cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lithium Induces NF-κB Activation and Interleukin-8 Production in Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Lithium has been documented to regulate apoptosis and apoptotic gene expression via NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-dependent mechanisms. Since both NF-κB and MAP kinases are also important mediators of inflammatory gene expression, we investigated the effect of lithium on NF-κB- and MAP kinase-mediated inflammatory gene expression. Incubation of human intestinal epithelial cells with lithium induced both enhanced NF-κB DNA binding and NF-κB-dependent transcriptional activity. In addition, lithium stimulated activation of both the p38 and p42/44 MAP kinases. This lithium-induced up-regulation of NF-κB and MAP kinase activation was associated with an enhancement of interleukin-8 mRNA accumulation as well as an increase in interleukin-8 protein release. These proinflammatory effects of lithium were, in large part, mediated by activation of Na+/H+ exchangers, because selective blockade of Na+/H+ exchangers prevented the lithium-induced intestinal cell inflammatory response. These results demonstrate that lithium stimulates inflammatory gene expression via NF-κB and MAP kinase activation.
An application of graph theory and nonlinear programming to the kinematic synthesis of mechanisms

Abstract In this investigation a systematic “start-from-zero” approach for the design of mechanisms has been described and applied to the creation of an automotive windshield-wiper mechanism. Following specification of the design goals and restrictions, the potentially useful kinematic structures have been generated with the aid of graph theory. A preliminary functional screening of these structures has yielded several potentially useful mechanisms. The type synthesis was followed by dimensional synthesis, formulated as a nonlinear programming problem. Physical design goals and constraints were transformed into the objective and penalty functions and then optimized. The final result was a proportioned potentially optimal mechanism. An alternative approach to the dimensional synthesis of the generated kinematic structures in terms of precision points has been discussed as well.
On the persistence of spatially homogeneous solutions of a population genetics model with slow selection

Abstract We consider a model of a nonconstant population with a genetic trait determined by one locus and two alleles. Natural selection as reflected in small differences among the genotype birth and death rates acts slowly and depends on the density. This model was first considered by F. Hoppensteadt for the density independent case. The assumption of slow selection allows the construction of solutions of the model using matched asymptotic expansions. It is found that to leading order the allele frequency is the solution of a logistic type differential equation, so that its ultimate value can be determined once the birth rates, death rates, and population size to leading order are given. In Sec. 2 solutions of the corresponding diffusion model and a related system which leads to Fisher's equation are constructed under two assumptions: first that dispersal is fast relative to selection, and then that it is comparable. With the first assumption, and to leading order, the genotype frequencies are slowly varying functions of time t for large t . In the second case the allele frequency is the solution of a generalization of Fisher's equation.
Low-Frequency Temperature Spectra from a 444 Meter Tower

Review of temperature spectra at three levels in the planetary boundary layer covering a range of periods from about 5 hr to 35 days. Apart from the diurnal and semidiurnal oscillations, there are two identifiable period lengths of interest. One extends from about 3 to 7 days, the other from 7 to 20 days. Comparisons are made between these spectra and those reported by other investigators.
Secure brightness/contrast filter using fully homomorphic encryption

Performing signal processing via a distributed method while maintaining data privacy has great uses. We focus on this problem to a two party situation where the first one (client) has a signal needing to be processed and is computationally bounded and the second (server) has computational resources. As a client, revealing the signal unencrypted causes a violation of privacy. One solution to this problem is to process the signal while encrypted. Problems of this type have been attracting attention recently; particularly with the growing capabilities of cloud computing. This paper contributes to solving this type of problem by processing the signals in an encrypted form, using fully homomorphic encryption (FHE). Realization of this type of application was performed using a brightness/contrast filter as a simple form of signal processing. Three additional contributions of this manuscript includes (1) extending FHE to real numbers, (2) bounding the error related to the FHE process against the unencrypted variation of the process, and (3) increasing the practicality of FHE as a tool by using graphical processing units (GPU).
Induction of phenylalanine ammonia lyase and pisatin by photosensitive psoralen compounds.

The psoralen compounds, xanthotoxin and 4,5′, 8-trimethylpsoralen, when activated, increased phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity and the synthesis of pisatin in excised pea pods. Pods presoaked 1 hr with 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen and then irradiated 4 minutes with 366 nanometer ultraviolet light had twice as much PAL activity 3 hours after irradiation and 12 times as much PAL activity 20 hours after irradiation as the pods of the water-treated control. Increases in PAL activity and pisatin synthesis were not obtained with 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen, xanthotoxin, or 366 nanometer light treatment alone. 4,5′,8-Trimethylpsoralen in combination with the irradiation treatment (366 nanometers) enhanced the rate at which l-leucine is incorporated into various fractions of soluble proteins in excised pods 8 hours after treatment. This treatment decreased the rate at which orotic acid is incorporated into RNA. The increase in PAL activity induced by irradiated psoralens was prevented when 6-methylpurine (0.5 milligram per milliliter) or cycloheximide (10 micrograms per milliliter) was applied immediately following the irradiation period. Possible functions of psoralen compounds in plants are discussed.
Variable Stiffness Materials for Reconfigurable Surface Applications

Reconfigurable and morphing structures can potentially provide a range of new functionalities including system optimization over broad operational conditions and multi-mission capability. Previous efforts in morphing surfaces have generally focused on small deformation of high stiffness structural materials (e.g. aluminum, CFRP) or large deformation of low stiffness non-structural materials (e.g. elastomers). This paper introduces a new approach to achieving large strains in materials with high elastic moduli (5 to 30+ GPa). The work centers on creating variable stiffness composite materials which exhibit a controllable change in elastic modulus (bending or axial) and large reversible strains (5-15%). Several prototype materials were prepared using a commercial shape memory polymer, and measurements on these materials indicate a controllable change in stiffness as a function of temperature along with large reversible strain accommodation. We have fabricated and tested several design variations of laminar morphing materials which exhibit structural stiffness values of 8-12 GPa, changes in modulus of 15-77x, and large reversible bending strain and recovery of 2% area change in specific sample types. Results indicate that significant controllable changes in stiffness are possible.
Myocardial Inflammation Is Reduced by Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation after CABG in a Swine Model of Hibernating Myocardium

INTRODUCTION: Inflammation is a primary component of coronary artery disease (CAD). Studies demonstrate a positive correlation with the degree of inflammation and severity of CAD. Beneficial effects of CoQ10 supplementation in ischemic heart disease include decreasing inflammation, minimizing ischemia/reperfusion injury, and improving heart failure. We hypothesized that in a swine model of hibernating myocardium (HM) CoQ10 supplementation would decrease oxidative stress and inflammation after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Propylene glycol intoxication in a dog

AbstractObjective –Todescribetheclinicalcourse,treatment,andoutcomeofadogwithpropyleneglycolintoxication. Case Summary – An adult castrated male Australian cattle dog presented to an emergency clinic for an acuteonsetofataxiaanddisorientationafterroamingaconstructionsiteunsupervised.Hetestedpositiveforethyleneglycolusingapoint-of-caretestkit.Treatmentforethyleneglycolintoxicationincludedintermittentintravenousboluses of 20% ethanol and hemodialysis. Predialysis and postdialysis blood samples were submitted to thetoxicology lab to assess for both ethylene and propylene glycol. The patient tested negative for ethylene glycoland positive for propylene glycol at 1100 mg/dL predialysis and 23 mg/dL postdialysis. The dog made a fullrecovery. New or Unique Information Provided – To the authors’ knowledge, this is the ﬁrst report of documentedpropylene glycol intoxication in a dog, as well as the ﬁrst report to describe hemodialysis as treatment forpropylene glycol intoxication in a dog. (J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2011; 21(6): 679–683) doi: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2011.00688.x
Passive Energy Harvesting From Human Activities

Energy harvesting from environmental sources such as motion, light, and temperature changes, has been demonstrated with commercially viable products (such as human-powered flashlights, solar-powered calculators, and thermal-powered wristwatches). Vibration or motion is an attractive environmental energy source due to its abundance and availability. A new electromagnetic energy harvester presented here is found to be capable for scavenging energy from human motion. The electrical power output of an inertial energy scavenger is proportional to the acceleration-squared-to-frequency (ASTF) and the quality (Q) factor. Human motion is associated with large ASTF values and low Q factors while machine vibrations are usually related with the opposite. Thus, passive energy harvesting from human activities could generate as much power as the one available from machine harvesters. The limit for such inertial generator is estimated to be on the order of 1mW/cm3 . This paper reviews the energy harvesting limits, the energy generation from human activities, and the development of a new oscillating electromagnetic generator. This energy harvester is built with a permanent magnet (PM) ring with multiple poles and a gear-shaped planar coil. The PM ring has attached an eccentric proof mass for converting external movement into oscillations or rotations, these oscillations induce an electrical potential on the planar coil. As much as 3.45μW of power have been generated with a prototype at a frequency of 2.7Hz on a laboratory shaker and 2.35μW had been obtained when positioned laterally on the hip while walking.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Aspirin as a cause of pancreatitis in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

Hoyteetal 1 presented3casesofacutepancreatitisappearingin patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) who recently underwent aspirin challenge/desensitization. The editors of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunologyinvited us to review drug-induced pancreatitis and to comment on these cases. Most pancreatitis is caused by bile duct stones occluding the pancreatic duct or chronic alcoholism, with 10% to 25% of cases having no readily identified cause and termed idiopathic. 2 Large gallstones can be readily diagnosed. Microstones, so-called biliary sludge, can evade detection by means of computed tomographic scanning or ultrasonography yet can still occlude pancreatic ducts. 3,4 Accurate identification of drug effects, particularly in a setting of polypharmacy or other known causes of pancreatitis, is sometimes impossible. 4 Although rechallenge with a suspect drug is the best evidence available for cause and effect, it is not proof. Many patients with idiopathic pancreatitis or microlithiasis have recurrent attacks of acute pancreatitis. Therefore stopping and starting a drug with recurrence of pancreatitis might be a coincidence and not a cause-and-effect relationship. 4 Attempts to provide guidelines on drug/pancreatitis associations have been published. 5,6 In one study a drug was assigned to classIifgreaterthan20priorcasereportsofdrugassociationwith pancreatitis had been reported and at least 1 positive rechallenge result with the suspect drug had been documented. 5 All the statins and1nonsteroidalanti-inflammatorydrug,sulindac,areinclassI. Tenor morecase reportswithoutanyrechallengeswerelessprobable (class II), and all others, with less than 10 case reports, were classified as possible (class III). 5 In another classification, patterns of latency from the start of drug therapy to the onset of pancreatitis were added. 6 Class I included drugs in which at least 1 case report described a recurrence of acute pancreatitis after rechallenge with the same drug. Class II included drugs in which there was a consistent latency in 75% or more of the reported cases. Class III was 2 or more case reports, but neither a rechallenge nor consistent latency was observed. Class IV was similar to class II, but only 1 prior case report had been published. 6
Whole-brain functional mapping with isotropic MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To assess the reliability and sensitivity of gradient-echo, isotropic multisection echo-planar magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for within-subject whole-brain mapping. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight right-handed healthy volunteers underwent gradient-echo, echo-planar MR imaging while they performed a motor task on three occasions over 2-3 months. Ninety-six whole-brain volumes were acquired in 8 minutes 48 seconds. A rigorous statistical threshold for determining activation was set at P < .05 and was Bonferroni corrected for approximately 15,000 cortical voxels. RESULTS: In all subjects, reproducible activation was demonstrated in multiple cortical areas and in the cerebellum specific to the motor system. Of the activated voxels, 75%-78% were confined to the motor areas during all sessions. No statistically significant difference was found in the proportion of activated voxels in any motor region (relative to the total number of activated voxels in the whole brain) across the three sessions. The cen...
Muscle intracellular oxygenation during exercise: optimization for oxygen transport, metabolism, and adaptive change

Exercise is the example par excellence of the body functioning as a physiological system. Conventionally we think of the O2 transport process as a major manifestation of that system linking and integrating pulmonary, cardiovascular, hematological and skeletal muscular contributions to the task of getting O2 from the air to the mitochondria, and this process has been well described. However, exercise invokes system responses at levels additional to those of macroscopic O2 transport. One such set of responses appears to center on muscle intracellular PO2, which falls dramatically from rest to exercise. At rest, it approximates 4 kPa, but during heavy endurance exercise it falls to about 0.4–0.5 kPa, an amazingly low value for a tissue absolutely dependent on the continual supply of O2 to meet very high energy demands. One wonders why intracellular PO2 is allowed to fall to such levels. The proposed answer, to be presented in the review, is that a low intramyocyte PO2 is pivotal in: (a) optimizing oxygen’s own physiological transport, and (b) stimulating adaptive gene expression that, after translation, enables greater exercise capacity—all the while maintaining PO2 at levels sufficient to allow oxidative phosphorylation to operate sufficiently fast enough to support intense muscle contraction. Thus, during exercise, reductions of intracellular PO2 to less than 1% of that in the atmosphere enables an integrated response that fundamentally and simultaneously optimizes physiological, biochemical and molecular events that support not only the exercise as it happens but the adaptive changes to increase exercise capacity over the longer term.
Efficacy of Multicultural Education for Preschool Children A Domain-Specific Approach

The efficacy of multicultural curricula for the development of “racial expertise” was examined in 79 pre-school children. Children in preschools with multicultural and emergent curricula (n = 43) were compared with children in preschools with multicultural but no emergent curricula (n = 20) and children in preschools with neither multicultural nor emergent curricula (n = 16) in their responses to the Multi-Response Racial Attitude Scale and domain-specific measures of racial groups knowledge. Results suggest children in preschools with both multicultural and emergent curricula have more domain-specific racial knowledge but not less biased attitudes than other preschool children.
Big Data analysis on autopilot

Biomedical sciences, especially fields such as genomics, are becoming Big Data fields, driven, to a large extent, simply by the ability to generate enormous data sets. For fields such as biology, where data has traditionally been small, the influx of Big Data, noise and all, has caused a need to rapidly shift research practices. Ways of dealing with these data have led to importing collaborators from statistics, computer science, and physics. However, these new "biologists" are simply not biologists and classically trained biologists are not "Big Data researchers". The confluence of these fields unfortunately has not led to the improvement of biological understanding via what should be synergy, but to a completely unfortunate shifted landscape of research. The new landscape involves Big Data use that reductionist biologists can comprehend quickly. Simply put, it has become the use of Big Data with a reductionist twist, or performing mostly reductionist analyses of Big Data. Of course, reductionism has been extremely fruitful in unraveling mechanisms for many key biological processes, but the translation of these processes into understanding of complex phenotypes, such as common human disease, has been less simple.
Synthesis, Modeling, and Biological Evaluation of Analogues of the Semisynthetic Brevetoxin Antagonist β-Naphthoyl-Brevetoxin

Brevetoxins are neurotoxic compounds produced by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. Extensive blooms induce neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) and asthma-like symptoms in humans. β-naphthoyl-brevetoxin, the first semisynthetic brevetoxin antagonist, has been defined as the lead compound in the investigation of the mechanisms of bronchoconstriction induced by inhaled brevetoxins and relaxation or reversal of those effects by selected derivatives. In pursuit of more potent and effective brevetoxin antagonists, a series of β-naphthoyl-brevetoxin analogues have been synthesized. Activities were determined by competitive displacement of tritiated brevetoxin-3 from rat brain synaptosomes and by lung resistance measurements in sheep. Additionally, preliminary computational structural studies have been performed. All analogues bound to rat brain synaptosomes with affinities similar to β-naphthoyl-brevetoxin but exhibited very different responses in sheep. The biological evaluations along with computational studies suggest that the brevetoxin binding site in rat brain synaptosome might be different from the ones in lung tissue and both steric and electrostatic factors contribute to the efficacy of brevetoxin antagonism.
Computationally Efficient Modulation Level Classification Based on Probability Distribution Distance Functions

We present a novel modulation level classification (MLC) method based on probability distribution distance functions. The proposed method uses modified Kuiper and Kolmogorov-Smirnov distances to achieve low computational complexity and outperforms the state of the art methods based on cumulants and goodness-of-fit tests. We derive the theoretical performance of the proposed MLC method and verify it via simulations. The best classification accuracy, under AWGN with SNR mismatch and phase jitter, is achieved with the proposed MLC method using Kuiper distances.
A generalized storage model for tertiary storage based systems

Most of the research in the area of database query optimization has dealt with data that is either in main memory or on disk. Lately there has been growing interest in making tertiary memory part of an information system. The authors propose a model for a generic storage system and generic data placement techniques. Such a model provides one with a tool to study query performance and optimization techniques in tertiary device based systems by varying the different storage system, data placement, and system configuration parameters. They then demonstrate one use of the model by using it in a tertiary storage system setup to measure the cost of relational join algorithms.
Simulation and performance analysis of reliable broadcast protocols for distributed systems

The authors describe a family of broadcast protocols for use in fault-tolerant distributed systems. They primarily consider protocols that are reliable in the presence of halting failures, whereby a process stops executing without performing any incorrect actions. The protocols are delivery ordering specific and have varying cost and performance depending on the degree of ordering desired. The performance characteristics of the protocols are discussed and the results of the simulations are expected to comply with it. >
Immune Serum Produced by DNA Vaccination Protects Hamsters against Lethal Respiratory Challenge with Andes Virus

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a highly pathogenic disease (40% case fatality rate) carried by rodents chronically infected with certain viruses within the genus Hantavirus of the family Bunyaviridae. The primary mode of transmission to humans is thought to be inhalation of excreta from infected rodents; however, ingestion of contaminated material and rodent bites are also possible modes of transmission. Person-to-person transmission of HPS caused by one species of hantavirus, Andes virus (ANDV), has been reported. Previously, we reported that ANDV injected intramuscularly causes a disease in Syrian hamsters that closely resembles HPS in humans. Here we tested whether ANDV was lethal in hamsters when it was administered by routes that more accurately model the most common routes of human infection, i.e., the subcutaneous, intranasal, and intragastric routes. We discovered that ANDV was lethal by all three routes. Remarkably, even at very low doses, ANDV was highly pathogenic when it was introduced by the mucosal routes (50% lethal dose [LD(50)], approximately 100 PFU). We performed passive transfer experiments to test the capacity of neutralizing antibodies to protect against lethal intranasal challenge. The neutralizing antibodies used in these experiments were produced in rabbits vaccinated by electroporation with a previously described ANDV M gene-based DNA vaccine, pWRG/AND-M. Hamsters that were administered immune serum on days -1 and +5 relative to challenge were protected against intranasal challenge (21 LD(50)). These findings demonstrate the utility of using the ANDV hamster model to study transmission across mucosal barriers and provide evidence that neutralizing antibodies produced by DNA vaccine technology can be used to protect against challenge by the respiratory route.
Hoarding and eating pathology: The mediating role of emotion regulation

Hoarding disorder is characterized by persistent difficulty discarding possessions resulting in clutter that precludes one from using living areas for their intended purposes. The limited empirical work available has suggested a strong link between hoarding and various non-psychiatric conditions, including obesity. Despite these associations, no research has examined the link between hoarding and other forms of eating pathology including symptoms associated with binge eating. Moreover, little is known about mechanisms that may account for this relationship. The current study examined the associations between hoarding severity, obesity, and symptoms associated with binge eating in a sample (N=97) of individuals with elevated hoarding symptoms. Results revealed that hoarding severity was associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and symptoms of binge eating. In addition, difficulties regulating emotions mediated the association between hoarding and eating concerns. Considering the lack of information on hoarding behaviors, as well as its classification as a new diagnosis within DSM-5, these findings add considerably to a growing body of literature on hoarding disorder.
The radiographic incidence of chronic sinus disease in the pediatric population.

The otolaryngologist is frequently consulted for paranasal sinus disease which has been identified as an incidental finding on computed tomography (CT) in children. The significance of such a finding is difficult to interpret without prior knowledge of the actual incidence of chronic sinus mucosal hypertrophy in the general pediatric population. In this study of pediatric CT scans from busy otolaryngology and ophthalmology clinics, the radiographic incidence of sinus disease in the general pediatric population is estimated. One hundred forty-two CT scans of the orbits and temporal bones obtained over an 18-month period were reviewed. Fifty-eight (41%) scans showed some mucosal thickening or opacification in at least one sinus
Spatio-temporal patterns of palm endocarp use by three Amazonian forest mammals: granivory or ‘grubivory’?

Infestation rates by palm bruchid beetles (Bruchidae: Pachymerini) on Attalea palm seeds are so high that most endocarps remaining near parent trees contain larvae rather than endosperm a few months after the peak fruiting season. Vertebrates feeding on palm endocarp contents may therefore be feeding on animal rather than plant matter, and the timing of use of endocarps may be influenced by the presence of larvae rather than by background fruit availability. On Maraca Island Ecological Reserve, Roraima State, Brazil, white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari), agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) and squirrels (Sciurus igniventris) all fed on bruchid beetle larvae from Attalea maripa palm endocarps. Squirrels fed on both larvae and endosperm year-round in all habitat types; agoutis fed on both larvae and seeds only at times and at sites where alternate foods were not available; and white-lipped peccaries fed almost exclusively on bruchid larvae in high-palm-density habitats. Differences in timing and location of endocarp use by these species may provide an index of mammal community dynamics in neotropical forests.
Laboratory Investigation of Performance and Impacts of Snow and Ice Control Chemicals for Winter Road Service

This work evaluated the performance attributes and impacts of several alternative deicers along with traditional chloride-based deicers. Four Strategic Highway Research Program tests were conducted to evaluate the ice melting, ice penetration, and ice undercutting capabilities of the deicers of interest, and also their impact to the freeze-thaw resistance of portland cement concrete. Three additional novel methods were utilized to assess the friction coefficient of deiced concrete surfaces, thermal properties of the deicers, and corrosion effects of deicers to metals. The laboratory data shed light on the complexity and challenges in evaluating various deicers. To facilitate scientifically sound decision-making, the writers propose a systematic approach to integrate the information available regarding various aspects of deicers, and to incorporate agency priorities, which is expected to aid agencies in selecting or formulating their snow and ice control chemicals.
Release Rates of Ammonium‐Nitrogen, Nitrate‐Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, and Manganese from Seven Controlled‐Release Fertilizers

Abstract Samples of seven controlled‐release fertilizers, Nutricote Total 13–13–13, Nutricote Total 18–6–8, Osmocote Plus 15–9–12, Osmocote 13–13–13, Polyon 18–6–12, Polyon 14–14–14, and Plantacote 14–8–15, were placed in leaching columns containing acid‐washed sand. Samples of all leachates were analyzed weekly to determine release rates of ammonium‐nitrogen (N), nitrate‐N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe). Release rates for P from all products were slower than those for NH4‐N, NO3‐N, and K. Release of Mg, Mn, and Fe was very poor, with less than 50% of the total amount of each of these elements ever being released from the prills for some products. Nutricote products released Fe and Mn more effectively than did Osmocote or Plantacote.
Effect of EGR in a Gasoline Operated Diesel Engine in LTC Mode

Conventional combustion techniques struggle to meet the current emissions’ regulations while retaining high engine efficiency. Specifically in automotive diesel engines, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions have limited the utilization of diesel fuel in compression ignition engines. By comparison, throttled, knock-limited conventional gasoline operated SI engines tend not to be fuel efficient. Advanced combustion systems that simultaneously address PM and NOx while retaining the high efficiency of modern diesel engines, are being developed around the globe [1]. One of the most difficult problems in the area of advanced combustion technology development is the control of combustion initiation [2] and retaining power density [3]. During the past several years, significant progress has been accomplished in reducing emissions of NOx and PM through strategies such as LTC/HCCI/PCCI/PPCI and other advanced combustion processes; however control of ignition and improving power density has suffered to some degree — advanced combustion engines tend to be limited to the 10 bar BMEP range and under [4].Experimental investigations have been carried out on a light duty, DI, multi cylinder, diesel automotive engine. The engine is operated in low temperature combustion technology with 87 RON (Research Octane Number) fuel [7]. Using an Ignition Quality Test (IQT) device, the equivalent Cetane Number (CN) was measured to be 25. In the present work, various EGR rates are examined to determine the effect on the combustion, emissions and performance. Experiments were conducted at three different engine load/speed combinations that are part of General Motors’ reference points for vehicle operation. To reduce the complexity, boost pressure and injection pressure and timing were kept constant while EGR percentage and intake temperature were used as parameters in this study. The intake temperature was not truly independent, as it trended with EGR level, but based upon the boost level and the available EGR cooling, Intake Air Temperature (IAT) was kept in the range of 40–80 deg C. Additional cooling capacity will be added in future work in an effort to keep IAT more consistent. EGR rates have a detrimental effect on engine efficiencies at lower load while it appears to have little effect on efficiency at higher loads. A more significant effect at very low load appears to be higher intake temperatures (hot EGR) as opposed to the very slight decrease in oxygen concentration.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Pricing process as a capability: a resource‐based perspective

Strategists following the resource-based view argue that firms can generate rents through value creation. To create value, firms develop and use resources and capabilities that other firms cannot imitate, trade for, or substitute other assets for. Even a firm that has created value, however, may not capture the potential rents associated with that value. To capture rents, a firm must set the right prices for what it sells. Most views of pricing assume that a firm can readily set appropriate prices. In contrast, we argue that pricing is a capability. To develop the ability to set the right prices, a firm must invest in resources and routines. We base our argument on a study of the pricing process of a large Midwestern manufacturing firm. We show that pricing resources, routines, and skills may help or inhibit a firm in setting the right price—and hence in appropriating value created. Our view of pricing as a capability contributes to the resource-based view because it suggests that strategists should consider the portfolio of value creation and value appropriation capabilities a firm uses to create competitive advantage. Our view also contributes to economics because it suggests that strategic decisions about pricing capabilities have important implications for a fundamental economic action, determining prices. Managers in firms without effective pricing processes may be unable to set prices that reflect the wishes of its customers, so the customers may misuse their resources. As a result, resources may be used ineffectively. Our view of pricing as a capability therefore takes the resource-based-view straight to the heart of what is perhaps the central economic question: the best use of resources. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conspicuity of flashes of light: interactions between intensity and duration

Flashing lights are used in visual signaling applications to provide attention-getting properties. While the effective intensity concept for quantifying the visual effectiveness of flashing signal lights relative to steady-burning lights generally ranks signals properly with respect to conspicuity, brightness, and overall visibility, these responses differ substantially in terms of the absolute intensity needed to achieve each response. To better understand the role of flashing light characteristics (intensity, duration and flash energy) on visual responses, a laboratory experiment was conducted to assess the relative brightness and apparent speed of onset of simultaneously presented, suprathreshold flashes of white light under dark viewing conditions. Judgments of brightness were mainly dependent upon the flash energy. Judgments of apparent speed were unrelated to flash duration for short flashes (duration ⩽ 25 ms) but dependent upon flash duration for longer durations (25 ms ⩽ duration ⩽ 125 ms). The re...
Work-to-Society Spillover?: Volunteering by Employees of Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit employees can make ideal volunteers for other organizations in the sector, and understanding their participation in volunteering is a timely task. Based on “spillover theory,” this study tests how nonprofit employees’ experience on the job may carry over into the nonwork arena. The study focuses on how nonprofit employees’ satisfaction with the job and perception of the organization's mission achievement relate to their volunteering, controlling for the generally higher levels of prosocial motivation found in the sector. The findings suggest that the consequences of job satisfaction for this group extend beyond the workplace, contributing to societal benefits.
Lessons learned from adapting the Darwin Core vocabulary standard for use in RDF

The Darwin Core vocabulary is widely used to transmit biodiversity data in the form of simple text files. In order to support expression of biodiversity data in the Resource Description Framework (RDF), a guide was created as a non-normative addition to the Darwin Core standard. This paper describes the major issues that were addressed in the creation of the guide, particularly problems related to adapting terms designed to have literal values for use with IRI references. By making it possi- ble to express millions of existing records as RDF, the guide is an important step towards enabling the biodiversity informatics community to participate in broader Linked Data and Semantic Web efforts.
AN IMPLEMENTATION OF EXPECTED UTILITY THEORY IN DECISION BASED DESIGN

The development of a design science rests on the ideal that design is anchored in a set of fundamental axioms similar to the more ‘traditional’ sciences of mathematics and physics. However, the axioms upon which a design science is constructed must reflect that design is a science of the artificial. It is our contention that such axioms may exist in DecisionBased Design as those formulated by von-Neumann and Morgenstern for developing utilities under conditions of risk. In this paper we have a very narrow focus: evaluating a proposed framework for applying these axioms in the context of a simple design problem through the use of Monte Carlo simulation and expected utility theory. GLOSSARY
Evaluating the influence of peer learning on psychological well-being

ABSTRACTThe scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education is concerned with advancing pedagogical knowledge and teaching practice to improve student learning and associated outcomes in higher education. This study used data from the Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education to examine the effects of peer learning experiences on gains in psychological well-being after four years of college. Results indicate a significant, positive influence of peer learning on the Ryff scale of psychological well-being [Ryff, C. D., and C. L. Keyes. (1995). “The Structure of Psychological Well-Being Revisited.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 69 (4): 719–726]. In addition, peer learning had a significant positive effect on all but one of the Ryff well-being subscales (autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance). This research supports the use of peer learning as an important pedagogical practice.
Malpighamoeba (Prell) in the Abult Honeybee Found in the United States

An organism causing the “so-called” Amoeba Disease in the adult honeybee was found early in February, 1927 in two colonies of bees in the apiary of the office of Bee Culture Investigations, Washington, D. C. So far as the writer knows this is the first report of the occurrence of this disease of the honeybee in the United States. The disease is not thought to be of very great economic importance.
The Relationship of the Parental Involvement of Latino Immigrant Parents of Middle School Students and Student Academic Achievement

OF THE DISSERTATION THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT OF LATINO IMMIGRANT PARENTS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS AND STUDENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT by Cory R. Rodriguez Florida International University, 2016 Miami, Florida Professor Peter J. Cistone, Major Professor The Latino population in the United States is projected to increase significantly in the upcoming years as well as the numbers of Latino students enrolled in public schools. These schools are challenged with a gap in Latino student achievement when compared to White non-Hispanic students. Studies indicate that parental involvement in school settings has been correlated to student achievement and that parental involvement is lower for Latino parents than White parents. The purpose of this research study was to examine the relationship between parental involvement of seventh grade middle school Latino students and students’ reading and mathematics achievement. The study also examined selected relevant demographic variables, including socioeconomic status, parents’ level of education, single versus two-parent families, and the gender of the students and parents. The theoretical framework that supported this research study was derived from Joyce Epstein’s (1991) model for parental involvement.
Design and Development of a Large Superconducting Solenoid with Aluminum-Stabilized Superconductors

A proposed positron-electron project (PEP) spectrometer [1] requires a thin solenoid 3.0 m in diameter and 3.5 m in length, with a central field of 1.5 T and an overall thickness of coil and cryostat with less than two-thirds radiation length, X0.
A novel transaminase, (R)-amine:pyruvate aminotransferase, from Arthrobacter sp. KNK168 (FERM BP-5228): purification, characterization, and gene cloning.

A novel (R)-amine transaminase, which catalyzed (R)-enantioselective transamination of chiral amine, was purified to homogeneity from Arthrobacter sp. KNK168 (FERM BP-5228). The molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated to be 148 kDa by gel filtration and 37 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, suggesting a homotetrameric structure. The enzyme catalyzed transamination between amines and pyruvate stereo-specifically. The reaction on 1-methylbenzylamine was (R)-enantioselective. Pyruvate was the best amino acceptor, but the enzyme showed broad amino acceptor specificity for various ketone and aldehyde compounds. The apparent K ms for (R)-1-methylbenzylamine and pyruvate were 2.62 and 2.29 mM, respectively. The cloned gene of the enzyme consists of an open reading frame (ORF) of 993 bp encoding a protein of 330 amino acids, with a calculated molecular weight of 36,288. The deduced amino acid sequence was found to be homologous to those of the aminotransferases belonging to fold class IV of pyridoxal-5′-phosphate-dependent enzymes, such as branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases.
Late Twentieth Century Cultural Inclusion

The years spanning the 1980s to the new century saw a continuing cultural and ethnic inclusiveness in Hollywood, as work by filmmakers such as the Italian master Bernardo Bertolucci, Hong Kong-born and American educated, Wayne Wang, Indian director Mira Nair, and Australian George Miller was absorbed into Hollywood studio-released theatrical films. “Cross-over” composer Philip Glass brought h is brand of classical music into Hollywood features and documentaries. Newly emerging art houses and independent cinemas provided venues for the work of independent filmmakers. And critic Roger Ebert, like his contemporaries Pauline Kael, Stanley Kauffman, John Simon, and others, became a public figure in his own right, who connected his readers and television viewers with the work of both independent and establishment cinema.
Females in Court Ordered Domestic Violence Interventions: A Closer Look at Victim or Perpetrator:

Les AA. portent leur attention sur la violence feminine et sur les femmes violentes. Ils soulignent que les femmes violentes manifestent le meme type d'attitude que leur homologues masculins. Elles affirment subir des violences psychologiques de la part de leur partenaire. Elles s'efforcent de justifier leur comportement violent a partir d'un point de vue resolument egocentrique ou invoquent l'abus d'alcool, de drogue ou la colere pour excuser celui-ci. Elles rejettent l'entiere responsabilite de leur attitude violente sur le partenaire. Elles tentent de minimiser les violences subies par ce dernier. Dans le contexte d'une therapie, elles affichent un temperament agressif et une franche hostilite a l'egard des therapeutes
Microscopic spallation process and its potential role in laser-Tissue ablation

Research is being performed at several locations in consideration of learning the value of the front surface spallation process for tissue ablation. The experimental results are illustrating complicated features associated with the microscopic behavior of materials during the spallation process. This paper summarizes the current understanding of the spallation process in various materials and presents an interpretation of recent laser-tissue interaction experiments.
Decriminalizing Abortion in Uruguay: Women’s Movements, Secularism, and Political Allies

ABSTRACTIn 2012 Uruguay became the second country in Latin America to decriminalize abortion during the first trimester. Drawing on original field research, this article explains the success of abortion reform based on the existence of a strong campaign for decriminalization. The women’s movement used frames that resonated within civil society, gathered support from key social actors, and collaborated closely with sympathetic legislators. In addition, three contextual factors ensured both the availability and success of these strategies: a weak presence of the Catholic Church, a president not opposed to abortion reform, and a highly institutionalized party system with a strong leftist coalition.
Distributed deformable configuration control for Multi-Robot systems

In this paper, we present deformable configuration control — a fully distributed algorithm that allows multiple robots to deform their configuration to avoid various shapes of obstacles while maintaining connectivity. Robots contacted with an obstacle first estimate the width of an obstacle by sharing bumped status of individual robots, and choose an appropriate obstacle avoidance scenarios between obstacle detouring and bouncing off a wall. Second, for both scenarios, robots switch their motion model to a parent following motion to avoid the obstacle. Finally, robots keep sensing the maximum tree angle to estimate whether they are completely escaped from the obstacle, and return to flock formation motion model. We provide theoretical analysis about maintaining connectivity while robots are avoiding an obstacle. Simulation results show a group of 36 robots successfully avoid three different kinds of obstacles including 1) a small bar, 2) a narrow corridor, and 3) a large wall while maintaining connectivity.
The Virtualization of Backpacker Culture

Backpacking is a culture symbolic of the increasingly mobile world. The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of the stabilization and creation of the social structure of the backpacking culture that has resulted from the convergence of technology and ideology. Using theory from the field of evolutionary anthropology, the backpacker culture is examined as an integrated system composed of technological, sociological, and ideological sybsystems. Age cohort analysis is used to examine the differences between age groups in terms of their online information search, participation in backpacker specific forums, usage of social networking sites, and the virtual connection to the backpacker culture. While previous studies have considered the mainstreaming of backpacking as the main barrier to examining backpacking as a culture, the results of this study suggest that the convergence of backpacker ideology with the advances in communications technologies have created the social structure to support the mainstream backpacker culture of today.
Vehicle side predictive power-flow control of bidirectional WPT system for EV ancillary services

Accomplishing effective vehicle-to-grid benefits through wireless power interface requires accurate and quick control reaction. This paper proposes a new approach of active power flow control for a bidirectional inductive wireless power transfer system (BIWPTS) in electric vehicle (EV) ancillary services. The controller exists on the vehicle side to consider the EV's owner desire. It permits the owner to choose between three different modes of operation: abstain, charge and discharge. The proposed algorithm receives the reference power and predicts the phase pulse modulation parameters for both the primary and secondary inverters. The prediction is achieved based on an accurate mathematical model for BIWTPS. In addition, the misalignment impact on the controller performance is considered by adaptively assessing the wireless pads mutual inductance during the real-time operation. The proposed controller is implemented and tested by means of simulations and experiments for stationary and quasi-dynamic wireless power transfer situations. It shows accurate and fast performance compared to the conventional proportional integral technique.