cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Persistent N-chirality as the only source of asymmetry in nonracemic N2PdCl2 complexes

The combination of prochiral 1,2-diamines, Pd(OAc)2, and (R)-K2-3,3‘-Me2BINOL leads to enantio- and diastereopure N2Pd(3,3‘-Me2BINOL) complexes. HCl removes the Me2BINOL resolving ligand and provides a family of enantiopure N2PdCl2 complexes whose only stereochemistry resides on the stereogenic nitrogen centers. In effect, nitrogen inversion (>105 s-1) is halted by metal coordination and utilized to generate enantiopure complexes. When the diamine substituents are relatively small, the N-chirality is stable; however, large substituents accelerate N-dissociation processes and concomitant racemization. Enantiopure N2Pd2+-Lewis acid catalysts can be generated for the Diels−Alder reaction, and although enantioselectivities are low (<25% ee), this is due to inefficient stereochemical transfer and not a degradation of the catalyst's chirality.
Low-temperature elastic properties of a 300-grade maraging steel

Elastic properties of an annealed 300-grade maraging steel (18 Ni, 9 Co, 5 Mo pct by weight) were studied between room temperature and liquid-helium temperature. Longi-tudinal and transverse ultrasonic velocities were determined by a pulse method. The re-ported elastic constants are: longitudinal modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, and Poisson’s ratio. Except for the bulk modulus, the room-temperature elas-tic constants are all lower than those of iron; and their temperature dependencies are regular in the studied temperature region.
Knowledge modeling directed by situation-specific models

Clancey (1992) proposed the model-construction framework as a way to explain the reasoning of knowledge-based systems (KBSs), based on his realization that all KBSs construct implicit or explicit situation-specificmodels(SSMs). An SSM is a rational argument that explains the solution produced for a specific problem situation pertaining to a target application task (e.g. SSMs constructed for typical diagnosis tasks are causal arguments having the structure of a proof). From a knowledge engineering perspective it makes sense that the notion of an SSM should play a major role in the modeling of tasks. Motivated by this view, we present a structured knowledge modeling methodology calledSSM-directed knowledge modeling(SSM-DKM). In SSM-DKM, an SSM is a central structure that drives the entire modeling endeavor. In light of this fact, we explain how SSM-DKM supports three main stages in the knowledge engineering process?conceptualization, formalization and validation and instantiation?and illustrate the application of SSM-DKM to a medical diagnosis task. The knowledge model that SSM-DKM produces for a target application task has two appealing traits. First, the model embodies explicit knowledge about the ontology of SSMs that the task entails creating as solutions, thus enabling the construction of a KBS that makes these SSMs explicit. Second, the model captures strategic (or problem-solving) knowledge in declarative terms pertaining to the ontology of SSMs created for the task. Both these beneficial traits have been illustrated in the context of ACE-SSM, a KBS architecture that constructs explicit SSMs (Benaroch, 1998).
Considering the Ordo as Pedagogical Context for Religious Education With Christian High School Youth

Abstract The Duke Youth Academy for Christian Formation attempts to join Freirean educational theory on contextual pedagogies with ancient Christian practices of the ordo toward the formation and theological education of Protestant Christian high school students. This article describes and reflects on the character and ultimately the success of this odd coupling. While attempting to demonstrate how the ordo as pedagogy may be made inviting to adolescent contexts and to evoke and value the particularities of their experiences, including their experiences of difference, this article also asserts that the ordo provides the additional benefit (sometimes absent from contextual pedagogies utilized by religious educators) of offering ample resources for theological formation, reflection, and construction.
Rapid lithiation of 1,1-difluoroalkenes

Abstract The dehydrofluorination reaction of trifluoroethoxy compounds to form 1,1-difluoroalkenes requires a two-fold excess of n-butyllithium. The initially formed alkene is rapidly lithiated by the reagent. Thus, when only one equivalent of base is used 50% of the difluoroalkene results along with 50% of starting material after quenching.
Case report: Congenital mesoblastic nephroma occurring in a solitary kidney

Congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN) is a rare tumour arising in early infancy. This is the first reported case of CMN arising in a solitary kidney. The literature and radiological features of CMN are reviewed.
Wiring Diagnostics Via $\ell_1$ -Regularized Least Squares

A new method for detecting and locating wiring damage using time domain reflectometry with arbitrary input interrogation signals is presented. This method employs existing l1 regularization techniques from convex optimization and compressed sensing to exploit sparsity in the distribution of faults along the length of a wire, while further generalizing and improving commonly used fault detection techniques based on sliding correlation and peak detection. The method's effectiveness is demonstrated using a simulated example, and it is shown how Monte Carlo techniques are used to tune it to achieve specific detection goals, like a certain false positive error rate. Furthermore, the method is easily implemented by adapting readily available optimization algorithms to quickly solve large, high resolution, versions of this estimation problem. Finally, the technique is applied to a real data set, which reveals its impressive ability to identify a subtle type of chafing damage on real wire.
The Competitive α-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methylisoxazole-4-Propionate Receptor Antagonist LY293558 Attenuates and Reverses Analgesic Tolerance to Morphine But Not to Delta or Kappa Opioids

Antagonists of the NMDA type of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor attenuate or reverse the development of tolerance to the analgesic effects of the mu opioid agonist morphine, the delta -1 opioid agonist DPDPE but not the kappa -1 agonist U50,488H or the kappa -3 agonist naloxone benzoylhydrazone. The role of the AMPA subtype of EAA receptor in analgesic tolerance was examined using LY293558, a selective competitive antagonist that is active after systemic administration. Administration of morphine, DPDPE, or U50,488H three times daily for 3 days according to an escalating dosing schedule resulted in analgesic tolerance as indicated by an increase in analgesic ED50values using the tail-flick test in mice. Analgesic tolerance was attenuated when mice received a continuous subcutaneous infusion of LY293558 at doses of 30, 45 or 60 mg/kg/24 hr via an osmotic pump concurrent with the morphine treatment. Continuous subcutaneous infusion of LY293558 (45 mg/kg/24 hr) also reversed established morphine tolerance. In contrast, continuous subcutaneous infusion of the highest dose of LY293558 (60 mg/kg/24 hr) was ineffective in preventing the development of analgesic tolerance to DPDPE or U50,488H. Continuous subcutaneous infusion of LY293558 (60 mg/kg/24 hr) for 3 days protected mice from generalized convulsions produced by the selective AMPA agonist ATPA, indicating that the dosage of LY293558 that attenuated morphine tolerance was effective as an antagonist at AMPA receptors. These results demonstrate that AMPA receptors may play a role in the development and maintenance of morphine, but not DPDPE or U50,488H, analgesic tolerance.
Synthetic Methionine and Feed Restriction Effects on Performance and Meat Quality of Organically Reared Broiler Chickens

SUMMARY Nutritionists have been challenged to find alternatives to synthetic methionine use in organic broiler diet formulation. Data do not exist on the ability of commercial broilers to partially meet amino acid requirements by foraging. In the current study, diets were formulated to include or preclude synthetic methionine (analyzed dietary methionine = 0.40 and 0.36%, respectively). Foraging ability was assessed by implementing 2 feeding strategies (ad libitum and restrictive feed access). The objectives of the study were 1) to determine performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality effects of organically reared broilers fed diets with and without synthetic methionine and 2) to assess these variables when feeding strategies were modified to encourage foraging. Experimentation focused on broilers in the 3-to-8-wk growing phase and was conducted during 2 different times of the year (summer and fall). During the 0-to-3-wk starter phase, all diets contained synthetic methionine. The time of year and associated environmental conditions were observed to have an effect on feed intake and subsequent performance and carcass quality. Broilers reared in summer and fed diets without synthetic methionine demonstrated trends toward decreased gain to feed ratio and breast yield compared with broilers fed diets that included synthetic methionine. These trends did not exist for broilers reared in fall that had comparably increased feed intake. However, suggested growth impairments and compensatory feed intake associated with a marginal methionine deficiency were largely overcome by bird foraging. Feed restriction was shown to be an effective strategy to increase commercial broiler forage intake.
SDP-based IP and Multimedia real time communications integration with vehicle remote monitoring, monitoring and emergency systems

Many ITS communications system can greatly benefit from multimedia services like RTC (real time communications) and multimedia services, including multimedia messaging, streaming, VoIP and push to talk. This paper describes a solution based on VoIP, multimedia messaging integrated via SOA on a service delivery platform and deployed in vehicle. In particular we discuss how using a service layer IT approach based on a SDP the following aspects: VoIP over wireless and cellular networks, secure multimedia service via VPN over such networks and continuity across wireless, networks and off coverage spots. The solutions have been demonstrated in real life proof of concept deployments of demo vehicles.
Passively generated high repetition rate pulse bursts using a fiber laser with a polarization maintaining section

Pulse bursts of sub-THz rates are passively generated in a mode locked fiber laser. Repetition rates are controlled by the differential group delay of an intra cavity polarization maintaining fiber. Simulations and experiments are reported.
Development and Validation of a Multiplex Microsphere-Based Assay for Detection of Domestic Cat (Felis catus) Cytokines

Cytokines are essential signaling molecules that mediate the innate immune response, and therefore their presence can be of diagnostic, prognostic, and pathogenic significance. Microsphere-based immunoassays allow rapid and accurate evaluation of cytokine levels in several species, including humans, dogs, and mice; however, technology to evaluate domestic cat (Felis catus) cytokines has been limited to single-analyte enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Microsphere-based immunoassays provide an attractive alternative technology for detecting and quantifying multiple analytes in a single assay using as little as 50 μl of sample. We describe the development and validation of a microsphere-based assay for three commonly analyzed domestic cat cytokines (gamma interferon, interleukin-10, and interleukin-12/interleukin-23 p40) using reagents from commercially available ELISAs. The assay was optimized for capture and detection antibody concentrations, streptavidin-phycoerythrin concentration, and number of microspheres. The validated lower and upper quantitation limits were 31 and 1,000 pg/ml for gamma interferon, 63 and 2,000 pg/ml for interleukin-10, and 39 and 625 pg/ml for interleukin-12/interleukin-23 p40. Cytokine concentrations in peripheral blood mononuclear cell supernatants were measured, and results obtained by the microsphere assay were correlated with values obtained with commercially available ELISA kits. This technology is a convenient and reproducible assay to evaluate domestic cat cytokine responses elicited by a variety of diseases.
Experiments with windshields for precipitation gages

Under cooperative encouragement from several Federal agencies, the Engineering Experiment Station of the University of Idaho has been studying the principles, development, and use of high-altitude precipitation gages. A low-speed wind tunnel has been used to study the effect of wind on the catching characteristics of model storage precipitation gages. A snow storm was simulated with sawdust, and various gage designs without windshields and with different type windshields were studied. Special techniques with photography were used to evaluate the value and improvement in performance of various windshield designs. Field studies have also been conducted at two remote mountain locations on prototype gages and shields similar to those studied in the laboratory. Results indicate reductions in catch due to the action of Winds, and new shields proposed for use are showing an improvement in the consistency of catch both in studies in the wind-tunnel and in the field.
Interleukin-12 and host defense against murine Pneumocystis pneumonia.

Pulmonary infection with the fungal pathogen Pneumocystis jirovecii was one of the first recognized complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (35). With antimicrobial prophylaxis and the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of Pneumocystis pneumonia has declined (40). However, infection with Pneumocystis remains a serious clinical problem among HIV-infected persons and is often the first manifestation of otherwise unrecognized HIV infection (32). Furthermore, recent epidemiologic data indicate an increasing prevalence of Pneumocystis isolates with mutations in genes associated with sulfa antibiotic resistance (25, 38). The clinical relevance of these mutations is unclear, but they correlate with an increased need for mechanical ventilation and mortality from Pneumocystis pneumonia (10). The emergence of Pneumocystis strains potentially resistant to commonly used antibiotics highlights the limitations of conventional antibiotic therapy of infection and underscores the need for new modes of therapy. Our laboratory has a long-standing interest in strategies to augment host defense mechanisms naturally operative against Pneumocystis infection. In a murine model of infection with Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. muris (hereafter referred to as Pneumocystis carinii), we have shown that aerosol delivery of the cytokine and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) (2) or pulmonary delivery of the IFN-γ gene in vivo (30) can restore host defenses against this infection, even in immunosuppressed mice depleted of CD4+ T lymphocytes. The therapeutic effect of cytokine therapy with IFN-γ is associated with increased recruitment into lung tissue of inflammatory cells, particularly CD8+ T lymphocytes (30). Production of IFN-γ is critically dependent upon another cytokine, interleukin-12 (IL-12). IL-12 has been shown to stimulate the development of lymphocytes of the Th1 class (34) and to induce the production of IFN-γ from mouse Th1 clones (21) and from natural killer (NK) cells (31). IL-12 synergizes with IL-18 to enhance production of IFN-γ, in part through increased expression of the IL-18 receptor (41). There is little information available regarding the role of IL-12 in host defense against Pneumocystis. The link between IL-12 and IFN-γ also stimulated our interest in IL-12 as a possible therapy for Pneumocystis infection. Treatment with IL-12 has been employed by other investigators to enhance immune responses to a variety of infectious pathogens (7, 17, 23, 24, 26, 28), not including P. carinii. In this paper, we investigate IL-12 as part of the host response to murine Pneumocystis pneumonia and as a potential immunoadjuvant therapy. Specifically, we asked whether release of IL-12 in lung tissue is part of the normal host response to this infection, whether local treatment with IL-12 can accelerate clearance of infection in normal mice, and whether gene transfer of IL-12 can restore clearance of infection in immunosuppressed mice. (Data were presented in part at the International Conference of the American Thoracic Society, Seattle, WA, May 2003.)
The influence of topology on hydraulic conductivity in a sand-and-gravel aquifer.

A field experiment consisting of geophysical logging and tracer testing was conducted in a single well that penetrated a sand-and-gravel aquifer at the U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology research site on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Geophysical logs and flowmeter/pumping measurements were obtained to estimate vertical profiles of porosity ϕ, hydraulic conductivity K, temperature, and bulk electrical conductivity under background, freshwater conditions. Saline-tracer fluid was then injected into the well for 2 h and its radial migration into the surrounding deposits was monitored by recording an electromagnetic-induction log every 10 min. The field data are analyzed and interpreted primarily through the use of Archie’s (1942) law to investigate the role of topological factors such as pore geometry and connectivity, and grain size and packing configuration in regulating fluid flow through these coarse-grained materials. The logs reveal no significant correlation between K and ϕ, and imply that groundwater models that link these two properties may not be useful at this site. Rather, it is the distribution and connectivity of the fluid phase as defined by formation factor F, cementation index m, and tortuosity α that primarily control the hydraulic conductivity. Results show that F correlates well with K, thereby indicating that induction logs provide qualitative information on the distribution of hydraulic conductivity. A comparison of α, which incorporates porosity data, with K produces only a slightly better correlation and further emphasizes the weak influence of the bulk value of ϕ on K.
In the "I" of the storm: Shared initials increase disaster donations

People prefer their own initials to other letters, influencing preferences in many domains. The “name letter effect” (Nuttin, 1987) may not apply to negatively valenced targets if people are motivated to downplay or distance themselves from negative targets associated with the self, as previous research has shown (e.g., Finch & Cialdini, 1989). In the current research we examine the relationship between same initial preferences and negatively valenced stimuli. Specifically, we examined donations to disaster relief after seven major hurricanes to test the influence of the name letter effect with negatively valenced targets. Individuals who shared an initial with the hurricane name were overrepresented among hurricane relief donors relative to the baseline distribution of initials in the donor population. This finding suggests that people may seek to ameliorate the negative effects of a disaster when there are shared characteristics between the disaster and the self.
Environmental Reviews and Case Studies: A Method for Preparing for and Executing Conflict of Interest Assessments

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations stipulate that when an agency opts to have a private contractor prepare an environmental impact statement, contractor selection should be conducted in such a way as to avoid conflicts of interest (COIs) that might adversely affect the integrity of the NEPA process. The goal is to ensure an unbiased, credible, and defensible environmental impact statement that supports public and transparent decision making. The contractor is responsible for executing a COI disclosure statement prepared by the agency, stating that the contractor has “no financial or other interest” in the outcome of the project. Because determining freedom from COIs after the fact may be difficult, private NEPA contractors should proactively collect information that supports a broad COI analysis of all aspects of their business models, taking into consideration requirements from other regulations that may govern a specific contractor/agency relationship.Environmental Practice 12:168–174 (2010)
Examining and Analyzing Subcellular Morphology of Renal Tissue Treated by Histotripsy

Abstract Our recent studies have shown that high-intensity pulsed ultrasound can achieve mechanical tissue fragmentation, a process we call histotripsy. Histotripsy has many medical applications where noninvasive tissue removal or significant tissue disruption is needed (e.g., cancer therapy). The primary aim of this study is to investigate tissue regions treated by histotripsy and to characterize the boundary between the treated and untreated zones using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nature of the tissue disruption suggests many clinical applications and provides insights on the physical mechanism of histotripsy. Fresh ex vivo porcine kidney tissues were treated using histotripsy. A 1 MHz 100 mm diameter focused transducer was used to deliver 15 cycle histotripsy pulses at a peak negative pressure of 17 MPa and a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 100 Hz. Each lesion was produced by a 3 × 3 (lateral) × 4 (axial) grid with 2 mm between adjacent lateral and 3 mm between axial exposure points using mechanical scanning. Two thousand pulses were applied to each exposure point to achieve tissue fragmentation. After treatment, the tissue was processed and examined using TEM. Extensive fragmentation of the tissues treated with histotripsy was achieved. TEM micrographs of the tissue treated by histotripsy, showing no recognizable cellular features and little recognizable subcellular structures, demonstrates the efficacy of this technique in ablating the targeted tissue regions. A boundary, or transition zone, of a few microns separated the affected and unaffected areas, demonstrating the precision of histotripsy tissue targeting. TEM micrographs of the tissue treated by histotripsy showed no discernable cellular structure within the treated region. Histotripsy can minimize fragmentation of the adjoining nontargeted tissues because, as a nonlinear threshold phenomenon, damage can be highly localized. The potential for high lesion precision is evident in the TEM micrographs. (E-mail: fwinterr@umich.edu )
Schooling and environmental education: Contradictions in purpose and practice

A number of authors have observed a pronounced discrepancy between the problem‐solving and action‐oriented goals associated with the contemporary philosophy of environmental education and an emphas...
Diet overlap and consumption patterns suggest seasonal flux in the likelihood for exploitative competition among piscivorous fishes

– Competition, both intraspecific and interspecific, among piscivorous fishes (predators) may be more pronounced in reservoirs because of the artificial nature of these systems and the continuous anthropogenic influences that may not allow natural processes to regulate their densities. Most studies attempting to measure the extent of competition are based on predator–prey balance indices that are annual snapshots and do not account for seasonal changes. We sought to identify times during the year when intra- and interspecific exploitative competition for prey was most likely among dominant predators in a large reservoir of the south-eastern United States. The possibility of interspecific competition was measured by examining the seasonal extent of diet overlap based on samples of stomach contents. The likelihood or severity of this competition was indexed by how well predators met their energy needs. We found predators were realising less of their energy requirements during spring and autumn, and diet analyses showed predators overlapped substantially in their use of prey during those seasons. Thus, exploitative competition was most likely or severe during spring and autumn; furthermore, this competition had the potential to be interspecific as evidenced by resource overlap. Resumen 1. La competicion intra- e inter-especifica entre peces piscivoros (i.e., predadores) puede ser mas pronunciada en embalses dada la naturaleza artificial de estos sistemas y la continua influencia antropogenica que pueden no permitir que los procesos naturales regulen sus densidades. La mayor parte de los estudios que han intentado medir esta competicion se basan en indices de balance predador-presa que solo representan imagenes anuales y no incluyen cambios estacionales. Buscamos identificar los momentos del ano en los que la competicion intra- e inter-especifica por las presas es mas probable entre los predadores dominantes de un embalse de grandes dimensiones del sur-este de los Estados Unidos. La posibilidad de competicion inter-especifica fue medida examinando el solapamiento alimenticio estacional basado en muestreos de contenidos estomacales. La probabilidad o severidad de esta competicion fue cuantificada sobre el nivel en el que los predadores satisficieron sus demandas energeticas. 2. Encontramos que los predadores realizaron menos sus demandas energeticas durante la primavera y el otono y los analisis de las dietas mostraron que los predadores solaparon substancialmente el uso de las presas durante estas dos estaciones. Asi, la competicion es mas probable o mas severa durante la primavera y el otono. Ademas, esta competicion tuvo el potencial de ser inter-especifica como lo puso de manifiesto el solapamiento en el uso de los recursos
Interaction of Major Group Rhinoviruses with Their Cellular Receptor, ICAM-1

The first step in the virus life cycle is the interaction between the virus and the cellular receptor. This interaction is a significant determinant of pathogenesis. For picornaviruses, the best studied virus-receptor interaction has been that of the major group rhinoviruses and their cellular receptor, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, CD54). Later, following the structure determination of rhinovirus, the receptor for the major group of rhinoviruses was identified as ICAM-1. It should be informative to examine the features of a receptor and a virus that use this canyon strategy for attachment and entry. This chapter looks at a well-studied example of this interaction at a structural level, the interaction of the major group rhinoviruses with their cellular receptor, ICAM-1. Molecular genetic and structural studies have demonstrated that rhinoviruses bind to domain D1 of ICAM-1. A major tenet of the canyon hypothesis suggested that the receptor would bind in the crevice that surrounds each of the fivefold vertices. This was supported by molecular genetic studies in which residues that line the floor of the canyon in rhinovirus 14 (HRV14) were mutated and the resulting virus particles had altered levels of receptor binding. The electron density values for D1D2 were nearly identical to those of the virus, indicating a nearly complete saturation of all of the 60 available binding sites on the virion. The association of ICAM-1 with HRV3 was slow compared with other protein-protein interactions, suggesting that the receptor may have a difficult time penetrating the canyon and making the correct contacts.
Challenges and Opportunities in U.S. Immigrant Detention Policy Reform: Addressing the Need for Legally Enforceable Standards to Protect Human Rights

In recent years, immigrant rights advocates have criticized certain policies of the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) system of immigration detention, including the widespread use of private contractors, the lack of proper oversight, the grouping of violent criminals and non-violent undocumented immigrants (particularly minority women and children) in holding cells, and the neglect of detained immigrants in need of medical attention. In reviewing these developments, I contend that the Obama administration must take more substantive steps towards reforming the existing system, particularly by instituting legally enforceable standards with penalties for performance failures, moving away from private contractors, and applying effective rulemaking for better long-term management and monitoring of U.S. detention facilities.
Tiebout and Tax Revolts: Did Serrano Really Cause Proposition 13?

The authors look at the causes of California property tax limit Proposition 13 and say that it was not caused by public reaction to the California Supreme Court's Serrano decision, which required school funding equalization. The California Legislature failed to approve a property tax relief measure that could compete with Proposition 13 because lawmakers did not want to bankrupt local governments, the authors write.
The influence of drinking motives on hookah use frequency among young multi-substance users.

The present work examined the influence of drinking motives on hookah use frequency among individuals reporting both alcohol and hookah use (multi-substance users). Despite growing documentation of cross-substance effects between motives and substance use, limited research has examined these relationships specifically with respect to hookah use. Participants were 134 (75.37 % female) hookah and alcohol users, aged 18–47 years (M = 22.17, SD = 3.66) who completed measures of substance use, drinking motives, and reported demographic information. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to investigate the predictive value of drinking motives on hookah use frequency, age taken into account. Findings showed that hookah use was negatively associated with age (β = − .22, p ≤ . 01). The model regressing hookah use on the four drinking motives provided adequate fit (χ 2 = 314.31, df = 180, p < .05, CFI = .92, RMSEA = .075 [95 % CI, .06–.09]). Hookah use was associated negatively with social motives (β = − .43, p ≤ . 001) and positively with conformity motives (β = .24, p ≤ . 05). These findings are consistent with multi-substance use literature suggesting that drinking motives are associated with the use of other substances, including increased hookah use frequency. Additional examinations of cross-substance cognitive processes are needed, particularly with respect to understanding whether hookah use among multi-substance users may be contingent in part on individual factors including negative affectivity.
Travel Trade-Offs for Scientists

I recently returned from the annual meeting of the Ecological Society of America (ESA), my principal scientific society. This year's conference theme was “Global Warming: The legacy of our past, the challenge for our future.” Roughly 4000 scientists attended from countries around the world to discuss the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on ecosystems and species. In so doing, we likely emitted more than 1000 tons of CO2 ([ 1 ][1]). We are not alone. Other scientific societies, such as the American Geophysical Union and AAAS, also focus on climate change while holding large annual conferences. ESA purchased $5 of carbon offsets for every attendee and implemented other green measures, but these measures do not go far enough. Almost certainly, as individuals, scientists are responsible for an order of magnitude more greenhouse gas emissions than the average global citizen, in large part due to travel associated with our scientific interactions, presentations, and service to the scientific community ([ 2 ][2]). We warn about the serious consequences of “business as usual,” yet we ourselves have failed to make necessary changes. Science funding agencies and scientific societies should be the leaders in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from travel. There is undeniably great value in personal interactions at scientific meetings; scientists should explore ways to facilitate those productive collaborations without requiring travel. Science funding agencies can develop technological solutions to substitute for face-to-face panels and committee meetings. Social scientists can focus on maximizing our effectiveness in scientific interactions over video teleconferencing. Funding agencies can encourage proposals that incorporate videoconferencing equipment, rather than large travel budgets. Scientific societies can develop strategies for less frequent national meetings, perhaps alternating with regional meetings, and advancing Web conferencing models. Scientists must lead the charge against “business as usual” by demonstrating a different way of doing business. The technology is available, and it is time for us to find ways to promote scientific progress without contributing so substantially to the climate change problem we study. 1. [↵][3] Based on the ESA conference attendance list, I estimate that attendees traveled a total of about 8 million miles. I used the [carbonfund.org][4] carbon calculator to convert this estimated mileage to CO2 emissions. 2. [↵][5] American Association for the Advancement of Science, “AAAS Board Statement on Climate Change” (2006); [www.aaas.org/news/press\_room/climate\_change/mtg\_200702/aaas\_climate_statement.pdf][6]. [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-2 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [4]: http://carbonfund.org [5]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2 in text" [6]: http://www.aaas.org/news/press_room/climate_change/mtg_200702/aaas_climate_statement.pdf
Identification, Transmission, and Partial Characterization of a Previously Undescribed Flexivirus Causing a Mosaic Disease of Ash (Fraxinus spp.) in the USA

A previously undescribed virus with flexuous filamentous particles 720 nm in length was associated with a mosaic disease of ash (Fraxinus spp.) occurring in Minnesota, Ohio, New York, and Illinois. The virus was initially identified in white ash in Minnesota and named white ash mosaic virus (WAMV), but also occurred naturally in green, black, and blue ash. The virus was transmitted readily by mechanical inoculation and was determined to be the causal agent of the disease. It infected only ash, and was not transmitted through seed or by Myzus persicae. The virus has a ssRNA genome of approximately 9.0 kb and a capsid protein of ~34 kDa based on electrophoretic analysis. One partial and five complete putative ORFs most similar in size, arrangement, and amino acid sequence to the corresponding genomic regions of flexiviruses were identified in a 5227 nt 3’ terminal fragment of the WAMV genome (GenBank accession no. GU906791.1). However, the relatively low levels (27-59%) of amino acid sequence identity suggests that WAMV is not related closely to any known member of the family Flexiviridae. White ash mosaic virus was identified in Minnesota in black ash trees showing symptoms of ash decline, a syndrome of wide occurrence and possible multiple etiology. Antibody and PCR-based protocols were developed for reliable detection of WAMV in ash and will be made available upon request.
Solution for the height hopping issue on multi radar data fusion

Track height hopping is often happened in air traffic control surveillance technology,causing signal loss and conflict alerts on multi radar tracking and data fusion. For this type of failure,this paper analyzes the causes,and puts forward three schemes to improve: to decide the signal quality by using statistical theory and distribute the dynamic weight based on the weight of track distance and orientation,to change the blind filter criteria to track signal credibility,and to expand the discriminant information on automation system by using the memory funcion in the α- β filtering algorithm. The above three schemes can adjust the automation system tracking and data fusion method. Tested by the verification platform,the problem is solved in the end. Therefore,the improvement method is feasible.
Adult Consequences of Bully Victimization: Are Children or Adolescents More Vulnerable to the Victimization Experience?

Although evidence exists that bully victimizations are related to a range of negative outcomes later in the life course, existing research has largely ignored the timing of the victimization experience. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, the present study uses propensity score matching to investigate the adult consequences of victims experiencing repeated bullying in childhood, adolescence, or both developmental periods. Individuals victimized as children reported higher instances of arrests, convictions, violence, and substance use than child nonvictims. The results point to the importance of implementing effective prevention programs early in the life course.
Kinetics of high-affinity Ca2+ sequestration in permeabilized rat pancreatic acini.

Energy-dependent subcellular Ca2+ sequestration was studied in the presence of ruthenium red using rat pancreatic acini, which had been permeabilized by exposure to medium nominally free of Ca2+. The initial rate of Ca2+ uptake (approximately 2,800 pmol.min-1.mg acinar protein-1) quickly slowed, and a mean steady-state Ca2+ content of approximately 3,000 pmol/mg was reached after 5-10 min of incubation at 37 degrees C. Ca2+ uptake was stimulated by submicromolar Ca2+ concentrations (K0.5 = 156 nM); required Mg2+-ATP (K0.5 = 0.78 mM) was greatest at a pH of 7.0 and was abolished by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Other nucleotide phosphates as well as p-nitrophenylphosphate were relatively poor substrates, supporting Ca2+ uptake at initial rates that were 6-14% of those measured in the presence of ATP. These results show that pancreatic acini permeabilized without detergents possess a nonmitochondrial Ca2+ transporting system not located in the plasma membrane but with the properties expected of a major regulator of acinar cytosolic Ca2+ concentration.
Redefining QoS and customizing the power management policy to satisfy individual mobile users

Delivering an excellent use experience to the customers is the top challenge faced by today's mobile device designers and producers. There have been multiple studies on achieving the good trade-offs between QoS and energy to enhance the user experience, however, they generally lack a comprehensive and accurate understanding of QoS, and ignore the fact that each individual user has his/her own preference between QoS and energy. In this study, we overcome these two drawbacks and propose a customized power management policy that dynamically configures the mobile platform to achieve the user-specific optimal QoS and energy trade-offs and hence, satisfy each individual mobile user. We first introduce a novel and comprehensive definition of QoS, and propose the accurate QoS measurement and management methodologies. We then observe that user's personality greatly determines his/her preferences between QoS and energy, and propose an online personality-guided user satisfaction prediction model based on the QoS and energy, guided by the user personality inferred from his/her device usage history. Our validation proves our model can achieve very high prediction accuracy. Finally, we propose our customized power management policy based on the prediction model for individual users. The experiment results show that our technique can improve the user experience by around 36% compared with the state-of-the-art power management policies.
Bevacizumab for Treatment-Refractory Pain Control in Neurofibromatosis Patients.

Objective: Chronic pain is a well-known morbidity associated with neurofibromatosis (NF) for which better therapies are needed. Surgery, radiation, and pain medications have been utilized, but often fail to relieve debilitating pain. One patient at our institution was noted to have near complete resolution of pain after treatment with bevacizumab for progressive neurologic deficit associated with NF2, suggesting its potential as an effective pain control method. We aim to better characterize the use of bevacizumab for pain control in this subset of patients. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 38 NF patients treated at our institution. Results: Of the 38 total NF patients, we found that 63% reported chronic pain, with 18% reporting chronic opiate usage. Nine patients with chronic pain were considered for bevacizumab treatment and five went on to receive infusions. Of these patients, four out of five had previous surgical debulking and two out of five had previous radiation for attempted pain control. One patient had a lesion not amenable to surgery or radiation. Patients received a median of 13 cycles of bevacizumab, and four out of five patients reported a decrease in subjective pain. All patients that had pain relief had a relapse of pain symptoms when the dose was reduced or infusions were paused. Seventy-five percent were able to decrease opiate use. No major complications were noted. All five patients have elected to continue infusions for pain control. Conclusion: Bevacizumab was, in general, well tolerated and should be considered as a treatment option in NF patients with chronic pain refractory or not amenable to surgical decompression and debulking, radiation, and pain medication.
Pyridinic-N groups and ultramicropore nanoreactors enhance CO2 electrochemical reduction on porous carbon catalysts

Abstract Wood-based activated carbons, as received and modified by introduction of nitrogen and/or oxidation, were studied as CO 2 electrochemical reduction reaction (CO 2 ERR) catalysts. The carbons have similar pore structures but they differ significantly in surface chemistry. An electrochemical reduction process applied to the surface before CO 2 reduction increased their catalytic performance. On the carbons tested Faradaic efficiency for CO formation reached 40% and methane formation − 1.2% at −0.66 V vs. RHE. The high efficiency for the CO formation was linked mainly to positively charged carbon close to pyridinic nitrogen, which stabilizes CO 2 − intermediate in the pore system. On the other hand, the results indicate that quaternary nitrogen is less influential and it is less affected by the reduction process. N-oxides outside the ring (C N + O − ) were also found as active sites for CO 2 ERR. Hydrogen evolution reaction and CO 2 ERR compete for these active sites. Owing to the specific texture of nanoporous carbon, Faradaic reactions might not be a unique mechanism of CH 4 formation. It is also possible that CO, upon strong adsorption in ultramicropores of sizes less than 0.7 nm combines there with adsorbed H 2 from water reduction resulting in the formation of methane. Thus, the ultramicropores can be considered as pseudo Fisher-Tropsch nanoreactors. The results also indicate that the acidic surface of the catalysts increases the overpotential of the maximum Faradaic efficiency of either CO or CH 4 formation.
Acute retrograde type A aortic dissection: morphologic analysis and clinical implications.

Abstract Background This study compares the morphology and outcomes of acute retrograde type A dissections (RTADs) with acute antegrade type A dissections (ATADs), and acute type B dissections. Materials and methods From 2000 to 2016, there were 12 acute RTADs, 96 ATADs, and 92 type B dissections with available imaging. Dissections were characterized using computerized tomography angiography images. We examined clinical features, tear characteristics, and various morphologic measurements. Results Compared with acute type B dissections, RTAD primary tears were more common in the distal arch (75% versus 43%, P = 0.04), and the false-to-true lumen contrast intensity ratio at the mid-descending thoracic aorta was lower (0.46 versus 0.71, P = 0.020). RTAD had less false lumen decompression because there were fewer aortic branch vessels distal to the subclavian that were perfused through the false lumen (0.40 versus 2.19, P Conclusions RTAD tends to occur when primary tears occur in close proximity to the aortic arch and when false lumen decompression through the distal aortic branches are less effective. Compared with ATAD, RTAD has less root involvement, and successful aortic valve resuspension is more likely.
Discrete-particle simulations of cohesive granular flow using a square-well potential

In the present study, rapid granular flows with attractive inter-particle forces are investigated. In particular, cohesive forces are incorporated into hard-sphere (molecular dynamics) simulations via a square-well potential. The square-well potential treats cohesive forces as both binary and instantaneous. For simple shear flows, an investigation of the input parameter space indicates that two distinct flow regimes are present. For relatively large cohesive forces, the formation of a large, single agglomerate is observed. For moderate cohesive forces, the sheared system is composed of mostly 2-particle, dynamic agglomerates that are fairly evenly distributed throughout the domain. Furthermore, the results for this latter regime indicate that cohesion attenuates the magnitude of the stress components at higher solids fractions (in the collisional regime) as compared to the non-cohesive case. At lower solids fractions (kinetic regime), however the presence of cohesive forces has little impact on the observed stress.
Work that Matters

In this chapter, we will discuss how the Wagner College Port Richmond Partnership Leadership Academy is one example of how a liberal arts institution can have a public and moral purpose. The Leadership Academy is a case study of how effective community partnership can serve as a point of intervention in the lives of high school students from a disinvested neighborhood. We argue that programs such as these give a public and moral purpose to higher education at a time when the general public has asked, with skepticism, about the value of a liberal arts education.
Model Reduction of Linear Discrete-Time Periodic Systems Using Hankel-Norm Approximations

Abstract In this paper we study model reduction of discrete-time periodic systems using Hankel-norm approximation. We review some ancillary results from the linear discrete time-invariant and discrete-time periodic systems. Then, we introduce a direct approach of Hankel-norm approximations for linear discrete time-invariant systems. Further, we extend the results to the linear discrete-time periodic systems. Simulation results show that the Hankel-norm approximation for discrete-time periodic systems has the desired error bounds. The balanced periodic system is obtained by solving the Lyapunov equations using recently proposed methods.
Dielectric and Ferroelectric Properties in Highly Substituted Bi2Sr(A)TiNb2O12 (A = Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+) Aurivillius Phases

Structure–property relationships were determined for the family of three-layer Aurivillius materials Bi2Sr(A)TiNb2O12 (A = Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+). X-ray and neutron diffraction along with selected area electron diffraction indicate that Bi2SrBaTiNb2O12 crystallizes in the nonpolar I4/mmm space group, whereas the polar B2cb space group best describes Bi2SrCaTiNb2O12 and Bi2Sr2TiNb2O12. Despite the different space groups, all three compositions show relaxor behavior as evidenced through P(E) and dielectric measurements. These relaxor properties are derived from the extensive amount of disorder in each composition that is found at every cationic crystallographic site and do not depend on the space group. This disorder is so extensive that it disrupts the ferroelectric properties allowed by symmetry in the B2cb space group. This work demonstrates the important role of cation substitution and site disorder in these three-layered Aurivillius materials and its significant effect on both ferroelectric and dielectric p...
FailureSim: A System for Predicting Hardware Failures in Cloud Data Centers Using Neural Networks

Hardware failures in cloud data centers may cause substantial losses to cloud providers and cloud users. Therefore, the ability to accurately predict when failures occur is of paramount importance. In this paper, we present FailureSim, a simulator based on CloudSim that supports failure prediction. FailureSim obtains performance related information from the cloud and classifies the status of the hardware using a neural network. Performance information is read from hosting hardware and stored in a variable length windowing vector. At specified stages, various aggregation methods are applied to the windowing vector to obtain a single vector that is fed as input to the trained classification algorithm. Using conservative host failure behavior models, FailureSim was able to successfully predict host failure in the cloud with roughly 89% accuracy.