cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Early Stages of Phase Separation in Disordered Elastin-like Proteins.

Abstract Elastin-like proteins (ELPs) are known to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation reversibly above a concentration-dependent transition temperature. Previous studies suggested that, as temperature increases, ELPs experience an increased propensity for type II β -turns. However, how the ELPs behave below the phase transition temperature itself is still elusive. Here, we investigate the importance of β -turn formation during the early stages of ELP self-association. We examined the behavior of two ELPs, a 150-repeat construct that had been investigated previously (ELP[V 5 G 3 A 2 -150] as well as a new 40-repeat construct (ELP40) suitable for nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. Structural analysis of ELP40 reveals a disordered conformation, and chemical shifts throughout the sequence are insensitive to changes in temperature over 20°C. However, a low population of β -turn conformation cannot be ruled out based on chemical shifts alone. To examine the structural consequences of β -turns in ELPs, a series of structural ensembles of ELP[V 5 G 3 A 2 -150] were generated, incorporating differing amounts of β -turn bias throughout the chain. To mimic the early stages of the phase change, two monomers were paired, assuming preferential interaction at β -turn regions. This approach was justified by the observation that buried hydrophobic turns are commonly observed to interact in the Protein Data Bank. After dimerization, the ensemble-averaged hydrodynamic properties were calculated for each degree of β -turn bias, and the results were compared with analytical ultracentrifugation experiments at various temperatures. We find that the temperature dependence of the sedimentation coefficient ( s 20 , w o ) can be reproduced by increasing the β -turn content in the structural ensemble. This analysis allows us to estimate the presence of β -turns and weak associations under experimental conditions. Because disordered proteins frequently exhibit weak biases in secondary structure propensity, these experimentally-driven ensemble calculations may complement existing methods for modeling disordered proteins generally.
THE ROLE OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY IN A TOXIC SUBSTANCE SPILL INTO THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT

ABSTRACT On July 22, 1980, a major chemical spill occurred 40 miles southeast of New Orleans in the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO), a man-made deep draft channel connecting the Port of New Orleans with the Gulf of Mexico. The spill resulted from the collision of a containerized cargo vessel (M/V TESTBANK) with a bulk ore carrier (M/V SEA DANIEL). Large quantities of technical grade pentachlorophenol (PCP), hydrobromic acid, vinyl polymer, as well as other items of the containerized cargo were lost into the 35-ft deep channel. Ruptured drums released ethyl mercaptan into the atmosphere. An estimated 12 tons of toxic PCP were lost into the estuarine environment immediately adjacent to major shrimp fisheries and oyster beds. The Center for Bio-Organic Studies of the University of New Orleans assisted in the design and implementation of a multiphase analytical chemistry support program to complement the response efforts by federal and state agencies. The program was designed to assist in locating the bulk of spilled PCP and to monitor the distribution and movement throughout the environment of PCP and its major metabolites and production-related impurities. Latter stages of the program involved monitoring the effectiveness of cleanup activities and the short-term impact of the PCP on the environment. Over 300 water, sediment and biota samples were collected and analyzed. The exposure to PCP of response and cleanup workers was monitored by the analysis of approximately 200 blood and urine samples. Existing analytical methods were refined to meet the special requirements of the spill situation. In order to assist participating state and federal agencies, an interlaboratory calibration program was also established. The activities of our laboratory during this incident, and the importance of a broad but flexible analytical chemistry support program to complement the response organization's efforts during a toxic chemical spill are discussed.
2000 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

The awarding of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Hideki Shirakawa, Alan MacDiarmid and Alan Heeger in 2000 elevated the awareness of polyacetylene among the general science community and cemented the place of this polymeric material in the history of chemistry.This final chapter discusses the details of the awarding of the 2000 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, with particular discussion on the nature of discovery.
The Fatty Acid Synthesis Protein Enoyl-ACP Reductase II (FabK) is a Target for Narrow-Spectrum Antibacterials for Clostridium difficile Infection

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is an antibiotic-induced microbiota shift disease of the large bowel. While there is a need for narrow-spectrum CDI antibiotics, it is unclear which cellular proteins are appropriate drug targets to specifically inhibit C. difficile. We evaluated the enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase II (FabK), which catalyzes the final step of bacterial fatty acid biosynthesis. Bioinformatics showed that C. difficile uses FabK as its sole enoyl-ACP reductase, unlike several major microbiota species. The essentiality of fabK for C. difficile growth was confirmed by failure to delete this gene using ClosTron mutagenesis and by growth inhibition upon gene silencing with CRISPR interference antisense to fabK transcription or by blocking protein translation. Inhibition of C. difficile's FASII pathway could not be circumvented by supply of exogenous fatty acids, either during fabK's gene silencing or upon inhibition of the enzyme with a phenylimidazole-derived inhibitor (1). The inability of fatty acids to bypass FASII inhibition is likely due to the function of the transcriptional repressor FapR. Inhibition of FabK also inhibited spore formation, reflecting the enzyme's role in de novo fatty acid biosynthesis for the formation of spore membrane lipids. Compound 1 did not inhibit growth of key microbiota species. These findings suggest that C. difficile FabK is a druggable target for discovering narrow-spectrum anti- C. difficile drugs that treat CDI but avoid collateral damage to the gut microbiota.
A high-order accurate AUSM\(^+\)-up approach for simulations of compressible multiphase flows with linear viscoelasticity

An Eulerian approach for simulations of wave propagation in multiphase, viscoelastic media is developed in the context of the Advection Upstream Splitting Method (AUSM). We extend the AUSM scheme to the five-equation model for simulations of interfaces between gases, liquids, and solids with constitutive relations appropriately transported. In this framework, the solid’s deformations are assumed to be infinitesimally small such that they can be modeled using linear viscoelastic models, e.g., generalized Zener. The Eulerian framework addresses the challenge of calculating strains, more naturally expressed in a Lagrangian framework, by using a hypoelastic model that takes an objective Lie derivative of the constitutive relation to transform strains into velocity gradients. Our approach introduces elastic stresses in the convective fluxes that are treated by generalizing AUSM flux-vector splitting (FVS) to account for the Cauchy stress tensor. We determine an appropriate discretization of non-conservative equations that appear in the five-equation multiphase model with AUSM schemes to prevent spurious oscillations at material interfaces. The framework’s spatial scheme is solution adaptive with a discontinuity sensor discriminating between smooth and discontinuous regions. The smooth regions are computed using explicit high-order central differences. At discontinuous regions (i.e., shocks, material interfaces, and contact surfaces), the convective fluxes are treated using a high-order Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory (WENO) scheme with $$\hbox {AUSM}^+$$ -up for upwinding. The framework is used to simulate one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) problems that demonstrate the ability to maintain equilibrium interfacial conditions and solve challenging multi-dimensional and multi-material problems.
Effect of Intersection Lighting Design on Drivers' Perceived Visibility and Glare

A systems-level approach to intersection lighting design has shown that illuminating the intersection box increases drivers’ nighttime visual performance. However, for an intersection lighting desi...
Associations between sexual orientation discrimination and substance use disorders: differences by age in US adults.

Sexual minorities are at heightened risk for substance use disorders (SUDs). Discrimination based on sexual orientation may be an important factor in this increased risk, but differences across age have not been systematically examined. We examined age-varying associations of sexual orientation discrimination with alcohol use disorder (AUD), tobacco use disorder (TUD), and drug use disorder (DUD). We used data from US participants aged 18–50 years who reported non-heterosexual identity, attraction, or behavior (N = 2375) in a nationally representative survey. We examined the prevalence of sexual orientation discrimination across age and its salience as a risk factor for AUD, TUD, and DUD for gay/lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual identifying individuals using time-varying effect modeling. Sexual orientation discrimination was most prevalent in early young adulthood but was positively associated with greater odds of AUD, TUD, and DUD only at later ages. We found statistically significant associations at ages 24.5–40.0 for AUD, ages 32.5–42.9 for DUD, and ages 39.3–43.2 for TUD. For example, discrimination at age 30 was associated with 2.1 times greater odds of AUD (95% CI 1.3, 3.3) compared to those who reported no discrimination at that age. Discrimination at age 35 was associated with 2.8 times greater odds of DUD (95% CI 1.2, 6.6) relative to no discrimination. Sexual orientation discrimination is significantly associated with SUDs and risk varies across age. Thus, age should be considered in the development of prevention and treatment of AUD, TUD, and DUD, particularly for sexual minorities.
Modeling Pyran Formation in the Molybdenum Cofactor: Protonation of Quinoxalyl-Dithiolene Promoting Pyran Cyclization.

Mononuclear Mo and W enzymes require a unique ligand known as molybdopterin (MPT). This ligand binds the metal through a dithiolene chelate, and the dithiolene bridges a reduced pyranopterin group. Pyran scission and formation have been proposed as a reaction of the MPT ligand that may occur within the enzymes to adjust reactivity at the Mo atom. We address this issue by investigating oxo–Mo(IV) model complexes containing dithiolenes substituted by pterin or quinoxaline and a hydroxyalkyl poised to form a pyran ring. While the pterin–dithiolene model complex exhibits a low energy, reversible pyran cyclization, here we report that pyran cyclization does not spontaneously occur in the quinoxalyl–dithiolene model. However, protonating the quinoxalyl–dithiolene model induces pyran cyclization forming an unstable, pyrano-quinoxalyl–dithiolene complex which subsequently dehydrates and rearranges to a pyrrolo-quinoxlyl–dithiolene complex that was previously characterized. The protonated pyrano-quinoxalyl–dithiol...
Negative interest rates: a Keynesian perspective

One of the most surprising recent developments in financial markets has been the emergence of negative yields on long-term debt. This development contradicts the notion of the zero lower bound which, until recently, was taken as a given in monetary policy discussions. In this paper, I look at the phenomenon of negative yields through the lens of Keynes's liquidity-preference theory of interest. I review changes to the financial market environment that have led to a shift in the liquidity of government bonds relative to bank deposits, and with this empirical context in place, I argue Keynes's theory is consistent with the phenomenon of negative bond yields. Finally, I consider Keynes's thought in relation to a negative interest-rate policy (NIRP) and argue that while he would be opposed to a NIRP as a temporary expedient, a mildly negative policy rate fits with his long-run vision for a world with a zero risk-free long-term interest rate.
Maternal depression and acculturative stress impacts on Mexican-origin children through authoritarian parenting

Abstract Depression and acculturative stress are common among Latina mothers, yet little is known about how these variables are related to parenting practices and in turn, to the mental health functioning of their young children. The present study used a sample of Mexican-origin mothers of 3- to 6-year-old children (N = 175) to test a model of maternal depression and acculturative stress as predictors of child internalizing and externalizing problems, mediated by authoritarian and authoritative parenting practices. Results showed that maternal depressive symptoms and acculturative stress were associated with child internalizing, but not externalizing, problems. Only authoritarian practices mediated these associations. Results highlight the importance of considering sociocultural context in the study of child mental health in Mexican-origin populations.
Selective reduction of aldehydes

Abstract Tetraethylammonium borohydride performs the selective reduction of aldehydes under mild conditions.
An iterative learning and inference approach to managing dynamic cyber vulnerabilities of complex systems

Abstract As modern infrastructure systems become increasingly reliant on cyber technologies and continue to be integrated with physical systems, managing risks from deliberate and non-deliberate sources is a significant research challenge. Unlike strictly physical systems, cyber-enabled physical systems are influenced by dynamic and evolving technologies, environments, and attack mechanisms. As a result, vulnerabilities are rapidly changing and difficult to detect and manage. While there is recent interest in the dynamic properties of performance through resilience analysis, limited research addresses the dynamic nature of cyber-system vulnerability. This paper presents an iterative data-driven learning approach to evaluate and manage vulnerabilities for such complex systems. These time-varying system health characteristics may not be directly observable, but can be inferred using observable indicators. The approach recognizes that multiple types of vulnerabilities need to be included in a holistic system health assessment. The methods are applied to the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) database containing thousands of documented cybersecurity vulnerabilities over nearly two decades. We acknowledge the dynamic properties of cyber vulnerability, while also inferring system health using observable data and hidden operational states. The results will be of interest to managers of large-scale cyber-enabled physical systems who are seeking to prioritize system health investments.
Static Charging Scheduling of Electric Vehicles at Private Stations

In this short paper, considering the significant increase on the number of electric vehicles (EV) and the additional load they bring on the power grid, we propose a static charging scheduling algorithm in order to effectively schedule the charging of EVs during nighttime at private charging stations. Given the vehicles and the volume of their charging demands, we first determine the additional load to the grid assuming all EVs need to charge to the maximum level recommended by the manufacturers within the given time period. Then, the proposed algorithm calculates the energy and the time needed to charge the EV battery to the level requested by the owner. After finding the slack time (the latest start time for charging – the current time), it schedules the charging of EV by giving priority to the one whose slack time is minimum. If it is not possible to charge all vehicles to the requested battery level within the time constraints, the algorithm evenly distributes the available energy to EVs that need more charging.
Consumer Credit Use of Undergraduate, Graduate and Postgraduate Students: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Indebtedness among university students is a recurring problem that needs to be addressed. Previous studies have illustrated the situation regarding credit cards and college students. Graduate and postgraduate students have not been studied, although they are also subject to debt. The aim of this article is to explore the psychological and social factors that contribute to the adoption of responsible credit practices among undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students. The data are from an electronic survey sent by e-mail to students at two major Canadian universities (n = 1,323). The SEM results indicate that university students with a high level of self-efficacy in consumer credit are more likely to avoid risky credit behaviour. In comparison, the intention of undergraduate students to adopt responsible consumer credit behaviour is more influenced by parents than the (post)graduate students. The implications for financial education and personal finance advisors are discussed based on the results obtained.
Investigation of Microwave Irradiation Procedure for Synthesizing CdSe Quantum Dots

In recent years, microwave heating techniques for quantum dot (QD) synthesis have come to supplement the typical hot-injection methods. In addition to increasing control and replicability, microwave synthesis can be up-scaled to industry standards, an advantage that increases its lucrativeness. This study depicts a strategy to take a hot-injection procedure for cadmium selenide (CdSe) QD synthesis that is safe enough for undergraduate research labs and adapt it to an easier, more energy-efficient microwave synthesis method. Additionally, this study details successes in synthesizing these QDs, along with some challenges, limitations, and peculiarities. For future users of this method, it is recommended to keep holding temperatures between 170°C and 240°C to achieve the highest monodispersity of CdSe QDs while also avoiding confounding effects, such as wide-spectrum photoluminescence and bulk CdSe precipitation.
Clinicopathological Evaluation of the Potential Anatomic Pathways of Systemic Metastasis from Primary Breast Cancer Suggests an Orderly Spread Through the Regional Lymph Nodes.

Two conflicting hypotheses as to how breast cancer (BC) accesses the systemic circulation dominated the 20th century and affected surgical treatment. We hypothesized that tumor lymphovascular invasion (LVI) at the primary tumor site favors lymphatic and not blood vessel, capillaries, and systemic metastases (Smets) are dependent upon regional lymph node (RLN) mets. Data from BC patients undergoing RLN biopsy was professionally abstracted and maintained in a prospective, precisely managed, single-institution database. Associations of RLN, LVI, and Smets were estimated by univariate and multivariate backward logistic regression models and patient-affiliated demographic, clinicopathologic, treatment type, and molecular marker data. Of 3329 patients, followed 1–22 years (mean 7.8), 463 of 3329 (13.9%) showed LVI, 742 of 3329 (22.3%) had RLN mets, and 262 of 3329 (7.9%) had Smets. Smets occurred in 52 of 252 (21% with LVI+/RLN+); 116 of 2301 (5% with LVI−/RLN−); 65 of 465 (14% with LVI−/RLN+); and 17 of 207 (8% with LVI+/RLN−), p = 0.021 for association between LVI and Smets for RLN+ patients but not for RLN− patients (p = 0.051). Positive RLN, larger tumor size, and higher grade (all p < 0.001) were predictive of Smets by the multivariable model, whereas positive LVI was not. LVI predicts RLN mets in BC. RLN is critical to Smets from BC, whereas LVI on its own is not. Smets occur significantly more commonly when both LVI and RLN mets occur together. LVI is, thus, likely to be primarily lymphatic invasion, and rarely, blood vessel invasion, supporting the Halsted paradigm. LVI and RLN together predict clinical outcome better than either alone.
Comparison of Power Dependence of Microwave Surface Resistance of Unpatterned and Patterned YBCO Thin Film

The effect of the patterning process on the nonlinearity of the microwave surface resistance $R_S$ of YBCO thin films is investigated. With the use of a sapphire dielectric resonator and a stripline resonator, the microwave $R_S$ of YBCO thin films was measured before and after the patterning process, as a function of temperature and the rf peak magnetic field in the film. The microwave loss was also modeled, assuming a $J_{rf}^2$ dependence of $Z_S(J_{rf})$ on current density $J_{rf}$. Experimental and modeled results show that the patterning has no observable effect on the microwave residual $R_S$ or on the power dependence of $R_S$.
Improved MPACT energy deposition and explicit heat generation coupling with CTF

Abstract The CASL neutronics code MPACT assumes local energy deposition with equilibrium delayed energy for steady-state and transient calculations. These approximations limit the accurate representation of the heat generation in space and its variations over time, both of which are essential for power distribution and thermal–hydraulic coupling analyses. This paper presents an explicit energy deposition model considering the neutron and gamma heating of all regions and the time-dependent delayed energy. The MPACT/CTF interfaces are updated to transfer the explicit heat sources. The new model agrees well with MCNP for problems without thermal–hydraulic feedback. The MPACT/CTF coupled calculation for a hot-full-power quarter-core case using the new model exhibits a reduction of peak pin power by 2.3% and fuel centerline temperature by 17 K. The new model also shows a keff difference up to −100 pcm in depletion and a 30 K peak fuel temperature reduction in a reactivity-initiated-accident problem.
Genetic variants as biomarkers for progression and resistance in multiple myeloma

Technical advances in genome sequencing, in particular whole-genome sequencing (WGS), provide adequate tools to understanding cancer at the molecular level while specifically focusing on genetic variants that contribute to the causation and progression of pathogenic cancers. Multiple myeloma (MM), a malignant disease of plasma cells that is marked as rare yet incurable, may be diagnosed by WGS tools, as this cancer is associated with chromosomal translocations and mutations in specific protein-coding genes. Among these protein-coding genes, many are known to be responsible for cell cycle regulation in MM. The initial significant protein-coding mutations were found in NRAS, KRAS and TP53 and later reported in FAM46C, DIS3, CCND1, PNRC1, ALOX12B, HLA-A and MAGED1. Here, we report gene network associations of MM using Qiagen's Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software and compared biomarker information reported in IPA for these protein-coding genes (NRAS, TP53 and KRAS). Using Qiagen's Ingenuity Variant Analysis (IVA), we characterized cancer driver variants in MT-ND1 as likely pathogenic or variants of uncertain significance.
Isotyping and Semi-Quantitation of Monkey Anti-Drug Antibodies by Immunocapture Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

There is an urgent demand to develop new technologies to characterize immunogenicity to biotherapeutics. Here, we developed an immunocapture LC-MS assay to isotype and semi-quantify monkey anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) to fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb) drugs. ADAs were isolated from serum samples using an immunocapture step with the Fab of the full-length mAb cross-linked to magnetic beads to minimize matrix interference. A positive monoclonal antibody control against the human immunoglobulin kappa light chain was used as a calibration standard for ADA quantitation. The final LC-MS method contains 17 multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions and an optimized 15-min LC method. The results suggested that IgG1 was the most abundant isotype in ADA-positive samples. IgG2 and IgG4 were identified at lower levels, whereas IgG3 and IgA levels were only observed at very minor levels. In addition, levels of total ADA measured by the LC-MS assay were comparable to results obtained using a traditional ligand binding assay (LBA). The LC-MS ADA assay enabled rapid immunogenicity assessment with additional isotype information that LBAs cannot provide.
Integrated Silicon Platform for Co-planar Design of Vertically Stacked 2.06 THz Mixer Module

A hybrid multiplier chain with a Si micromachined stack housing the 2.06-THz sub-harmonic Schottky-diode based mixer is developed for the purpose of THz sensing for NASA in space. Low-noise temperature measurements are performed using this hybrid local-oscillator (LO) chain.
A New Sufficient Condition on the Stability of T-S Fuzzy Systems

This paper considers the stability of T-S fuzzy systems. Two equvilent sufficient conditions, represented in terms of linear matrix inequality(LMI) and Sum-of-squares (SOS), are obtained. The theorems presented in this paper have less conservatism than the existing ones, as have been verified by both theoretic analysis and numerical example.
Learning H-Coupled 13C NMR in the First Month of Sophomore Organic Lecture

Using 13C NMR data that includes 1H coupling allows sophomore organic students to solve simple structural problems, even early in the first semester of the sophomore organic course.
Participative and Practical Goal-setting in Enterprise Systems Learning

This research examines how dynamic course goal-setting can affect students’ enterprise systems learning and career choice, through a university alliance program. It also explores the learners’ cogn...
Validity Evidence for Vascular Skills Assessment: The Feasibility of Fundamentals of Vascular Surgery in General Surgery Residency.

Objective As the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) and Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES) have been used for general surgery assessment, the Fundamentals of Vascular Surgery (FVS) has recently been developed to evaluate core operative skills for vascular trainees. This study examines the 3 year implementation of FVS for general surgery residents and it gathers validity evidence using Messick's framework. We hypothesized that the curriculum and assessment tool enhance general surgery resident training and assessment. Design This is a retrospective review of FVS assessments of residents using descriptive and multivariate analyses. Setting This study was conducted at an academic institution, where simulation-based teaching sessions occur in coordination between the general surgery and the integrated vascular surgery residency programs. Participants Seventeen general surgery residents were assessed in FVS skills by an expert rater from 2018 to 2020. Results Overall, 86 assessments were completed. Content: Assessment focuses on 3 open vascular skills (End-to-Side Anastomosis, Patch Angioplasty and Clockface Suturing). Response Process: 7 items comprise a graded rating for a skills score. Additionally, a global summary score is designated. Internal Structure: The assessment tool has a Cronbach's alpha of 0.87, demonstrating good internal consistency. Addition of the second rater correlated with Cohen's kappa -0.69 (p Conclusions The validity evidence of FVS assessment in this study supports its use in general surgery residency at a time when opportunities for open vascular skills assessment may be decreasing due to case availability and shifting paradigms. Further study into quality rater training is needed to optimize national implementation of FVS and ensure consistency in grading.
Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Optimizing Outcomes for Recipients, Donors and the Waiting List.

Pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) can reduce wait list mortality for a vulnerable population that has limited availability to deceased donor liver grafts due to size limitations. Outcomes in initial pediatric LDLT recipients were affected by the learning curve associated with the early initiation period of living donor programs. However, as we surpass 40 years of pediatric LDLT (1), the trends in outcomes have become clearer. The manuscript by Shingina et al. in this edition of Liver Transplantation provides a thorough synthesis of the available global data that compares LDLT to deceased donor liver transplants (DDLT) in the pediatric population (2).
Immunopathogenesis of Graves’ Disease

Hyperthyroidism in Graves’ disease is caused by antibodies to the TSH receptor (TSHR) that mimic the action of TSH. These thyroid stimulating antibodies (TSAb) develop in genetically susceptible individuals because of a breakdown in self-tolerance to the TSHR, a process in which the TSHR itself likely plays a role. Rather than the membrane-bound holoreceptor, the shed, highly glycosylated TSHR A-subunit is the autoantigen in Graves’ disease. Central tolerance involves expression of self-antigen peptides in the thymus and is normally responsible for deleting T cells that bind with high affinity to TSHR peptides. Regulatory T cells provide a backup to central tolerance, together with mechanisms to preclude B cell reactivity to the TSHR. However, all these mechanisms fail in Graves’ patients and lead to the generation of these unusual, high-affinity antibodies, present at low serum concentrations, that stimulate the TSHR. Assays for these antibodies are unconventional and involve either inhibition of TSH binding to its receptor or generation of cAMP from monolayers of TSHR-expressing cells. The epitopes recognized by TSHR antibodies are not linear but conformational. In rare patients, hypothyroidism is caused by TSHR antibodies that block stimulation by TSH (TBAb). Moreover, “switching” from TBAb to TSAb (or vice versa) is sometimes observed. Overall, TSHR antibodies can be of value in monitoring the status of “switch” patients as well as in other situations including the risks of fetal or neonatal hyperthyroidism, prediction of remission, and guidance for the management of Graves’ ophthalmopathy and dermopathy.
Green Goals in Organizations: Do Small Businesses Engage in Environmentally Friendly Strategies?

"Green" environmental goals play a role in a firm's decision making and goal setting. Large firms typically consider being socially responsible or more environmentally oriented as part of their mission, but are these initiatives the same for small businesses? Surveying a U.S. small business sample, this exploratory study finds firm size and industry type are the two demographic variables related to the importance of environmental business issues in small business decision-making processes. Company "Expertise," an internal resource advantage, and the external factors of "Competitiveness" and 'Environmental Hostility," were found to influence small firms' environmental goals. When examining business outcomes and small firms' satisfaction with achievement of their environmental goals, all measures studied (cash flow, market share, sales, and earnings) were related to having such goals. This study extends the dearth of literature studying small firms and the role of environmentally friendly strategies in these ventures.
A platform for crowdsourcing the creation of representative, accurate landcover maps

Accurate landcover maps are fundamental to understanding socio-economic and environmental patterns and processes, but existing datasets contain substantial errors. Crowdsourcing map creation may substantially improve accuracy, particularly for discrete cover types, but the quality and representativeness of crowdsourced data is hard to verify. We present an open-sourced platform, DIYlandcover, that serves representative samples of high resolution imagery to an online job market, where workers delineate individual landcover features of interest. Worker mapping skill is frequently assessed, providing estimates of overall map accuracy and a basis for performance-based payments. A trial of DIYlandcover showed that novice workers delineated South African cropland with 91% accuracy, exceeding the accuracy of current generation global landcover products, while capturing important geometric data. A scaling-up assessment suggests the possibility of developing an Africa-wide vector-based dataset of croplands for $2-3 million within 1.2-3.8 years. DIYlandcover can be readily adapted to map other discrete cover types. A crowdsourcing platform that uses human pattern recognition skill to create accurate, geometrically rich landcover maps.Primary features: representative sampling, worker-specific accuracy assessment, and connection to online job markets.A cropland mapping trial showed 91% accuracy, and potential to make an Africa-wide map for $2-3 million within 1.2-3.8 years.
Biosynthesis of piperidine alkaloids—I.

Abstract Acetate-2- 14 C, alanine-2- 14 C, succinate-2- 14 C, aspartate2- 14 C or lysine-2- 14 C was supplied to growing Nicotiana glauca L. plants and anabasine [2-(3′-pyridyl)-piperidine] was isolated from the plants after 7 days. The labelled alkaloid was degraded to isolate as BaCO 3 carbon 2 and a mixture of carbons 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the piperidine ring. Isotope distribution in the isolated radioactive anabasine was compatible with the formation of lysine (and subsequently anabasine) via 2,6-diaminopimelic acid as an intermediate rather than 2-aminoadipic acid.
Optimization of dynamic systems using novel performance functionals

Optimization problems were explicitly formulated and solved using different concepts, e.g., the Hamilton-Jacobi theory, dynamic programming, maximum principle, Lyapunov's concept, nonlinear optimization, etc. To solve control problems, the system dynamics is optimized using different performance functionals and optimality criteria. Necessary and sufficient conditions for optimality and stability must be guaranteed, and these conditions are used to synthesize controllers. Viable paradigms have been developed. The quadratic performance functionals, as well as quadratic return and Lyapunov functions have been widely used due to simplicity and mathematical tractability. However, nonquadratic performance functionals should be used to guarantee superior performance (accuracy, robustness, minimum-time dynamics, etc.). The paper concentrates on the design of performance functionals and synthesis of optimal controllers. Innovative procedures reported are illustrated, and the advantages of the documented concept are demonstrated.
Student Apathy: The Downfall of Education

Student apathy has risen to a level that places education in the United States at serious risks. The current U.S. student has become an unmotivated apathetic individual with a lack of interest, goals, and determination to succeed in the academic curriculum. The United States has fallen out of the top 10 countries in education levels of students and continuing on a downward spiral. Student apathy has been cited as a serious problem by 29% of teachers ranking higher than all other areas as exposed in a 2008 survey of public high school teachers. The students tested against 14 major countries places the United States at number 11 in the current ratings of education levels. Student apathy must be identified and changed to overcome the continued short comings of education in the United States.
Experimental Evaluation of a Visual Detection Model

A fixed-base simulation experiment was performed to gather visual air-to-ground target recognition performance data for comparison with predictions from the Autonetics Detection Model. Color motion picture imagery obtained during a low-altitude flight was used to simulate the observer's forward view. Observer performance was measured in terms of probability and range of correct target recognition. The Autonetics Detection Model incorporates parameters related to the target, the environment, and the observer. In generating theoretical predictions from the model, values of all parameters were specified independently of the data obtained in the experiment. No curve fitting techniques were used to improve the fit between the empirical and theoretical curves. Results indicated a close relationship between the obtained performance data and the model predictions. A product-moment correlation of +0.53, significant at the 0.001 level, was obtained between the empirical and theoretical 50% recognition ranges.
Inner bremsstrahlung-nuclear recoil angular correlation inK-capture

It is suggested that a measurement of the inner bremsstrahlung (IB)-nuclear recoil angular correlation inK-capture leads to a method for determining the ratio |CA|2/|Cv|2, which is substantially free from dependence on either lifetime or spectral-shape factors, in contrast to the estimates of |CA|2/|Cv|2 made from theft values. So far a determination such as suggested here has been made only in the case of the β decay of aligned neutrons. In the case of7Be, the only known super-allowedK-capturer, a similar measurement might be of considerable interest since here some fairly dependable calculations of |MGT|, the Gamow-Teller matrix element, might be made. (Knowledge of |MGT| is essential in the evaluation of |CA|2/|CV|2). A general formula is derived for the IB-nuclear recoil angular correlation and applied to the particular case of the\(^7 Be\xrightarrow{{K - capture}}^7 Li\) β decay. In addition, it is shown that the formula, which in its general form assumes an initial (arbitrary) polarization for theK-capturing nucleus, offers the possibility of doing an unambiguous time-reversal experiment by looking for a left-right asymmetry in the count rate when polarization, recoil-momentum direction, and IB-direction are all mutually perpendicular.
An Exploration of Self-Efficacy as a Mediator of Skill Beliefs and Student Self-Identity as a Critical Thinker

Critical thinking has received extensive attention in the education, philosophy, psychology, and more recently, the marketing literature where it has been highlighted as important to student lifelong learning. However, much of the extant marketing education literature emphasizes techniques tied to implementing critical thinking approaches while questions exist regarding the processes by which students are influenced through participation in critical thinking pedagogies. This study merges critical thinking and self-identity literature as a means of addressing the question of how students come to view themselves as critical thinkers. Specifically, we hypothesized that critical thinking self-efficacy will mediate the effect of critical thinking skill beliefs on student self-identity as a critical thinker for students participating in classes where critical thinking is explicitly and consistently addressed. Results, based on a sample of students participating in critical thinking-oriented classes, support the...
Structural properties of the geometrically frustrated pyrochlore Tb 2 Ti 2 O 7

Although materials that exhibit nearest-neighbor-only antiferromagnetic interactions and geometrical frustration theoretically should not magnetically order in the absence of disorder, few such systems have been observed experimentally. One such system appears to be the pyrochlore ${\mathrm{Tb}}_{2}{\mathrm{Ti}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}.$ However, previous structural studies indicated that ${\mathrm{Tb}}_{2}{\mathrm{Ti}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ is an imperfect pyrochlore. To clarify the situation, we performed neutron powder-diffraction (NPD) and x-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS) measurements on samples that were prepared identically to those that show no magnetic order. The NPD measurements show that the long-range structure of ${\mathrm{Tb}}_{2}{\mathrm{Ti}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ is well ordered with no structural transitions between 4.5 and 600 K. In particular, mean-squared displacements ${u}^{2}\mathrm{'}\mathrm{s}$ for each site follow a Debye model with no offsets. No evidence for Tb/Ti site interchange was observed within an upper limit of 2%. Likewise, no excess or deficiency in the oxygen stoichiometry was observed, within an upper limit of 2% of the nominal pyrochlore value. Tb ${L}_{\mathrm{III}}$- and Ti K-edge XAFS measurements from 20 K to 300 K similarly indicate a well-ordered local structure. Other aspects of the structure are considered. We conclude that ${\mathrm{Tb}}_{2}{\mathrm{Ti}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ has, within experimental error, an ideal, disorder-free pyrochlore lattice, thereby allowing the system to remain in a dynamic, frustrated spin state to the lowest observed temperatures.
Absence of Mutagenicity of Coralyne and Related Antileukemic Agents: Structural Comparison with the Potent Carcinogen 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

The structural similarity between the antileukemic alkaloid coralyne and the carcinogenic and antineoplastic hydrocarbon 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, as well as the similarity between the antileukemic alkaloid nitidine and the carcinogenic hydrocarbon 5-methyl-chrysene, prompted a mutagenicity evaluation of coralyne sulfoacetate, nitidine chloride, the 8-ethyl homolog of coralyne, nitidine methosulfate, and the tetramethoxy analog of nitidine by the Ames method against the histidine-auxotroph strains of Salmonella typhimurium TA-1537, TA-1538, TA-98, and TA-100; 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene was used as a reference standard. The mutagenicity of these antileukemic compounds was either completely eliminated or drastically reduced, but the mutagenic response was generally high for 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]an-thracene. The results suggest that the presence of a quaternary nitrogen atom and alkoxy groups could be important in alleviating the mutagenicity of the parent mutagenic and carcinogenic hydrocarbons.
Improved Retrieval of Integrated Water Vapor from Water Vapor Radiometer Measurements Using Numerical Weather Prediction Models

Abstract Water vapor radiometer (WVR) retrieval algorithms require a priori information on atmospheric conditions along the line of sight of the radiometer in order to derive opacities from observed brightness temperatures. This paper's focus is the mean radiating temperature of the atmosphere (Tmr), which is utilized in these algorithms to relate WVR measurements to integrated water vapor. Current methods for specifying Tmr rely on the climatology of the WVR site-for example, a seasonal average-or information from nearby soundings to specify Tmr. However, values of Tmr, calculated from radiosonde data, not only vary according to site and season but also exhibit large fluctuations in response to local weather conditions. By utilizing output from numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, Tmr can be accurately prescribed for an arbitrary WVR site at a specific time. Temporal variations in local weather conditions can he resolved by NWP models on timescales shorter than standard radiosonde soundings. Curren...
Influence of cluster–support interactions on reactivity of size-selected NbxOy clusters

Size-selected niobium oxide nanoclusters (Nb3O5, Nb3O7, Nb4O7, and Nb4O10) were deposited at room temperature onto a Cu(111) surface and a thin film of Cu2O on Cu(111), and their interfacial electronic interactions and reactivity toward water dissociation were examined. These clusters were specifically chosen to elucidate the effects of the oxidation state of the metal centers; Nb3O5 and Nb4O7 are the reduced counterparts of Nb3O7 and Nb4O10, respectively. From two-photon photoemission spectroscopy (2PPE) measurements, we found that the work function increases upon cluster adsorption in all cases, indicating a negative interfacial dipole moment with the positive end pointing into the surface. The amount of increase was greater for the clusters with more metal centers and higher oxidation state. Further analysis with DFT calculations of the clusters on Cu(111) indicated that the reduced clusters donate electrons to the substrate, indicating that the intrinsic cluster dipole moment makes a larger contributi...
Suppose They Gave a Culture War and No One Came Zippergate and the Carnivalization of Politics

L'affaire Clinton, a president lured by the thong of temptress Monica, became the major media spectacle of the late '90s. Rural, Southern, conservative Christians regarded him as the symbol of the social, sexual, and civil rights revolutions of the '60s that had been an affront to their values. The attempt to remove him from office was a “culture war” in which his detractors had not understood just how far the political center of the country had moved. Given greater levels of education, more women in the workforce, and growing cosmopolitanism, the country had become more socially liberal and regarded his peccadilloes as his own business. Moreover, the rank hypocrisy of his accusers gave them little credibility. Nevertheless, as a political soap opera, its cast of characters, its sex, sin, betrayals, courtroom drama, and contrition was another step eroding the boundaries of the political and entertainment in an “amusement society.”
The radiation-induced bystander effect: evidence and significance

A multitude of biological effects observed over the past two decades in various in vivo and in vitro cell culture experiments have indicated that low dose/low fluence ionizing radiation has significantly different biological responses than high dose radiation. Exposure of cell populations to very low fluences of particles or incorporated radionuclides results in significant biological effects occurring in both the irradiated and nonirradiated cells in the population. Cells recipient of growth medium from irradiated cultures can also respond to the radiation exposure. This phenomenon, termed the ‘bystander response’, has been postulated to impact both the estimation of risks of exposure to ionizing radiation and radiotherapy. Amplification of radiation-induced cyto-toxic and genotoxic effects by the bystander effect is in contrast to the observations of adaptive responses, which are generally induced following exposure to low dose, low linear energy transfer radiation and which tend to attenuate radiation-...
Selective metallization of silicon micromechanical devices

A new wet process for selective copper deposition on silicon surfaces is employed to achieve conformal metallization of silicon micromechanical devices. The method is based on galvanic displacement of the metal from a fluoride-containing bath. The plating bath also comprises a complexing agent, a surfactant and an anti-stress additive. Surface passivation of the displaced Cu film is effected by dodecanethiol self assembled monolayer coating. This surface passivation is found effective in reducing adhesion of micro-electromechanical systems.
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 in Genetic Counseling Practice: Recommendations of the National Society of Genetic Counselors

The objective of this document is to provide recommendations for the genetic counseling of patients and families undergoing evaluation for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) or who have received a diagnosis of NF1. These recommendations are the opinions of a multi-center working group of genetic counselors with expertise in the care of individuals with NF1. These recommendations are based on the committee’s clinical experiences, a review of pertinent English language medical articles, and reports of expert committees. These recommendations are not intended to dictate an exclusive course of management, nor does the use of such recommendations guarantee a particular outcome. These recommendations do not displace a health care provider’s professional judgment based on the clinical circumstances of an individual patient.