cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implication of dynamics in signal transduction and targeted disruption analyses of signaling networks

Modeling and analysis of the dynamics of signaling transduction networks can be powerful tools to understand and predict how cells will respond to native signals and artificial perturbations. This is of special interest for analyzing disease processes associated with signal transduction malfunctioning and to contribute to the development of efficient drug treatment strategies. In this work we examine the advantages of a kinetics-based framework as compared with purely topological approaches to identify input sets and disruption strategies that preserve desired cellular functions while blocking undesired disease states in signaling networks. These differences are highlighted through two examples where the mechanistic-based approach captures information that the topological-based analysis is unable to reveal.
Functional and genomic analysis of the human mitochondrial intermediate peptidase, a putative protein partner of frataxin.

We showed recently that the yeast mitochondrial intermediate peptidase (YMIP polypeptide; gene symbol, OCT1) promotes mitochondrial iron uptake by catalyzing the maturation of iron-utilizing proteins and exacerbates the mitochondrial iron accumulation that results from loss of yeast frataxin, a mitochondrial protein required for mitochondrial iron efflux. This suggests that the human MIP (HMIP polypeptide; gene symbol MIPEP) may be one of the loci predicted to influence the clinical manifestations of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease caused by lack of human frataxin. To begin to test this hypothesis, we have characterized HMIP at the functional and genomic levels. We show that HMIP can complement a yeast knock-out mutant lacking YMIP, demonstrating that HMIP and YMIP are functional homologues. The MIPEP gene spans 57 kb and consists of 19 exons that correlate with the functional domains of HMIP. Primer extension analysis has identified a major transcript of the MIPEP gene expressed differentially and predominantly in tissues with high oxygen consumption, while sequence analysis of approximately 2 kb of 5'-flanking DNA has revealed putative Mt1/3/4, NF-kappaB, and AP-1 elements that may regulate MIPEP expression in these tissues. Using a new polymorphic (CA)(n) repeat in intron 4, MIPEP has been genetically mapped within a 7-cM interval between markers D13S283 and D13S217 on 13q12. This work provides the basis for molecular analysis of MIPEP in FRDA and possibly other neurodegenerative diseases.
Effect of Iron on Aging of GR-S

Abstract Soluble iron decreases the resistance of the GR-S polymer to aging. The effect of iron is greater than that of copper or manganese. The aging of an aluminum sulfate—coagulated polymer can be improved by the use of low-iron aluminum sulfate instead of the commercial grade of this material. The use of commercial aluminum sulfate as a coagulant gives a polymer somewhat superior in aging to one coagulated with salt and acid. The aging of GR-S vulcanizates is accelerated slightly by polymer-soluble iron. Relatively high iron concentrations are required to produce much effect. The effect of iron on vulcanizate aging is much less than in the case of polymer aging. The presence of iron increases the rate of oxygen absorption of GR-S polymer and vulcanizates, the effect being less in the latter case. The rate of oxygen absorption of aluminum sulfate—coagulated GR-S polymer is decreased by employing low-iron aluminum sulfate instead of the commercial grade. A polymer coagulated by commercial aluminum sulfa...
An electron back-scattering Mössbauer spectroscopy study of thin magnetite films

Abstract Magnetite films of thickness 16–282 A were prepared by oxidation of thin 57 Fe films at 220°C in 5 × 10 -3 Torr oxygen and investigated using electron back-scattering Mossbauer spectroscopy. At room temperature the internal hyperfine fields ( H int ) due to the A and B site cations in Fe 3 O 4 show a systematic decrease with decreasing film thickness. The spectrum from the 16 A-thick oxide shows collapse of the magnetic patterns to give a superparamagnetic quadrupole split doublet. All spectra recorded at 12.5 K exhibit six broad peaks of a magnetically split pattern with H int greater than at room temperature but showing little change with oxide thickness.
Authentication for Mobile Agents

In mobile agent systems, program code together with some process state can autonomously migrate to new hosts. Despite its many practical benefits, mobile agent technology results in significant new security threats from malicious agents and hosts. In this paper, we propose a security architecture to achieve three goals: certification that a server has the authority to execute an agent on behalf of its sender; flexible selection of privileges, so that an agent arriving at a server may be given the privileges necessary to carry out the task for which it has come to the server; and state appraisal, to ensure that an agent has not become malicious as a consequence of alterations to its state. The architecture models the trust relations between the principals of mobile agent systems and includes authentication and authorization mechanisms.
Emerging innovation: the global expansion of seed accelerators

A confluence of factors has enabled the explosion of technology startups worldwide. The global spread of seed accelerators, incubators which foster high-tech startups, are a major component of this. But little is known about how they are impacting the global technology landscape. Through fieldwork with accelerators in Southeast Asia and Latin America and broad-based research with other accelerators in developed and emerging markets, I propose to investigate the expansion of this Silicon Valley model of innovation, how it is transformed and implemented in other contexts, and the impact it has on the types of technologies created and the growth of ecosystems.
The proton flare of August 28, 1966

The proton flare of August 28, 1966 began on Hα records at 15h21m35s UT. It presented an unusually complex development with flare emission occurring in two distinct plages. The brightest part of the flare attained maximum intensity, 152 % of the continuum, between 15h30m and 15h32m UT. Photometric measurements show that a long-enduring part of the flare continued to decline in intensity until at least 21h20m UT.
Abstract IA03: Genomic and epigenomic targets in small cell lung cancer.

Recent comprehensive analyses of the genome, transcriptome, and proteome of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) have provided new insights into the biology of this particularly aggressive cancer type. As has been known for several years, most SCLC demonstrate concomitant loss or inactivation of two key tumor suppressors, p53 and RB; conditional loss of these genes in a mouse model results in lung cancer with many of the properties of human SCLC. Amplification and aberrant expression of MYC family members, including L-MYC and N-MYC, are strongly implicated in SCLC. Other important oncogenes amplified in subsets of SCLC include SOX2, a key developmental transcription factor, and the receptor tyrosine kinase FGFR1. Several key epigenetic control genes are mutated or disregulated in SCLC, including EZH2. Recent analyses of the SCLC methylome suggest that these cancers may be categorized into subsets based on global gene expression and methylation patterns. Taken together with recent proteomic studies highlighting additional potential targets including PARP1, these recent observations are providing a new landscape of investigational therapeutic opportunities for SCLC. Citation Format: Charles M. Rudin. Genomic and epigenomic targets in small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-IASLC Joint Conference on Molecular Origins of Lung Cancer; 2014 Jan 6-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2014;20(2Suppl):Abstract nr IA03.
BIASES IN SIGNALS FOR INTERMITTENCY DETECTED IN HIGH ENERGY COLLISIONS

It is shown that statistical as well as systematic biases may distort the estimates of factorial moments of multiplicity distributions in high energy nuclear collisions. Great caution should be used in interpreting and comparing results of different experiments aimed at the observation of effects due to intermittency.
Algebraic principles for the analysis of a biochemical system

A new algebraic approach to the description and understanding of finite-state systems is given in the form of principles derived from the Krohn-Rhodes' prime decomposition theorem for finite semigroups. The principles are motivated by several examples from classical physics and a model for the analysis of intermediary metabolism as a finite-state system is described in detail.
A method for designing secure solutions

The task of developing information technology (IT) solutions that consistently and effectively apply security principles has many challenges, including: the complexity of integrating the specified security functions within the several underlying component architectures found in computing systems, the difficulty in developing a comprehensive set of baseline requirements for security, and a lack of widely accepted security design methods. With the formalization of security evaluation criteria into an international standard known as Common Criteria, one of the barriers to a common approach for developing extensible IT security architectures has been lowered; however, more work remains. This paper describes a systematic approach for defining, modeling, and documenting security functions within a structured design process in order to facilitate greater trust in the operation of resulting IT solutions.
Epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent, NF-κB-independent activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway inhibits ultraviolet irradiation-induced caspases-3, -8, and -9 in human keratinocytes

Both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and NF-κB pathways function to promote cellular survival following stress. Recent evidence indicates that the anti-apoptotic activity of these two pathways may be functionally dependent. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation causes oxidative stress, which can lead to apoptotic cell death. Human skin cells (keratinocytes) are commonly exposed to UV irradiation from the sun. We have investigated activation of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathways and their roles in protecting human keratinocytes (KCs) from UV irradiation-induced apoptosis. This activation of PI3K preceded increased levels (3-fold) of active/phosphorylated Akt. UV (50 mJ/cm2 from UVB source) irradiation caused rapid recruitment of PI3K to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Pretreatment of KCs with EGFR inhibitor PD169540 abolished UV-induced Akt activation/phosphorylation, as did the PI3K inhibitors LY294002 or wortmannin. This inhibition of Akt activation was associated with a 3-4-fold increase of UV-induced apoptosis, as measured by flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation ELISA. In contrast to Akt, UV irradiation did not detectably increase nuclear localization of NF-κB, indicating that it was not strongly activated. Consistent with this observation, interference with NF-κB activation by adenovirus-mediated overexpression of dominant negative IKK-β or IκB-α did not increase UV-induced apoptosis. However, adenovirusmediated overexpression of constitutively active Akt completely blocked UV-induced apoptosis observed with PI3K inhibition by LY294002, whereas adenovirus mediated overexpression of dominant negative Akt increased UV-induced apoptosis by 2-fold. Inhibition of UV-induced activation of Akt increased release of mitochondrial cytochrome c 3.5-fold, and caused appearance of active forms of caspase-9, caspase-8, and caspase-3. Constitutively active Akt abolished UV-induced cytochrome c release and activation of caspases-9, -8, and -3. These data demonstrate that PI3K/Akt is essential for protecting human KCs against UV-induced apoptosis, whereas NF-κB pathway provides little, if any, protective role.
Control of the breakup process of viscous droplets by an external electric field inside a microfluidic device

Droplet-based microfluidic devices have received extensive attention in the fields of chemical synthesis, biochemical analysis, lab-on-chip devices, etc. Conventional passive microfluidic hydrodynamic flow-focusing devices (HFFDs) control the droplet breakup process by manipulating the flow ratios of the continuous phase to the dispersed phase. They confront difficulties in controlling droplet sizes in the dripping regime especially when the dispersed phase has a large viscosity. Previous studies have reported that an external electric field can be utilized as an additional tool to control the droplet breakup process in microfluidic devices. In this computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study, we have investigated the effect of an external static electric field on the droplet breakup process using the conservative level-set method coupled with the electrostatic model. The numerical simulations have demonstrated that the interaction of the electric field and the electric charges on the fluid interface induces the electric force, which plays a significant role in controlling the droplet formation dynamics. If the microfluidic system is applied with the electric field of varying strength, the droplet breakup process experiences three distinct regimes. In Regime 1, where low electric voltages are applied, the droplet size decreases almost linearly with the increase of voltage. Then the droplet size increases with the applied voltages in Regime 2, where the electric field has moderate strength. In Regime 3, where very large voltages are applied, the droplet size decreases with the applied voltage again. These interesting variations in the droplet breakup processes are explained by using transient pressure profiles in the dispersed phase and the continuous phase. The droplet breakup processes regulated by an external electric field that are revealed in this study can provide useful guidance on the design and operations of such droplet-based systems.
A single chimeric transgene derived from two distinct viruses confers multi-virus resistance in transgenic plants through homology-dependent gene silencing.

We showed previously that 218 and 110 bp N gene segments of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) that were fused to the non-target green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene were able to confer resistance to TSWV via post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS). N gene segments expressed alone did not confer resistance. Apparently, the GFP DNA induced PTGS that targetted N gene segments and the incoming homologous TSWV for degradation, resulting in a resistant phenotype. These observations suggested that multiple resistance could be obtained by replacing the GFP DNA with a viral DNA that induces PTGS. The full-length coat protein (CP) gene of turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) was linked to 218 or 110 bp N gene segments and transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana. A high proportion (4 of 18) of transgenic lines with the 218 bp N gene segment linked to the TuMV CP gene were resistant to both viruses, and resistance was transferred to R2 plants. Nuclear run-on and Northern experiments confirmed that resistance was via PTGS. In contrast, only one of 14 transgenic lines with the TuMV CP linked to a 110 bp N gene segment yielded progeny with multiple resistance. Only a few R1 plants were resistant and resistance was not observed in R2 plants. These results clearly show the applicability of multiple virus resistance through the fusion of viral segments to DNAs that induce PTGS.
“Street Life” as a Site of Resiliency: How Street Life–Oriented Black Men Frame Opportunity in the United States:

This study organized a participatory action research team of four street life–oriented Black men to examine attitudes toward opportunity in a community sample of street life–oriented Black men ranging between the ages of 16 and 65. Data were collected in the form of 371 surveys and two group interviews. Most of the data collection took place inside the street communities of Harlem, New York City, and Paterson, New Jersey. Descriptive data suggest that the men hold positive as well as negative attitudes toward learning and their overall educational experience. Quantitative and qualitative results suggest that an intergenerational set of attitudes toward opportunity exists in this community sample of street life–oriented Black men. Specifically, a set of one-way analysis of variance revealed older street generations to hold more negative attitudes toward overall, educational, and economic opportunity. In addition, a content analysis revealed three dominant themes in relation to the code economic survival: (...
Influences of Thinning and Underburning Restoration Practices on Red Turpentine Beetle Demography in Jeffrey Pine

Forest thinnings implemented with cut-to-length and whole-tree harvesting systems followed by prescribed underburning were evaluated for their effects on red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens LeConte) colonization in pure, uneven-aged Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.). Based on pitch tube abundance expressed as bole surface area-based counts, this beetle was significantly more prevalent where thinnings were implemented regardless of harvesting approach than in the unthinned treatment, but the population increases were confined to the burned stand portions. Substantial evidence indicated that fire-induced crown and bole damage culminating in compromised defense mechanisms elevated turpentine beetle colonization, and some evidence suggested a proclivity of this beetle to attack stems exhibiting general characteristics of low vigor, specifically smaller trees with weak crowns. Tree mortality was likely induced by the turpentine beetle infestation but was probably not its sole cause. The respon...
Right whale occurrence in the coastal waters of Virginia, U.S.A.: Endangered species presence in a rapidly developing energy market

The endangered North Atlantic right whale is susceptible to increased risks associated with the developing energy market off the Virginia coast of the U.S.A., including increased noise exposure from shipping and energy exploration and extraction, and shipping activity. Primarily viewed as a migratory corridor between northern feeding and mating areas and the southern calving area, Virginia waters have not been intensely monitored for right whales. We conducted a 1 yr, continuous, passive acoustic survey from the Virginia coast to the continental shelf to better describe the seasonal occurrence and spatial distribution of right whales in this area. We found that whales were acoustically detected in every month of the year, with increased seasonal occurrences in fall and late winter/early spring, and not just during limited periods of the year. As industry activities continue to increase in the area, these new right whale occurrence data have implications for siting and permitting of offshore energy activities.
Optical array receiver for communication through atmospheric turbulence

An optical array receiver concept is developed and analyzed. It is shown that for ground-based reception, the number of array elements can be increased without incurring performance degradation, provided the array telescope diameters exceed the coherence-length of the atmosphere. Maximum likelihood detection of turbulence-degraded signal fields is developed for the case of pulse-position modulated signals observed in the presence of background radiation. Performance of optical array receivers is compared to single-aperture receivers with diameters ranging from 4 to 8 m, both in the presence of turbulence and in a turbulence-free environment such as space. It is shown that in the absence of atmospheric turbulence, single-aperture receivers outperform receiver arrays when significant background radiation is present. However, it is also demonstrated that for ground-based reception of deep-space signals, the number of array elements can be as great as several thousand without incurring any performance degradation relative to a large single-aperture receiver.
Production of planktonic bacteria in Lake Michigan

Bacterial production rates were estimated for the surface waters of a station 100-m deep in southeastern Lake Michigan during 1984. Production was calculated from incorporation of C3Hmethyllthymidine and from empirical conversion factors determined from dilution experiments performed throughout the study. The conversion factors (with typical C.V. ~40%) varied between 4.7 and 18.3 x lo9 cells produced per nanomole of thymidine incorporated into ice-cold trichloroacetic acid extracts. Our estimates yielded bacteria exponential growth rates between 0.05 and 0.24 h-l (C.V. typically ~50%) based on the empirical conversion factors. The growth estimates are much lower (0.004-0.020 h-l) when based on measured 47% thymidine incorporation into DNA and a theoretical conversion factor. The higher growth estimates appear more consistent with estimated grazing losses. Carbon flux estimates are less certain, due to the possible range of bacterial carbon content and growth efficiencies, but most of the higher growth estimates imply a bacterial carbon demand higher than concurrent 14C-based primary production measurements. This may mean that a source other than recent primary production is needed to meet this demand.
Active Shingles Infection as Detected on 18F-FDG PET/CT

We present the case of a 56 year old male with a history of recurrent follicular lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy with multiple 18F-FDG PET-CT studies at an outside facility. He developed a painful erythematous, pruritic rash in the left back requiring a visit to the emergency room. He was diagnosed and treated for varicella zoster infection. He then presented to our imaging center 2 months later for a follow up 18F-FDG PET/CT study. Imaging demonstrated a cutaneous band of increased metabolic activity in the upper back following a dermatomal distribution. This was confirmed to be in the same area as the treated varicella zoster eruption. A subsequent follow up 18F-FDG PET-CT scan 4 months later to confirm tumor resolution demonstrated the abnormal band of uptake in the back had resolved. This case illustrates the significance of being aware of this entity and to distinguish it from metastasis, especially in patients with a known history of malignancy.
Verification of the phase-noise model for MEMS oscillators operating in the nonlinear regime

We experimentally verify the phase-noise model for oscillators operating in a nonlinear regime by testing a micromechanical resonator-based oscillator (MEMS oscillator). Operation of oscillators in the nonlinear regime had been believed to induce instability [1] - a belief we have demonstrated to be mistaken [2]. As a result of this misunderstanding, little study has been devoted to the phase-noise performance of oscillators in the nonlinear regime. In this study, we compare measurements of the phase noise of MEMS oscillators far into the nonlinear regime and compare them with a recent prediction [3]. This paper provides confirmation that low phase-noise performance is possible in the nonlinear regime, and confirms that models can be used to predict and optimize performance.
Control of cascade systems with time delay -- the integral cross-term approach

Presence of a time delay introduces a limitation to achievable performance and robustness of industrial control systems. This paper presents a Lyapunov based stabilization and control method for nonlinear cascade systems with time delay. The approach uses a construction of a composite Lyapunov functional for a stable cascade obtained in an intermediate step of the procedure. The functional consists of Lyapunov functions or functionals for the subsystems and a cross-term defined by an infinite integral. A strong robustness guarantee for the closed loop system is available and the stabilization can be achieved even through distributed-delay control channels.
Pentecostalized Development and Novel Social Imaginaries in Rural El Salvador

Resumen En las decadas despues de la guerra civil las iglesias pentecostales crecieron rapidamente en El Salvador, y ahora contribuyen a la vision del bienestar social de los salvadorenos. Este articulo examina un caso en el que los miembros de una iglesia pentecostal rural movilizan a sus vecinos y otras instituciones locales para llevar a cabo iniciativas de desarrollo comunitario. En particular, en el articulo se describe como la iglesia actua como un “ente publico” y, en consecuencia, se convierte en un sitio en el que diferentes redes sociales se vinculan en maneras novedosas. La investigacion ofrece evidencia empirica sobre el impacto del movimiento pentecostal en la vida social en El Salvador y en otras partes de America Latina.
The structural basis of large ribosomal subunit function

▪ Abstract The ribosome crystal structures published in the past two years have revolutionized our understanding of ribonucleoprotein structure, and more specifically, the structural basis of the peptide bonding forming activity of the ribosome. This review concentrates on the crystallographic developments that made it possible to solve these structures. It also discusses the information obtained from these structures about the three-dimensional architecture of the large ribosomal subunit, the mechanism by which it facilitates peptide bond formation, and the way antibiotics inhibit large subunit function. The work reviewed, taken as a whole, proves beyond doubt that the ribosome is an RNA enzyme, as had long been surmised on the basis of less conclusive evidence.
Incorporating real world non-coding features into block IDEs

We often see block-based coding environments as toy environments that let novice programmers have fun as they learn the basics of programming. While these environments do have an engaging low floor, they are missing out on other aspects of introductory programming that could further engage students and better replicate the real work of software developers. In this paper, I describe real world non-coding features (e.g. collaboration, code reviews, version control, aesthetic appeal, galleries/community) that should be incorporated into block IDEs. There are likely other important non-coding features that are not included.
Summer heat illnesses. Conditions that range from mild to fatal

PreviewWith strenuous exercise during hot weather, persons who are young and healthy may become as susceptible to heat illness as the elderly or infirm. If the body's cooling system is pushed beyond its capacity, hyperthermia may cause irreversible damage or death. Dr Sterner warns, however, that not all people with hyperthermia during hot, humid weather have a heat-related illness and that other causes must be excluded.
Social Cognition and Written Expression Disorders

Written expression requires not only content knowledge, linguistic competence and metacommunication skills but also an awareness of an audience (reader) and a sensitivity to a reader’s needs. Indeed, coherence and cohesion in writing result in a large part from intentions that are appropriate to a specific audience and genre. Audience awareness must be coupled with linguistic competence to allow a writer to be effective in communicating ideas. Researchers are just beginning to investigate the relationship between an individual’s sense of audience in written expression and his or her social cognitive abilities (Rubin, 1984; Rubin & Dodd, 1987). It is felt that individuals who think in more complex ways about other people (audiences) ought to be better writers since they can produce text adapted to a reader’s needs. A writer’s ability to identify and remain sensitive to a specific audience influences almost every aspect of written communication. Students who demonstrate little audience awareness often supply few details and/or elaborations of their ideas (Flower, 1979; Shaugnessy, 1977). The manner in which writers organize their text has also been found to be dependent on audience awareness (Berkenkotter, 1981; Flower, 1979). Several researchers have discovered that the choice of syntactic structures is audience dependent (Crowhurst & Piche, 1979; Rubin, 1982; Smith & Swan, 1978). Shaugnessy (1977) provides evidence that ambiguous pronoun reference and confusing predication are often the result of a writer’s inability to take the reader’s perspective.
Software engineering environment support for frameworks: a position paper

Modern software engineering environments provide programmers with contextual information on methods and classes in their software system. However, programmers increasingly encounter frameworks such as Microsoft Foundation Classes or Enterprise Java Beans whose required plug-in mechanisms cannot be adequately described with method or class documentation. The needs of programmers using frameworks are different from the needs when using libraries. Software engineering environments should be augmented with tools to aid programmers in understanding the demands of using frameworks.
Osmium tetroxide post-fixation and periodic acid-Schiff dual-staining technique to demonstrate intracellular lipid and glycogen in the mouse liver section – a novel method for co-visualization of intracellular contents in paraffin-embedded tissue

Intracellular accumulation of excessive glycogen or lipid in the liver occurs as a manifestation of metabolic dysfunction or drug-induced toxicity in humans or animals. The identification of individual components (lipids, glycogen, or water) involved is essential to the diagnosis of disease and pathogenesis. The aqueous fixatives and processing solvents used in paraffin embedding for routine hematoxylin and eosin stains remove both lipid and glycogen, leaving clear vacuoles of which the precise content is unknown in routine hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections. Traditional methods for detecting intracellular lipids and glycogen require two separate techniques, such as periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction, with or without diastase digestion for glycogen, and osmium tetroxide (OsO4) post-fixation for lipid and utilization of different tissue sections. We describe here, for the first time, a novel OsO4/PAS dual-staining technique that permits a simple color-coded detection and direct visualization of both l...
Toward standardization of Phanerozoic stratigraphic nomenclature in New Mexico

Nomenclature for Phanerozoic strata in New Mexico has been rapidly evolving, but not all proposed changes have been widely accepted. From a perspective of geologic mapping, we evaluate some recent nomenclatural proposals for Pennsylvanian, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, and Paleogene units. Because of the long shelf-life of geologic quadrangle maps and the desirability of minimizing nomenclatural diversity among them, we present guidelines with which we argue for a conservative approach to changes in stratigraphic nomenclature.
Hybrid Jet Engine for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Applications

As the need for electrically powered, highly efficient, wide velocity spectrum propulsion systems increases an electric only jet or a more electric jet engine should be investigated. Since battery technology is still far from matching fossil fuels specific energy and energy density a battery based application will have to be on a very short time scale and perhaps use primary batteries to increase material utilization. A longer operation time may be viable through the integration of an air breathing fuel cell to the electric jet system. This thesis research investigates the use of an electric driven compressor followed by a heating chamber built inside a typical jet intake-nozzle structure. By omitting the turbine, more pressure and heat is transferred to kinetic energy, the compressor operational range is not limited by turbine map and cost decreases substantially. The heating chamber “charges” the pressurized air with further energy before ejected through the nozzle to create thrust. Different methods of quickly heating the air passing through the chamber are investigated. The integration of a fuel cell is inspected surveying different fuel cell technologies, fuels and integration methods. Excess heat from the fuel cells and/or batteries can be utilized in the heating chamber as a bottoming cycle to maximize efficiency. A tubular design for the fuel cell is carefully examined as it can be easily integrated into the round aerodynamic structure. A combination of fuel cells and/or air breathing batteries and hydrogen combustion is suggested as the preferred solution.
Research on Filtration Performance of Air Cleaner

A serial of experiments are done in the paper to study the filtration performance of air cleaner. The results show that the clean air delivery rates( CADR) of particles with different size ranges vary widely. After decreasing the air volume of air cleaner,the single- pass removal efficiency of particles with size between 0. 3- 0. 5 microns reduces,while for the particles whose size is between 0. 5- 3 microns,it does not change. Besides,prolonging testing time will influence CADR test of different sizes particles.
A Multi-scale Analysis of Plant Diversity Along Soil Nutrient Gradients

Although edaphic variation is common in natural systems, and has often been described as a major driver of plant species diversity, the effect of this edaphic variation on plant diversity has not been described in a comprehensive, synthetic fashion. Understanding this variation is essential, however, as soil nutrients are important drivers of plant community structure. This study takes advantage of multi-scale vegetation sampling along with plot-level soil data from the Carolina Vegetation Survey to examine the relationships between soil nutrients and diversity in forests and woodlands at multiple spatial scales and across floristic regions. We find that there is greater variation in soil characteristics that predict diversity between regions than across scales within regions. In Atlantic Coastal Plain longleaf-pine communities, nitrogen, sulfur, iron, soil pH, organic matter, and silt are important predictors of diversity. In the Fall-line Sandhill longleaf-pine communities of the Carolinas, manganese, nitrogen, soil pH, and silt are the measured variables that predict diversity best. In longleaf-pine communities of Florida, soil pH, iron, nitrogen, and silt are consistently the strongest indicators across all scales from 0.01 to 1000 m2. In southern Appalachian Mountain forest communities, soil pH, manganese, and calcium are the best diversity indicators. By tailoring models to individual regions, soil characteristics can predict between 39 and 54 % of the variance in diversity at the 0.1 ha scale.
Responsiveness of the active wrist joint position sense test after distal radius fracture intervention.

Abstract Study Design Prospective cohort study. Introduction The active wrist joint position sense (JPS) test has been determined to be a clinically useful test for assessing wrist sensorimotor (SM) status after distal radius fracture (DRF). Its responsiveness is yet to be determined. Purpose of the Study Primary study aim was to determine the active wrist JPS test responsiveness to detect change in wrist SM status at 8 and 12 weeks after DRF treatment intervention. Secondary aims were to compare group (nonsurgical, surgical, high, and low pain) test responsiveness; compare pain-level group participants test scores; determine the relationship between test minimal clinically important difference (MCID) value and function; compare functional outcomes across assessment times; and determine the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale intrarater reliability. Methods A total of 33 male and female participants were tested at baseline, 8, and 12 weeks after nonsurgical ( n = 13) and surgical ( n = 20) DRF treatment interventions. Distribution-based analysis encompassed both group- (ie, effect size, standardized response mean) and individual-based (ie, minimum detectable change) statistical indices. Anchor-based analysis determined the MCID value by linking test scores to the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale. Results The active wrist JPS test is highly responsive based on effect size (8 weeks = 1.53 and 12 weeks = 2.36) and standardized response mean (8 weeks = 1.57 and 12 weeks = 2.14). Statistically significant minimum detectable change values were 4.28° and 4.94° at 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. Clinically meaningful MCID values were 5.00° and 7.09° at 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. Between treatment type and pain-level group responsiveness levels were not significantly different. High-pain participants demonstrated significantly greater JPS deficit. Test MCID values and function were significantly associated. Discussion This is the first study to determine the active wrist JPS test responsiveness as reflected by its group- and individual-based statistical indices following DRF surgical and non-surgical interventions among low- and high-pain level participants. The statistical analysis approach, which was used to determine the aforementioned variables of the active wrist JPS test, is consistent with current research. This study’s strengths included its design, methodology, and statistical approach. The study findings must be interpreted, however, within the content of several methodological limitations. Conclusions The active wrist JPS test was determined to be highly responsive to detect wrist SM status change at 8 and 12 weeks regardless of treatment type or pain level. Clinicians can use this test with confidence to measure clinically meaningful SM impairment after DRF treatment. Level of Evidence 2b
Exploiting timely demand information in determining production lot-sizing: an exploratory study

The emerging automatic data-capturing technology, radio frequency identification technology (RFID), has been extensively adopted in logistics process and retail operations. However, limited research has been conducted on how to exploit and integrate RFID-enabled timely demand information into production processes. The lack of sufficient evaluation on the financial benefits of RFID hinders the adoption of this technology in production processes. In this study, we propose a framework to integrate RFID-enabled timely demand information into a dynamic production lot-sizing problem. Our results show that manufacturers, distributors and retailers can benefit from the availability of timely demand information via RFID. Our research sheds new light on understanding the financial value of RFID in a production process, and fills a gap in the application of RFID along the supply chain.
Genomic Approaches to Hypertension

Genomic insights and analyses of Mendelian hypertension (HTN) syndromes and Genome-Wide Association study (GWAS) on essential hypertension have contributed to the depth of understanding of the genetics origins of hypertension. Mendelian syndromes are important for the field, since such knowledge leads to specific insights about disease pathogenesis and the potential for precision medicine. The clinical impact of findings of on essential hypertension is continuously evolving, and the insights accrued will refine efforts to combat the societal impact of hypertension. Comprehensive identification of all genomic variants of hypertension, along with their individual associated mechanisms, is paving the way forward in the era of personalized medicine. The overriding challenge for care providers is to reduce health inequities through improved compliance and, perhaps, new paradigms for implementation science that incorporate genomic medicine.
Paternal and maternal preconception urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and child behavior

Abstract Background Prenatal phthalate exposure has been associated with behavioral problems and lower performance on measures of cognitive ability in children. However, the potential effect of phthalate exposure during the sensitive preconception period is unknown. Objectives To estimate the association of maternal and paternal preconception urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations with child behavior and evaluate potential modification by child sex. Methods We used data from 166 children (111 singletons, 26 pairs of twins, and 1 set of triplets) born to 134 mothers and 100 fathers participating in a prospective preconception cohort study of subfertile couples from the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center. We estimated mean maternal and paternal preconception exposures by averaging individual phthalate metabolite concentrations in multiple urine samples collected before pregnancy. We assessed children's behavior at 2–9 years of age by parent report using the Behavior Assessment System for Children-2 (BASC-2). We estimated the covariate-adjusted association between individual phthalate metabolite concentrations and the sum of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites (∑ DEHP) and behavior scores, and evaluated differences in associations by child sex using linear regression with Generalized Estimating Equations. Models were further adjusted for prenatal phthalate concentrations in sensitivity analyses. Results Each log e -unit increase in maternal and paternal preconception concentrations of ∑DEHP was associated with a 2.0 (95% CI: − 3.2, − 0.7) and 1.8 (95% CI: − 3.1, − 0.4) point decrease in BASC-2 internalizing behavior scores among all children, respectively. We observed sex-specific associations for some phthalate biomarkers: among boys, maternal monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP) was positively associated with externalizing behaviors, and paternal MiBP and mono-n-butyl phthalate were positively associated with internalizing behaviors. Conclusions In this cohort, paternal and maternal preconception concentrations of some phthalate biomarkers were associated with specific aspects of child behavior, even after adjustment for prenatal concentrations. While additional research is warranted to confirm these results, our findings suggest that the preconception period of exposure may be a critical window for offspring neurodevelopment.
THE PAINLESS SYNERGISM OF ASPIRIN AND OPIUM

Why is the combination of aspirin and opioids more analgesic than the summed effect of each drug given separately? The answer lies in the specific inhibition of neurotransmitter release by non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory analgesics. Activation of the μ opioid receptor leads to the production of arachidonic acid, which can be metabolized through three enzymatic pathways, leading to the release of neurotransmitter. But researchers now have found that two of the pathways can be blocked by analgesics, so neurotransmitter release (and ‘painful’ signals) are inhibited.
Development, implementation, and impact of a collaborative junior faculty engagement and professional growth program: The Young Faculty Leadership Initiative.

Abstract Purpose To develop, implement, and evaluate the effect of a faculty engagement and professional growth program targeted at junior faculty members. Educational activity A faculty engagement and growth program based on adult learning theory was piloted in a clinical sciences department. Effect of the model was evaluated using a pre/post-survey evaluating faculty output and work engagement using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Findings Average number of publications/projects with cross-campus collaboration increased (0.58 versus 1.25, P = 0.03, 95%CI 0.059–1.264). Involvement in national/state organizations, number of accepted poster presentations, and grants submitted and/or funded all increased (p>0.05). Total UWES score increased (4.13 vs. 4.495 p = 0.21) with the greatest subscale increase in vigor (3.833 vs 4.347, P = 0.1). Summary A faculty engagement and growth program targeting junior faculty members using adult learning theory as a framework may provide a novel and economic way for schools to support the development of these critical team members.
James Buchanan and Contractarian Anarchy

This paper traces the normative side of James Buchanan’s individualist-subjectivist-contractarian position. The literature on anarchy and radical self-governance treats Buchanan’s position, and social contract theory more generally, as a rival rather than allied branch of analysis. However, I argue that Buchanan’s normative position, if taken to its logical conclusion, yields conclusions commensurate with anarchy. Buchanan’s theory of individual sovereignty suggests that political action is justified only to the extent that it adheres to a social contract that meets the requirements of conceptual unanimity. It also suggests individuals have the right to secede from communities they feel no longer adhere to the social contract. These beliefs form the foundation of a social contract theory deserving the label "anarchic."
School Bonding in Children and Adolescents: Conceptualization, Assessment, and Associated Variables

School bonding refers to the “connections” that youth have with their schools and various aspects of their academic lives. School bonding may be an important concept in prevention because it has been linked to various developmental and adjustment outcomes. This paper reviews conceptualizations, measurements, and theories of school bonding. Also considered are empirical studies that have linked school bonding to a variety of outcomes (substance use, delinquency, antisocial behavior, self-esteem). The review includes examination of how school bonding serves as a mediator in these relations and, in turn, is moderated by other variables. Despite inconsistencies in conceptualization and measurement, it is concluded that school bonding is an important construct and an appropriate target for intervention. Recommendations are offered regarding future research on school bonding, especially with respect to positive developmental outcomes and examination of variables that might moderate school bonding.
Immunoseclusion and Chronic Infection by Borrelia burgdorferi

The subjects of immunoseclusion and chronic infection as pertaining to the Lyme disease pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi, present challenges not only in developing suitable models for study, but also in the accurate interpretation of experimental findings in the context of human disease. The term immunoseclusion has been described as the property of a pathogen to evade host immunity by hiding itself in sites not typically afforded vasculature, also known as immunologically privileged organs or tissues. The ability of the Lyme disease bacterium to disseminate to and invade host cells and tissues may be a contributing factor for circumventing host defenses. However, any relationship between putative immunoseclusion properties of the Lyme disease agent and chronic infection has not been firmly established.
Optical Polarization of 3C 265

3C 265 is a high-redshift (z=0.811) radio galaxy showing extended emission line regions (EELR) to 50 kpc from the nucleus (McCarthy et al 1995). However, it does not show the alignment effect (McCarthy 1993) that is common in distant galaxies: the EELR is not extended along the radio axis.