cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chondrule formation, metamorphism, brecciation, an important new primary chondrule group, and the classification of chondrules

The recently proposed compositional classification scheme for meteoritic chondrules divides the chondrules into groups depending on the composition of their two major phases, olivine (or pyroxene) and the mesostasis, both of which are genetically important. The scheme is here applied to discussions of three topics: the petrographic classification of Roosevelt County 075 (the least-metamorphosed H chondrite known), brecciation (an extremely important and ubiquitous process probably experienced by greater than 40% of all unequilibrated ordinary chondrites), and the group A5 chondrules in the least metamorphosed ordinary chondrites which have many similarities to chondrules in the highly metamorphosed 'equilibrated' chondrites. Since composition provides insights into both primary formation properties of the chondruies and the effects of metamorphism on the entire assemblage it is possible to determine the petrographic type of RC075 as 3.1 with unique certainty. Similarly, the near scheme can be applied to individual chondrules without knowledge of the petrographic type of the host chondrite, which makes it especially suitable for studying breccias. Finally, the new scheme has revealed the existence of chondrules not identified by previous techniques and which appear to be extremely important. Like group A1 and A2 chondrules (but unlike group B1 chondrules) the primitive group A5 chondruies did not supercool during formation, but unlike group A1 and A2 chondrules (and like group B1 chondrules) they did not suffer volatile loss and reduction during formation. It is concluded that the compositional classification scheme provides important new insights into the formation and history of chondrules and chondrites which would be overlooked by previous schemes.
The frequency of the behavioral response in Paramecium tetraurelia displays an ultradian rhythm: a regulatory role for the inositol signaling pathway

Paramecium tetraurelia displays a behavioral response to environmental stimuli that involves changes in the direction and speed of swimming. This paper demonstrates that there are periodic variations in the frequency of behavioral responses of individual cells. The frequency of the backward swimming response undergoes repeated oscillations with a period (tau) between 40 and 50 minutes; these oscillations are only slightly affected by the temperature at which the cells have been grown. These data indicate the presence of an ultradian clock that underlies this cellular process. However, growing cells in the presence of low concentrations of LiCl perturbs the ultradian rhythm, with the periodicity being reduced to approximately 11 minutes. The LiCl effect is seen within 10–45 minutes, depending on the concentration of LiCl used, and is completely reversible. In order to determine if the LiCl effect was due to a depletion of inositol, cells were grown in 10 mM myo-inositol for 24 hours prior to the addition o...
Improving the future by considering the past: The impact of upward counterfactual reflection and implicit beliefs on negotiation performance

Abstract Reflecting on previous experiences and considering how things could have been better (upward counterfactual reflection) is central to learning. While researchers have identified a number of situational antecedents to upward counterfactual generation, less is known about individual differences in counterfactual reflection. We address this gap by considering how implicit beliefs regarding the fixedness or malleability of basic characteristics influence counterfactual generation. In a negotiation context, we show that individuals who believe that negotiation ability is changeable are more likely to consider how things could have been better following a negotiation experience compared to individuals who believe that negotiation ability is fixed. We further demonstrate the impact of upward counterfactual reflection on learning and performance: Negotiators who hold malleable beliefs are better able to discover creative agreements that benefit both parties in a negotiation, and these performance differences are mediated by upward counterfactual generation.
Size Effects of Miniature Refrigeration and Liquefaction System

This article examines the size effects on the performance of miniature refrigerators and liquefiers operated by the Linde cycle. The system sizes are cased into a function of the compressor characteristic length and the heat exchanger length while several cycle operation parameters are held constant. Simplified models of a Hampson-type counterflow heat exchanger and a reciprocating-type compressor were considered in the present analysis. For both the refrigerator and the liquefier, it was found that only for certain ranges of the compressor size is the system able to produce a heat exchanger effectiveness greater than the required minimum value. It was also found that there exists an optimal compressor size for obtaining maximum heat exchanger effectiveness, cooling effect, mass fraction of liquefied product, and coefficient of performance. For the refrigerator, the optimal compressor size for obtaining the maximum heat exchanger effectiveness is different from that for obtaining the maximum cooling effec...
Changes in the Grain Boundary Character and Energy Distributions Resulting from a Complexion Transition in Ca-Doped Yttria

The grain boundary character distribution and the relative grain boundary energy of 100 ppm Ca-doped yttria were measured before and after a previously identified grain boundary complexion transition. The grain boundary character distribution of samples exhibiting normal grain growth (before the complexion transition) favored {111} planes, whereas those exhibiting abnormal grain growth (after the complexion transition) favored {001} planes. Additionally, the relative grain boundary-to-surface energy ratios in the sample exhibiting abnormal grain growth were 33 pct lower than in the sample exhibiting normal grain growth. The results also indicate that the complexion transition increased the anisotropy of the grain boundary energy, and this may be responsible for the increase in the anisotropy of the grain boundary character distribution.
The new challenge to academic freedom

Academics have developed principles and policies of academic freedom during the last century in order to protect intellectual inquiry from ideological and political interference. One recent academic freedom case is compared to several earlier in the century in order to illustrate how threats to academic freedom have changed in recent decades. Most importantly, threats now come primarily from within rather than outside academe. Even the best academic freedom policies provide scant protection when an institution fails to enforce them and when the professorate fails to insist that they be enforced. Threatened individuals must then turn to external parties for protection. However, such appeals for outside assistance invite the very political interference that academic freedom policies were originally developed to deter. Academics thus risk losing what they collectively fail to protect.
Influence of neck afferents on vestibulospinal neurons.

The effects of neck afferent stimulation on vestibulospinal neurons in Deiters' nucleus and in the descending nucleus, and the interaction of cervical and vestibular input, were examined extracellularly in decerebrate, decerebellate cats. Many of the vestibulospinal neurons were identified as having axons in the lateral or medial vestibulospinal tract (LVST or MVST) and as being driven antidromically from C3 or C6.
Comparative performance of polynomial signal extraction

A stochastic approximation problem for polynomic operators is formulated. The performance of polynomic operators of various degrees is compared. The effect of causality constraints is also examined.
Nitrogen loads to estuaries: Using loading models to assess the effectiveness of management options to restore estuarine water quality

Nitrogen (N) loading to estuaries has become a major concern for coastal planners. As urban development on coastal watershed continues, estuaries and bays are becoming more eutrophic, and cascading effects are being felt at every trophic level. Managers and stakeholders need to have a suite of effective management tools that can be applied to coastal watersheds to minimize the effects of eutrophication. We applied an N loading model and an estuarine loading model to examine the effectiveness of a suite of potential management options that could be implemented in Waquoit Bay, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This estuarine system is a case study in which we can explore the relative potential effectiveness of decreasing inputs from wastewater and fertilizer-derived N, diverting nitrogenous runoff from impervious surfaces, altering zoning ordinances, preserving forested tracts of land as well as freshwater and saltwater wetlands, harvesting macroalgae, dredging estuary channels, and exterminating waterfowl. From a combination of simulation results, assessment of the magnitude of loads from different sources, and through different land covers, and the additional consideration of feasibility we identified management options with high, intermediate, and low potential effectiveness. Improvement of septic system performance, use of zoning regulations, preservation of forested tracts and freshwater bodies, and conservation of salt marshes emerged as the most promising avenues to manage N loads in our system. Installation of wastewater treatment plants, controlling fertilizer use, and harvesting macroalgae would potentially have intermediate success. Diversion of runoff from impervious surfaces, dredging, and extermination of waterfowl show little promise at reducing N loads. These conclusions potentially set priorities for decision-makers charged with the management of Waquoit Bay. The same procedures applied to another watershed-estuary system with different land covers and different estuarine features may differ. Evaluation studies like this need to be done for any particular site, since the watershed-estuary coupling and the loads delivered to the receiving estuary could differ. The Waquoit Bay case study provides an example of a protocol that leads to identification of the most promising management options.
Mixing characteristics of a rotary tubular reactor used for processing slimy ores

Abstract A baffled rotary tubular reactor has been designed for hydrometallurgical processing of slimy ores. The mixing characteristics of the coarse solids, slimes, and liquids continuously fed into the reactor have been evaluated through residence time distribution studies. All three phases have similar mixing patterns in the reactor, as shown by similar vessel dispersion numbers.
Hollow polydimethylsiloxane facial prostheses using anatomic undercuts

Abstract A technique of fabricating a polydimethylsiloxane prosthesis has been described. The prosthesis is hollow, using anatomic undercuts for retention. Continuing investigation should be made to determine tissue tolerance and stability of this material in the nasal and oral environment.
The ultrastructure of the posterior midgut caecum of Pachygrapsus crassipes (Decapoda, Brachyura) adapted to low salinity

Abstract The effects of salinity adaptation and of composition and tonicity of fixatives upon the ultrastructure of the posterior midgut caecum (PMC) of Pachygrapsus crassipes have been studied. The PMC epithelium consists of a single layer of columnar cells with a microvillous border. The apical cytoplasm contains numerous mitochondria, lysosomes, and much smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus are situated in the perinuclear cytoplasm. This epithelium resembles other transporting epithelia in that the basal cytoplasm has an extensive system of branched tubules formed from invaginations of the lateral and basal plasma membrane. Numerous mitochondria are associated with the basal tubular system. To determine the possible contribution of the PMC to the osmoregulatory ability of Pachygrapsus , the ultrastructure of the PMC from animals adapted to 40, 50, 100 and 150% sea water was investigated. Enlargement of basal tubules and intercellular spaces at low salinity, suggestive of fluid-transport activity, was found to be an artifact of fixation. The most consistent response when animals were acclimated to dilute salinities was that some basal mitochondria assume a more complex shape, usually appearing as rings in cross sections of the caecum. A hypothesis concerning the functional significance of these mitochondria is proposed.
Phase II study of mitomycin-C, adriamycin, cisplatin (MAP) and Bleomycin-CCNU in patients with advanced cancer of the anal canal: An eastern cooperative oncology group study E7282

Metastatic anal cancer is a rare disease in the Western hemisphere and current treatment modalities are not effective. In this study, patients with advanced epithelial cancer of the anal canal received MAP followed by Bleomycin and CCNU upon progression of disease. Twelve out of twenty eligible patients had a partial response 60%, (95% CI {36% -81%}). No complete responses were observed. The median survival was 15 months (95% CI {6-20} months). The median time to progression or death was 8 months (95% CI {4-9 months}). Toxicities were moderate and tolerable with routine supportive care; there were 2 cases of grade 3 vomiting, 2 cases of respiratory distress (one grade 1 and one grade 3), one case each of grade 3 leg cramps and cardiac arrhythmia. Of particular note were 7 cases of grade 3 hematologic toxicity. Two patients had grade 4 leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, respectively, that resolved without sequelae. The combination therapy of MAP followed by Bleomycin and CCNU for patients with advanced anal cancer, not amenable to radiotherapy or surgery, results in a moderate objective response but with moderate toxicities. This regimen and sequence is worthy of further study especially in combination with colony stimulating factors, however, its tolerability may be most applicable for patients who have had minimal prior therapy.
Teaching synthetic biology, bioinformatics and engineering to undergraduates: the interdisciplinary Build-a-Genome course.

A major challenge in undergraduate life science curricula is the continual evaluation and development of courses that reflect the constantly shifting face of contemporary biological research. Synthetic biology offers an excellent framework within which students may participate in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and is therefore an attractive addition to the undergraduate biology curriculum. This new discipline offers the promise of a deeper understanding of gene function, gene order, and chromosome structure through the de novo synthesis of genetic information, much as synthetic approaches informed organic chemistry. While considerable progress has been achieved in the synthesis of entire viral and prokaryotic genomes, fabrication of eukaryotic genomes requires synthesis on a scale that is orders of magnitude higher. These high-throughput but labor-intensive projects serve as an ideal way to introduce undergraduates to hands-on synthetic biology research. We are pursuing synthesis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosomes in an undergraduate laboratory setting, the Build-a-Genome course, thereby exposing students to the engineering of biology on a genomewide scale while focusing on a limited region of the genome. A synthetic chromosome III sequence was designed, ordered from commercial suppliers in the form of oligonucleotides, and subsequently assembled by students into ∼750-bp fragments. Once trained in assembly of such DNA “building blocks” by PCR, the students accomplish high-yield gene synthesis, becoming not only technically proficient but also constructively critical and capable of adapting their protocols as independent researchers. Regular “lab meeting” sessions help prepare them for future roles in laboratory science.
A thermally stable nanoporous nickel 5-sulfoisophthalate; crystal structure and adsorption properties.

A 3D nanoporous nickel 5-sulfoisophthlate coordination polymer with a high surface area (>700 m2 g−1) has been synthesized hydrothermally and studied using single crystal and variable-temperature powder XRD, TGA, and BET porosimetry.
On the importance of evaluating storage systems' $Costs

Modern storage systems are becoming more complex, combining different storage technologies with different behaviors. Performance alone is not enough to characterize storage systems: energy efficiency, durability, and more are becoming equally important. We posit that one must evaluate storage systems from a monetary cost perspective as well as performance. We believe that cost should consider the workloads used over the storage systems' expected lifetime. We designed and developed a versatile hybrid storage system under Linux that combines HDD and SSD. The SSD can be used as cache or as primary storage for hot data. Our system includes tunable parameters to enable trading off performance, energy use, and durability. We built a cost model and evaluated our system under a variety of workloads and parameters, to illustrate the importance of cost evaluations of storage systems.
Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care: Using Federal Data to Support Local Programs to Eliminate Disparities

To reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health care, managers, policy makers, and researchers need valid and reliable data on the race and ethnicity of individuals and populations. The federal government is one of the most important sources of such data. In this paper we review the strengths and weaknesses of federal data that pertain to racial and ethnic disparities in health care. We describe recent developments that are likely to influence how these data can be used in the future and discuss how local programs could make use of these data.
Stress and Distress among Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Fishermen

Previous research documents that shrimp fishing is physically and mentally challenging work. Workers typically encounter intense exposure to such stressors as work overload, concerns about safety, dangerous weather conditions, and separation from family. In addition, recent regulatory changes and increased competition from imported shrimp have intensified the difficulties U.S. shrimpers face. From Fall 1993 through Fall 1994, data were collected from 577 shrimp boat captains working in the Gulf of Mexico. Face to face interviews were conducted at ports from all Gulf states, from Key West, FL to Brownsville, TX. The sampling design was a quota sample allocated by size of port landings of shrimp during the three years preceding data collection. The dependent variable in this analysis is the presence (or absence) of a diagnosable disorder as measured by the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) The multivariate analysis revealed that occupational stressor variables (overload and co-worker co...
Virtual View Specification and Synthesis for Free Viewpoint Television

Free viewpoint television (FTV) is a new concept that aims at giving viewers the flexibility to select a novel viewpoint by employing multiple video streams as the input. Current proposed solutions for FTV include those based on ray-space resampling which demand at least dozens of cameras and large storage and transmission resources for those video streams. Image-based rendering (IBR) methods that rely on dense depth map estimation also face practical difficulties since accurate depth map estimation remains a challenging problem. This paper proposes a framework for FTV based on IBR that relieves the need for an accurate depth map by introducing a hybrid virtual view synthesis method. The framework also includes an intuitive method for virtual view specification in uncalibrated views. We present both simulation and real data experiments to validate the proposed framework and the component algorithms.
Using knowledge-based systems to support learning of organizational knowledge: a case study

This paper describes the deployment of a knowledge system to support learning of organizational knowledge at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a US national research laboratory whose mission is planetary exploration and to "do what no one has done before." Data collected over 19 weeks of operation were used to assess system performance with respect to design considerations, participation, effectiveness of communication mechanisms, and individual-based learning. These results are discussed in the context of organizational learning research and implications for practice.
LiMBO3 (M=Fe, Mn): Potential Cathode for Lithium Ion Batteries

Recently discovered borates, LiMBO3 (M=Fe, Mn), share similarities with LiFe(Mn)PO4. They are polyanion structures, contain extractable lithium and suffer from low electronic conductivity. They are attractive to replace expensive, less abundant redox metals in current use in cathodes with environmentally friendly iron or manganese. Phosphate or borate groups adjacent to the redox active metal increase the voltage of the redox couple through an inductive effect. The LiFeBO3 discharge curve shows a pseudo-plateau around 2.6 V for the Fe(II) / Fe(III) couple. This study brings to bear techniques to improve electrode conductivity to produce LiMBO3 composite electrodes thus allowing access to some of the high, theoretical specific capacity. At low current, up to 70 percent of lithium could be extracted from LiFeBO3 that was prepared in the presence of high surface area, highly electrically conductive carbon black. Attempts to improve the cathode properties of LiMnBO3 were less successful.
Homoserine Toxicity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans Homoserine Kinase (thr1Δ) Mutants

In addition to threonine auxotrophy, mutation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae threonine biosynthetic genes THR1 (encoding homoserine kinase) and THR4 (encoding threonine synthase) results in a plethora of other phenotypes. We investigated the basis for these other phenotypes and found that they are dependent on the toxic biosynthetic intermediate homoserine. Moreover, homoserine is also toxic for Candida albicans thr1Δ mutants. Since increasing levels of threonine, but not other amino acids, overcome the homoserine toxicity of thr1Δ mutants, homoserine may act as a toxic threonine analog. Homoserine-mediated lethality of thr1Δ mutants is blocked by cycloheximide, consistent with a role for protein synthesis in this lethality. We identified various proteasome and ubiquitin pathway components that either when mutated or present in high copy numbers suppressed the thr1Δ mutant homoserine toxicity. Since the doa4Δ and proteasome mutants identified have reduced ubiquitin- and/or proteasome-mediated proteolysis, the degradation of a particular protein or subset of proteins likely contributes to homoserine toxicity.
Drafting New York Civil-Litigation Documents: Part XV — Motions to Dismiss

This article, the 15th in a series, introduces how to draft motions to dismiss in New York.
A two-level problem: habitat selection in relation to prey abundance in an ambush predator, the speckled rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii)

Summary Understanding how food distribution influences habitat choice is a central goal of behavioural ecology. Because animals select habitats at different scales, and because the selection criteria used may be scale-dependent, studies examining the significance of food in relation to habitat selection should ideally incorporate more than one spatial scale. We relied on spatial ecology data and prey abundance estimates to examine whether prey (rodent) abundance is a consistent predictor of habitat selection at two different spatial scales in an ambush predator, the speckled rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii), during the mating and post-mating seasons. At the macrohabitat level, selection and avoidance of particular macrohabitats by C. mitchellii positively correlated with rodent abundance during the post-mating season. Because most snake foraging activity occurs during the post-mating season, this finding suggests that C. mitchellii selects macrohabitats that increase prey encounter rates. In contrast, rodent abundance was relatively low at the microhabitats selected by the snakes. Therefore, the higher prey abundance in C. mitchellii’s preferred macrohabitat did not translate into increased access to prey at the snake microhabitats, indicating that prey distribution may not be a constant predictor of predator habitat choice across spatial scales. Indirect evidence suggests that lower prey abundance at the snake microhabitats was the result of changes in rodent behaviour (e.g., avoiding or reducing activity at snake locations) to decrease predation risk. Our study underscores the dynamics of predator‐prey interactions in nature, and emphasizes the challenges that ambush predators may face when foraging for risk-sensitive prey.
The Asymmetric Vortex Wake Problem - Asking the Right Question

The problem of the asymmetric vortex wake of axisymmetric bodies at high angles of attack is addressed. The ability of a device at the tip of the body to provide proportional control of the wake asymmetry is argued to be dependent upon the forebody vortices remaining attached to the body. Evidence for the convective instability of the wake is reviewed, and it is argued that the separation of a vortex from the body is the result of the saturation of the wake by a disturbance that has been introduced at the tip and amplified. Evidence for the global instability of the wake is also reviewed. Experiments on actual aircraft configurations are reviewed which suggest that on such configurations, the forebody vortex system remains attached to the aircraft, indicating the potential feasibility of a proportional control device at the tip of the nose.
Low Bias Field Hexagonal Y-Type Ferrite Phase Shifters at ${K}_{U}$ -Band

A microstrip line fabricated on a single crystal hexagonal Y-type ferrite substrate was utilized to achieve phase shifts of ~65deg/cm at KU-band with an external bias field of only 100 Oe. This approach utilizes the rapid variation of the Y-type ferrite tensor permeability near the ferromagnetic antiresonance frequency. The magnetic and microwave properties of the substrate material were characterized by vibrating sample magnetometry and ferromagnetic resonance measurements. Numerical methods based on Galerkin's approach adapted to spectral domain were utilized to model the performance of the device while taking into account the correct form of the tensor magnetic permeability of the anisotropic and gyromagnetic substrate material. Good agreement between the numerical results and experimental data was obtained. A miniature electromagnet, based on a Metglastrade laminated yoke to minimize demagnetizing fields, was fabricated. Phase shifts of 50deg/cm were achieved with continuous drive currents of only 100 mA.
Towards provenance-aware geographic information systems

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) play an important role to acquire and communicate geospatial knowledge based on spatial data and the use of spatial analysis, modeling, and visualization. The assurance of the validity and quality of spatial data handling and analysis remains a great challenge, in part, because of sophisticated procedures are often required for collaborative geospatial problem-solving and decision making. These procedures, when specified as knowledge derivation workflows, require carefully configured parameters and spatiotemporal specifications guided by specific contexts and purposes. The information of spatial data lineage and related analysis workflow is defined as spatial provenance in this research. Such information is often not well recorded or managed during spatial data handling and related analysis. This paper presents a provenance-aware GIS architecture that incorporates spatial provenance to address this shortcoming and facilitate the assurance of validity and quality of spatial data handling and analysis. Spatial provenance in this architecture is generated and managed to allow queries on data lineage and workflow information to support geospatial problem-solving. Basic elements of spatial provenance are captured using a spatial provenance model. The illustration of the provenance-aware GIS architecture and its proof-of-concept implementation reveals the similarity and difference in the use of spatial provenance in GIS applications. Overall, the architecture and implementation described in the paper demonstrates the necessity and feasibility of introducing provenance into GIS.
Why Growth Is Getting Harder

For over a century, the trend line for the long-term growth of the U.S. economy has held remarkably steady. Notwithstanding huge changes over time in economic, social, and political conditions, growth in real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita has fluctuated fairly closely around an average annual rate of approximately 2 percent. Looking ahead, however, there are strong reasons for doubting that this historic norm can be maintained.Consider the four constituent elements of economic growth tracked by conventional growth accounting: (1) growth in labor participation, or annual hours worked per capita; (2) growth in labor quality, or the skill level of the workforce; (3) growth in capital deepening, or the amount of physical capital invested per worker; and (4) growth in so-called total factor productivity, or output per unit of quality-adjusted labor and capital. Over the course of the 20th century, these various components fluctuated in their contributions to overall growth. The fluctuations, however, tended to offset each other, so that weakness in one element was compensated for by strength in another. In the 21st century, this pattern of offsetting fluctuations has come to a halt as all growth components have fallen off simultaneously.The simultaneous weakening of all the components of economic growth does not mean that slow growth is inevitable from here on out. The trends for one or more of them could reverse direction tomorrow. Nevertheless, it is difficult to resist the conclusion that the conditions for growth are less favorable than they used to be. In other words, growth is getting harder. Consequently, policies that are more friendly to long-term growth will be needed if more robust growth is to be revived.
In vitro cytotoxic response to human myeloma plasma cells by peripheral blood leukocytes from patients with multiple myeloma and benign monoclonal gammopathy

Peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) from myeloma patients were studied for their capacity to lyse plasma cells from myeloma patients, benign monoclonal gammopathy (BMG) patients, and nonneoplastic disease patients. Plasma cells were isolated from bone marrow, labeled with 51Cr, and cultured with PBL isolated from patients with myeloma, BMG, or nonneoplastic disease, as well as normal individuals. PBL from patients with multiple myeloma demonstrated responses to autologous or allogeneic myeloma plasma cells. Optimum conditions for cytotoxic response included a responder-to-stimulator ratio of 1:1 and an effector-to-target ratio of 20:1. PBL from normal individuals or patients with BMG failed to demonstrate this response. However, PBL from BMG patients, but not normal individuals, could be induced to kill myeloma plasma cells (but not nonmyeloma plasma cells) by simultaneous stimulation with allogeneic lymphocytes and myeloma plasma cells.
¿Cómo funciona Más Familias en Acción?: Mejores prácticas en la implementación de programas de transferencias monetarias condicionadas en América Latina y el Caribe

Mas Familias en Accion (MFA) es un Programa de Transferencias Monetarias Condicionadas (PTMC) que opera desde el ano 2000 en Colombia. Actualmente, 2,7 millones de familias reciben beneficios asociados a la asistencia escolar y a revisiones de salud. La poblacion objetivo de MFA son las familias pobres, desplazadas por el conflicto y de comunidades indigenas que tienen integrantes menores de 18 anos. Para identificar a los beneficiarios, se utiliza el SISBEN para medir el estandar de vida, asi como los registros oficiales de las familias desplazadas por el conflicto, las comunidades indigenas y los beneficiarios de la Red Unidos. En 2013, cuando se introdujo la tercera version del SISBEN todas las familias identificadas como beneficiarios potenciales debieron inscribirse a MFA independientemente de si eran o no beneficiarias anteriormente. En los ultimos anos, MFA ha adoptado tecnologias de informacion para mejorar la eficiencia en sus procesos operativos y reducir los costos de participacion a las familias. Actualmente, la mayoria de las instituciones de salud y educacion registran la informacion sobre el cumplimiento de las corresponsabilidades en el sistema de informacion (SIFA). Ademas, la mayoria de los pagos se realizan a traves de cuentas bancarias y los beneficiarios pueden realizar transacciones utilizando cajeros automaticos, terminales en un gran numero de establecimientos comerciales y sus telefonos moviles. Este documento es parte de una serie de estudios realizados en varios paises de America Latina y el Caribe que cuyo objetivo es sistematizar el conocimiento sobre la operacion de los PTMC.
Using Domestic and Free-Ranging Arctic Canid Models for Environmental Molecular Toxicology Research

The use of sentinel species for population and ecosystem health assessments has been advocated as part of a One Health perspective. The Arctic is experiencing rapid change, including climate and environmental shifts, as well as increased resource development, which will alter exposure of biota to environmental agents of disease. Arctic canid species have wide geographic ranges and feeding ecologies and are often exposed to high concentrations of both terrestrial and marine-based contaminants. The domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) has been used in biomedical research for a number of years and has been advocated as a sentinel for human health due to its proximity to humans and, in some instances, similar diet. Exploiting the potential of molecular tools for describing the toxicogenomics of Arctic canids is critical for their development as biomedical models as well as environmental sentinels. Here, we present three approaches analyzing toxicogenomics of Arctic contaminants in both domestic and free-ranging canids (Arctic fox, Vulpes lagopus). We describe a number of confounding variables that must be addressed when conducting toxicogenomics studies in canid and other mammalian models. The ability for canids to act as models for Arctic molecular toxicology research is unique and significant for advancing our understanding and expanding the tool box for assessing the changing landscape of environmental agents of disease in the Arctic.
The Fundamental Principles of Income Attribution are Not Unmoored by Section 865(e)(2)

In cases where a foreign corporation manufactures goods outside the United States and sells such goods through an office or other fixed place of business in the United States (an “OFPB”), Internal Revenue Code section 865(e)(2)(A) appears to preempt all other sourcing provisions in the Code so that the entire amount of income relating to the sale of inventory property (the manufacturing profit and the distribution profit) by such OFPB is treated as U.S.-source income and subject to U.S. federal income tax. In this article, Mr. Stransky argues that Code section 865(e)(2)(A) should not be read as preempting all of the other sourcing provisions of the Code and the fundamental principles of U.S. international taxation so as to force a result that exceeds the amount that would be treated as income from sources within the United States if the foreign corporation (itself) had sold the goods or merchandise in the United States. In short, Code section 865(e)(2) does not unmoor the fundamental principles of income attribution.
Determination of Sulfate by Conductometric Titration: An Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment

The classic technique for sulfate analysis in an undergraduate quantitative analysis lab involves precipitation as the barium salt with barium chloride, collection of the precipitate by gravity filtration using ashless filter paper, and removal of the filter paper by charring over a Bunsen burner. The entire process is time-consuming, hazardous, and frequently yields poor results. Titrimetric methods are much faster, but a good indicator has not been found for sulfate titrations. However, because the relative concentrations of ions in solution change during a titration sequence, monitoring conductivity during the progress of a titration produces a signal which can be used to indicate the equivalence point. A conductometric titration protocol has been developed which is relatively rapid, inexpensive, and can produce results as accurate as the classic technique in an undergraduate laboratory.
A lot of nexts: Next-generation sequencing, databases, and neurologists.

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was featured prominently in the first issue of Neurology® Genetics ,1 and this technology again contributed to identification of a homozygous AMPD2 mutation as the cause of a neurodevelopmental syndrome published in this issue.2 A different approach to analysis of a large number of exons is described by Tian and collaborators3 and discussed by Bonnemann and colleagues,4 both in this issue.
The nitrofurans as sperm-immobilizing agents, their tissue toxicity, and their clinical application in vasectomy.

Concentrations of .5-40 mg/ml each of nitrofurantoin sodium and nitrofurazone were incubated with freshly ejaculated human spermatozoa at 37 degrees C. Ejaculations from 24 donors were used and results compared with saline matched controls. Nitrofurantoin sodium was found to immobilize the human spermatozoa in vitro in a minimum concentration of 20 mg/ml and nitrofurazone at 1 mg/ml. Tissue toxicity studies were done using 36 mature Hartley strain albino male guinea pigs. The distal vasa deferens were flushed with a solution of nitrofurantoin sodium or nitrofurazone in a concentration 3 times that needed to cause sperm immobility in vitro. The vasa were then divided and the distal ends secured in the perivasal tissues. At 1- 2- 4- 8- and 12-week interv als the guinea pigs were killed and their vasa studied histologically at different levels. Both chemicals were shown to be nontoxic to the vas deferens. No inflammatory reaction was produced at any time interval. In humans vasectomy operations were done on 6 patients. The proximal ( testicular side) of each vas was ligated. The distal side was flushed with a solution of nitrofurantoin sodium 20 mg/ml and the distal end was ligated after a 1 cm section had been removed. Then the initial ejacula te was examined 1 week postvasectomy 4 of 6 patients had a zero sperm count. The other 2 patients had only a few poorly motile spermatozoa. Results indicate that these 2 nitrofurans may be used as an intraoperative flush to aid in producing a more rapid disappearance of sperm after vasectomy. This would minimize time-consuming postoperative sperm analyses and when follow-up is difficult would provide an additional positive factor. Therefore they appear to be useful supplements to vasectomy.
Loss Measurements for Optimization of Large-Mode-Area, Helical-Core Fibers

Helical-core fibers with various values of pitch have been fabricated. Modal loss measurements are presented and compared to our improved bend-loss model for validation in designing large-mode-area, helical-core fibers for high-power lasers and amplifiers.
Sex Identification of Pupae of Three Species of Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

In certain experimental manipulations we need to separate by sex the 3 species of tephritid fruit flies with which we work in our laboratory. Previously, we have captured active specimens of the desired sex in a vial after emergence or have used CO2 or cold temperature to render the flies comatose, but these methods may cause mechanical injury or toxicity and may upset natural behavior by such postemergence manipulation. These difficulties can be avoided if segregation is accomplished in the late pupal stage by microscopic examination of some pupal features of the chaetotaxy through the translucent wall of the puparium.
Oxidative Desulfurization in Diese1 via Microwave Irradiation Under H_2O_2-CH_3COOH-DMF System

The sulfur-bearing organics in diesel oil was oxidized using H2O2-CH3COOH systems via microwave irradiation,then the oxidized organic sulfur compounds(sulfones) were extracted by N,N-dimethyl formamide.Experimental results show that the removal efficiency of sulfur compounds is up to 88.2% in the following conditions:the dosage of the oxidant is 12 times as much as that of theoretical,the volume ratio of solvent-to-oil is 0.25∶1,the pressure is 0.4 MPa,the radiant time on the constant pressure is 6 min,the microwave power is 375 W,the volume ratio of extractant-to-oil is 0.25∶1,the standing time is 10 min.Compared with other methods on oxidative desulfurization,the removal efficiency of sulfur can increase 26%～42% and the dosage of the oxidant reduce 20%~50%.
Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects tens of millions of individuals in the USA, resulting in substantial economic and noneconomic costs [1, 2]. The understanding of disease mechanisms in CRS, as well as its impact on society, has undergone significant paradigm shifts in recent decades. This chapter presents a comprehensive review of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of CRS, highlighting recent developments and current controversies in the field.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Related Thrombotic Microangiopathies

Abstract Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) had been a rare, mysterious, misunderstood, untreatable, and typically fatal disorder. Discoveries over the past 4 to 5 decades have led to improved understanding of its cause, pathophysiology, and improved method of diagnosis and treatment, resulting in significant reductions in the morbidity and mortality of this disorder. Differential diagnosis of TTP from other forms of thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), prognoses, and experimental treatments are thoroughly and expertly reviewed in this chapter.
The Explanation of Action

Having stipulated a working definition of an action — actions are existential unities reconstructable as bodily movements caused by an agent in light of an intended end — we can now examine how actions are explained. The definition provides criteria on the basis of which an action can be picked out; the explanation gives the conditions on the basis of which one can say why the action happened.1 Some philosophers speak of the justification of actions, by which actions are understood as moral. But this is beyond the scope of this study. Here we shall be concerned only with the explanation, understood as that by which actions are comprehensible.
Biogeochemistry: Long-term effects of permafrost thaw.

Carbon emissions from the Arctic tundra could increase drastically as global warming thaws permafrost. Clues now obtained about the long-term effects of such thawing on carbon dioxide emissions highlight the need for more data.
Assessment of safety of performing percutaneous coronary intervention after a recent episode of gastrointestinal bleeding

Background: Little literature exists on the risk of performing coronary intervention (PCI) on patients who have had recent gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), although bleeding after PCI has been identified as a risk factor for long-term mortality. Methods: Patients within the Cleveland Clinic PCI database who had acute GIB within 30 days preceding PCI during the same hospitalization (n = 79) were retrospectively compared to those who had PCI without recent GIB (n = 10 979) for mortality and need for revascularization. Baseline characteristics, laboratory values, procedures, morbidities, and mortality were compared using chi-square test for categorical variables and using Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. Mortality data was obtained using Social Security Death Index and demonstrated using Kaplan–Meier method. Results: The GIB group had more prevalent history of peptic ulcer disease, GIB, gastrointestinal or liver disease (P < 0.0001), transient ischemic accident (P = 0.017), peripheral vascula...
Comparing different scheduling schemes for M/G/1 queue

Scheduling has a great influence in improving computer system performance. Many recent system designs use policies which give priority to short jobs as it is often the case that the majority of the jobs are short. SRPT (Shortest Remaining Processing Time First), which servers the jobs that needs the least amount of service to complete, is known to produce optimum mean response time. However SRPT requires having the knowledge of the individual service time exactly in advance, which is not practical. FCFS and PS which shares the system capacity equally among all the jobs can be used if the CPU time requirement of each job is not available beforehand. However, FCFS is detrimental even when there is a moderate variability in job service times. In practice, however, PS must be implemented by RR with time-slicing, which incurs non-negligible job switching overhead for small time-slices. Over time, in addition to PS strategies, for example, LCFSPR (Last Come First Serve with Pre-emptive Resume), LAT (Least-Attained-Time), SRT (Shortest Residual-Time), etc have been presented. A common feature of these strategies is that preemption is employed to favour possibly short jobs. Among these strategies, some are simple to use and incur less overhead, while others incur more overhead. For example, RR and LCFSPR only require insertion of jobs at the front/back of queue (with complexity O(1)), whereas LAT and SRT need to maintain a sorted queue (with complexity O(log(n))), and keep track of the attained times and residual times of individual jobs. LCFSPR also yields M/M/1 result, but it leads to situations where short jobs can get stuck behind long jobs. In this paper, we mainly consider the issue of handling newly arrived jobs in implementing RR strategy. A research issue is then how time-slicing performs if large time-slices have to be used. In this paper, we investigate several RR variants through Discrete Event Simulation. Our results show that, by favouring newly arrived jobs, the performance of RR with large time-slices could be improved than that of ideal PS. The simple immediate preemption scheme, which serves the new jobs immediately by preempting the current active job, is shown to further improve the performance of RR.
Modeling cyber-attacks on industrial control systems

Despite the prevalence of markets for malware and exploits and their potential threat to industrial control systems (ICS), existing paradigms for modeling of such cyber-adversarial behavior do not account for the complex nature of ICS systems consisting of multiple interconnected components. This paper takes the first steps toward addressing this need. Here, we introduce a framework that allows for modeling of ICS systems with highly interconnected components and study this model through the lens of lattice theory. We then turn our attention to the problem of determining the optimal/most dangerous for a cyber-adversary with respect to this model and find it to be an NP-Complete problem. To address this complexity, we utilize an A*-based approach and develop admissible heuristics. We provide an implementation and show through a suite of experiments using both simulated and actual vulnerability data that this method performs well in practice for identifying adversarial courses of action in this domain.
Compression Myelopathy in Proteus Syndrome

Proteus syndrome is manifested by a disturbance of cell growth including benign tumors under the skin, overgrowth of the body, more on one side (hemihypertrophy), overgrowth of the fingers (macrodactyly) and spinal deformaties.