cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suicide Competencies: Stories from Counseling Interns

Although experts have identified core competencies for counseling suicidal clients, suicide education in counselor training remains insufficient. This narrative inquiry explored four counseling int...
In Memoriam, Fast Forward

This essay, a memorial tribute to Bill Readings, examines ways in which Readings' work refracts and reflects upon speed-a speed "prior" to reflection, representation, or measure. Readings' theorization of postmodern temporality is shown to be inseparable from his analysis and critique of late capitalism and the university.
Implementation of a Medical School Elective Course Incorporating Case-Based Learning: a Pilot Study

Case-based learning (CBL) is a pedagogical method using clinical case studies to reinforce learning topics. A pilot elective course incorporating CBL was offered for first-year medical students. The purpose of this study is to (1) describe the logistics of implementing the course and (2) evaluate its reception among medical students on its efficacy in learning basic science class material. An 8-week elective course was offered to medical students from 2012 to 2017. Specialists facilitated case discussions synthesizing material from didactic lectures with clinical scenarios. End-of-term surveys with multiple choice and free response questions were distributed to students and described using summary statistics. There were 13 cohorts of enrollees, and the average number of students enrolled per cohort was 45.6, out of an average class size of 186 (24.5%, range 36–60). One hundred ninety-eight (64.2%) students reported that the course considerably changed or greatly expanded knowledge. Three hundred two (89.1%) students felt it met a majority of or exceeded expectations. Two hundred eighty-seven (80.2%) responses indicated interest in taking the course again or recommending it to others. One hundred six responses (27.1%) indicated preference for CBL over traditional lectures, and 177 (45.3%) were interested to see CBL integrated into the curriculum. Overall, this CBL elective course was well-received and perceived as effective for better learning class material by students. Additionally, students were receptive to case-based learning and integrating this style of learning into a preclinical curriculum without entirely replacing didactic-based learning. These findings may encourage more medical schools to explore incorporating CBL in the curriculum.
Inhabiting Inherited Structures of Representation

Looking at how Tanztheater traditionally exploited the notion of Orientalism and Primitivism reveals how Nelisiwe Xaba refocuses the audience’s gaze, drawing attention to the role that representati...
Role of Aspirin for Primary Prevention in Persons with Diabetes Mellitus and in the Elderly.

To review the clinical evidence of the effect of aspirin as primary prevention for patients with diabetes mellitus and in healthy elderly. Two trials were performed to study these two patient populations: ASCEND showed that the use of low-dose aspirin in persons with diabetes, who did not have prior cardiovascular disease, led to a lower risk of cardiovascular events than placebo (8.5% vs 9.6%, rate ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.79–0.97; p = 0.01). However, it showed a similar magnitude of increased risk of major bleeding among the aspirin group compared with placebo (4.1% vs 3.2%, rate ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.09–1.52; p = 0.003). ASPREE showed that the use of low-dose aspirin in healthy elderly did not prolong disability-free survival (21.5% vs 21.2%, HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.92–1.11; p = 0.79); however, the rate of major hemorrhage was higher in the aspirin group than in the placebo group (3.8% vs 2.8%, HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.18–1.62; p < 0.001). Additionally, further analyses of secondary end points of death, cardiovascular disease, and major hemorrhage were also studied. Higher all-cause mortality was seen among healthy elderly who received aspirin compared with placebo (12.7% vs 11.1%, HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.29) and was primarily attributed to cancer-related deaths. Similar risk of cardiovascular disease was seen among elderly who received aspirin compared with placebo (10.7% vs 11.3%, HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.83–1.08) and resulted in a significantly higher risk of major hemorrhage (8.6% vs 6.8%, HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.18–1.62; p < 0.001). These studies show that the use of low-dose aspirin as primary prevention in patients with diabetes and in the elderly does not have overall beneficial effect compared with its use in secondary prevention. In patients with diabetes without prior cardiovascular disease, the benefits of aspirin use were counterbalanced by the bleeding risk. Additionally, in healthy elderly, the use of aspirin did not prolong disability-free survival and instead led to a higher rate of major hemorrhage.
Sentiments as Status Processes? A Theoretical Reformulation from the Expectation States Tradition:

Do the ties that bind also create social inequality? Using an expectation states theoretical framework, we elaborate status characteristics and behavior-status theories to explore how sentiments, n...
Law and Lawyers in the Incident Command System

The Incident Command System (ICS) provides an organizational framework for responding to disasters, emergencies, and other incidents with timely and coordinated action. Developed in the 1970s, ICS grew in use after September 11th as new statutes, regulations, and directives required federal, state, and local responders to apply ICS to “all hazards,” including fires, floods, earthquakes, and oil spills. In the future, the use of ICS will likely expand nationally and internationally in order to help public agencies and private organizations meet the threats from climate change and other growing concerns. This article introduces legal scholars and practitioners to the Incident Command System theory and practice. From the origins of ICS in fighting California wildfires, through transformative events including September 11th, Hurricane Katrina, the Deepwater Horizon, and Superstorm Sandy, the article traces the development and application of ICS to help readers understand ICS today. As the article demonstrates, legal practitioners must understand ICS in order to advise clients who will be called to work within an ICS organization and in order to serve within an ICS organization directly, such as through the emerging role of ICS legal officer. Legal scholars should also understand ICS because its growing use raises fundamental questions and research needs in diverse areas of law such as legal ethics and climate change adaptation.
Artificial spin ice: Paths forward

Artificial spin ice systems are lithographically prepared arrays of interacting nanoscale magnetic moments with collective behavior resulting from the chosen array geometry. These many-body systems are unusual in that their simple constituent elements can be configured to design their interactions with exquisite control. They can then be probed experimentally over a remarkably large range of time scales and length scales, including imaging of the individual moments. The study of artificial spin ice has broadened well beyond the original focus on systems with connection to spin ice and ice models, and now the term is used in reference to many other structures that exhibit a much wider range of physical phenomena. In this Perspective, we review progress in the field of artificial spin ice since its inception more than a decade ago. We then discuss prospects for future directions—continuing the exploration of nanomagnetism, statistical spin models, and the potential for technological devices.
Classifying molecular phenotypes of G6PC variants for pathogenic properties and to guide therapeutic development.

Due to advances in sequencing technologies, identification of genetic variants is rapid. However, the functional consequences of most genomic variants remain unknown. Consequently, variants of uncertain significance (VUS) that appear in clinical DNA diagnostic reports lack sufficient data for interpretation. Algorithms exist to aid prediction of a variant's likelihood of pathogenicity, but these predictions usually lack empiric evidence. To examine the feasibility of generating functional evidence in vitro for a given variant's role in disease, a panel of 29 coding sequence variants in the G6PC gene was assessed. G6PC encodes glucose-6 phosphatase enzyme, and reduction in its function causes the rare metabolic disease glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD1a). Variants were heterologously expressed as fusion proteins in a hepatocyte-derived cell line and examined for effects on steady-state protein levels, biosynthetic processing, and intracellular distribution. The screen revealed variant effects on protein levels, N-linked glycosylation status, and cellular distribution. Of the eight VUS tested, seven behaved similar to wild-type protein while one VUS, p.Cys109Tyr, exhibited features consistent with pathogenicity for all molecular phenotypes assayed, including significantly reduced protein levels, alteration in protein glycosylation status, and abnormally diffuse protein localization pattern, and has recently been reported in a patient with GSD1a. Our results show that such a screen can add empiric evidence to existing databases to aid in diagnostics, and also provides further classification for molecular phenotypes that could be used in future therapeutic screening approaches for small molecule or gene editing strategies directed at specific variants.
Digital phenotyping adherence, feasibility, and tolerability in outpatients with schizophrenia.

Abstract Digital phenotyping has potential for use as an objective and ecologically valid form of symptom assessment in clinical trials for schizophrenia. However, there are critical methodological factors that must be addressed before digital phenotyping can be used for this purpose. The current study evaluated levels of adherence, feasibility, and tolerability for active (i.e., signal and event contingent ecological momentary assessment surveys) and passive (i.e., geolocation, accelerometry, and ambulatory psychophysiology) digital phenotyping methods recorded from smartphone and smartband devices. Participants included outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia (SZ: n = 54) and demographically matched healthy controls (CN: n = 55), who completed 6 days of digital phenotyping. Adherence was significantly lower in SZ than CN for active recordings, but not markedly different for passive recordings. Some forms of passive recordings had lower adherence (ambulatory psychophysiology) than others (accelerometry and geolocation). Active digital phenotyping adherence was predicted by higher psychosocial functioning, whereas passive digital phenotyping adherence was predicted by education, positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and psychosocial functioning in people with SZ. Both groups found digital phenotyping methods tolerable and feasibility was supported by low frequency of invalid responding, brief survey completion times, and similar impediments to study completion. Digital phenotyping methods can be completed by individuals with SZ with good adherence, feasibility, and tolerability. Recommendations are provided for using digital phenotyping methods in clinical trials for SZ.
CHIME rings in its first catalogue

Our view of fast radio bursts — millisecond duration pulses of high intensity — has gained significant clarity following the discovery of hundreds of sources that are helping us to understand the nature of this enigmatic phenomenon.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Consumer Financial Fraud in China

This study estimates the prevalence of consumer fraud in China and investigates consumer fraud risk factors using a novel two-stage conceptual framework that differentiates fraud exposure from fraud victimization after exposure. Multivariate analyses show that multiple risk factors have opposite effects on the two stages, with older age, lower income, higher debt, lower education, and rural residency associated with a lower risk of fraud exposure but a higher risk of fraud victimization after exposure. Three variables are identified as risk factors in both processes: being a migrant, having a higher level of objective financial knowledge, and having at least one chronic condition. Our conceptual model and empirical results demonstrate the importance of utilizing a two-stage approach in consumer fraud victimization research that may help clarify the many mixed findings in the literature.
Optimal allocation of clients to replicated multicast servers

In this paper we investigate multicast server selection problems. First we give a definition of the static multicast server selection problem, in which we assume a set of static clients and multicast servers and consider how one might produce an optimal allocation of the clients to the servers. We use a transformation method for deriving multicast server selection algorithms from traditional multicast routing algorithms. To investigate the dynamic behavior of client join and leave and the cost incurred during the process, we next define the dynamic multicast server selection problem, in which the clients join and leave the multicast session dynamically. The goal is to produce an optimal allocation of clients to servers with an emphasis on how this allocation behaves over time. We formulate the problem as a Markovian decision process (MDP). Our analysis of the problem leads to two heuristics which we use to propose a simple selection algorithm. Our simulation compares the performance of our proposed algorithm with other multicast server selection algorithms.
Aerodynamic Load Estimation from Virtual Strain Sensors for a Pliant Membrane Wing

An approach has been developed to use the strain sensed in a membrane wing to estimate aerodynamic loads. Through experimental and theoretical correlation of membrane strain state due to a normally...
Longitudinally extensive optic neuritis as an MRI biomarker distinguishes neuromyelitis optica from multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Objective To differentiate MRI characteristics of optic neuritis associated with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Background Optic neuritis is a common presenting feature of both neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis. Distinguishing between NMO and RRMS is important in guiding treatment, but biomarkers of NMO and MS can be absent early in the disease process. We looked for differences in MRI characteristics of optic neuritis associated with NMO and MS that provide an early clue in the diagnostic workup. Design/Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 26 NMO and 26 RRMS patients presenting to the Johns Hopkins Hospital with MRI-confirmed acute optic neuritis. MRIs were assessed to identify the location and longitudinal extent of each contrast enhancing lesion. For the purposes of this study, the optic nerve was divided into intraorbital, canalicular, pre-chiasmal, chiasmal, and optic tract. Results There are distinct differences in MRI characteristics between NMO- and RRMS-associated optic neuritis. The majority of NMO lesions were longitudinally extensive measuring at least 17.6 mm in length and involving at least three optic nerve segments. At a cutoff of 17.6 mm lesion length, the specificity for NMO is 76.9% with a sensitivity of 80.8% and positive likelihood ratio of 3.50. Conversely, MS lesions were more commonly focal in one optic nerve segment localized anteriorly. Conclusions Optic neuritis in NMO has a distinct pattern on MRI as compared with RRMS and can help differentiate these two neuroinflammatory diseases at presentation.
Eosinophilic granuloma of the mandibular condyle : a case report and management discussion

The occurrence of eosinophilic granuloma in the mandibular condyle has been reported in only three cases. An additional case of eosinophilic granuloma of the mandibular condyle is reported. The lesion presented was treated with condylectomy and surgical curettage. There was no recurrence or soft tissue involvement on annual postoperative examination. Secondary reconstruction was planned but was not required.
Facet joint loading in thoracolumbar burst fractures

A combined loading of axial compression and anterior shear on a spinal motion segment causes the severe form of burst fracture, often associated with serious neurological problems. The shear force transmitted through the facet joint and the pedicles (wedging effect) to the posterior upper half of the vertebral body is an essential component of the injury mechanism. Burst fractures were created in four thoracolumbar motion segments by axial compression at 100 mm/sec. Each specimen was instrumented with two strain gages (one on the middle of the anterior wall, the other near the base of the pedicles). Two samples were tested in the neutral position while the other two were tested in full extension to maximize facet joint loading. The samples tested in the neutral position experienced crush fractures of the vertebrae, with horizontal fracture lines located at mid height of the cortical shell and minimal spread of the pedicles (failure loads: 2950 and 2004 N). The ratios of strain at the base of the pedicles to strain at the anterior wall prior to failure were 1.7 and 2.0. The samples tested in extension showed collapse of the middle column with vertical fractures in the cortical shell near the base of the pedicles and an increase in interpedicular distance (failure loads: 7377 and 6126 N). The strain ratios were 13.7 and 19.9, with tensile strains in the anterior walls. These results suggest that facet joint loading plays a pivotal role in the burst fracture injury mechanism.
Programming Processor Interconnection Structures

Abstract : Parallel computer architecture complicates the already difficult task of parallel programming in many ways, e.g., by a rigid interconnection structure, addressing complexity, and the shape and size mismatches. The CHiP computer is a new architecture that reduces these complications by permitting the processor interconnection structure to be programmed. This new kind of programming is explained. Algorithms are presented for several interconnection patterns including the torus and the complete binary tree and general embedding strategies are identified. (Author)
Continuing Studies of Planetary Atmospheres Associated with Experiments on the Galileo Jupiter Probe and Infrared Observations of Venus

The results of the nephelometer experiment conducted aboard the Probe of the Galileo mission to Jupiter are presented. The tenuous clouds and sparse particulate matter in the relatively particle-free 5-micron "hot spot" region of the Probe's descent were documented from about 0.46 bars to about 12 bars. Three regions of apparent coherent structure were noted, in addition to many indications of extremely small particle concentrations along the descent path. From the first valid measurement at about 0.46 bars down to about 0.55 bars a feeble decaying lower portion of a cloud, corresponding with the predicted ammonia particle cloud, was encountered. A denser, but still very modest, particle structure was present in the pressure regime extending from about 0.76 to a distinctive base at 1.34 bars, and is compatible with the expected ammonium hydrosulfide cloud. No massive water cloud was encountered, although below the second structure, a small, vertically thin layer at about 1.65 bars may be detached from the cloud above, but may also be water condensation, compatible with reported measurements of water abundance from other Galileo Mission experiments. A third small signal region, extending from about 1.9 to 4.5 bars, exhibited quite weak but still distinctive structure, and, although the identification of the light scatterers in this region is uncertain, may also be a water cloud perhaps associated with lateral atmospheric motion and/or reduced to a small mass density by atmospheric subsidence or other explanations. Rough descriptions of the particle size distributions and cloud properties in these regions have been derived, although they may be imprecise because of the small signals and experimental difficulties. These descriptions document the small number densities of particles, the moderate particle sizes, generally in the slightly submicron to few micron range, and the resulting small optical depths, mass densities due to particles, column particle number loading and column mass loading in the atmosphere encountered by the Galileo Probe during its descent.
Evidence of Fraud, Audit Risk and Audit Liability Regimes

We investigate the effectiveness of proportionate liability in reducing the probability of fraud and audit risk relative to joint and several liability in two strategic audit settings: one that provides conclusive evidence of fraud and one that provides inconclusive evidence of fraud. In both settings the auditor makes an audit effort choice, but in the second setting the auditor also evaluates the audit evidence. Our results show that when the auditor chooses only effort, a proportionate liability rule with large marginal liability relief decreases audit risk. However, when the auditor also evaluates the audit evidence this result no longer holds.
Estrogen differentially regulates estrogen and nerve growth factor receptor mRNAs in adult sensory neurons

We have previously shown that neurons in the basal forebrain colocalize the neurotrophin receptor p75NGFR and estrogen receptors. The present study was designed to examine (1) if neural neurotrophin targets respond to estrogen as a general phenotypic feature and (2) if NGF receptor mRNAs are regulated by estrogen, using a prototypical target of NGF, the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) (sensory) neuron. We demonstrate, for the first time, the presence of estrogen receptor mRNA and protein (binding sites) in adult female rat DRG. Moreover, estrogen receptor mRNA expression, while present in DRG neurons from both the ovariectomized (OVX; estrogen deficient) and intact female rat, was downregulated, as in the adult CNS, during proestrus (high estrogen levels) and in OVX animals replaced with proestrus levels of estrogen, as compared to OVX controls. In contrast, although the mRNAs for the NGF receptors p75NGFR and trkA were also expressed in DRG neurons from OVX and intact animals, expression of both NGF receptor mRNAs was upregulated in sensory neurons during proestrus, as compared to the OVX condition. Estrogen replacement, on the other hand, resulted in a transient downregulation of p75NGFR mRNA and a time-dependent upregulation of trkA mRNA. Estrogen regulation of NGF receptor mRNA in adult peripheral neural targets of the neurotrophins supports the hypothesis that estrogen may regulate neuronal sensitivity to neurotrophins such as NGF and may be an important mediator of neurotrophin actions in normal neural function and following neural trauma.
Changes in LD50 of parathion and heptachlor following turpentine pretreatment

Abstract Stimulation of the male rat microsomal enzymes by pretreatment with oral turpentine resulted in reduced hexobarbital sleeping time; reduced LD 50 parathion mortality and increased heptachlor LD 50 mortality. Paraoxon and heptachlor epoxide LD 50 were unchanged. Hexobarbital hydroxylase, p -aminophenol aniline hydroxylase, aminopyrine demethylase and benzpyrene hydroxylase were stimulated. Alpha and beta pinene vaporized from turpentine had no effect on hexobarbital sleeping or parathion, paraoxon or heptachlor epoxide mortality but increased heptachlor mortality and benzpyrene hydroxylation. Neither terpin hydrate nor menthol changed parathion toxicity. The former affected only aminopyrine demethylation, which was inhibited. The latter stimulated hexobarbital hydroxylation and inhibited p -aminophenol aniline hydroxylation and aminopyrine demethylation.
An exploration of decision support for drivers, inside and outside the vehicle

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and future promise of decision support systems DSS A driving simulator study compared three DSSs: a dynamic road sign, displays on the side mirrors, and a vibrating seat haptic. inside the vehicle relative to a particular, well-tested dynamic road sign external to the vehicle. Independent variables included display placement and modality visual vs. haptic. Dependent variables included measurements of safe driving behavior and usability. A follow-on focus group study was conducted to gain further insights into the results and improvement ideas. The vibrating seat yielded significantly better safety margins than the dynamic road sign. Haptic DSSs inside the vehicle may have more safety benefits than visual DSSs inside or outside the vehicle. Further investigation is needed to determine what properties of the haptic interface - reduced interference with visual driving tasks, message salience, simplicity, or some combination - are responsible for the advantage. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optical Flow Techniques for Moving Target Detection

Abstract We present an evaluation of several pixel level optical flow techniques, for flow computation accuracy.Flow accuracy is characterized with respect to spatio-temporal image characteristics relevant to moving target detection. Results of flow computation and target detection are presented for infrared (8 - 12 jtm) imagery. 1. Introduction An image sequence exhibits temporal variations due to motion of the sensor, presence of moving objectsin the field of view, or both. This paper considers techniques for detecting moving objects from imagesequences by processing temporal image variations. A measure of the temporal variation between twoimages is the optical flow field associated with these images. In the case of a stationary sensor, opticalflow can signal presence of a moving object. For a mobile sensor, moving objects can lead to flow fielddiscontinuities. Several techniques have been proposed in literature for the detection of moving objectsusing optical flow. A region growing scheme that combined flow and image contrast information was
Clutch Size, Survivorship, and Biology of Larval Pachyschelus psychotriae Fisher (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Pachyschelus psychotriae Fisher was studied by rearing and by analyses of old mines in leaves of Connarus species in central Panama. Eggs are usually laid in clutches of three on undersides of leaflets. The three instars occupy 9, 32, and 59% of the serpentine mine, which occupies ≈15% of the leaf surface. Of all eggs laid, 27% were lost to at least eight species of parasitoids over all stages and 15% produced adult beetles. Contrary to expectations, the most frequent clutch size produced the smallest average number of beetles per egg.
Cost-sharing mechanisms for scheduling under general demand settings

Abstract We investigate cost-sharing mechanisms for scheduling cost-sharing games. We assume that the demand is general—that is, each player can be allocated one of several levels of service. We show how to design mechanisms for these games that are weakly group strategyproof, approximately budget-balanced, and approximately efficient, using approximation algorithms for the underlying scheduling problems. We consider scheduling cost-sharing games in single machine, parallel machine, and concurrent open shop environments.
Selection of ceramics for methanol fuel injector plungers based on tribological characteristics when coupled with 4140 steel

Abstract This research seeks to increase the working life of methanol fuel injectors by substituting wear- and corrosion-resistant ceramics for the current materials of construction. Because information on the tribological properties of ceramics in methanol is scarce, experiments were performed to characterize the dynamic friction and wear behavior of 11 oxides, nitrides and carbides against nitrided 4140 steel using a reciprocating test machine. The results are compared to baseline tests performed with typical injector construction materials (nitrided 51501 steel and nitrided 4140 steel) that have experienced early wear using methanol fuel. The tribological performance was characterized through measurements of the friction coefficient, mass loss, gross dimensional change and the roughness of the wear scar and by examinations with a scanning electron microscope. All of the ceramics were wear resistant, but many caused severe wear on the 4140 steel. A boron carbide and a nickel-bonded titanium carbide exhibited the best tribological characteristics.
Analytical stress model for a composite prosthetic intervertebral disc

This research develops an analytical stress model for a composite prosthetic intervertebral disc (PID) composed of an elastomeric core placed inside a braided flexible composite sleeve. The model is used to investigate the effects of interference between the core and sleeve on the axial compression behavior of the prosthesis. The model closely replicates the PID's compressive stress-strain curve. The model combines textile crimp analysis and a newly proposed rubber elasticity constitutive relation. The stress model can be used to optimize the compressive behavior of a PID having a textile composite reinforcing phase.
Risk Factors for Montelukast Treatment Failure in Step-Down Therapy for Controlled Asthma

Background. Leukotriene receptor antagonists including montelukast are an option for step-down therapy for mild asthmatics controlled on low-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Because some patients fail montelukast step-down therapy, it would be helpful for clinicians to be able to predict the risk of treatment failure. Objectives. To determine patient characteristics associated with montelukast treatment failure and develop a clinical index to predict the risk of montelukast treatment failure. Methods. Using the 165 participants in the Leukotriene or Corticosteroid or Corticosteroid-Salmeterol Study (LOCCS) trial who were stepped down from low-dose ICS to montelukast, we determined associations between enrollment variables and treatment failure. We constructed a montelukast failure index to predict the risk of montelukast treatment failure during step-down. To assess its specificity for montelukast, index performance was evaluated in the other LOCCS treatment groups. Results. Characteristics independent...
Characterization of precrystallization aggregation of canavalin by dynamic light scattering

The aggregation processes leading to crystallization and precipitation of canavalin have been investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) in photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) mode. The sizes of aggregates formed under various conditions of pH, salt concentration, and protein concentrations were deduced from the correlation functions generated by the fluctuating intensity of light scattered by the solutions of the protein. Results obtained indicate that the barrier to crystallization of canavalin is the formation of the trimer, a species that has been characterized by x-ray crystallographic studies (McPherson, A. 1980. J. Biol. Chem. 255:10472–10480). The dimensions of the trimer in solution are in good agreement with those obtained both from the crystal (McPherson, A. 1980. J. Biol. Chem. 255:10472–10480) and from a low angle x-ray scattering study in solution (Plietz, P., P. Damaschun, J. J. Muller, and B. Schlener. 1983. FEBS [Fed. Eur. Biochem. Soc.] Lett. 162:43–46). Furthermore, under conditions known to lead to the formation of rhombohedral crystals of canavalin, a limiting size is reached at high concentrations of canavalin. The size measured corresponds to an aggregate of trimers making a unit rhombohedral cell consistent with x-ray crystallographic data (McPherson, A. 1980. J. Biol. Chem. 255:10472–10480). Presumably, such aggregates are the nuclei from which crystal growth proceeds. The present study was undertaken primarily to test the potential of DLS (PCS) as a tool for rapid, routine screening to determine the ultimate fate of protein solutions (i.e., crystallization or amorphous precipitation) at an early stage, therefore eliminating the need for long-term visual observation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ureter in renal tuberculosis

Abstract Tuberculosis of the ureter is almost always secondary to renal tuberculosis. Nephrectomy has been advocated for advanced renal tuberculosis with severe renal parenchymal damage; however, failure to perform ureterectomy at the time of nephrectomy may cause ureterocutaneous fistula and a nonhealing wound. A case of ureterocutaneous fistula and delayed wound healing four months postnephrectomy and pertinent review of the literature is reported.
Inhibition of ice crystal growth in ice cream mix by gelatin hydrolysate

The inhibition of ice crystal growth in ice cream mix by gelatin hydrolysate produced by papain action was studied. The ice crystal growth was monitored by thermal cycling between −14 and −12 °C at a rate of one cycle per 3 min. It is shown that the hydrolysate fraction containing peptides in the molecular weight range of about 2000 −5000 Da exhibited the highest inhibitory activity on ice crystal growth in ice cream mix, whereas fractions containing peptides greater than 7000 Da did not inhibit ice crystal growth. The size distribution of gelatin peptides formed in the hydrolysate was influenced by the pH of hydrolysis. The optimum hydrolysis conditions for producing peptides with maximum ice crystal growth inhibitory activity was pH 7 at 37 °C for 10 min at a papain to gelatin ratio of 1:100. However, this may depend on the type and source of gelatin. The possible mechanism of ice crystal growth inhibition by peptides from gelatin is discussed. Molecular modeling of model gelatin peptides revealed that ...
Modulation of GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission by ethanol in the developing neocortex: an in vitro test of the excessive inhibition hypothesis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Exposure to ethanol during development triggers neuronal cell death and this is thought to play a central role in the pathophysiology of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Studies suggest that ethanol-induced neurodegeneration during the period of synaptogenesis results from widespread potentiation of GABA(A) receptors and inhibition of NMDA receptors throughout the brain, with neocortical layer II being particularly sensitive. Here, we tested whether ethanol modulates the function of these receptors during this developmental period using patch-clamp electrophysiological and Ca(2+) imaging techniques in acute slices from postnatal day 7-9 rats. We focused on pyramidal neurons in layer II of the parietal cortex (with layer III as a control). Ethanol (70mM) increased spontaneous action potential-dependent GABA release in layer II (but not layer III) neurons without affecting postsynaptic GABA(A) receptors. Protein and mRNA expression for both the Cl(-) importer, NKCC1, and the Cl(-) exporter, KCC2, were detected in layer II/III neurons. Perforated-patch experiments demonstrated that E(Cl)((-)) is shifted to the right of E(m); activation of GABA(A) receptors with muscimol depolarized E(m), decreased action potential firing, and minimally increased [Ca(2+)](i). However, the ethanol-induced increase of GABAergic transmission did not affect neuronal excitability. Ethanol had no effect on currents exogenously evoked by NMDA or AMPA receptor-mediated spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents. Acute application of ethanol in the absence of receptor antagonists minimally increased [Ca(2+)](i). These findings are inconsistent with the excessive inhibition model of ethanol-induced neurodegeneration, supporting the view that ethanol damages developing neurons via more complex mechanisms that vary among specific neuronal populations.
Total yield measurements in 27Al(p, γ)28Si

Abstract The reaction 27Al(p, γ)28Si has been investigated in the proton energy range 0.3–2.6 MeV to obtain data needed for a calculation of the 28Si photodisintegration rate in astrophysical situations. Total gamma-ray strengths were determined for 85 resonances. From 1.4–2.6 MeV a yield curve was measured and an upper limit for the nonresonant cross section was determined. Where possible, resonance widths were deduced from the data. The gamma-ray detection efficiencies and target purity were investigated experimentally. Comparison was made with resonance strengths, measured by other methods, in the reactions 30Si(p, γ)31P and 26Mg(p, γ)27Al. The 28Si photodisintegration rates, calculated from the present measurements, are given in the following paper.
13C-sialic acid labeling of glycans on glycoproteins using ST6Gal-I.

Glycans that are either N-linked to asparagine or O-linked to serine or threonine are the hallmark of glycoproteins, a class of protein that dominates the mammalian proteome. These glycans perform important functions in cells and in some cases are required for protein activity. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying glycan structure and interactions, particularly in a form that exploits heteronuclei such as 13C. Here an approach is presented that that uses α-2,6-sialyltransferase (ST6Gal-I) to enzymatically add 13C-N-acetylneuraminic acid (NeuAc or sialic acid) to glycoproteins after their preparation using nonbacterial hosts. ST6Gal-I is itself a glycoprotein, and in this initial application, labeling of its own glycans and observation of these glycans by NMR are illustrated. The catalytic domain from rat ST6Gal-I was expressed in mammalian HEK293 cells. The glycans from the two glycosylation sites were analyzed with mass spectrometry and found to contain sialylated...
What's in a name?: decoding router interface names

DNS names assigned to interfaces of network devices along an end-to-end path are an important source of information for both operations and research. Our study focuses on the interface DNS names that encode detailed information about the device e.g., interface type, bandwidth, manufacturer. In this paper we describe a methodology for discovering and characterizing the structure of diverse interface DNS names. We extract, organize and assess the details of the encoding used in different networks. The results of our analysis show that many different encodings are used, and that meaningful encodings are common in the core of the Internet. To enable interface DNS name decoding to be used in practice, we incorporate our information extraction library into a new version of traceroute that we call PathAudit.
Thermal induced phase separation of E7/PMMA PDLC system

Abstract The phase behaviour of thermoplastic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal system is studied with particular emphasis on the various transitions that occur within the system. The extent of pla...
On the factorization of polynomials

Abstract Given a polynomial f(x) with rational integral coefficients, find the factorization of f(x) into irreducible factors for a given characteristic, a natural prime p or zero. In the latter case we use the factorization of f(x) for a special natural prime p.
Homogeneous, isotropic turbulence and its collapse in stratified and rotating fluids

Abstract We derive properties of turbulence in a homogeneous, incompressible, Newtonian fluid. The discussion features au invariant N (characteristic circulation in material circuits containing vorticity but imbedded in nearly irrotational masses of fluid). The key to closure is to see that the turbulence is immature for a while after creation of the vorticity in that friction, important in the creation of the vorticity, is subsequently unimportant for a period τ such that N τ d 2 = γ o R 1 4 (d is an initial length, R = N ν and γo is a constant). After t = τ, any statistical property can be expressed to within certain undetermined constants by a known function of N, t and R. Thus u 2 = A u ( N t )R case1 4 , where t is time, u is r.m.s. (root-mean-square) velocity and Au is a constant. The theory predicts that the dissipation is weakly R-dependent as R −1 4 a behavior conjectured long ago by Saffman as both theoretically possible and not inconsistent with the data. The theory may be applied to find the collapse time Ts when rotation and stratification are present but at lesser times are unimportant. We find γT s = βR 2 5 where β is a constant and γ is the Brunt-Vaisala frequency.
Cell-Specific Fine-Tuning of Neuronal Excitability by Differential Expression of Modulator Protein Isoforms

SLOB (SLOWPOKE-binding protein) modulates the Drosophila SLOWPOKE calcium-activated potassium channel. We have shown previously that SLOB deletion or RNAi knockdown decreases excitability of neurosecretory pars intercerebralis (PI) neurons in the adult Drosophila brain. In contrast, we found that SLOB deletion/knockdown enhances neurotransmitter release from motor neurons at the fly larval neuromuscular junction, suggesting an increase in excitability. Because two prominent SLOB isoforms, SLOB57 and SLOB71, modulate SLOWPOKE channels in opposite directions in vitro, we investigated whether divergent expression patterns of these two isoforms might underlie the differential modulation of excitability in PI and motor neurons. By performing detailed in vitro and in vivo analysis, we found strikingly different modes of regulatory control by the slob57 and slob71 promoters. The slob71, but not slob57, promoter contains binding sites for the Hunchback and Mirror transcriptional repressors. Furthermore, several core promoter elements that are absent in the slob57 promoter coordinately drive robust expression of a luciferase vector by the slob71 promoter in vitro. In addition, we visualized the expression patterns of the slob57 and slob71 promoters in vivo and found clear spatiotemporal differences in promoter activity. SLOB57 is expressed prominently in adult PI neurons, whereas larval motor neurons exclusively express SLOB71. In contrast, at the larval neuromuscular junction, SLOB57 expression appears to be restricted mainly to a subset of glial cells. Our results illustrate how the use of alternative transcriptional start sites within an ion channel modulator locus coupled with functionally relevant alternative splicing can be used to fine-tune neuronal excitability in a cell-specific manner.
Adaptation of Aeroelastic Reduced-Order Models and Application to an F-16 Configuration

The proper orthogonal decomposition method has been shown to produce accurate reduced-order models for the aeroelastic analysis of complete aircraft configurations at fixed flight conditions. However, changes in the Mach number or angle of attack often necessitate the reconstruction of the reduced-order model to maintain accuracy, which destroys the sought-after computational efficiency. Straightforward approaches for reduced-order model adaptation-such as the global proper orthogonal decomposition method and the direct interpolation of the proper orthogonal decomposition basis vectors-that have been attempted in the past have been shown to lead to inaccurate proper orthogonal decomposition bases in the transonic flight regime. Alternatively, a new reduced-order model adaptation scheme is described in this paper and evaluated for changes in the freestream Mach number and angle of attack. This scheme interpolates the subspace angles between two proper orthogonal decomposition subspaces, then generates a new proper orthogonal decomposition basis through an orthogonal transformation based on the interpolated subspace angles. The resulting computational methodology is applied to a complete F-16 configuration in various airstreams. The predicted aeroelastic frequencies and damping coefficients are compared with counterparts obtained from full-order nonlinear aeroelastic simulations and flight test data. Good correlations are observed, including in the transonic regime. The obtained computational results reveal a significant potential of the adapted reduced-order model computational technology for accurate, near-real-time, aeroelastic predictions.
Do nonclassical, class Ib MHC molecules present bacterial antigens to T cells?

Abstract Immune responses to bacterial antigens that appear unrestricted by the MHC may involve oligomorphic MHC class Ib H-2M3, which binds N -formylated peptides and presents a Listeria peptide to cytotoxic T cells from infected mice. Lack of polymorphism makes these molecules a promising target for peptide vaccines.
Synthesis and functionalization study of hierarchical ZnO nanowires for potential nitroaromatic sensing applications

In this work, we synthesize hierarchical ZnO nanowires in a customized atmospheric CVD furnace and investigate their surface modification behavior for prospective nitroaromatic sensing applications. The morphology and crystal structure of pristine nanowires are characterized through FE-SEM, TEM, X-ray diffraction and EDAX studies. Photoluminescence behavior of pristine nanowires is also reported. Surface modification behavior of synthesized nanowires on a ZnO–oleic acid system is studied by utilizing Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy. Based on these findings, 1-pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) has been identified as an appropriate fluorescent receptor for sensing p-nitrophenol. Fluorescence quenching experiments on a PBA–p-nitrophenol system are reported and a detection limit of up to 28 ppb is envisaged for PBA-grafted ZnO nanowire-based optical sensor.
False data injection attacks against nonlinear state estimation in smart power grids

False data injection attacks are recently introduced as a class of cyber attacks against smart grid's monitoring systems. They aim to compromise the readings of grid sensors and phasor measurement units. Recent studies have shown that if the operator uses the DC, i.e., linear, state estimation to determine the current states of the power system, the attacker can adjust the attack vector such that the attack remains undetected and successfully passes the commonly used residue-based bad data detection tests. However, in this paper, we examine the possibility of implementing a false data injection attack when the operator uses the more practical AC, i.e., nonlinear, state estimation. We characterize such attacks when the attacker has perfect and imperfect knowledge of the current states of the system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to address false data injection attacks against non-linear state estimation.
Evaluation of a parent training programme for teaching mentally retarded children age-appropriate restaurant skills: a preliminary investigation.

. A programme designed to train parents to teach their mentally retarded children age-appropriate restaurant skills was developed and evaluated. After participating in a brief training programme, three mothers attempted to facilitate greater independence in their developmentally delayed children during meals at a fast-food restaurant. The programme was evaluated by assessing the mothers' and children's performance in restaurants using a multiple-probe design. The results indicated that the parents' teaching interactions were influenced by the training programme and that their children's restaurant skills were enhanced. The results were discussed in the context of the normalization principle and deinstitutionalization movement.