cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organic anion and cation transport in crab urinary bladder.

Crab urinary bladder, a simple, flat-sheet epithelium, is structurally and functionally analogous to vertebrate renal proximal tubule. Like proximal tubule, crab bladder plays an important role in the excretion of potentially toxic, charged metabolites and xenobiotics. Bladders from Cancer borealis secrete monovalent, organic anions and cations in vivo and in vitro. For organic cations, secretion is a two-step process, with mediated and energetically downhill uptake into cells at the serosal membrane and uphill exit at the luminal membrane. The uptake step may be driven by the electrical potential difference across the serosal membrane, the luminal step by organic cation-proton exchange. Monovalent organic anions are also secreted by a separate two-step process. Recent experiments with intact bladder tissue and isolated membrane vesicles show that (as in mammalian proximal tubule) uphill serosal uptake can be coupled indirectly to the Na+ gradient. Organic anion (p-aminohippurate; PAH) uptake is driven by exchange for certain divalent organic anions, e.g., glutarate and alpha-ketoglutarate. The divalent anion gradient (in greater than out) is in turn maintained by Na+-coupled divalent uptake. The PAH exist step at the luminal membrane is mediated and downhill; it may involve anion exchange.
Classical field theory for a non-Hermitian Schrödinger equation with position-dependent masses

A linear one-dimensional Schr\"odinger equation, defined by means of a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian characterized by position-dependent masses, was proposed lately. Herein we present an exact classical field theory for this equation, showing the need for an extra field $\ensuremath{\Phi}(x,t)$, in addition to the usual one, $\ensuremath{\Psi}(x,t)$, similar to what was done recently in the analysis of a class of nonlinear quantum equations. These generalizations of the Schr\"odinger equation depend on an index $q$, in such a way that the standard case is recovered in the limit $q\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1$. Particularly, the field $\ensuremath{\Phi}(x,t)$ becomes ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}^{*}(x,t)$ only when $q\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1$ and satisfies a similar Schr\"odinger equation for the Hermitian conjugate of the Hamiltonian operator. In terms of these two fields one may define a probability density following a standard continuity equation, leading to the preservation of probability in Cartesian space. Simple applications are performed by solving the equations for the two fields.
The Design and Validation of a Pulse Detonation Engine Facility with and without Axial Turbine Integration

A new air-breathing ethylene-burning Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE) facility has been constructed at the University of Cincinnati (UC). This facility supports up to six twoinch or three-inch detonation tubes driven by an automotive-derived valving and ignition system and Shchelkin-type spirals for deflagration to detonation transition (DDT). The new PDE is also mated to an axial-flow power turbine with each PDE tube supplying a one-sixth sector of the turbine inlet so that turbine efficiency may be studied under the partial admission and pulsing flow or detonating flow that the PDEs subject it to. The interface between each PDE and its inlet sector is closely coupled in order to maximize the effects of pulsation and partial admission. This paper documents the particular details of this new facility, provides sample data for a few representative cases and provides enough information on the system’s geometry and initial conditions to support numerical simulation of its operation. The presented sample data should allow validation of these numerical simulations.
Hygromorphic Polymers: Synthesis, Retro-Michael Reaction, and Humidity-Driven Actuation of Ester–Sulfonyl Polyimides and Thermally Derived Copolyimides

With a view toward broadening the adaptive capability of polyimide-based systems that have been shown to be mechanically responsive to light, heat, and thermal-electrical stimuli, a simple diamine containing a highly polar ester–sulfonyl (ES) pendant was synthesized via a two-step route. It was polymerized with five common dianhydrides in N-methylpyrrolidinone to afford poly(amic acid), PAA, solutions, which were subsequently converted to a series of amorphous polyimides containing ester–sulfonyl (−CH2CH2SO2Me) pendants, generically designated as PI-ES, by either chemical imidization at room temperature in the same pot or heat treatment of PAA cast film at 175 °C. The chemically imidized polyimide films are tough and creasable, but the thermally imidized ones are brittle because of much lower molecular weights (GPC results). In addition, a series of thermally derived copolymers designated as PI-ES:A, which contains ES and carboxylic acid (A) pendants, were prepared from PI-ES via a retro-Michael reaction ...
Death Causes of Residents in Shuangliu County,2011

Objective To analyze the influences of mortality rate,distribution of death causes and major single death causes on life expectancy.Methods The surveillance data of death causes among residents in Shuangliu and the number of household population were adopted to establish the life tables and cause eliminated tables.Afterwards,the influence of causes of death and death level on life expectancy was statistically evaluated.Results The life expectancy of residents in Shuangliu was 77.58 years in 2001,74.94 years for male and 80.75 years for female.Crude mortality rate was 5.86‰,and standardized mortality rate was 4.43‰.Those died at home accounted for 77.24%,and the majority deaths occurred in winter and spring.The top 4 causes of death with system were tumor,circulatory system diseases,respiratory diseases and injury and poisoning.The top 4 single death causes were chronic lower respiratory diseases,cerebrovascular diseases,lung cancer and heart diseases.The top cause of death at different ages were respectively: 0-14 age group,the disease originated in the perinatal period;15-39 age group,traffic accidents;4065 age group,cerebrovascular diseases,and age group more than 65 years,chronic lower respiratory diseases.The top 4 causes of death which were eliminated could increase the life expectancy were chronic lower respiratory diseases,cerebrovascular diseases,lung cancer and heart diseases.Conclusion The major causes of death harm to the health of residents in Shuangliu were chronic lower respiratory diseases,cerebrovascular diseases,lung cancer and heart diseases. To improve the overall health of residents,control measures should differ according to gender and age.Health education should be well targeted and prevention and cure measures should be combined for implement.
Trade-off between Redundancy and Feedback in Wireless Network Communication.

Feedback is an important control mechanism that provides reliability in most wireless network protocols. However, feedback incurs some overhead, especially in lossy network environments. Many previous works on reliable communication neglect the cost of the feedback messages. In this paper, we study the problem of minimum-cost reliable transmission over error-prone wireless networks by considering the cost of feedback. We address two cases: the case where we have a finite number of packets to send and the case where we have infinite packets. In both cases, we provide a solution to the problem with one-hop broadcast transmission. After that, we study the case where network coding is used in our proposed methods. In addition to that, we extend our approaches to address the problem of minimum-cost reliable broadcasting in multi-hop wireless networks. Our simulation results show that the cost of our proposed method is about 40% less than that of the traditional Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) method. Also, the cost of our proposed method with network coding is about 40% less than that of the traditional ARQ
Effective surface design for reduced scratches on CMP

Scratches are the most common defect in typical CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization) Processing. Since the micro and macro scratches during CMP processing directly affect the yield and reliability in IC devices, many fields of engineers and researchers have tried to eliminate these troublesome scratches. Numerous root causes and methods were discussed and introduced to at this site, but still scratches are the top on the defect list in overall integration failure analysis. The most important thing is to understand 2-body and 3-body contact phenomena in each different polishing process. And control of irregular and instantaneous stress concentration on specific wafer areas are key points to minimize the scratch defects. It's difficult to catch the tribological phenomena in real polishing, it could be estimated based on consumable analysis like simplifiing experimental tools and analysis results of used consumables. It was found that each consumable, such as pad, disk and slurry, should be changed and redesigned based on the full understanding of CMP polisher configuration. In this talk, several fundamental study and effective ways for reducing scrathes will be introduced and discussed.
Improving Usability of Legal Research Databases for Users with Print Disabilities

Law library patrons with print disabilities are an expanding demographic that law librarians have an obligation to serve effectively and equitably. This article uses the AccessSTEM Web Accessibility Checklist as a framework for evaluating subscription legal databases. Westlaw and Lexis are tested with a screen reader and free Web accessibility testing tools to assess the ease with which print-disabled users can access essential content. The article discusses the law library community's capacity to improve services to patrons with print disabilities through education available to all library users, informed negotiation when purchasing licensed products, and testing subscription resources.
A novel foldable mode reconfigurable cubic patch antenna

This paper presents a novel design of simplified, low cost and lightweight mode reconfigurable cubic patch antenna that is designated to operate around 2.4 GHz for the applications of GSSP, WLAN/Bluetooth/WiBree/ZigBee, LTE, DMB and wireless routers. When this antenna is unfolded, it radiates omni-directionally at 2.4 GHz with a bandwidth (S 11 < −10 dB) of 450 MHz (2.3 GHz–2.75 GHz); while when it's folded, this antenna operates as a patch yagi antenna that consists of one reflector and one driver, and it radiates unidiretionally at 2.4 GHz with a zenithal realized gain of 5.1 dB, and the operable frequency bandwidth (S11<-10 dB) is 460 MHz (2.23 GHz–2.69 GHz).
Building the Capacity of 4-H/Youth Development in Iraq

A team of 4-H/Extension educators were invited to Erbil, Iraq to conduct a week-long intensive training to assist Iraqi youth workers in preparing effective programming as they build their 4-H program. The workshop incorporated the 4-H Essential Elements for Program Success and a Curriculum and Lesson Development Training module. Three-quarters of participants said they were leaving the training with a set of curriculum developed by themselves or others during the workshop. Most (88%) indicated they had tentative plans for implementing the lessons they developed during the training. This project created a solid foundation upon which Iraqi youth workers can build.
On Constructing Balanced Correlation Immune Functions

The notion of correlation immunity for Boolean functions is important for cryptographic security in the design of many stream ciphers. This paper gives a new method for constructing balanced Boolean functions which are correlation immune of orderk.The nonlinearity and algebraic degree of the constructed functions can be controlled.
Intersectoral Policy Considerations and Maternal and Child Health

Maternal and child health has traditionally been a priority area in the work of individual countries and the World Health Organization and,with the declaration of ALMA ATA on primary health care in 1978, was drawn into sharp focus. Health is considered an integral part of social and economic development. Primary health care rests on eight elements of which policies on maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, diarrheal disease prevention and related preventive strategies constitute a substantial core.
Self-Reported Distress: Adult Acute Leukemia Survivors During and After Induction Therapy.

Background Data suggest that acute leukemia survivors experience moderate to severe distress that does not significantly decline from diagnosis through survivorship. . Objectives The purpose of this study is to assess acute leukemia survivors' level and source of self-reported distress from active cancer treatment through six months post-treatment. . Methods A cross-sectional group-comparison design was used. Male (n = 60) and female (n = 40) survivors aged 19-84 years were accrued from a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Patients were sampled at four time points. Findings Self-reported distress was elevated for all groups. Highest distress scores were found during induction therapy.
Investigations of culture medium-free house dust mites: IV. Cross antigenicity and allergenicity between the house dust mites, Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus

Heterologous crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) analysis demonstrated that Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus body and D. farinae body extracts contained up to 21 cross-reacting antigens (Ags). Incubation of CIE gels with two mite-sensitive individual sera and a serum pool of mite-sensitive patients indicated that up to nine cross-reacting Ags bound mite-specific IgE on crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis and were common allergens. Likewise, heterologous CIE analysis of D. pteronyssinus feces and D. farinae feces extracts demonstrated approximately 13 cross-reacting Ags. Up to eight of these cross-reacting fecal Ags bound mite feces-specific human IgE. Additional cross antigenicity and allergenicity was evident between body extract of one species and feces extract of the other species. The amount of specific IgE binding to cross-reacting Ags in interspecific extracts varied both between and within individual sera. Different cross-reacting Ags contained potent allergens, and these varied from patient to patient. Also of major significance was the fact that body and fecal extracts of each species contained Ags and allergens that were unique and species specific.
Evaluation of a sepsis teaching rounds simulation for pharmacy students

Abstract Background and purpose The goal of this prospective, observational cohort study was to determine if simulated interdisciplinary teaching rounds improved student perceptions of confidence and attitudes towards working as part of a team. The secondary objective of this study was to investigate changes in student knowledge of the management of sepsis. Educational activity and setting Students participated in a traditional sepsis lecture followed by a simulated interdisciplinary rounding experience. Confidence and collaborative attitudes were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). Changes in knowledge were measured using multiple choice questions. Students completed these tools at three points in time: pre-lecture, post-lecture, and post-simulation. Findings Student confidence and attitudes related to interdisciplinary rounds improved following the simulation (2 of 4 items, p = 0.003; 2 of 5 items, p Summary A simulated interdisciplinary rounding experience may increase student confidence during teaching rounds and improve attitudes towards working alongside other healthcare professionals. Incorporating rounding simulations into pharmacy curricula may be beneficial towards student success on rounds.
Route Selection and Optimization in the Synthesis of Two Imidazopyridine Inhibitors of DGAT-2

The scalable syntheses of two imidazopyridine inhibitors of the enzyme diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT-2) are described. 6-Chloro-3-nitro-2-aminopyridine was the starting material for the convergent synthesis of the central imidazopyridine ring. Differentiation in reactivity of the C2- and C3-nitrogen substituents on the pyridine ring and the development of mild cyclodehydration conditions to form the imidazole ring were critical problems that were addressed to deliver a 3-kg batch of compound 1 (PF-06424439) and a 0.1-kg batch of compound 2 (PF-06450561).
Statistical Analysis Methods for Characterizing Composite Materials

A major problem in characterizing structural failure is evaluation of variability and its associated characteristics. Those analytical tools (statistical and probabilistic analysis methods) which specifically exist to evaluate variability type problems should be used to evaluate structural design concepts. Two such analysis tools, which can be used to evaluate material design allowables and to determine material wearout characteristics are investigated in this paper.
Regulation of Nitrogenase Activity by Reversible ADP Ribosylation

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the molecular bases for Gest and Kamen's observations and attempts to put these observations into perspective with respect to the regulation of the nitrogenase enzyme complex by the reversible ADP ribosylation of dinitrogenase reductase. Although it is often difficult to demarcate where to begin a literature review, in this case the relevant literature begins precisely with the publication of consecutive papers by Gest and Kamen in Science in 1949. In these two brief papers, Gest and Kamen described their observations that the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodospirillum rubrum fixes nitrogen, that this activity is light-dependent, and that the activity is inhibited by ammonia. Thereafter, the discovery of dinitrogenase reductase-activating glycohydrolase (DRAG) allowed the purification and characterization of the dinitrogenase reductase from R. rubrum in its inactive form. The purification of the protein could be monitored by assaying the enzyme activity after activation. DRAG was purified based on its ability to activate ADP-ribosylated dinitrogenase reductase, even though it was not known at the time that ADP-ribose was the modifying group. The enzyme was found to be associated with the membrane fraction of extracts. Consequently, it was observed that Mono-ADP ribosylation exhibited a mechanism of action of the diphtheria toxin. This suggested that ADP ribosylation might play a role in normal cell metabolism as well by regulating the activity of key enzymes. The R. rubrum nitrogenase system provides an excellent experimental system for the investigation of such regulation.
The Metallographic Sample Preparation of Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Researchers in the field of fiber-reinforced composites have applied a variety of methods to evaluate not only the strength of the composite but also the interaction of the fibers and matrix at the fiber-matrix interface (1,2). The bond strength which is rela­ted to the wetting of the fiber by the matrix material is of great interest in studying the load transfer characteristics of composites (1-3). Furthermore, studies to evaluate thermochemical and mechan­ical degradation of fiber-reinforced composites in service resulting from physical and thermal treatments have been conducted. These studies depend heavily on metallography.
Bone marrow transplantation for Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1)-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has a poor prognosis when treated with conventional chemotherapy. We analyzed the outcome of 67 HLA-identical sibling bone marrow transplants (BMTs) for Ph1-positive ALL reported to the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry (IBMTR). Twenty-one of 67 (31%) transplant recipients survived in continuous complete remission more than 2 years after transplant. Two-year actuarial probabilities (95% confidence interval) of leukemia-free survival were 38% (23% to 55%) for 33 patients transplanted in first remission, 41% (23% to 61%) for 22 patients transplanted after relapse, and 25% (9% to 53%) for 12 patients failing to achieve remission with conventional chemotherapy. These data indicate that transplants are effective treatment for Ph1-positive ALL.
Descartes’s Meditation V Argument

In Meditation V, Descartes argues that “there is not any less repugnance to our conceiving a God (that is, a Being supremely perfect) to whom existence is lacking (that is to say, to whom a certain perfection is lacking), than to conceive of a mountain which has no valley”. And he draws the conclusion that “existence is inseparable from Him, and hence that He really exists”.1
Copy, Paste, Reveal

With the issue of intentional government leaks of classified information frequently in the news, the problem of unintentional leaks of classified and sensitive information is frequently overlooked. The examples are numerous and startling. This article examines how highly sensitive information is mistakenly released into cyberspace and how these errors can be stopped.
Endothelial PD-L1 Expression as a Biomarker for Acute Rejection in Heart Transplantation

Background Heart transplantation is the only definitive therapeutic intervention for end-stage heart failure. The complex mechanisms regulating the alloresponse are not entirely understood. PD-L1 is a co-inhibitory molecule able to induce T cell anergy. We hypothesize that endothelial PD-L1 modulates alloresponses in heart transplantation. Methods Using multiparameter flow cytometry we characterized stromal cells and leukocytes in endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) and peripheral blood of patients post orthotopic heart transplantation (n=21) ISHLT grade 0-1R. Controls were autopsy specimens without cardiac pathologies. Results Most of the patients (n=17) had decreased endothelial PD-L1 expression as compared to controls, 2 patients had preserved endothelial PD-L1, and 2 had over-expression. PD-L1 expression was independent of the time from transplant, immunosuppressive regimen and concentration of calcineurin inhibitor. The percentage of infiltrating CD8 + lymphocytes had an inverse exponential correlation with endothelial PD-L1 expression (r 2 =0.64, Fig 1A). We categorized patients in 2 groups: those with previous ISHLT grade 2R cellular rejection (n=10) and those with stable 0-1R scores since transplantation. A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the proportion of PD-L1 + endothelial cells could significantly detect history of 2R rejection, as ≤16.25% PD-L1 + endothelial cells retrospectively discriminated patients with history of 2R rejection episodes with 90% sensitivity, 78% specificity and 3.3 likelihood ratio (Fig 1B). Furthermore, the proportion of exhausted CD8 T cells in peripheral blood (CD45RA neg PD1 + ) was proportional to heart endothelial PD-L1 expression (p 2 =0.45) and inverse exponentially correlated with graft infiltrating CD8 T cells (r 2 =0.52). Conclusions Critical loss of graft endothelial PD-L1 is strongly associated with history of moderate-severe acute rejection episodes. These findings suggest that endothelial PD-L1 and its peripheral correlate, exhausted CD8 T cells, might become a useful biomarker in heart transplantation that could allow profiling of patients and personalize therapeutic and follow-up strategies.
The Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Household Consumption

We use data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey for 2010 through 2016 to compare trends in insurance coverage and consumption for household that did and did not expand eligibility for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act in 2014. Consistent with earlier studies, we find significant increases in Medicaid coverage in expansion relative to non-expansion states, and we find small but significant reductions in quarterly health spending of about $60, or just less than one-quarter of the baseline value. We find no significant change in non-health consumption as a result of Medicaid expansion.
Graphene nanomesh and polymeric material at cutting edge

Graphene nanomesh (GNM) is a nanostructure of graphene having periodic nanoscale holes. GNM has attracted extensive interest owing to promising chemical, thermal, electronic, photonic, and other vi...
STRETCHING BEYOND CAPACITY: NEW SOLUTIONS FOR NEW PROBLEMS: Session 101

Abstract Capacity assessments are an integral part of geriatric psychiatry. The tasks and decisions faced by older adults have changed radically in recent decades, yet many mental health and medical professionals still rely heavily on the criteria set forth by Applebaum and Grisso in their 1988 New England Journal of Medicine paper, "Assessing Patients' Capacities to Consent to Treatment," in which they propose that a patient must communicate a choice, understand the relevant information, appreciate the situation and its consequences, and be able to use this information to make a reasoned choice. While this sequence remains critically relevant, we will present cases for which this process is not flexible enough to capture the nuances of the momentous decisions faced by our patients. We propose additional ways in which capacity assessments can be augmented with the aim of balancing the often competing aims of patient autonomy and medico-legal paternalism.
Does liberalism destroy democracy: critiques from the left and right?

Along with the recent rise of right-wing populism,1 the Western model of liberal democracy is under siege by critics from the left and right. As Jeffrey C. Isaac (2017) also points out, an alarming...
TRAINING PRE-SERVICE GENERAL EDUCATORS TO COLLECT ACCURATE ANTECEDENT-BEHAVIOR-CONSEQUENCE DATA

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of behavioral skills training (BST) that included video vignettes used for modeling and rehearsal to train preservice general educators how to collect accurate antecedent-behavior-consequence (ABC) data using a structured recording format. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated within the context of a multiple probe single-case research design. This study also assessed generalization of collecting correct ABC data across a narrative format, given that this format is commonly used in schools. BST was effective for training preservice general educators to collect ABC data using a structured recording format and participants also generalized this skill to a narrative recording format. These findings extend the literature on BST as an intervention that can improve preservice general educators’ behavioral abilities. Practical implications and future areas of research are provided.
Examining the Relationship Between the Multicultural Self-Efficacy, Empathy, and Training of School Counselors and Their Knowledge and Skills Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness:

Homelessness remains a national concern impacting the lives of many individuals and families. We examined the relationships among participating school counselors’ self-reported multicultural self-e...
Epigenetic subtyping of white blood cells using a thermoplastic elastomer-based microfluidic emulsification device for multiplexed, methylation-specific digital droplet PCR

Epigenetic markers attract increasing attention for the study of phenotypic variations, which has led to the investigation of cell-lineage DNA methylation patterns that correlate with human leukocyte populations for obtaining counts of white blood cell (WBC) subsets. Current methods of DNA methylation analysis involve genome sequencing or loci-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR). Herein, a multiplexed digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) workflow for determining epigenetic-based WBC differential count is described for the first time. A microfluidic emulsification device fabricated from a commercially available thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., Mediprene) promotes customizability and cost-effectiveness of the methodology, which are prerequisites for translation into clinical and point-of-care diagnostics. Bisulfite-treated DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and whole blood is encapsulated in droplets with ddPCR reagents containing primers and fluorescent hydrolysis probes specific for CpG loci correlated with WBC sub-population types. The method enables multiplexed detection of various methylation sites within a single droplet. Both qPCR and immunofluorescence staining (IF) were conducted to validate the capacity of the ddPCR methodology to accurately determine WBC sub-populations using epigenetic analysis of methylation sites. ddPCR results correlated closely to cell proportions obtained using IF, whereas qPCR significantly underestimated these values for both high and low copy number gene targets.
La fabrique de l’engagement au travail par la croyance religieuse. Évangile de la prospérité et réussite dans une entreprise immobilière

Issu d’une enquete ethnographique, cet article montre comment une entreprise immobiliere utilise un systeme de croyances partagees, associant le protestantisme evangelique, le developpement personnel et la reussite economique, pour generer un engagement au travail parmi ses nouvelles recrues. Grâce a des dispositifs informels de socialisation et des programmes de formation, les managers, les formateurs et les agents experimentes encouragent les nouveaux agents a adopter des pratiques censees ameliorer leurs performances et contribuer a leur developpement personnel. L’article n’offre pas de reponse toute faite aux relations entre travail, religion et capitalisme, mais invite a s’interroger sur l’impact d’une socialisation par la croyance sur l’engagement dans le travail.
Semiprime, Star, and Semistar Operations on Commutative Rings

This chapter develops the theories of semiprime, star, and nonunital semistar operations on commutative rings. We show that nonunital semistar operations generalize star operations, semistar operations, regular semiprime operations, and standard finite type semiprime operations. We also discuss the problem of determining which semiprime operations are induced by some unital (resp., nonunital) semistar operation. Particular attention is given to the integral closure and tight closure semiprime operations.
Chapter 12 – Pollen

Every year, millions of tons of organic material are dispersed into the atmosphere by flowering plants and cryptogams (plants without true flowers or seeds) in an effort to reproduce. The higher plants (angiosperms and gymnosperms) produce pollen grains containing the male genetic material; sexual reproductive success is assured only if this material reaches a female receptacle of the same plant species. The lower plants or cryptogams produce spores that contain the necessary genetic material for the growth of an independent generation of plants. Pollen grains and spores are the basis of an important aspect of paleoclimatic reconstruction—pollen analysis, or palynology, the study of pollen and spores. Where pollen has been preserved over time, in lakes, bogs, estuaries, etc., it provides a record of past vegetation changes that may be due to changes of climate. Pollen analysis is one of the most important branches of Quaternary paleoclimatology, providing information from the continents to compliment that derived from marine sediments and ice cores. Pollen records from some sites span the entire Quaternary; more commonly they span the Holocene and/or late glacial period. Since pollen records from lakes and bogs are more or less ubiquitous, they can provide an important link between the higher-resolution tree-ring records of the Late Holocene and other longer but lower resolution records from the land and oceans. This chapter focuses on some of the methods used to achieve the goal of quantitative paleoclimatic reconstruction from pollen, preserved mainly in lakes and bogs. The chapter concludes with some examples of palynological studies from different regions that have shed light on important paleoclimatic problems. The emphasis in this final section is on long records which provide information about past climatic changes on the continents, for comparison with long ice core and marine sedimentary records.
Black Faces in White Spaces: Black Women's YouTube Channels in Brazil as Fortalecimento

A large and growing network of black women YouTubers in Brazil mobilize strategies of fortalecimento, a term used by some women to refer to how they prepare themselves to face the barriers created by the gendered racial hierarchy of Brazilian society. In this article, I examine these YouTube channels and the tactics black women use to increase their own visibility, to value black aesthetics, and to denounce racist and sexist acts or representations. Furthermore, I consider the importance of physical spaces, such as production studios, for YouTube success, and how black women negotiate material spaces as well as the video sharing platform to maximize their visibility and encroach on predominantly white spaces of cultural production. Using theories of intersectionality, representation, and subjecthood, I examine how these women use (virtual) communities to re-signify and pluralize black womanhood in Brazil.
Fusion of airways during avian lung development constitutes a novel mechanism for the formation of continuous lumena in multicellular epithelia

Background During development of the avian lung, the initially terminally branched epithelial tree later forms a continuous network of airways. This occurs via a large-scale epithelial fusion event, wherein airways that originate proximally collide with those that originate distally to form one continuous lumen. Results Here, we found that prior to fusion, the epithelium of the embryonic chicken lung undergoes a shape change to permit the initiation and extension of new branches which contain the cells that initiate contact. These changes in epithelial shape coincide with the differentiation of smooth muscle cells that wrap the airways. From these nascent epithelial branches, individual cells form cytoskeletal protrusions that extend toward and form a bridge with their target airway. Additional cells then join the fusion site, forming a bilayered epithelium. During this process, the basement membrane around the prefusion epithelium degrades and then reforms after fusion. The epithelial bilayer then undergoes apoptosis, clearing the path between the two lumens. Conclusions The process of airway epithelial fusion in the developing chicken lung constitutes a novel mechanism for the generation of complex multicellular tubes and suggests a conserved role for smooth muscle in the shaping of airway epithelia.
What Catalyzes Research Universities to Commit to Interdisciplinary Research

For decades, science policy has been promoting interdisciplinary research (IDR), but universities have not responded uniformly. To explain this variation, we integrate insights from the organizational literature, especially research on microfoundations, and highlight the role of both administrators and faculty. We collect and, with the help of machine learning, code vast amounts of textual data from 156 universities nationwide to measure universities’ structural commitment to IDR as well as key explanatory variables, including top-down administrative support for, and bottom-up faculty engagement with, IDR. We integrate these measures with extant data from the Survey of Earned Doctorates, Higher Education R&D Expenditures Survey, NIH, NSF, and IPEDS to analyze how internal university dynamics influence the degree to which a university commits to IDR. Our results reveal that the level of structural commitment to IDR differs at universities with and without medical schools, as do the precursors to this commitment. At universities with medical schools, we find that bottom-up engagement is positively associated with structural commitment to IDR, and that status moderates the relationship between top-down administrative support and structural commitment to IDR. For universities with low levels of supportive administrative discourse status significantly impacted their structural commitment to IDR. At universities without medical schools, top-down support and bottom-up engagement are interrelated and mutually reinforcing such that universities with high levels of both administrative support and interdisciplinary research grants have higher levels of structural commitment to IDR. We discuss the implications of these findings for university administrators, policy makers, and researchers.
Sharīʿa Law in Muslim Africa

The chapter examines how different societies and states in Africa have used sharīʿa to regulate aspects of social life. In much of Africa, sharīʿa has been a part of daily life for centuries. However, sharīʿa has always coexisted with other legal orders, modes of legal thought, and legal processes. Today, modern African states that incorporate sharīʿa into legal systems also draw on European legal rules, codes, and procedures and make provisions for customary norms and practices. The chapter considers sharīʿa in the early historical period, then moves to sharīʿa in the colonial period, and finally explores the ways in which modern states have differently incorporated sharīʿa into state legal systems. The final section of the chapter looks at contemporary challenges regarding sharīʿa in Africa.
Synonymous but Not Silent: The Codon Usage Code for Gene Expression and Protein Folding

Codon usage bias, the preference for certain synonymous codons, is found in all genomes. Although synonymous mutations were previously thought to be silent, a large body of evidence has demonstrated that codon usage can play major roles in determining gene expression levels and protein structures. Codon usage influences translation elongation speed and regulates translation efficiency and accuracy. Adaptation of codon usage to tRNA expression determines the proteome landscape. In addition, codon usage biases result in nonuniform ribosome decoding rates on mRNAs, which in turn influence the cotranslational protein folding process that is critical for protein function in diverse biological processes. Conserved genome-wide correlations have also been found between codon usage and protein structures. Furthermore, codon usage is a major determinant of mRNA levels through translation-dependent effects on mRNA decay and translation-independent effects on transcriptional and posttranscriptional processes. Here, we discuss the multifaceted roles and mechanisms of codon usage in different gene regulatory processes.
A Better Blood Test to Differentiate Epileptic From Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures

Seizures are common in neurologic and general practice; some are genuine epileptic seizures (ES) and some are mimics, including psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). The precise classification can be challenging for clinicians, and our clinical impression is often wrong.1 Videos taken with cellphones can be helpful, but even then differentiation of ES from PNES can be difficult.2 Seizures are seldom captured in outpatient EEGs, and epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs) are scarce resources. Biomarkers have thus far been largely unreliable3 but still hold promise as an additional tool, especially when integrated with clinical features.
The relations between age, face mask perceptions and face mask wearing.

Popular press outlets have proposed that older individuals are less likely to wear face masks despite health benefits of doing so during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current article investigates this notion in four separate studies, and we also assess the mediating effect of face mask perceptions between age and face mask wearing using the eight-dimension Face Masks Perceptions Scale (FMPS). The sample-size weighted average correlation between age and face mask wearing was -.07 (95%C.I.[-.14, .001], Z-value = -1.928, P = .054, n = 824), indicating that older individuals are slightly less likely to wear face masks compared to younger individuals. Age did not have significant relations with any face mask perceptions, and the mediating effect of face mask perceptions was not robust or consistent. This indicates that the relation between age and face mask wearing is not explained by face mask perceptions, and researchers must turn to other explanatory mechanisms to understand this relation. We propose possible avenues, such as dual-system theories, to further investigate this research question as well as others associated with face mask perceptions, face mask wearing and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nutritional status between 5-10 years is associated with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes in adolescence.

Background Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is a risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes including poor nutritional status, deterioration in lung functions, and increased mortality. The association between nutritional status between 5 and 10 years of age and later diagnosis of CFRD is not known. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for our patients with CF between 10 to18 years. Data was collected at age 5 and 10 years. Comparison made between patients with and without CFRD. Results Two groups were comparable for age and sex. At age 5, groups had no differences in weight, height, and BMI. At age 10, the CFRD group had a lower body mass index (40.2 ± 24.7 vs. 61.5 ± 22.5 percentile, p=0.02). Spirometry was similar between groups at 5 and 10 years. Patients with CFRD had lower growth velocity (5 ± 0.9 vs. 5.7 ± 0.9 cm/yr, p=0.03) and reduced weight gain rate (2.2 ± 0.9 vs. 3.2 ± 1.2 kg/yr, p=0.03) compared to patients without CFRD between 5 and 10 years. Patients with a weight gain less than 2.5 kg/year between 5 and 10 years were nine times more likely to develop CFRD in adolescence (Unadjusted Odds Ratio: 8.9; 95% CI:1.4, 47.2; p=0.01). Conclusion Patients who later developed CFRD had significantly lower weight gain rate and height growth between 5 and 10 years of age than those without diabetes. Close monitoring of nutritional status in before age 10 years may help identify CF patients at-risk of developing CFRD. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Conservation Psychology: Understanding and Promoting Human Care for Nature

Acknowledgments. 1. Introducing the Field of Conservation Psychology. Conservation. Psychology. Human care for nature. The roots of conservation psychology. The potential of conservation psychology. The organization of the book. Conclusion. Part I: Thinking about Nature . 2. Attitudes, Values, and Perceptions. Core Understandings of Nature. Risk Perception. Biases in Information Processing. Language and Discourse. Attributions of Responsibility. Linking Perceptions to Behavior. Conclusion. 3. Moral Psychology and the Environment. Background in Ethical Concepts. A Virtue Ethics of the Environment. The Deontic Tradition and Psychological Research. Contextual Differences in Moral Duties. Consequentialism, Emotion, and Socialization. Psychological Dynamics of Moral Functioning. Pragmatic Ethics. Conclusion. 4. Environment and Identity. The Concept of Identity. Identity Development. Developing an Affiliation with Nature. Environmental Identity. Measuring Environmental Identity. Place Identity. Animals and Identity. Environmental Social Identity. Identity and Behavior. Putting Identity to Work. Conclusion. 5. Theoretical Foundations for the Human Response to Nature. The Heritage of Environmental Psychology. Ecological Perception and Psychology. Evolutionary Psychology and Biological Thinking. Biophilia. Combining Nature and Nurture. Experiential Approaches. Conclusion. Part II: Interactions with Nature . 6. Domestic nature: Cohabiting with Animals and Plants. Animals in the Home. Plants in the Domestic Sphere. Conclusion. 7. Managed Nature: Zoos, Aquariums, and Public Parks. Zoos and Aquariums. Urban Parks and Green Spaces. Conclusion. 8. Wild Nature: Encounters with Wilderness. Defining Wilderness and Wild Nature. Wilderness Use and Wilderness Values. Wilderness Solitude. Natural Forces and Features. The Edge of Control: Wilderness Remoteness and Challenge. Activity in Wild Nature, Connection, and Caring. Wild Nature and Spiritual Experience. Conclusion. Part III: Promoting Conservation . 9. Promoting Sustainable Behavior. Identifying Target Behaviors. Influences on Behavior. Models for Changing Behavior. Collective Behavior. Changing the Ideology of Consumerism. Conclusion. 10. Community Psychology and International Biodiversity Conservation. International Biodiversity Conservation. Common Pool Resources and Models of Governance. Psychology, Culture, and Local Knowledge. Accounting for the Costs and Benefits of Conservation. Conservation and All-too-human Psychology. Conclusion. 11. Environmental Education. Environmental Education. The Need for Environmental Education. Examples of Contemporary Environmental Education. Psychological Foundations of Environmental Education. Lessons for Effective Practice. Conclusion. 12. The Psychology of Hope. Human Response to Threatening Circumstances. Optimism and Pessimism. An Alternative to a Focus on Outcomes: Creating Meaning. Glossary. References. Index
Metastable transitions in n-butane and n-butane-d7

Metastable ions have been investigated for n-butane d7 molecular ions using a tandem mass spectrometer which samples unimolecular decay processes occuring during the time interval of c.2 μs to 4 ms after ion formation. Some 37% of ions formed by 70 eV electron impact decay on this time scale. The competing unimolecular processes observed, in order of relative importance, are methance, methyl radical and hydrogen atom elimination. The slow metastables sample the threshold energy regime of unimolecular reactions responsible for forming the ordinary mass spectrum of butance and very large isotope effect are noted for the deuterated molecule.
Book Review of: 'Injury: The Politics of Product Design and Safety Law in the United States', by Sarah S. Lochlann Jain, Princeton University Press, 2006

This review of anthropologist Sarah S. Lochlann Jain's recent book argues that Jain's approach to studying U.S. tort law and American injury culture is creative, ambitious, and ultimately quite insightful. Jain's work is discussed in the context of a growing interdisciplinary interest among torts scholars to examine the social and cultural meanings of tort law, including the intersections of tort law with race, class, gender, and power.
Analysis of capture probability performance techniques for wireless LAN

The ability of a receiver to capture the intended signal in the presence of interference can improve the throughput of random multiple access protocols in wireless LAN (WLAN) applications. We investigate various methods of evaluating capture probability. We are concerned with the performance of a number of users in a WLAN infrastructure attempting to send data packets over a commonly shared carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) channel to a central access point (AP). The probability of capture when fading and multipath are present is analyzed and compared. The system performance in the presence of multipath fading is evaluated.