cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extending the Police Role: Implications of Police Mediation as a Problem-Solving Tool

This article discusses ramifications of role shifts that occur when police officers with traditional law enforcement expectations are placed in community policing assignments. Shifting from a control perspective to a partnership role often requires officers to abandon confrontation, command, and coercion in favor of participation, promotion, and persuasion. Types of police mediation arising in community policing are discussed relative to social distance and legal obligations across a spectrum of disputes: domestics, landlord-tenant, acquaintance/neighbor, frictions between neighborhoods and attractive nuisances, and between place guardians and regulating bodies. The New York City Community Patrol Officer Program (CPOP) and the Minneapolis Repeat Call Address Policing (RECAP) experiment provide examples. Potential problems include burnout, tunnel vision, personalization, overidentification, overcommitment, and unanticipated consequences.
Ontogeny of rapid estrogen-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in the rat cerebellar cortex: potent nongenomic agonist and endocrine disrupting activity of the xenoestrogen bisphenol A.

In addition to regulating estrogen receptor-dependent gene expression, 17-estradiol (E2) can directly influence intracellular signaling. In primary cultured cerebellar neurons, E2 was previously shown to regulate growth and oncotic cell deathviarapidstimulationofERK1/2signaling.Hereweshow that ERK1/2 signaling in the cerebellum of neonatal and mature rats was rapidly responsive to E2 and during developmenttotheenvironmentalestrogenbisphenolA(BPA).Invivo dose-response analysis for each estrogenic compound was performed by brief (6-min) intracerebellar injection, followed by rapid fixation and phosphorylation-state-specific immunohistochemistry to quantitatively characterize changes in activated ERK1/2 (pERK) immunopositive cell numbers. Beginning on postnatal d 8, E2 significantly influenced the number of pERK-positive cells in a cell-specific manner that was dependent on concentration and age but not sex. In cerebellar granule cells on postnatal d 10, E2 or BPA increased pERKpositive cell numbers at low doses (10 12 to 10 10 M) and at higher (10 7 to 10 6 M) concentrations. Intermediate concentrations of either estrogenic compound did not modify basal ERK signaling. Rapid E2-induced increases in pERK immunoreactivity were specific to the ERK1/2 pathway as demonstrated by coinjection of the mitogen-activated, ERK-activating kinase (MEK)1/2 inhibitor U0126. Coadministration of BPA (10 12 to 10 10 M) with 10 10 M E2 dose-dependently inhibited rapid E2-induced ERK1/2 activation in developing cerebellar neurons. The ability of BPA to act as a highly potent E2 mimetic and to also disrupt the rapid actions of E2 at very low concentrations during cerebellar development highlights the potential low-dose impact of xenoestrogens on the developing brain. (Endocrinology 146: 5388–5396, 2005)
p18, a novel adaptor protein, regulates pulmonary endothelial barrier function via enhanced endocytic recycling of VE-cadherin

Vascular permeability is a hallmark of several disease states including acute lung injury (ALI). Endocytosis of VE-cadherin, away from the interendothelial junction (IEJ), causes acute endothelial barrier permeability. A novel protein, p18, anchors to the endosome membrane and plays a role in late endosomal signaling via MAPK and mammalian target of rapamycin. However, the fate of the VE-cadherin-positive endosome has yet to be elucidated. We sought to elucidate a role for p18 in VE-cadherin trafficking and thus endothelial barrier function, in settings of ALI. Endothelial cell (EC) resistance, whole-cell ELISA, and filtration coefficient were studied in mice or lung ECs overexpressing wild-type or nonendosomal-binding mutant p18, using green fluorescent protein as a control. We demonstrate a protective role for the endocytic protein p18 in endothelial barrier function in settings of ALI in vitro and in vivo, through enhanced recycling of VE-cadherin-positive early endosomes to the IEJ. In settings of LPS-induced ALI, we show that Src tethered to the endosome tyrosine phosphorylates p18 concomitantly with VE-cadherin internalization and pulmonary edema formation. We conclude that p18 regulates pulmonary endothelial barrier function in vitro and in vivo, by enhancing recycling of VE-cadherin-positive endosomes to the IEJ.
Drosophila Chorion Gene Amplification: A Model System for the Study of Chromosome Replication

Two chromosomal domains of 80-100 kilobases containing Drosophila chorion genes undergo tissue-specific amplification in ovarian follicle cells during oogenesis. We have investigated the ability of small segments of DNA from within these regions to induce amplification after insertion into new chromosomal sites by P element-mediated transformation. Certain transduced chorion DNA sequences initiated a pattern of tissue-specific differential replication that was identical to normal chorion amplification. Both the transformed chorion DNA as well as flanking rosy DNA sequences underwent amplification. Our results suggest that differential chorion DNA replication is mediated by specific origin-containing sequences located near the centre of the amplified domains. The possible role of such sequences in normal programmes of replication is discussed.
Slip of the capital femoral epiphysis: Revival of a method of assessment

A simple and exact method for evaluation of suspected or overt slip of the femoral capital epiphysis is revived. This procedure gives an estimate of all degrees of abnormality from the early stages to those with gross deformity. In our experience slip of the femoral capital epiphysis is always posterior and in approximately 80% of cases bilateral. Therefore, both hips should be examined whenever this condition is suspected. The method provides for examination of each hip separately. Strict adherence to the procedure also provides a precise way of assessing the femoral anteversion angle, significant in many orthopedic disorders. For the latter purpose access to a particular nomogram is mandatory.
Laboratory Exploration of Solar Energetic Phenomena

The solar atmosphere displays a wide variety of dynamic phenomena driven by the interaction of magnetic fields and plasma. In particular, plasma jets in the solar chromosphere and corona, coronal heating, solar flares and coronal mass ejections all point to the presence of magnetic phenomena such as reconnection, flux cancellation, the formation of magnetic islands, and plasmoids. While we can observe the signatures and gross features of such phenomena we cannot probe the essential physics driving them, given the spatial resolution of current instrumentation. Flexible and well-controlled laboratory experiments, scaled to solar parameters, open unique opportunities to reproduce the relevant unsteady phenomena under various simulated solar conditions. The ability to carefully control these parameters in the laboratory allows one to diagnose the dynamical processes which occur and to apply the knowledge gained to the understanding of similar processes on the Sun, in addition directing future solar observations and models. This talk introduces the solar phenomena and reviews the contributions made by laboratory experimentation.
Abstract 2182: Novel ATP-competitive protein kinase D inhibitors: in vitro characterization and SAR analysis.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Protein Kinase Ds (PKDs) are serine/threonine kinases targeted by the second messenger diacylglycerol. The three isoforms of PKD (PKD1, PKD2, and PKD3) have emerged as key mediators in diverse cellular processes pertaining to cancer development including proliferation, apoptosis, migration/invasion and angiogenesis. Potent and selective PKD inhibitors are powerful tools in dissecting PKD-mediated cellular pathways and promising leads for developing effective anticancer agents. From targeted kinase inhibitor library screens we identified three highly potent novel ATP-competitive PKD inhibitors, IKK 16, 1-naphthyl PP1 and SD 208 with in vitro PKD inhibitory activity in low nanomolar range. All inhibitors except IKK 16 showed high selectivity for PKD relative to the related kinase family PKC and CAMK. When tested in LNCaP prostate cancer cells the compounds inhibited phorbol ester-induced PKD1 activation in a concentration dependent manner. SD 208 was found to be most specific for PKD and it did not affect the PKC mediated trans-phosphorylation of PKD1 at S744/748. Importantly, 1-naphthyl PP1 and SD 208 potently blocked prostate cancer cell proliferation and concentration-dependently induced cell death. SAR analysis of SD 208 and 1-naphthyl PP1 led to identification of key structural elements that are important for PKD inhibitory activity. In summary, we have identified and evaluated a panel of structurally divergent novel ATP-competitive PKD small molecule inhibitors with potent PKD inhibitory activities that could be further developed as potential antitumor agents in prostate cancer. Citation Format: Manuj Tandon, James Johnson, Elisa Farber, Evan Carder, Peter Wipf, Qiming J. Wang. Novel ATP-competitive protein kinase D inhibitors: in vitro characterization and SAR analysis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2182. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2182
A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine for Sedation During Vascular Procedures

Objective: To examine the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) as a primary sedative during vascular procedures performed under monitored anesthesia care (MAC). A total of 55 patients were randomized ...
Transient reflection of an electromagnetic signal from a stratified conducting medium

The reflection characteristics of an electromagnetic pulse from a stratified conducting medium is analysed. For the case of a plane-wave signal with a Gaussian envelope, n simple expression for the reflected signal is obtained. The results show that the envelope of the reflected signal is not Gaussian any more. If there is a large number of carrier cycles in the envelope, it is found that the amplitude of the reflected signal is negligibly small as compared to that of incident signal.
Bibliometric studies of research collaboration: A review:

Scientific research is becoming an increasingly collaborative endeavour. The nature and magnitude of collaboration vary from one discipline to another, and depend upon such factors as the nature of...
Screening for Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Adolescents and Adults: A Systematic Review to Update the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation

This updated review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) summarizes data from trials and observational studies about the possible benefits and harms of screening for hepatitis B vir...
Symbols of statehood: military industrialization and public discourse in India

This article examines the forces driving the pursuit of military production capacity in India, including those behind the Indian nuclear and space programmes. We are mainly interested in whether symbolic motivations regularly find expression in the public discourse. We review all articles on the subject of weapons development and production appearing in India Today from May 1977 to April 1999. There are three closely interrelated yet distinguishable concerns in the public discourse that we consider symbolic: that military industrialization is a means of asserting India's autonomy in international affairs, that it is a means of establishing India's international status and prestige, and that it serves to enhance India's self-image. We contend that the symbolic motivations are a prominent force behind the military industrialization process in India. The precise form that symbolic motivations take vary—some statements seem to have more symbolic content than others—but, as a whole, such references are not rare or isolated. Our findings suggest that symbolism can be an important component of the quest for an indigenous arms-production capacity, and perhaps other elements of statebuilding as well.
Antimicrobial and cancer cell growth inhibitory activities of 3β-acetoxy-17β-(l-prolyl)amino-5α-androstane in vitro

Abstract The in vitro activity of the steroidal amide 3β-acetoxy-17β-(l-prolyl)amino-5α-androstane against 179 Gram-positive clinical isolates was examined. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/MIC ratios were ≤2 for 73% of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , 59% of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. and 88% of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae . The androstane derivative was bactericidal for a variety of other Gram-positive genera, including Nocardia , Corynebacterium and Listeria . Variation in MICs is pH 6–8 media was slight. The frequency of occurrence of bacterial spontaneous mutations to resistance ranged from 10 −6 to 10 −9 . Kill curve analysis confirmed the bactericidal nature of the steroidal amide, and demonstrated that killing was time dependent but not concentration dependent for all organisms. The ability of 3β-acetoxy-17β-(l-prolyl)amino-5α-androstane to inhibit human cancer cell growth was also evaluated. The concentration required to inhibit 50% of cell growth (GI 50 ) was
Creatine supplementation and age influence muscle metabolism during exercise.

Young [n = 5, 30 ± 5 (SD) yr] and middle-aged (n = 4, 58 ± 4 yr) men and women performed single-leg knee-extension exercise inside a whole body magnetic resonance system. Two trials were performed ...
Prospects for direct social perception: a multi-theoretical integration to further the science of social cognition

In this paper we suggest that differing approaches to the science of social cognition mirror the arguments between radical embodied and traditional approaches to cognition. We contrast the use in social cognition of theoretical inference and mental simulation mechanisms with approaches emphasizing a direct perception of others’ mental states. We build from a recent integrative framework unifying these divergent perspectives through the use of dual-process theory and supporting social neuroscience research. Our elaboration considers two complementary notions of direct perception: one primarily stemming from ecological psychology and the other from enactive cognition theory. We use this as the foundation from which to offer an account of the informational basis for social information and assert a set of research propositions to further the science of social cognition. In doing so, we point out how perception of the minds of others can be supported in some cases by lawful information, supporting direct perception of social affordances and perhaps, mental states, and in other cases by cues that support indirect perceptual inference. Our goal is to extend accounts of social cognition by integrating advances across disciplines to provide a multi-level and multi-theoretic description that can advance this field and offer a means through which to reconcile radical embodied and traditional approaches to cognitive neuroscience.
Nationalism in hybrid spaces: the production of impurity out of purity

In this article, I reflect on the symbolic position assigned to Indo-Trinidadians within national narratives of homogenization in Trinidad. By contrasting the Trinidadian case to Western European modular forms, I explore how historical particularities of this New World region have resulted in novel and creative ways of imagining a national community'namely, by foregrounding impurity or hybridity'that run counter to master narratives of nationalism as these are cast in Western Europe. Trinidadians simultaneously celebrate hybridity (mixture) and their plural society, but, in the final instance, like all nationalist narratives, the Trinidadian narrative remains a logic of exclusion. [nationalism, homogenization, hybridity, creolization, postcolonial, Caribbean, Trinidad]
The effects of hands-free communication device systems: communication changes in hospital organizations

Objective To analyze the effects that hands-free communication device (HCD) systems have on healthcare organizations from multiple user perspectives. Design This exploratory qualitative study recruited 26 subjects from multiple departments in two research sites located in Portland, Oregon: an academic medical center and a community hospital. Interview and observation data were gathered January through March, 2007. Measurements Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Because this study was exploratory, data were coded and patterns identified until overall themes ‘emerged’. Results Five themes arose: (1) Communication accessdthe perception that HCD systems provide fast and efficient communication that supports workflow; (2) Controldsocial and technical considerations associated with use of an HCD system; (3) Trainingdprocesses that should be used to improve use of the HCD system; (4) Organizational changedchanges to organizational design and behavior caused by HCD system implementation; and (5) Environment and infrastructuredHCD system use within the context of physical workspaces. Conclusion HCD systems improve communication access but users experience challenges integrating the system into workflow. Effective HCD use depends on how well organizations train users, adapt to changes brought about by HCD systems, and integrate HCD systems into physical surroundings.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-28 Deletion Amplifies Inflammatory and Extracellular Matrix Responses to Cardiac Aging

To determine if matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-28 mediates cardiac aging, wild-type (WT) and MMP-28−/− young (7 ± 1 months, n = 9 each) and old (20 ± 2 months, n = 7 each) female mice were evaluated. MMP-28 expression in the left ventricle (LV) increased 42% in old WT mice compared to young controls (p < 0.05). By Doppler echocardiography, LV function declined at 20 ± 2 months of age for both groups. However, dobutamine stress responses were similar, indicating that cardiac reserve was maintained. Plasma proteomic profiling revealed that macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1 α, MIP-1β and MMP-9 plasma levels did not change in WT old mice but were significantly elevated in MMP-28−/− old mice (all p < 0.05), suggestive of a higher inflammatory status when MMP-28 is deleted. RT2-PCR gene array and immunoblotting analyses demonstrated that MIP-1α and MMP-9 gene and protein levels in the LV were also higher in MMP-28−/− old mice (all p < 0.05). Macrophage numbers in the LV increased similarly in WT and MMP-28−/− old mice, compared to respective young controls (both p < 0.05). Collagen content was not different among the WT and MMP-28−/− young and old mice. In conclusion, LV inflammation increases with age, and MMP-28 deletion further elevates inflammation and extracellular matrix responses, without altering macrophage numbers or collagen content.
In vivo analysis of p53 tumor suppressor function using genetically engineered mouse models

p53 is a crucial tumor suppressor, as evidenced by the high propensity for p53 mutation during human cancer development. Already more than a decade ago, p53 knockout mice confirmed that p53 is critical for preventing tumorigenesis. More recently, a host of p53 knock-in mouse strains has been generated, with the aim of either more precisely modeling p53 mutations in human cancer or better understanding p53's regulation and downstream activities. In the first category, several mouse strains expressing mutant p53 proteins corresponding to human-tumor-derived mutants have demonstrated that mutant p53 is not equivalent to loss of p53 but additionally exhibits gain-of-function properties, promoting invasive and metastatic phenotypes. The second class of p53 knock-in mouse models expressing engineered p53 mutants has also provided new insight into p53 function. For example, mice expressing p53 mutants lacking specific posttranslational modification sites have revealed that these modifications serve to modulate p53 responses in vivo in a cell-type- and stress-specific manner rather than being absolutely required for p53 stabilization and activation as suggested by in vitro experiments. Additionally, studies of p53 mouse models have established that both p53-driven cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis responses contribute to tumor suppression and that activation of p53 by oncogenic stress imposes an important barrier to tumorigenesis. Finally, the use of mouse strains expressing temporally regulatable p53 has demonstrated that p53 loss is not only required for tumor development but also required for tumor maintenance, suggesting that p53 restoration in human cancer patients may be a promising therapeutic strategy. These sophisticated p53 mouse models have taught us important lessons, and new mouse models will certainly continue to reveal interesting and perhaps surprising aspects of p53's complex biology.
Allergic contact dermatitis from laboratory synthesis of 4-bromomethyl-6,8-dimethyl-2(1H)-quinolone.

A case is reported of allergic contact dermatitis from 4–bromoacetoacet-2, 4–dimethylani1ide and 4–bromomelhyl-6, 8–dimcthyl-2(1H)-quinolone in a 19–year-old chemical laboratory technician. The relationship between the chemical reactivity of these compounds and their sensitizing potential is discussed.
Compliance with Pediatric Therapy A Selective Review and Recommendations

The problem of compliance with treatment is largely ignored in the major pediatric textbooks at the present time. However, the physician's responsibility should include a concern for the practicality of therapy and its acceptance by both parents and children. The subject of com pliance as related to pediatrics is selectively reviewed, and likely ways the physician can promote compliance are provided.
Influence of referral bias on the clinical characteristics of patients with Gram-negative bloodstream infection.

Referral bias can influence the results of studies performed at tertiary-care centres. In this study, we evaluated demographic and microbiological factors that influenced referral of patients with Gram-negative bloodstream infection (BSI). We identified 2919 and 846 unique patients with Gram-negative BSI in a referral cohort of patients treated at Mayo Clinic Hospitals and a population-based cohort of Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2007, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with referral. Elderly patients aged ⩾80 years with Gram-negative BSI were less likely to be referred than younger patients [odds ratio (OR) 0·43, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0·30–0·62] as were females (OR 0·63, 95% CI 0·53–0·74). After adjusting for age and gender, bloodstream isolates of Escherichia coli (OR 0·50, 95% CI 0·43–0·58) and Proteus mirabilis (OR 0·49, 95% CI 0·30–0·82) were underrepresented in the referral cohort; and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR 2·26, 95% CI 1·70–3·06), Enterobacter cloacae (OR 2·31, 95% CI 1·53–3·66), Serratia marcescens (OR 2·34, 95% CI 1·33–4·52) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (OR 17·94, 95% CI 3·98–314·43) were overrepresented in the referral cohort. We demonstrated that demographic and microbiological characteristics of patients with Gram-negative BSI had an influence on referral patterns. These factors should be considered when interpreting results of investigations performed at tertiary-care centres.
The multiple adaptive problems solved by human aggression

Human psychology contains adaptations to deploy aggression as one solution to many distinct adaptive problems. These include expropriating resources, defending against incursions, establishing encroachment-deterring reputations, inflicting costs on rivals, ascending dominance hierarchies, dissuading partner defection, eliminating fitness-draining offspring, and obtaining new mates. Aggression is not a singular strategy. Comprehensive theories must identify the "design features" of multiple adaptations for aggression.
Young Women’s Perspectives on Cervical Cancer Prevention in Appalachian Kentucky

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coupled with routine Papanicolaou (Pap) tests can prevent pervasive HPV infections causing cervical cancer. However, both HPV vaccination rates and Pap testing rates in Appalachian Kentucky are lower among all age groups than the rest of the United States. We recruited 19 young women residing in Appalachian Kentucky from university-based and rural clinical settings for group and individual interviews. After considering an integrated behavioral framework, we illustrate these women’s perspectives by detailing five themes, including (a) experiential beliefs pose barriers to performing behaviors, (b) three vaccine doses complicate vaccination intention, (c) women have misunderstandings about HPV and the HPV vaccination function, (d) normative influences cue action (and inaction), and (e) specific environmental and contextual barriers exist to performing cervical cancer prevention behaviors in Appalachian Kentucky. These findings related to cervical cancer prevention in A...
Submergence Enhances Expression of a Gene Encoding 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate Oxidase in Deepwater Rice

Partial submergence greatly stimulates internodal growth in deepwater rice (Oryza sativa L.). Previous work has shown that the effect of submergence is, at least in part, mediated by ethylene, which accumulates in the air spaces of submerged internodes. To investigate the expression of the genes encoding ethylene biosynthetic enzymes during accelerated growth of deepwater rice, we cloned a 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) oxidase cDNA (OSACO1) from internodes of submerged plants and measured the activity of the enzyme in tissue extracts with an improved assay. We found an increase in ACC oxidase mRNA levels and enzyme activity after 4 to 24 h of submergence. Thus, it is likely that ethylene biosynthesis in internodes of deepwater rice is controlled, at least in part, at the level of ACC oxidase.
Processing of Intimacy-Related Stimuli in Survivors of Sexual Trauma The Role of PTSD

To fully understand the negative impact of sexual trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) upon adult intimacy-related functioning, cognitive models designed to investigate implicit processing of stimuli with emotional content are warranted. Using an emotional Stroop paradigm, the present study examined the impact of sexual trauma history (childhood sexual abuse and/or adult sexual assault) and a PTSD diagnosis on the implicit processing of 3 types of word stimuli: intimacy, sexual trauma, and neutral. Based on the results of a structured clinical interview and a behavioral-specific sexual trauma questionnaire, participants (n = 101; 74 females, 27 males) were placed in 3 groups: sexual trauma only (n = 33), sexual trauma and PTSD (n = 33), and controls (n = 35). Results indicated that men and women with a history of sexual trauma and a current PTSD diagnosis had increased latency for intimacy-related words and trauma words compared to controls, whereas individuals with only a history of sexual tra...
Validating global landcover classification pattern using spatial resolution-independent landscape metrics

The EROS Data Center is completing a global land-cover classification using 1 km data. Although 1 km data is very coarse for land-cover classification, it is the only means by which landcover can be classified at a global scale. A number of validation schemes have been devised and proposed for use in evaluating global landcover classification. These validation schemes are primarily concerned with assessing thematic accuracy. In addition, to the importance of evaluating thematic global classification accuracy, the authors have recognized the importance of evaluating changes in landscape pattern at coarser scales. Thus, they have developed landscape metrics that are capable of quantifying landscape pattern while being independent of spatial resolution. These metrics include measures of patch shape complexity and landscape fragmentation. The metrics are similar in concept to those proposed for landscape monitoring and assessment by the US Environmental Protection Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (EMAP). However, the metrics proposed by EMAP are dependent upon a number of factors with respect to remote sensing data, particularly, spatial resolution, level of classification, and sampling geometry, unlike the authors' metrics which are independent of these factors. Following each level of classification the pattern metrics could be calculated to determine if coarser resolution data are capturing the same type of changes in pattern in landcover categories as finer resolution data. Such information would allow researchers and decision makers to establish an error estimate on the use of 1 km data for capturing landscape patterns. It is important to determine if landscape pattern is detected because pattern has many implications on regional and global environmental processes such as biodiversity, animal migration, vegetation dispersal, predator-prey interactions, plant succession, nutrient cycling, and climate. By validating the 1 km data the authors be able to better assess the effects of pattern on global processes.
1 + 1 = you: measuring the comprehensibility of metaphors for configuring backup authentication

Backup authentication systems verify the identity of users who are unable to perform primary authentication usually as a result of forgetting passwords. The two most common authentication mechanisms used for backup authentication by webmail services, personal authentication questions and email-based authentication, are insufficient. Many webmail users cannot benefit from email-based authentication because their webmail account is their primary email account. Personal authentication questions are frequently forgotten and prone to security failures, as illustrated by the increased scrutiny they received following their implication in the compromise of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's Yahoo! account.One way to address the limitations of existing backup authentication mechanisms is to add new ones. Since no mechanism is completely secure, system designers must support configurations that require multiple authentication tasks be completed to authenticate. Can users comprehend such a rich set of new options? We designed two metaphors to help users comprehend which combinations of authentication tasks would be sufficient to authenticate. We performed a usability study to measure users' comprehension of these metaphors. We find that the vast majority of users comprehend screenshots that represent authentication as an exam, in which points are awarded for the completion of individual authentication tasks and authentication succeeds when an authenticatee has accumulated enough points to achieve a passing score.
Using Padoa’s principle to prove the non-definability, in terms of each other, of the three fundamental qualitative concepts of comparative probability, independence and comparative uncertainty, with some new axioms of qualitative independence and uncertainty included

Abstract First, Padoa’s principle is used to prove the non-definability of the fundamental qualitative concepts of comparative probability, independence and comparative uncertainty in terms of each other. Second, the qualitative axioms of uncertainty leading to an entropy representation are new. Third, a qualitative random-variable axiomatization of these concepts is given, but the random variables are restricted to generalized indicator functions, their products and their iterates. A new axiom of independence in terms of such indicator functions is used in this axiomatization. Fourth, a standard extensive-quantity representation is then proved for comparative probability, and the new axiom of independence provides the basis for proving the desired absolute invariance theorem for the constructed probability measure.
Complete Genome Sequence of Edwardsiella tarda Isolate FL95-01, Recovered from Channel Catfish

Edwardsiella tarda is a Gram-negative facultative anaerobe that has been isolated from fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, including humans. This is a report of the complete and annotated genome of isolate FL95-01, recovered from channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).
Parallel Circulations: Managing Single-ventricle Physiology

Infants born with single-cardiac ventricle physiology frequently are treated preoperatively and postoperatively in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), which requires neonatologists to be familiar with their unique anatomy, physiology, and consequent nonconventional principles of management. This case report reviews single-ventricle anatomy and physiology to explain appropriate interventions in the setting of cardiopulmonary arrest.
An antibody VH gene that promotes marginal zone B cell development and heavy chain allelic inclusion

The Ig heavy (H) chain plays a pivotal role in the regulation of primary B cell development through its association with a variety of other proteins including Iga and Igb, the surrogate light chain components and bona fide L chains, to form transmembrane signaling complexes. Little is known about how alterations in the structure of the H chain variable region influence association with these proteins, or the signaling capacity of the complexes that form. Here we describe a line of VH ‘knockin’ mice in which the transgene-encoded VH region differs by eight amino acid residues from the VH region in a VH knockin line we previously constructed and characterized. The transgenic H chain locus in the line of mice we characterized earlier efficiently promotes H chain allelic exclusion and all phases of primary B cell development, resulting in the generation of mature B1, marginal zone (MZ) and follicular (FO) B cell compartments. In contrast, the transgenic H chain locus in the new line fails to enforce allelic exclusion, as evidenced by the majority of peripheral B cells expressing two H chains on their surfaces. Moreover, this locus inefficiently drives bone marrow B lymphopoiesis and FO B cell development. However, this H chain locus does promote MZ B cell development, from precursors that appear to be generated during fetal and neonatal life. We discuss these data in the context of previous findings on the influence of Ig H chain structure on primary B cell development.
GENOTYPE X ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION WITH ISOGENIC LINES OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER.

Two experiments which exploit some of the peculiar genetic properties of Drosophila melanogaster were conducted to study the nature of the interaction of genotype x environment. All possible crosses were made among four isogenic lines, each representing a different mass mated stock. A sample of virgin females from each line, line cross, andd original mass mated stock was irradiated (6000 r or 4000 r) at about 48 hr of age. A similar nonirradiated sample was also measured. The traits measured were number of eggs and live larvae produced by days 4, 6, and 8, and the number of adults eclosing from eggs deposited on days 9, 10, and 11. The andalysis provides a comparison of three breeding types, and estimates of inbreeding depression, heterosis, general and specific combining ability, maternal and reciprocal effects and their interaction with treatment. Significant effects were observed for treatments, breeding types, mass mated stocks and isogenic lines in both experiments. Differences in general combining ability were found for egg and larva number but not for number of adults in both experiments. Large interactions of treatment x breeding type, treatment x mass mated stock, and treatment x isogenic line were observed for all traits at 6000more » r, whereas at 4,000 r only two of these interactions were significant. (C.H.)« less
Surgical Management of Combined Venous Lymphatic Malformation of the Orbit: A Case Report

Combined venous lymphatic malformation is a benign, nonhereditary vascular anomaly. These unencapsulated hamartomas can be associated with spontaneous, recurrent hemorrhage leading to proptosis and pain. We describe a patient with this lesion to discuss the various management strategies and surgical challenges encountered with this condition.
Moral Justification and Reflective Equilibrium

This note explains reflective equilibrium, a process of moral reasoning whereby considered judgments about cases are reviewed and abstracted into principles. New cases either confirm the principles or lead to their revision. The note argues that reflective equilibrium is a good process for understanding how moral thinking ought to work.
Characterization of spatial distribution of Tetranychus urticae in peppermint in California and implication for improving sampling plan

Twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is an important pest of peppermint in California, USA. Spider mite feeding on peppermint leaves causes physiological changes in the plant, which coupling with the favorable environmental condition can lead to increased mite infestations. Significant yield loss can occur in absence of pest monitoring and timely management. Understating the within-field spatial distribution of T. urticae is critical for the development of reliable sampling plan. The study reported here aims to characterize the spatial distribution of mite infestation in four commercial peppermint fields in northern California using spatial techniques, variogram and Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs (SADIE). Variogram analysis revealed that there was a strong evidence for spatially dependent (aggregated) mite population in 13 of 17 sampling dates and the physical distance of the aggregation reached maximum to 7 m in peppermint fields. Using SADIE, 11 of 17 sampling dates showed aggregated distribution pattern of mite infestation. Combining results from variogram and SADIE analysis, the spatial aggregation of T. urticae was evident in all four fields for all 17 sampling dates evaluated. Comparing spatial association using SADIE, ca. 62% of the total sampling pairs showed a positive association of mite spatial distribution patterns between two consecutive sampling dates, which indicates a strong spatial and temporal stability of mite infestation in peppermint fields. These results are discussed in relation to behavior of spider mite distribution within field, and its implications for improving sampling guidelines that are essential for effective pest monitoring and management.
An efficient method and device for transfer of semisolid materials into solid-state NMR spectroscopy rotors

The study of mass-limited biological samples by magic angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR spectroscopy critically relies upon the high-yield transfer of material from a biological preparation into the MAS rotor. This issue is particularly important for maintaining biological activity and hydration of semi-solid samples such as membrane proteins in lipid bilayers, pharmaceutical formulations, microcrystalline proteins and protein fibrils. Here we present protocols and designs for rotor-packing devices specifically suited for packing hydrated samples into Pencil-style 1.6 mm, 3.2 mm standard, and 3.2 mm limited speed MAS rotors. The devices are modular and therefore readily adaptable to other rotor and/or ultracentrifugation tube geometries.
Constraining the role of iron in environmental nitrogen transformations: Dual stable isotope systematics of abiotic NO2− reduction by Fe(II) and its production of N2O

Abstract Despite mounting evidence for biogeochemical interactions between iron and nitrogen, our understanding of their environmental importance remains limited. Here we present an investigation of abiotic nitrite (NO 2 − ) reduction by Fe(II) or ‘chemodenitrification’, and its relevance to the production of nitrous oxide (N 2 O), specifically focusing on dual (N and O) isotope systematics under a variety of environmental conditions. We observe a range of kinetic isotope effects that are regulated by reaction rates, with faster rates at higher pH (∼8), higher concentrations of Fe(II) and in the presence of mineral surfaces. A clear non-linear relationship between rate constant and kinetic isotope effects of NO 2 − reduction was evident (with larger isotope effects at slower rates) and is interpreted as reflecting the dynamics of Fe(II)–N reaction intermediates. N and O isotopic composition of product N 2 O also suggests a complex network of parallel and/or competing pathways. Our findings suggest that NO 2 − reduction by Fe(II) may represent an important abiotic source of environmental N 2 O, especially in iron-rich environments experiencing dynamic redox variations. This study provides a multi-compound, multi-isotope framework for evaluating the environmental occurrence of abiotic NO 2 − reduction and N 2 O formation, helping future studies constrain the relative roles of abiotic and biological N 2 O production pathways.
Estimating Dynamics in Particle Tracking Microscopy Using Nonlinear System Identification

Abstract A common technique for analyzing certain biophysical phenomena involves \tagging" a feature of interest with a uorescent particle and observing it over time. This technique, known as particle tracking microscopy, typically involves two steps: (1) localization of the particle in space, and (2) estimation of parameters related to a mathematical model of the particle's motion. There exist several methods that accomplish each task independently; however, there is currently no general framework that can perform both tasks simultaneously with arbitrary motion and observation models. In this work, we describe how this can be accomplished through the application of a framework recently developed by Schon, Wills, and Ninness. This framework, which uses the Expectation Maximization algorithm in conjunction with Sequential Monte Carlo methods, can simultaneously localize a particle's location while calculating maximum likelihood estimates of model parameters. Since the precision and computational complexity of this method significantly depend on the number of particles used, we also describe a potentially faster, albeit suboptimal, method based on the assumed normality of the posterior densities. We demonstrate these methods by applying them to the tracking of a nanometer-scale uorescent particle undergoing anisotropic diffusion in a plane.
Trends in Hydrogen Evolution Activity of Metal‐Modified Molybdenum Carbides in Alkaline and Acid Electrolytes

Relatively high surface area nanocrystalline molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) was modified with 5 wt % silver, copper, nickel, platinum, and palladium nanoparticles and subsequently assessed for its hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in alkaline and acid electrolytes. Density functional theory (DFT)-calculated hydrogen binding energies predicted that Pt–Mo2C and Pd–Mo2C should be most active, which was confirmed with experimental results. Similar activity trends were observed at both high and low pH values, with Cu–Mo2C being the least active. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that metal particles remained on the sample before and after HER testing. Pt-modified nanocrystalline Mo2C showed superior HER activity compared with Pt-modified commercial Mo2C, making it a potential replacement for bulk Pt in alkaline membrane electrolyzers. The positive effect on the HER activity of the metal contact with non-passivated Mo2C surfaces was also demonstrated.
Reactivity of Proton Sources with a Nickel Hydride Complex in Acetonitrile: Implications for the Study of Fuel-Forming Catalysts

The reactivity of the nickel hydride complex [HNi(P2PhN2Ph)2]+ (P2PhN2Ph = 1,3,5,7-tetraphenyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane) with a variety of acids to form hydrogen in acetonitrile was evaluated using stopped-flow spectroscopy in order to gain a better understanding of how the proton source influences the reaction kinetics when evaluating fuel-forming catalysts in acetonitrile. This reaction is initiated by the rate-determining step in the catalytic cycle for the hydrogen-evolving catalyst [Ni(P2PhN2Ph)2]2+. Proton sources were evaluated with respect to pKa, homoconjugation, dimerization, heteroconjugation, and aggregation (for water). The effects of water and conjugate base were also studied. A linear free energy relationship between rate constant and pKa was revealed; rate constants increased with the magnitude of the homoconjugation constant for acids prone to homoconjugation, and second-order reactivity was observed for trifluoroacetic and trichloroacetic acid, suggesting dimerization. Upon the...
Geotechnical Data Requirements for Earthen Hydraulic Barriers

Geotechnical data required to meet regulatory requirements for sound technical evaluation of soil compacted for waste containment liners or precipitation barriers in landfill cover systems are more stringent than those for most engineered soil structures. Unambiguous requirements for geotechnical parameters and measurement data are needed by both design/construction engineering firms and reviewing agencies so that the credibility of the data is clearly demonstrated. Data generated by laboratory soil testing to confirm design feasibility, and field performance testing of the structural and hydraulic properties of waste containment structures need to be evaluated from several perspectives.
Increased Inward Passive Permeability in Vitro to Sodium in Uraemic Erythrocytes

1. We have reported a normal sodium (Na) pump, but decreased loop-diuretic-sensitive Na efflux in erythrocytes from patients with chronic renal failure on haemodialysis, suggesting a different mode of co-transport in uraemia. 2. The present work extends these findings and examines in vitro simultaneous unidirectional and radiolabelled Na and K fluxes through the Na/K/Cl co-transport and the Na/K pump in washed erythrocytes from seven subjects with chronic renal failure and seven controls. Erythrocyte cytosolic calcium was also examined. 3. Ouabain-sensitive 86 Rb influx was similar in patients and controls (1.76 ± 0.19 versus 1.72 ± 0.13 mmol h −1 litre −1 of erythrocytes) as was ouabain-sensitive 22 Na efflux (3.62 ± 0.36 versus 4.04 ± 0.39 mmol h −1 litre −1 of erythrocytes). 4. Bumetanide-sensitive 86 Rb and 22 Na influx and 22 Na efflux were measured at three concentrations (4, 8 and 12 mmol/l) of external K. In chronic renal failure, mean bumetanide-sensitive 22 Na efflux was decreased at all external K concentrations compared with controls, and at physiological concentrations (4 mmol/l) external K was lower than controls (0.14 ± 0.01 versus 0.38 ± 0.05 mmol h −1 litre −1 of erythrocytes, P 86 Rb influx was also reduced in chronic renal failure at all external K concentrations, and at 4 mmol/l external K was lower than controls (0.13 ± 0.04 versus 0.34 ± 0.04 mmol h −1 litre −1 of erythrocytes, P 22 Na influx was markedly increased at all external K levels in chronic renal failure, and at 4 mmol/l external K values were elevated compared with controls (0.64 ± 0.18 versus 0.34 ± 0.04 mmol h −1 litre −1 of erythrocytes, P P 5. Thus, in washed erythrocytes incubated in artificial media there is a markedly increased ouabain-insensitive Na influx in subjects with chronic renal failure which might be explained in part by the higher levels of cytosolic calcium. In vivo , this cell defect combined with suppression of the Na/K pump could lead to intracellular Na accumulation and play a role in uraemic complications.