cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Osteoclast cell‐surface specializations and nuclear kinetics during egg‐laying in Japanese quail

Medullary bone deposits serve as a reservoir of labile calcium for egg-shell calcification in birds. Quantitative transmission-electron-microscope methods and light-microscope autoradiographic cell-population-kinetic analyses were used to determine changes in cell-surface specializations and population dynamics of medullary bone osteoclasts during egg-laying in Japanese quail. Prior to egg-shell formation, from 0 to about 8 hours after the previous oviposition, very few osteoclast profiles had ruffled borders. The appearance of ruffled borders coincided with the beginning of egg-shell calcification, about 9-10 hours after the previous oviposition. During egg-shell calcification, about 10-21 hours after the previous oviposition, most osteoclast profiles had ruffled borders. Ruffled borders disappeared at the completion of egg-shell calcification and commencement of egg-shell pigmentation. Thus, functional activities of medullary bone osteoclasts appear to be closely synchronized with egg-shell calcification during egg-laying. From 1 to 48 hours after a single injection of 3H-thymidine (3H-TdR), very few labeled osteoclast nuclei were seen during egg-laying. Following multiple injections of 3H-TdR, the percentage of labeled nuclei reached a peak at about 170 hours after the first injection. At this peak-labeling time, relatively few of the osteoclast profiles that had labeled nuclei had two or more; although the average number of nuclei per osteoclast profile wasmore » about 3.6. These kinetic data suggest that the medullary bone osteoclast population has a prolonged rate of turnover compared to rapid changes in cell activities associated with each 24-hour egg-laying cycle; and collectively they would suggest that rapid changes in osteoclast functions occur independently of changes in cell-population dynamics.« less
Development of web-based organic petrology photomicrograph atlases and internet resources for professionals and students

Abstract With advances in web applications, organic petrography and other related disciplines are in need of updated online resources and educational tools to aid professionals and students in the identification and interpretation of macerals. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Organic Petrology Laboratory along with USGS Eastern Energy Resources Science Center Information Technology staff have developed five web atlases containing images of organic matter in geologic materials: 1. an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Atlas, 2. an Organic Petrology Taxonomy for International Classification (OPTIC) of Coal Macerals Atlas, 3. an Interactive Gulf Coast Photomicrograph Web Atlas (I-Map), 4. an Organic Material in Shales Atlas (Shale), and 5. an interactive Blue/White/Ultraviolet (UV) Light Atlas (Light). Each web atlas contains images of macerals with associated sample and petrographic data collected by the USGS. These webpages will provide means to preserve and circulate petrographic data collected by the USGS for coal and shale samples from all over the world.
Toxicity and therapeutic effects of low-energy electrons

Abstract The biologic consequences of tissue-incorporated radionuclides that decay by electron capture and internal conversion are often unpredictable because of their strong dependence on the microscopic distribution of energy. These radionuclides differ from those that decay by β − -emissions in that nuclear processes leave primary vacancies in the inner electronic shells of the daughter atoms. The complex series of vacancy cascades that follow are composed of both radiative and nonradiative (Auger) transitions and result in the copious emission of low-energy electrons that dissipate their energy typically within nanometer distances from the decay site. The highly localized nature of the energy absorbed may lead to severe damage of molecular structures in the immediate vicinity of the decaying atom. If these intracellular structures are essential for the viability of the cell, lethal effects can follow, depending on the ability of the cell to repair such damage. Accordingly, both experimental and theoretical approaches have been used to assess the radiotoxicity and therapeutic potential of these radionuclides. Studies at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels have demonstrated that the major factors contributing to observed biologic effects include the intracellular concentration and distribution of the radionuclide in the mammalian cell, its proximity to nuclear DNA, the spectra of its Auger electrons and their patterns of energy deposition. This paper reviews and discusses some of the recent in-vitro and in-vivo findings in this field.
Identification of the maturation factor for dual oxidase. Evolution of an eukaryotic operon equivalent

Dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2), an NADPH:O(2) oxidoreductase flavoprotein, is a component of the thyroid H(2)O(2) generator crucial for hormone synthesis at the apical membrane. Mutations in DUOX2 produce congenital hypothyroidism in humans. However, no functional DUOX-based NADPH oxidase has ever been reconstituted at the plasma membrane of transfected cells. It has been proposed that DUOX retention in the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) of heterologous systems is due to the lack of an unidentified component required for functional maturation of the enzyme. By data mining of a massively parallel signature sequencing tissue expression data base, we identified an uncharacterized gene named DUOX maturation factor (DUOXA2) arranged head-to-head to and co-expressed with DUOX2. A paralog (DUOXA1) was similarly linked to DUOX1. The genomic rearrangement leading to linkage of ancient DUOX and DUOXA genes could be traced back before the divergence of echinoderms. We demonstrate that co-expression of DUOXA2, an ER-resident transmembrane protein, allows ER-to-Golgi transition, maturation, and translocation to the plasma membrane of functional DUOX2 in a heterologous system. The identification of DUOXA genes has important implications for studies of the molecular mechanisms controlling DUOX expression and the molecular genetics of congenital hypothyroidism.
Thermal conductivity of impurity-doped high-Tc superconductors

Abstract The thermal conductivity K(T) of polycrystalline YBa2(Cu1−xNx)3O7 with N=Zn and Al (0 ⩽x⩽0.1) and Y1−yMyBa2Cu3O7 with M=Pr and Gd (0⩽y⩽1.0) has been measured for temperatures 1 .2⩽T⩽200 K. In the undoped samples, K(T) decreases slightly with decreasing temperature above Tc, with a strong enhancement of K(T) below Tc reaching a maximum at ∼50 K followed by a sharp decrease. Doping with Zn and Pr, which have been shown to dramatically disturb the superconductivity, rapidly depresses the maximum in K(T) even at concentrations that remain superconducting. This effect is not as dramatic for Al- and Gd-doped samples, which do not strongly depress the superconductivity. These data are discussed considering both phonon and electron thermal conduction mechanisms, and are compared with relevant theories, such as a modified BRT theory of phonon conduction within the superconducting state.
ENDURING IMMUNITY FOLLOWING VACCINATION OF MICE WITH FORMALIN-INACTIVATED VIRUS OF RUSSIAN SPRING-SUMMER (FAR EASTERN, TICK-BORNE) ENCEPHALITIS : CORRELATION WITH SERUM-NEUTRALIZING AND COMPLEMENT-FIXING ANTIBODIES.

A single course of two intraperitoneal injections of formalin-inactivated virus of Russian spring-summer encephalitis induced in albino mice a solidly immune state which endured almost throughout life. Active virus is therefore not essential for the production of a high degree of lasting immunity. The immune response to vaccination consists of resistance to peripherally introduced active virus and development of circulating antibody. A correlation has been found to exist throughout the long period of the immune state between the titer of neutralizing antibody, as determined by the intraperitoneal method described, and the degree of immunity to peripherally introduced active virus. Thus laboratory tests for the immunizing power of a vaccine suggest themselves, to be carried out by an estimation in vaccinated mice of (a) immunity to peripherally inoculated active virus, and (b) serum virus-neutralizing antibody determined by the intraperitoneal method. The roles as indicators of immunity in vaccinated mice of complement-fixing antibody in the serum, of the intracerebral challenge dose of virus, and of the intracerebral method for testing neutralizing antibody are discussed. Finally, if the immune response of man to vaccination with formalin-inactivated virus of Russian spring-summer encephalitis follows the pattern of the response of mice as here described, and if the correlation of neutralizing antibody with immunity to peripherally introduced virus applies to man as to mice, then possibly the degree of immunity in human beings following vaccination can be appraised by a peripheral test for neutralizing antibody in the serum.
Floral parameters, breeding system and pollinator type in Trichostema (Labiatae).

Diversity in flower size and degree of exsertion of anthers and stigma from the corolla in the California species of Trichostema appear to be correlated with breeding system and pollinator type (bee vs. bird). Autogamous (self-pollinating) species unlike xenogamous (cross-pollinating) species lack spatially separate anthers and stigma and nototribic pollination. The outcrossing species have significantly larger flowers, significantly larger nectar volumes and significantly higher pollen-ovule ratios than do selfing species. Because autogamous species are less reliant on flower visitors to facilitate pollination, there may be relaxed selection for large nectar producing flowers. Pollen-ovule ratios are correlated with breeding system and reflect the efficiency of pollen transport. Data on floral parameters suggest xenogamous species expend more energy per floral unit and are less efficient seed producers than closely related autogamous species. POLLINATOR TYPE and plant breeding system influence flower morphology (Grant and Grant, 1965) and the energetic cost to the plant per flower produced (Heinrich, 1975; Solbrig, 1976). Energetic costs may be reflected in flower size (Solbrig and Rollins, 1977), nectar production (Heinrich, 1975) and pollen-ovule ratios (Cruden, 1977). A number of species within several genera have been examined for one or two of these parameters, e.g., Leavenworthia (flower size and pollen-ovule ratios; Lloyd, 1965), Agave (nectar volume; Schaffer and Schaffer, 1977), Mirabilis (pollen-ovule ratios; Cruden, 1977). However, data on flower size, nectar production and pollen-ovule ratios within a group of congeneric species appear to be lacking. In this paper, pollination mechanisms for the ten California species of Trichostema are described. Data on flower size, nectar volume and pollen-ovule ratios are correlated with breeding system (autogamy vs. xenogamy) and pollinator type (bee vs. bird). Seed set efficiency is compared. Data are discussed in relation to floral energetics.
Effects of post-mercury-control fly ash on fresh and hardened concrete properties

Abstract Activated carbon injection is the most mature technology for mercury capture from coal burning power plants; however, this technology increases the carbon content and mercury concentration in the fly ash. This, in turn, may reduce the suitability of fly ash for use in concrete and call into question the safety of using fly ash derived from this process. The focus of this paper is to investigate the reuse potential of post-mercury-control fly ash in concrete by examining the influence of three fly ashes derived from the activated carbon injection on the air content, compressive strength, permeability, and resistance to freezing and thawing of concrete mixtures. Laboratory testing confirmed the influence of the carbon on the air content of the concrete. However there was no difficulty in entraining air in activated carbon injection fly ash concretes within the recommended dosage range of the air-entraining admixture. All air-entrained fly ash concretes exhibited excellent characteristics in compressive strength (⩾32.0 MPa, 4641 psi at 28 days), resistance to chloride-ion penetration (moderate to low at 28 days of age) and freeze–thaw (⩾90 average durability factor after 300 cycles). The possible leaching of toxic elements including mercury from one fly ash sample used in this study was also evaluated using the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure. The test results indicated that the leaching of toxic elements was much lower than the contamination level.
La Minotaura , the Female Minotaur: Aida Toledo’s Version of the Classical Myth

The poetry of the Guatemalan poet Aida Toledo, from its beginning, breaks away from the masculine and feminine images created and recreated through centuries by the owner of words and power, man. Toledo, as a consequence of her reflections on gender, questions, changes and pulverizes certain qualities considered to be unique and essential in defining each of the sexes. The poet starts with the Greek myths, as she considerers them to be the sacred pillars in building the Western Culture. Aida Toledo, not satisfied with using the sword of extermination against the eternal masculine and feminine values, uses the ashes from that fire as fertilizer to sprout new life, a life that time and space will shape into new beings, new male and female Minotaur.
Satellite observations of a surtseyan eruption: Hunga Ha'apai, Tonga

Abstract On March 17, 2009, a surtseyan eruption occurred around Hunga Ha'apai Island, Tonga. A series of observations from the high-spatial resolution Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), and the high-temporal resolution Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), was used to estimate the magnitude, location, start time, and duration of the eruption, and measure the evolving characteristics of the new Hunga Ha'apai Island. The eruption start time was estimated to be between 01:50 and 11:10 local time, on March 17, 2009 (i.e., between 12:50 and 22:10 UTC, March 16). The initial explosive phase lasted 3–5 days and consisted of multiple steam and tephra explosions from two distinct vent sources, one on the northwest side, and another about 100 m off the south shore of the pre-existing island. The eruption plume reached 4.0 to 7.6 km altitude above sea level, and tephra added new land around each of the vents, initially tripling the area of the pre-existing island. The next phase of steaming from newly formed crater lakes around the vents lasted a few days. Three warm crater lakes formed initially, but disappeared with time as the shoreline eroded. After ~ 2 months, vegetation that was initially buried by tephra was recovering; after ~ 10 months, the size of the island had eroded down to ~ twice that of the pre-existing island, and the one remaining crater lake had a temperature of ~ 68 ± 17 °C. The volume of erupted material was estimated to be ~ 0.0176 km3 and the volcanic explosivity index (VEI) was estimated to be VEI = 2.
Influence of water on the reactivity of vanadia/titania for catalytic reduction of NOx

The increasing global concern in the recent years over air pollution problems caused by NO[sub x] emission has brought forth extensive research on NO[sub x] reduction. The most important current process used to remove NO[sub x] from flue gas is the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO[sub x] by NH[sub 3]. Titania-based vanadia catalysts are most often used today, due to their SCR activity and resistance to SO[sub 2] poisoning. Numerous studies on this and similar catalyst systems have been reported in the literature in the last few years. Many of these studies have been aimed at understanding the surface properties and reactivity of these catalysts under industrial DeNO[sub x] reaction conditions. However, most of these studies have been carried out in the absence of water, which is usually present in flue gas. Thus, there is a need to study the effects of water on the catalyst itself and on the catalyst activity and selectivity. Accordingly, the authors report the results of catalytic activity and in situ FTIR studies, which have been carried out on a vanadia/titania catalyst with and without water in the feed gas, as well as some results from vacuum temperature-programmed desorption studies.
A Computerized Scoring System for the Personality Inventory for Children

A computer program for the Personality Inventory for Children is described which scores and produces a profile for the 4 validity and 12 clinical scales and for the 17 supplemental scales. Moreover, the program prints out the relevant demographic data on the child, as well as, lists any critical items endorsed by the informant which the clinician may wish to explore in a subsequent interview.
SU-E-J-81: Beveled Needle Tip Detection Error in Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Brachytherapy

Purpose: To quantify the needle tip detection errors in ultrasoundimages due to bevel‐tip orientation in relation to the location on template grid. Methods: Transrectal ultrasound(TRUS) system (BK Medical) with physical template grid and 18‐gauge bevel‐tip (20‐deg beveled angle) brachytherapy needle (Bard Medical, Covington, GA) were used. The TRUS was set at 6.5MHz in water phantom at 40°C and measurements were taken with 50% and 100% TRUS gains. Needles were oriented with bevel‐tip facing up (0‐degree) and inserted through template grid‐holes. Reference needle depths were measured when needle tip image intensity was bright enough for potentially consistent readings. High‐resolution digital vernier caliper was used to measure needle depth. Needle bevel‐tip orientation was then changed to bevel down (by rotating 180‐degree) and needle depth was adjusted by retracting so that the needle‐tip image intensity appeared similar to when the needle bevel‐tip was at 0‐degree orientation. Clinically relevant locations were considered for needle placement on the template grids (1st row to 9th row, and ‘a‐f’ columns). Results: For 50% TRUS gain, bevel tip detection errors/differences were 0.69±0.30mm (1st row) to 3.23±0.22mm (9th row) and 0.78±0.71mm (1st row) to 4.14±0.56mm (9th row) in columns ‘a’ and ‘D’, respectively. The corresponding errors for 100% TRUS gain were 0.57±0.25mm to 5.24±0.36mm and 0.84±0.30mm to 4.2±0.20mm in columns ‘a’ and ‘D’, respectively. These errors/differences varied linearly for grid‐hole locations on the rows and columns in between, smaller to large depending on distance from the TRUS probe. Observed no effect of gains (50% vs. 100%) along ‘D’ column, which was directly above the TRUS probe. Conclusions: Experiment results revealed that the beveled needle tip orientation could significantly impact the detection accuracy of the needle tips, based on which the seeds might be delivered. These errors may lead to considerable dosimetric deviations in prostate brachytherapy seed implantation.
Identification of a 2-D geometric descriptor associated with nongenotoxic carcinogens and some estrogens and antiestrogens

A distance descriptor (6A) originally associated with non-genotoxic mouse carcinogens has been found to be present in some, but not all, estrogens and antiestrogens. It is hypothesized that this descriptor describes a ligand binding site on an estrogen receptor. Evidence is presented that those estrogens and antiestrogens not containing the 6A distance bind to a different receptor. It is conceivable that binding to the receptor that recognizes the 6A distance is associated with carcinogenicity.
The Selective Protein Kinase C β Inhibitor Enzastaurin Induces Apoptosis in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Cell Lines through the AKT Pathway

Enzastaurin displays pro-apoptotic properties against a spectrum of malignancies and is currently being investigated in clinical trials. We have investigated the effects of enzastaurin on the viability of the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cell lines HuT-78 and HH by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay, cell cycle analysis, propidium iodide and annexin-V staining, and caspase-3-mediated proteolytic activation. Enzastaurin-treatment decreased cell viability, increased annexin V-FITC-positive cells, and increased the proportion of sub-G 1 populations in both cell lines that was not reversed by the T-cell growth stimulating cytokines IL-2, IL-7, IL-15. Enzastaurin-induced cell death involved caspase-3-activated cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase that was inhibited by the pan-caspase inhibitor ZVAD-fmk, whereas the increase in sub-G 1 population was only partially inhibited by ZVAD-fmk. Furthermore, enzastaurin downregulated AKT activity and its downstream effectors GSK3 β and ribosomal protein S6. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway has been implicated in the growth and survival of hematologic malignancies and inhibition of this pathway is considered as a therapeutic target. Protein kinase C activation contributes to PI3K/AKT activation, but it is unknown how enzastaurin may interfere with signaling through this pathway. These results demonstrate that enzastaurin, at clinically achievable concentrations, induces apoptosis and affects AKT signaling, and provide a rationale for further in vivo studies addressing the therapeutic efficacy in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma patients.
Effects of high voltage stimulation on cutaneous wound healing in rabbits.

The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether high voltage stimulation (HVS) enhances wound healing. Forty female rabbits were assigned to experimental or control groups and followed for four or seven days. We classified the groups as Exp4, Con4, Exp7, and Con7, respectively. Each animal was anesthetized, and a full-thickness incision, 3.5-cm long, was made on its back. After 24 hours, Exp4 and Exp7 rabbits received HVS with a negative polarity for two hours twice daily. Although tensile-strength values were 36% higher for Exp4 rabbits than for Con4 rabbits, no significant differences in tensile strength or percentage of wound closure existed between the two groups. After seven days, Con7 rabbits had a higher percentage of wound closure and significantly greater tensile-strength measures than Exp7 rabbits. Histologic examination of the wounds did not provide clear-cut evidence of differences between the experimental and control groups. Results suggest that 1) HVS did not significantly improve wound healing for Exp4 rabbits and 2) HVS, as given, may have hampered the healing process for Exp7 rabbits.
Disorder Production at Metal-Silicon Interfaces by MeV/amu Ion Irradiation

We have shown that irradiation of Ag-Si and Au-Si interfaces by 14 MeV 016 ions can produce non-registered silicon at the metal-silicon interface. Evidence that this effect is due to electronic energy loss of the bombarding ion is presented. The possible relationship of this effect to MeV-ion enhanced adhesion is discussed.
Producing Massive Neutral Intermediate Vector Bosons with Existing Accelerators

We outline a scheme of searching for the massive weak boson (M = 50 – 200 GeV/c2). An antiproton source is added either to the Fermilab or the CERN SPS machines to transform a conventional 400 GeV accelerator into a pp colliding beam facility with 800 GeV in the center of mass (Eeq = 320,000 GeV). Reliable estimates of production cross sections along with a high luminosity make the scheme feasible.
Computational algorithms for closed queueing networks with exponential servers

Methods are presented for computing the equilibrium distribution of customers in closed queueing networks with exponential servers. Expressions for various marginal distributions are also derived. The computational algorithms are based on two-dimensional iterative techniques which are highly efficient and quite simple to implement. Implementation considerations such as storage allocation strategies and order of evaluation are examined in some detail.
Gestural drift in a bilingual speaker of Brazilian Portuguese and English

Abstract We report three experiments exploring the occurrence of perceptually-guided changes in speech production by a speaker well past the critical period for language acquisition. A first experiment shows that listeners sharing our speaker's native language (Brazilian Portuguese) can distinguish her productions in that language as having been produced either after recent experience in Brazil or after recent experience producing and listening to English in the United States. In contrast, native English speaking listeners cannot distinguish our speaker's English productions by recent experience. Acoustic measurements of our speaker's voiceless stops produced in both Brazilian Portuguese and English show that, whereas her VOTs are always shorter for productions in Brazilian Portuguese than in English, VOTs of stops produced in both languages are shorter after a several month stay in Brazil than after a several month stay in the United States. We offer a theoretical account of the findings.
Reduction in insulin sensitivity following administration of the clinically used low‐dose pressor, norepinephrine

Background Hyperglycaemia in acutely ill patients is well described and correcting this hyperglycaemia improves outcomes. It has been generally attributed to endogenous factors, specifically decreased secretion of insulin or increased secretion of anti-insulin hormones, and cytokines, or both. Norepinephrine is the most commonly used vasopressor in critically ill patients. When titrated, it has anecdotally been found to cause wide swings in blood glucose levels. We tested the hypothesis that norepinephrine, a plausible exogenous, iatrogenic cause of hyperglycaemia, causes resistance to insulin action with the hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp method. Methods Hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic (about 100 mg dL−1) clamps were performed before and during infusion of norepinephrine, in doses of 110 ng kg−1 min−1, which raised mean arterial pressure from 82 ± 7 to 94 ± 8 mmHg (p < 0.01) in 11 healthy adults. Results The glucose infusion rate required to maintain euglycaemia during the clamps, a marker of whole-body insulin sensitivity, decreased from 11.2 ± 3.7 mg kg−1 min−1 at baseline to 9.0 ± 2.6 mg kg−1 min−1 (p = 0.015) during the norepinephrine infusion. Steady-state insulin and C-peptide levels did not significantly change. Cortisol levels showed diurnal variation in the beginning and were also different at steady state. Conclusions Infusion of pressor doses of norepinephrine causes resistance to insulin action in humans. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
By Disanalogy, Cyberwarfare Is Utterly New

We provide an underlying theory of argument by disanalogy, in order to employ it to show that cyberwarfare is fundamentally new (relative to traditional kinetic warfare, and espionage). Once this general case is made, the battle is won: we are well on our way to establishing our main thesis: that Just War Theory itself must be modernized. Augustine and Aquinas (and their predecessors) had a stunningly long run, but today’s world, based as it is on digital information and increasingly intelligent information-processing, points the way to a beast so big and so radically different, that the core of this duo’s insights needs to be radically extended.
Investigating the impact eco-feedback information representation has on building occupant energy consumption behavior and savings

Abstract In response to rising energy costs and concerns over environmental emissions, researchers and practitioners have developed eco-feedback systems to provide building occupants with information on their energy consumption. While such eco-feedback systems have been observed to drive significant reductions in energy consumption, little is known as to what specific design features of these systems are most motivational. One common feature of eco-feedback systems is the way in which energy consumption is represented to users. In this study, we empirically examine the impact that information representation has on energy consumption behavior by comparing the effectiveness of direct energy feedback versus feedback represented as an environmental externality. A 1 month empirical study with 39 participants in an urban residential building was conducted. Participants were divided into two different study groups: one group was provided with feedback in direct energy units and a second group was provided feedback in environmental externality units. Results revealed that information representation has a statistically significant impact on the energy consumption behavior of users, and that users receiving eco-feedback as an environmental externality reduced their consumption more than their counterparts who received feedback in direct energy units. This study represents a crucial first step toward gaining a deeper understanding of how information representation can be leveraged to maximize energy savings.
Sensory Perception, Rationalism and Outdoor Environmental Education

There is a strong emphasis on sensory perception and ‘hands-on’ learning in the outdoor environmental education of children. In addition, normative concerns infuse children's environmental curricula, and in particular, the notion that environmental education is not a passive undertaking; when one appreciates the essential value of the environment, one is bound to care for it. In post-secondary educational settings, the ethical dimension of environmental education remains largely intact, but comparatively little attention is placed on cognition through the physical senses. Among college-age learners, the external senses can be useful for reinforcing conventional learning modalities, such as empirical observation and cause-and-effect reasoning. Moreover, sights, taste, touch and other external senses are means for breaking down dualistic conceptions of ‘people’ and ‘nature’ in environmental studies, particularly in outdoor contexts.
Shape and motion from image streams under orthography: a factorization method

Inferring scene geometry and camera motion from a stream of images is possible in principle, but is an ill-conditioned problem when the objects are distant with respect to their size. We have developed a factorization method that can overcome this difficulty by recovering shape and motion under orthography without computing depth as an intermediate step. An image stream can be represented by the 2FxP measurement matrix of the image coordinates of P points tracked through F frames. We show that under orthographic projection this matrix is of rank 3. Based on this observation, the factorization method uses the singular-value decomposition technique to factor the measurement matrix into two matrices which represent object shape and camera rotation respectively. Two of the three translation components are computed in a preprocessing stage. The method can also handle and obtain a full solution from a partially filled-in measurement matrix that may result from occlusions or tracking failures. The method gives accurate results, and does not introduce smoothing in either shape or motion. We demonstrate this with a series of experiments on laboratory and outdoor image streams, with and without occlusions.
The Cost-Quality Relationship: Do We Always Get What We Pay For?

The relationship between cost and quality is more than an academic concern. Assumptions about the strength and direction of the association are at the heart of the current debate about the future direction of American health care. If we assume that quality and costs are positively related, then it follows that efforts to contain costs threaten quality. 1 If we assume a less linear or even negative relationship, then cost containment and quality improvement may even be complementary. 2 See also p 1903. Donabedian et al 3 suggest that the use of health services beyond those needed for maximum health benefit might actually have a negative effect because of complications of the unnecessary tests and treatments. Empirical studies of the cost-quality relationship have been largely confined to hospital care and show no consistency in the direction of the associations. 4 The article by Starfield et al 5 in this issue
NETs Are a Source of Citrullinated Autoantigens and Stimulate Inflammatory Responses in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The early events leading to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain unclear, but formation of autoantibodies to citrullinated protein antigens (ACPAs) is considered a key pathogenic event. Neutrophils isolated from patients with various autoimmune diseases display enhanced neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, a phenomenon that exposes autoantigens in the context of immunostimulatory molecules. We investigated whether aberrant NETosis occurs in RA, determined its triggers, and examined its deleterious inflammatory consequences. Enhanced NETosis was observed in circulating and RA synovial fluid neutrophils compared to neutrophils from healthy controls and from patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Further, netting neutrophils infiltrated RA synovial tissue, rheumatoid nodules, and skin. NETosis correlated with ACPA presence and levels and with systemic inflammatory markers. RA sera and immunoglobulin fractions from RA patients with high levels of ACPA and/or rheumatoid factor significantly enhanced NETosis, and the NETs induced by these autoantibodies displayed distinct protein content. Indeed, during NETosis, neutrophils externalized the citrullinated autoantigens implicated in RA pathogenesis, and anti–citrullinated vimentin antibodies potently induced NET formation. Moreover, the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and tumor necrosis factor–a (TNF-a) induced NETosis in RA neutrophils. In turn, NETs significantly augmented inflammatory responses in RA and OA synovial fibroblasts, including induction of IL-6, IL-8, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. These observations implicate accelerated NETosis in RA pathogenesis, through externalization of citrullinated autoantigens and immunostimulatory molecules that may promote aberrant adaptive and innate immune responses in the joint and in the periphery, and perpetuate pathogenic mechanisms in this disease.
Dual Function of the IRF8 Transcription Factor in Autoimmune Uveitis: Loss of IRF8 in T Cells Exacerbates Uveitis, Whereas Irf8 Deletion in the Retina Confers Protection

IFN regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) is constitutively expressed in monocytes and B cells and plays a critical role in the functional maturation of microglia cells. It is induced in T cells following Ag stimulation, but its functions are less well understood. However, recent studies in mice with T cell-specific Irf8 disruption under direction of the Lck promoter (LCK-IRF8KO) suggest that IRF8 directs a silencing program for Th17 differentiation, and IL-17 production is markedly increased in IRF8-deficient T cells. Paradoxically, loss of IRF8 in T cells has no effect on the development or severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), although exacerbating colitis in a mouse colitis model. In contrast, mice with a macrophage/microglia-specific Irf8 disruption are resistant to EAE, further confounding our understanding of the roles of IRF8 in host immunity and autoimmunity. To clarify the role of IRF8 in autoimmune diseases, we have generated two mouse strains with targeted deletion of Irf8 in retinal cells, including microglial cells and a third mouse strain with targeted Irf8 deletion in T cells under direction of the nonpromiscuous, CD4 promoter (CD4-IRF8KO). In contrast to the report that IRF8 deletion in T cells has no effect on EAE, experimental autoimmune uveitis is exacerbated in CD4-IRF8KO mice and disease enhancement correlates with significant expansion of Th17 cells and a reduction in T regulatory cells. In contrast to CD4-IRF8KO mice, Irf8 deletion in retinal cells confers protection from uveitis, underscoring divergent and tissue-specific roles of IRF8 in host immunity. These results raise a cautionary note in the context of therapeutic targeting of IRF8.
Undergraduate mechatronics at Stanford University

This paper discusses a one-quarter mechatronics course designed for undergraduate mechanical engineers. Details of the content and structure of the course are examined along with the rationale behind the design of the course and choice of content. The paper will be most useful to those seeking successful examples of content, organization and design of mechatronics courses that they may draw upon in designing and implementing their own courses.
MetRxn: a knowledgebase of metabolites and reactions spanning metabolic models and databases.

Increasingly, metabolite and reaction information is organized in the form of genome-scale metabolic reconstructions that describe the reaction stoichiometry, directionality, and gene to protein to reaction associations. A key bottleneck in the pace of reconstruction of new, high-quality metabolic models is the inability to directly make use of metabolite/reaction information from biological databases or other models due to incompatibilities in content representation (i.e., metabolites with multiple names across databases and models), stoichiometric errors such as elemental or charge imbalances, and incomplete atomistic detail (e.g., use of generic R-group or non-explicit specification of stereo-specificity).
The next generation of HPV vaccines: nonavalent vaccine V503 on the horizon

HPV infection with 'high-risk' genotypes is associated with ano-genital and oropharyngeal cancers. Two currently licensed prophylactic HPV vaccines designed to prevent disease associated with HPV 16 and 18 are in use around the world. Both vaccines have very high efficacy for prevention of vaccine type-associated cervical precancers, preventing approximately 70% of these lesions. Quadrivalent HPV vaccine has also been shown to prevent HPV16/18-associated vaginal, vulvar and anal precancers, and HPV6/11-associated ano-genital warts. To broaden protection against HPV genotypes not in the current vaccines, 'second-generation' vaccines with additional genotypes are under development. Merck, Sharp and Dohme has submitted a Biologics License Application for its investigational nonavalent HPV vaccine V503 to the US FDA, with standard review being granted. The nonavalent HPV vaccine appears to be safe and effective in preventing persistent infection and precancerous lesions associated with HPV types 16/18/31/33/45/52/58, as well as genital warts related to HPV types 6 and 11.
Optimal Groundwater Remediation Using Artificial Neural Networks

The significant cost and complexity of groundwater remediation and water resources management has encouraged integration of optimization techniques with groundwater flow and transport modeling to search for efficient groundwater management strategies. This integration of methodologies has often been referred to as simulationmanagement modeling or simulation-optimization groundwater management modeling. The values of the objective function and constraints of the optimization problem are calculated by the groundwater flow and transport models run as a submodel of the optimization driver. In the area of remediation, example objectives could be minimizing costs or maximizing contaminant mass removed; constraints might be avoiding dewatering or a total pumping volume limit. A general groundwater management model will use optimization techniques to search among almost infinite numbers of treatment or control strategies possibilities for ones that meet management goals while minimizing cost. The main advantage of applying these mathematical tools to decision-making problems is that they are less restricted by human imagination than case-by-case comparisons. As the number of competing engineering, economic, and environmental planning objectives and constraints increases, it becomes difficult for human planners to track complex interactions and select a manageable set of promising scenarios for examination. Using optimization techniques, the search can range over all possible combinations of variables, locating strategies whose effectiveness is not always obvious to planners.
Diversity at Jpmorgan Chase: Right is Good Enough for Me (B)

How do we get a manager to recruit the best talent--and reward them for being a better manager for doing it--when we really want them to be a great banker? That was the question one of the top ranking female executives at JPMorgan Chase asked. This two part case offers an interesting and unique approach to diversity recruitment at a Fortune 500 company. With a white male champion--Jamie Dimon--at the helm, the material unfolds a view of how competent leaders do something interesting with diversity. In the A case, Diversity Recruiting Executive Mark Settles is hired, sets up a system, and nearly a year and a half later, the company has a strong pipeline of diverse talent for future consideration. Indeed, other Fortune 500 firms ask Settles to share recruiting best practices. But as he looks at the September 2008 issue of Fortune magazine, Settles can’t help but wonder how his work has impacted JPMC. The mostly male faces of the cover caused Settles to step back for a second and consider whether his efforts were going to change the company.The B case describes several efforts that Settles sought to further integrate divserity into the talent life cycle, from recruiting to development, to creating an environment in which employees felt welcome as individuals and free to maximize their talents anywhere in the organization.
Effect of Competing Mechanisms on Fracture Toughness of Polycrystalline Metals

Fracture toughness in ductile materials is the combined effect of the plastic dissipation and the energy spent in creating new surfaces. The design of polycrystalline metals with improved fracture toughness requires in-depth understanding of two levels of competitions: the competition between plastic deformation and crack formation as well as the competition between transgranular and intergranular fracture. Currently, no systematic approach exists to address the two competitions. The fundamental challenges lie in the difficulty in separating the two energy dissipations and inadequate knowledge about the correlation between fracture mechanisms and material fracture toughness. In this paper, a Cohesive Finite Element Method (CFEM) based multiscale framework is introduced to quantify the two levels of competitions. The fracture toughness of ductile materials is predicted by calculating the J-integral at the macroscale. The fracture surface energy for different type of failure mechanisms is evaluated through explicit simulation of crack propagation at the microstructure level. The calculations carried out here concern AZ31 Mg alloy. Results indicate that the mixed transgranular and intergranular failure can lead to optimized fracture toughness. Microstructures with refined grain size and grain boundary bonding strength can best promote the favorable failure mechanisms.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Edible identities: food as cultural heritage

Edible entities: Food as cultural heritage is a book that focuses on diverse cuisines as culture and heritage. As noted in the introduction of the book, food, as heritage implies that while closely...
Paving the road to maximum productivity.

"Job security" is an oxymoron in today's environment of downsizing, mergers, and acquisitions. Workers find themselves living by new rules in the workplace that they may not understand. How do we cope? It is the leader's charge to take advantage of this chaos and create conditions under which his or her people can understand the need for change and come together with a shared purpose to effect that change. The clinical laboratory at Arkansas Children's Hospital has taken advantage of this chaos to down-size and to redesign how the work gets done to pave the road to maximum productivity. After initial hourly cutbacks, the workers accepted the cold, hard fact that they would never get their old world back. They set goals to proactively shape their new world through reorganizing, flexing staff with workload, creating a rapid response laboratory, exploiting information technology, and outsourcing. Today the laboratory is a lean, productive machine that accepts change as a way of life. We have learned to adapt, trust, and support each other as we have journeyed together over the rough roads. We are looking forward to paving a new fork in the road to the future.
Moiré scaling of the sliding force in twisted bilayer graphene

The weak interlayer binding in two-dimensional layered materials such as graphite gives rise to distinguished low-friction properties if the atomic lattices at the interface are rotated with respect to one another. The lack of crystal symmetry leads to poorly understood correlations and cancelations of the interlayer atomic forces. Here we report on a powerful tiling method based on the moir\'e superstructure which allows us to study the intricate interplay of the interlayer forces in a systematic manner. Based on numerical simulation data for a circular graphene flake on an infinite graphene substrate, it is shown that the sliding force is dominated by a rim area consisting of incomplete moir\'e tiles. This rim force, which scales with the number of atoms in a moir\'e tile and as the radius to the power of 0.5, is minimal whenever the sliding structure can be approximated by a hexagon composed of an integer number ${N}_{t}$ of moir\'e tiles. Intriguingly, the corresponding area force scales as ${N}_{t}$ to the power of 0.25, i.e., it increases with size, whereas it has been often argued that interlayer forces should add up to a zero value for large twisted systems. However, at specific twist angles the moir\'e structure is commensurate with the graphene lattice, leading to a perfect force correlation in the moir\'e tiles. Correspondingly, the area force becomes dominant and scales as ${N}_{t}$, i.e., as the radius to the power of 2.
A Look at Leadership Styles and Workplace Solidarity Communication

Leadership styles that promote upward and downward communication have been shown to foster a plethora of positive outcomes within the workplace, group collaborations, and team contexts. Similarly, ...
Teaching Material Culture and Chinese Gardens at American Colleges

The paper reflects on the experience of designing and teaching a course on material culture and Chinese gardens. Involving traditional philosophy, ethics, religion, painting, calligraphy, craft, literature, architecture and horticulture, a classical Chinese garden can be considered a microcosm of Chinese culture. This essay discusses the textbooks and general organization of the course, particularly focusing on how students study the key elements (rocks, water, plants and architecture) in building a Chinese garden. Some Chinese literature with representations of gardens that can be used for this class is also introduced. In addition, this essay uses two classical Chinese gardens built in the United States (the Astor Court and the Garden of Flowing Fragrance) to discuss the appropriation of “Chinese-ness” in different geographical, physical and cultural environments. Finally, some available online resources and technologies that have enhanced student understanding of the subject matter are introduced.