cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha downregulates protein S secretion in human microvascular and umbilical vein endothelial cells but not in the HepG- 2 hepatoma cell line

Protein S deficiency, which is associated with thrombosis, can either be inherited or acquired. Recently, we reported that a decrease in free protein S was observed in 19 of 25 persons with HIV/AIDS. The proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), has been reported to be elevated in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients and has been shown to induce a procoagulant state on the surface of endothelial cells. We report here that recombinant TNF-alpha (rTNF-alpha) downregulated protein S synthesis in the SV-40T transfected human microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC-1) model system by approximately 70% and in primary human umbilical vein and dermal microvascular endothelial cell cultures by approximately 50%. Using the HMEC-1 model, Northern blot analysis showed a decrease in protein S RNA at 24 hours that was corroborated by Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) quantification. Evidence supporting the specificity of the TNF-alpha effect included the following: (1) TNF-alpha down-regulation of protein S was completely blocked by TNF neutralizing antibody; (2) the effect was transient, and protein S was restored to near normal levels after TNF was removed from cell cultures; (3) an antibody directed to the TNF RI (55-kD receptor) was shown to mimic the action of TNF-alpha on HMEC-1 cells; and (4) other proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and TGF-beta, had no effect on protein S secretion. However, TNF-alpha showed no regulatory control over protein S synthesis in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG-2. We suggest that TNF-alpha downregulation of protein S may be a mechanism for localized procoagulant activity and thrombosis recently reported in some AIDS patients with associated protein S deficiency.
The Mathematics of the Casimir Effect

Introduction In 1948 H. G. B. Casimir, a mathematical physicist, made a rather startling prediction. He calculated from the theory of quantum electrodynamics that if two massless, perfectly-reflecting plane mirrors were positioned parallel to each other a short distance apart at zero temperature, in a perfect vacuum, then there would arise between them a force of attraction inversely proportional to the fourth power of their separation. The force would be due solely to the interaction of the plates with the vacuum of space [1]. That the vacuum could exert a force on anything came as a bit of a surprise to most physicists. (To mathematicians it must sound like just another one of those incoherent ramblings usually attributed to physicists.) In fact, many physicists at first simply dismissed what has become known as the Casimir effect as patent nonsense; but that was before, when, in the mid-1950's, the effect was verified in a series of precision experiments. (Two gold mirrors are actually suspended a few microns apart and the force measured directly.) The numbers agreed with those predicted by Casimir-right on the button. (A discussion of this and other odd properties of the vacuum is given in [2].) But what does this all have to do with -mathematics? In Casimir's original theoretical calculation there comes a point when one must compare an improper integral Jf to an infinite series Yf, where the finctional form of f is the same in both cases. In particular one needs to know Efff in order to arrive at a final numerical result. It turns out that there are two very nice formulas from classical analysis which will do the trick; one is due to Euler and Maclaurin, and the other attributed to the two mathematicians Abel and Plana. In the course, then, of discussing some interesting physics and some beautiful mathematics I hope to convey the idea that it is possible for a few people (such as a humble mathematical physicist like myself) to do and to enjoy doing both.
Neonatal back transport: perspectives from parents of Medicaid-insured infants and providers.

Purpose To examine parents' and health care providers' perceptions of back transport from a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit to a community hospital. Design Qualitative, hypothesis-generating, cross-sectional study utilizing focus group methodology. Sample Participants included 12 parents of back-transported infants insured by Medicaid, 6 regional NICU health care providers, and 17 community hospital special care nursery health care providers. Main outcome measures Participant perceptions of factors that support or impede successful back transport. Results Data from the focus groups were analyzed to identify five main themes: early communication about back transport, preparing parents for back transport, communication between hospitals at the time of back transport, follow-up and information exchange after back transport, and improving the back-transport experience for parents.
Experimental Investigation of Twin Jet Impinging on the Ground with and without Free Stream

The flow underneath a flat plate simulating the underbody of a VSTOL aircraft was studied experimentally. Twin jets arranged in tandem were allowed to impinge on the ground at two height-over-jet-diameter ratios. Data were obtained via particle image velocimetry along the plane containing the two jet axes and five planes parallel to the free stream. Results disclose in great detail the formation of the fountain jet and the recirculating regions between the jets and the fountain jet. The effect of the free stream is quantified, indicating at what velocity ratios these secondary motions are deflected downstream or almost eliminated.
Research participant interest in primary, secondary, and incidental genomic findings.

To define the frequency with which adult research participants consent to be offered clinically validated research genetic test results (RR) and incidental findings (IF). Consents were obtained from 506 adults enrolled in one of three studies within the National Cancer Institute Clinical Genetics Branch’s Familial Cancer Research Program. A cross-sectional analysis was performed involving the choices indicated on study consents regarding receipt of RR and IF. Ninety-seven percent opted to receive RR and IF. Participants who declined (n = 16) included two cancer survivors who were mutation-positive (1 = RR and 1 = both), eight who knew their primary mutation status (3 = RR; 4 = IF; 1 = both), three nonbloodline relatives (1 = RR; 2 = both), one untested but with the syndromic phenotype (1 = IF), and two parents of an affected child (2 = both). We speculate that these individuals either already had sufficient information, were not prepared to learn more, or felt that the information would not change their personal health-care decision making. Adult research participants from families at high genetic risk for cancer overwhelmingly indicated their preference to receive both RR and IF. Future research will seek to identify the reasons for declining RR and IF and to study the impact of receipt of RR and IF on personal medical decision making. Genet Med 18 12, 1218–1225.
Actions Speak Louder than Words: A Behavioral Analysis of 183 Individuals Convicted for Terrorist Offenses in the United States from 1995 to 2012

Involvement in terrorism has traditionally been discussed in relatively simplistic ways with little effort spent on developing a deeper understanding of what involvement actually entails, and how it differs from person to person. In this paper, we present the results of a three-year project focused on 183 individuals associated with the global jihadist movement who were convicted in the United States, for terrorist offenses, between 1995 and 2012. These data were developed by a large-scale, open-source data collection activity that involved a coding dictionary of more than 120 variables. We identify and explore the diversity of behaviors that constitute involvement in terrorism. We also compare lone actors and those who acted as part of a group, finding that lone actors differed from group-based actors in key demographic attributes and were more likely to be involved in attack execution behaviors. Implications for counterterrorism are then discussed.
Determination of three estrogens in eggs by high performance liquid chromatographic method with fluorimetric detection

Objective:A efficient method for analysis of estrogens in eggs,namely,estriol,estradiol-17βand Ethinylestradiol by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography was developed.Methods: The estrogens in eggs was extracted with acetonitrile two times.The target compounds were separated on an XTerraRP18 column(150 mm×4.6 mm×5 μm) using water-methanol-acetonitrile(50∶30∶20,v/v/v) as mobile phase in isocratic mode at a constant flow rate of 1.0 ml/min,detected with fluorescence,the fluorescence excitation and emission wavelengths were 280 nm and 310 nm.Results: The linear ranges of determination were from 0.04 mg/kg to 0.12 mg/kg.The average recoveries were from 80.6% to 94.4%,relative standard deviations were from 1.52% to 5.11% for all samples spiked with 0.8 mg/kg～16 mg/kg of estrogens.Conclusion: The method is suitable to simultaneously analyze the three estrogens in eggs with simplicity and accuracy in a single injection.
Research on Bus Based Multi-Function Electric Meters Networking Technology

The bus based multi-function electric meters networking technology is studied in this paper aiming at the diversity in communication interfaces and the protocols of these devices. In laboratory environment,the bus technology is adopted to network the multi-function electric meters which are common in power plant and substation auxiliary power system. A data processing platform integrating various protocols and interfaces is developed,and an experiment is performed on the data collection and communication performance of the system. The experimental results show that the system will achieve main functions of the power plant and substation electrical control system,and has a relative reliable performance. Research in this paper can be promoted in the actual engineering applications,and will be helpful to improve the level of the electrical system coordinated control and operation management in substations,power plants and other industrial enterprises.
Measurements of the thickness of the rectal mucosa on suction specimen material

An Serienschnitten vom Saugprobeexcisoinsmaterial bei 200 Patienten ergab sich eine mittlere Dicke der Rectumschleimhaut von 0,425 mm. Die gefahrlose Methode gestattete auch Gesunde und Leichtkranke zu untersuchen. Bei der Entwicklung einer chronischen Colitis kommt es zuerst zu einer signifikanten Schleimhautverdunnung und spater zu einer Dickenzunahme, die die Breite der normalen Schleimhaut beweisbar uberschreitet.
Humoral Regulation of Erythropoiesis. XI. The Pattern of Response to Specific Therapy in Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract Short-lived macrocytes were produced in response to specific therapy in severely iron-deficient rats and in two patients. These findings add weight to our hypothesis that the production of defective, short-lived macrocytes is a phenomenon common to states in which there is marked erythroid hyperactivity in the presence of adequate nutrients.
Regioselective Nitration of Halogenated Benzo[c]cinnolines and Benzenoids

Electrophilic nitration of halo-substituted benzo[c]cinnolines and benzenoids has been achieved regioselectively. The nitro group entry was always ortho to the halo group or/and the aromatic ring. This regioselective electrophilic ortho-nitration was accomplished in mixed acid/mild temperature conditions. Regioselectivity ortho to the halo/ring group(s) was observed with or without proximal steric hindrance. Chlorides and bromides worked equally well in directing these high-yielding ortho-selective reactions.
ATP-dependent transport of tetraethylammonium by endosomes isolated from rat renal cortex.

During renal organic cation secretion by some species, intracellular concentrations greatly exceed the 10- to 15-fold ratio predicted by the potential-driven mechanism thought to mediate their baso...
Recommended Procedure to Adjust Inaccurate Weigh-in-Motion Data

Weigh-in-motion (WIM) stations are used to monitor traffic volumes and loadings on roads and bridges. When a station is installed, a vehicle of known axle weights is typically used to calibrate the sensors. Because of environmental changes, pavement changes, sensor fatigue, and repeated loadings, the initial calibration doesn’t always maintain its validity. Therefore, the WIM station output must be monitored so that potential problems can be identified and corrected. It is common for analysts to discover that WIM data are inaccurate when they are attempting to use the data for design or planning. An analyst must then decide whether to conduct the analysis with inaccurate data or to not conduct the analysis at all. There is a need to develop a procedure that allows inaccurate WIM data to be adjusted and remain usable. Adjustment of WIM data after they have been collected may not be an acceptable practice to all agencies or for certain applications. A new accuracy metric was developed that relates Class 9 f...
Impact of Nontraditional Antiarrhythmic Drugs on Sudden Cardiac Death

Although the mortality from coronary artery disease has declined in the United States, sudden cardiac death remains a major clinical problem with at least 300,000 deaths occurring annually. Strategies to decrease the incidence of sudden death include the prevention of underlying structural heart disease, identification of hereditary syndromes that predispose persons to sudden death, improvements in resuscitation of patients who experience a cardiac arrest (secondary prevention), or identification of patients at high risk for sudden death and appropriate intervention.
Uses of very high-power free-electron lasers based on electrostatic accelerators

Free-electron lasers (FELs) have been demonstrated in the last decade in a wide range of operating frequencies ranging from microwaves to visible light.1 As the technology of FELs has matured, the possibility of high power levels with high efficiency while maintaining high coherence and wavelength tunability has become evident. This property of FELs leads to near-term and futuristic applications, which are compatible with the expected size and weight characteristics of such high-power devices.
Quantitative Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to Measure Serum Levels of Murine Anti-cardiolipin Antibodies

1. Cardiolipin (Sigma-Aldrich, catalog number: C0563) 2. Ethanol 3. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) 4. Tween 20 5. Na2HPO4 (anhydrous) 6. NaH2PO4 (anhydrous) 7. NaCl 8. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Hyclone) 9. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) 10. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugated goat anti-mouse isotype specific antibodies [Southern Biotech, catalog number: 1040-05 (IgA); 1030-05 (IgG); 1021-05 (IgM)] 11. ABTS Peroxidase Substrate Solution A and B (Kirkegaard & Perry Laboratories, catalog number: 50-62-01) 12. ABTS Peroxidase Stop Solution (Kirkegaard & Perry Laboratories, catalog number: 5085-01) 13. 10x PBS-Tween 20 (see Recipes) 14. Blocking solution (see Recipes)
Emerging Role and Targeting of Carcinoembryonic Antigen-related Cell Adhesion Molecule 6 (CEACAM6) in Human Malignancies.

Background: Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) is a member of the CEA family of cell adhesion proteins that belong to the immunoglobulin superfamily. CEACAM6 is normally expressed on the surface of myeloid (CD66c) and epithelial surfaces. Stiochiomertic expression of members of the CEA family (CEACAM1, 5, 6, 7) on epithelia maintains normal tissue architecture through homo-and hetero-philic interactions. Dysregulated over-expression of CEACAM6 is oncogenic, is associated with anoikis resistance and an invasive phenotype mediated by excessive TGFβ, AKT, FAK and SRC signaling in human malignancies. Methods: Extensive literature review through PubMed was conducted to identify relevant preclinical and clinical research publications regarding CEACAM6 over the last decade and was summarized in this manuscript. Results: CEACAM5 and 6 are over-expressed in nearly 70% of epithelial malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), hepatobiliary, gastric, breast, non-small cell lung and head/neck cancers. Importantly, CEACAM6 is a poor prognostic marker in CRC, while its expression correlates with tumor stage, metastasis and post-operative survival in PDA. CEACAM6 appears to be an immune checkpoint suppressor in hematologic malignancies including acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Several therapeutic monoclonal antibodies or antibody fragments targeting CEACAM6 have been designed and developed as a targeted therapy for human malignancies. A Llama antibody targeting CEACAM6 is being evaluated in early phase clinical trials. Conclusion: This review focuses on the role of CEACAM6 in the pathogenesis and signaling of the malignant phenotype in solid and hematologic malignancies and highlights its potential as a therapeutic target for anti-cancer therapy.
Contraceptive Considerations for Women with Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastroenterologists are in a unique position to assist women with chronic gastrointestinal disorders in order to optimize their health prior to pregnancy. Women, whether with chronic conditions or not, and their infants are more likely to be healthy when pregnancies are planned. Achieving a planned pregnancy at the ideal time or preventing pregnancy altogether requires the use of appropriate contraceptives. There is a broad range of contraceptives available to women in the USA, and the majority of women with digestive diseases will be candidates for all effective methods. Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aids clinicians in prescribing appropriate contraceptives to women with medical disorders. This review will focus on contraception for women with inflammatory bowel disease and chronic liver disease, including liver transplant.
Automated Analysis of Spoken Language: A Gender Comparison

We studied the number of words spoken by adult males versus females throughout a six-hour day and during three structured monologues. The six-hour samples were captured and analyzed using an automated speech monitoring and assessment system. The three monologues required different language tasks, and analyses of syntactic and semantic complexity were performed for each. There were no significant gender differences except during a reminiscent monologue when males spoke significantly more words and sentences than females. These results conflict with past research and popular (mis)conceptions.
RGC-32 Promotes Th17 Cell Differentiation and Enhances Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

Th17 cells play a critical role in autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Response gene to complement (RGC)-32 is a cell cycle regulator and a downstream target of TGF-β that mediates its profibrotic activity. In this study, we report that RGC-32 is preferentially upregulated during Th17 cell differentiation. RGC-32−/− mice have normal Th1, Th2, and regulatory T cell differentiation but show defective Th17 differentiation in vitro. The impaired Th17 differentiation is associated with defects in IFN regulatory factor 4, B cell–activating transcription factor, retinoic acid–related orphan receptor γt, and SMAD2 activation. In vivo, RGC-32−/− mice display an attenuated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis phenotype accompanied by decreased CNS inflammation and reduced frequency of IL-17– and GM-CSF–producing CD4+ T cells. Collectively, our results identify RGC-32 as a novel regulator of Th17 cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo and suggest that RGC-32 is a potential therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis and other Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases. This article is featured in In This Issue , p.[3763][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/198/3763
A Framework for the Dual Language Assessment of Young Dual Language Learners in the United States

Dual language learners (DLLs) and the various educational programs that serve them are increasing in number across the country. This framework lays out a conceptual approach for dual language assessment tasks designed to measure the language and literacy skills of young DLLs entering kindergarten in the United States. Although our examples focus on Spanish–English DLLs, we anticipate that our recommendations could be broadly applied to other language combinations with appropriate adaptations for each language.
Mdr65 decreases toxicity of multiple insecticides in Drosophila melanogaster

ABC transporters are ubiquitous membrane-bound proteins, present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The major function of eukaryotic ABC transporters is to mediate the efflux of a variety of substrates (including xenobiotics) out of cells. ABC transporters have been widely investigated in humans, particularly for their involvement in multidrug resistance (MDR). Considerably less is known about their roles in transport and/or excretion in insects. ABC transporters are only known to function as exporters in insects. Drosophila melanogaster has 56 ABC transporter genes, including eight which are phylogenetically most similar to the human Mdr genes (ABCB1 clade). We investigated the role of ABC transporters in the ABCB1 clade in modulating the susceptibility to insecticides. We took advantage of the GAL4/UAS system in D. melanogaster to knockdown the expression levels of Mdr65, Mdr50, Mdr49 and ABCB6 using transgenic UAS-RNAi lines and conditional driver lines. The most notable effects were increased sensitivities to nine different insecticides by silencing of Mdr65. Furthermore, a null mutation of Mdr65 decreased the malathion, malaoxon and fipronil LC50 values by a factor of 1.9, 2.1 and 3.9, respectively. Altogether, this data demonstrates the critical role of ABC transporters, particularly Mdr65, in altering the toxicity of specific, structurally diverse, insecticides in D. melanogaster.
Structure and localization of the rabbit prostaglandin EP3 receptor.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a potent modulator of a wide variety of physiological responses including inflammation (1), gastric acid secretion (2), vascular tone (3), lipolysis (4) and water and ion transport (5). The rabbit kidney represents a well characterized physiological model with respect to PGE2 effects. In the kidney, PGE2 has been shown to modulate glomerular hemodynamics (6) as well as water and ion transport in the thick ascending limb (7) and collecting duct. Under some circumstances the cellular effects of PGE2 appear to be self-opposing. In the cortical collecting duct (CCD), PGE2 causes stimulation of water reabsorption via increasing the intracellular level of cAMP (8,9) and suppression of arginine-vasopressin water reabsorption by inhibiting cAMP generation (8). Similarly PGE2 has been shown to vasodilate certain vascular beds while it constricts other vascular beds (10,11,12). These self-opposing effects of PGE2 appear to be mediated by separate classes of PGE2 receptors (3).
Outcome of tricuspid valve surgery in the presence of permanent pacemaker

Abstract Objectives Given the paucity of available literature, we sought to evaluate the mechanisms of tricuspid regurgitation and the outcomes of tricuspid valve surgery in the presence of permanent pacemakers. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 622 adult patients who underwent tricuspid valve surgery in the presence of permanent pacemakers between January 1993 and December 2013. Those with prosthetic tricuspid valve or tricuspid valve endocarditis and those undergoing concomitant heart transplant were excluded (n = 23). Patients were divided into 2 etiologic groups: pacemaker-associated tricuspid regurgitation (n = 349, 58%) and pacemaker-induced tricuspid regurgitation (n = 249, 42%). One patient was not categorized, because permanent pacemaker involvement was unknown. Results Mean age was 69.5 ± 12.0 years; 312 patients (52%) were female. In pacemaker-associated tricuspid regurgitation, the most common cause was functional (n = 304, 87%). The most common mechanism leading to pacemaker-induced tricuspid regurgitation was restricted leaflet mobility (n = 101, 41%), followed by adherent leaflet to the leads (n = 93, 37%), leaflet perforation (n = 30, 12%), scarring of leaflets (n = 19, 8%), and chordal entrapment (n = 18, 7%). The most common leaflet involved was septal leaflet (n = 182, 73%). Tricuspid valve repair (n = 215, 62%) was higher in the pacemaker-associated tricuspid regurgitation group. In multivariable analysis, pacemaker-induced tricuspid regurgitation was found to be protective with improved survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68-0.98). Other independent risk factors of mortality included tricuspid valve replacement (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.20-1.87), nonelective surgery (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.33-2.08), diabetes (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.09-1.73), severe tricuspid regurgitation (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.04-1.95), and older age when there was a concomitant aortic valve surgery (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.15-1.79). Conclusions Several mechanisms lead to pacemaker-induced tricuspid regurgitation. Pacemaker-induced tricuspid regurgitation when compared with pacemaker-associated tricuspid regurgitation carries a better prognosis with improved survival.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON RADIATION-INDUCED CONTRACTION OF REACTOR GRAPHITE

The distortion behavior of graphite as a function of irradiation temperature is reviewed. The behavior of needlecoke and CSF graphite was examined over moderate exposures in the GETR. Results showed needle-coke to be less contracting than CSF. Details of contraction show a minimum contraction rate per 10/sup 21/ nvt at 600 to 800 deg C for both types. Limitations to be placed on the data presented are listed. (P. C.H.)
South Asian American Discourses: Engaging the Yellow Peril-Model Minority Dialectic

AbstractSouth Asians, despite their positioning as a “model minority,” have not been immune from the consequences of the heightened racist and nationalist rhetoric witnessed lately in the United St...
Notch Signaling in Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) refers to a constellation of adverse immune responses resulting in tissue destruction following hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplantation. Through a complex network of priming and activation events, immune-competent T cells residing in the transplanted tissue (the graft) become stimulated, migrate into target organs, and mediate immune destruction of the recipient’s healthy tissue (the host). Paradoxically, this immune activation can also eradicate residual leukemic cells, when hematopoietic stem cell transplantation occurs in the context of hematological malignancies, resulting in a beneficial graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. The Notch family of transmembrane receptors functions in many aspects of immune responses, including those that mediate GVHD. Here we will review the complex nature of GVHD and how Notch signaling may play a prominent role during the initiation and progression of the disease.
The DNA damage checkpoint and the spindle position checkpoint maintain meiotic commitment in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Summary During meiosis, diploid progenitor cells undergo one round of DNA replication followed by two rounds of chromosome segregation to form haploid gametes. Once cells initiate the meiotic divisions, it is imperative that they finish meiosis. A failure to maintain meiosis can result in highly aberrant polyploid cells, which could lead to oncogenesis in the germline. How cells stay committed to finishing meiosis, even in the presence of a mitosis-inducing signal, is poorly understood. We addressed this question in budding yeast, in which cells enter meiosis when starved. If nutrient-rich medium is added before a defined commitment point in mid-prometaphase I, they can return to mitosis. Cells in stages beyond the commitment point will finish meiosis, even with nutrient addition. Because checkpoints are signaling pathways known to couple cell-cycle processes with one another, we asked if checkpoints could ensure meiotic commitment. We find that two checkpoints with well-defined functions in mitosis, the DNA damage checkpoint and the spindle position checkpoint, have crucial roles in meiotic commitment. With nutrient-rich medium addition at stages beyond the commitment point, cells that are deficient in both checkpoints because they lack Rad53 and either Bub2, Bfa1, or Kin4 can return to mitotic growth and go on to form polyploid cells. The results demonstrate that the two checkpoints prevent cells from exiting meiosis in the presence of a mitosis-inducing signal. This study reveals a previously unknown function for the DNA damage checkpoint and the spindle position checkpoint in maintaining meiotic commitment.
Smart Choice: Smartphone Users’ Intentions to Accept Mobile Advertising

This study explores motivations that influence smartphone users’ intentions to accept mobile advertising. In order to accomplish this research objective, the relationships among various factors identified from past literature were tested via online survey. The empirical findings from the current study suggest that a consumer’s attitude toward mobile advertising from his or her previous experience is the most powerful predictor of intention to accept mobile advertising on smartphones. In addition, consumer perception of the smartphone as a device that is compatible with an individual’s lifestyle and the social benefits of using a smartphone predict intention to accept mobile advertising among smartphone users.
Finiteness properties and numerical behavior of local cohomology

AbstractThis manuscript discusses many problems connected with finiteness properties of local cohomology modules, e.g. the associated primes, the minimal primes, Bass numbers, as well as the behavi...
Does RAMP Matter? Comparing Elementary Student Grades and Absences in One District:

This study examined the impact of Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program (RAMP) status on student grades and absences in four elementary schools in the same district. Hierar...
Kinetics of Water Adsorption in UiO-66 MOF

The diffusion mechanism and the concentration dependence of the mass transfer rate of water vapor adsorbing in the zirconium-based metal organic framework (MOF) UiO-66 has been determined using a c...
Functional Analysis and Treatment of Mealtime Problem Behavior for a Person with Developmental Disabilities

We conducted a functional analysis of problem behaviors (spitting and whining) during meals and tested an intervention based on that analysis. The participant was a 13-year-old young woman with severe mental retardation and cerebral palsy. She ate all food presented to her, and the hypotheses were tested that the problem behaviors were maintained either by contingent access to trainer attention or the pace of eating. An attention analysis examined the relationship between problem behavior and trainer attention during the meal. The effect of attention following problem behavior versus ignoring was inconclusive. An analysis of the effects of teacher paced eating, student paced eating (reinforce spoon grasping) and food presented for problem behavior was conducted next. Problem behavior rates were highest when access to food was made contingent on the performance of problem behavior and lowest when spoon grasping resulted in a bite of food. Following analysis, an intervention was designed to reduce the frequency of targeted problem behaviors during mealtime. Reinforcing spoon grasping and a 10s removal of food following problem behavior dramatically reduced spitting and whining during meals. The study provides a demonstration of an extended functional analysis and treatment of a complex behavior pattern.
Improved Tolerance of Lanthanum Nickelate (La 2 NiO 4+δ ) Cathodes to Chromium Poisoning Under Current Load in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Lanthanum nickelate, La2NiO4+δ (LNO), is studied as a cathode material for use in solid oxide fuel cells with the objective of mitigating chromium poisoning. Under current load, both electrochemical and chemical reactions cause chromium poisoning, and high current density and humidity accelerate the poisoning. However, compared with a standard strontium-doped lanthanum manganite cathode, the LNO cathode has a much higher tolerance for chromium poisoning. This can be ascribed to a greatly reduced chromium deposition in LNO.
Inferring the mammal tree: Species-level sets of phylogenies for questions in ecology, evolution, and conservation

Big, time-scaled phylogenies are fundamental to connecting evolutionary processes to modern biodiversity patterns. Yet inferring reliable phylogenetic trees for thousands of species involves numerous trade-offs that have limited their utility to comparative biologists. To establish a robust evolutionary timescale for all approximately 6,000 living species of mammals, we developed credible sets of trees that capture root-to-tip uncertainty in topology and divergence times. Our “backbone-and-patch” approach to tree building applies a newly assembled 31-gene supermatrix to two levels of Bayesian inference: (1) backbone relationships and ages among major lineages, using fossil node or tip dating, and (2) species-level “patch” phylogenies with nonoverlapping in-groups that each correspond to one representative lineage in the backbone. Species unsampled for DNA are either excluded (“DNA-only” trees) or imputed within taxonomic constraints using branch lengths drawn from local birth–death models (“completed” trees). Joining time-scaled patches to backbones results in species-level trees of extant Mammalia with all branches estimated under the same modeling framework, thereby facilitating rate comparisons among lineages as disparate as marsupials and placentals. We compare our phylogenetic trees to previous estimates of mammal-wide phylogeny and divergence times, finding that (1) node ages are broadly concordant among studies, and (2) recent (tip-level) rates of speciation are estimated more accurately in our study than in previous “supertree” approaches, in which unresolved nodes led to branch-length artifacts. Credible sets of mammalian phylogenetic history are now available for download at http://vertlife.org/phylosubsets, enabling investigations of long-standing questions in comparative biology.
The diverse motivations of citizen scientists: Does conservation emphasis grow as volunteer participation progresses?

Abstract Citizen science has proven to be a valuable tool for biodiversity conservation. However, to maximize the conservation benefits of citizen science programs, researchers and practitioners would gain from a better understanding of project volunteers and what drives them to participate. We examined the diverse motivations of volunteers (n = 3041) participating in Audubon's Christmas Bird Count, one of the world's oldest ecological monitoring citizen (or community) science projects. Principal axis factor analysis along a 16-item scale revealed six distinct intrinsic and extrinsic motivational constructs: science and conservation, outdoor recreation and discovery, commitment and tradition, social interaction, classic birding, and personal accomplishment. Most participants reported multiple motivations, but 40% indicated contribution to science and conservation was their primary reason for initially engaging with the project. As project participation continued, science and conservation-related motives became even more important (with 55% listing as primary continuing motivation). Regression analyses showed motivational orientations varied by socio-demographic attributes and levels/type of project participation. For example, social interaction and tradition were more important to aspiring project leaders than casual observers. Results highlight insights into deepening project engagement and recruiting and retaining citizen scientists. Adapted and applied across different contexts, our instrument and motivational constructs could help to facilitate volunteer management and enhance citizen science's capacity to advance biodiversity conservation goals.
Crystallography Case Studies at the Undergraduate Level

Powder diffraction is not a characterization method alien when it concerns inorganic chemistry and material science. At the undergraduate level, however, it is rare to come upon the teaching of these methods (probably due to the lack of expensive instrumentation that could ascend the $500,000 USD mark), and instructors mostly focus on the theory. This work provides techniques to construct these case studies that could be utilized in a classroom environment, particularly at the intermediate and advance inorganic chemistry level. Two examples of case studies are discussed in this didactic.
Design and Time-Optimal Control of a High-Speed High-Torque Dual-Motor Actuator

In many robotics and mechatronics applications, actuators must bear a large load at low speeds and also move at high speeds. A single geared motor with a fixed gear ratio is unable to cover the two extreme load conditions effectively. Here, we propose a dual-motor actuator made by combining two electric motors with different gear ratios. Unlike prior works, where two operation ranges are switched by clutch, brake, and other mechanical means, the proposed design does not require any mechanical switches, but instead uses an electrical switch. At higher speeds, the motor with a high gear ratio, called the torque booster, is electrically disconnected from the drive amplifier, so that it does not generate a reverse current and thereby consume power as a generator. First, the design concept is presented, followed by modeling of the system as a hybrid control system. A basic control scheme for distributing drive currents to the two motors is presented, and an example of time-optimal control of the hybrid system is addressed. A proof-of-concept prototype is built and the control algorithms are implemented and tested experimentally.
Democratic Representation of all “the People”: Antislavery Petitions in the U.S. Senate

In keeping with the demands of political philosophers, America's constitutional design harnesses elected officials to the mass public's prevailing views, but also provides avenues for the opinions of disenfranchised groups and numerical minorities to be reflected in policy. We seek to shed light on this constitutional balancing act by studying U.S. senators’ decisions on thirty-six roll call votes related to the practice of slavery between 1835 and 1847. These voting decisions are modeled using the prevalence of antislavery petitions sent to Congress over the same period from each state's residents. We observe considerable and systematic senator representation of perceived majority opinion on antislavery petitions, despite the presence of nineteenth-century institutions buffering senators from the public. We also report evidence that the representation of disenfranchised women's views (as expressed in petitions) relative to those of men varied by party, and in ways that are predictable. Finally, we observe that senators sometimes represented perceived minority viewpoints, seemingly motivated by their political ambitions. These findings not only hold important implications for our understanding of democratic representation, but also for the processes of American political development.
Legendre spectral finite elements for Reissner-Mindlin composite plates

Legendre spectral finite elements (LSFEs) are examined in their application to Reissner-Mindlin composite plates for static and dynamic deformation on unstructured grids. LSFEs are high-order Lagrangian-interpolant finite elements whose nodes are located at the Gauss-Lobatto-Legendre quadrature points. Nodal quadrature is employed for mass-matrix calculations, which yields diagonal mass matrices. Full quadrature or mixed-reduced quadrature is used for stiffness-matrix calculations. Solution accuracy is examined in terms of model size, computation time, and memory storage for LSFEs and for quadratic serendipity elements calculated in a commercial finite-element code. Linear systems for both model types were solved with the same sparse-system direct solver. At their best, LSFEs provide many orders of magnitude more accuracy than the quadratic elements for a fixed measure (e.g., computation time). At their worst, LSFEs provide the same accuracy as the quadratic elements for a given measure. The LSFEs were insensitive to shear locking and were shown to be more robust in the thin-plate limit than their low-order counterparts. HighlightsFirst static and dynamic study of LSFEs for RM composite plates on unstructured grids.First comparison of RM LSFEs with SHELL281 elements in terms of model size, CPU time.Demonstration that LSFEs can provide orders of magnitude more accuracy than SHELL281.
La casa de los espiritus de isabel allende : una aproximacion sociolinguistica

Por mucho tiempo, la lingvistica ha sido una de las ciencias mas autorreflexiva, Ia rnms preocupada de su estatus y base te6orica. Para Noam Chomsky, una oraci6n tiene interes s6lo en cuanto revela propiedades del sistema de una lengua en particular o categorias lingui'sticas universales. Como derivacion yV compleniento de la gramatica generativo-transformacional surge la sociolinguistica que tiene coma tarea la de incorporar en la teoria del lenguaje aquellos componentes que habf'an sido excluidos del modelo chomskiano, como son las variaciones linguisticas y el contexto social. La socioling(i'stica postula que toda forma lingunistica particular esti estrechamente vinculada a las necesidades personales y sociales que el lenguaje esti destinado a servir, que las variaciones de una lengua dependen estrechamente de las circunstancias sociales en que tiene lugar un acto locutivo.
SEA LEVEL VARIATIONS OVER GEOLOGIC TIME

Global sea level change is generated by changes in the amount of water in the oceans and by the shape of the ocean basins. It is measured by oxygen-isotopes, by modeling the shape of the ocean through time and by analysis of the sedimentary record. By using all methods, overall trends can be ascertained. Variations of up to 125 m over 20 000 to 400 000 years occur as a result of variations in the size of glaciers. Long term changes of 200 m or more result from plate tectonic processes. Intermediate sea-level variations may be due to tectonics and/or variations in ice volume.
The Social Media Toolkit as a Means to Support Self-Represented Defendants and Increase Procedural Justice in Criminal Courts

The trend towards an increase in pro se litigation challenges all court systems. Criminal courts face unique challenges maintaining the integrity of the criminal adjudicatory process while balancing the competing interests of moving cases efficiently through the system, respecting defendant autonomy and honoring due process. Holding pro se litigants to the same standards as attorneys, just one of the challenges inherent in allowing pro se defendant representation, can prove difficult because defendants often lack the necessary education, experience and social knowledge about how a courtroom works. As the pro se movement shows no signs of decreasing, courts must make an effort to accommodate these defendants with a plan that addresses court efficiency, autonomy and judicial process integrity concerns. Scholars generally agree that providing pro se defendants with a “road map, a passive tool, [that] lets them competently exercise their own route” can address many of the issues courts encounter when pro se defendants enter the system. Previous scholars have suggested potential solutions that could come from courts, non-profit organizations, or even law offices. One scholar has argued that the middle class has a significant unmet legal need in civil litigation cases and that social media might be the key to facilitating access to justice. This paper will take these arguments further and apply them to criminal court cases, highlighting unique considerations of the criminal justice process. This paper will address both how courts can use social media to assist pro se criminal defendants and why doing so improves individual and community relationships with the courts and furthers procedural justice goals. This paper proposes a Social Media Toolkit provided and overseen by a community’s local court that allows pro se defendants to interact with court staff and to access informational videos that will assist them in resolving their cases. As the influence and pervasiveness of social media increases, many organizations and businesses have implemented strategies to reach out online to the communities they once served exclusively in person. State courts are no exception. Some state courts have implemented parts of the proposed toolkit. This paper will discuss those examples and advocate for increased social media engagement in communities where it is absent.
Abstract P239: The Effect of BMI on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in an Appalachian Pediatric Population

Background: Few studies have determined the effect of BMI on cardiovascular and metabolic syndrome risk factors in a primarily White, rural pediatric population. This study characterized a rural pediatric population by BMI category. Methods: Data on 11,084 individuals 97 th percentile, triglycerides >110 mg/dL, HDLc 110mg/dL). Results were stratified by BMI category ( 95% as obese). Tests for linear trends across BMI categories and correlations with C8 were conducted. Results: The population was 51% male, 96% White, and 20% reported an average household income Conclusions: An alarming 40% prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in this rural pediatric population. Because of the increase seen with cardiovascular and metabolic syndrome risk factors as BMI increased, this rural pediatric population may experience earlier onset of associated disease and complications. This warrants further public health involvement to decrease this Appalachian population’s risk.
Improved precision and accuracy in quantifying plutonium isotope ratios by RIMS

Resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) holds the promise of rapid, isobar-free quantification of actinide isotope ratios in as-received materials (i.e. not chemically purified). Recent progress in achieving this potential using two Pu test materials is presented. RIMS measurements were conducted multiple times over a period of two months on two different Pu solutions deposited on metal surfaces. Measurements were bracketed with a Pu isotopic standard, and yielded absolute accuracies of the measured 240Pu/239Pu ratios of 0.7 and 0.58 %, with precisions (95 % confidence intervals) of 1.49 and 0.91 %. The minor isotope 238Pu was also quantified despite the presence of a significant quantity of 238U in the samples.
Vanadate: Non-selective inhibition of transepithelial transport of Na+, H+ and water

In the isolated urinary bladder of the toad, 10−5–10−4M orthovanadate produces inhibition of the active transport of Na+ and H+ ions as well as of antidiuretic hormone-mediated osmotic flow of water. Since transport of H+ ions and osmotic water flow are not inhibited when (Na++K+)-ATPase is inhibited by ouabain, biological actions of vanadate are not necessarily related to inhibition of (Na++K+)-ATPase.