cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of cyberactivism: A case study of online free Tibet activities

Cyberactivism refers to the use of the Internet to advocate vigorous or intentional actions to bring about social or political change. Cyberactivism analysis aims to improve the understanding of cyber activists and their online communities. In this paper, we present a case study of online Free Tibet activities. For web site analysis, we use the inlink and outlink information of five selected seed URLs to construct the network of Free Tibet web sites. The network shows the close relationships between our five seed sites. Centrality measures reveal that tibet.org is probably an information hub site in the network. Further content analysis tells us that common hub site words are most popular in tibet.org whereas dalailama.com focuses mostly on religious words. For forum analysis, descriptive statistics such as the number of posts each month and the post distribution of forum users illustrate that the two large forums FreeTibetAndYou and RFAnews-Tibbs have experienced significant reduction in activities in recent years and that a small percentage of their users contribute the majority of posts. Important phrases of several long threads and active forum users are identified by using mutual information and TF-IDF scores. Such topical analyses help us understand the topics discussed in the forums and the ideas and interest of those forum users. Finally, social network analyses of the forum users are conducted to reflect their interactions and the social structure of their online communities.
Inflammation Drives Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Interstitial Calcification in 3D in Vitro Culture

Abstract Calcific aortic stenosis is a serious pathology that accounts for 43% of those suffering from heart valve disease. Valve disease initially presents with inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which can lead to an endothelial-to-mesenchymal (EndMT) shift in the endothelial layer of the valve. It is not yet well understood how valve endothelial cells (VEC) regulate valve interstitial cells (VIC) in inflammatory or osteogenic environments. We here present a 3D culture system that models cellular responses and interactions when exposed to different environmental conditions. Porcine aortic VEC and/or VIC were cultured in mechanically constrained 3D type I collagen hydrogels for up to 14 days. Early disease studies introduced different dosages of TNFα to VEC on gel surfaces for up to 48 hours. EndMT was assessed via real time PCR and cell invasion within the matrix. Apoptosis and proliferation in VEC via TUNEL and anti-BrdU IHC staining were also evaluated in early inflammatory conditions. Later ear...
H-induced surface restructuring on Si(100): Formation of higher hydrides

H-induced surface structures on Si(100) were studied using temperature-programmed-desorption mass spectroscopy and low-energy electron diffraction. It is shown that the (3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) phase consists of mainly monohydride and dihydride structures, while the (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) phase is composed of a mixture of monohydride, dihydride, and trihydride surface species. The trihydride surface species is associated with the phase transition between the (3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) and (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) surface phases, and liberates ${\mathrm{SiH}}_{4}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}}_{3\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ during thermal desorption, beginning at \ensuremath{\sim}200 K. For the fully saturated Si(100) surface, a saturation surface coverage of 1.9 monolayers (ML) H has been established at a Si(100) adsorption temperature of 210\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10 K. These results suggest that the 1.9-ML saturation coverage of H on Si(100) involves the presence of ${\mathrm{SiH}}_{3}$(a) species, which leads to a (3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) LEED pattern change. This is contrary to a model for the (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) surface involving a uniform ${\mathrm{SiH}}_{2}$(a) overlayer.
Improving Developmental Screening Among Pediatricians in New Mexico Findings From the Developmental Screening Initiative

Background. Seven pediatric primary care practices participated in New Mexico’s Developmental Screening Initiative in a year-long quality improvement project with the goal of implementing standardized developmental screening tools. Methods. The initiative utilized a learning collaborative approach and the Model for Improvement to promote best practice about developmental screening outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Also, the project emphasized interagency collaboration to improve communication between medical providers and state and community agencies that provide services to children with developmental delays. Results. A total of 1139 medical records were reviewed by the 7 practices, at 5 intervals during the intervention. At baseline, there were dramatic differences among the practices, with some not engaged in screening at all. Overall, the use of standardized developmental screening increased from 27% at baseline to 92% at the end of the project.
The Relationship Between Substance Use Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders, and Pathological Aggression

The authors examine the relationship between substance use disorders, impulse control disorders (ICDs), and pathological aggression. Phenomenologic evidence, neurobiologic evidence, and comorbidity data, as well as evidence from the pharmacotherapy of aggression and impulse control and substance use disorders, suggest links between substance use, impulsivity, and pathologic aggression. There also is evidence suggesting that dysfunction in common neurotransmitter systems, particularly the serotonin and GABAergic systems, may be involved in both disorders. Serotonergic agents have been explored in the treatment of ICDs, pathological aggression, and substance use disorders. Mood-stabilizing anticonvulsant have GABAergic activity, have received preliminary exploration in the treatment of ICDs and aggression in a number of psychiatric disorders. There is also evidence that these agents may be useful in subgroups of individuals with substance use disorders.
Typhlitis in childhood cancer.

BACKGROUND Typhlitis is increasingly recognized in children undergoing chemotherapy but is poorly characterized. The authors investigated the demographic, clinical, and imaging (ultrasonography and computed tomography [CT] scans) variables related to the diagnosis, risk, and outcome of typhlitis. METHODS The authors reviewed the records of patients who had typhlitis (bowel wall thickness ≥ 0.3 cm plus clinical findings) during treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, TN) between 1990 and 2001. They assessed whether duration of typhlitis was related to bowel wall thickness, extent of colonic involvement, ascites, demographics, primary diagnosis, symptoms of typhlitis, or duration of neutropenia. To identify risk factors for typhlitis, the authors compared the demographic data and previous drug therapy of 78 patients who had typhlitis and 1231 identically treated children who did not. RESULTS Of 3171 children, 83 (2.6%) developed typhlitis. Frequent symptoms were abdominal pain (91%), fever (84%), abdominal tenderness (82%), and diarrhea (72%). Twelve percent of the patients were not neutropenic. Duration of typhlitis was associated with bowel wall thickness measured by ultrasonography (n = 68; P = 0.05) but not CT scan (n = 48; P = 0.67) and was associated with duration of neutropenia (P = 0.02), fever (P = 0.01), and abdominal tenderness (P = 0.04). Age >16 years at cancer diagnosis was the only demographic factor associated with typhlitis (P = 0.03). Two patients died of typhlitis. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasonography was a useful imaging modality for children with suspected typhlitis. The classic triad of abdominal pain, fever, and neutropenia may be absent. The severity of typhlitis was related to the duration of neutropenia and the presence of fever or abdominal tenderness. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
When is an Anosov flow geodesic

Let X, H+, H− be vector fields tangent, respectively, to an Anosov flow and its expanding and contracting foliations in a compact three-dimensional manifold, with γ, α+, α− one forms dual to them. If α+([H+, H−]) = α−([H+, H−]) and γ([H+, H−]) = α−([X, H−]) − α+([X, H+]), then the manifold has the structure of the unit tangent bundle of a Riemannian orbifold with geodesic flow field X.
Congenital Syphilis After Treatment of Maternal Syphilis With a Penicillin Regimen Exceeding CDC Guidelines

BACKGROUND: Although congenital syphilis usually occurs as a result of a failure to detect and treat syphilis in pregnant women, failures of the currently recommended regimen to prevent congenital syphilis have been reported. CASE: This report describes an infant with congenital syphilis despite maternal treatment with a regimen exceeding current CDC guidelines. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the regimen used to treat syphilis during pregnancy, clinicians should recognize the possibility of occasional treatment failures and the importance of adequate follow-up of infants at risk for congenital syphilis.
Wavelet analysis of hyperspectral reflectance data for detecting pitted morningglory (Ipomoea lacunosa) in soybean (Glycine max)

This research determined the potential for wavelet-based analysis of hyperspectral reflectance signals for detecting the presence of early season pitted morningglory when intermixed with soybean and soil. Ground-level hyperspectral reflectance signals were collected in a field experiment containing plots of soybean and plots containing soybean intermixed with pitted morningglory in a conventional tillage system. The collected hyperspectral signals contained mixed reflectances for vegetation and background soil in each plot. Pure reflectance signals were also collected for pitted morningglory, soybean, and bare soil so that synthetically mixed reflectance curves could be generated, evaluated, and the mixing proportions controlled. Wavelet detail coefficients were used as features in linear discriminant analysis for automated discrimination between the soil+soybean and the soil+soybean+pitted morningglory classes. A total of 36 different mother wavelets were investigated to determine the effect of mother wavelet selection on the ability to detect the presence of pitted morningglory. When the growth stage was two to four leaves, which is still controllable with herbicide, the weed could be detected with at least 87% accuracy, regardless of mother wavelet selection. Moreover, the Daubechies 3, Daubechies 5, and Coiflet 5 mother wavelets resulted in 100% classification accuracy. Most of the best wavelet coefficients, in terms of discriminating ability, were derived from the red-edge and the nearinfrared regions of the spectrum. For comparison purposes, the raw spectral bands and principal components were evaluated as possible discriminating features. For the two-leaf to four-leaf weed growth stage, the two methods resulted in classification accuracies of 83% and 81%, respectively. The wavelet-based method was shown to be very promising in detecting the presence of early season pitted morningglory in mixed hyperspectral reflectances. D 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
0.25- mu m gate millimeter-wave ion-implanted GaAs MESFETs

Quarter-micrometer gated ion-implanted GaAs MESFETs which demonstrate device performance comparable to AlGaAs/InGaAs pseudomorphic HEMTs (high-electron mobility transistors) have been successfully fabricated on 3-in-diameter GaAs substrates. The MESFETs show a peak extrinsic transconductance of 480 mS/mm with a high channel current of 720 mA/mm. From S-parameter measurements, the MESFETs show a peak current-gain cutoff frequency f/sub t/ of 68 GHz with an average f/sub t/ of 62 GHz across the wafer. The 0.25- mu m gate MESFETs also exhibit a maximum-available-gain cutoff frequency f/sub t/ greater than 100 GHz. These results are the first demonstration of potential volume production of high-performance ion-implanted MESFETs for millimeter-wave application. >
Mitochondrial ClpX Activates a Key Enzyme for Heme Biosynthesis and Erythropoiesis

The mitochondrion maintains and regulates its proteome with chaperones primarily inherited from its bacterial endosymbiont ancestor. Among these chaperones is the AAA+ unfoldase ClpX, an important regulator of prokaryotic physiology with poorly defined function in the eukaryotic mitochondrion. We observed phenotypic similarity in S. cerevisiae genetic interaction data between mitochondrial ClpX (mtClpX) and genes contributing to heme biosynthesis, an essential mitochondrial function. Metabolomic analysis revealed that 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), the first heme precursor, is 5-fold reduced in yeast lacking mtClpX activity and that total heme is reduced by half. mtClpX directly stimulates ALA synthase in vitro by catalyzing incorporation of its cofactor, pyridoxal phosphate. This activity is conserved in mammalian homologs; additionally, mtClpX depletion impairs vertebrate erythropoiesis, which requires massive upregulation of heme biosynthesis to supply hemoglobin. mtClpX, therefore, is a widely conserved stimulator of an essential biosynthetic pathway and uses a previously unrecognized mechanism for AAA+ unfoldases.
Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of lung neoplasm

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the USA. Surgical resection is the standard treatment for resectable disease; however, a significant percentage of patients with otherwise resectable lung cancer may have other comorbidities, precluding surgical resection. In patients with Stage I non-small-cell lung cancer, conventional external-beam radiotherapy is typically offered as treatment in medically inoperable, high-risk patients with reported 5-year survival rates of 10-30%. An emerging technology in the treatment of lung tumors is radiofrequency ablation, which is a thermal ablative technique and may be applicable in high-risk patients with lung cancer. In this article we will review the principles of radiofrequency ablation, the common devices in use, the experimental background, the results of 'ablate and resect' studies and the clinical experience with radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of lung neoplasm.
V(H)3 antibody response to immunization with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in middle-aged and elderly persons.

Pneumococcal disease continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality among the elderly. Older adults may have high levels of anticapsular antibody after vaccination, but their antibodies show decreased functional activity. In addition, the protective effect of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) seems to cease as early as 3 to 5 years postvaccination. Recently, it was suggested that PPV elicits human antibodies that use predominantly VH3 gene segments and induce a repertoire shift with increased VH3 expression in peripheral B cells. Here we compared VH3-idiotypic antibody responses in middle-aged and elderly subjects receiving PPV as initial immunization or revaccination. We studied pre- and postvaccination sera from 36 (18 vaccine-naive and 18 previously immunized subjects) middle-aged and 40 (22 vaccine-naive and 18 previously immunized subjects) elderly adults who received 23-valent PPV. Concentrations of IgGs to four individual serotypes (6B, 14, 19F, and 23F) and of VH3-idiotypic antibodies (detected by the monoclonal antibody D12) to the whole pneumococcal vaccine were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PPV elicited significant IgG and VH3-idiotypic antibody responses in middle-aged and elderly subjects, regardless of whether they were vaccine naive or undergoing revaccination. Age did not influence the magnitude of the antibody responses, as evidenced by similar postvaccination IgG and VH3 antibody levels in both groups, even after stratifying by prior vaccine status. Furthermore, we found similar proportions (around 50%) of elderly and middle-aged subjects experiencing 2-fold increases in VH3 antibody titers after vaccination. Age or repeated immunization does not appear to affect the VH3-idiotypic immunogenicity of PPV among middle-aged and elderly adults.
A stochastic control problems

Traditionally most research in stochastic control has been directed toward the LQG or related problems wherein one is attempting to solve a deterministic control problem in the presence of noise. This may take the form of measurement noise and/or source noise but in either case the noise is a perturbation on a deterministic signal and not the fundamental process underlying the control problem. The purpose of the present paper is to review some research dealing with the problem of "controlling a stochastic process." That is: the fundamental signal that the plant is required to follow is itself a stochastic process.
Online Versus Traditional Master of Music in Music Education Degree Programs: Students' Reasons for Choosing.

The purpose of this study was to describe the reasons that two matriculated students had for enrollment into either an online or a traditional master of music in music education (MME) degree progra...
Neural fate of seen and unseen faces in visuospatial neglect: A combined event-related functional MRI and event-related potential study

To compare neural activity produced by visual events that escape or reach conscious awareness, we used event-related MRI and evoked potentials in a patient who had neglect and extinction after focal right parietal damage, but intact visual fields. This neurological disorder entails a loss of awareness for stimuli in the field contralateral to a brain lesion when stimuli are simultaneously presented on the ipsilateral side, even though early visual areas may be intact, and single contralateral stimuli may still be perceived. Functional MRI and event-related potential study were performed during a task where faces or shapes appeared in the right, left, or both fields. Unilateral stimuli produced normal responses in V1 and extrastriate areas. In bilateral events, left faces that were not perceived still activated right V1 and inferior temporal cortex and evoked nonsignificantly reduced N1 potentials, with preserved face-specific negative potentials at 170 ms. When left faces were perceived, the same stimuli produced greater activity in a distributed network of areas including right V1 and cuneus, bilateral fusiform gyri, and left parietal cortex. Also, effective connectivity between visual, parietal, and frontal areas increased during perception of faces. These results suggest that activity can occur in V1 and ventral temporal cortex without awareness, whereas coupling with dorsal parietal and frontal areas may be critical for such activity to afford conscious perception.
Interference with the Development of Early Generated Neocortex Results in Disruption of Radial Glia and Abnormal Formation of Neocortical Layers

Early generated layers of neocortex are important factors in forming the subsequent architecture of the cerebral cortex. To further explore the role of early generated cortex, we disrupted formation of an early generated cohort of cells by intraperitoneal injections of the mitotic inhibitor methylazoxymethanol (MAM) into pregnant ferrets timed to coincide with generation of subplate neurons in the ventricular zone. Our studies demonstrate that if early development of the neocortex is interrupted by injection of MAM during embryogenesis (on embryonic day 24 or 28; E24 or E28), a distinct laminar pattern fails to form properly in the parietal cortex. A reduced number of MAP2-positive cells were observed in the region of the subplate when compared with the number of MAP2-positive cells found in normal animals. Interference with the superficial neocortical layers that form later during development (on embryonic day 33) by appropriately timed MAM injections does not result in a severely disrupted laminar pattern. The interrupted laminar pattern that arises after early MAM injections coincides with distorted radial glial cells (identified by immunoreactivity to the intermediate filament protein, vimentin), which occur after early, but not late, MAM injections. Further analysis suggests that interference with early development of neocortex leads to premature differentiation of radial glial cells into astrocytes, as demonstrated by the presence of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Experiments involving injections of the thymidine analog, bromodeoxyuridine (BRDU), demonstrated that 4 days after E24 MAM injection cells are generated and migrate into the thin cortical plate. By E38, however, cells continue to be generated in animals treated with MAM on E24 but do not reach their normal positions in the cortical plate. In addition, immunoreactivity using the CR50 antibody, which identifies presumptive Cajal‐Retzius cells present in layer 1, demonstrates that the CR50-positive cells, normally precisely located in the outer portion of layer 1, are distributed in disarray throughout the thickness of the neocortex and intermediate zone in early MAM-treated animals, but not in those treated with MAM injections later during gestation. These findings are consistent with the idea that early generated layers are important in providing factors that maintain the environment necessary for subsequent neuronal migration and formation of neocortical layers.
Changes in the enhancer landscape during early placental development uncover a trophoblast invasion gene-enhancer network.

Abstract Introduction Trophoblast invasion establishes adequate blood flow between mother and fetus in early placental development. However, little is known about the cis-regulatory mechanisms underlying this important process. We aimed to identify enhancer elements that are active during trophoblast invasion, and build a trophoblast invasion gene-enhancer network. Methods We carried out ChIP-Seq for an enhancer-associated mark (H3k27Ac) at two time points during early placental development in mouse. One time point when invasion is at its peak (e7.5) and another time point shortly afterwards (e9.5). We use computational analysis to identify putative enhancers, as well as the transcription factor binding sites within them, that are specific to the time point of trophoblast invasion. Results We compared read profiles at e7.5 and e9.5 to identify 1,977 e7.5-specific enhancers. Within a subset of e7.5-specific enhancers, we discovered a cell migration associated regulatory code, consisting of three transcription factor motifs: AP1, Ets, and Tcfap2. To validate differential expression of the transcription factors that bind these motifs, we performed RNA-Seq in the same context. Finally, we integrated these data with publicly available protein–protein interaction data and constructed a trophoblast invasion gene-enhancer network. Discussion The data we generated and analysis we carried out improves our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of trophoblast invasion, by suggesting a transcriptional code exists in the enhancers of cell migration genes. Furthermore, the network we constructed highlights novel candidate genes that may be critical for trophoblast invasion.
Interactive effects of Aphthona nigriscutis and picloram plus 2,4-D in leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)

Abstract The combination of Aphthona spp. flea beetles and herbicides can increase leafy spurge control when compared with either method used alone, but the effect of herbicides on the biocontrol agent and conversely the effect of Aphthona on herbicides within the plant are unknown. Understanding this interaction will allow for maximum weed control with little or no negative effect on the establishment and reproduction of the biological agent. Fall application of picloram plus 2,4-D had a minimal negative effect on the A. nigriscutis population and no effect on overwintering fitness. The number of A. nigriscutis adults collected from soil cores taken from the field was similar regardless of the herbicide application date, although emergence was variable. Leafy spurge soluble and insoluble carbohydrate and soluble protein concentrations, which are indirect measurements of the herbicide's effect on nutrient availability to the insect, were similar in treated and untreated plants. Aphthona nigriscutis larval...
Flipping a programming course: The good, the bad, and the ugly

In the traditional form of teaching and classroom organization, lectures are given in class, and tests and examinations are given in class. The major drawback of this approach has been the difficulty of getting the students engaged in a traditional lecture. A computer science course in programming seems to be a natural class to implement a flipped classroom approach: individualized pacing for theory with cohort based skill acquisition. A flipped classroom is a form of blended instruction where students learn course content outside of the classroom and either homework or other forms of active learning activities occurs in the classroom. Herein is a summary of our observations based on several semesters of implementing a flipped classroom and report on observations made. There are numerous advantages to flipping a class such as allowing for more interaction during the face-to-face class meetings; it also allows for deeper learning to take place as students get their hands-on practice. We explore these practices and more, and compare and contrast what worked and what didn't work from our experiences. We also identify procedures critical to success and what procedures we view as less important.
Maximum Likelihood Synchronization for DVB-T2 in Unknown Fading Channels

In this paper, we consider the timing and carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation problem for digital video broadcasting-second generation terrestrial (DVB-T2) transmissions by utilizing the P1 symbol. Unlike previous studies, an unknown fading channel scenario is considered. Two maximum likelihood (ML) methods are derived by modeling the transmitted signal as a stochastic and, respectively, a deterministic unknown waveform. The proposed stochastic ML (SML) algorithm can jointly estimate the received signal power, time delay, and CFO. By ignoring the presence of null carriers in the P1 symbol, the SML method can be simplified with a lower complexity. Meanwhile, the proposed deterministic ML method is more flexible and computationally simpler compared with the SML method. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the performances of the proposed estimators along with several existing solutions for DVB-T2 signal synchronization. In addition, Cramer–Rao lower bounds are evaluated for the considered estimation problem.
Phasons in Quasi-Crystals and Incommensurate Liquid Crystals

Phason elasticity and hydrodynamics for incommensurate liquid crystals and icosahedral quasi-crystals are derived under the assumption that the free energy is analytic in the gradient of the relative phase, w, of incommensurate density waves. The phason mode is always diffusive in the hydrodynamic limit, but the diffusion constant for quasi-crystals is small. In strongly coupled incommensurate systems, the free energy can be non-analytic in \( % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaagaart1ev2aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqipu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGafy4bIeTbaS % aacaWG3baaaa!3861! \vec \nabla w \), leading to a breakdown of elasticity and hydrodynamics. The phason mode is pinned. For both types of phason dynamics non-uniform spatial distortions of w can easily be quenched into icosahedral quasicrystals. Evidence for quenched phason strains in these materials will be discussed.
P. Sands, Chernobyl: Law and Communication

Review of Chernobyl: Law and Communication by P. Sands. Published by University of Cambridge 1988.
Human kidney proximal tubule cells are vulnerable to the effects of Rauwolfia serpentina

Rauwolfia serpentina (or Snake root plant) is a botanical dietary supplement marketed in the USA for maintaining blood pressure. Very few studies have addressed the safety of this herb, despite its wide availability to consumers. Its reported pleiotropic effects underscore the necessity for evaluating its safety. We used a human kidney cell line to investigate the possible negative effects of R. serpentina on the renal system in vitro, with a specific focus on the renal proximal tubules. We evaluated cellular and mitochondrial toxicity, along with a variety of other kidney-specific toxicology biomarkers. We found that R. serpentina was capable of producing highly detrimental effects in our in vitro renal cell system. These results suggest more studies are needed to investigate the safety of this dietary supplement in both kidney and other target organ systems.
Continuous and Pulsed Hydrogen–Deuterium Exchange and Mass Spectrometry Characterize CsgE Oligomerization

We report the use of hydrogen-deuterium amide exchange coupled to mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) to study the interfaces of and conformational changes accompanying CsgE oligomerization. This protein plays an important role in enteric bacteria biofilm formation. Biofilms provide protection for enteric bacteria from environmental extremes and raise concerns about controlling bacteria and infectious disease. Their proteinaceous components, called curli, are extracellular functional amyloids that initiate surface contact and biofilm formation. The highly regulated curli biogenesis involves a major subunit, CsgA, a minor subunit CsgB, and a series of other accessory proteins. CsgE, possibly functioning as oligomer, is a chaperonin-like protein that delivers CsgA to an outer-membrane bound oligomeric CsgG complex. No higher-order structure, or interfaces and dynamics of its oligomerization, however, are known. In this work, we determined regions involved in CsgE self-association by continuous HDX, and, on the basis of that, prepared a double mutant W48A/F79A, derived from interface alanine scan, and verified that it exists as monomer. Using pulsed HDX and MS, we suggest there is a structural rearrangement occurring during the oligomerization of CsgE.
The Effect of a Firm’s Information Flow Structure on Credit Rationing

This paper analyzes the effects of the way information is produced and transmitted through an organizational structure on the business dynamics of a firm. Specifically, I study its effects on the agency problem, concluding that it proves to be an efficient and effective solution to overcome the adverse effects of credit rationing. It exercises a tighter cap on the amount an agent can extract from the financier for disclosing his private information ex-ante when in equilibrium with his employee structure and in doing so leashes his personal endeavors. One of the consequences of its effect is that external capital markets would prove more effective and efficient in allocating resources under certain specific principal-agent preferences than internal ones.
Vapona for the control of museum pests.

For the past 3 years we have used Vapona Insecticide Pest Strips for the control and prevention of museum pests in insect collections. During this time no museum pests have attacked museum specimens in the presence of Vapona, 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate. The yellow plastic strips (6.3 cm × 25.4 cm) were cut into pieces of approximately 2 cm by 6.3 cm and placed in wooden Schmidt boxes and cardboard insect boxes of a similar size. New strips are added to insect boxes once a year. As of this writing we have not seen any indication of color change or deposits on the museum specimens exposed to DDVP. This material has also been used to protect herbarium specimens and vertebrate study skins. The manufacturer of Vapona resin strips has indicated that 1 resin strip of 161 cm2 (25 in.2) should fumigate 28.27 m3 (1000 ft3) of room space. A Schmidt box contains .03528 m3 (1.26 ft3). Therefore, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer a piece of Vapona resin strip containing 0.2 cm2 should theoretically fumigate an insect box; the use of 6.45 cm2 (1 in.2) would be over 32 × the required amount.
Luminescent solar concentration with semiconductor nanorods and transfer-printed micro-silicon solar cells.

We utilize CdSe/CdS seeded nanorods as a tunable lumophore for luminescent concentration. Transfer-printed, ultrathin crystalline Si solar cells are embedded directly into the luminescent concentrator, allowing the study of luminescent concentrators with an area over 5000 times the area of the solar cell. By increasing the size of the CdS rod with respect to the luminescent CdSe seed, the reabsorption of propagating photons is dramatically reduced. At long luminescence propagation distances, this reduced reabsorption can overcome the diminished quantum yield inherent to the larger semiconductor structures, which is studied with lifetime spectroscopy. A Monte Carlo ray tracing model is developed to explain the performance of the luminescent concentrator and is then used as a design tool to determine the effect of luminescence trapping on the concentration of light using both CdSe/CdS nanorods and a model organic dye. We design an efficient luminescence trapping structure that should allow the luminescent c...
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis: Effect of solvent on the H2–D2 isotopic exchange rate over an activated nickel catalyst

Abstract The effect of solvent on the hydrogen-deuterium isotopic homomolecular exchange rate over a 26.4% Ni/Al2O3 catalyst was investigated using a plug flow reactor at room temperature (23 °C) and at atmospheric pressure. In this study, two different molecular weight solvents were tested: n-pentane ( M W ¯ (average molecular weight) = 72), and n-hexadecane ( M W ¯ = 226). At dry (without addition of solvent) and n-pentane solvent addition conditions, similar amounts of H2 and D2 are consumed and the concentration of the HD produced is two times the consumption of H2 or D2. Thus, these conditions exhibited around 100% exchange with the formation of H2:HD:D2 having a 1:2:1 ratio. With n-hexadecane solvent, the initial exchange rate was approximately 45%, but the exchange rate decreased with time and reached a steady state rate after 60 min on-stream. The lower exchange rate of the n-hexadecane solvent might be due to the limited mobility of reactant molecules in the liquid-filled pores of the catalyst. The exchange rate of the catalyst is decreased with increasing molecular weight and density of the solvent. An isotopic partitioning preference was not observed for the nickel catalyst under various co-fed solvents, and similar findings were observed in our previous work (Catalysis Letters 143 (2013) 1368–1373).
Dopamine-1 receptor stimulation impairs intestinal oxygen utilization during critical hypoperfusion.

Effects of a dopamine-1 (DA-1) receptor agonist on systemic and intestinal oxygen delivery (D˙o 2)-uptake relationships were studied in anesthetized dogs during sequential hemorrhage. Control (grou...
Nursing care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer: a staff development approach

This article discusses how staff development educators can conduct an innovative class for nurses caring for patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The nurse's role in caring for these patients includes knowledge of the pathophysiology, risk factors, detection methods, signs and symptoms, treatments, conventional and integrative holistic nursing interventions, and community resources. However, consideration should be given to the total learning experience rather than technical skills alone.
Optimization of Conductivity and Permeability Parameters for Brain, CSF, Skull and Scalp Using Implanted Sources in the Human Cranium

By invoking the dipole in a sphere model, researchers elude the volume current effects in MagnetoEncephaloGraphic (MEG) localizations [1]. The drive for better accuracy, however, has led to the Boundary Element Model (BEM) [2] which more closely represents head and brain anatomy. The drawback, of course, is that volume currents are not suppressed in a BEM as they are in the dipole in a sphere model. Proper account of the volume current in the BEM requires the macroscopic conductivities associated with the four major head tissue layers: brain, CerebroSpinal Fluid (CSF), skull, and scalp. Unfortunately, prior studies to determine these parameters [3–5] have never been confirmed in the context of MEG localization studies.
Efficacy of 230Th normalization in sediments from the Juan de Fuca Ridge, northeast Pacific Ocean

Abstract 230Th normalization is an indispensable method for reconstructing sedimentation rates and mass fluxes over time, but the validity of this approach has generated considerable debate in the paleoceanographic community. 230Th systematics have been challenged with regards to grain size bias, sediment composition (CaCO3), water column advection, and other processes. In this study, we investigate the consequences of these effects on 230Th normalization from a suite of six cores on the Juan de Fuca Ridge. The proximity of these cores (
Exploring shame in engineering education

Individual experiences of inclusion or exclusion are increasingly recognized for their relevance in relation to attracting and retaining diverse students in engineering programs. Referring to this emerging body of work, this article explores the emotion of shame as a psychological and sociological construct that might underpin student experiences of inclusion, exclusion, or belonging in engineering majors. To begin unpacking this underexplored concept in the engineering context, we draw on literature from psychology that conceptualizes shame as a construct of emotion with dynamics that greatly affect an individual's perceived experience. We also examine sociological perspectives on shame that attend to how this emotion exists in an intersubjective reality between an individual and his or her social context. Finally, we review the sparse literature in engineering education that explicitly mentions shame and examine a larger body of literature that suggests how engineering student experiences that can be understood as phenomena related shame. This survey of the literature points to the importance of considering shame in engineering education and, in its synthesis, provides the theoretical basis for future empirical studies.
Fluctuation of Cystatin C Concentration during Deferasirox Treatment in Thalassemic Patients May Reflect Hemodynamic Changes

Deferasirox (Exjade ® , ICL670) is an once-daily, oral iron chelator for the treatment of transfusional iron overload and its efficacy and tolerability have been established in adults and children with a range of transfusion-dependent anemias, such as thalassemia. We observed alterations in cystatin C plasma concentration during longterm treatment of thalassemia patients with deferasirox. Cystatin-C is a non-glycosylated protein that belongs to the cystatin superfamily of cysteine protease inhibitors. Plasma cystatin-C has been suggested to be an ideal endogenous marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). We aimed to investigate if these changes in cystatin C concentration were solely due to deferasirox treatment, or whether other factors contribute to these changes. 150 b-thalassemia patients treated with deferasirox at doses between 20–40 mg/Kg/day were followed longitudinally. Cystatin C concentrations were measured by an immunonephelometric technique (Dade Behring, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics) at regular monthly intervals (5–12 monthly serial measurements per patient), while GFR was calculated according to the recently proposed cystatin C–based prediction equation using only its concentration in mg/L: GFR [mL/min/1.73m 2 ] = 76.7 x Cystatin C −1.18 . To further evaluate the effect of deferasirox on renal function we measured: a) plasma levels of Neutrophil-Gelatinase-Associated-Lipocalin (NGAL) (R&D Systems) a protein expressed on tubular cells and which production is markedly increased in response to harmful stimuli, such as ischemia or toxicity, b) N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (Roche Diagnostics), in order to correlate cystatin C fluctuation with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and c) ferritin level, as a marker of iron overload/mobilization. The main results of the study showed that cystatin C concentration fluctuated during deferasirox treatment (ANOVA repeat measures p>0.850). Baseline mean values were 0.97±0.27 mg/L and reached a maximum of 1.01±0.29 mg/L at 4 months of treatment. According to the guidelines and as no significant increase of creatinine levels was observed, the drug dose was not reduced. Analysis of data showed that: a) there is no correlation between cystatin C fluctuation and NGAL levels, p > 0.6745, evidence that the tubuloglomerular feedback is not activated b) cystatin C and NT-proBNP levels correlated positively with a binomial equation (p
Wittgenstein’s Metaphors and His Pedagogical Philosophy

This chapter explores Wittgenstein’s use of metaphors throughout his work, but especially in his later work. I argue that metaphors serve an essential function in language , and that Wittgenstein relies on metaphors to explain some of his most basic ideas. Many of these metaphors refer to tools, and this indicates a growing pragmatism in his view of language . Finally, these metaphorical accounts highlight the central role of learning in his later work.
lan Gibson, Federico García Lorca, t. 1: De Fuente Vaqueros a Nueva York, 1898-1929. Grijalbo, Barcelona, 1985; 721 pp.

Se reseno el libro: Federico Garcia Lorca, t. 1: De Fuente Vaqueros a Nueva York, 1898-1929.
Continuous Kisspeptin Administration in Postmenopausal Women: Impact of Estradiol on Luteinizing Hormone Secretion.

Context Kisspeptin stimulates the reproductive endocrine cascade in both men and women. Circulating sex steroids are thought to modulate the ability of kisspeptin to stimulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) release. Objective To probe the effects of sex steroids on kisspeptin-stimulated GnRH-induced LH pulses. Participants Eight healthy postmenopausal women. Intervention Subjects underwent every-10-minute blood sampling to measure GnRH-induced LH secretion at baseline and in response to a continuous kisspeptin infusion (12.5 µg/kg/h) over 24 hours. A subset of the participants also received kisspeptin (0.313 µg/kg) and GnRH (75 ng/kg) intravenous boluses. Results Postmenopausal women are resistant to the stimulatory effect of continuous kisspeptin on LH secretion. Postmenopausal women receiving estradiol replacement therapy are also resistant to kisspeptin initially, but they demonstrate a significant increase in LH pulse amplitude in direct proportion to the circulating estradiol concentration and duration of kisspeptin administration. Conclusions Kisspeptin administration has complex effects on GnRH, and by extension, on LH secretion. The ability of kisspeptin to affect LH secretion can be modulated by the ambient sex-steroid milieu in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
Some implications of a behavioral analysis of verbal behavior for logic and mathematics

The evident power and utility of the formal models of logic and mathematics pose a puzzle: Although such models are instances of verbal behavior, they are also essentialistic. But behavioral terms, and indeed all products of selection contingencies, are intrinsically variable and in this respect appear to be incommensurate with essentialism. A distinctive feature of verbal contingencies resolves this puzzle: The control of behavior by the nonverbal environment is often mediated by the verbal behavior of others, and behavior under control of verbal stimuli is blind to the intrinsic variability of the stimulating environment. Thus, words and sentences serve as filters of variability and thereby facilitate essentialistic model building and the formal structures of logic, mathematics, and science. Autoclitic frames, verbal chains interrupted by interchangeable variable terms, are ubiquitous in verbal behavior. Variable terms can be substituted in such frames almost without limit, a feature fundamental to formal models. Consequently, our fluency with autoclitic frames fosters generalization to formal models, which in turn permit deduction and other kinds of logical and mathematical inference.
The Effects of Cannabis Among Adults With Chronic Pain and an Overview of General Harms: A Systematic Review

Background Cannabis is increasingly available for the treatment of chronic pain, yet its efficacy remains uncertain. Purpose To review the benefits of plant-based cannabis preparations for treating chronic pain in adults and the harms of cannabis use in chronic pain and general adult populations. Data sources MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and several other sources from database inception to March 2017. Study selection Intervention trials and observational studies, published in English, involving adults using plant-based cannabis preparations that reported pain, quality of life, or adverse effect outcomes. Data extraction Two investigators independently abstracted study characteristics and assessed study quality, and the investigator group graded the overall strength of evidence using standard criteria. Data synthesis From 27 chronic pain trials, there is low-strength evidence that cannabis alleviates neuropathic pain but insufficient evidence in other pain populations. According to 11 systematic reviews and 32 primary studies, harms in general population studies include increased risk for motor vehicle accidents, psychotic symptoms, and short-term cognitive impairment. Although adverse pulmonary effects were not seen in younger populations, evidence on most other long-term physical harms, in heavy or long-term cannabis users, or in older populations is insufficient. Limitation Few methodologically rigorous trials; the cannabis formulations studied may not reflect commercially available products; and limited applicability to older, chronically ill populations and patients who use cannabis heavily. Conclusion Limited evidence suggests that cannabis may alleviate neuropathic pain in some patients, but insufficient evidence exists for other types of chronic pain. Among general populations, limited evidence suggests that cannabis is associated with an increased risk for adverse mental health effects. Primary funding source U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (PROSPERO: CRD42016033623).
Elicitation of Xenopus laevis Tadpole and Adult Frog Peritoneal Leukocytes.

Peritoneal lavage of Xenopus laevis tadpoles and adult frogs is a reliable way of isolating resident and/or recruited innate immune populations. This protocol details the isolation of tadpole and adult amphibian (Xenopus laevis) peritoneal leukocytes. The isolated cells are comprised predominantly of innate immune populations and chiefly of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear granulocytes. As described here, these cells are typically elicited by peritoneal injections of animals with heat-killed Escherichia coli, causing peritoneal accumulation of inflammatory cell populations, which are then isolated from the stimulated animals by lavage. E. coli-mediated elicitation of tadpole and adult peritoneal leukocytes greatly enhances the total numbers of recovered cells, at the cost of their inflammatory activation. Conversely, lavage may be performed on naive, unstimulated animals to isolate nonactivated cells with much lower yield. This protocol represents a reliable means of deriving tadpole and adult frog innate immune cell populations, and the conditions of the stimulation may be amended to suit the specifics of a given experimental design.