cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association between baseline frailty and driving status over time: a secondary analysis of The National Health and Aging Trends Study

Continued automobile driving is important for the wellbeing and independence of older adults. Frailty has been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes, but studies are lacking on the potential association between frailty and driving status. The present study uses data from The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) to assess if the presence of frailty is associated with being a current non-driver. NHATS is a nationally representative cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries (aged ≥65) that have been followed since 2011. We examined frailty status at baseline (Fried’s frailty phenotype) and driving status over 4 years (from 2011 to 2014) excluding never drivers at baseline. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to obtain incidence rate ratios, adjusting for covariates and clustering. To account for the repeated measures in the data collection, generalized estimating equations (GEE) were employed. A significant association between baseline frailty and driving status was observed at all four time points. At T4, frail participants at baseline had an incidence rate for becoming a current non-driver 1.80 times (or an 80% increase) that of non-frail participants at baseline (adjusted 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56–2.07). Frailty was associated with an increased rate of being a current non-driver. Based on this association, we posit that screening for and intervening on frailty may help certain older adults who are at risk for becoming a current non-driver to remain on the road longer.
The Human Factor from the Viewpoint of Social Relations

The farm family is closely connected with the farm businesswith agriculture as an industry. In contrast to this, under our factory system, the laborer's family is more or less completely disassociated from the factory. Economists ordinarily classify the factors of production as land (or natural resources), labor, capital, and management. But on the typical American farmstead these would appear to be land, family, and capital; for the operator-manager is also as a rule one of the laborers, and much of the additional farm labor is furnished by other members of the family or by hired hands living within the same household. Furthermore, on that large number of owner-operated farms, the operator is also the owner of all or a considerable part of the capital required. In presenting the sociologists' viewpoint, it is my purpose to avoid as much as possible those parts of the field where we still rely almost entirely upon theories and confine myself chiefly to some trends and relationships that seem to be indicated in the results of several recent research projects. It is recognized that many of the statements which follow apply with certainty only to the areas and persons included in these surveys, and that more research is necessary to determine their applicability to different situations. This paper thus becomes also, an invitation to research workers to inaugurate such projects under environments different from those already studied. The material will be presented under three general classifications.
A Contribution to the Taxonomy of Rhizochaete (Polyporales, Basidiomycota)

Rhizochaete is a small genus of crust fungi that is closely related to Phanerochaete. A new species Rhizochaete belizensis is described, and three new combinations are proposed. Morphological studies and molecular sequence data from two nuclear ribosomal DNA regions (ITS and LSU) support the recognition of R. belizensis which is closely related to R. radicata. Analyses of sequence data also support the transfer of Phanerochaete flava to Rhizochaete. Phanerochaete percitrina from Cameroon and Peniophora rhizomorpho-sulphurea from India are transferred to Rhizochaete based on morphological studies of type specimens. Phanerochaete rubescens from Taiwan is placed in synonymy under R. borneensis. In addition, Phanerochaete mauiensis is redescribed and illustrated. A key to 13 accepted species of Rhizochaete and three morphologically similar species is presented.
Is the Internet an Effective Mechanism for Reducing Corruption Experience? Evidence from a Cross-Section of Countries

This paper develops an indicator of Internet awareness of corruption as described in Goel et al. (2012) to see how this impacts both corruption perceptions and corruption experience. The results confirm the finding of Goel et al. (2012) that corruption perceptions are highly influenced by Internet awareness. However, the effect Internet awareness has on corruption experience is unclear. This paper finds that Internet awareness decreases the frequency of corruption experience of households, while it increases the frequency of corruption experience in firms. Overall, the results suggest that the effect Internet awareness has on corruption is highly sensitive to the corruption measures used and the time the Internet data is constructed.
The electricity measuring system and calibration technology in the new smart substations

The application of digital measuring devices in the new generation of smart substation has increased greatly year by year. Electronic transformers export the samples in format of IEC61850-9-1 signal frame. And smart electricity meters measure electricity via this signal frame. The principle and interface of electricity measuring have changed fundamentally. Therefore, traditional field calibration method can't be applied to the new digital measuring system any more. This paper compares the measuring system between traditional substation and digital substation, analyses the components of digital electricity measuring system in the new generation of smart substation, and describes the technical principle and characteristic of electronic transformer, merging unit and digital electricity meters. Finally, considering the problems existed in present digital electricity system of field calibration, some measures and suggestions are proposed in this paper.
Research on output characteristics of large-scale wind farms in coastal area randomness concerned

In order to study coastal intensive large-scale wind farm output characteristics and interrelatedness, take large-scale wind farm in coastal Jiangsu as an example, based on the measured wind power output data in EMS systems correlation between wind farms and the active output probability distributions, the monthly maximum output were analyzed. Studied the active output fluctuations of wind farms and the impact of wind power output on active integrated load of Jiangsu power grid was discussed also the peak shaving. It's important for improving new energy efficiency and optimizing the scheduling for distributed operation.
Work and the good life: How work contributes to meaning in life

Abstract Many people expect their work to provide meaning to their lives, yet the specific organizational factors that can promote meaning in life are not clearly delineated. Drawing on the basic science of meaning in life, in this paper we propose that work entails a host of experiences that foster meaning in life. We begin by defining meaning in life, noting its placement within the broader well-being literature and dispelling common myths about its rarity in people’s lives. After highlighting the myriad benefits of meaning for individuals and organizations, we describe several established sources of meaning in life and their relevance to work. We then examine how work orientations and social demographic factors influence the propensity to seek meaning through work. We conclude with a discussion of future research directions that can better illuminate the predictors and functions of meaningfulness at work.
Examining the Influence of Relational Aggression on Sexual Satisfaction With Attachment Behaviors as a Potential Mediator.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between relational aggression and sexual satisfaction, as well as to determine if attachment behaviors could mediate this relationship....
Marketing for Special and Academic Libraries: A Planning and Sourcebook, by Valerie S. Gordon and Patricia C. Higginbottom.

In their preface, the authors state their goal as offering their readers “the inspiration and drive to market your library,” even without a formal marketing background or experience in public relat...
The diurnal rhythm of hypocretin in young and old F344 rats.

Study Objectives: Hypocretins (HCRT-1 and HCRT-2), also known as orexins, are neuropeptides localized in neurons surrounding the perifornical region of the posterior hypothalamus. These neurons project to major arousal centers in the brain and are implicated in regulating wakefulness. In young rats and monkeys, levels of HCRT-1 are highest at the end of the wake-active period and lowest toward the end of the sleep period. However, the effects of age on the diurnal rhythm of HCRT-1 are not known. Design: To provide such data, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from the cisterna magna of young (2-month-old, n = 9), middle-aged (12 months, n = 10), and old (24 months, n = 10) F344 rats at 4-hour intervals, (beginning at zeitgeber [ZT]0, lights on). CSF was collected once from each rat every 4 days at 1 ZT point. After collecting the CSF at all of the time points, the rats were kept awake by gentle handling for 8 hours (ZT 0-ZT8), and the CSF was collected again at the end of the sleep-deprivation procedure. HCRT-1 levels in the CSF were determined by radioimmunoassay Settings: Basic neuroscience research lab. Measurements and Results: Old rats had significantly less HCRT-1 in the CSF versus young and middle-aged rats (P <.002) during the lights-on and lights-off periods and over the 24-hour period. In old rats, significantly low levels of HCRT-1 were evident at the end of the lights-off period (predominantly wake-active period). The old rats continued to have less HCRT-1 even after 8 hours of prolonged waking. Northern blot analysis did not show a difference in pre-proHCRT mRNA between age groups. Conclusions: In old rats there is a 10% decline in CSF HCRT-1 over the 24-hour period. Functionally, if there is less HCRT-1, which our findings indicated, and there is also a decline in HCRT receptor mRNA, as has been previously found, then the overall consequence would be diminished action of HCRT at target sites. This would diminish the waking drive, which in the elderly could contribute to the increased tendency to fall asleep during the normal wake period.
Novel Pharmacological Approaches to Drug Abuse Treatment

The field of pharmacologic addiction treatment is expanding rapidly. While there are currently several FDA-approved medications for nicotine, alcohol, and opiate dependence, research into novel pharmacological approaches for these and additional substances is legion. Each drug of abuse, while sharing a common final neural pathway of increasing dopaminergic tone, has unique and individual characteristics that are important in developing improved and varied treatments. In this chapter, we discuss such research and present the neurobiological underpinnings of these explorations. In general, addiction treatment is focused on four areas: (1) reducing withdrawal discomfort, (2) diminishing cravings, (3) blocking rewarding effects of the drug, and (4) treating comorbidities, such as depression or ADHD. We present current ideas in pharmacologic research for nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opiates.
Cimetidine vs placebo in duodenal ulcer therapy. Six-week controlled double-blind investigation without any antacid therapy.

We studied the healing efficacy of cimetidine or placebo in 23 endoscopically proven duodenal ulcer outpatients in a randomized, controlled, prospective, double-blind trial. There were 11 patients in the cimetidine (1200 mg daily) treatment group and 12 patients in the placebo-treated group. No antacid was allowed, but a placebo antacid with no neutralizing capacity was given as needed for pain. The incidence of complete endoscopic healing at 2, 4, and 6 weeks was 54%, 63%, and 72% in the cimetidine-treated patients and 8%, 50%, and 67% in the placebo-treated patients. There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in complete duodenal ulcer healing between both treatment groups after 2 weeks of therapy, but there was no significant difference at the 4- and 6-week observation periods. The incidence of complete pain relief at 2 and 4 weeks was 64% and 82% in the cimetidine-treated patients and 67% and 75% in the placebo-treated patients. At 6 weeks of treatment there was no increase in the number of patients with complete pain relief in either group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of ulcer pain relief at any of the three observation periods. Duodenal ulcer healing rates and duodenal ulcer pain relief were compared at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. There was no statistical association between ulcer healing and complete pain relief in the placebo treatment group at the 2-week evaluation period, but there was statistical association (P<0.05) in the cimetidine treatment group at 2 weeks and both treatment groups at the 4- and 6-week evaluation periods. The results of this study demonstrate that in duodenal ulcer outpatients treated for 6 weeks: (1) cimetidine increases the incidence of duodenal ulcer healing during the first 2 weeks of treatment; (2) more than 50% of duodenal ulcers will spontaneously heal during a 4 to 6-week observation period which is not statistically modified by cimetidine treatment; (3) the complete relief of duodenal ulcer pain is not influenced by treatment with cimetidine when compared to placebo.
Predicting the Emerging Organizational Structure of the 21st CenturyAmerican University: Lessons from the U.S. Hospital Experience

Higher education faces challenges to its core paradigms, a scenario that has existed in the hospital industry since the 1980s. In response, hospitals developed new structures, radically altering health care. Parallels between these industries are striking, both worlds influenced by institutional theory and dominated by highly educated, specialized practitioners wed more to their professions than their organizations. This paper proposes that the hospital experience provides guidance for an evolving 21st century higher education process, predicting that current silo-mentality structures will evolve into models characterized by major curricular reform, inter-organizational asset sharing, and network development that optimizes a dwindling resource base.
Local regional delivery of low-density lipoprotein docosahexaenoic acid nanoparticles selectively kills tumors by lipid peroxidation

Metabolic reprogramming within malignant tumors favors the expression of saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids in their lipid membranes over polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The paucity of PUFAs within tumor membranes is suggested to protect tumor cells from endogenous and drug-induced oxidative stress. In recent years our lab has demonstrated that low-density lipoprotein (LDL) nanoparticle delivery of the natural PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to hepatoma bearing rats introduces omega-3 PUFAs to tumors with lethal tumoricidal effects. Following local regional hepatic artery delivery of DHA loaded LDL nanoparticles (LDL-DHA) the hepatoma and surrounding normal liver readily extract and internalize the administered nanoparticles through LDL receptor mediated endocytosis. Within these tissues DHA was rapidly metabolized to primary oxidation products, monohydroxylated DHA isomers. Overall, the hepatoma generated significantly higher concentrations of these oxidized DHA derivatives and the pattern of the oxidized isomers, namely the excessive amounts of C20- and C4-monohydroxylated DHA, suggest autoxidation was primarily responsible for DHA metabolism within the tumor. Furthermore, copious amounts of aldehydes, terminal products of lipid peroxidation, were present in the tumor. In particular, 4-hydroxy hexenal (4-HHE), a direct end product of omega-3 peroxidation was detected at levels far exceeding (2-10 X) that in the surrounding liver. Subsequent observation of LDL-DHA treated rats reveal extensive damage and necrosis of the hepatoma, meanwhile, the surrounding liver remained healthy not showing any evidence of injury. Collectively, these findings show that LDL-DHA is a safe and promising nanomedicine that selectively mediates lethal lipid peroxidation in malignant tumors.
Analytics of planetary rotation: Improved physics with implications for the shape and super-rotation of Earth's core

Abstract The basis of the famous equation attributed to Maclaurin (1742), which relates the ellipticity of homogeneous spheroids to their rotation rate, is reviewed and Todhunter's (1873) neglected but important contribution is recognized. The relationship is then re-derived in a new manner based on potentials and energy conservation rather than on force balance, yielding exact analytical equations that are valid for both homogeneous objects and inhomogeneous objects with any spheroidal mass distribution. The new equations are applied to the Earth considering three density distributions: the homogeneous case, several two layer models, and an internal density that varies according to the PREM seismic model. Earth's sidereal rotation rate plus the polar and equatorial values of the gravitational acceleration g are all accurately computed from the PREM density distribution, validating the analysis while using no fits, approximations or free parameters. Earth's core must be more spherical than Earth's outer surface. The potentially measurable difference of 0 to 5 km from a congruent core shape is inversely related to the magnitude of core super-rotation, and bears on many additional matters including the core's volume, and the magnitude and direction of its internal and external gravity field.
Barriers and facilitators to initiating PrEP conversations: Perspectives and experiences of health care providers

Using qualitative interviews, this study explored the barriers and facilitators of health care providers (HCPs) in initiating PrEP conversation with patients. Twenty-eight HCPs in two counties list...
EEG power spectrum as a biomarker of autism: a pilot study

The aim of this study was to assess whether power spectrum estimates of electroencephalogram (EEG) can be used as a biomarker for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). EEG collected from ASD and control participants performing a short-memory task was preprocessed to remove noise and artefacts, power spectral density (PSD) estimates were obtained by the modified covariance method and used as the study features that were subjected next to the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of differences. After verifying that the features (PSD estimates) were statistically different between the autistic and control subjects, these PSD estimates were classified using the 'k nearest neighbour' (KNN) classification algorithm with the average accuracy of 89.29%. This result indicates that EEG of autistic and control individuals may contain statistically different features; therefore, EEG power spectrum may be used as a biomarker for autism.
A Wealth Tax is Constitutional

"Direct tax" must be apportioned among the states by population. "Direct tax" was coined in 1783 to describe a proposal to impose requisitions upon the states. Population was the best measure of relative wealth of the states because the states cheated on appraisals of value of real estate. Before the Constitution, all federal taxes were direct taxes because the Congress could raise revenue only by direct taxes, that is, requisitions upon the states. But over time, various taxes have been expelled from direct tax because it was not reasonable to apportion them, sometimes by Supreme Court decision and sometimes just by operation of ordinary English. Thus import taxes were not direct because goods landed in one state would spread to others and it was not possible to determine what state should get credit in satisfying its quota. Duties and excises were commonly cited as direct taxes until it became clear that uniform rates prohibited apportionment. The Supreme Court in Hylton v. United States with Justices who all had participated in the original debates held that a carriage tax was not direct, although listed on the Treasury's inventory of direct tax, because the rates would have to higher where carriages were rare. The Supreme Court held that taxes on income were not direct because apportionment was not reasonable. In Pollack v. Farmers' Trust the Supreme Court thought that tax according to population meant that the provision protected taxpayers against an assault on wealth. Pollack is error, a literal reading ignorant of history, because apportionment was trying reach wealth by the best measure available to them, not protect wealth. But Pollack was distinguished to apply only to income tax and then the income tax amendment put the last nail in the coffin. Taxes on real estate started as direct taxes because it was assumed, to make the political compromises work, that real estate value was equal per capita among the states. Now Mississippi has wealth and real estate that is half of DC, so tax rates would have to be twice as high in Mississippi to satisfy apportionment. The Constitution does not require idiocy. Real estate and wealth taxes can not now be reasonably apportioned, and reasonable apportionment is the defining characteristic of "direct tax."
Assessing gait efficacy in older adults: An analysis using item response theory.

Abstract Background Assessing confidence in walking in older adults is important, as mobility is a critical aspect of independence and function, and self-report provides complementary information to performance-based measures. The modified Gait Efficacy Scale (mGES) is a self-report measure used to examine confidence in walking. Research Question : What are the psychometric properties of the mGES at the item level? Are there opportunities for improvement? Methods We performed a secondary analysis of baseline data from a cluster randomized trial of 424 community-dwelling older adults and reliability data from 123 participants. We fitted a graded response model to dissect the mGES to the item and individual response level and examined opportunities to improve and possible shorten the mGES. We examined psychometric characteristics such as internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity with respect to other relevant measures. Results Mobility tasks such as navigating stairs and curbs with separate items for going up and down largely provide the same information on confidence, with downward direction providing slightly more. It may be reasonable to consider removal of walking 1/2 mile, stepping down and/or stair tasks with railings items due to little or duplicate information contributed compared to other items. The shortened scales proposed by removing the above items had similar psychometric properties to mGES. Significance The mGES has good psychometric properties, but can be potentially shortened to substantially reduce responder burden. The upward direction curb and stairs items can be removed to result in a 7-item scale with virtually no loss of desirable psychometrics. An alternative 3-item version, level surface walking, stepping down curb and climbing up stairs without a railing items, entails only a minimal loss in psychometric properties.
T cell receptor is required for differentiation but not maintenance of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes

The gut epithelium is populated by intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), a heterogeneous T cell population with cytotoxic and regulatory properties. Migrating peripheral CD4+ T cells, including regulatory (Treg) and conventional T cells (Tconv), acquire an IEL (CD4-IEL) program upon arrival at the epithelium. However, the specific role of the T cell receptor (TCR) in this process remains unclear. Single-cell TCR repertoire and transcriptomic analysis of intraepithelial CD4+ T cells revealed different extents of clonal expansion and TCR overlap between cell states; fully differentiated CD4-IELs from Tregs or Tconvs were the least diverse. Conditional deletion of TCR on differentiating CD4+ T cells or of MHCII on intestinal epithelial cells prevented CD4-IEL differentiation. However, TCR ablation on developed CD4-IELs did not affect their accumulation. These results indicate that local recognition of a limited set of antigens is an essential signal for the differentiation and adaptation of T cells to the epithelium.
Explaining The Behavior Of Black-Box Prediction Algorithms With Causal Learning.

We propose to explain the behavior of black-box prediction methods (e.g., deep neural networks trained on image pixel data) using causal graphical models. Specifically, we explore learning the structure of a causal graph where the nodes represent prediction outcomes along with a set of macro-level "interpretable" features, while allowing for arbitrary unmeasured confounding among these variables. The resulting graph may indicate which of the interpretable features, if any, are possible causes of the prediction outcome and which may be merely associated with prediction outcomes due to confounding. The approach is motivated by a counterfactual theory of causal explanation wherein good explanations point to factors which are "difference-makers" in an interventionist sense. The resulting analysis may be useful in algorithm auditing and evaluation, by identifying features which make a causal difference to the algorithm's output.
Assessing the effects of intergroup contact on immigration attitudes

A significant number of native-born citizens hold anti-immigrant attitudes. Social science scholars often point to intergroup contact between native-born citizens and foreign-born residents as the ...
Practical Considerations and Testing Nuances for the Detection of Lupus Anticoagulant: Do Low Phospholipid Screen Results, Assay Type, and Test Ratio Matter?

Objectives Lupus anticoagulant (LA) detection requires (1) prolongation of a phospholipid (PL)-dependent clot-based screening assay, (2) noncorrection upon adding normal pooled plasma, and (3) a confirmatory PL dependency test. Paired LA assays run screening and confirmatory tests simultaneously, with their test ratio (TR) or differences used to evaluate test results. We evaluated patients whose paired testing demonstrated PL dependence suggestive of LA, yet the low PL screen was not prolonged. Methods Clinical and laboratory parameters are compared across (1) true positive (screen prolonged, TR positive) vs borderline (screen not prolonged, TR positive); (2) low-, moderate-, and high-TR subgroups; and (3) dilute Russell viper venom time (dRVVT) vs silica clotting time (SCT). Results Borderline samples are not statistically different from true positives in their rate of repeat LA positivity or association with other anti-PL antibodies. Compared with true positives, borderline dRVVT is more frequent in pregnancy, women, and younger age. Elevated activated partial thromboplastin time is more frequent in true-positive dRVVT and SCT vs borderline and with an increasing dRVVT TR. LA persistence is more frequent with an increasing SCT TR. In addition, dRVVT true positivity is more frequent with thromboembolic events, while SCT is more frequent with autoimmunity and pregnancy complications. Conclusions Negative low-PL screens may not necessarily lack LA. A reevaluation of the laboratory criteria for LA detection may be needed.
Prospective clinical trial testing COXEN-based gene expression models of chemosensitivity in dogs with spontaneous osteosarcoma

This study is a prospective clinical trial in dogs with osteosarcoma testing a gene expression model (GEM) predicting the chemosensitivity of tumors to carboplatin (CARBO) or doxorubicin (DOX) developed using the COXEN method. Sixty dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma were enrolled in this trial. RNA isolation and gene expression profiling were conducted with 2 biopsies for 54/63 screened tumors, and with a single biopsy for 9 tumors. Resulting gene expression data were used for calculation of a COXEN score for CARBO and DOX based on a previous study showing the significance of this predictor on patient outcome utilizing retrospective data (BMC Bioinformatics 17:93). Dogs were assigned adjuvant CARBO, DOX or the combination based on the results of the COXEN score following surgical removal of the tumor via amputation and were monitored for disease progression by chest radiograph every 2 months. The COXEN predictor of chemosensitivity to CARBO or DOX was not a significant predictor of progression-free interval or overall survival for the trial participants. The calculation of DOX COXEN score using gene expression data from two independent biopsies of the same tumor were highly correlated (P < 0.0001), whereas the calculated CARBO COXEN score was not (P = 0.3039). The COXEN predictor of chemosensitivity to CARBO or DOX is not a significant predictor of outcome when utilized in this prospective study. This trial represents the first prospective trial of a GEM predictor of chemosensitivity and establishes pet dogs with cancer as viable surrogates for prospective trials of prognostic indicators.
Nonlinear pulsations of luminous He stars

Radial pulsations in models of R Cor Bor stars and BD+1°4381 have been studied with a nonlinear hydrodynamic pulsation code. Comparisons are made with previous calculations and with observed light and velocity curves.
Compactness of isospectral potentials

The Schrodinger operator -Δ+V, of a compact Riemannian manifold M, has pure point spectrum. Suppose that V 0 is a smooth reference potential. Various criteria are given which guarantee the compactness of all V satisfying spec(-Δ+V) = spec(-Δ+V 0 ). In particular, compactness is proved assuming an a priori bound on the W s,2 (M) norm of V, where s > n/2 - 2 and n = dim M. This improves earlier work of Bruning. An example involving singular potentials suggests that the condition s > n/2 - 2 is appropriate. Compactness is also proved for non-negative isospectral potentials in dimensions n ≤ 9.
Hop-by-Hop cooperative detection of selective forwarding attacks in energy harvesting wireless sensor networks

Due to the lack of physical protections and security requirements of the network routing protocols, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are vulnerable to Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks. Inherent resource constraints also hinder WSNs from deploying conventional encryption schemes and secure routing protocols. In this paper, we investigate a counter selective forwarding attack to efficiently detect the forwarding misbehaviors of malicious nodes and seamlessly deliver sensory data in energy harvesting WSNs. We first analyze a set of adversarial scenarios under an implicit acknowledgment overhearing and identify a vulnerable case. Then we propose a Hop-by-hop Cooperative Detection (HCD) scheme to efficiently detect the forwarding misbehaviors and mitigate the forwarding probabilities of malicious nodes. Extensive simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme can significantly reduce the number of forwarding misbehaviors by quickly decreasing the dropping probabilities of malicious nodes and achieve more than 95% packet delivery ratio in energy harvesting WSNs.
Aligned Membrane Proteins: Structural Studies

Membrane proteins are fundamentally important structural targets and are severely underrepresented in the Protein Data Bank. They are particularly challenging proteins to structurally characterize because of the heterogeneous native environment. This environment can induce substantial structural changes in the protein and consequently the choice of membrane mimetic environment is critical. Solid-state NMR is the only high resolution technology that can characterize these protein structures in a native-like liquid crystalline lipid bilayer. Ten membrane protein backbone structures from aligned samples have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank validating the potential of aligned sample solid-state NMR to characterize these challenging protein systems. Although much progress has been made in the past year, much more is anticipated for the coming decade including higher magnetic fields, routine triple resonance, and three-dimensional (3-D) experiments, as well as proton detection. These advances will facilitate both the speed with which structure can be characterized and the size of the structure that can be studied. Keywords: membrane proteins; 15N solid-state NMR; 2H solid-state NMR; 13C solid-state NMR; PISEMA; protein structure; protein dynamics
Dewey and the Arrogance of Reason

John Dewey has received so much criticism for his incremental approach to social change that we sometimes neglect the truly radical character of his vision of democracy and democratic education. Just as socialists promised the emergence of a new socialist human, Dewey often speaks as though democratic education is a process of discovering and creating the new democratic individual. He says, for instance, that “the unsolved problem of democracy is the construction of an education which will develop that kind of individuality which is intelligently alive to the common life and sensitively loyal to its common maintenance.” Even though this individual emerges from institutions that do not yet exist and embodies traits we cannot fully foresee, Dewey believes the democratic individual will experience the most complete realization of human potential.
Effects of structural defects on the activation of sulfur donors in GaN x As 1-x formed by N implantation

The effects of structural defects on the electrical activity of S doped GaN{sub x}As{sub 1-x} layers formed by S and N coimplantation in GaAs are reported. S and N ions were implanted to the depth of about 0.4 {micro}m. Electrochemical capacitance voltage measurements on samples annealed at 945 C for 10s show that in a thin (<0.1 {micro}m) surface layer the concentration of active shallow donors is almost an order of magnitude larger in S and N co-implanted samples than in samples implanted with S alone. The activation efficiency of S donors also shows a broad minimum at a depth of about 0.2 {micro}m below the surface. The results of these electrical measurements are correlated with the distribution of structural defects revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM micrographs show that in addition to a band of dislocation loops commonly found in ion implanted GaAs, an additional band of small voids is observed in samples co-implanted with S and N. The location of this band correlates well with the region of reduced electrical activation of S donors, suggesting that formation of the voids through N accumulation results in a lower concentration of active, substitutional N atoms.
Promotion of DNA strand breaks, interstrand cross links and apoptotic cell death in A2780 human ovarian cancer cells by transplatinum planar amine complexes.

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 3207 Cisplatin is one of the primary drugs utilized in the treatment of ovarian cancer. However, despite the initial effectiveness of chemotherapy in suppressing this disease, drug resistance almost invariably develops and cures are relatively rare. Consequently, the development of new therapeutic approaches is urgently needed. While it is generally thought that only the cis isomeric form of transplatinum express antitumor activity, a number of transplatinum derivates have shown preclinical promise. The current work investigates the influence of transplanaramine (TPA) compounds of structure trans -[Pt (O2CR)2 (L) (L’)], (L=NH3, L’= pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline; L = L ‘ = pyridine; R = H, CH3, CH2OH etc.) on growth and viability of A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells as well as their putative mechanism(s) of cytotoxicity. A series of structural analogs were examined with a focus on the contribution of the carboxylate leaving group to drug action. The compounds, as a class, induce cell death through caspase-dependent apoptosis, with activation of both caspase 3 and caspase 9 and concomitant PARP cleavage. With some analogs, drug effects are clearly irreversible while others appear to allow proliferative recovery. The A2780 cells are most sensitive to trans -[Pt (O2CH)2(NH3)(pyr)], which may be related to its accelerated accumulation within the cell. The trans-platinum compounds tested show induction of p53 as well as time dependent γH2AX induction, consistent with the promotion of DNA lesions. trans -[Pt(O2CH)2(NH3)(pyr)] can be shown to promote significant DNA strand breaks as measured by alkaline unwinding and DNA interstrand cross linking as assessed by the alkaline comet assay. Thus these studies show that structural modification of the trans platinum geometry can lead to cellular responses similar to those induced by cisplatin. The enhanced cytotoxicity of trans -[Pt(O2CH)2(NH3)(pyr)] compared to its isostructural -O2CCH3 and -O2CCH2OH analogs may be a consequence of its increased hydrolytic activation ( determined in previous biophysical studies), enhanced cellular uptake, interstrand crosslinking and abortive efforts by the cell to repair the cross linked DNA.
Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy in Living Cells: A Practical Approach

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy is a single-molecule fluorescence technique used to monitor molecular dynamics. When applied to living cells, FCS has been used to decipher the diffusion times of protein and lipid molecules, to determine the concentrations of a particular molecule at a specific cellular location, to determine kinetic parameters such as on/off rates constants and binding coefficients for protein/protein interactions [1]. The basic principle for FCS is that a fluorescent molecule emits photons while moving through a confocal volume illuminated by a laser (Figure 1). The number of photons that can be collected from the confocal volume depends on the diffusion time of the fluorescent molecules (which is a function of the mass of the molecule), the concentration of molecules, the quantum yield of the fluorophore attached to the molecule and finally the size of the illuminated volume, which is dependent on the instrument [2]. Typically a small diffraction limited confocal volume of 0.3μm × 1μm (∼size of an E. coli) is excited with a laser beam and then the emitted photons are collected and counted on a photodiode detector. These measurements are then used to calculate and display autocorrelation and cross correlation functions, coincidence diagrams, photon count histograms, count rate diagrams and pulse density histograms from which diffusion times, on/off rates etc can be extracted using data fitting and modeling software [3]. Figure 1 sketch of the optical setting for an FCS measurement. In this protocol, we present the basic design of an FCS measurement in living cells, and address critical issues in experiment design (from the choice of dyes or cells to data analysis). The user must be aware that FCS requires subsequent adjustments in the experimental design as well as the data analysis to address successfully specific biological questions. Comments after the basic protocol will present classic pitfalls and troubleshooting tips to help this.
The evolution of biochemical damage in the rat lung after acute cadmium exposure.

Rats were exposed once to a polydisperse aerosol of 0.005 M cadmium chloride for 2 hours. Controls were saline-exposed rats and unexposed rats. Total extractable lipid, malate, lactate, isocitrate,...
Integrated decay heat load method to analyze repository capacity impact of a fuel cycle

Abstract Assessing the needs for repository capacity from nuclear waste disposal is essential for fuel cycle development or repository development planning. As the repository capacity is mainly constrained by thermal design limits on the repository rocks, a detailed mountain-scale heat transfer calculation is needed for repository capacity impact analysis. In this paper, a simplified repository capacity impact analysis method is proposed as an alternative to performing repository scale heat transfer analysis. The method is based on the use of integrated decay heat load (IDHL) limits. The derived integrated decay heat loads were found to appropriately represent the drift wall temperature limit (200 °C) and the midway between adjacent drifts temperature limit (96 °C) under the high temperature operating mode as long as the wastes are uniformly loaded into the repository. Results indicated that the long-term integrated decay heat load (IDHLL) and the short-term integrated decay heat load (IDHLS) can be effectively used to represent the repository capacity impact for SNFs and HLWs, respectively. Comparisons indicated good agreement between the proposed IDHL method and the repository heat transfer analysis-based approach.
Too Much Too Soon? Common Core Math Standards in the Early Years

The author expresses concern about the math standards of the Common Core Curriculum in relation to young children. The editorial cites others who share concerns about how the global community uses standards. She suggests caution in implementation because the overemphasis on the standards may overlook the investment needed in effective curriculum development and professional development for teachers. The editorial concludes with the revisions will be neccesary to the current version of the Common Core Standards given the concern.
Abstract 4884: Toward an annotated digital multiphoton microscopy (MPM) histology atlas of fresh human and rodent tissue for guidance during cancer diagnosis and margin assessments

Hematoxylin and eosin (HE therefore, automated morphometry and real time online consultations are rare. Furthermore, the 2-dimensional nature of histology slides precludes assessment of 3-dimensional tissue architecture without time consuming serial sectioning. Now, however, Multiphoton microscopy (MPM), a nonlinear imaging technology, allows nearly instant imaging of fresh (unpreserved, unsectioned, and unstained) tissue based on spectrally resolved intrinsic tissue emission (ITE) signals, allowing the generation of 3-dimensional histology of the tissue at sub-micron lateral resolution, and up to 0.5 mm below the surface. The main components of ITE are: (1) autofluorescence arising from various cell cytoplasm components and elastin fibers; and (2) Second Harmonic Generation (SHG), a nonlinear scattering signal from collagen bundles and oriented microtubules. Using a single excitation wavelength and collecting emission signals using wavelength bandpass filters or spectroscopes, SHG and various autofluorescence components can be separately acquired and analyzed, as well as color coded and merged for easy visualization. Using such approaches, we have analyzed ex vivo tissue from human diagnostic and surgical biopsies, and from sections of excised human and rodent (rats and mice) organs (bladder, prostate, seminal vesicles, vasa deferentia, kidney, testis, colon, thyroid, tonsil, skin, bone and cartilage). In all cases, relevant tissue structures, including cells, collagen, elastin, fat, nerves and blood vessels have been identified. All specimens imaged by MPM have been subsequently subjected to HE 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4884. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4884
Electron capture rate constants for solutes in alkane liquids measured by transient photoconductivity

Abstract Electron capture rate constants for several solutes in isooctane, cyclohexane and n -hexane are reported. The method of measurement, which allows determination of the rate constants with an accuracy estimated to be better than 5%, involves the use of low power pulses of 337 nm light from a nitrogen laser, and detection of the transient conductivity of escaped electrons.
Synthesis of 6-Heptenoic Acid

A convenient method for the synthesis of 6-heptenoic acid by means of the pyrolysis of ω -heptano lactone (II) is reported. The lactone was prepared by Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of cycloheptanone (I).
Coupled compositional and roughening phase transitions at the surface of a PbBiNi alloy

Abstract The co-segregation of BiNi to the surfaces of small crystals of a dilute PbBiNi alloy changes the crystalline equilibrium form in relation to that of pure Pb and leads to the reversible formation of {112} and {110} facets at roughening transition temperatures of 515 and 510 K, respectively. These roughening transition temperatures are higher than those in pure Pb, thus increasing the kinetics of equilibration to the point that the observation of the appearance and disappearance of facets at those orientations becomes possible. Most interesting is the fact that the appearance and disappearance of these new facets is coupled with a compositional surface phase transition which manifests itself as an abrupt change in the surface concentrations of the Bi and Ni solutes.
Accountability and Educational Reform: A Critical Analysis of Four Perspectives and Considerations for Enhancing Reform Efforts

Gregory Schraw, the special issue editor, invited us to review the four articles that appear in this special issue of Educational Psychologist. We discuss the articles in alphabetical order, descri...
Changes in myocardial contractile protein ATPases in chronically adrenalectomized rats with and without glucocorticoid replacement.

Studies were conducted to examine the effects of chronic adrenalectomy (Adx) and adrenalectomy plus glucocorticoid replacement therapy on rat cardiac contractile protein ATPase activities. The Ca2+-dependent Mg-ATPase activity of myofibrils isolated from rat ventricles 3 weeks postadrenalectomy (Adx) was significantly decreased at all pCa2+ concentrations (P < 0.01), compared to shamoperated (SO) rats. Similarly, Ca2+-, K+-EDTA, and actin-activated myosin ATPase activities of Adx rat hearts were markedly decreased below that of SO rats (P < 0.01). Dexamethasone administration to Adx rats prevented the decrease of Ca2+- and K+-ATPase activities of myosin, but not of myofibrillar Ca2+-dependent Mg-ATPase or actin-activated myosin Mg-ATPase activities. These studies suggest that glucocorticoid insufficiency induced by adrenalectomy results in altered myocardial contractile protein ATPase activity which may underlie impaired cardiac performance.
Improving Spectral Learning by Using Multiple Representations

Spectral learning algorithms learn an unknown function by learning a spectral (e.g., Fourier) representation of the function. However, there are many possible spectral representations, none of which will be best in all situations. Consequently, it seems natural to consider how a spectral learner could make use of multiple representations when learning. This paper proposes and compares three approaches to learning from multiple spectral representations. Empirical results suggest that an ensemble approach to multi-spectrum learning, in which spectral models are learned independently in each of a set of candidate representations and then combined in a majority-vote ensemble, works best in practice.
Architecture: Reference sites on the Internet

Key architecture reference sites are highlighted and discussed, grouped into the following areas: directory and biographical information, bibliographical databases, architectural education, product information, databases of buildings, and search engines
Isotonic estimation in stochastic approximation

Abstract Suppose m(·) is a regression function which has a unique zero θ. The Robbins—Monro process Xn+1 = Xn − cnYn is a standard stochastic approximation method used to estimate θ. In the literature Xn+1 is used both as the estimator of θ after the nth step and as the design/control setting for the process at the (n+1)st step. Apparently the justification for this choice is that Xn → θ a.s. and has various asymptotic optimality properties. Following Frees and Ruppert (1986) we distinguish between design/control settings Xn and estimates θn of θ. When m(·) is known to be nondecreasing it is possible to incorporate this prior information into the estimation procedure. We define a new estimator θn using isotonic regression, discuss its strong consistency, and discuss some of its optimality properties; we show that an obvious conjecture about the strong consistency of this estimator is false. One purpose of this note is to generate interest in the possible use of isotonic regression in stochastic approximation.