cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insights from using Supplemental Instruction (SI) in Data Structures Course to Increase Retention

Data Structures (CS 242) ranks as one of the most challenging courses in our core curriculum. It has the steepest learning curve for our students and has the lowest retention rate. Students find it challenging to master the mathematical concepts, learn the data structures and apply them in large programs. Three years ago, the department decided to offer Supplemental Instruction (SI) in CS 242 and in Discrete Structures (CS 225), a co-requisite for CS 242, in the hope of increasing retention in CS 242. In this poster, the author shares experiences with the SI approach, and the results of a student survey to assess the efficacy of SI in both these courses.
Implicit Social Cognition

In the last 20 years, research on implicit social cognition has established that social judgments and behavior are guided by attitudes and stereotypes of which the actor may lack awareness. Research using the methods of implicit social cognition has produced the concept of implicit bias, which has generated wide attention not only in social, clinical, and developmental psychology, but also in disciplines outside of psychology, including business, law, criminal justice, medicine, education, and political science. Although this rapidly growing body of research offers prospects of useful societal applications, the theory needed to confidently guide those applications remains insufficiently developed. This article describes the methods that have been developed, the findings that have been obtained, and the theoretical questions that remain to be answered.
Examining Police Agencies’ Dialogic Accounting Practices in Facebook Conversations

Police agencies have been posting regularly on Facebook and trying to use this social media platform for building community policing. However, little is known about how the public comments to police agencies’ posts and how the agencies further reply to public comments on Facebook. Addressing these questions helps us understand police agencies’ practices of using Facebook for supporting dialogic accounting, i.e., responding to multiple viewpoints, on this social media platform. In this work, we collected 29,928 Facebook posts of 43 municipal police agencies in the U.S. and 628,098 public comments to those agencies’ posts, as well as all replies to the public comments (including replies from other public users and the agencies). We find that the agencies only replied to 907 (0.1%) public comments. Our findings show that (1) the public’s comments varied in diverse topics, but the agencies mainly replied to those comments that were Seeking information; (2) the agencies replied quickly when Acknowledging positive public comments; and (3) the agencies often ignored negative comments. We also discuss design implications for social media platforms to support better dialogic accounting practices.
Impact of interhospital transfer on clinical outcomes and resource use after cardiac operations: Insights from a national cohort.

Abstract Background Interhospital transfer is a common clinical practice that has been associated with poor patient outcomes in small series. We aimed to evaluate the impact of transfer status on cardiac surgery patients in a national cohort. Methods Patients undergoing nonelective coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacement or repair, or a combination were identified using the 2010 to 2017 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients were stratified by transfer status and outcomes were evaluated using adjusted multivariable linear and logistic models. Results Of an estimated 1,023,315 patients, 170,319 (16.6%) were transfers. Transfer was independently associated with increased complications, index hospitalization duration of stay, costs, early (30 day), and intermediate (31–90 day) readmission. Among transferred patients, transfer to a high-volume center predicted reduced odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 0.64, P Conclusion Transfer status is a significant independent predictor of increased complications, length of stay, cost, and readmission among nonelective cardiac surgery patients. Notably, transfer to higher volume facilities appears to increase odds of survival. Our findings are important when considering the risks involved in the management of transferred patients.
Scalable Distributed Optimization with Separable Variables in Multi-Agent Networks.

Robotics, signal processing, and other disciplines involve distributed data collection and storage for state estimation, control, and predictive modeling using optimization. We consider large-scale optimization problems in which multiple agents with limited resources communicate over a network to obtain the optimal variables of the centralized problem. In this work, we present the Separable Optimization Variable ADMM (SOVA) method where each agent optimizes only over a subset of the optimization variables relevant to its data or role, avoiding unnecessary optimization over all the problem variables. We demonstrate superior convergence rates of the SOVA method compared to previous distributed ADMM methods. Further, we show applications of the SOVA method to robotics and data modeling.
A bench-stable copper photocatalyst for the rapid hydrophosphination of activated and unactivated alkenes

Cu(acac)2 (1) is a highly active catalyst for the hydrophosphination of alkenes. Photocatalytic conditions are critical, and provide high conversions with unactivated substrates that have never before been reported with an air-stable catalyst or at ambient temperature. The commercial availability, ease of use, and broad substrate scope of compound 1 make hydrophosphination more available to synthetic chemists.
Tau Post-translational Modifications: Dynamic Transformers of Tau Function, Degradation, and Aggregation

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) on tau have long been recognized as affecting protein function and contributing to neurodegeneration. The explosion of information on potential and observed PTMs on tau provides an opportunity to better understand these modifications in the context of tau homeostasis, which becomes perturbed with aging and disease. Prevailing views regard tau as a protein that undergoes abnormal phosphorylation prior to its accumulation into the toxic aggregates implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. However, the phosphorylation of tau may, in fact, represent part of the normal but interrupted function and catabolism of the protein. In addition to phosphorylation, tau undergoes another forms of post-translational modification including (but not limited to), acetylation, ubiquitination, glycation, glycosylation, SUMOylation, methylation, oxidation, and nitration. A holistic appreciation of how these PTMs regulate tau during health and are potentially hijacked in disease remains elusive. Recent studies have reinforced the idea that PTMs play a critical role in tau localization, protein-protein interactions, maintenance of levels, and modifying aggregate structure. These studies also provide tantalizing clues into the possibility that neurons actively choose how tau is post-translationally modified, in potentially competitive and combinatorial ways, to achieve broad, cellular programs commensurate with the distinctive environmental conditions found during development, aging, stress, and disease. Here, we review tau PTMs and describe what is currently known about their functional impacts. In addition, we classify these PTMs from the perspectives of protein localization, electrostatics, and stability, which all contribute to normal tau function and homeostasis. Finally, we assess the potential impact of tau PTMs on tau solubility and aggregation. Tau occupies an undoubtedly important position in the biology of neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to provide an integrated perspective of how post-translational modifications actively, purposefully, and dynamically remodel tau function, clearance, and aggregation. In doing so, we hope to enable a more comprehensive understanding of tau PTMs that will positively impact future studies.
Challenging Traditional Thought: No Default Fiduciary Duties in Delaware Limited Liability Companies after Auriga

We agree with Chief Justice Myron T. Steele in his article, Freedom of Contract and Default Contractual Duties in Delaware Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies, that the proper default rule for Delaware limited liability companies (“LLCs”) formed under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (“DLLCA” or “Act”) is the contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing. In this article we invite each reader to set aside bias, pre-conceived legal opinions, and rote legal training and to listen. Hearing each legal argument and searching for – not assuming – the most appropriate answer to the question of default duties is our quest. To provide context, this article begins by examining Chief Justice Steele’s position on default fiduciary duties. Next, this article analyzes the DLLCA, discussing its objective to give maximum effect to the principle of freedom of contract and its lack of linkage to the common law of fiduciary duties. This article also posits that, after a reasoned statutory construction of §18-1101, no default fiduciary duties obviously existed in the DLLCA at the time of its enactment or now. Lastly, this article asserts that fiduciary duties are unnecessary in the LLC business form, concluding that contract law is principled upon free bargaining, negotiation of unequal terms in light of market conditions and bartering in self-­interest by all parties. In addition contract law offers ample policing tools to account for unsophisticated, unrepresented, and ignorant parties.
Associations of HDL metrics with coronary artery calcium score and density among women traversing menopause

Abstract The cardioprotective association of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) may vary by menopause stage or estradiol level. We tested whether associations of comprehensive HDL metrics (HDL subclasses, phospholipid and triglyceride content, and HDL cholesterol efflux capacity [HDL-CEC]) with coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and density vary by menopause stage or estradiol level in women transitioning through menopause. Participants (N = 294; mean age [SD]: 51.3 [2.9]) had data on HDL metrics and CAC measures at one or two time points during the menopause transition. Generalized estimating equations were used for analyses. Effect modifications by menopause stage or estradiol level were tested in multivariable models. In adjusted models, menopause stage modified the associations of specific HDL metrics with CAC measures. Higher small HDL particles (HDL-P) concentrations (p-interaction = 0.008) and smaller HDL size (p-interaction = 0.02) were associated with greater odds of CAC presence in late perimenopause than in pre/early perimenopause stage. Women in the highest estradiol tertile, but not the lower tertiles, showed a protective association of small HDL-P with CAC presence (p-interaction = 0.007). Lower large HDL-P concentrations (p-interaction = 0.03) and smaller HDL size (p-interaction = 0.03) were associated with lower CAC density in late perimenopause than in postmenopause stage. Associations of HDL phospholipid and triglyceride content and HDL-CEC with CAC measures did not vary by menopause stage or estradiol level. We concluded that HDL subclasses may impact the likelihood of CAC presence and the stability of coronary plaque differently over the menopause transition. Endogenous estradiol levels may contribute to this observation.
Post-operative pain following coblation or monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy in children: a prospective, single-blinded, randomised comparison.

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2011, 36, 468–474 Objective: To compare post-operative pain following tonsillectomy by either coblation or monopolar electrocautery in children. Design: A parallel-designed, prospective, single-blinded, randomised trial. Setting: Ambulatory surgical facility. Study participants: Eighty otherwise healthy paediatric patients undergoing coblation or electrocautery tonsillectomy by a fellowship-trained paediatric otolaryngologist. Main outcome measures: (i) The number of post-operative days with severe pain based on subjective qualification by the caretaker, (ii) post-operative days with pain rated ≥5 on a scale of 1–10, (iii) post-operative days requiring oral paracetamol/acetaminophen with codeine solution and (iv) post-operative days until resumption of a regular diet were assessed and recorded daily using a post-operative pain survey as a form of daily diary that was returned at the 2-week follow-up visit. Results: Patients were consecutively enrolled into two groups of 40 patients. Average ages were 5.2 years for coblation tonsillectomy and 6.0 years for electrocautery tonsillectomy. The average number of post-operative days with severe pain was 4.2 for coblation and 5.9 for electrocautery (P = 0.006), days rating pain ≥5 were 3.6 for coblation and 4.8 for electrocautery (P = 0.037), days of codeine use were 2.5 for coblation and 2.9 for electrocautery (P = 0.324), and days until resumption of a regular diet were 5.2 for coblation and 6.2 for electrocautery (0.329). Conclusions: Coblation tonsillectomy may reduce post-operative pain and the time until resumption of a regular diet compared to electrocautery tonsillectomy.
DRIFT IN, CONVERT OUT: CLINICAL SOCIOLOGY TO TREAT COLLEGE ALCOHOLICS

THE ALCOHOL PROBLEM University officers are increasingly concerned about alcohol abuse among students (Roberts 1983). From 76 to 92 percent of all college students drink alcohol. Like other Americans, they make alcohol the drug of their choice. Today, alcohol is more heavily used than aspirin. Nearly a third of all college students will experience some difficulty resulting from drinking alcohol during the academic year (Jessor, Jessor 1975). One out of three students will fail an exam, destroy a friendship, commit some infraction of college policy, or violate the law as a direct result of drinking behavior. More serious criminal acts take the form of assault, damage to ... property, driving while intoxicated, or attempted suicide. (Blimling, Miltenberger 1981 136) Some universities contend that up to 60 DRIFT IN, CONVERT OUT: CLINICAL SOCIOLOGY TO TREAT COLLEGE ALCOHOLICS
Thrombospondins: from structure to therapeutics

The thrombospondins (TSPs) are a family of five proteins that are involved in the tissue remodeling that is associated with embryonic development, wound healing, synaptogenesis, and neoplasia. These proteins mediate the interaction of normal and neoplastic cells with the extracellular matrix and surrounding tissue. In the tumor microenvironment, TSP-1 has been shown to suppress tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis and by activating transforming growth factor β. TSP-1 inhibits angiogenesis through direct effects on endothelial cell migration and survival, and through effects on vascular endothelial cell growth factor bioavailability. In addition, TSP-1 may affect tumor cell function through interaction with cell surface receptors and regulation of extracellular proteases. Whereas the role of TSP-1 in the tumor microenvironment is the best characterized, the other TSPs may have similar functions. (Part of a Multi-author Review)
A Review of Convention and Meeting Management Research 1990–2003

Abstract The growing importance of the convention and meeting sector provided the impetus for this review of research directions and the structure of the convention and meeting field. A total of 137 convention articles published in major hospitality and tourism journals from 1990 to 2003 were collected and content-analyzed for research method and subject. Specifically, articles were categorized based on (a) nature of article, (b) research design, (c) statistical technique, (d) research focus, and (e) functional area. Findings suggest that while descriptive research dominated, more sophisticated quantitative research techniques, such as multi-variate analysis, were extensively used, particularly after 2000. Thematic review of articles reveals that associations' site selection processes, destination marketing, and the economic impact of convention activities have drawn enormous attention from researchers over the 14-year period. Discussion issues and suggestions for future research in the field of conventio...
Induction of Myxospore Formation in Stigmatella aurantiaca (Myxobacterales) by Monovalent Cations

Suspension cultures of Stigmatella aurantiaca can be induced to form myxospores by addition of the monovalent cations Li+, Na+, NH4+, K+, or Rb+.
The A.T-DNA-binding domain of mammalian high mobility group I chromosomal proteins. A novel peptide motif for recognizing DNA structure.

We have determined the domains of the mammalian high mobility group (HMG)I chromosomal proteins necessary and sufficient for binding to the narrow minor groove of stretches of A.T-rich DNA. Three highly conserved regions within each of the known HMG-I proteins is closely related to the consensus sequence T-P-K-R-P-R-G-R-P-K-K. A synthetic oligopeptide corresponding to this consensus "binding domain" (BD) sequence specifically binds to substrate DNA in a manner similar to the intact HMG-I proteins. Molecular Corey-Pauling-Koltun model building and computer simulations employing energy minimization programs to predict structure suggest that the consensus BD peptide has a secondary structure similar to the antitumor and antiviral drugs netropsin and distamycin and to the dye Hoechst 33258. In vitro these ligands, which also preferentially bind to A.T-rich DNA, have been demonstrated to effectively compete with both the BD peptide and the HMG-I proteins for DNA binding. The BD peptide also contains novel structural features such as a predicted Asx bend or "hook" at its amino-terminal end and laterally projecting cationic Arg/Lys side chains or "bristles" which may contribute to the binding properties of the HMG-I proteins. The predicted BD peptide structure, which we refer to as the "A.T-hook," represents a previously undescribed DNA-binding motif capable of binding to the minor groove of stretches of A.T base pairs.
Channeling Heavy Ions through Crystalline Lattices

Publisher Summary In recent years, considerable progress has been made in the study of collisions involving multiply charged ions and electrons. Areas that have been opened to investigation include excitation, ionization, radiative recombination, and dielectronic recombination. All of these processes occur when swift ions impinge on gases and solids. In the past 15 years, many groups have used the channeling effect that occurs in crystalline solids to create conditions under which such processes may be studied relatively easily at electron densities in the excess of 1023/cm3. This chapter summarizes the essential points required to define the “channeling effect” and the unique collision environment for channeled particles. Most recently, channeling techniques are used in the study of atomic collision phenomena involving energetic and heavier multiple-charged projectile ions, even uranium projectiles moving at relativistic energy. For heavier ions moving at much higher speed, cross sections for electron impact phenomena are greatly reduced. In this case, X-ray techniques are also more easily applied to probe specific excited states of heavier projectiles. The chapter focuses on the studies that have occurred within the past 15 years and emphasizes the study of motion, atomic collisions, and ionic electronic states as ions move through crystal channels.
Collision reduction for heterogeneous wireless sensor networks

This paper introduces an approach of media access control for reducing collisions in a heterogeneous wireless sensor network, which contains different types of sensor nodes so a sensor fusion technique can be barely applied. Data packets sent to a designated node can cause serious collision due to a funneling effect of network traffic. At lightly loaded networks, our approach uses traditional random media access, but it dynamically divides collision domains at heavy traffic to allow contending nodes fair opportunity to acquire the media. We have conducted extensive simulation to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
TRACES ON OPERATOR IDEALS AND ARITHMETIC MEANS

This article investigates the codimension of commutator spaces (I, B(H)) of operator ideals on a separable Hilbert space, i.e., "How many traces can an ideal support?" We conjecture that the codimension can be only zero, one, or infin- ity. Using the arithmetic mean (am) operations on ideals introduced in (13) and the analogous arithmetic mean operations at infinity (am-∞) that we develop ex- tensively in this article, the conjecture is proven for all ideals not contained in the largest am-∞ stable ideal and not containing the smallest am-stable ideal, for all soft-edged ideals (i.e., I = se(I) = IK(H)) and all soft-complemented ideals (i.e., I = scI = I/K(H)), which include all classical operator ideals we considered. The conjecture is proven also for ideals whose soft-interior, seI, or soft-cover, scI, are am-∞ stable or am-stable and for other classes of ideals. We show that an ideal of trace class operators supports a unique trace (up to scalar multiples) if and only if it is am-∞ stable. For a principal ideal, am-∞ stability is what we call regularity at infinity of the sequence of s-numbers of the generator. We prove for these sequences analogs of several of the characterizations of usual regularity. In the process we apply trace extension methods to two problems on elementary operators studied by V. Shulman. This article presents and extends several of the results announced in PNAS-US (19) and then expanded and developed in a series of papers (20)-(24).
Candidate Positioning in US Congressional Elections

Theory suggests that three factors – the importance of ideology to primary voters, costly movement due to candidate reputations and lack of competition – all contribute to candidate divergence in US congressional elections. These predictions are analysed with new data from a 2000 mail survey that asked congressional candidates to place themselves on a left–right ideological scale. The data reveal that candidates often diverge, but that the degree of candidate polarization is variable and may be explained by factors in the theory. Candidates with firm public reputations, those who face weak general election competition, and those who experience stiff primary competition are all more likely to deviate from the median voter’s position. Perhaps more importantly, the locations that candidates adopt have clear effects on their vote shares. Spatial theories in the Downsian tradition posit that the ideological positions of candidates are the most important determinants of election outcomes. Candidates’ positions seldom differ due to the centripetal pull of the median voter. 1 In contrast, empirical work generally finds that elections, particularly at the subpresidential level, are more about mundane factors like incumbency and candidate quality than ideology. Moreover, to the degree that ideology does matter, candidates appear to diverge more than converge, contrary to the classic spatial account. This article seeks to bridge the gap between formal theoretic and empirical accounts of candidate behaviour in subpresidential American elections. It begins with the outline of a simple theory of candidate positioning. I argue that three factors – lack of competition, the pull of primary electorates and the costs of candidate movement – jointly foster candidate divergence. The theory explains how ideology matters in elections and why more extreme candidates can defeat moderate opponents despite the inward draw of the median voter. The article then turns to an empirical examination of the theory’s predictions. I first discuss the importance and difficulty of measuring candidate ideology, particularly for challengers. Then I detail how a new candidate survey rectifies these problems. Examination of these survey data demonstrates that candidate divergence is the norm but that voter preferences encourage some centrism. The next section identifies factors that increase or decrease candidate divergence. As the theory expects, primary competition pulls candidates apart while general election competition, as indicated by candidates’ relative qualities, draws them inward. Finally, I demonstrate the ways in which positioning affects election outcomes. Across several model specifications, it is clear that candidates’ locations, even in congressional elections, affect their vote shares.
Comparison of laxative action of bisacodyl suppositories and glycerin suppositories in acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract A new laxative agent, bisacodyl, was compared with glycerin suppositories in the bowel care of twenty patients with acute myocardial infarction. In a total of 109 trials with one or both agents, bisacodyl was effective in 79.7 per cent, while glycerin suppositories were effective in 42 per cent. Few undesirable reactions were observed with either agent, and none were severe. Bisacodyl appears to be well tolerated and quite reliably effective in treating constipation associated with acute myocardial infarction.
Methods to measure interlaminar tensile modulus of composites

Abstract This work expands a recently developed short-beam method coupled with the Digital Image Correlation full-field surface deformation measurement technique to enable assessment of the interlaminar tensile stress–strain constitutive properties of polymer–matrix composite materials. This work also expands the American Society for Testing and Materials Standard D 6415 curved-beam method as another means for measurement of the interlaminar tensile stress–strain constitutive behavior. The interlaminar tensile modulus values resulting from both methods are compared for Hexcel IM7/8552 carbon/epoxy tape composite material system.
Biochemical characterization of "LAP," a polymorphic aminopeptidase from the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis.

A genetically variable naphthylamidase enzyme, previously described as “leucine aminopeptidase,” was purified approximately fiftyfold, and its biochemical properties were investigated. The enzyme was renamed “aminopeptidase I.” Substrate affinities demonstrate that it is an α-aminoacyl peptide hydrolase (E.C. 3.4.11.-). Aminopeptidase I had a monomer molecular weight of 65–68,000, average pI of pH 4.88, and broad pH optima between 6.5 and 8.0. The enzyme was inactivated rapidly between 40 and 50 C. Antibodies from purified enzyme did not cross-react with other naphthylamidases, but aminopeptidase I activity was inhibited by immune serum. The enzyme exhibited highest naphthylamidase activity for aromatic and hydrophobic aminoacyl naphthylamides. Aminopeptidase activity was highest for aromatic and hydrophobic N-terminal residues of tripeptides. Certain divalent metal cations, p-O H-mercuribenzoate, and N-ethylmaleimide were strongly inhibitory while chelating agents activated the enzyme.
Evaluating tourism web site complexity: the case of international tourism in the U.S.

Abstract Many countries have recognized the potential of the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) for tourism marketing and eCommerce. Such countries have developed an Internet presence to promote their tourism offerings and increase their share of the competitive international tourism market. In an attempt to understand this development, some recent studies have included frameworks for measuring web site complexity. This paper employs the eMICA (Extended Model of Internet Commerce Adoption) model (Burgess & Cooper, 2000) to evaluate the degree of sophistication of the web sites of 20 U.S. states/territories' tourism organizations. Results show that all stages of development described by the model were present at the selected web sites. The paper also summarizes key findings and highlights considerations for web site improvement.
Varicocele and renal tumor on right side.

Abstract This report is presented as an example of a varicocele on the right side heralding the existence of right renal adenocarcinoma; the cause of the varix is postulated as increased venous flow due to drainage from the neoplasm.
The role of Hot13p and redox chemistry in the mitochondrial TIM22 import pathway.

Abstract The small Tim proteins in the mitochondrial intermembrane space participate in the TIM22 import pathway for assembly of the inner membrane. Assembly of the small TIM complexes requires the conserved “twin CX3C” motif that forms juxtapositional intramolecular disulfide bonds. Here we identify a new intermembrane space protein, Hot13p, as the first component of a pathway that mediates assembly of the small TIM complexes. The small Tim proteins require Hot13p for assembly into a 70-kDa complex in the intermembrane space. Once assembled the small TIM complexes escort hydrophobic inner membrane proteins en route to the TIM22 complex. The mechanism by which the small Tim proteins bind and release substrate is not understood, and we investigated the affect of oxidant/reductant treatment on the TIM22 import pathway. With in organello import studies, oxidizing agents arrest the ADP/ATP carrier (AAC) bound to the Tim9p-Tim10p complex in the intermembrane space; this productive intermediate can be chased into the inner membrane upon subsequent treatment with reductant. Moreover, AAC import is markedly decreased by oxidant treatment in Δhot13 mitochondria and improved when Hot13p is overexpressed, suggesting Hot13p may function to remodel the small TIM complexes during import. Together these results suggest that the small TIM complexes have a specialized assembly pathway in the intermembrane space and that the local redox state of the TIM complexes may mediate translocation of inner membrane proteins.
Energy consideration of the nonlinear effects in a Rijke tube

The goal of this work is to characterize the excited states of a thermoacoustic system with mean flow. The properties of excited regimes are determined by the balance between thermoacoustic energy transformation and acoustic losses. In many systems, the sound intensity is not sufficient for nonlinear acoustic losses to be a major factor in defining nonlinear saturation of thermoacoustic instability. It is the nonlinearity of the heat transfer process that is responsible for limit-cycle stabilization of linearly unstable acoustic modes and for the appearance of higher harmonics. In the present study, both a nonlinear theory based on energy consideration and a model for the nonlinear convective heat transfer in unsteady flow are developed. Experimental data are obtained for the excited regimes of operation of an electric Rijke tube. Model results for hysteresis in the transition between stable and excited states and for limit-cycle parameters are compared with test data.
Marketing in Rwanda imports and infrastructure

Abstract A nationally representative rural household survey reveals that Rwanda is a significant importer of a major local commodity: dry beans. Although 98% of farm families produce beans, the majority of rural households are net bean buyers. Rwanda has recently improved its transport infrastructure, facilitating international trade in the region. Pre- and post-road paving market integration tests show that linkages between major central markets have been strengthened by new roads, but farmlevel price data suggest that costs of moving food between urban and rural markets are still high. Investment in the transport sector could reduce these costs.
Bradykinin-induced water intake and brain fos-like immunoreactivity in rats

Abstract We have previously shown that peripheral injection of bradykinin in combination with the kinase II inhibitor, captopril, to rats produces a robust water intake. We now extend this observation to another kinase II inhibitor, enalapril. Water intake increases with dose of dose of bradykinin, but has an inverted U-shaped relationship with dose of kininase II inhibitor. The induced water intake is completely blocked by peripheral administration of the bradykinin antagonist, Hoe 140, and is partly attenuated by peripheral injection of an angiotensin (Ang) II receptor antagonist, losartan. Relative to captopril alone, the combination of captopril and bradykinin greatly elevated plasma renin activity, but did not reduce blood pressure. We further show that, while either bradykinin or enalapril alone induce little or no Fos-like immunoreactivity in areas of the brain related to fluid balance, their combination induces staining in many cells in the supraoptic and paraventricular magnocellular nuclei, as well as along the lamina terminalis. These data suggest that bradykinin may have a role in regulation of fluid balance, partly mediated through Ang II.
The Large-Scale Effects of Flow over Periodic Mesoscale Topography

Abstract Airflow over two-dimensional sinusoidal mesoscale topography is studied using simulations from a numerical model, with an eye toward quantification of the net effect on the large-scale flow. Analytic formulas are derived for the amount of form drag, that is, the total slowdown of the flow, as a function of mountain height, and predictions from such formulas are shown to agree well with model results. The vertical distribution of drag, due to gravity wave breaking at various altitudes, is briefly discussed. The flow is divided into two regimes: a “linear” regime for small mountain heights, and a “blocked” regime for taller mountains. The latter is always accompanied by a layer of stagnant fluid in the valleys. Separate analytic arguments are used in each regime, and together they provide a prediction of form drag over a wide range of parameter space. The cutoff mountain height between the two regimes is also argued analytically. A key difference from flow over isolated mountains is explained. This...
Sulfated glycoprotein 2: new relationships of this multifunctional protein to neurodegeneration

Sulfated glycoprotein 2 (SGP-2) from rat, and similar molecules from cow, dog, human, pig, ram and quail are known by 11 or more acronyms. SGP-2 is associated with the responses of brain and other tissues to injury; it and related molecules are also normally secreted by the adrenal gland, the liver and the testes. The mRNA of this protein is found in increased levels in Alzheimer's disease. In rats, after perforant path or excitotoxin lesions, levels of the protein or mRNA are elevated in astrocytes, and also in neurons. In rats, brain SGP-2 is regulated by gonadal and adrenal steroids. However, these increases after brain lesions may relate to a function that is associated with the human protein, namely that of inhibiting complement-mediated cell lysis. Other activities suggested for SGP-2 are lipid transport and cell-cell interactions, which are consistent with sequence data that predict binding of dinucleotides, heparin and lipids. The emerging neurobiology of SGP-2 encompasses the subjects of cell death, synaptic remodelling, neuroendocrinology and neurodegenerative diseases.
Vapor explosion studies for nuclear and non-nuclear industries

Abstract Energetic melt-water explosions are a well-established contributor to risk for nuclear reactors, and even more so for the metal casting industry. In-depth studies were undertaken in an industry-national laboratory collaborative effort to understand the root causes of explosion triggering and to evaluate methods for prevention. The steam explosion triggering studies (SETS) facility was devised and implemented for deriving key insights into explosion prevention. Data obtained indicated that onset of base surface-entrapment induced explosive boiling-caused trigger shocks is a result of complex combination of surface wettability, type of coating (organic versus inorganic), degree of coating wearoff, existence of bypass pathways for pressure relief, charring and non-condensable gas (NCG) release potential. Of these parameters NCGs were found to play a preeminent role on explosion prevention by stabilizing the melt-water steam interface and acting as a shock absorber. The role of NCGs was experimentally confirmed using SETS for their effect on stable film boiling using a downward facing heated body through which gases were injected. The presence of NCGs in the steam film layer caused a significant delay in the transitioning of film-to-nucleate boiling. The role of NCGs on explosion prevention was thereafter demonstrated more directly by introducing molten metal drops into water pools with and without NCG bubbling. Whereas spontaneous and energetic explosions took place without NCG injection, only benign quenching occurred in the presence of NCGs. Gravimetric analyses of organic coatings which are known to prevent explosion onset were also found to release significant NCGs during thermal attack by melt in the presence of water. These findings offer a novel, simple, cost-effective technique for deriving fundamental insights into melt-water explosions as well as for explosion prevention under most conditions of interest to metal casting, and possibly for nuclear reactor systems during severe accident conditions. Energetics of entrapment boiling induced shocks for explosive and non-explosive conditions were quantified using a modified zero-crossing technique. In honor of Professor R.T. Lahey Jr. the non-dimensional parameter “LT” was proposed to delineate the explosion-onset boundary. Experimental evidence suggests that a system with LT above a threshold value of ∼65 leads to the growth of perturbations and onset of propagating melt-water explosions. The data appear to offer valuable insights into explosion prevention in nuclear reactors during beyond-design basis accident conditions. An unresolved issue concerns the potential for trigger shocks from chemical ignition reactions between reactive metals in contact with oxide coatings such as rust.
Effects of PVN lesions on the responsiveness of female rats to estradiol.

Previous research has shown that the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) is an important site of action for the effects of estradiol on feeding behavior6,20. The recent finding that estrogenic stimulation of the PVN lowers food intake without inducing lordosis suggests that the effects of estradiol on feeding and sexual behaviors are organized separately within the brain5. Whether the effects of4 estradiol on food intake can be attenuated by PVN lesions is therefore a question of practical and theoretical interest. In this experiment we examined the behavioral responsiveness of females with PVN lesions to peripheral treatment with estradiol. 32 adult, female rats received either bilateral or sham lesions of the PVN. All subjects were ovariectomized 2 weeks after the lesion. 2 Weeks following ovariectomy, half of the animals were injected with 2 μg of estradiol benzoate (EB) for 3 days, and half were injected with the oil vehicle. 10 days later, the treatment conditions for each subject (oil or EB) were reversed. Histological analysis indicated that 9 females had bilateral lesions of the PVN and 4 had bilateral lesions of the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (DMN); 11 animals received sham lesions. Compared with oil treatment, EB injections significantly lowered water intake and body weight gain in all groups. However, food intake was suppresedd in the DMN and sham but not in PVN-lesioned females. In addition, statistical analyses indicated that EB treatment induced similar levels of female sexual behavior in all groups/ Thus, PVN lesions did not interfere oith the ability of estradiol to stimulate lordosis. These findings indicate that the effects of estradiol on blood weight or lordosis, are attenuated by bilateral lesions of the PVN. Together with those from studies using PVN implants of estradiol, these results support the hypothesis that the effects of estradiol on feeding and reproductive behaviors are organized separately within the brain. The recent report indicating that estrogen-sensitive PVN neurons project to the brainstem suggests a potential neural pathway involved in hormonal effects on eating. It is hypothesized that estradiol influences feeding behavior by altering the biochemical activity of efferent projections from the PVN to the dorsal vagal complex in the medulla.
Brillouin scattering in alkali metaphosphate glasses and melts

Abstract We report the results of Brillouin scattering measurements performed on a series of alkali metaphosphate glasses and melts including the mixed alkali composition. Using independent viscosity data, we have applied a time–temperature superposition approach to obtain from the relevant features of the Brillouin spectra the relaxation characteristics of the complex longitudinal elastic modulus. A mixed alkali effect is evidenced in the Brillouin scattering which occurs in the gigahertz range. We find a relaxation process that can be described by a Kohlrausch function with β ≈0.30 for single alkali compositions, but is narrower ( β ≈0.40) at the mixed alkali composition.
Integrated solutions for GSM terminals

GSM is the most successful operating digital cellular communications system. Over the past few years the cost of handsets has plummeted while performance and attractiveness have improved significantly. This is due to the advances in IC technology, integration and new architectural approaches. This paper reviews the GSM standard and considers those aspects most significant for terminal design. It describes the different approaches and trade-offs involved in the development of a modern handset implementation and their realization as a commercial chipset. The different functional blocks of a terminal are reviewed, and the design choices, process technologies and partitioning strategies most applicable for each stage are compared. Finally, a brief discussion of some future possibilities and opportunities for further development is presented.
Regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis by growth hormone during zebrafish auditory hair cell regeneration

Background In order to develop treatments or preventive measures for auditory hair cell loss, an understanding of both the process of auditory hair cell regeneration and factors that influence this process, is needed. Our previous microarray analysis showed that growth hormone (GH) was significantly upregulated during zebrafish auditory hair cell regeneration, coupled with cell proliferation [1,2]. We further tested the effects of GH on zebrafish auditory hair cell regeneration by injecting GH after sound exposure and found that GH can efficiently promote post-trauma auditory hair cell regeneration, which may be achieved through stimulating proliferation and suppressing apoptosis [3]. In the current study, we used Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to examine the possible GH pathways involved in zebrafish auditory hair cell regeneration.
Implementation of an open-loop control technique for high-speed micropositioning in a single-point diamond turning process

Abstract An investigation is undertaken to minimize residual vibrations associated with high-speed, low-amplitude machining processes. A numerically computed input signal allows the system to follow a desired output trajectory once an accurate dynamic model of the system is developed. Specific application of this method is focused on controlling tool motion while cutting micron depth surface features into a flat, rotating workpiece during a single-point diamond turning process. The synthesized input signal, applied open-loop, is used to eliminate transient surface features that are created by uncontrolled motion of the tool when it is plunged into the workpiece surface during the cutting process. Controlled and uncontrolled cuts are shown to demonstrate a significant improvement in resulting surface features.
Continuing education issues relating to pharmacists' morale: Demographic implications for programmers

Many issues affect the morale of pharmacists. Among theses issues are concerns relative to continuing education and selected demographic factors. A model of pharmacists' morale is proposed and tested. The selected CE issues, as contained in the survey sample of seven states, were positively correlated to the morale measurement model. Significant results of Chi Square tests of demographic factors and CE issues are addressed by discussing implications for CE programmers. Results indicate that the CE issues form an intergal part of pharmacists' morale and that the demographic factors do have impact implications for CE programmers. In the article closure the need is stressed for CE programmers to use statistical analysis to aid them in identifying differences in the CE issues that reflect the demographic situations.
Outlaws, barbarians, slaves: Critical reflections on Agamben’s homo sacer

Agamben’s political philosophy of state power as founded on the expulsion of outcasts, who are embraced as key components of the system precisely by virtue of their potential exclusion, strangely omits such cardinal and long-familiar figures of sociopolitical inequality as the slave and the barbarian. These are neglected despite how they, together, stare us in the face from the very same pages in Aristotle from which Agamben derives his theory of bare life, and despite their key historical role in imperial state ideology and in the formation of empires. Agamben instead resurrects the obscure figure of homo sacer , an ancient Roman form of outlaw interpreted as bare life, mainly for the purpose of rethinking and debating citizenship, exclusion, and the ruse of the “rule of law” in the modern Western state form. As a transhistorical-paradigmatic figure it leaves aside not only its obvious counterparts—slaves and barbarians (whose real-life referents, like homo sacer, are also both historical and contemporary)—but also the pre-state and pre-law excommunication of outcasts. In this article I discuss the historical and political anthropology of outcasts and outlaws, slaves, and barbarians, what is obscured by homo sacer, and what this “limit figure” can bring to light.
Nanoparticle delivery of an AKT/PDK1 inhibitor improves the therapeutic effect in pancreatic cancer

The K-ras mutation in pancreatic cancer can inhibit drug delivery and increase drug resistance. This is exemplified by the therapeutic effect of PH-427, a small molecule inhibitor of AKT/PDK1, which has shown a good therapeutic effect against a BxPC3 pancreatic cancer model that has K-ras, but has a poor therapeutic effect against a MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic cancer model with mutant K-ras. To increase the therapeutic effect of PH-427 against the MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic cancer model with mutant K-ras, we encapsulated PH-427 into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PNP) to form drug-loaded PH-427-PNP. PH-427 showed a biphasic release from PH-427-PNP over 30 days during studies in sodium phosphate buffer, and in vitro studies revealed that the PNP was rapidly internalized into MiaPaCa-2 tumor cells, suggesting that PNP can improve PH-427 delivery into cells harboring mutant K-ras. In vivo studies of an orthotopic MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic cancer model showed reduced tumor load with PH-427-PNP as compared with treatment using PH-427 alone or with no treatment. Ex vivo studies confirmed the in vivo results, suggesting that PNP can improve drug delivery to pancreatic cancer harboring mutant K-ras.
Effects of a child's death on the marital relationship: A preliminary study

Abstract This study examined the effects of a child's death on the parents' marital relationship. The participants were 20 couples who lost children in a variety of ways. The data collected through interviews were analyzed to determine common experiences among parents. Five themes were identified and discussed. They were fathers' concern and frustration about their wives' grief wives' anger over husbands' not sharing their grief, temporary halt in communication, loss of sexual intimacy, and general irritability between spouses. Implications for mental health professionals are discussed.