cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perceived emotional intelligence, stress reactivity, and symptom reports: Further explorations using the trait meta-mood scale.

We examined the relationship between perceived emotional intelligence (PEI), measured by the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS), and psychophysiological measures of adaptive coping. The TMMS assesses perceived ability to (a) attend to moods (Attention), (b) discriminate clearly among moods (Clarity), and (c) regulate moods (Repair). Study 1 showed significant positive associations between PEI and psychological and interpersonal functioning. In Study 2, skill at mood Repair was associated with less passive coping and perceptions of repeated laboratory stressors as less threatening; Clarity was related to greater increases in negative mood, but lower cortisol release during repeated stress. In Study 3, Repair was associated with active coping and lower levels of rumination; Attention was associated with lowered cortisol and blood pressure responses to acute laboratory challenges. These findings suggest that psychophysiological responses to stress may be one potential mechanism underlying the relationship between ...
Synthesis and characterization of the first soluble nonracemic chiral main-chain perylene tetracarboxylic diimide polymers

Abstract The first two nonracemic chiral main-chain perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (PDI) polymers have been synthesized via acyclic diene metathesis polymerization. The use of optically pure l -α amino acids as the starting materials enables us to tune PDI π-stacking interaction in optically active polymers. The integration of π-stack tuning groups renders two main-chain PDI polymers soluble in chloroform. Spectroscopic evidences suggest that PDI π-stacks form in chloroform solutions of the two PDI polymers, even at very low concentration, probably via an intra-molecular folding process. Inside π-stacks, PDI units organize in a left-handed helical fashion. Flexible free-standing films can be cast from chloroform solution of one polymer.
Emerging Concepts in Collective Sensing

A new computing paradigm where computing platforms are aware of their physical surroundings is emerging and will be commonplace in the near future. Millimeter-scale miniature devices with sensing, processing, and wireless communication capabilities will change the way we live. These systems will provide the technology behind numerous collective sensing applications expected in the near future. Collective sensing is the collaboration between multiple networked sensor devices in sharing their readings. Through collective sensing, sensor network applications are able to provide coverage, reliability, target tracking, and continuous monitoring. Furthermore, using heterogeneous sensors, collective sensing applications can provide accurate and comprehensive view of the environment or the monitored phenomenon. This results in network intelligence that far exceeds the capabilities of any individual sensor device. This chapter covers current and emerging concepts and applications in collective sensing and discusses their future directions.
Parent stress in the neonatal intensive care unit and the influence of parent and infant characteristics.

Objective This study investigated the stress experienced by parents in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the infant and parent characteristics that resulted in different stress responses, and the characteristics that were predictive of stress. Method The Parental Stress Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was used to measure the stress of 162 parents. A Parent/Infant Demographic sheet provided information for determining which characteristics resulted in different responses and which variables were stress predictors. Results The highest levels of stress experienced were in the relationship with baby-parental role area, and regarding how the baby looked and behaved. The infant characteristic of gestational age resulted in significantly different scores concerning the baby's appearance and behavior. Consistent predictors of stress were length of stay, extreme prematurity, and a cardiovascular diagnosis. Conclusion Identifying the stressors parents experience can assist NICU therapists in intervention planning. Family-centered care that addresses stressors concerning their roles and their understanding of their infant should be emphasized.
The ethical significance of language in the environmental sciences: Case studies from pollution research

This paper examines how ethically significant assumptions and values are embedded not only in environmental policies but also in the language of the environmental sciences. It shows, based on three case studies associated with contemporary pollution research, how the choice of scientific categories and terms can have at least four ethically significant effects: influencing the future course of scientific research; altering public awareness or attention to environmental phenomena; affecting the attitudes or behavior of key decision makers; and changing the burdens of proof required for taking action in response to environmental concerns. The paper argues that deliberative forums, research-ethics training, and conceptual work by environmental philosophers could all promote more ethically sensitive responses to these features of scientific language.
Office Equipment and Supplies: A Modern Occupational Health Concern?

The Helsinki Office Environment Study, a population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Finland in 1991 among 2,678 workers in 41 randomly selected office buildings. The aim was to evaluate the relations between work with office equipment and supplies and the occurrence of eye, nasopharyngeal, skin, and general symptoms (often denoted as sick building syndrome (SBS)), chronic respiratory symptoms, and respiratory infections. Work with self-copying paper was significantly related to weekly work-related eye, nasopharyngeal, and skin symptoms, headache and lethargy, as well as to the occurrence of wheezing, cough, mucus production, sinusitis, and acute bronchitis. Photocopying was related to nasal irritation, and video display terminal work to eye symptoms, headache, and lethargy.
Response of Grape Leaf Spectra to Phylloxera Infestation

During the 1993 growing season, leaf reflectance and chlorophyll concentrations were monitored with respect to phylloxera (root-louse) infestation in a Napa Valley (California) vineyard. Study plots were established in areas of severely infested, mildly infested, and uninfested sections of the vineyard. A handheld chlorophyll meter, measuring leaf transmittance of near-infrared and red light, confirmed that reduced foliar chlorophyll concentrations were symptomatic of phylloxera stress in the sample vines. Bidirectional reflectance measurements of green and near-infrared light, taken on fresh leaves with a laboratory spectrophotometer, were related to chlorophyll concentration but did not allow discrimination of mildly infested from uninfested vines.
Hyperspectral imaging detection of CBE threat materials

Chemical imaging, a multi-mode hyperspectral imaging approach combining Raman, fluorescence and NIR spectroscopies, is being evaluated for point and standoff detection of chemical, biological and explosive (CBE) threats. Results from sponsored studies will be presented.
Effect of Continuous Display of Cerebral Perfusion Pressure on Outcomes in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury

• BACKGROUND Clinical bedside monitoring systems do not provide prominent displays of data on cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). Immediate visual feedback would allow more rapid intervention to prevent or minimize suboptimal pressures. • OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of a highly visible CPP display on immediate and long-term functional outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury. • METHODS A total of 157 patients with traumatic brain injury at a level 1 trauma center who had invasive arterial blood pressure and intracranial pressure monitoring were randomized to beds with or without an additional, prominent continuous CPP display. Primary end points were scores on the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) and Functional Status Examination (FSE) 6 months after injury. Secondary end points were GOSE scores at discharge and 3 months after injury and FSE score 3 months after injury. • RESULTS Although GOSE and FSE scores at 6 months were better in the group with the highly visible
Changes in GI hormones and their effect on gastric emptying and transit times after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in rat model

Background. We determined whether Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)-induced protracted weight loss is associated with an increase in anorectic peptide YY (PYY) and decreased gastrointestinal (GI) motility. Methods. RYGB and control sham-operated GI intact obese (SO Obese) and sham-operated GI intact pair-fed (PF) rats were studied. Postoperatively, body weight (BW) and food intake were measured for 90 days. Rats were killed to measure PYY, ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), and glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1). Ninety-day food intake trends were examined by quadratic trend analysis. On the basis of a 28-day weight loss rate, PYY also was measured at 14 and 28 days. Peak 28-day PYY results corresponded with peak BW loss rate; thus, gastric emptying (GE) and intestinal transit time were measured. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's pairwise multiple comparison. Results. At 90 days, BW in SO Obese versus PF versus RYGB rats was 801 ± 15 g versus 661 ± 24 g versus 538 ± 32 g respectively (P <.05). Concentrations of plasma PYY were increased, while plasma ghrelin was decreased in RYGB versus SO Obese and PF (P <.05). CCK and GLP-1 were unchanged. In RYGB versus controls, PYY was increased at 14 and 28 days but was most elevated at 28 days. In RYGB versus controls, GE was delayed (P <.05) and intestinal transit time was longer (P <.05). Conclusions. After RYGB, an increase in PYY and a decrease in ghrelin occurred, probably explaining the decrease in food intake, the slower GE and transit lime, which contributed to weight loss. Longitudinal studies can be performed with the use of our RYGB model, providing insight into weight loss mechanisms by generating long-term follow-up data currently not available in human studies.
The saliency grouping field

A saliency map specifies the relevance of locations in an image and good methods exist today for recovering it automatically in a bottom-up fashion. This paper addresses the problem of finding organization in an actual saliency map of everyday images through a grouping field in order to elicit structure that can be used for a variety of purposes. After calculating the saliency using a version of the Itti et al. model, we retain only the maxima of the map as features. Then we calculate an initial grouping field by convolving the salient locations with orientation-selective grouping kernels. Finally we iteratively reinforce the field to enhance perceptually salient components.
Artificial disc prosthesis: design concepts and criteria

Clinical and biomechanical objectives of disc arthroplasty are reviewed in this paper. The available literature relative to these criteria for nucleus and total disc replacement where relevant is also reviewed. Clinical criteria include: pain relief, functional recovery, lower morbidity than spinal fusion, shorter recuperation, and ease of implantation and revision. Biomechanical criteria include: preservation of motion in compression-bending and compression-torsion, shock absorption, relief of abnormal stresses within and adjacent to the motion segment, stability, and alignment. A review of devices with these criteria in mind is reported.
Metabolism of Carbamate Insecticides

(1972). Metabolism of Carbamate Insecticides. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 117-151.
Load Independence of the Instantaneous Pressure-Volume Ratio of the Canine Left Ventricle and Effects of Epinephrine and Heart Rate on the Ratio

As a means of assessing ventricular performance, we analyzed the time-varying ratio of instantaneous pressure, P(t), to instantaneous volume, V(t), in the canine left ventricle. Intraventricular volume was measured by plethysmography, while the right heart was totally bypassed. The cardiac nerves were sectioned, and an epinephrine infusion was used to alter the contractile state. The instantaneous pressure-volume ratio was defined as E(t) = P(t)/[V(t) - Vd], where Vd is an experimentally determined correction factor. We found that (1) all the E(t) curves thus defined were similar in their basic shape and attained their peak near the end of the ejection phase regardless of the mechanical load, the contractile state, or the heart rate, (2) under a constant heart rate and contractile state extensive changes in preload, afterload, or both did not alter the peak value of E(t), Emax, or the time to Emax from the onset of systole, Tmax, and (3) these parameters of E(t) markedly changed with epinephrine infusion ...
Regionalism and the Rest of the World: Theory and Estimates of the Effects of European Integration

There are no satisfactory ex post estimates of the effects of regional integration on excluded countries’ welfare. Using a formal decomposition of welfare, this paper discusses the factors that might affect these countries’ welfare and aspects of their measurement. It then surveys various ex ante estimates of the effects of European integration. These suggest that neighboring countries linked tightly to the European economy could lose significantly from the latter’s integration, but that for other countries the losses are likely to be very small.
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter: extended dual-purpose mission

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, aboard an Atlas V-401 launch vehicle on August 12, 2005 and entered Mars orbit on March 10, 2006. After five months of aerobraking, a series of propulsive maneuvers were used to establish the desired low-altitude science orbit. The spacecraft has been on station in its 255 × 320 km, 3 p.m., primary science orbit since September 2006 performing its scientific and UHF-relay functions. This paper provides a brief status of the prime mission and describes the plans and preparations in work for its recently approved two-year mission extension 1 2
First Evidence for Substrate Channeling between Proline Catabolic Enzymes A VALIDATION OF DOMAIN FUSION ANALYSIS FOR PREDICTING PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTIONS

Proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) dehydrogenase (P5CDH) catalyze the four-electron oxidation of proline to glutamate via the intermediates P5C and l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde (GSA). In Gram-negative bacteria, PRODH and P5CDH are fused together in the bifunctional enzyme proline utilization A (PutA) whereas in other organisms PRODH and P5CDH are expressed as separate monofunctional enzymes. Substrate channeling has previously been shown for bifunctional PutAs, but whether the monofunctional enzymes utilize an analogous channeling mechanism has not been examined. Here, we report the first evidence of substrate channeling in a PRODH-P5CDH two-enzyme pair. Kinetic data for the coupled reaction of PRODH and P5CDH from Thermus thermophilus are consistent with a substrate channeling mechanism, as the approach to steady-state formation of NADH does not fit a non-channeling two-enzyme model. Furthermore, inactive P5CDH and PRODH mutants inhibit NADH production and increase trapping of the P5C intermediate in coupled assays of wild-type PRODH-P5CDH enzyme pairs, indicating that the mutants disrupt PRODH-P5CDH channeling interactions. A dissociation constant of 3 μm was estimated for a putative PRODH-P5CDH complex by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Interestingly, P5CDH binding to PRODH was only observed when PRODH was immobilized with the top face of its (βα)8 barrel exposed. Using the known x-ray crystal structures of PRODH and P5CDH from T. thermophilus, a model was built for a proposed PRODH-P5CDH enzyme channeling complex. The structural model predicts that the core channeling pathway of bifunctional PutA enzymes is conserved in monofunctional PRODH-P5CDH enzyme pairs.
Genetic variants of the vitamin D receptor gene alter risk of cutaneous melanoma.

Sunlight causes DNA damage but also induces production of vitamin D whose metabolite 1,25-(OH)2D3 has antiproliferative and pro-differentiative effects in both melanocytes and cutaneous melanoma (CM) cells mediated through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). We hypothesized that genetic polymorphisms of VDR are associated with risk of CM. In a hospital-based case–control study of 602 non-Hispanic white CM patients and 603 cancer-free control subjects frequency matched by age and sex, we genotyped two VDR polymorphisms (TaqI and FokI) and assessed their association with CM risk. We found that a significantly decreased risk was associated with VDR-TaqI Tt (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54–0.90) and Tt+tt (OR=0.70; 95% CI, 0.55–0.89) genotypes, compared with the VDR-TaqI TT genotype, whereas an increased risk was associated with VDR-FokI Ff genotype (OR=1.32; 95% CI, 1.03–1.68), and a borderline significantly increased risk was associated with Ff+ff (OR=1.26; 95% CI, 1.00–1.59) genotypes, compared with the VDR-FokI FF genotype. In conclusion, genetic variants (i.e., TaqI t protective allele and FokI f risk allele) in VDR may alter risk of CM.
Modeling electromagnetic wave propagation in the troposphere using the parabolic equation

A computational method is described for predicting electromagnetic wave propagation in the troposphere using the parabolic approximation of the Helmholtz wave equation. The model represents propagation over a spherical, finitely conducting Earth and allows specification of frequency, polarization, antenna pattern, antenna altitude, and elevation angle. The method enables calculations to be performed using either ideal or measured refractivity profiles that vary in both altitude and range. A brief discussion of the theoretical formulation and computational implementation of the propagation model is presented, followed by examples that demonstrate various features. Example calculations include 3-GHz propagation over a calm sea in the presence of both range-dependent and range-independent surface-based ducts as well as in standard atmosphere conditions. Comparisons with two other propagation models are also discussed. >
A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF IN VIVO AND IN VITRO THYROID HORMONES UPON THE OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF RAT KIDNEY SLICES

Immediately after removal of one kidney from thyroidectomized rats a large amount of thyroxine or triiodothyronine was injected intravenously. Slices made from the remaining kidney, removed 10 minutes later, had QO2 levels significantly higher than control values after storage at 4° C for 48 hours in alanine buffer. After the injection of labeled thyroxine the I131 content f the injected kidney corresponded to .03 µg. thyroxine per mg. wet weight. Diiodotyrosine, injected under similar conditions, did not affect the QO2. Thyroxine added to slices from both control and injected kidneys was also effective in preserving QO2.
An Impression Technique to Accurately Transfer Soft Tissue Contours for Implant-supported Restorations: Three Case Reports

This article describes an alternative method for making an impression of implants that will simultaneously capture the soft tissue contours accurately. This customizing of the pick-up impression technique is specifically useful for aesthetic areas.
Developmental Influences in NSSI and Eating Pathology

Developmental psychopathology perspectives can help in formulating better conceptualizations of the origins of factors that impact the onset, maintenance, and treatment of EDs and NSSI. This chapter examines several specific vulnerabilities for both outcomes. The broader literature on developmental psychopathology theories is explored, including the importance of temporal order of variables, transactional associations, and concepts such as equifinality and multifinality that may be important for understanding the development of NSSI and/or EDs in youth. In addition, this chapter reviews several specific methodological issues (e.g., design, sampling) that are important to consider when studying NSSI and EDs among youth. Finally, a clinical vignette helps to demonstrate how NSSI and EDs can co-occur as a result of similar risks and vulnerabilities during childhood and adolescence. Throughout this chapter, there are suggested areas for future research (e.g., comorbidity rates between NSSI and EDs among youth) that will be important to assess using a developmental lens in the coming years as well as suggestions for clinicians wanting to practice in a developmentally sensitive manner.
Cryptographic Currencies from a Tech-Policy Perspective: Policy Issues and Technical Directions

We study legal and policy issues surrounding crypto currencies, such as Bitcoin, and how those issues interact with technical design options. With an interdisciplinary team, we consider in depth a variety of issues surrounding law, policy, and crypto currencies—such as the physical location where a crypto currency’s value exists for jurisdictional and other purposes, the regulation of anonymous or pseudonymous currencies, and challenges as virtual currency protocols and laws evolve. We reflect on how different technical directions may interact with the relevant laws and policies, raising key issues for both policy experts and technologists.
SkipStep: A Multi-Paradigm Touch-screen Instrument

SkipStep is a novel touchscreen application that allows users to write, perform, and improvise music on multiple virtual instruments via MIDI. It is a looping-based instrument that incorporates step sequencer and keyboard inspired interfaces with generative music capabilities. Additionally, SkipStep allows for collaborative performance over Wi-Fi, allowing users to either send musical material between separate SkipStep instances or collaboratively edit a single SkipStep file. This paper will provide the motivation behind SkipStep’s design, review similar interfaces, describe SkipStep, present a user evaluation of the interface, and detail future work
Extremely Nondegenerate Two-Photon Absorption and Detection in Direct Gap Semiconductors

Two-to-Three orders of magnitude enhancement of nondegenerate two-photon absorption (2PA) compared to degenerate 2PA are observed. Femtosecond gated detection of low power mid-IR radiation using ultraviolet gating pulses using a GaN detector at room temperature is demonstrated.
Assessment of Wall-modeled Large Eddy Simulation For Supersonic Compression Ramp Flows

An assessment of a wall-model technique for large-eddy simulation (LES) is conducted in the context of a supersonic turbulent boundary layer flowing over a compression ramp. Both wall-resolved LES (WR-LES) and wall-modeled LES (WM-LES) calculations are performed of this canonical shock-turbulent boundary layer interaction (STBLI). The free stream Mach number is M∞ = 2.9 and ramp angle β = 24 ◦. Two Reynolds numbers are considered. The first is Reθ = 2400 which is accessible to WR-LES and is used for a direct comparison between WR-LES and WM-LES at matching conditions, while the second Reynolds number, Reθ = 120, 000, is inaccessible to WR-LES and therefore requires a wall modeled approach. Results at both Reynolds numbers are compared against experimental data at matching conditions. The use of WM-LES enables the study of high Reynolds number wall bounded flows that are inaccessible to traditional WR-LES. Analysis of wall-model performance, wall model deficiencies, and possible improvements are discussed.
Polymer nanocomposites-A comparison between carbon nanotubes, graphene, and clay as nanofillers

Nanofilled polymeric matrices have demonstrated remarkable mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. In this article we review the processing of carbon nanotube, graphene, and clay montmorillonite platelet as potential nanofillers to form nanocomposites. The various functionalization techniques of modifying the nanofillers to enable interaction with polymers are summarized. The importance of filler dispersion in the polymeric matrix is highlighted. Finally, the challenges and future outlook for nanofilled polymeric composites are presented.
Validation of mathematical models for Salmonella growth in raw ground beef under dynamic temperature conditions representing loss of refrigeration.

Temperature is a primary factor in controlling the growth of microorganisms in food. The current U.S. Food and Drug Administration Model Food Code guidelines state that food can be kept out of temperature control for up to 4 h without qualifiers, or up to 6 h, if the food product starts at an initial 41°F (5°C) temperature and does not exceed 70°F (21°C) at 6 h. This project validates existing ComBase computer models for Salmonella growth under changing temperature conditions modeling scenarios using raw ground beef as a model system. A cocktail of Salmonella serovars isolated from different meat products (Salmonella Copenhagen, Salmonella Montevideo, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Saintpaul, and Salmonella Heidelberg) was made rifampin resistant and used for all experiments. Inoculated samples were held in a programmable water bath at 4.4°C (40°F) and subjected to linear temperature changes to different final temperatures over various lengths of time and then returned to 4.4°C (40°F). Maximum tempera...
Anemias in childhood resulting from bone-marrow deficiencies. Nutritional, aplastic and refractory anemias.

The rapid growth in the first year of life is the major cause of iron-deficiency anemia in infancy. Premature infants especially need supplemental iron. Oral iron therapy is very satisfactory. Intramuscular irondextran complex has produced excellent results clinically, but sarcomas have developed in animals receiving repeated injections at the same site.Some aplastic or refractory anemias may be due to an inborn error of metabolism of tryptophan or nucleic acid, to an inhibitor produced in the spleen, or to a deficiency of erythropoietin.Chloramphenicol should never be used in pediatric practice unless it is the only antibiotic known to be effective against a specific serious infection.Cortisone and testosterone have proved to be of considerable value in selective cases of aplastic and hypoplastic anemias.
Structure and functions of angiotensinogen

Angiotensinogen (AGT) is the sole precursor of all angiotensin peptides. Although AGT is generally considered as a passive substrate of the renin–angiotensin system, there is accumulating evidence that the regulation and functions of AGT are intricate. Understanding the diversity of AGT properties has been enhanced by protein structural analysis and animal studies. In addition to whole-body genetic deletion, AGT can be regulated in vivo by cell-specific procedures, adeno-associated viral approaches and antisense oligonucleotides. Indeed, the availability of these multiple manipulations of AGT in vivo has provided new insights into the multifaceted roles of AGT. In this review, the combination of structural and functional studies is highlighted to focus on the increasing recognition that AGT exerts effects beyond being a sole provider of angiotensin peptides.
Dispersion analysis of collagen fiber networks in cervical tissue using optical coherence tomography (Conference Presentation)

Understanding the human cervical collagen fiber network is critical to delineating the physiology of cervical remodeling during pregnancy. Previously, we presented our methodology to study the ultrastructure of collagen fibers over an entire field of transverse slices of human cervix tissue using optical coherence tomography. Here, we present a pixel-wise fiber orientation method to enable dispersion analysis on entire slices of human cervical tissues. We obtained en face images that were parallel to the surface. In each en face image, we masked the collagen fiber region based on signal noise ratio. Then, we extracted fiber orientations in each pixel using a weighted summation scheme and generated a pixel-wise directionality map within the entire region. The weight was determined by intensity variations between a pixel of interest and its neighboring pixels and their corresponding distances. We divided the directionality map into regions of 400 μm × 400 μm along radial direction in all four quadrants. In each region, we fit von-Mises distribution to fiber orientations of pixels with mode θ and dispersion b. We compared dispersions among regions and samples. Using IRB approved protocols, we obtained whole transverse slices of cervical tissue from pregnant (n = 2) and non-pregnant (n = 13) women. We observed higher dispersion in pregnant samples compared to non-pregnant samples and higher dispersions in patient’s right/left zones than posterior/anterior zones within an axial slice. Future studies will analyze how collagen fiber dispersion patterns change from the internal to the external os.
Terror(ism) in the classroom: censorship, affect and uncivil bodies

AbstractThis paper examines an event in a US secondary classroom where a Muslim student was disciplined for reading lesbian erotica in class. While many students read and exchanged erotica in the school, this student in particular was targeted for a disciplinary hearing. I explore this as an affective event, a moment of sensation and excess, to think about how the taken-for-granted dramas of the classroom might be manifestations of larger scale events and geopolitical forces. Here post-9/11 practices of surveilling and managing Muslim bodies and ambivalent affects around Muslim women coalesced to escalate an ‘event.’ As mainstream media increasingly report incidents of Islamophobia in schools, educational research needs pay heed to the experiences and voices of Muslim students. Here a student’s outspokenness, agency, and animated affect were positioned as insubordinate and deemed threatening to the sanctity of the school. Incivility and dissent, rather than insubordinate, are important affects to make spa...
Reflection on Development of Higher Vocational Art Designing Major

Higher vocational art designing major is now very popular in many institutes of higher vocation.This essay explores some issues with the major development, and suggests some ways of solving the problems and promoting its development.
Macroporous Resin Adsorption for Purification of Crude Flavonoids from Bamboo Leaves

To screen an optimal adsorbent for purification of flavonoids from bamboo leaves,7 macroporous resins were compared for difference in adsorption and desorption performance.AB-8 resin was chosen due to the merits of large adsorption capacity,easy desorption and high resolution.Besides,the optimal adsorption/desorption process for purification of bamboo leaf flavonoids using AB-8 resin was investigated.Results showed that the optimal pH and flow rate of sample solution were 5.0 and 1 mL/min,respectively and the optimal desorption was achieved by using 4 BV of 60% aqueous ethanol at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min.Under such conditions,the purity of bamboo leaf flavonoids obtained was up to 54.16%.
Immunogenetic studies in families of children with juvenile dermatomyositis

Objective We reported an association between juvenile dermatomyositis (JDMS) and the HLA-DQA1*0501 allele. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is evidence for linkage between JDMS and the DQA1*0501 allele in JDMS families. Methods The study population included 18 unrelated patients with JDMS, their parents, and 49 unaffected siblings. Using molecular genetic techniques, we studied the HLA genes, DRB1, DQA1, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Results Using the transmission disequilibrium test, we confirmed our earlier observations that the HLA-DQA1*0501 allele confers primary susceptibility to JDMS. Conclusion DQA1*0501 confers genetic risk for JDMS; we cannot exclude the effects of alleles at other linked loci that were not studied or interactive effects between DQA1 alleles and alleles at other loci.
Effects of heat and social stressors and within-pen weight variation on young pig performance and agonistic behavior.

A total of 486 crossbred weanling pigs was used in a series of experiments to determine first the effects of heat and social stress and their interaction on pig performance and, second, to determine a possible cause for the observed effects. Pigs were held six/nursery pen and fed and watered ad libitum. In Exp. 1, pigs were held at either thermal neutral 26.6 C for the 21 d and 23.8 C for the final 7 d, or at the heat-stress temperature (32.2 C) for the entire 28-d period. Within each temperature treatment, one-half of the pigs were left as single-litter controls and one-half were randomly regrouped (social stress). Pig feed intake and weight gain were reduced (P less than .05) among heat-stress pigs during the 7- to 28-d and 0- to 28-d periods. The interaction between social and thermal stress was significant for gain:feed ratio for the 7- to 28- and 0- to 28-d periods. Regrouping depressed gain:feed ratio only among heat-stressed pigs. In Exp. 2, a two-pig behavioral bioassay was used to determine if agonistic behaviors were influenced by heat stress. Pigs that were regrouped into 32.2 C rooms exhibited reduced mean level (P less than .05) and variation (P less than .001) of submissive behavior. Duration of aggressive behavior and latency to attack were unaffected by thermal treatments. Increased social stress at the time of regrouping could not account for poor performance of heat-stressed, regrouped pigs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Alkaline hydrolysis to remove potentially infectious viral RNA contaminants from DNA

Diagnostics and research of high-consequence animal disease agents is often limited to laboratories with a high level of biosecurity that restrict the transport of biological material. Often, sharing of DNA with external partners is needed to support diagnostics, forensics, or research. Even in the absence of virus, RNA from positive-sense single stranded RNA (+ssRNA) viruses that may contaminate otherwise purified DNA preparations continues to pose a threat due to its potential to be infectious via direct translation to yield viral proteins. While the risk of animal infection or accidental reconstitution and release of a virus from RNA is very low, the high impact of an animal disease event associated with the accidental release of some + ssRNA viruses, such as classical swine fever or foot-and-mouth disease viruses, necessitates the precaution of having procedures to ensure the complete inactivation of viruses and + ssRNA viral genomes. RNA and DNA are differentially susceptible to enzymatic degradations; however, such procedures are susceptible to unintended DNA damage and/or failure due to enzyme or cofactor instabilities. Therefore, we describe the development and verification of a robust and simple chemical and physical method to selectively degrade RNA from purified DNA preparations. The procedure employs incubation of DNA in 0.25 N sodium hydroxide at 65 °C for 1 h followed by neutralization and boiling for 10 min to hydrolyze contaminating RNA and inactivate animal disease viruses from DNA preparations. Additional critical quality control elements include use of a synthetic control RNA (SCR) and an SCR-specific real-time RT-PCR to track effectiveness of the procedure in a parallel treated control sample, and a pH check of reagents to ensure proper neutralization of alkaline conditions. The new procedure reduced intact RNA beyond the limit of detection by realtime RT-PCR and inactivated viruses by in vitro culture infectivity assays. Treated DNA, while denatured, remains suitable for most common molecular biology procedures including PCR, transformation of E. coli, and molecular sequencing. The procedure ensures not only the inactivation of a variety of viruses but also the degradation through hydrolysis of potentially contaminating infectious + ssRNA viral genomes.
The relevance of axonal swellings and atrophy to gamma-diketone neurotoxicity: a forum position paper

Traditionally, gamma-diketone neuropathy is classified as a distal axonopathy and has been characterized by giant axonal swellings in CNS and PNS tissues. These swellings contain neurofilamentous masses and are associated with thinning and retraction of the myelin sheath. It has been proposed that this axonopathy is caused by direct gamma-diketone modification of neurofilaments (NFs) involving pyrrolation of epsilon-amino groups on NF lysyl residues and possibly secondary autoxidation of the pyrrole rings with creation of covalent NF-NF crosslinks. Neurofilaments are thought to undergo chemical modification as they progress along the axonal axis and, eventually, accumulate at distal nodes of Ranvier where their proximodistal movement is impeded. Development of swelling presumably initiates axonal degeneration and subsequent functional deficits. However, other research suggests that axonal swellings are a non-specific effect related to subchronic gamma-diketone exposure. Such evidence draws into question the mechanistic relevance of these swellings. In contrast, research conducted over the past decade indicates axonal atrophy is a specific morphologic component of gamma-diketone neuropathy which might have both functional and mechanistic importance. In this overview, the potential neurotoxicological significance of both axonal swellings and atrophy are evaluated critically. Based on the evidence to be presented, we propose that axonal atrophy is the morphological consequence of the molecular mechanism of gamma-diketone neuropathy. Accordingly, several mechanistic scenarios related to the development of atrophy will be discussed. It is hoped that this Forum will stimulate scientific debate and initiate laboratory investigations which will either confirm or refute the involvement of axonal atrophy in gamma-diketone neurotoxicity. Investigating gamma-diketone atrophy might provide insight into the mechanism of other toxic axonopathies which are also associated with reduced axon caliber; e.g., acrylamide and carbon disulfide neuropathies.
Comparative Performance of Trainable Mentally Retarded on the Kraus-Weber Test

Abstract The Kraus-Weber test of minimum muscular fitness was administered to 38 trainable mentally retarded (TMR) children. The results revealed that: The TMR group was seriously deficient in muscular fitness when compared with four groups of normal children; the TMR group was not necessarily retarded in flexibility when compared with four groups of normal children; the TMR girls tended to be more muscularly fit and more flexible than the boys; the lower back test item caused the greatest percentage of failure for the TMR group; 63.3 percent of the 30 failures were multiple; there was no difference between the TMR boys' and girls' multiple failures.
Driver Behavior Revealed in Relations Involving Car Mass

This paper shows that answers to three related questions on the relationship between car size and safety increase our basic knowledge about driver behavior. The three related questions are: 1) Given a car crash, how does the likelihood that the driver is killed depend on the size of the car? 2) How does the probability of a car being involved in a crash depend on its size? 3) How does the number of driver fatalities per car per year depend on car size? These questions are answered by reviewing a number of published studies performed by scientists at General Motors Research Laboratories. In all studies car size is characterized by the physical variable car mass. In examining the first question it is found that, given a crash, a driver in a 900 kg car is 2.6 times as likely to be killed as is a driver in a 1800 kg car. For the second question, it is found that the accident involvement rate for 900 kg cars is 0.72 times that for 1800 kg cars. By multiplying these two ratios, we obtain an estimate for the answer to the third question, namely, that we expect 2.6 × 0.72 = 1.9 times as many driver fatalities per car per year in 900 kg cars as in 1800 kg cars. This same question is examined directly using fatality and registration data to give a ratio of 1.7. The closeness of this to the previously cited value of 1.9 indicates a fairly consistent overall picture. The 28% lower accident involvement rate for the smaller cars is interpreted in terms of human behavior feedback. The drivers of smaller cars are reducing their driving risk taking, presumably, in part, because of their intuitive understanding that they are more likely to be seriously hurt in a crash.
21.8 An actively detuned wireless power receiver with public key cryptographic authentication and dynamic power allocation

There has been a rapid growth in the number of devices with resonant wireless recharging capability [1–3]. Protecting these devices from harsh transients imposed by counterfeit wireless chargers [4] and ensuring equitable power delivery under heavily skewed coupling [5] remain challenging issues. This paper presents the design of a wireless power receiver that mitigates these disparate issues by leveraging a new detuning technique that does not rely on any switched passives. Public key authentication of genuine chargers is implemented using low-resource Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) [6,7]. Additionally, overcoming the skew in received power imposed by a 4∶1 distance ratio between receivers is demonstrated using a co-operative scheme.
A Calibration to Properly Design a Model Integrating Residential Mobility and Migration in a Rural Area

We propose a hybrid microsimulation and agent-based model of mobility integrating migration and residential mobility. We tested it on the evolution of the population of the Cantal, a French “departement” with 150,000 inhabitants. We calibrated it using various data sources from 1990 to 2006, and tested its predictions on other data of the same period and on the period 2007–2012. The spatial heterogeneity of the evolution is well reproduced and the model makes surprisingly correct predictions despite numerous simplifying assumptions. From this calibration we learnt more about how to model residential mobility and migration considering an agent-based model approach.
Deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression: optimizing interventions while preserving valid trial design.

Major depressive disorder is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and nearly a third of patients do not respond to psychotherapy and trials of multiple medications (1). For these patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD), deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a possible therapeutic option. Several small, open-label studies have demonstrated encouraging results with DBS targeting various structures involved in the neurobiology of depression, including the subcallosal cingulate (2-5), ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) (6), nucleus accumbens (7), and medial forebrain bundle (8). Despite these promising early studies, two recent randomized, sham-controlled trials were halted after interim analyses showed low likelihood of meeting endpoints, one targeting the VC/VS (9), and the other targeting the subcallosal cingulate (10). At the same time, randomized trials targeting the nucleus accumbens (11) and the ventral anterior limb of the internal capsule (vALIC) (12) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) observed a significant benefit for co-morbid depression. These disparate results suggest that we need to develop a better understanding of the circuitry that we are targeting in order to obtain more consistent outcomes.
Testing alternative explanations for common responses to conceptual questions: An example in the context of center of mass

It can be useful to examine previous empirical results of student performance through the lens of new ideas that emerge within physics education research.
Body Size and Life History Traits in Native and Introduced Populations of Coqui Frogs

Introduced populations often exhibit rapid phenotypic changes following colonization of new environments. These changes, which often contribute to the successful establishment and spread of introduced species, may result from evolution or phenotypic plasticity. We studied variation in adult body size across elevational gradients in native (Puerto Rico) and introduced (Hawaii) populations of Coquis (Eleutherodactylus coqui). To explore the possible mechanisms underlying variation in adult body size, we conducted a laboratory common-environment experiment to study the effects of temperature (19°C and 25°C), elevation ( 700 m), and area (two in Puerto Rico and one in Hawaii) on five size-related life history traits: clutch size, egg size, hatching size, size at 30 days, and growth rate. In the field in both Puerto Rico and Hawaii, body size was positively correlated with elevation, which is negatively correlated with temperature, but the magnitude of the slope was greater in Puerto Rico than in Ha...
Uterine Defense Mechanisms in the Mare

Uterine defense against infection in the mare has been actively investigated over the past decade. Mechanisms of defense, including the role of immunoglobulins, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and the physical ability of mares to eliminate bacteria from the uterus, are discussed.
History and Examination of the Couple

Because the initial interview sets the tone for the whole course of treatment, it is especially important that this first encounter should be with the couple. This immediately imparts both to the husband and wife not only the importance of the couple as a unit, but also the relative nature of infertility. Meeting with the couple creates the environment for a more complete and honest discussion of sexual and emotional factors; if necessary, it lays the groundwork for future counseling. It is also a time to banish fears and dispel general misconceptions about infertility and reproduction. So important is sensitive history taking that it should never be delegated to an aide, and, least of all, to a stereotyped questionnaire. With the physician’s reassurance, the feeling of fault resting with one partner or the other is diminished. With the proper explanation, even if the sperm count later proves to be adequate, the maintenance of a supportive role by the husband is exceedingly helpful.
Female Sex and Alzheimer’s Risk: The Menopause Connection

Along with advanced age and apolipoprotein E (APOE)-4 genotype, female sex is a major risk factor for developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Considering that AD pathology begins decades prior to clinical symptoms, the higher risk in women cannot simply be accounted for by their greater longevity as compared to men. Recent investigation into sex-specific pathophysiological mechanisms behind AD risk has implicated the menopause transition (MT), a midlife neuroendocrine transition state unique to females. Commonly characterized as ending in reproductive senescence, many symptoms of MT are neurological, including disruption of estrogen-regulated systems such as thermoregulation, sleep, and circadian rhythms, as well as depression and impairment in multiple cognitive domains. Preclinical studies have shown that, during MT, the estrogen network uncouples from the brain bioenergetic system. The resulting hypometabolic state could serve as the substrate for neurological dysfunction. Indeed, translational brain imaging studies demonstrate that 40-60 year-old perimenopausal and postmenopausal women exhibit an AD-endophenotype characterized by decreased metabolic activity and increased brain amyloid-beta deposition as compared to premenopausal women and to age-matched men. This review discusses the MT as a window of opportunity for therapeutic interventions to compensate for brain bioenergetic crisis and combat the subsequent increased risk for AD in women.
Racism and the Health of White Americans.

In her article “Shrinking Poor White Life Spans: Class, Race, and Health Justice," Erika Blacksher poses a provocative question: “How ought we ethically evaluate [the] life-span contraction in low-...