cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conversion of agroclavine to setoclavine and isosetoclavine in cell‐free extracts from Claviceps sp. SD 58 and in a thioglycolate‐iron. (II) system

Agroclavine was converted to setoclavine and isosetoclavine in crude extracts from Claviceps sp. SD 58. The ratio of setoclavine to isosetoclavine was 0.95. The conversion with boiled crude extract was 68% of the conversion with unboiled extract. In a thioglycolate-iron (II) system at 40 degrees for 5 hr, 45.5% of agroclavine was converted to setoclavine and isosetoclavine. At 70 degrees for 4 hr in the thioglycolate-iron (II) system, 4% of 4-dimethylallyltryptophan was converted to clavicipitic acid.
Radiative transport produced by oblique illumination of turbid media with collimated beams

We examine the general problem of light transport initiated by oblique illumination of a turbid medium with a collimated beam. This situation has direct relevance to the analysis of cloudy atmospheres, terrestrial surfaces, soft condensed matter, and biological tissues. We introduce a solution approach to the equation of radiative transfer that governs this problem, and develop a comprehensive spherical harmonics expansion method utilizing Fourier decomposition (SHEF${}_{N}$). The SHEF${}_{N}$ approach enables the solution of problems lacking azimuthal symmetry and provides both the spatial and directional dependence of the radiance. We also introduce the method of sequential-order smoothing that enables the calculation of accurate solutions from the results of two sequential low-order approximations. We apply the SHEF${}_{N}$ approach to determine the spatial and angular dependence of both internal and boundary radiances from strongly and weakly scattering turbid media. These solutions are validated using more costly Monte Carlo simulations and reveal important insights regarding the evolution of the radiant field generated by oblique collimated beams spanning ballistic and diffusely scattering regimes.
OCLC in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Chronology

ABSTRACT From one library in 1995 to 884 in 2008, the number of Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) libraries in Latin American and the Caribbean has grown significantly. They are presently active in 27 countries and territories. The following chronology highlights not only the significant achievements since 1997 that OCLC has made in providing products and services to the region but also the contributions the libraries in the region have made to OCLC in providing input and advice to the governance and product development.
Investigation of Performance of Active Microcapsule Actuation

Microcapsules are micron-sized hollow particles that can be synthesized with fluid encapsulated in the interior. The microcapsules can be used as a potential actuation technique by incorporating stimulus-responsive materials, such as permeselective, light-sensitive and electrically sensitive materials. The microcapsules range from 10 to 80 microns in diameter and wall thickness normalized to radius might range from 0.05 to 0.5. The actuation concept is to control the size of the microcapsules by varying the interior fluid pressure using an external stimulus. This paper presents efforts to model the performance and capabilities of microcapsules as micro actuators. We assume the pressure of the fluid inside of the microcapsules can be controlled by certain technique, such as thermal, electro or optical stimulus to the fluid. This paper will focus at modeling the performance of microcapsules under known pressure variation of fluid inside. First the paper compares a thin-wall model to a thick-wall model and identifies that thin-wall theory is not accurate enough for microcapsules. Simulation results show that energy density inthe order of 3J/cm3 is theoreticaly achievable for thick microspheres. Two type of materials are studied as the materials encapsulated in microcapsules. Their constitutive equations are then incorporated into the thick-wall model. Simulations show hydrocarbon solvents are much more efficient than ideal gas in terms of actuation performance.© 2003 ASME
Discussion and implications

Abstract In this chapter, conclusions are drawn and implications are suggested. Of the noncognitive variables included in the study, the students’ priorities were the most important in predicting GPA. In general, noncognitive variables provided important admissions information. Furthermore, explicit conceptual models, analyzed with relatively sophisticated statistical techniques, are needed to further our understanding of variables directly and indirectly related to college success.
Tool for automated simulation of solar arrays using general-purpose simulators

The paper describes a tool developed to automate the study of solar array configurations using a general-purpose simulator such as Spice. The main advantage of the proposed method is that studies can be done for any solar array configuration formed from elementary models of solar cell units. Hierarchical structure of solar cell elements with semiconductor detail allows simulations of electrical properties as well as evaluation of environmental conditions impact. Application examples such as the effect of unequal illumination on various array interconnections and the mismatch of solar cells are presented to demonstrate the usefulness of the tool. The automated process eases investigation of large system and worst-case study for given environmental scenarios.
Aspects of Contemporary Religious Change Among the Dinka

Face a la guerre, aux difficultes economiques et a la violence, les Dinka de la region de Bor (Soudan), dont les chansons traditionnelles aujourd'hui readaptees montrent leur degre de croyance, se convertissent au christianisme. Les missionnaires ont su utiliser la religion traditionnelle et leur croyance en des « pouvoirs » invisibles (« jal ») mauvais (sataniques) pour les attirer.
Human recombinant lactoferrin acts synergistically with antimicrobials commonly used in neonatal practice against coagulase-negative staphylococci and Candida albicans causing neonatal sepsis.

Neonatal sepsis causes significant mortality and morbidity. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and Candida frequently cause neonatal sepsis at .72 h of age. Lactoferrin, which is present in human milk, is a component of innate immunity and has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The synergistic effects of lactoferrin with antibiotics against neonatal isolates have not been systematically evaluated. Here, eight clinical strains (seven neonatal) of CoNS and three strains (two neonatal) of Candida albicans were studied. MIC50 and MIC90 values of human recombinant lactoferrin (talactoferrin; TLF), vancomycin (VAN) and nafcillin (NAF) against CoNS, and of TLF, amphotericin B (AMB) and fluconazole (FLC) against C. albicans, were evaluated according to established guidelines. Antimicrobial combinations of TLF with NAF or VAN against CoNS, and TLF with AMB or FLC against C. albicans, were evaluated by a chequerboard method with serial twofold dilutions. Synergy was evaluated by the median effects principle, and combination indices and dose reduction indices were reported at 50, 75 and 90% inhibitory effect at several drug-dose ratios. It was found that TLF acted synergistically with NAF and VAN against CoNS, and with AMB and FLC against C. albicans, at multiple dose effects and drugdose ratios with few exceptions. In synergistic combinations, drug reduction indices indicated a significant reduction in doses of antibiotics, which may be clinically relevant. Thus TLF acts synergistically with anti-staphylococcal and anti-Candida agents commonly used in neonatal practice and is a promising agent that needs to be evaluated in clinical studies.
A Novel Pathway that Coordinates Mitotic Exit with Spindle Position

In budding yeast, the spindle position checkpoint (SPC) delays mitotic exit until the mitotic spindle moves into the neck between the mother and bud. This checkpoint works by inhibiting the mitotic exit network (MEN), a signaling cascade initiated and controlled by Tem1, a small GTPase. Tem1 is regulated by a putative guanine exchange factor, Lte1, but the function and regulation of Lte1 remains poorly understood. Here, we identify novel components of the checkpoint that operate upstream of Lte1. We present genetic evidence in agreement with existing biochemical evidence for the molecular mechanism of a pathway that links microtubule-cortex interactions with Lte1 and mitotic exit. Each component of this pathway is required for the spindle position checkpoint to delay mitotic exit until the spindle is positioned correctly.
Gaussian mixture model based volume visualization

Representing uncertainty when creating visualizations is becoming more indispensable to understand and analyze scientific data. Uncertainty may come from different sources, such as, ensembles of experiments or unavoidable information loss when performing data reduction. One natural model to represent uncertainty is to assume that each position in space instead of a single value may take on a distribution of values. In this paper we present a new volume rendering method using per voxel Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) as the input data representation. GMMs are an elegant and compact way to drastically reduce the amount of data stored while still enabling realtime data access and rendering on the GPU. Our renderer offers efficient sampling of the data distribution, generating renderings of the data that flicker at each frame to indicate high variance. We can accumulate samples as well to generate still frames of the data, which preserve additional details in the data as compared to either traditional scalar indicators (such as a mean or a single nearest neighbor down sample) or to fitting the data with only a single Gaussian per voxel. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method using ensembles of climate simulations and MRI scans as well as the down sampling of large scalar fields as examples.
Multirate Digital Phase-Lock Loops with Random Processor Latency

A critical function required in most all digital communication systems is synchronization. Three levels of synchronization include carrier phase, spreading code timing, and symbol timing estimation. Digital phase phase-locked loops (DPLLs), are often used to implement these functions. Multirate DPLLs are often found in practice where the timing error detector (TED) or phase detector (PD) operates at a much higher sampling rate than is required to operate the loop filter. It is assumed that there is an architecture partition between the TED and loop filter, the former is in firmware, while the latter runs in software on a real-time operating system (RTOS). Processor latency, which has a certain randomness to it, introduces time delay in the closed-loop system. The impact of random processor latency on loop stability and overall DPLL performance in noise and signal Doppler is studied in this paper.
The taxonomic significance of xanthones in ferns

The occurrence of xanthone O- and C-glycosides in ferns is reviewed. The C-glycosides have a restricted distribution within four families: Hymenophyllaceae, Aspleniaceae s.l., Davalliaceae and Marsileaceae. The compounds are of little taxonomic value at higher levels because they appear to have evolved on several separate occasions and are, therefore, an interesting example of the parallel evolution of a chemical feature. Their major value appears to be in the identification of allopolyploidy.
Routing Protocols for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks That Ensure Quality of Service

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) allow vehicles to form a self-organized network without the need for permanent infrastructure. Even though VANETs are mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), because of the intrinsic characteristics of VANETs, routing protocols designed for MANETs cannot be directly applied for VANETs. In this paper, we present a timeline of the development of the existing routing protocols for VANETs that try to support quality of service (QoS). Moreover, we classify and characterize the existing QoS routing protocols for VANETs and also provide a qualitative comparison of them. This classification and characterization helps in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the existing QoS protocols and also throws light on open issues that remain to be addressed.
Improving perioperative diabetes care.

Editor – While strongly agreeing with Dr Flanagan's summary of enhancing perioperative diabetes management ( Clin Med Feb 2011 pp 63–4), one feels that there is more to be said on the subject of surgical pre-assessment for elective surgical patients. Pragmatically, surgeons (and anaesthetists)
Ultra Wide-Field Imaging of Choroidal Metastasis Secondary to Primary Breast Cancer

Purpose: To demonstrate the ability of ultra wide-field fundus imaging to document the response to treatment of a choroidal metastatic lesion from primary breast carcinoma. Design: Observational case report. Methods: A 45 year old female with a history of metastatic breast cancer and progressive vision loss in the right eye was noted to have an elevated, minimally pigmented choroidal lesion in the superior fundus periphery associated with a serous retinal detachment involving the macula. Ultra wide-field imaging allowed for comparison of the lesion size and secondary serous retinal detachment in response to systemic chemotherapy. Results: Over a 3 month follow up period of observation while the patient received systemic chemotherapy the lesion demonstrated increased growth and increased subretinal fluid. Conclusion: Ultra wide-field fundus photography allowed for accurate documentation of growth of a peripheral choroidal metastatic lesion and associated serous retinal detachment.
Random coil conformation for extended polyglutamine stretches in aqueous soluble monomeric peptides

Several neurodegenerative diseases have been found to be strongly associated with proteins containing a polyglutamine stretch which is greatly expanded from approximately 20 glutamines in normal individuals to more than 40 in affected individuals. A conformational change in the expanded polyglutamine stretch has been suggested to form the molecular basis for disease onset. Model peptides containing polyglutamine tend to aggregate and become insoluble. We have synthesized readily water-soluble monomeric peptides by flanking polyglutamine stretches with sequences rich in alanine and lysine. Circular dichroism measurements show that polyglutamine stretches of length 9 or 17 adopt a random coil configuration in aqueous solution. We think that in the disease-associated peptides for normal individuals the stretches of approximately 20 glutamines are in a random coil conformation, whereas in affected individuals the polyglutamine stretch may be in some other conformation. Our method to design soluble monomeric peptides containing extended polyglutamine stretches may be generally useful in studying other highly aggregating peptides.
Analysis of a joint access and scheduling scheme for residential energy management controller

In this paper, we conduct performance analysis for a joint media access and appliance scheduling protocol devised for efficient information-management in smart appliances within a home-area network. This protocol enables appliances in-home to coordinate power usage so that total demand for the home is kept below a target value. In particular, from the system perspective, we model the evolution of the protocol as a two-dimensional Markov chain and compute the steady-state distribution; we then derive the average delay of an appliance by constructing a state transition diagram for this protocol. Simulation results are provided to verify our analysis.
Synthesis, structural and larvicidal studies of a series of triorganotin chrysanthemumates

A series of triorganotin chrysanthemumates (2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methyl-1-propenyl)cyclopropanecarboxylates) (R3SnO2CC9H15) where R = methyl, ethyl, n-butyl and phenyl was synthesized. The solid state structures were deduced using infrared (IR) and Mossbauer spectroscopies. The spectroscopic results indicated that all the compounds were found to be five-coordinated in the solid state. Based on the NMR results, all the compounds are tetrahedral in solution. Larvicidal activities of the compounds were evaluated against the second instar stage of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. The toxicity results indicated that these compounds of triorganotins were effective larvicides against all three species of larvae. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postnatal ontogeny of the cochlea and flight ability in Jamaican fruit bats (Phyllostomidae) with implications for the evolution of echolocation

Recent evidence has shown that the developmental emergence of echolocation calls in young bats follow an independent developmental pathway from other vocalizations and that adult-like echolocation call structure significantly precedes flight ability. These data in combination with new insights into the echolocation ability of some shrews suggest that the evolution of echolocation in bats may involve inheritance of a primitive sonar system that was modified to its current state, rather than the ad hoc evolution of echolocation in the earliest bats. Because the cochlea is crucial in the sensation of echoes returning from sonar pulses, we tracked changes in cochlear morphology during development that included the basilar membrane (BM) and secondary spiral lamina (SSL) along the length of the cochlea in relation to stages of flight ability in young bats. Our data show that the morphological prerequisite for sonar sensitivity of the cochlea significantly precedes the onset of flight in young bats and, in fact, development of this prerequisite is complete before parturition. In addition, there were no discernible changes in cochlear morphology with stages of flight development, demonstrating temporal asymmetry between the development of morphology associated with echo-pulse return sensitivity and volancy. These data further corroborate and support the hypothesis that adaptations for sonar and echolocation evolved before flight in mammals.
Enhancing writing pedagogy with learner corpus data

Learner corpora have become prominent in language teaching and learning, enhancing data-driven learning (DDL) pedagogy by promoting ‘learning driven data’ in the classroom. This study explores the potential of a local learner corpus by investigating the effects of two types of DDL activities, one relying on a native-speaker corpus (NSC) and the second combining native-speaker and learner corpora. Both types of activities aimed at improving second language writers’ knowledge of linking adverbials and were based on a preliminary analysis of adverbial use in the local learner corpus produced by 31 study participants. Quantitative and qualitative data, obtained from writing samples, pre/post-tests, and questionnaires, were converged through concurrent triangulation. The results showed an increase in frequency, diversity and accuracy in all participants’ use of adverbials, but more significant improvement was made by the students who were exposed to the corpus containing their own writing. The findings of this study are thus interpreted as suggestive that combining learner and native-speaker data is a feasible and effective practice, which can be readily integrated in DDL-based instruction with positive impact.
DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN OF THE DOG

A group of 160 Beagles were studied radiographically to determine the pattern of degenerative changes within the vertebral column, especially involving the intervertebral discs. The normal radiographic appearance of both disc and surrounding vertebrae is described. Disc space narrowing and calcification of discal tissues provide radiographic patterns that assist in diagnosis and prognosis. Because of the older age of the dogs, severe degeneration of the endplates with marked instability between vertebral segments was seen.
Chaperoning Ribosome Assembly

Reconstitution of bacterial ribosomes in vitro from RNA and protein constituents requires a heating step to rearrange conformation of an intermediate. In this issue of Molecular Cell, Maki et al. demonstrate that the DnaK chaperone system circumvents the requirement for heating.
Serum Levels of LH, Prolactin and Growth Hormone After Eaculation in Bulls

Six young (1.5-2.5 yr)and six mature (3-6 yr) bulls were ejaculated once weekly for 4 weeks. Two ejacula were taken after three or four falsemounts and two were taken during the first mount (no false mounts). Sera prepared from tail vein blood collected 30 mm before and 5 and 30 mm after each ejaculation were assayed for prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), and growth hormone (GH). Sexual preparation increased (p < .01) seminal volume and totalsperm per ejaculum. Before ejaculation, levels of serum prolactin averaged 10.8 ng/ml. Serum prolactin increased (p < .01) to 59.0ng/ml 5 mm after ejaculation and decreased to 38.3 ng/ml 30 mm afterejaculation.Levels of LH, which averaged 1.18,1.33,and 1.05ng/ml in samples taken at comparable intervals,did not differsignificantly.Growth hormone increased (p < .01)from 4.1 ng/ml before ejaculationto 8.1 ng/ml 5 mm after ejaculationand returned to pre-ejaculationvalues by 30 mm afterejaculation.Neither age nor sexual preparation affectedlevelsof prolactinor LH. In contrast,GH was higher (p < .01) in older than in younger bulls, and higher (p < .01) aftersexual preparation. We conclude that stimuli associated with ejaculation cause release of GH and prolactin, and possibly LH, but prolactin is released in greater quantity than LH or GH.
Tempting today, troubling tomorrow: the roots of the precarious couple effect

The precarious couple effect occurs when men pair with women who are both critical and more verbally disinhibited than them. Evidence that dissatisfaction runs high in such relationships makes one ask why people enter them in the first place. In Study 1, respondents recalled that past partners who were verbally disinhibited were relatively active in initiating the relationship. In Study 2, verbally inhibited men evidenced ambivalence in that they disliked disinhibited women more than inhibited ones but these feelings of disliking did not translate into expectations of feeling tense during the interaction. Study 3 revealed that initial interactions between inhibited men and disinhibited women go smoothly unless (a) the women are critical and (b) the pair discusses a stressful topic. The authors suggest that members of precarious couples are drawn to one another because, in initial encounters, their communication styles are relatively symbiotic. Alas, this initial chemistry does not always endure.
Analysis of the Potential Impact of the Players' Winning Withholding On the Gaming Industry

To increase tax revenue, the Clinton administration has proposed a 28% new tax withholding on big winnings from slot machines, keno, and bingo. Using the theories of expected game value and utility and the results of a survey, this study analyzes the potential impact of the proposed withholding on the gaming industry. The analysis shows that the withholding, if imposed, will depress gaming demand and lower casino revenues and profits. Eventually the government may hurt itself by collecting less corporate income tax from the industry.
Estimated solar contribution to the global surface warming using the ACRIM TSI satellite composite

[1] We study, by using a wavelet decomposition methodology, the solar signature on global surface temperature data using the ACRIM total solar irradiance satellite composite by Willson and Mordvinov. These data present a +0.047%/decade trend between minima during solar cycles 21-23 (1980-2002). We estimate that the ACRIM upward trend might have minimally contributed ∼10-30% of the global surface temperature warming over the period 1980-2002.
Histone H2A.F/Z mRNA is stored in the egg cytoplasm and basally regulated in the sea urchin embryo.

The sea urchin H2A.F/Z histone is a member of a subclass of highly conserved H2A variants. Sequence analysis confirms that H2A.F/Z mRNA is polyadenylated. In situ hybridization studies demonstrate that maternal H2A.F/Z message is stored in the egg cytoplasm and present at equal levels in all cells of the mesenchyme blastula-stage embryo, suggesting that H2A.F/Z is not coordinately regulated with DNA synthesis. When blastula-stage embryos were exposed to DNA synthesis inhibitors, no effect on the steady-state level of H2A.F/Z mRNA was observed, while the level of late class H2B mRNA decreased substantially. These results provide evidence that the basal mode of regulation of this unusual histone variant is conserved evolutionarily.
Spatial variability in acoustic backscatter as an indicator of tissue homogenate production in pulsed cavitational ultrasound therapy

Spatial variability in acoustic backscatter is investigated as a potential feedback metric for assessment of lesion morphology during cavitation-mediated mechanical tissue disruption ("histotripsy"). A 750-kHz annular array was aligned confocally with a 4.5 MHz passive backscatter receiver during ex vivo insonation of porcine myocardium. Various exposure conditions were used to elicit a range of damage morphologies and backscatter characteristics [pulse duration = 14 mus, pulse repetition frequency (PRF) = 0.07-3.1 kHz, average ISPPA = 22-44 kW/cm2]. Variability in backscatter spatial localization was quantified by tracking the lag required to achieve peak correlation between sequential RF A-lines received. Mean spatial variability was observed to be significantly higher when damage morphology consisted of mechanically disrupted tissue homogenate versus mechanically intact coagulation necrosis (2.35 plusmn 1.59 mm versus 0.067 plusmn 0.054 mm, p < 0.025). Statistics from these variability distributions were used as the basis for selecting a threshold variability level to identify the onset of homogenate formation via an abrupt, sustained increase in spatially dynamic backscatter activity. Specific indices indicative of the state of the homogenization process were quantified as a function of acoustic input conditions. The prevalence of backscatter spatial variability was observed to scale with the amount of homogenate produced for various PRFs and acoustic intensities
N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Heart Failure Risk Among Individuals With and Without Obesity: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

Background— Obesity is a risk factor for heart failure (HF) but is associated with lower N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. It is unclear whether the prognostic value and implications of NT-proBNP levels for HF risk differ across body mass index (BMI) categories. Methods and Results— We followed up 12 230 ARIC participants free of prior HF at baseline (visit 2, 1990–1992) with BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2. We quantified and compared the relative and absolute risk associations of NT-proBNP with incident HF across BMI categories. There were 1861 HF events during a median 20.6 years of follow-up. Despite increased HF risk in obesity, a weak inverse association was seen between baseline BMI and NT-proBNP levels ( r =−0.10). Nevertheless, higher baseline NT-proBNP was associated with increased HF risk in all BMI categories. NT-proBNP improved HF risk prediction overall, even among those with severe obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m2; improvement in C statistic, 0.032; 95% confidence interval, 0.011–0.053). However, given the higher HF rates among those with obesity, at each NT-proBNP level, higher BMI was associated with greater absolute HF risk. Indeed, among those with NT-proBNP of 100 to 10% among the severely obese. Conclusions— Despite its inverse relationship with BMI, NT-proBNP provides significant prognostic information on the risk of developing HF even among individuals with obesity. Given the higher baseline HF risk among persons with obesity, even slight elevations in NT-proBNP may have implications for increased absolute HF risk in this population. # CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE {#article-title-31}
Elasto-optic modulator integrated in high frequency piezoelectric MEMS resonator

This paper presents a new type of MEMS-based optical modulator, which operates on the elasto-optic effect. The device consists of a photonic racetrack resonator embedded into a laterally-vibrating piezoelectric resonator for strain to be transferred. This constitutes the first demonstration of a MEMS strain-based optomechanical device in which the operation is based on refractive index changes due to the elasto-optic effect rather than conventional physical displacements. Optical modulation is observed at the device resonance frequency of 843 MHz. The device could be used for signal modulation in RF-Photonic systems. As an example of such applications, an elasto-optic based electronic oscillator is also demonstrated.
Judgement as a Matter of Law on Punitive Damages

Under traditional doctrine, a court that considers a jury's award of damages to be excessive generally has two choices: order a new trial or offer a remittitur to the plaintiff, who may decline it in favor of a new trial. Federal courts of appeals are divided as to whether this traditional doctrine applies to excessive punitive awards, with some courts reducing such awards outright and entering judgment as a matter of law on the reduced amounts. After identifying the limited circumstances in which judgment as a matter of law is appropriate on awards of damages, the author argues that punitive damages fall within the general rule that a court may not reduce a jury award outright.
The manufacturing significance of solidification modeling

Modeling of solidifcation is becoming increasingly feasible, even in manufacturing-scale processes. Certain critical features of solidification can be modeled very accurately and used to predict casting results, including defects. The advent of faster computers and continuing software development bode well for the future of modeling in foundry operations.
Power, Alliance, and the Escalation of International Conflict,- 1815-1965

A considerable amount of the internationalpolitics literature attempts to explain international conflict on the basis of the distribution of power between and among nations. There are, however, divergent views of this linkage. One view argues that wars are most likely to take place between nations of similar power, while another asserts that wars are most likely when power is unequal. Research seeking to explore this phenomenon has not investigated the capability augmenting effects
Formation of core-shell structured composite microparticles via cyclic gas-solid reactions.

This work reports a novel low-cost and environmental-friendly preparation strategy for core–shell structured composite microparticles and discusses its formation mechanism. Different from most conv...
Collaboration Between Federal and Local Law Enforcement An Examination of Texas Police Chiefs’ Perceptions

Collaboration between law enforcement agencies, at all levels of government, has been identified as a salient component of post–September 11 policing. This study surveys a representative sample of ...
The generalized lucky ticket problem, perfect matchings, and closure relations satisfied by the Chebyshev and q-Hermite polynomials

Consideration is given to an asymmetric ticket of length $$m+n$$ in base $$\ell $$ . Such a ticket is said to be $$(m,n)$$ -lucky if the sum of the first $$m$$ digits is equal to that of the last $$n$$ digits. In other words, a $$(m,n)$$ -lucky ticket is a $$m+n$$ digit number (in base $$\ell $$ ) of the form $$a_1a_2\cdots a_mb_1b_2\cdots b_n$$ where $$a_i,b_j \in \left\{ 0,1,2,\dots ,\ell -1 \right\} $$ and $$a_1 + a_2 + \cdots + a_m = b_1 + b_2 + \cdots + b_n$$ . Applying both analytical (contour integral) and combinatorial methods, we arrive at two representations for the number of $$(m,n)$$ -lucky tickets in base $$\ell $$ . Our results reduce to those in the literature, when $$m=n$$ and $$\ell =10$$ . Furthermore, through the contour integral approach, we arrive at a non-obvious closure relation satisfied by the Chebyshev polynomials. The weighted ticket problem is also considered, and analogous results are obtained. As addressed by Ismail, Stanton, and Viennot, the generating function of the crossing numbers over perfect matchings is related to closure relations of $$q$$ -Hermite polynomials. In the second part of this paper, we give corresponding contour integral representations for these closure relations, which permit us to give an alternate representation of the number of perfect matchings between sets. In the $$q=0$$ limit, we obtain a representation equivalent to that of De Sainte-Catherine and Viennot for the number of Dyck words of a fixed length satisfying a set of algebraic restrictions. In order to relate the two combinatorial problems, we find an explicit correspondence between our contour formulations for each problem.
The Role of Aldehyde Oxidase in Ethanol-Induced Hepatic Lipid Peroxidation in the Rat

Hepatic lipid peroxidation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced liver injury, but the mechanism(s) by which ethanol metabolism or resultant free radicals initiate lipid peroxidation is not fully defined. The role of the molybdenum-containing enzymes aldehyde oxidase and xanthine oxidase in the generation of such free radicals was investigated by measuring alkane production (lipoperoxidation products) in isolated rat hepatocytes during ethanol metabolism. Inhibition of aldehyde oxidase and xanthine oxidase (by feeding tungstate at 100 mg/day per kg) decreased alkane production (80-95%), whereas allopurinol (20 mg/kg by mouth), a marked inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, inhibited alkane production by only 35-50%. Addition of acetaldehyde (0-100 microM) (in the presence of 50 microM-4-methylpyrazole) increased alkane production in a dose-dependent manner (Km of aldehyde oxidase for acetaldehyde 1 mM); menadione, an inhibitor of aldehyde oxidase, virtually inhibited alkane production. Desferrioxamine (5-10 microM) completely abolished alkane production induced by both ethanol and acetaldehyde, indicating the importance of catalytic iron. Thus free radicals generated during the metabolism of acetaldehyde by aldehyde oxidase may be a fundamental mechanism in the initiation of alcohol-induced liver injury.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Patient Safety Indicator for Postoperative Respiratory Failure (PSI 11) does not identify accurately patients who received unsafe care.

Background The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Patient Safety Indicator 11 is used to identify postoperative respiratory failure events and detect areas for quality improvement. This study examines the accuracy of Patient Safety Indicator 11 in identifying clinically valid patient safety events. Methods All cases flagged for Patient Safety Indicator 11 from July 2013 to July 2015 by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality QI Version 4.5 including International Classification of Diseases–9 codes were evaluated. Code-confirmed cases underwent independent review by 2 physicians. Inpatient electronic medical records were used to identify clinical factors for postoperative respiratory failure in each case to determine if postoperative respiratory failure was a result of unsafe care. The clinical true-positive rate and positive predictive value were calculated. Results A total of 166 postoperative respiratory failure cases were reviewed; 51 were recoded and reversed due to coding or documentation errors; 115 cases met the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality definition of postoperative respiratory failure. A total of 71 (61.7%) of the 115 cases were false positives and did not reflect unsafe care, while 44 cases were true positives with a positive predictive value of 38.3%. χ2 analysis did not reveal an association between demographics, clinical characteristics, or operative procedure with true-positive cases. Conclusion Administrative coding data for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Patient Safety Indicator 11 do not identify accurately patients who received unsafe care when taking into account unpreventable clinical factors causing postoperative respiratory failure. The use of Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Patient Safety Indicator 11 as a hospital performance measure should be reconsidered until inclusion and exclusion criteria are revised.
Sexual orientation identity disparities in health behaviors, outcomes, and services use among men and women in the United States: a cross-sectional study

Research shows that sexual minorities (e.g., lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals) experience higher levels of discrimination, stigma, and stress and are at higher risk of some poor health outcomes and health behaviors compared to their heterosexual counterparts. However, the majority of studies have examined sexual orientation disparities in a narrow range of health outcomes and behaviors using convenience samples comprised of either men or women living in restricted geographic areas. To investigate the relationship between sexual orientation identity and health among U.S. women and men, we used Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate prevalence ratios for health behaviors, outcomes, and services use comparing sexual minorities to heterosexual individuals using 2013 and 2014 National Health Interview Survey data (N = 69,270). Three percent of the sample identified as sexual minorities. Compared to heterosexual women, lesbian (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.65 [95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 2.37]) and bisexual (PR = 2.16 [1.46, 3.18]) women were more likely to report heavy drinking. Lesbians had a higher prevalence of obesity (PR = 1.20 [1.02, 1.42]), stroke (PR = 1.96 [1.14, 3.39]), and functional limitation (PR = 1.17 [1.02, 1.34] than heterosexual women. Gay men were more likely to have hypertension (PR = 1.21 [1.03, 1.43]) and heart disease (PR = 1.39 [1.02, 1.88]). Despite no difference in health insurance status, sexual minorities were more likely than heterosexual individuals to delay seeking healthcare because of cost; however, members of this group were also more likely to have received an HIV test and initiated HPV vaccination. Sexual minorities had a higher prevalence of some poor health behaviors and outcomes.
Improving Elastic Properties of Polymer-Reinforced Aerogels

Monolithic aerogels provide superior thermal insulation compared to other forms of aerogel (composites, particulate, etc.). It has also been demonstrated that monolithic aerogels can be made mechanically stronger and more durable by incorporating a conformal polymer coating on the skeletal nanostructure. However, for many applications it would be most desirable to have monolithic aerogels in a more flexible form, for example, as insulation in deployable and inflatable structures or space suits, or to wrap around a structure needing insulation. To this end, it has been found that by incorporating organic linking groups or alkyl trialkoxysilanes into the silica backbone, elastic recovery and/or flexibility is improved, while strength is maintained by the use of polymer reinforcement.
Impact of adjuvant temozolomide and IDH mutation status among patients with anaplastic astrocytoma.

2025 Background: Although adjuvant radiation has demonstrated a clear survival benefit in anaplastic astrocytomas (AA), the role of concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) remains controversial. Methods: All...
Cooperation between Magnesium and Metabolite Controls Collapse of the SAM-I Riboswitch.

The S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-I riboswitch is a noncoding RNA that regulates the transcription termination process in response to metabolite (SAM) binding. The aptamer portion of the riboswitch may adopt an open or closed state depending on the presence of metabolite. Although the transition between the open and closed states is critical for the switching process, its atomistic details are not well understood. Using atomistic simulations, we calculate the effect of SAM and magnesium ions on the folding free energy landscape of the SAM-I riboswitch. These molecular simulation results are consistent with our previous wetlab experiments and aid in interpreting the SHAPE probing measurements. Here, molecular dynamics simulations explicitly identify target RNA motifs sensitive to magnesium ions and SAM. In the simulations, we observe that, whereas the metabolite mostly stabilizes the P1 and P3 helices, magnesium serves an important role in stabilizing a pseudoknot interaction between the P2 and P4 helices, even at high metabolite concentrations. The pseudoknot stabilization by magnesium, in combination with P1 stabilization by SAM, explains the requirement of both SAM and magnesium to form the fully collapsed metabolite-bound closed state of the SAM-I riboswitch. In the absence of SAM, frequent open-to-closed conformational transitions of the pseudoknot occur, akin to breathing. These pseudoknot fluctuations disrupt the binding site by facilitating fluctuations in the 5'-end of helix P1. Magnesium biases the landscape toward a collapsed state (preorganization) by coordinating pseudoknot and 5'-P1 fluctuations. The cooperation between SAM and magnesium in stabilizing important tertiary interactions elucidates their functional significance in transcription regulation.
Durability of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells: Status and Targets

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells have attracted significant interest from governments and similar organizations due to their promise as an alternative energy system in a wide range of applications. To promote and guide future research and development activities, these regulatory organizations have developed targets for key fuel cell performance parameters, namely; cost, efficiency, and durability. The technical targets developed by the United States, the European Commission, and Japan are presented to provide a context for subsequent chapters, which focus on specific durability concerns and mechanisms. In addition, cost and efficiency targets are presented due to the close coupling between performance and durability parameters.
Tobacco Smoking-Associated Alterations in the Immune Microenvironment of Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

Background Tobacco smoking creates DNA damage, inducing mutations and potentially altering the tumor immune microenvironment. These types of genetic and immune microenvironment alterations are critical factors known to affect tumor response to immunotherapy. Here we analyze the association between the mutational signature of tobacco smoking, tumor mutational load, and metrics of immune activity in squamous cell carcinomas arising in the head and neck and lung. Methods Using RNA and DNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas head and neck (HNSC; n = 287) and lung (LUSC; n = 130) squamous cell carcinoma data sets and two independent gene expression data sets (HNSC, n = 136; LUSC, n = 75), we examined associations between the mutational smoking signature, mutation count, immune cell infiltration, cytolytic activity, and interferon-γ signaling. Results An increasing mutational smoking signature was associated with statistically significantly increased overall mutational load in both HNSC (ρ = .33, P = 1.01 × 10-7) and LUSC (ρ = .49, P = 2.80 × 10-9). In HNSC, a higher mutational smoking signature was associated with lower levels of immune infiltration (ρ = -.37, P = 1.29 × 10-10), cytolytic activity (ρ = -.28, P = 4.07 × 10-6), and interferon-γ pathway signaling (ρ = .39, P = 3.20 × 10-11). In LUSC, these associations were reversed (ρ = .19, P = .03; ρ = .20, P = .02; and ρ = .18, P = .047, respectively). Differentially expressed genes between smoking-high and smoking-low tumors revealed broad tobacco-induced immunosuppression in HNSC, in contrast to a tumor-inflamed microenvironment in smokers with LUSC. Conclusions In squamous cell carcinomas, the genetic smoking signature is associated with higher mutational load, but variable effects on tumor immunity can occur, depending on anatomic site. In HNSC, smoking is predominantly immunosuppressive; in LUSC, more pro-inflammatory. Both tumor mutation load and immune microenvironment affect clinical response to immunotherapy. Thus, the mutational smoking signature is likely to have relevance for immunotherapeutic investigation in smoking-associated cancers.
Between freedom and futility: on the political uses of corporate globalizing discourses

From frequent television advertisements to posters in jet bridges all over the globe, the public is continuously subjected to messages affirming the inception of a flat, borderless world. While the...
Optical coherence tomography for ocular surface and corneal diseases: a review

The advent of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging has changed the way ophthalmologists image the ocular surface and anterior segment of the eye. Its ability to obtain dynamic, high and ultra-high resolution, cross-sectional images of the ocular surface and anterior segment in a noninvasive and rapid manner allows for ease of use. In this review, we focus on the use of anterior segment OCT, which provides an “optical biopsy” or in vivo imaging of various ocular surface and corneal pathologies, allowing the clinician to diagnose diseases otherwise not visualized by traditional methods. The utility of anterior segment OCT for various anterior segment pathologies is reviewed.
A Space Benefits Educational Program

A program developed to educate teachers, students, and the public on the diverse benefits of space research is described. It involved first a series of popular lectures given principally by local members of the Huntsville aerospace community. This was followed by a summer teacher workshop that emphasized the use of specially updated, space-oriented instructional materials, improved teaching methods, and increased student motivation through direct participation. The lectures and workshop were organized by a group of societies in the Huntsville area in cooperation with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the Alabama Space and Rocket Center. Preliminary studies of a space benefits source book for use by teachers and students in future space educational programs are also reviewed.
Mobilisierungsansätze in der Transformationsforschung

Zunachst soll die Bedeutung der beiden Begriffe im Titel dieses Beitrags skizziert werden. Mobilisierungsprozesse (oder gleichbedeutend: Mobilisierungen) sind Prozesse, in denen kollektives politisches Handeln entsteht. Der Begriff der Transformation wird in der Literatur unterschiedlich und sehr oft auch unklar definiert (vgl. zusammenfassend Merkel 2010: 62-66; Kollmorgen 2006). Nach Kollmorgen (2006: 19) ist unter anderem eine radikale gesellschaftliche Umwalzung erforderlich, um von Systemtranformation sprechen zu konnen. Entsprechend den Zielsetzungen dieses Handbuchs soll hier ein solcher enger Transformationsbegriff verwendet werden.
Gene Electrotransfer to Lung

Electroporation has proven to be a highly effective technique for the in vivo delivery of genes to a number of solid tissues. In most of the reported methods, DNA is injected into the target tissue and electrodes are placed directly on or in the tissue for application of the electric field. While this works well for solid tissues, the lung requires a different approach. We and others have developed safe, simple, and highly effective methods for DNA delivery to the lungs using electroporation. These methods have been used in both small and large animal models to transfer both reporter genes and therapeutic ones and have resulted in effective treatments for several pulmonary diseases in these models. The current chapter will discuss these methods and their applications.