

The generality of the one-cycle control technique is demonstrated by description of its implementation for different DC-DC switching converters. It is a nonlinear control technique with significant advantages in terms of rejection of line perturbation, speed of response and insensitivity to circuit parameters. A stability analysis of a one-cycle controlled Cuk converter (a fourth-order system) is performed, showing that stability depends on the values of parasitic elements. A modification of the control to eliminate steady-state output voltage error is proposed. A modification of the control that ensures stability independent of the value of parasitic elements is suggested. All theoretical results are experimentally verified. >
Selective deficits in spatial working memory in the neonatal ventral hippocampal lesion rat model of schizophrenia.

Abstract The neonatal ventral hippocampal lesion (NVHL) manipulation is a neurodevelopmental animal model of schizophrenia that produces abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, both efferent targets of the hippocampus, and leads to spatial working memory impairments. To investigate the neuroanatomical basis of spatial working memory in NVHL animals, we assessed performance in two radial arm maze tasks known to be differentially sensitive to the two hippocampal efferent pathways, and measured levels of neuronal activation (Fos immunoreactivity [Fos-IR]) in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens following task performance. Neonatal rats (postnatal day 6–8) received excitotoxic lesions of the ventral hippocampus (n = 25), or a sham procedure (infusions of artificial cerebrospinal fluid; n = 22). Upon reaching adulthood, animals were trained in either a non-delayed random foraging task or a spatial delayed win-shift task. NVHL animals were impaired on the spatial delayed win-shift task, which depends on communication between hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, but were unimpaired on the non-delayed random foraging task, which requires connections between hippocampus and nucleus accumbens. Fos-IR in the nucleus accumbens was greater in NVHL animals than in shams following the random foraging task, despite similar levels of performance, while no group differences in Fos-IR in either the nucleus accumbens or prefrontal cortex were observed following win-shift performance. These results suggest that although the NVHL manipulation disrupts development of hippocampal efferents to both the prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens, the disruption of hippocampal–prefrontal pathways has the dominant behavioral effect on spatial performance in NVHL rats.
Regulation of Tumor Immune Surveillance and Tumor Immune Subversion by TGF-β

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a highly pleiotropic cytokine playing pivotal roles in immune regulation. TGF-β facilitates tumor cell survival and metastasis by targeting multiple cellular components. Focusing on its immunosuppressive functions, TGF-β antagonists have been employed for cancer treatment to enhance tumor immunity. TGF-β antagonists exert anti-tumor effects through #1 activating effector cells such as NK cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (CTLs), #2 inhibiting regulatory/suppressor cell populations, #3 making tumor cells visible to immune cells, #4 inhibiting the production of tumor growth factors. This review focuses on the effect of TGF-β on T cells, which are differentiated into effector T cells or newly identified tumor-supporting T cells.
Cationic, helical polypeptide-based gene delivery for IMR-90 fibroblasts and human embryonic stem cells

Diblock copolymers consisting of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(γ-4-(((2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)methyl)benzyl-L-glutamate) (PEG-b-PVBLG-8) were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to mediate gene delivery in hard-to-transfect cells like IMR-90 human fetal lung fibroblasts and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The PEG-b-PVBLG-8 contained a membrane-disruptive, cationic, helical polypeptide block (PVBLG-8) for complexing with DNA and a hydrophilic PEG block to improve the biocompatibility of the gene delivery vehicle. The incorporation of PEG effectively reduced the toxicity of the helical PVBLG-8 block without dramatically compromising the polymer's ability to destabilize membranes or form complexes with DNA. PEG-b-PVBLG-8 copolymers with low (n = 76) and high (n = 287) degrees of polymerization (n) of the PVBLG-8 block were synthesized and evaluated for gene delivery. PEG-b-PVBLG-8 diblock polymers with a high degree of polymerization have a greater transfection efficiency and lower toxicity in IMR-90 cells than the commercial reagent Lipofectamine 2000. The usefulness of PEG-b-PVBLG-8 was further demonstrated via the successful transfection of hESCs without a measured loss in cell pluripotency markers.
Divertor heat flux control research on DIII-D

Divertor heat flux characterization and control results from DIII-D are summarized. The peak divertor heat flux is found to scale with a simple conduction model having perpendicular transport scaling with plasma current and heating power. In a double-null configuration, the heat flux sharing between divertors is very sensitive to the magnetic balance. Heat flux control in H-mode with edge-localized modes (ELMs) is obtained with deuterium gas puffing resulting in a partially detached divertor (PDD) regime. Important physical processes in the PDD regime include radiation from the intrinsic carbon impurity and deuterium, loss of electron pressure near the separatrix, parallel energy transport in the divertor dominated by convection, and particle flux reduction from deuterium recombination. Divertor neutral pressure is found to be an important control parameter to maintain the PDD regime. Divertor heat flux reduction is also obtained with impurity injection. In one approach divertor radiation is enhanced using induced scrape-off-layer flow to enrich divertor impurity concentration. Another approach uses seeded impurities to produce radiation inside the separatrix in a radiating mantle configuration. Observations of heat flux transients from ELMs and disruptions are summarized. Finally, the implications of these results for next-generation tokamaks are discussed.
MODEL THEORY AND DIFFERENTIAL ALGEBRA

The origins of model theory and differential algebra, foundations of mathematics and real analysis, respectively, may be starkly different in character, but in recent decades large parts of these subjects have developed symbiotically. Abraham Robinson recognized that the broad view of model theory could supply differential algebra with universal domains, differentially closed fields . Not long after Robinson’s insight, Blum observed that differentially closed fields instantiated Morley’s abstruse totally transcendental theories . Since then, differentially closed fields have served as proving grounds for pure model theory. In some cases, significant theorems of pure model theory were proven in the service of a deeper understanding of differential equations. In this survey I discuss some of the main points of contact between model theory and differential algebra. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the development of differentially closed fields stands at the center of this relationship. However, there have been other significant developments. Notably, differential algebra has been instrumental in the model theory of real valued functions. In related developments, model theorists have investigated difference algebra and more complicated structures in which derivations and valuations are connected.
Accurate reliability modeling using Markov Analysis with non-constant hazard rates

This paper combines the concepts of Markov Analysis and the approximation of the failure characteristics of wear out components with Weibull distribution to arrive at an accurate and practical method for solving complex system reliability modeling problems. Present reliability models in the most part are based on constant failure rates wherein the probability of a component failure remains independent of the past history of the component operation. However, many complex systems have components with wear out failure characteristics. For such components the failure rates are not constant rather these change with the period of operation of the component. The most common method currently utilized in practice for handling the reliability predictions of systems having components with non constant failure rates are based on Monte Carlo Simulations. However, to obtain the required high accuracies for moderately complex system reliability models, Monte Carlo Simulations may require excessive computer time. In contrast, the solution of the mathematical models developed in this paper requires relatively insignificant computer time while achieving high prediction accuracies. The paper also presents some examples of systems of practical interest.
The absence of cell death during development of free digits in amphibians.

Abstract Massive cellular death occurs in the interdigital regions of developing limbs of free-digited birds and mammals. This mesodermal degeneration occurs at the same time that digits become free. The present study of digit formation in amphibians, using vital staining and histological and autoradiographic techniques, demonstrates the absence of zones of interdigital degeneration during the formation of free digits. Furthermore, no other areas of predictable cell death occur during amphibian limb development, a situation quite unlike the case for avian limb development where predictable zones of degeneration occur in the mesoderm along the pre- and postaxial borders of the developing wing and leg. Thus, zones of cell death are not a part of amphibian limb morphogenesis. Analysis of the labeling index of the developing free-digited forelimb of Xenopus laevis reveals that during stage 52 the interdigital and digital labeling indexes are the same. The change in the ratio of interdigital labeling index to the digital labeling index in the forelimb suggests that during subsequent development the interdigital labeling index decreases while the digital labeling index is maintained. In comparison, the same analysis indicates that the interdigital labeling index of the webbed hindlimb increases when compared to the digital labeling index, which stays the same from early to late stages. It is proposed that free digits develop in Xenopus laevis forelimb as a result of a decrease in the proliferation rate of the interdigital region as compared to the digital region, which remains unchanged. Conversely, webbed digits develop in the hindlimb as a result of an interdigital rate at least equal to the digital rate.
The otubain YOD1 is a deubiquitinating enzyme that associates with p97 to facilitate protein dislocation from the ER

YOD1 is a highly conserved deubiquitinating enzyme of the ovarian tumor (otubain) family, whose function has yet to be assigned in mammalian cells. YOD1 is a constituent of a multiprotein complex with p97 as its nucleus, suggesting a functional link to a pathway responsible for the dislocation of misfolded proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum. Expression of a YOD1 variant deprived of its deubiquitinating activity imposes a halt on the dislocation reaction, as judged by the stabilization of various dislocation substrates. Accordingly, we observe an increase in polyubiquitinated dislocation intermediates in association with p97 in the cytosol. This dominant-negative effect is dependent on the UBX and Zinc finger domains, appended to the N and C terminus of the catalytic otubain core domain, respectively. The assignment of a p97-associated ubiquitin processing function to YOD1 adds to our understanding of p97's role in the dislocation process.
The survival of Sicyopterus stimpsoni , an endemic amphidromous Hawaiian gobiid fish, relies on the hydrological cycles of streams: evidence from changes in algal composition of diet through growth stages fish

Gut contents of larval, juvenile, and adult specimens of the Hawaiian gobiid fish Sicyopterus stimpsoni were examined to catalog the algal flora ingested by this species. The developmental stages of S. stimpsoni examined represented hallmark points in the fish’s life cycle corresponding with major migratory and metamorphic transitions. The algal flora was dominated by diatom species and shifted from taxa representative of a marine, planktonic community in larval fish to a freshwater, benthic community in juvenile and adult fish. This change in diet corresponds with the migration of larval fish to freshwater streams just prior to juvenile development in which rapid modification in mouth anatomy makes ingestion of planktonic algal species difficult. Benthic diatoms from juvenile and adult fish assemblages represented multiple genera that live in a narrow set of environmental conditions. These algae grow during a specific period in the development of the benthic algal community in Hawaiian streams. This suggests a highly specialized dietary behavior that depends heavily on continually restarting the benthic algal successional pattern, which appears to be regulated by the hydrological cycles of streams on the island.
Maintaining exact statistics counters with a multi-level counter memory

For monitoring and measuring high-speed networks accurately in real-time, a large number of statistics counters may need to be maintained at wirespeeds (e.g. 10 Gbit/s), Expensive, but fast. SRAM is needed for storing the counters to satisfy the speed requirements. However, high-density, but slower, DRAM is needed to provide the necessary storage capacity for storing all counter values exactly. Recent papers by Shah et al. (2003) and Ramabhadran and Varghese (2003) have addressed the problem using counter memory architectures based on one level of fast SRAM for storing partial counter values and a high-capacity DRAM for storing full counter values. In this paper, we propose to extend their work with a multi-level counter memory architecture to reduce the amount of fast memory required. Our multi-level counter memory architecture can reduce the amount of equivalent fast memory storage required by as much as 28%.
A Multilevel Examination of the Relationship Between Racial Tension and Attitudes Toward the Police

Prior research has established the effect of race and ethnicity on citizens’ perceptions of the police. This paper serves to build on this body of literature by examining the effect of racial tension on attitudes toward the police. Specifically, we conduct multilevel analyses using survey data from Seattle, Washington to explore whether individual perceptions of racial tension and/or community-level racial tension are related to residents’ attitudes toward the police. The results show that attitudes toward the police were generally less favorable among respondents who perceived racial tension or mistrust in their communities. Additionally, community racial tension had significant contextual effects on residents’ perceived racial profiling by the police. This study has implications for future police policy: understanding how racial tension shapes perceptions of the police will assist in selecting and adapting crime control strategies.
The Question of Queues

University of Chicago Professor Gary Becker is our kind of economist. Over his long and illustrious career, he has applied economic reasoning to an ever-expanding range of topics before other economists thought to do so: education, race and gender discrimination, crime, marriage and family, baseball, household production, suicide, altruism, fertility, addiction and habits—and our list is hardly complete.1 He has been a force within the profession to redefine economics not so much by the topics covered (money or markets or business), but as a way of thinking about human behavior. He has coauthored a book with a title that captures the expansive range of his analytics, The Economics of Life. 2
Signal Detection and Clarification of Peripheral Neuropathy and Guillain-Barré Syndrome Associated with Exposure to Systemic Fluoroquinolones

Aims: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is an identified risk of systemic antibacterial therapy with fluoroquinolones. The risk and its severity, including the development of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) between individual agents is uncertain. This study examines the association between fluoroquinolones and PN and GBS in cases spontaneously reported to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Study Design: Retrospective pharmacovigilance analysis. Place and Duration of Study: Cases submitted to FAERS between 1997 and 2012. Methodology: The MedDRA Preferred Term was used to define PN and GBS. Individual fluoroquinolones were identified by generic names and route of administration. Empirical Bayes Geometric Mean (EBGM) with 95% confidence interval (EB05-EB95) was calculated as disproportionality measure. Safety signals with EB05>2 was considered a significant disproportional increase in event reporting of at least twice times higher than expected. Results: There were 539 PN reports out of 46,257 adverse event reports submitted for fluoroquinolones. 9% of PN reports were for GBS. Significant disproportionality of PN (EBGM 2.70; EB05-EB95 2.51-2.90) and GBS (EBGM 3.22; EB05-EB95 2.55-4.02) was identified for fluoroquinolones. Signals of PN were detected for ciprofloxacin (EBGM 3.24; EB05-EB95 2.87-3.66) and levofloxacin (EBGM 3.36; EB05-EB95 3.02-3.72). A GBS signal was detected for ciprofloxacin (EBGM 4.15; EB05-EB95 2.94-5.74). GBS and PN respectively ranked 6th and 8th among reported neurological events. Conclusion: This study reemphasizes the link between fluoroquinolones and PN, and shows potential association with more severe forms of nerve damage, e.g. GBS. Unless the benefit of fluoroquinolone therapy outweighs PN risk, treatment with alternative antibacterial agents is recommended.
Nanotube dispersion and polymer conformational confinement in a nanocomposite fiber: a joint computational experimental study.

A combination of computational and experimental methods was implemented to understand and confirm that conformational changes of a polymer [specifically polyacrylonitrile (PAN)] vary with the dispersion quality and confinement between single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) in the composite fibers. A shear-flow gel-spinning approach was utilized to produce PAN-based composite fibers with high concentration (i.e., loading of 10 wt %) of SWNT. Dispersion qualities of SWNT ranging from low to high were identified in the fibers, and their effects on the structural morphologies and mechanical properties of the composites were examined. These results show that, as the SWNT dispersion quality in terms of distribution in the fiber and exfoliation increases, PAN conformations were confined to the extended-chain form. Full atomistic computational results show that the surface interaction energy between isolated PAN and SWNT was not preferred, leading to the self-agglomeration of PAN. However, confinement of the polymer...
Evaluation method of medical rigid endoscope's luminouse energy transfer efficiency

The evaluation method of medical rigid endoscope's luminouse energy transfer efficiency was established.Through analyzing reasons which influence luminouse energy transfer efficiency and practice application signification of luminouse energy transfer efficiency,the definition and expression of effective luminosity rate was created to express medical rigid endoscope's luminouse energy transfer efficiency.The applied measurement formula of effective luminosity rate was deduced by using the theory of luminosity.By deducing the relationship of the luminous flux and related simulating view field surface,a result was finally achieved that applied measurement formula was independent to the shape parameter z of simulating view field surface.The universality of this formula was proved through measurements using different typical view field surface.The method described in this article can be used in the evaluation of medical rigid endoscope's luminous energy transfer efficiency and can be applied to practical measurement.
The Uruk Expansion and Beyond: Archaeometric and Social Perspectives on Exchange in the IVth Millennium BCE

Abstract This review of papers on the contribution of archaeometry to the understanding of the Uruk Expansion shows that there is very little evidence for the exchange of pottery among the widely scattered Uruk settlement enclaves of IVth millennium Mesopotamia or the similarly scattered settlements of the later Proto-Elamite expansion. The limited evidence of the transport of ceramics indicates that only a few examples of a few forms were carried to distant places. The widespread similarities of ceramics in the Uruk world and it successor seem more likely to have been created by itinerant potters than by the transport of pots. Likewise, the wide similarity of both Uruk and Proto-Elamite administrative technology such as numerical counters and tablets, seals, and sealings seems to be a result of itinerant officials, who with few exceptions recorded and sealed on local clays. Where we have some indication of what was administered, as at Godin and Yahya, it seems to be small scale and local production, rather than long-range exchange. However, some materials, most definitely bitumen, were moved in substantial amounts over hundreds of kilometers. However, we do not yet have any direct evidence of how such distant material transport was administered or regulated.
Accountability as an Inhabited Institution: Contested Meanings and the Symbolic Politics of Reform

This paper examines the failed attempt to reauthorize the American educational law known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) in 2007. Drawing on existing research on cultural processes of policymaking and insights from inhabited institutionalism, we analyze data from 20 congressional hearings, viewing them as social interactions. We find that hearing participants identified problems with strict accountability policies and, in interpreting those problems, introduced alternative meanings, including “NCLB means children left behind.” Our approach stresses the symbolic politics of reform at the meso level of interaction and makes the case for a cultural analysis of policymaking that synthesizes both interactionism and institutionalism.
Neutron spectroscopy by thermalization light yield measurement in a composite heterogeneous scintillator

Abstract An exothermic neutron capture reaction can be used to uniquely identify neutrons in particle detectors. With the use of a capture-gated coincidence technique, the sequence of scatter events that lead to neutron thermalization prior to the neutron capture can also be used to measure neutron energy. We report on the measurement of thermalization light yield via a time-of-flight technique in a polyvinyl toluene-based scintillator EJ-290 within a heterogeneous composite detector that also includes 6 Li-doped glass scintillator. The thermalization light output exhibits a strong correlation with neutron energy because of the preference for near-complete energy deposition prior to the 6 Li(n,t) 4 He neutron capture reaction. The nonproportionality of the light yield from nuclear recoils contributes to the observed broadening of the distribution of thermalization light output. The nonproportional dependence of the scintillation light output in the EJ-290 scintillator as a function of proton recoil energy has been characterized in the range of 0.3–14.1 MeV via the Birks parametrization through a combination of time-of-flight measurement and previously conducted measurements with monoenergetic neutron sources.
Matrix rigidity regulates microtubule network polarization in migration

The microtubule organizing center (MTOC) frequently polarizes to a position in front of the nucleus during cell migration, but recent work has shown conflicting evidence for MTOC location in migratory polarized cells. Here, we show that subcellular localization of the MTOC is modulated by extracellular matrix stiffness. In scratch wound assays as well as single cell migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) the MTOC appears randomly positioned when cells are migrating on soft matrix, whereas on stiff matrix the MTOC is in front of the nucleus. The bulk of the microtubule density is also equally likely to be in front of or behind the nucleus on soft matrix, but it is polarized in front of the nucleus on stiff matrix. This occurred during cell migration with cells in interphase. During cytokinesis, the centrosomes polarize on either side of the chromosomes even on soft matrix, with MIIB localized strongly in the cleavage furrow which depolarizes only on soft matrix as cells exit cytokinesis. When cells are immobilized on micro-patterns printed on the top of substrates of different stiffness, MIIB polarized if the matrix was sufficiently stiff similar to results with migrating cells. However, the MTOC was randomly positioned with respect to the nucleus independent of matrix stiffness. We deduce that cell migration is necessary to orient the MTOC in front of the nucleus and that matrix stiffness helps to drive cell polarization during migration. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi Mushroom): Potential Application as Health Supplement and Cosmeceutical Ingredient

Ganoderma lucidum also well known as Reishi or Lyngzhi is one of the oldest medicinal mushroom used in oriental medicines. It has several potential application for improving health, Some of its biological activities such as protective activity against liver toxicity, antioxidant activity, antihypertensive, anti androgenic activity, anti allergic and antidiabetic activity has been discussed in this review.
Corporate Public Relations Dynamics: Internal vs. External Stakeholders and the Role of the Practitioner

Abstract Most public relations research advocates for stronger organization-public relationships and the implementation of dialogic theory to advance the practice and elevate the status of the public relations practitioner. However, this study reveals that internal relationship dynamics can prevent corporate public relations practitioners from carrying out this function of the public relations role. Twelve weeks of observation and eleven interviews were conducted at a Fortune 1000 technology company to gain insights on how corporate PR practitioners build relationships with external publics, to gauge practitioners’ orientation to dialogue, and to identify challenges to external relationship building. Results show that internal relationship management is a prerequisite to corporate public relations practitioners’ success in developing mutually beneficial relationships with key publics. These findings have implications for both the theory and practice of public relations especially when considering the discussion of the technician versus strategic manager role of public relations and the advancement of the field to a professional status.
Seasonal food selection by water buck Kobus ellipsiprymnus in a Rhodesian Game Park

Comparisons of the food species selected by waterbuck over the three different seasons of the year have shown that while there is a definite preference for certain species, waterbuck generally select from the most abundant species available. A change in food selected over the seasons appears to be related to changes in percentage moisture, percentage crude protein and percentage crude fibre of the various species. Comparisons of the food selection by the two subspecies Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus and Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa have indicated that the former wade freely in water to search for certain hydrophytic plant foods while the latter lives on dry-land plant foods.
Mechanisms of central tolerance for B cells

Receptor editing and apoptosis have crucial roles in promoting the central tolerance of B cells to self-antigens. Defects of these processes can result in autoimmunity or immunodeficiency disease in humans and mice.
Strategies for enhancing online teaching in social work education

ABSTRACTIn response to the growing importance of online education in social work education, this article describes the context of online teaching and learning in social work education. Online teaching and learning are further discussed in the context of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). We emphasize the importance and need for trained faculty to teach in an online environment, particularly in HBCUs; offer an example of how the University of the District of Columbia, an HBCU, prepares its faculty to teach online; and conclude with specific strategies for online teaching and social work faculty. Finally, we provide recommendations for social work education.
Reuse and upcycling of thermoset prepreg scrap: Case study with out-of-autoclave carbon fiber/epoxy prepreg

A large amount of uncured thermoset prepreg scrap is generated during manufacturing, including both ply cutter trim waste and out-of-spec material. While techniques to recycle end-of-life cured com...
A Community-Based Screening Program for Chagas Disease in the USA

Chagas disease (CD) affects over 300 000 people in the USA, many with limited access to healthcare. Although early detection and treatment prevents life-threatening complications,
Determinants of antimicrobial use practices among veterinary clinicians at The University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center

Background. Antimicrobial drugs in veterinary medical practice are primarily prescribed for the purposes of maintaining or improving health and increasing productivity. However, their value is being eroded by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs is suggested as one of the modifiable factors contributing to the development of AMR. To reduce indiscriminate use and to improve antimicrobial use, veterinary practices are encouraged to adopt good stewardship practices. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: to identify factors influencing clinician decisions to begin using antimicrobials as well as the choice of antimicrobials used at The University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center (UTVMC); to evaluate the practices, perceptions, opinions and concerns of veterinary clinicians at UTVMC concerning antimicrobial use, antimicrobial stewardship, and AMR. Methods. This study’s protocol was approved by the University of Tennessee Knoxville IRB for the Protection of Human Subjects in Research. Survey software was used to send a questionnaire to 121 eligible participants, where all were UTVMC faculty with clinical appointments and house officers. Cumulative logit models were fitted to investigate associations between categorical explanatory variables and ordinal response variables. Results. A response rate of 51.24% was achieved. Of the 62 respondents, 47 (75.81%) reported that bacteriological culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test results were extremely important in their antimicrobial prescription decision-making. Thirty-two (51.61%) respondents believed antimicrobials are being over-prescribed. The cephalosporin class was the most preferred antimicrobial class, while the lincosamide class was the least preferred. From the multivariable cumulative logit model, year of graduation from veterinary school (P = 0.034) and clinicians’ primary patient load (P = 0.009) were significantly associated with clinicians’ degree of concern about AMR. Conclusions and clinical relevance. The findings suggest a need for more awareness about AMR among veterinary clinicians. Improvements in antimicrobial stewardship are needed, especially among veterinary clinicians who graduated after 1999. Educational practices that target modification of antimicrobial prescription practices of veterinary clinicians would likely improve a Good Stewardship Practice (GSP) mindset. GSP is important in prolonging the efficacy of currently available antimicrobial drugs.
Mitochondria-derived vesicles deliver antimicrobial payload to control phagosomal bacteria

Pathogenic bacteria taken up into the macrophage phagosome are the target of many anti-microbial effector molecules. Although mitochondria-derived antimicrobial effectors such as reactive oxygen species (mROS) are reported to aid in bacterial killing, it is unclear how these effectors reach bacteria within the phagosomal lumen. To examine the crosstalk between mitochondria and phagosomes, we monitored the production and the spatial localization of mROS during methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. We showed here mROS, specifically hydrogen peroxide (mH2O2) can be delivered into phagosomes via infection-induced mitochondria-derived vesicles, which are generated in a Parkin-dependent manner. Accumulation of mH2O2 in phagosomes required TLR signaling and the mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, Sod2, which converts superoxide into mH2O2. These data highlight a novel mechanism by which the mitochondrial redox capacity enhances macrophage antimicrobial function by delivering mitochondria-derived effector molecules into bacteria containing phagosomes.
Mass Anomalies of Earth, Venus, and Mars: Initial Estimates

Sets of planetary spherical harmonic coefficients, because they depict the gravity potential field from the planet surface into the surrounding space, offer two means for estimating the magnitudes of causative mass anomalies. One is from simple ratios, at anomaly centers, of the vertical derivative of the potential (gravity) by its integral (geoid) anomaly value. That ratio gives an estimate of an equivalent point mass depth, and then using that depth with either of the anomaly values used in computing the ratio, a mass estimate is obtained for the equivalent point mass. The ratio of the depths obtained by the gravity over geoid values, divided by the vertical gravity gradient over gravity values, tests the degree to which contributing mass anomalies are co-centric and at a common depth, by deviation from a value of 1.0. The second method analyzes individual harmonic degree contributions, and their consistency for evaluating causative masses. So far this last method has only rigorously been applied to the Earth, revealing that the greatest mass anomalies (about 9×1022 grams) probably result from topography at the core-mantle boundary. [the corresponding simple ratio mass estimates are 1.4 − 1.8×1022 grams] The largest Venus geoid anomaly features have ratio estimated masses of 1.2×1022 and 8.1×1021 grams (with depth ratios of 1.09 and 1.3). Most of Venus’ anomaly features have depth ratio values within 1/10 of 1.0. The three largest Mars geoid anomaly features all correlate with positive topography features and have ratio estimated masses of 5.4, 4.6, and 2.4×1022 grams, but their depth ratio values are 0.71, 0.65, 0.76 (all Mars’ depth ratio values are less than 0.85), indicating more complex structures than on Venus.
Assessment of the cyclic strain approach for evaluating liquefaction triggering

Abstract The cyclic strain approach was proposed in the 1980s as a potential alternative to the stress-based simplified liquefaction evaluation procedure. However, despite its fundamental basis and many positive attributes, it has not been embraced by practice. One reason for this may be the need to perform cyclic laboratory tests on undisturbed/reconstituted samples to develop a relationship among excess pore water pressure, cyclic strain amplitude, and number of applied strain cycles. Herein an alternative implementation of the strain-based procedure is proposed that circumvents this requirement, using a strain-based pore pressure generation model in lieu of laboratory test data. To assess the efficacy of the alternative implementation, several hundred small strain shear wave velocity (Vs) and Standard Penetration Test (SPT) field liquefaction case histories are evaluated. The results are compared with both field observations and with predictions from the stress-based procedures. It was found that the stress-based approach yielded considerably more accurate predictions compared to the cyclic strain approach. One likely reason for this is the strain-based procedure's inherent and potentially fatal limitation of ignoring the decrease in soil stiffness due to excess pore pressure when representing the earthquake loading in terms of shear strain amplitude and number of equivalent cycles.