cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Populism in Venezuela: the rise of Chavismo

In the 1990s Venezuela experienced the rise of a new anti-party movement built around the figure of Hugo Cha´vez and dedicated to the fundamental transformation of society, a movement that most Venezuelans call Chavismo. If we define populism in strictly political terms—as the presence of what some scholars call a charismatic mode of linkage between voters and politicians, and a democratic discourse that relies on the idea of a popular will and a struggle between ‘the people’ and ‘the elite’—then Chavismo is clearly a populist phenomenon. Chavismo relies on charismatic linkages between voters and politicians, a relationship largely unmediated by any institutionalised party. It also bases itself on a powerful, Manichaean discourse of ‘the people versus the elite’ that naturally encourages an ‘anything goes’ attitude among Cha´vez's supporters. In this paper I demonstrate these points through a descriptive account, based on interviews performed in Caracas during autumn 1999, May 2000 and February 2003, as w...
A High Performance Multifrontal Code for Linear Solution of Structures Using Multi-Core Microprocessors

Abstract A multifrontal code is introduced for the efficient solution of the linear system of equations arising from the analysis of structures. The factorization phase is reduced into a series of interleaved element assembly and dense matrix operations for which the BLAS3 kernels are used. A similar approach is generalized for the forward and back substitution phases for the efficient solution of structures having multiple load conditions. The program performs all assembly and solution steps in parallel. Examples are presented which demonstrate the code's performance on single and dual core processor computers.
Joint and separate score tests for state dependence and unobserved heterogeneity

Abstract The paper compares separate, conditional, and joint score tests of duration dependence and unobserved heterogeneity when the null is the exponential model and the alternative is the heterogeneous Weibull model. The score tests based on the conditional score function include the Neyman C (α) test as a special case. An examination of the non-null distribution of the joint test explains when all score tests have low power in the presence of multiple misspecifications. Monte Carlo experiments show that the conditional score tests are superior to the standard separate tests which confound unobserved heterogeneity and duration dependence.
An improved method for direct impedance deduction of a locally reacting ground

An accurate deduction of the acoustic impedance of a locally reacting ground depends on a precise measurement of sound fields at short-ranges. However, measurement uncertainties exists in both the magnitude and the phase of the acoustic transfer function. By using the standard method, accurate determination of the acoustic impedance can be difficult when the measured phases become unreliable in many outdoor conditions. An improved technique, which relies only on the magnitude information, has been developed. A minimum of two measurements at two source/receiver configurations are needed to determine the acoustic impedance. Even in the absence of measurement uncertainties, a more careful analysis suggests that a third independent measurement is often needed to give an accurate solution. When experimental errors are inevitably introduced, a selection of optimal geometry becomes necessary to reduce the sensitivity of the deduced impedance to small variations in the data. A graphical method is provided which o...
Wandering of the column of a d.c. arc used in spectrographic analysis

Abstract The reasons for the wandering of the column of a d.c. are are discussed. It is shown that, with the judicious choice of buffer compound, arc current, and electrode diameter, the wandering of the arc column may be substantially reduced without the use of external devices.
A new approach to high temperature photoresists based on styrylpyridinium units

Four linear polyesters containing styrylpyridinium units were prepared from 2,6-bis(p-hydroxystyryl)pyridine and terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, adipic acid, and sebacic acid, respectively. The polyesters are thermally stable in the 365 to 450°C range. The decomposition temperature is higher for aromatic polyesters, lower for their aliphatic analogs. The polyesters are photoreactive and crosslink on irradiation with UV. The crosslinking mechanism is 2 + 2 cycloaddition. The polyesters form protonated complexes with CF3COOH which absorb at longer wavelengths and are also photoreactive. The quantum yield of the photoreaction and the relative photosensitivities of the polyesters and their complexes were determined.
Spatial and Social Characteristics of Urban Transportation in Beijing

This paper aims to improve knowledge of urban transportation in China by analyzing the spatial characteristics of urban transportation in Beijing, China's capital. Neighborhood-level indicators—such as automobile ownership per household, commuting time, commuting mode percentages, and household income—were all extracted from a household survey conducted in 2006. Urban transportation was then analyzed spatially with a reference to Beijing's geometric center, job centers, and urban rail stations. The analysis led to several findings. First, the variation in commuting time by gender and household composition was similar to what has been observed in American cities. Second, automobile ownership and commuting modes exhibited no systematic, spatial variation, unlike their American counterparts. These differences might be explained by a third finding: in China, relatively high-income households preferred centrally located housing.
Linux in Hollywood: a star is born

Although Linux has yet to achieve wide popularity in the computer game world (see ibid., Dec., p.161-2, 2001), it is making rapid progress toward becoming the dominant operating system in the other major entertainment arena: motion pictures. Name a motion picture from the past year or two (to 2002) that featured stunning animation or dazzling special effects, and chances are the film's producers used Linux-based computers to splash those graphics on the big screen. For most of the past 30 years, Hollywood has led the development of computer graphics by constantly pushing the state of the art to wow audiences with ever more spectacular visuals. Many of these achievements can be seen annually at Siggraph conferences and exhibitions, where leading researchers and practitioners in the computer graphics field demonstrate work that companies such as Industrial Light and Magic or Pixar have done for the latest blockbuster films.
Effects of microstructure on fatigue crack growth in duplex ferrite-martensite steels

Abstract Monotonic tensile and fatigue crack growth tests have been performed on AISI 1018 and Fe2Si0.1C steels with duplex ferrite-martensite (DFM) microstructures. The effects of microstructure on ambient temperature mechanical properties were examined. Two distinct martensite distributions were produced in AISI 1018 DFM. The primary differences between the two were the ferrite and martensite particle sizes. It was found that tensile fracture was sensitive to both martensile distribution and volume fraction. For a given volume fraction of martensite, large particle sizes increased strength but drastically reduced ductility. Threshold stress intensity ranges for fatigue crack growth in AISI 1018 DFM were found to be unaffected by the distribution or the volume fraction of martensite. However, crack growth rates in the range 10 −5 –10 −3 mm cycle −1 were increased in AISI 1018 DFM when the particle sizes were large. The increased crack growth rates were attributed to a crack extension mechanism involving cleavage fracture in ferrite. The Fe2Si0.1C DFM alloy was found to have a considerably higher fatigue threshold stress intensity than AISI 1018 DFM of comparable strength. The greater near-threshold fatigue crack propagation resistance of Fe2Si0.1C DFM was attributed to a meandering crack path, generated by the coarser microstructure in this steel, which promotes roughness-induced crack closure and crack deflection effects.
Starvation amidst Plenty: The Making of Famine in Bengal, Honan and Tonkin, 1942–45

Bengal is a vast cremation ground, a meeting place for ghosts and evil spirits, a land so overrun by dogs, jackals and vultures that it makes one wonder whether the Bengalis are really alive or have become ghosts from some distant epoch. And yet in the imaginative words of the poet, golden Bengal was once ‘well-watered, fruitful, abundant with crops.’ A garden of culture and civilization for over a thousand years … ( Biplabi , 7 November, 1943, cited in Paul Greenough, Prosperity and Misery in Medern Bengal: the Famine of 1943–44 , New York, 1982).
Reproducibility and Validity of a Handheld Spirometer

BACKGROUND: Handheld spirometers have several advantages over desktop spirometers, but worries persist regarding reproducibility and validity of data from handheld spirometers. We undertook an independent examination of the EasyOne handheld spirometer. METHODS: The laboratory testing included reproducibility and validity testing with a waveform generator. We used standard American Thoracic Society waveforms for in-line testing, calibration adaptor testing, and testing during compression of the mouthpiece. The clinical testing involved repeated tests with 24 spirometry-naive volunteers and comparison to spirometry results from laboratory (volume-sensing dry rolling seal) spirometer. RESULTS: The EasyOne exceeded standard thresholds for acceptability with the American Thoracic Society waveforms. In-line testing yielded valid results from the EasyOne. Between the EasyOne and the reference spirometer readings the mean ± SD difference was 0.03 ± 0.23 L for forced vital capacity (FVC) and −0.06 ± 0.09 L for forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). The calibration adaptor showed no appreciable problems. Extreme compression of the mouthpiece reduced the measured values. In clinical testing the coefficients of variation and limits of agreement were, respectively, 3.3% and 0.24 L for FVC, 2.6% and 0.18 L for FEV1, and 1.9% and 0.05 for the FEV1/FVC ratio. The EasyOne readings were lower than those from the reference spirometer; the differences were: −0.12 L for FVC, −0.17 L for FEV1, and −0.02 for FEV1/FVC. The limits of agreement were within criteria for FVC but not for the FEV1, possibly due to a training effect. CONCLUSION: The EasyOne spirometer yielded generally reproducible results that were generally valid, compared to the values from the laboratory spirometer. The use of the EasyOne in clinical, occupational, and research settings seems justified.
Insights into Substrate Specificity and Metal Activation of Mammalian Tetrahedral Aspartyl Aminopeptidase

Aminopeptidases are key enzymes involved in the regulation of signaling peptide activity. Here, we present a detailed biochemical and structural analysis of an evolutionary highly conserved aspartyl aminopeptidase called DNPEP. We show that this peptidase can cleave multiple physiologically relevant substrates, including angiotensins, and thus may play a key role in regulating neuron function. Using a combination of x-ray crystallography, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and single particle electron microscopy analysis, we provide the first detailed structural analysis of DNPEP. We show that this enzyme possesses a binuclear zinc-active site in which one of the zinc ions is readily exchangeable with other divalent cations such as manganese, which strongly stimulates the enzymatic activity of the protein. The plasticity of this metal-binding site suggests a mechanism for regulation of DNPEP activity. We also demonstrate that DNPEP assembles into a functionally relevant tetrahedral complex that restricts access of peptide substrates to the active site. These structural data allow rationalization of the enzyme's preference for short peptide substrates with N-terminal acidic residues. This study provides a structural basis for understanding the physiology and bioinorganic chemistry of DNPEP and other M18 family aminopeptidases.
Electrocatalytic properties of a vertically oriented graphene film and its application as a catalytic counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Vertically oriented graphene (VOG), with graphene sheets perpendicular to the substrate, exhibits meritorious electrocatalytic properties due to the fully exposed graphene (or graphitic) edges and other plasma introduced defects, even without any heteroatom functionalization. We report the growth and electrocatalytic properties of VOG by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition using methane and nitrogen as source gases. Nitrogen was adopted as plasma ancillary gas to obtain a higher plasma temperature that promotes VOG growth with better electrocatalytic performance, as comparative studies demonstrated. Electron transfer dynamics measurement using a Fe(CN)63−/4− redox couple found reduction and oxidation peak-to-peak separation as low as 70 mV, indicating rapid electron-transfer kinetics. The electrocatalytic activity of the VOG electrode on an I−/I3− redox couple was found approaching that of platinum. Using VOG as the counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), a promising power conversion efficiency of 7.63% was demonstrated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic study further discloses the impact of VOG properties on DSSC performance.
A spatial-temporal parallel approach for real-time MPEG video compression

We present a parallel implementation of an MPEG encoder on the Intel Paragon supercomputer. In our approach, both spatial and temporal parallelism have been exploited, While the Paragon has the computation capacity to encode video sequences faster than real-time, we found that real-time performance cannot be achieved if the input/output techniques are not designed properly. We present several schemes for managing the I/O and show their effect on reducing I/O contention.
Carolee Scheemann: A Life Drawing

More than visual art, this choreographed sequence in time and space made from Schneemann's childhood drawings is conceived and designed as “gestural performance.”
ENTRY DYNAMICS PERFORMANCE PREDICTIONS FOR PIONEER VENUS PROBES

The scientific experiments planned for the Pioneer Venus entry probes require that the probes provide a stable platform at a controlled roll rate throughout the atmospheric phase of the mission. The 45-degree half-cone forebody common to both the small and large probe configurations provides a design which meets all stability and attitude requirements. The uncertainty in the dynamic stability parameter coupled with the possible variability of roll rate due to ablation induced roll torques could, however, result in slight angle of attack divergence in the transonic flight regime. Minimum roll rate requirements on the small probe are passively achieved by a vane mounted on the pressure-temperature sensing arm. The vane was sized to provide minimum dynamic disturbance.
Testing a developmental–ecological model of student engagement: a multilevel latent growth curve analysis

US schools fail to engage a significant proportion of adolescent students. Although student engagement is significantly related to academic achievement, there is a dearth of longitudinal research simultaneously examining the impact of personal and contextual factors on student engagement at both individual and school levels. Using a nationally‐representative sample, multilevel growth curve analyses found significant factors related to adolescents’ student engagement both in initial status and rate of growth. Significant factors at the student level were students’ locus of control, self‐esteem, peer academic value, parental expectation and parent–child communication along with the students’ socio‐economic status, previous grades and friend dropout history. Significant factors at the school level were teacher rules on homework, teacher support, and school safety. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Aesthetic revolt and the remaking of national identity in Québec, 1960–1969

Based on archival and ethnographic data, this article analyzes the iconic-making, iconoclastic unmaking, and iconographic remaking of national identifications. The window into these processes is the career of Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of French Canadians and national icon from the mid-nineteenth century until 1969, when his statue was destroyed by protesters during the annual parade in his honor in Montreal. Relying on literatures on visuality and materiality, I analyze how the saint and his attending symbols were deployed in processions, parades, and protests. From this analysis, I develop the sociological concept of aesthetic revolt, a process whereby social actors rework iconic symbols, redefining national identity in the process. The article offers a theoretical articulation and an empirical demonstration of how the context, content, and the form of specific cultural objects and symbols—national icons—are intertwined in public performance to produce eventful change, and shows why and how the internal material logic and the social life of these icons shape the articulation of new national identities.
Transient Ubiquitin Cross-Reactive Protein Gene Expression in the Bovine Endometrium

Bovine ubiquitin cross-reactive protein (boUCRP) is secreted by the endometrium from days 15 to 26 of pregnancy in response to conceptus-derived interferon-tau (IFN-tau). We hypothesized that the gene encoding boUCRP was under transcriptional control by the conceptus and IFN-tau. Northern blots using radiolabeled UCRP cDNA revealed a single UCRP transcript of approximately 700 b that was present (P < 0.05) in endometrial cells cultured with 25 nM rboIFN-tau. The UCRP mRNA was not detected in endometrium on days 15, 17, 18 or 19 of the estrous cycle (n = 4 cows on each day) or in spleen, kidney, liver, corpus luteum or muscle. Bovine UCRP mRNA was detectable (P < 0.05) in endometrium from pregnant cows by day 15, reached highest levels by day 17, remained elevated on days 18, 19 and 21, and then declined to amounts on day 26 that were not detectable. Northern blot using radiolabeled ubiquitin cDNA revealed presence of the two major ubiquitin transcripts UbB (1.2 Kb) and UbC (2.6 Kb) in all tissues examined. The bovine UCRP cDNA did not cross-hybridize with these ubiquitin transcripts. We conclude that transcription of the UCRP gene is transient during early pregnancy and regulated by IFN-tau.
Roles and Regulation of Gastrointestinal Eosinophils in Immunity and Disease

Eosinophils have historically been considered to be destructive end-stage effector cells that have a role in parasitic infections and allergic reactions by the release of their granule-derived cytotoxic proteins. However, an increasing number of experimental observations indicate that eosinophils also are multifunctional leukocytes involved in diverse inflammatory and physiologic immune responses. Under homeostatic conditions, eosinophils are particularly abundant in the lamina propria of the gastrointestinal tract, where their involvement in various biological processes within the gastrointestinal tract has been posited. In this review, we summarize the molecular steps involved in eosinophil development and describe eosinophil trafficking to the gastrointestinal tract. We synthesize the current findings on the phenotypic and functional properties of gastrointestinal eosinophils and the accumulating evidence that they have a contributory role in gastrointestinal disorders, with a focus on primary eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. Finally, we discuss the potential role of eosinophils as modulators of the intestinal immune system.
Attending Rounds: A Patient with Accelerated Hypertension and an Atrophic Kidney

This case represents an individual with accelerating hypertension and declining kidney function associated with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. Key features include loss of GFR (reaching stage V CKD) during intensified antihypertensive drug therapy including agents that block the renin-angiotensin system and failure to appreciate the extent to which moderate renal artery stenosis was affecting his better kidney. Interpretation of duplex ultrasound studies was complicated by a discrepancy between near-normal peak systolic velocities and markedly abnormal segmental arterial waveforms. It was essential to recognize that both kidneys were abnormal and focus on recovery of perfusion to the better of these kidneys. Successful revascularization of one kidney allowed major improvement in GFR and BP control.
Shear thickening and scaling of the elastic modulus in a fractal colloidal system with attractive interactions

Dilute oil dispersions of fractal carbon black particles with attractive van der Waals interactions display continuous shear thickening followed by shear thinning at high shear rates. The shear thickening transition occurs at ${\stackrel{\ifmmode \dot{}\else \.{}\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\gamma}}}_{c}\ensuremath{\approx}{10}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{10}^{3}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{s}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and is driven by hydrodynamic breakup of clusters. Pre-shearing dispersions at shear rates $\stackrel{\ifmmode \dot{}\else \.{}\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\gamma}}g{\stackrel{\ifmmode \dot{}\else \.{}\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\gamma}}}_{c}$ produces enhanced-modulus gels where ${G}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\sim}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{pre\text{\ensuremath{-}}shear}^{1.5\ensuremath{-}2}$ and is directly proportional to the residual stress in the gel measured at a fixed sample age. The observed data can be accounted for using a simple scaling model for the breakup of fractal clusters under shear stress.
Regulation and Surveillance of Normal and 3′-Extended Forms of the Yeast Aci-reductone Dioxygenase mRNA by RNase III Cleavage and Exonucleolytic Degradation

Aci-reductone dioxygenases are key enzymes in the methionine salvage pathway. The mechanisms by which the expression of this important class of enzymes is regulated are poorly understood. Here we show that the expression of the mRNA encoding the yeast aci-reductone dioxygenase ADI1 is controlled post-transcriptionally by RNase III cleavage. Cleavage occurs in a large bipartite stem loop structure present in the open reading frame region of the ADI1 mRNA. The ADI1 mRNA is up-regulated in the absence of the yeast orthologue of RNase III Rnt1p or of the 5' --> 3' exonucleases Xrn1p and Rat1p. 3'-Extended forms of this mRNA, including a polycistronic mRNA ADI1-YMR010W mRNA, also accumulate in cells lacking Rnt1p, Xrn1p, and Rat1p or the nuclear exosome component Rrp6p, suggesting that these 3'-extended forms are subject to nuclear surveillance. We show that the ADI1 mRNA is up-regulated under heat shock conditions in a Rnt1p-independent manner. We propose that Rnt1p cleavage targets degradation of the ADI1 mRNA to prevent its expression prior to heat shock conditions and that RNA surveillance by multiple ribonucleases helps prevent accumulation of aberrant 3'-extended forms of this mRNA that arise from intrinsically inefficient 3'-processing signals.
Spectrum: A visual analytics tool to explore movement logs

We present a visual analytics tool, called Spectrum, to analyze the movement and communication log data from VAST Challenge 2015. Spectrum has two views: MoveView and SpectrumView. MoveView gives an overview of the movement logs at a certain timestamp by synthesizing time, location and identity information. It replays movement logs over time and demonstrates communication logs with dynamic links. SpectrumView shows the status of all visitors' activities within a period of time. Each stay of visitors in a location is visualized as a line segment. The duration and location type of the stay are encoded by the length and color of the segment. Accumulating segments of the same visitor horizontally and aligning sequences of segments from different visitors form a general view of all visitors' activities. In our attempt to solve the VAST Challenge 2015, we find that Spectrum provides an intuitive overview of the log data and helps to discover movement patterns from a large number of log records.
Financial Liberalization and Inflationary Dynamics in the Context of Southern European Economies

Three simple regressional analyses carried out by Haslag and Hein (1995), Haslag (1998) and Haslag and Koo (1999) have indicated a positive relationship between financial repression and inflation. This paper provides a theory to explain such a relationship. Specifically, we use an endogenous monetary growth model with financial intermediaries subjected to “high” and mandatory cash reserves serving as the source of financial repression. When calibrated to four Southern European semi-industrialized countries, namely Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal, that typically had high reserve requirements, the model indicates a positive inflation-financial repression relationship irrespective of the risk aversion parameter and hence the specification of preferences. But the strength of the relationship obtained from the model is found to be much smaller in size than the corresponding empirical estimates. Journal of Economic Literature Classification: E31, E44
The Evolution of Technology Transfer at MCC

The Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation (MCC) is an important experiment in R&D management and technology transfer. This consortium is the first major U.S. effort to get private corporations to collaborate in research while they compete in the marketplace. In 1983, MCC challenged U.S. antitrust law and a long-standing belief in the value of free-enterprise, unfettered competition. In 1993, MCC is still on trial as a symbol of an emerging paradox in U.S. economic development—the belief that for U.S. corporations to compete effectively in the international marketplace, they must collaborate with their domestic competitors.
Do acting out verbs with dolls and comparison learning between scenes boost toddlers’ verb comprehension?

To better understand how toddlers integrate multiple learning strategies to acquire verbs, we compared sensorimotor recruitment and comparison learning because both strategies are thought to boost children's access to scene-level information. For sensorimotor recruitment, we tested having toddlers use dolls as agents and compared this strategy with having toddlers observe another person enact verbs with dolls. For comparison learning, we compared providing pairs of: (a) training scenes in which animate objects with similar body-shapes maintained agent/patient roles with (b) scenes in which objects with dissimilar body-shapes switched agent/patient roles. Only comparison learning boosted verb comprehension.
A Practical Artificial Diet for Laboratory Rearing of the Alfalfa Weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal)

The alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), is an important pest in the United States. The development of nonpesticidal control measures and mass-rearing of this species can be facilitated by the use of a practical artificial diet. Several available artificial diets (Huggans and Blickenstaff 1963; Nash and Tombes 1966; Tombes 1966) are unsatisfactory, with a low adult yield and extended development time. One major obstacle is the insect's high degree of host specificity. We studied several aspects of host selection and feeding behavior (Hsiao 1969, a, b; Hsiao, unpublished data) and used our results to formulate a suitable artificial diet for rearing the alfalfa weevil (Hsiao and Hsiao, 1974). The diet, although adequate for rearing this species from egg to adult, contains many ingredients costly and impractical for general use. We therefore tried to formulate a practical rearing medium suitable for a large scale operation. Wheat germ and alfalfa leaf powder were the major constituents of the resultant diet, which we describe here.
A Former Principal’s Reflection: A Plan for Enhancing School Improvement and Culture by Getting Connected

This article focuses on a process for enhancing school improvement and culture by using connected school ideals and My Voice surveys attained from Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations. The proposed plan described by the author shows how getting the school connected, and then enhancing those connections through the use of My Voice surveys, a school may attain an improved, positive, school culture which bolsters school improvement and may raise graduation rates. Sustaining the connectedness within the school is important, and perceptions are, ultimately, what matters when it comes to behavior control. In order to keep positive connections between students and teachers, the author suggests using the iKnow My Class surveys to garner a better understanding of students’ perceptions about classroom culture as well. The areas where students’ perceptions weigh-in low on a survey’s scale mean educators must affect change in those areas to positively influence a perceptual shift.
Technique for Evaluating Residual Toxicity of Pesticides to Motile Insects

A-general method useful in evaluating residual toxicity of pesticides to motile arthropod species while minimizing pesticide fumigation effects is described. Data obtained using the method are presented. Both the pesticide tolerance to acephate and longevity are compared for adults of the citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton); Aphytis melinus DeBach, an aphelinid parasitoid; and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, a coccinellid predator.
Identification and Characterization of Noncovalent Interactions That Drive Binding and Specificity in DD-Peptidases and β-Lactamases.

Bacterial resistance to standard (i.e., β-lactam-based) antibiotics has become a global pandemic. Simultaneously, research into the underlying causes of resistance has slowed substantially, although its importance is universally recognized. Key to unraveling critical details is characterization of the noncovalent interactions that govern binding and specificity (DD-peptidases, antibiotic targets, versus β-lactamases, the evolutionarily derived enzymes that play a major role in resistance) and ultimately resistance as a whole. Herein, we describe a detailed investigation that elicits new chemical insights into these underlying intermolecular interactions. Benzylpenicillin and a novel β-lactam peptidomimetic complexed to the Stremptomyces R61 peptidase are examined using an arsenal of computational techniques: MD simulations, QM/MM calculations, charge perturbation analysis, QM/MM orbital analysis, bioinformatics, flexible receptor/flexible ligand docking, and computational ADME predictions. Several key mol...
A Preliminary Study of Organization in the Eye of Phenomenology

Organization is a popular phenomenon of human beings."Being in organization" is a living state of human being.In the contemporary world filled with scientificalistic management theories,the existence of organization itself has been obscured;and it requires the phenomenological method,a manifesting way,for revealing its being.Organization is regarded as a means for realizing collective goals,but that means must be put in the holistic relationship between man and his practice.And only in that condition could the meaning of organization be truly represented."Organization" as a noun is a means of treating organization the entity as a static "target",which is a dimension of the theory of organization science."Organize" as verb could be interpreted as a process "in organizing" or that of "making it collaborating";this is its humanistic dimension.From the perspective of phenomenology,organization could only be experienced in action and be given in reflection.The essence of organization is the practice of man as a collective member.And organization as a state of being should embody the unity of truth,virtue,and beauty in its action.
The significance of procalcitonin in guiding antibiotics use in children with critical illness

Objective To discuss the clinical value of procalcitonin(PCT) in guiding antibiotics use in children with severe diseases. Methods The clinical data of patients admitted to intensive care unit from January 2012 to July 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients without antibiotics use before admission and with procalcitonin level less than 0.5 ng/ml on admission were selected. The body temperature,infection indicators and prognosis were compared between patients with and without antibiotics use during hospitalization. Results There was no difference in body temperature,PCT,C-reactive protein(CRP),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) and white blood cell count(WBC) on admission between patients with and without antibiotics use during hospitalization. The PCT level was increased significantly(P0.05) on the day of starting the antibiotics when compared with that on admission in 60 patients while there was no change in the levels of WBC and CRP. Compared with the day of starting the antibiotics,body temperature declined(P0.05) and PCT level in 56 patients reexamined was decreased(P0.05) at 3 days after antibiotics use. Two hundred and eleven patients(98.14%) had favorable prognosis. Conclusions Monitoring PCT can guiding the clinical use of antibiotics.
Balancing a personal life with OB care.

The author shares the guidelines she developed to help merge her love of obstetrics with her desire for a balanced life and time with family.
Global evolution : a chronological annotated bibliography of international students in U.S. academic libraries

Concomitant to ongoing research and observation in the United States, academic librarians in other countries have become increasingly concerned about the rise of international student use in their libraries and the best way to help these students understand and utilize broader concepts of academic research and information gathering and evaluation. Current literature brings up new questions about what international students expect from their American academic library and what kind of library skills they have (research or otherwise). At last count, there are 193 countries and 61 colonies in the world, all with their own languages, cultural traditions, and racial and ethnic groups. Therefore, the answers to these questions have the potential to be numerous, and can only serve as helpful guidelines at best. This chronological, annotated bibliography shows the evolution of the issues concerning undergraduate and graduate international students in American academic libraries and contains many possible guidelines and ideas for meeting the basic and advanced information needs of an increasingly diverse patron group. From library orientation and information literacy to and programming and outreach, the gathered information covers over forty years of articles, dissertations, theses, book chapters, books, other bibliographies, and even multimedia.
Characterizing Fugitive Methane Emissions in the Barnett Shale Area Using a Mobile Laboratory.

Atmospheric methane (CH4) was measured using a mobile laboratory to quantify fugitive CH4 emissions from Oil and Natural Gas (ONG) operations in the Barnett Shale area. During this Barnett Coordinated Campaign we sampled more than 152 facilities, including well pads, compressor stations, gas processing plants, and landfills. Emission rates from several ONG facilities and landfills were estimated using an Inverse Gaussian Dispersion Model and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Model AERMOD. Model results show that well pads emissions rates had a fat-tailed distribution, with the emissions linearly correlated with gas production. Using this correlation, we estimated a total well pad emission rate of 1.5 × 105 kg/h in the Barnett Shale area. It was found that CH4 emissions from compressor stations and gas processing plants were substantially higher, with some “super emitters” having emission rates up to 3447 kg/h, more then 36,000-fold higher than reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ...
Electric Field‐Enhanced Solid‐State Conversion of Ceramic Sr5(PO4)3F to Crystals

The single crystal solid-state conversion of fluorapatite-type Sr5(PO4)3F (Sr-FAP) has been achieved by spark plasma sintering with the assistance of NaF additive. NaF was determined to act as both a sintering aid and impurity solute along the grain boundaries (GBs), controlling both the space charge and GB migration rate. Postsintering isothermal annealing was performed to examine the effect of DC electric field on grain growth. From the space charge potential determined from impedance spectra measurements, in combination with the theoretical contribution of space charge to grain-boundary energy reduction, it was concluded that the magnitude of the space charge in Sr-FAP is temperature dependent. As such, a moderate decrease in polycrystalline GB driving force is the main cause for the increased single crystal migration length that was observed in this study.
Love in South Asia

This chapter transitions its modern cultural analysis of romantic love to South Asia. Within this region, various studies highlight how people view romantic love and the interaction between this concept and their respective cultures. This chapter further explores romantic love and its various cultural implications on the everyday lives of people of India, Pakistan, and the Maldives. Like other cultures, those that are discussed in this chapter conceptualize and describe love in the context of marital bonds and sexual intimacy.
Effect of Fe substitution on the structural, magnetic and electron-transport properties of half-metallic Co2TiSi

The structural, magnetic and electron-transport properties of Co2Ti1−xFexSi (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5) ribbons prepared by arc-melting and melt-spinning were investigated. The rapidly quenched Co2Ti0.5Fe0.5Si crystallized in the cubic L21 structure whereas Co2Ti0.75Fe0.25Si and Co2TiFe0Si showed various degrees of B2-type disorder. At room temperature, all the samples are ferromagnetic, and the Curie temperature increased from 360 K for Co2TiSi to about 800 K for Co2Ti0.5Fe0.5Si. The measured magnetization also increased due to partial substitution of Fe for Ti atoms. The ribbons are moderately conducting and show positive temperature coefficient of resistivity with the room temperature resistivity being between 360 μΩcm and 440 μΩcm. The experimentally observed structural and magnetic properties are consistent with the results of first-principle calculations. Our calculations also indicate that the Co2Ti1−xFexSi compound remains nearly half-metallic for x ≤ 0.5. The predicted large band gaps and high Curie tempe...
Heat Exposure and Hypohydration Exacerbate Physiological Strain During Load Carrying

Adams, EL, Casa, DJ, Huggins, RA, DeMartini-Nolan, JK, Stearns, RL, Kennedy, RM, Bosworth, MM, DiStefano, LJ, Armstrong, LE, and Maresh, CM. Heat exposure and hypohydration exacerbate physiological strain during load carrying. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 727-735, 2019-Heat exposure and hypohydration induce physiological and psychological strain during exercise; however, it is unknown if the separate effects of heat exposure and hypohydration are synergistic when co-occurring during loaded exercise. This study compared separate and combined effects of heat exposure and hypohydration on physiological strain, mood state, and visual vigilance during loaded exercise. Twelve men (mean ± SD; age, 20 ± 2 years; body mass, 74.0 ± 8.2 kg; maximal oxygen uptake, 57.0 ± 6.0 ml·kg·min) completed 4 trials under the following conditions: euhydrated temperate (EUT), hypohydrated temperate (HYT), euhydrated hot (EUH), and hypohydrated hot (HYH). Exercise was 90 minutes of treadmill walking (∼50% V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, 5% grade) while carrying a 45-lb rucksack. Profile of Mood States and the Scanning Visual Vigilance Test were completed before and after exercise. The separate effects of heat exposure (EUH) and hypohydration (HYT) on post-exercise rectal temperature (Tre) were similar (38.25 ± 0.63°C vs. 38.22 ± 0.29°C, respectively, p > 0.05), whereas in combination (HYH), post-exercise Tre was far greater (39.32 ± 0.43°C). Increase in Tre per 1% body mass loss (BML) for HYH (vs. EUH) was greater than HYT (vs. EUT) (0.32 vs. 0.04°C, respectively, p = 0.02); heart rate increase per 1% BML for HYH (vs. EUH) was 7 b·min compared with HYT (vs. EUT) at 3 b·min (p = 0.30). Hypohydrated hot induced greater mood disturbance (post-exercise - pre-exercise) (35 ± 21 units) compared with other conditions (EUT = 3 ± 9 units; HYT = 3 ± 16 units; EUH = 16 ± 26 units; p 0.05). Independently, heat exposure and hypohydration induced similar physiological strain during loaded exercise; when combined, heat exposure with hypohydration, synergistically exacerbated physiological strain and mood disturbance.
A user study of the effectiveness of typosquatting techniques

The nefarious practice of cyber typosquatting involves deliberately registering Internet domain names containing typographical errors that primarily target popular domain names in an effort to steal their traffic for monetary gain. Typosquatting has existed for well over two decades and continues to be a credible threat to this day. In this work, we discuss the results of a user study that exposes subjects to several uniform resource locators (URLs) in an attempt to determine the effectiveness of several typosquatting techniques that are prevalent in the wild. We also attempt to determine if security education and awareness of cybercrimes such as typosquatting will affect the behavior of Internet users.
Management of Post-Traumatic Rectovesical/Rectourethral Fistulas: Case Series of Complicated Injuries in Wounded Warriors and Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT Introduction: Penetrating injuries to the pelvis and perineum can result in fistulas between the rectum and lower urinary tract. These injuries are often complicated, which creates challenges for successful repair. Operative strategies may include initial fecal and/or urinary diversion combined with an eventual trans-perineal, trans-anal, or posterior/transrectal approach, but the selected approach should be guided by precise anatomic localization of the injury. We aim to discuss different possible repair strategies as well as the relevant data surrounding gastrointestinal-genitourinary (GI-GU) fistula management. Materials and Methods: We present this series of three post-traumatic rectovesical and rectourethral fistulas to illustrate the surgical options for treatment of these conditions. In this series, we have retrospectively reviewed our experience at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in caring for three Wounded Warriors who had suffered these types of injuries. The study was exem...
Direct Visualization of Aggregate Morphology and Dynamics in a Model Soil Organic–Mineral System

Interactions between mineral surfaces and organic matter are ubiquitous in soils and the environment. Through both physical and chemical mechanisms, organic–mineral assemblages prevent decomposition of soil organic matter by limiting accessibility or reducing efficacy of enzymes and microbes. To understand the mechanisms underlying organic–mineral interactions, researchers have begun to interrogate these systems at micro- and nanometer length scales. Current techniques that maintain a hydrated state and allow researchers to characterize nanometer length scales are limited. Here we chose a model organic–mineral system and performed complementary imaging techniques that allowed direct nanoscale observations in environmentally relevant conditions: cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and in situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We observed a 3-fold increase in the aggregate size of goethite nanoparticles upon addition of a model organic phosphate ligand and a preference fo...
Preparing students for residency interviews through a residency interview boot camp

Abstract Background and purpose To describe the offering of the residency boot camp activity at one college of pharmacy for students in their fourth professional year. Educational activity and setting Student pharmacists in their final professional year of pharmacy school were invited to participate in a voluntary residency boot camp activity. Originally, the activity consisted of four parts: (1) guidance on preparing for residency interviews; (2) a 1:1 mock interview with a resident, faculty member, residency preceptor or area program director; (3) a review of the student's curriculum vitae (CV) and letter of intent; and (4) a review of the application timeline and process. Based on the feedback, the activity was changed to include five parts: (1) orientation/welcome session, (2) mock interview, (3) case presentation, (4) podium presentation, and (5) a debriefing session on the day's activities and to answer any remaining student questions about the residency application process. In the second offering of the residency boot camp, students were invited to complete a voluntary pre- and post-assessment of their perceived readiness for residency interviews. The activity has evolved based on student feedback to focus predominately on the group and 1:1 interviews. Findings Since starting the activity in 2013, 14 of the 21 students (67%) from the class of 2014, 16 of the 25 students (64%) from the class of 2015 and 24 of the 26 students (92%) from the class of 2016 that applied for residency training participated in the residency boot camp activity. For the Fall 2014 offering where a survey was conducted, the pre- and post-survey instrument used a Likert Scale, ranging from “strongly disagree” (score of 1) to “strongly agree” (score of “5”). Discussion and conclusions: Simulated exercises such as a residency boot camp can expose student pharmacists to important interview readiness skills. Student pharmacists involved in this activity demonstrated a perceived positive effect of such activities.
Acute psychological trauma in the critically ill: Patient and family perspectives

Abstract Objective Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), which encompasses profound psychological morbidity, affects many survivors of critical illness. We hypothesize that acute psychological stress during the intensive care unit (ICU) confinement likely contributes to PICS. In order to develop strategies that mitigate PICS associated psychological morbidity, it is paramount to first characterize acute ICU psychological stress and begin to understand its causative and protective factors. Methods A structured interview study was administered to adult critical illness survivors who received ≥48h of mechanical ventilation in medical and surgical ICUs of a tertiary care center, and their families. Results Fifty patients and 44 family members were interviewed following ICU discharge. Patients reported a high level of psychological distress. The families' perception of patient's stress level correlated with the patient's self-estimated stress level both in daily life (rho=0.59; p p =0.002). 70% of patients experienced fear of death, 38% had additional other fears, 48% had hallucinations. Concerns included inability to communicate (34%), environmental factors (30%), procedures and restraints (24%), and being intubated (12%). Emotional support of family/friend/staff/clergy (86%), and physical therapy/walking (14%) were perceived to be important mitigating factors. Clinicians' actions that were perceived to be very constructive included reassurance (54%), explanations (32%) and physical touch (8%). Conclusions Fear, hallucinations, and the inability to communicate, are identified as central contributors to psychological stress during an ICU stay; the presence of family, and physician's attention are categorized as important mitigating factors. Patients and families identified several practical recommendations which may help assuage the psychological burden of the ICU stay.