cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lateral Undulation Aids Biological and Robotic Earthworm Anchoring and Locomotion

Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) are characterized by soft, highly flexible and extensible bodies, and are capable of locomoting in most terrestrial environments. Previous studies of earthworm movement have focused on the use of retrograde peristaltic gaits in which controlled contraction of longitudinal and circular muscles results in waves of shortening/thickening and thinning/lengthening of the hydrostatic skeleton. These waves can propel the animal across ground as well as into soil. However, worms can also benefit from axial body bends during locomotion. Such lateral undulation dynamics can aid locomotor function via hooking/anchoring (to provide propulsion), modify travel orientation (to avoid obstacles and generate turns) and even generate snake-like undulatory locomotion in environments where peristaltic locomotion results in poor performance. To the best of our knowledge, the important aspects of locomotion associated with the lateral undulation of an earthworm body are yet to be systematically investigated. In this study, we observed that within confined environments, the worm uses lateral undulation to anchor its body to the walls of their burrows and tip (nose) bending to search the environment. This relatively simple locomotion strategy drastically improved the performance of our soft bodied robophysical model of the earthworm both in a confined (in an acrylic tube) and above-ground heterogeneous environment (rigid pegs), where the peristaltic gait often fails. In summary, lateral undulation facilitates the mobility of earthworm locomotion in diverse environments and can play an important role in the creation of low cost soft robotic devices capable of traversing a variety of environments.
Bias-corrected State-by-state Forecasts of COVID-19 Deaths

Since testing for COVID-19 infections is not at all randomized over the general population, most epidemiological model forecasts of deaths are subject to `selection bias.' This paper updates and supplements Vinod and Theiss (2020), where the bias correction using generalized linear models (GLM) and inverse mills ratio (IMR) are described in detail. We include state-by-state forecasts using Poisson regression to predict one-week-ahead cumulative deaths from logarithms of current cumulative infections. We hope that the details provided here will help local governors and mayors in their opening up decisions.
Germline alterations in cancer susceptibility genes in women with high-risk bladder cancer: Implications for germline testing and clinical management.

418Background: Gender differences exist in bladder cancer incidence, stage at diagnosis, and outcomes. Women have lower incidence of bladder cancer but are diagnosed with more advanced disease at p...
Nutrition and diet quality of food at home by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) status

Abstract We use the data from the four NHANES surveys conducted from 2007 to 2014 to compare the nutrition and diet quality of food at home (FAH) of current SNAP participants with that of two types of past participants—more recent and less recent—and with that of eligible non-participants. We investigate the three outcome measures of FAH diet quality: the USDA Healthy Eating Index (HEI), an index based on nutrient profiling, and a measure of calorie density. We also examine HEI components and consider selected healthy/unhealthy foods. Our estimates suggest that SNAP participation does not drive FAH diet quality. In particular, we find no evidence that current SNAP participants have a lower FAH nutrition or diet quality when compared to other groups that have participated in SNAP at more or less recent times in the past.
Integrating single-molecule experiments and discrete stochastic models to understand heterogeneous gene transcription dynamics

The production and degradation of RNA transcripts is inherently subject to biological noise that arises from small gene copy numbers in individual cells. As a result, cellular RNA levels can exhibit large fluctuations over time and from one cell to the next. This article presents a range of precise single-molecule experimental techniques, based upon RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, which can be used to measure the fluctuations of RNA at the single-cell level. A class of models for gene activation and deactivation is postulated in order to capture complex stochastic effects of chromatin modifications or transcription factor interactions. A computational tool, known as the finite state projection approach, is introduced to accurately and efficiently analyze these models in order to predict how probability distributions of RNA change over time in response to changing environmental conditions. These single-molecule experiments, discrete stochastic models, and computational analyses are systematically integrated to identify models of gene regulation dynamics. To illustrate the power and generality of our integrated experimental and computational approach, we explore cases that include different models for three different RNA types (sRNA, mRNA and nascent RNA), three different experimental techniques and three different biological species (bacteria, yeast and human cells).
Does Beta Cell Death Result Exclusively from Genetically-Mediated Autoimmune Mechanisms? A Polemic — The Case for Environmental Factors in the Etiology of Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus

The past two decades have evidenced a remarkable, almost revolutionary, advance in our understanding of factors surrounding beta-cell destruction, the clinical evolution of IDDM and the early clinical course of the disease. This accumulation of new knowledge is ultimately to be directed toward the cure, or much more likely, the prevention of beta cell destruction and consequently the prevention of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This review attempts to identify the major streams of evidence regarding beta cell destruction and to make a case for expanding collaborative, epidemiological studies with increasing focus on environmental factors that may either cause or sustain beta cell inflammatory processes. The review ends with a series of very personal, biased recommendations as to my view of priorities in the field for the next few years. If my views induce controversy, all the better. We need vigorously designed and executed studies sharply focused on the many unresolved issues regarding the etiology of IDDM. Controversy should push these appropriate studies towards completion with the development of important new knowledge.
Aquarius surface salinity and the Madden‐Julian Oscillation: The role of salinity in surface layer density and potential energy

Sea surface salinity (SSS) data from the Aquarius satellite are analyzed along with auxiliary data to investigate the SSS signature of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in the equatorial Indian and Pacific Oceans, the effect of evaporation-minus-precipitation (E-P), the implication for the role of ocean dynamics, and the SSS influence on surface density and potential energy. MJO-related SSS changes are consistent with E-P forcing in the western Indian Ocean throughout the MJO cycle and in the central Indian Ocean during the wet phase of the MJO cycle. However, SSS changes cannot be explained by E-P in the central Indian Ocean during the dry phase and in the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans throughout the MJO cycle, implying the importance of ocean dynamics. SSS has an overall larger contribution to MJO-related surface density and potential energy anomalies than SST. It partially offsets the SST effect in the western-to-central Indian Ocean and reinforces the SST effect in the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Ocean modeling and assimilation need to properly account for salinity effects in order to correctly represent mixed layer variability associated with the MJO. Our results also clarify some discrepancy in previous studies about the E-P effect on MJO-related SSS variations.
The Secured Transactions Article of the Commercial Code

Article 9, Secured Transactions, of the Uniform Commercial Codet covers a great deal of territory. To use a jargon which was fashionable not long ago, it proposes to integrate, under a single system of legal propositions and a single system of terminology, the entire range of transactions in which money debts are secured by personal property. The organizing concept which underlies Article 9 is that security transactions should be differentiated with reference to the status of the person whose property secures the debt and the kind of property put up as collateral-thus: consumer goods;2 farm products;3 and property used in business enterprises, which is subdivided according to whether it is intended for use in the business (equipment)4 or for sale (inventory)5 or represents the proceeds of the sale of inventory (accounts receivable,6 "chattel paper,"7 etc.). Armed with this battery of definitions, the draftsmen have found themselves able to make necessary distinctions between the unlike elements of different security transactions and at the same time to formulate a single set of rules to cover the very large area of likeness common to all such transactions. The negative side of this key concept is the proposal to abandon-almost completely, so far as terminology is concerned, and to varying degrees so far as substantive law is concerned-the traditional differentiation of security transactions according to the form of the security agreement, such as chattel mortgage, conditional sale, trust receipt, and
A stochastic Petri net synthesis method with known lower bound of the second dominant eigenvalue

Stochastic Petri nets are widely used to get the steady state performance of a discrete event dynamic system. This is usually done with little concern about how fast the system reaches its steady state. The length of the transient state is known as the rise time in control theory or, the relaxation time in a Markov process. These are governed by the eigenvalue called the second dominant eigenvalues. Also, the separation of the most dominant and second dominant eigenvalue plays a role in the convergence of the numerical solution of the Markov process. A stochastic Petri net synthesis method which preserves the ergodicity and the irreducibility of the underlying Markov process, and gives the lower bound of the second dominant eigenvalue and the number of states is proposed.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of a complex between interleukin-2 and a soluble form of the p55 component of the high affinity interleukin-2 receptor.

Abstract Human recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) and a soluble recombinant form of the human p55 (Tac antigen) component of the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) have been cocrystallized in 1.7-1.8 M ammonium sulfate, in the pH range 7.0-8.2. Variously glycosylated forms of both receptor and ligand can be cocrystallized under those conditions. The best crystals of the putative receptor-ligand complex involve the enzymatically desialylated receptor and unglycosylated IL-2. These crystals belong to the trigonal space group P3(1)2(1) or its enantiomorph, with unit cell dimensions a = b = 91 A and c = 119 A, and diffract to 3.5 A resolution. There is one receptor-ligand complex asymmetric unit, with a Matthews coefficient of 2.7, assuming the presence of one IL-2 molecule-receptor molecule. Interestingly, in addition to IL-2 (Mr = 14,000), the p55 IL-2 receptor (Mr = 44,000) and two fragments of the receptor, of apparent Mr = 35,000 and 25,000, respectively, in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the crystals are enriched in a reducible dimeric form of the desialylated receptor (apparent Mr = 90,000), as compared with protein solution from which the crystals grow. The overall amino acid content in the crystals is consistent with a 1:1 ratio of receptor to ligand. A native data set has been collected on a multiwire area detector and the search for suitable heavy atom derivatives is in progress.
Regulation of Luteinizing Hormone Receptors and Adenylate Cyclase Activity by Gonadotrophin in the Rat Ovary

Administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to immature rats with luteinized ovaries caused a time- and dose-related decrease in ovarian content of receptors for luteinizing hormone (LH). The marked reduction in LH/hCG receptor concentration was not accompanied by a change in binding affinity for hCG. Subcutaneous injection of 2 µg of hCG produced a maximum serum hCG concentrations of 10 ng/ml, and was followed by a marked decrease in ovarian binding capacity. Measurement of receptor-bound hCG by radioimmunoassay after acid elution showed that the initial loss of binding capacity was due to occupancy of receptors by the administered hormone. After several hours occupancy no longer accounted for the decrease in binding capacity, and by 24 hr there was a 90% loss of total receptor sites. The ovarian content of receptors remained low for several days after the desensitizing dose of hCG had been cleared from the circulation. The lowest dose of hCG to cause a measurable loss of receptors was 20 ng/l00 g of body weight, suggesting that regulation of receptors may occur with physiological concentrations of gonadotrophins. Small degrees of receptor occupancy were followed by major losses of binding capacity, indicating that an active or cooperative process might be involved in the mechanism of receptor loss. Solubilization of control and desensitized ovaries with a nonionic detergent showed the same degree of receptor loss observed in particulate ovarian fractions, with no change in the sedimentation properties of the residual binding sites. Gonadotrophin-induced loss of LH/hCG receptors was associated with rapid, substantial loss of the ability of LH to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in ovarian homogenates. This effect was hormone-specific, since the responses of adenylate cyclase to sodium fluoride and prostaglandin E1 were not impaired when the LH response was completely abolished. Furthermore, the response of adenylate cyclase to LH was not restored by the GTP analogue 59-guanylylimidodiphosphate. Administration of actinomycin D and cycloheximide before and during desensitization did not affect the extent or duration of receptor loss or the LH responsiveness of adenylate cyclase. These studies provide further evidence for the regulation of ovarian gonadotrophin receptors by the homologous hormone, and demonstrate that receptor loss is a major factor in the prolonged desensitization of adenylate cyclase by elevated gonadotrophin concentrations.
Using synthesis, simulation, and hardware emulation to prototype a pipelined RISC computer system

This paper describes a VHDL based rapid prototyping approach to simulate, synthesize, and implement a prototype computer system using commercial CAD tools, a meta assembler, a retargetable C compiler, and FPGAs in a hardware emulator. This methodology is utilized in a senior design laboratory sequence of two required courses for computer engineering students at Georgia Tech.
Exploding Interstellar Grains and Complex Molecules

The triggering of an explosive chemical reaction in a grain which consists of free radicals frozen in a matrix of photolyzed dirty ice material is seen as a possible source of complex interstellar organic molecules.
H33D Gen II: A New Photon Counting Camera for Single-Molecule Imaging and Spectroscopy

We have developed a new generation of photon-counting camera consisting of a large area microchannel plate-based photomultiplier tube associated with a position-sensing anode. Our detector can record local count rates of approx 30 kHz and sustain global count rates of several MHz. We illustrate its capabilities by tracking single quantum dots in live cells with nanometer spatial resolution and sub-ms temporal resolutions over large areas and long durations. Additionally, the photon-counting nature of the detector allows spatial and temporal correlations to be obtained very easily. Finally, the detector contains an integrated TCSPC electronics that makes it a perfect tool for fluorescence lifetime imaging. This and other types of detectors currently in development will transform the way single-molecule imaging and spectroscopy experiments are designed and performed.Michalet et al., NIMA 567 (2006) 133Michalet et al., J. Mod. Opt. 54 (2007) 239Tremsin et al., IEEE TNS 56 (2009) 1148Michalet et al., Curr. Pharm. Biotech. 10 (2009) 543
Spiral guidance law for passive range estimation

ABSTRACT This paper introduces a spiral guidance law for intercepting missiles or satellites. The law is termed spiral because it directs the kill vehicle (KV) along a spiral-shaped trajectory. The guidance law has two important features:1) it directs the KV along a trajectory that makes target range observable to an angle-only (passive) sensor, and 2) it does not require the KV's thrust to be throttled. The second feature permits the use of divert motors that bum at a fixed predetermined rate, such as fixed-impulse solid-fuel divert motors. 1. INTRODUCTION In certain intercepts, it is necessary for a kill vehicle—the part of a missile that actually intercepts another missile or satellite—to accurately determine target range. Range may be necessary for fuzing or for computation ofthe gains used in the KV's guidance laws. Range can be explicitly measured by a laser or radar range-finding sensor. This solution, however, has drawbacks. It requires an extra device, which increases the KV's size, weight, complexity and power requirements. Inaddition, the range-finding device may not work in high-velocity space intercepts. In such an intercept, the targetrange is relatively large during most of homing. Since range-finding sensors actively ping a signal off the target, thereturn signal may be too weak to receive and process until moments before the intercept. There is, however, anotherway to determine range. If the KV uses an angle-only (e.g., optical) sensor—which explicitly measures the direction,
Lightweight Task Graph Inference for Distributed Applications

Recent paradigm shifts in distributed computing such as the advent of cloud computing pose new challenges to the analysis of distributed executions. One important new characteristic is that the management staff of computing platforms and the developers of applications are separated by corporate boundaries. The net result is that once applications go wrong, the most readily available debugging aids for developers are the visible output of the application and any log files collected during their execution. In this paper, we propose the concept of task graphs as a foundation to represent distributed executions, and present a low overhead algorithm to infer task graphs from event log files. Intuitively, a task represents an autonomous segment of computation inside a thread. Edges between tasks represent their interactions and preserve programmers’ notion of data and control flows. Our technique leverages existing logging support where available or otherwise augments it with aspect-based instrumentation to collect events of a set of predefined types. We show how task graphs can improve the precision of anomaly detection in a request-oriented analysis of field software and help programmers understand the running of the Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS).
Tissue tension and axial growth of cylindrical structures in plants and elastic tissues

In many cylindrical structures in biology, residual stress fields are created through differential growth. In particular, if the outer and inner layers of a cylinder grow differentially, parts of the cylinder will be in a state of axial compression and other parts will be in tension. These tissue tensions change the overall material properties of the structure. Here, we study the role of tissue tension in the overall rigidity and stability of the cylinder. A detailed analysis, based on nonlinear elasticity, of the effect of tissue tension on the mechanical properties of growing cylinders reveal a subtle interplay between geometry, growth, and nonlinear elastic responses that help understand some of the remarkable properties of stems and other biological tissues.
Cyanine dye dUTP analogs for enzymatic labeling of DNA probes

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has become and indispensable tool in a variety of areas of research and clinical diagnostics. Many applications demand an approach for simultaneous detection of multiple target sequences that is rapid and simple, yet sensitive. In this work, we describe the synthesis of two new cyanine dye-labeled dUTP analogs, Cy3-dUTP and Cy5-dUTP. They are efficient substrates for DNA polymerases and can be incorporated into DNA probes by standard nick translation, random priming and polymerase chain reactions. Optimal labeling conditions have been identified which yield probes with 20-40 dyes per kilobase. The directly labeled DNA probes obtained with these analogs offer a simple approach for multicolor multisequence analysis that requires no secondary detection reagents and steps.
Inter-areal differences in the direct cortical response of the middle suprasylvian gyrus of the cat

Abstract 1. 1. A technique for comparing direct cortical responses (DCRs) evoked under comparable stimulating and recording conditions from various points in the middle suprasylvian gyrus was described. The method appeared to be reliable. 2. 2. Increasing stimulus intensity and varying anesthesia conditions both appeared to affect the amplitude of DCRs in ways which differed from one cortical locus to another. 3. 3. Inter-areal differences in amplitude of the response to a standard stimulus could be demonstrated which were independent of the differences due to other factors.
Five of 12 forms of vaccinia virus-expressed human hepatic cytochrome P450 metabolically activate aflatoxin B1.

Abstract Twelve forms of human hepatic cytochrome P450 were expressed in hepatoma cells by means of recombinant vaccinia viruses. The expressed P450s were analyzed for their abilities to activate the potent hepatocarcinogen aflatoxin B1 to metabolites having mutagenic or DNA-binding properties. Five forms, P450s IA2, IIA3, IIB7, IIIA3, and IIIA4, activated aflatoxin B1 to mutagenic metabolites as assessed by the production of His revertants of Salmonella typhimurium in the Ames test. The same P450s catalyzed conversion of aflatoxin B1 to DNA-bound derivatives as judged by an in situ assay in which the radiolabeled carcinogen was incubated with cells expressing the individual P450 forms. Seven other human P450s, IIC8, IIC9, IID6, IIE1, IIF1, IIIA5, and IVB1, did not significantly activate aflatoxin B1 as measured by both the Ames test and the DNA-binding assay. Moreover, polyclonal anti-rat liver P450 antibodies that crossreact with individual human P450s IA2, IIA3, IIIA3, and IIIA4 each inhibited aflatoxin B1 activation catalyzed by human liver S-9 extracts. Inhibition ranged from as low as 10% with antibody against IIA3 to as high as 65% with antibody against IIIA3 and IIIA4. These results establish that metabolic activation of aflatoxin B1 in human liver involves the contribution of multiple forms of P450.
Using a Small Molecule Inhibitor of Peptide: N-Glycanase to Probe Its Role in Glycoprotein Turnover

Summary Peptide: N -glycanase (PNGase) is ostensibly the sole enzyme responsible for deglycosylation of unfolded N -linked glycoproteins dislocated from the ER to the cytosol. Here we show the pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-fmk, to be an active site-directed irreversible inhibitor of yeast and mammalian PNGase at concentrations below those used to inhibit caspases in vivo. Through chemical synthesis we determined that the P 1 residue, electrophile position, and leaving group are important structural parameters for PNGase inhibition. We show that Z-VAD-fmk inhibits PNGase in living cells and that degradation of class I MHC heavy chains and TCRα, in an identical cellular setting, is markedly different. Remarkably, proteasome-mediated turnover of class I MHC heavy chains proceeds even when PNGase is completely inhibited, suggesting that the function of PNGase may be to facilitate more efficient proteasomal proteolysis of N -linked glycoproteins through glycan removal.
Comparative media studies in the isolation of Candida albicans from pregnant women.

Rice agar and corn meal agar, with and without Tween 80, were evaluated clinically as directly inoculable selective and differential media for the isolation ofC. albicans from vulvovaginal specimens taken from pregnant women. Chlamydospore formation on these media was investigated as a criterion for the identification ofC. albicans.
The Making of Heroes: An Attributional Perspective

Abstract Through the use of posed vignettes in a telephone survey, we investigate the construction of heroes. We examine the extent to which respondents attribute hero status to three potential 9/11 and “war on terrorism” heroes: Todd Beamer, Army Private Jessica Lynch, and President George W. Bush. Findings suggest the importance of the extraordinary nature and the rarity of action(s) performed by heroes in the attribution of hero status; the role of class, status, and party in the attribution process; and the moral consideration of what should be done in each posed vignette. In addition, the study indicates the utility of attribution theory for the sociological examination of heroism and the viability of normative constructs in examining heroic behavior.
Mathematical Modeling and Control of Multifractal Workloads for Data-Center-on-a-Chip Optimization

Building autonomous data-centers-on-chip (DCoC) for exascale computing requires mathematical frameworks that account and exploit the non-stationary and multi-fractal characteristics of computation and communication workloads. Towards this end, relying on DCoC (Intel's SCC) measurements, we propose a complex dynamical modeling approach that captures the observed multi-fractal characteristics of inter-event times between successive workload changes and the magnitude of the increments in DCoC workloads. Our novel mathematical framework allows for the analysis of higher order moments and enables the formulation of more accurate model predictive control strategies for multi-fractal dynamics. We investigate the impact of the multi-fractal spectrum richness on the performance of the control algorithm. Our mathematical formalism can further be used to model, analyze and solve DCoC design problems (e.g., topology reconfiguration, buffer sizing, mapping, scheduling, resource management, congestion control).
Exogenous catecholamines do not affect osmoregulatory parameters in the intact eel

Injections of physiological (2 μg/kg) and supraphysiological (8 μg/kg) doses of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine via a cardiac cannula into freshwater-adapted eels were not followed by changes in serum osmolality, sodium, and chloride. Likewise, injections of 8 μg/kg of epinephrine had no impact on these parameters in seawater-adapted eels. These results suggest that circulating catecholamines do not have a major effect on the overall balance of osmoregulatory serum components in the intact eel.
Mortality of mango weevils in mangoes treated by dielectric heating.

Mangoes, Mangifera indica L., cannot be shipped from Hawaii to the mainland United States because they are infested by the mango weevil, Sternochetus mangiferae (F.), and by other pests. Presently, fumigation with ethylene dibromide and vapor-heat can be used as quarantine treatments against such insects as the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Balock and Starr 1945, McPhail et al. 1963, Shaw and Lopez-D. 1954), but no quarantine treatments are available against mango weevils. They are difficult to kill by fumigation because they are situated in the seed (Balock and Kozuma 1964), and the same difficulty would probably occur with vapor-heat (no data are available). However, vapor-heat might also injure the flesh of the varieties of mango grown in Hawaii.
Application of Solid Phase Extraction for the Analysis of Sulfonamides in Milk by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract A High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) method for the analysis of Sulfadiazine, Sulfathiazole, Sulfapyridine, Sulfamerazine, Sulfamethiazole, Sulfamethazine, Sulfachloropyridazine, Sulfadimethoxine, and Sulfaquinoxaline is described. Milk (5 ml) is diluted with 5 ml potassium phosphate buffer (1 M, pH 4.4) and passed through a Cyclobond-I solid phase extraction (SPE) column. Sulfonamides, retained on the SPE column, are eluted with 4 ml methanol. The eluate is further cleaned using an alumina and AGMP-1 ion exchange column to remove coeluting matrix components. The cleaned extract containing sulfonamides is analyzed by HPLC using a reverse phase column and diode array detector at 265 nm.
Sewer System Design Using Simulated Annealing in Excel

An optimization procedure has been developed for branching storm and sanitary sewer systems with a pre-determined layout for determining the minimum total cost. The model was developed within Microsoft Excel using simulated annealing as the optimization procedure. The total cost of the storm sewer system that was obtained with this optimal design procedure was compared to the total cost of the system as obtained from the conventional straight slope design procedure. Applying the simulated annealing optimizer to the design of the branching storm sewer network resulted in a cost savings of over $77,100 or about 7 % (a reduction from $1,117,700 to $1,040,600). These significant savings were realized by simply going an extra step and implementing an optimization technique during the design phase. Use of Excel should enhance the availability and the usage of such an optimization model for the design of storm and sanitary sewer systems by consulting engineers and various agencies.
Marketing to older adults

Presents a current overview of the issues and available knowledge regarding marketers understanding of how to reach older consumers. Presents contradictory beliefs about older consumers and various methods for marketing to them. Offers reasons for these contradictions, and presents a blueprint to help decision makers evaluate information in the field and formulate effective strategies.
Becoming‐other‐wise: Conversational performance and the politics of experience

This theoretical discussion about conversation, performance and cultural politics makes eight moves. First, conversation is theorized as the micropractical flows and microphysical traces of the means of production and reproduction of dominant ideas, prevailing beliefs, and articulated subjectivities. Second, rules, rituals and performances of everyday life are theorized as both art and practice. Third, practicality, temporality and spatiality are then reformulated as common senses and conventional wisdoms. Fourth, conversational turn‐taking formats are theorized in terms of the political‐economics of turn‐taking. Fifth, human bodies are theorized as the material in and through which memory and practical consciousness are inscribed as both context and artifact. Sixth, conversing selves are conceptualized as unfinished, open ideas with multiple voices that express the truths of tactical and strategic experience. Seventh, conversation is theorized as the micropractical production and reproduction of the ideo...
Temperature dependence of thermal conductivity of biological tissues.

In this paper, we present our experimental results on the determination of the thermal conductivity of biological tissues using a transient technique based on the principles of the cylindrical hot-wire method. A novel, 1.45 mm diameter, 50 mm long hot-wire probe was deployed. Initial measurements were made on sponge, gelatin and Styrofoam insulation to test the accuracy of the probe. Subsequent experiments conducted on sheep collagen in the range of 25 °C < T < 55 °C showed the thermal conductivity to be a linear function of temperature. Further, these changes in the thermal conductivity were found to be reversible. However, when the tissue was heated beyond 55 °C, irreversible changes in thermal conductivity were observed. Similar experiments were also conducted for determining the thermal conductivity of cow liver. In this case, the irreversible effects were found to set in much later at around 90 °C. Below this temperature, in the range of 25 °C < T < 90 °C, the thermal conductivity, as for sheep collagen, varied linearly with temperature. In the second part of our study, in vivo measurements were taken on the different organs of a living pig. Comparison with reported values for dead tissues shows the thermal conductivities of living organs to be higher, indicating thereby the dominant role played by blood perfusion in enhancing the net heat transfer in living tissues. The degree of enhancement is different in different organs and shows a direct dependence on the blood flow rate.
Explaining the great reversal in Spanish America Fuzzy-set analysis versus regression analysis

This article evaluates the relative strengths and weaknesses of fuzzy-set analysis and regression analysis for explaining the ?great reversal? in Spanish America. From 1750 to 1900, the most marginal colonial territories often became the region?s wealthiest countries, whereas the most central colonial territories often became the region?s poorest countries. To explain this reversal, five competing hypotheses are tested using both regression and fuzzy-set methods. The fuzzy-set analysis reaches substantively important conclusions, finding that strong liberal factions are probabilistically necessary for economic development and that dense indigenous populations are probabilistically necessary for social underdevelopment. By contrast, the regression analysis generates findings that are not meaningful. The article concludes that fuzzy-set analysis and regression analysis operate in different ?causal universes? and that greater attention should be granted to the causal universe occupied by fuzzy-set analysis.
The 1989–1990 eruptions of Redoubt Volcano: an introduction

Abstract Redoubt Volcano, located on the west side of Cook Inlet in south-central Alaska, erupted explosively on over 20 separate occasions between December 14, 1989 and April 21, 1990. Fourteen lava domes were emplaced in the summit area, thirteen of which were subsequently destroyed. The eruption caused economic losses estimated at over $160,000,000 making this the second most costly eruption in U.S. history. This economic impact provided the impetus for a integrated comprehensive account of an erupting volcano using both modern and classical research and modern techniques which in turn led to advances in eruption monitoring and interpretation. Research on such topics as dome formation and collapse and the resulting pyroclastic flows, elutriated ash, lightning, tephra, and flooding was blended with the rapid communication of associated hazards to a large user group. The seismology successes in predicting and monitoring eruption dynamics were due in part to (1) the recognition of long-period seismic events as indicators of the readiness of the volcano to erupt, and (2) to the development of new tools that allowed the seismicity to be assessed instantaneously. Integrated studies of the petrology of erupted products and volatile content over time gave clues as to the progress of the eruption towards completion.
A generalized likelihood ratio technique for automated analysis of bobbin coil eddy current data

Abstract This paper presents a generalized likelihood ratio technique for detection of defect locations from bobbin coil eddy current data. First a Neyman–Pearson (NP) decision rule for detection of known random signals (in presence of noise) is discussed. The result is then generalized to the problem of detection of unknown random signals that are commonly found in bobbin coil eddy current data. The performance of the proposed detection technique is tested on several real world data sets collected from the steam generator tubes of nuclear power plants. The experimental results indicate that the method is quite promising and useful for automated processing and classification of eddy current data.
Urgency and fecal soiling in people with bowel dysfunction

The frequency of urgency and fecal soiling in the population and among people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and the association of these symptoms with health care seeking is unknown. Among 1128 students and hospital employees that we surveyed, urgency was reported in 14.4%, fecal soiling in 5.3%, and diarrhea in 9.0%. Most persons with fecal soiling did not report urgency or diarrhea. Although bowel dysfunction compatible with IBS was present in 20% (227), only 29% of this group (65) had seen a physician for bowel complaints. People with bowel dysfunction were more likely to be women, to take laxatives, and to have rectal urgency. Fecal soiling was more likely among those with bowel dysfunction who had been to the doctor, and included almost half of the men in this group. There was no difference in the frequency of diarrhea reported among those with bowel dysfunction regardless of whether they had been to the doctor. These data suggest fecal soiling may influence people with bowel dysfunction to go to the doctor. Physiological studies are needed to determine if anal sphincter dysfunction is a component of IBS.
A conceptual model of attitudes toward natural resource issues: A case study of wolf reintroduction

Abstract Given the increasing use of attitude surveys, the need to recognize the complex nature of the attitude concept increases. This study proposes and tests a conceptual model of attitudes using wolf reintroduction in Colorado as a case study. The model proposed that cognitive factors (beliefs and knowledge about wolves and wolf reintroduction), affective factors (emotions elicited by wolf reintroduction), and attitudes toward wolves have concomitant effects on attitudes toward reintroducing wolves, which directly influence intention to support reintroducing wolves. The relative effects of each of these factors depend on the personal importance of the wolf reintroduction issue. Results suggest that attitudes toward wolf reintroduction were based less on knowledge and beliefs about wolves and wolf reintroduction than on values and emotions surrounding the issue. Furthermore, the relative effects of these factors on attitudes depend on the importance individuals place on the wolf reintroduction issue. I...
Emerging role of selective autophagy in human diseases

Autophagy was originally described as a highly conserved system for the degradation of cytosol through a lysosome-dependent pathway. In response to starvation, autophagy degrades organelles and proteins to provide metabolites and energy for its pro-survival effects. Autophagy is recognized as playing a role in the pathogenesis of disease either directly or indirectly, through the regulation of vital processes such as programmed cell death, inflammation, and adaptive immune mechanisms. Recent studies have demonstrated that autophagy is not only a simple metabolite recycling system, but also has the ability to degrade specific cellular targets, such as mitochondria, cilia, and invading bacteria. In addition, selective autophagy has also been implicated in vesicle trafficking pathways, with potential roles in secretion and other intracellular transport processes. Selective autophagy has drawn the attention of researchers because of its potential importance in clinical diseases. Therapeutic strategies to target selective autophagy rather than general autophagy may maximize clinical benefit by enhancing selectivity. In this review, we outline the principle components of selective autophagy processes and their emerging importance in human disease, with an emphasis on pulmonary diseases.
Radioimmunoguided-intraoperative radiation therapy in colorectal carcinoma: a new technique to precisely define the clinical target volume.

Abstract Purpose: The clinical target volume (CTV) to be irradiated by intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) after resection is generally based on the surgeon's estimation of close margins. We have developed a new technique, radioimmunoguided-intraoperative radiation therapy (RIG-IORT), that uses an intraoperative hand-held gamma-detecting probe to define areas of residual microscopic disease containing radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies to tumor associated antigen, to more precisely delineate the CTV for IORT. Methods and Materials: Patients were injected i.v. with 2 mCi 125 I- radiolabeled CC49 antibody approximately 3 weeks before surgery. They then underwent radioimmunoguided surgery (RIGS) with maximal resection of tumor. A hand-held gamma-detecting probe (Neoprobe 1000) was used intraoperatively to detect and resect areas of high radioactivity, representing tumor. Areas with persistently high probe counts after resection were the areas of occult residual disease, and represented the CTV to be irradiated. The IORT was given with either 6–9 MeV electron beam from a dedicated linear accelerator, or with high-dose-rate brachytherapy from a remote afterloader. If all RIGS-positive tissue had been resected, or if widely disseminated disease remained, the patient was not considered for IORT. Result: This technique was used in 31 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma recurrent into the pelvis ( n = 23) or paraortic nodes ( n = 8). The CTV for IORT was delineated by increased RIGS count in 13 of 19 patients (68%) with microscopic residual, and in 11 of 12 patients (92%) with gross residual. In the other 7 patients, the tumor area did not accumulate the radiolabeled antibody; therefore, these tumor beds were irradiated based on the surgeon's estimation of close margins. Hence, overall, the RIG-IORT technique was used to define the tumor bed for IORT in 24 of 31 patients (77%). This technical report focuses on the development of the RIG-IORT technique and does not address the outcome results of the treated patients. Conclusion: A new technique, RIG-IORT, which uses radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies to precisely determine the CTV for IORT, is described. Whether the use of this technique will lead to improved tumor control will only be known upon the outcome analysis of RIG-IORT-treated patients compared with those obtained using traditional IORT techniques.
Hydrogen recovery, cleaning, compression, storage, dispensing, distribution system and End-Uses on the university campus from combined heat, hydrogen and power system

Abstract To address the problem of fossil fuel usage at the Missouri University of Science and Technology campus, using of alternative fuels and renewable energy sources can lower energy consumption and hydrogen use. Biogas, produced by anaerobic digestion of wastewater, organic waste, agricultural waste, industrial waste, and animal by-products is a potential source of renewable energy. In this work, we have discussed the design of combined heat, hydrogen and power (CHHP) system for the campus using local resources. An energy flow and resource availability study is hydrogen recovery, cleaning and energy End-Uses on the university campus from CHHP system. Following the resource assessment study, our team selects Fuel Cell Energy direct fuel cell (DFC) 1500TM unit as a molten carbonate fuel cell. The CHHP system provides the hydrogen for transportation, back-up power and other needs. The research presented in this paper was performed as part of the 2012 Hydrogen Student Design Contest. In conclusion, the CHHP system will be able to reduce fossil fuel usage, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and hydrogen generated is used to power different applications on the university campus.
Heterocyclic compounds. VII. Synthesis of thiadiazasteroid analogs

The synthesis of a number of β-northiadiaza steroid analogs has been described. Suitable o-aminonitriles were acylated with γ-chlorobutyryl chloride. These amidonitriles were cyclized to substituted γ-lactams and subsequently to the tetracyclic products. To functionalize the “17-position” in these steroids, the intermediate γ-lactams were converted to arylidene derivatives before cyclization to the tetracyclic derivatives.
Weathering of Iron-Bearing Minerals in Soils and Saprolite on the North Carolina Blue Ridge Front: I. Sand-Size Primary Minerals

The weathering products of primary biotite, chlorite, magnetite, and almandine in mica gneiss and schist in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Front were determined. Sand-size grains of biotite, the most abundant, readily weathered mineral in the parent rock, have altered to interstratified biotite/vermiculite, vermiculite, kaolinite, and gibbsite in the saprolite and soil. Fe2+-chlorite in the parent rock was relatively resistant to chemical weathering, which appears to be confined to the external surfaces of particles. Magnetite grains in the saprolite are essentially unaltered, but those in the soil contain abundant crys-tallographically controlled etch pits and are coated with oxidation crusts. Almandine altered to goethite, hematite, and gibbsite as the rock weathered to saprolite. Extensively weathered almandine grains were found to contain etch pits and what appeared to be oxide coatings. Apparently, a rapid release of Fe during weathering produced hematite, whereas slower release of Fe favored the formation of goethite.
A practical approach to grain shape quantification

Grain shape is a key factor affecting the mechanical properties of granular materials. However, grain shape quantification techniques to distinguish one granular material from another have not reached a stage of development for inclusion in modeling the behavior of granular materials. Part of the problem is the equipment of choice for grain shape measurement is the scanning electron microscopes. This is a relatively expensive and complex device. In this paper, we investigate a practical approach using light microscopy to quantify grain shape and to identify the key shape parameters that can distinguish grains. A light microscope was found to produce grain images with sufficient quality for the purpose of observing the grain shape profile. Several grain shape parameters were determined for eight different sands. We found Circularity, Roundness, Compactness, Sphericity, Aspect Ratio and ModRatio to be the key shape parameters that differentiate these sand grains.
College students' expectations of the results of drinking

Social drinkers, when drinking, are expected to feel better and to be kinder, more fun to be with and more energetic and active than they would be if they were not drinking; inebriated alcoholics are expected to be meaner, less fun to be with and more lethargic than they would be if they were not inebriated.
A Coronary Heart Disease Risk Score Based on Patient-Reported Information

To develop a simple, patient self-report–based coronary heart disease (CHD) risk score for adults without previously diagnosed CHD (Personal Heart Early Assessment Risk Tool [HEART] score), the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARIC) Study, a prospective cohort of subjects aged 45 to 64 years at baseline, was used to develop a measure for 10-year risk of CHD (n = 14,343). Variables evaluated for inclusion were age, history of diabetes mellitus, history of hypercholesterolemia, history of hypertension, family history of CHD, smoking, physical activity, and body mass index. The 10-year risk of CHD events was defined as myocardial infarction, fatal CHD, or cardiac procedure. The new measure was compared with the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and European Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE). The Personal HEART score for men included age, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, physical activity, and family history. In men, the area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve for predicting 10-year CHD for the Personal HEART score (0.65) was significantly different from that for the FRS (0.69, p = 0.03), but not for the European SCORE (0.62, p = 0.12). The Personal HEART score for women included age, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and body mass index. The area under the curve for the Personal HEART score (0.79) for women was not significantly different from that for the FRS (0.81, p = 0.42) and performed better than the European SCORE (0.69, p = 0.01). In conclusion, the Personal HEART score identifies 10-year risk for CHD based on self-report data, is similar in predictive ability to the FRS and European SCORE, and has the potential for easy self-assessment.