cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficiency and Optimality of Largest Deficit First Prioritization: Dynamic User Prioritization for Soft Real-Time Applications

An increasing number of real-time applications with compute and/or communication deadlines are being supported on a shared infrastructure. Such applications can often tolerate occasional deadline violations without substantially impacting their Quality of Service (QoS). This article explores the efficient allocation of shared resources to satisfy such QoS requirements. We study a simple framework which decouples this problem into two subproblems: (1) dynamic prioritization of users based on arbitrary functions of their deficits (difference of achieved vs. required QoS), and (2) priority-based resource allocation on the underlying compute fabric. In this article, we shall assume the solution to the latter is fixed, e.g., as realized in the task prioritization capabilities of current hardware/software, and focus on compatible solutions to the former. We first characterize the set of feasible QoS requirements and show the optimality of max weight-like prioritization. We then consider simple weighted Largest Deficit First (w-LDF) prioritization policies, where users with higher weighted QoS deficits are given higher priority. The article gives an inner bound for the feasible set under w-LDF policies, and, under an additional monotonicity assumption, characterizes its geometry leading to a sufficient condition for optimality. Additional insights on the efficiency ratio of w-LDF policies, the optimality of hierarchical-LDF, and characterization of clustering of failures are also discussed.
Operator-constitutive mutations in a DNA sequence recognized by a yeast homeodomain.

Abstract Homeodomain proteins regulate transcription in organisms as diverse as yeasts, mammals and plants, often effecting key decisions in development. Although homeodomains can selectively recognize certain DNA sequences, a question has arisen as to how specific this interaction is and how much it contributes to the ability of these proteins to properly select target genes in the cell. This question is particularly an issue in cases where the homeodomain proteins recognize DNA cooperatively with other DNA-binding proteins. In this paper, we examine the issue of DNA binding specificity for the homeodomain of the yeast alpha 2 protein (which recognizes the a-specific gene operator cooperatively with the MCM1 protein) by examining both in vivo and in vitro the effects of point mutations in its recognition sequence. We found that most changes in the homeodomain recognition sequence produced only small effects on both homeodomain affinity as measured in vitro (with and without the helper protein MCM1) and operator function as determined in vivo. This tolerance for operator mutations illustrates in a systematic way the modest DNA-binding specificity of the alpha 2 homeodomain and contrasts with the behavior of many of the bacterial and phage repressors where single point mutations in the operator can have dramatic effects on affinity. This tolerance for different sequences may arise from the fact that most of the interactions made between the alpha 2 homeodomain and the DNA occur through long amino acid side chains; we suggest that these side chains can reconfigure in order to create surfaces complementary to many different DNA sequences. The relaxed DNA-binding specificity of homeodomain proteins such as alpha 2 may be an important feature that permits new regulatory circuits to evolve rapidly from existing components.
Giving, taking, earned money, and cooperation in public good games

Abstract We conduct experiments designed to test whether earning the endowment increases the difference between giving and taking public good games. We find that neither the type of game nor the source of endowment affect cooperation rates.
Therapeutic Alliance, Relationship Building, and Communication Strategies-For the Schizophrenia Population: An Integrative Review

Abstract Background Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that affects the client, family, and community. Nurses are educated to use the nurse-patient relationship to provide health education and collaborative health decision-making. However, challenges abound for nurses and clients with schizophrenia to effectively utilize the relationship to reach these goals. Problem There is a lack of evidence-based information to assist nurses to meet the challenges of building effective therapeutic relationships with clients for whom schizophrenia hinders health education and decision-making. Purpose To examine current research findings on factors that influence therapeutic relationships in psychiatric treatment settings as an initial effort to provide empirically based guidance for psychiatric nurses who seek to better use the relationship to work with the client toward health-related goals. Method This integrative review of the literature follows Whittemore and Knafl's (2015) method, analyzes 15 studies from multiple databases between the years 2006–2017, and assesses the rigor of each. Findings Numerous methods are used to assess therapeutic relationships. Few studies included nurses. Provider perception of client symptoms can negatively affect provider assessment of quality of relationship; no such association was found on the part of clients. Providers and clients prioritize client needs differently, with providers influenced by treatment setting demands, but provider-training programs can have a beneficial effect on their relationships. Conclusion Nurses and nurse educators can use the findings to guide assessment of how perceptions and priorities influence relationships. Findings also provide the foundation for further study of nurses' perceptions of therapeutic relationship, in progress, to yield more detailed information on what nurses and educators need to strengthen therapeutic relationships.
Learning from Group Comparisons: Exploiting Higher Order Interactions

We study the problem of learning from group comparisons, with applications in predicting outcomes of sports and online games. Most of the previous works in this area focus on learning individual effects---they assume each player has an underlying score, and the ''ability'' of the team is modeled by the sum of team members' scores. Therefore, all the current approaches cannot model deeper interaction between team members: some players perform much better if they play together, and some players perform poorly together. In this paper, we propose a new model that takes the player-interaction effects into consideration. However, under certain circumstances, the total number of individuals can be very large, and number of player interactions grows quadratically, which makes learning intractable. In this case, we propose a latent factor model, and show that the sample complexity of our model is bounded under mild assumptions. Finally, we show that our proposed models have much better prediction power on several E-sports datasets, and furthermore can be used to reveal interesting patterns that cannot be discovered by previous methods.
Role of adipokines and inflammatory markers in postmenopausal hypertension.

BACKGROUND The role of inflammatory markers and adipokines contributing to the development of postmenopausal hypertension, has not been established. The aim of our study was to assess the complex association between blood pressure, obesity, menopausal status, adipokines and inflammatory mediators in postmenopausal women. METHODS We recruited 38 women seen at our Endocrinology Clinic and collected anthropometric measures and blood pressure and obtained serum samples for inflammatory markers and adipokine levels. Out of 38 women, 23 (60%) were postmenopausal. RESULTS In the pre-menopausal and postmenopausal women, there were no significant differences in measured adipokines and inflammatory markers based on hypertensive status. When obesity was eliminated, significantly higher levels of EGF, IL-8, MCP1 and TNF-α and lower levels of IL-1α and IL-3 were observed in the postmenopausal group (P<0.05). Women with higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) had a significant trend towards lower adiponectin levels as compared to those with lower WHR (P=0.014 and P=0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS There was a significant difference in pro-inflammatory markers in non-obese, pre- and post-menopausal women. These higher inflammatory markers might play a role in the development of post-menopausal hypertension.
352 LOSS OF PRIMARY CILIA PRECEDES KIDNEY CYST FORMATION IN KIF3A KNOCKOUT MICE.

KIF3A is a motor protein that is essential for antegrade intraflagellar transport and the maintenance of primary cilia. We have previously shown that kidney-specific excision of Kif3a mediated by Ksp/Cre transgenic mice leads to renal cyst formation by postnatal day (P)5 (Lin et al, PNAS 2003;100:5286-91). The cyst epithelial cells lack primary cilia, but it is not clear if the loss of cilia precedes cyst formation. To better characterize the time course of the mutant phenotype, we produced Pkhd1/Cre transgenic mice that express Cre recombinase under the control of 4.7 kb of the mouse Pkhd1 (ARPKD) promoter. Pkhd1/Cre mice were crossed with R26R mice that express lacZ after Cre/loxP recombination. X-gal staining of bitransgenic Pkhd1/Cre;R26R progeny at P1 revealed that lacZ was specifically expressed in tubular epithelial cells in the renal collecting ducts, intrahepatic bile ducts, and epididymis. No lacZ expression was observed in embryos at E12.5. Pkhd1/Cre mice were crossed with mice carrying a floxed allele of Kif3a and the R26R reporter gene. Analysis of Pkhd1/Cre;Kif3aflox/−;R262R progeny at P7 showed that the kidneys were morphologically normal and that lacZ was expressed in noncystic collecting ducts. Antibody staining for acetylated tubulin showed that primary cilia were absent in the lacZ-positive collecting duct cells in the Kif3a mutant mice but were present in control littermates. Kidney cysts were observed in mutant mice at P14 and progressively increased in size and number at P21, P35, and P56. All cysts were derived from the collecting ducts and were lined by lacZ-positive cyst epithelial cells. The cyst epithelial cells lacked primary cilia and showed apical localization of ZO-1 and basolateral localization of aquaporin 3. Staining for PCNA showed that cyst epithelial cells had higher rates of cell proliferation compared with wild-type collecting duct cells. No morphologic abnormalities were detected in the livers of Kif3a mutant mice. In conclusion, the formation of kidney cysts in Kif3a mutant mice is directly due to inactivation of Kif3a, which produces a loss of renal cilia that precedes tubular dilatation. Pkhd1/Cre transgenic mice should be useful for tissue-specific targeting of other ciliary genes in the kidney, liver, and epididymis.
Nonparametric analysis of income distributions among different regions based on energy distance with applications to China Health and Nutrition Survey data

Income distribution is a major concern in economic theory. In regional economics, it is often of interest to compare income distributions in different regions. Traditional methods often compare the income inequality of different regions by assuming parametric forms of the income distributions, or using summary statistics like the Gini coefficient. In this paper, we propose a nonparametric procedure to test for heterogeneity in income distributions among different regions, and a K-means clustering procedure for clustering income distributions based on energy distance. In simulation studies, it is shown that the energy distance based method has competitive results with other common methods in hypothesis testing, and the energy distance based clustering method performs well in the clustering problem. The proposed approaches are applied in analyzing data from China Health and Nutrition Survey 2011. The results indicate that there are significant differences among income distributions of the 12 provinces in the dataset. After applying a 4-means clustering algorithm, we obtained the clustering results of the income distributions in the 12 provinces.
Race/Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status, and Polypharmacy among Older Americans.

Background: Very few studies with nationally representative samples have investigated the combined effects of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic position (SEP) on polypharmacy (PP) among older Americans. For instance, we do not know if prevalence of PP differs between African Americans (AA) and white older adults, whether this difference is due to a racial gap in SEP, or whether racial and ethnic differences exist in the effects of SEP indicators on PP. Aims: We investigated joint effects of race/ethnicity and SEP on PP in a national household sample of American older adults. Methods: The first wave of the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging included a total of 906 older adults who were 65 years or older (80 AA and 826 white). Race/ethnicity, SEP (income, education attainment, marital status, and employment), age, gender, and PP (using 5+ medications) were measured. Logistic regression was applied for data analysis. Results: Race/ethnicity, age, marital status, and employment did not correlate with PP; however, female gender, low education attainment, and low income were associated with higher odds of PP among participants. Race/ethnicity interacted with low income on odds of PP, suggesting that low income might be more strongly associated with PP in AA than white older adults. Conclusions: While SEP indicators influence the risk of PP, such effects may not be identical across diverse racial and ethnic groups. That is, race/ethnicity and SEP have combined/interdependent rather than separate/independent effects on PP. Low-income AA older adults particularly need to be evaluated for PP. Given that race and SEP have intertwined effects on PP, racially and ethnically tailored interventions that address PP among low-income AA older adults may be superior to universal interventions and programs that ignore the specific needs of diverse populations. The results are preliminary and require replication in larger sample sizes, with PP measured directly without relying on individuals’ self-reports, and with joint data collected on chronic disease.
A Systematic Review of the Accuracy of Estimated and Measured Resting Metabolic Rate in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

The objective of this systematic review was to examine resting metabolic rate (RMR) measured through indirect calorimetry in adults with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and to evaluate the predication equations used for the estimation of RMR in this population. The authors additionally aimed to review the impact of sex and level of injury on RMR. A MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science search was performed for studies published from the database inception to January 2018, identifying 326 articles. On the basis of the inclusion criteria, 22 studies remained for review. All articles that were identified were full-text, English language articles examining adults with chronic SCI who were fasted for a minimum of 8 hr before undergoing RMR through indirect calorimetry for at least 20 min. The measured RMR ranged from 1,256.0 to 1,854.0 kcal/day, whereas the estimated RMR ranged from 1,276.8 to 1,808.0 kcal/day in the chronic SCI population. Seven studies overestimated RMR from 4% to 15%, whereas two studies underestimated RMR from 2% to 17% using prediction equations established for the able-bodied population. Two studies produced SCI-specific equations to estimate RMR. With regard to sex and level of injury, RMR does not differ between individuals with tetraplegia and paraplegia, whereas sex-based differences remain inconclusive, given limited results. These data provide evidence for the use of indirect calorimetry to assess RMR and the need to validate SCI-specific prediction equations in the estimation of RMR.
Chronic iron exposure and c-Myc/H-ras-mediated transformation in fallopian tube cells alter the expression of EVI1, amplified at 3q26.2 in ovarian cancer.

Mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancers (HGSOC) are not yet well defined although key precursor cells have been identified (including fimbriated fallopian tube epithelium, FTSECs). Since iron is elevated in endometriotic cysts and the pelvic cavity, it is suggested that this source of redox-active iron may contribute to ovarian cancer pathogenesis. Specifically, sources of nontransferrin-bound iron (NTBI) within the pelvic cavity could arise from ovulation, retrograde menstruation, follicular fluid, or iron overload conditions (i.e., hemochromatosis). Herein, we investigated the cellular response of p53-inactivated and telomerase-expressing (immortalized) FTSECs (Pax8+/FoxJ1−) to NTBI (presented as ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), supplemented in media for >2 months) in order to assess its ability to promote the transition to a tumor-like phenotype; this cellular response was compared with immortalized FTSECs transformed with H-RasV12A and c-MycT58A. Both approaches resulted in increased cell numbers and expression of the oncogenic transcriptional regulator, ecotropic virus integration site 1 (EVI1, a gene most frequently amplified at 3q26.2 in HGSOC, represented by multiple variants), along with other oncogenic gene products. In contrast to the transformed cells, FAC-exposed FTSECs elicited elevated migratory capacity (and epithelial–mesenchymal transition mRNA profile) along with increased expression of DNA damage response proteins (i.e., FANCD2) and hTERT mRNA relative to controls. Interestingly, in FAC-exposed FTSECs, EVI1 siRNA attenuated hTERT mRNA expression, whereas siRNAs targeting β-catenin and BMI1 (both elevated with chronic iron exposure) reduced Myc and Cyclin D1 proteins. Collectively, our novel findings provide strong foundational evidence for potential iron-induced initiation events, including EVI1 alterations, in the pathogenesis of HGSOC, warranting further in depth investigations. Thus, these findings will substantially advance our understanding of the contribution of iron enriched within the pelvic cavity, which may identify patients at risk of developing this deadly disease.
Analysis of an Auxiliary Power Supply Transfer Failure of High Speed Transfer Device in an Extended Power Plant

In modern power enterprises, the stability of auxiliary power supply is related to the safe and stable operation of units, so the high spee amage in serious cases. This paper could provide reference for safety operation through a case of transfer failure of high-voltage auxiliary power transfer device in an expansion power plant.
Obesity, but not overweight, is associated with plantar light touch sensation in children aged 8 to 16 years: A cross-sectional study.

Objective Increased foot-ground contact loading engenders adaptive glabrous skin thickening and can decrease mechanoreceptor acuity and alter plantar cutaneous sensation. There has not been any research on whether overweight and obesity are similarly associated with normal plantar cutaneous sensation scores in children. This study investigated the associations between normal plantar cutaneous sensation scores and weight status (i.e., healthy weight, overweight, and obesity) in a sample of youth. Methods Plantar sensation was tested among 122 participants aged 8 to 16 years (10.3 ± 1.8 years; 140.0 ± 11.2 cm; 44.2 ± 16.0 kg) across the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot using Semmes-Weinstein pressure aesthesiometry (0.07 g and 0.4 g monofilaments). Weight status was determined using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. Age- and sex-adjusted models were used to explore the relationships between normal plantar sensation scores and weight status. Significant two-tailed tests were set at p < .05. Results Only obesity was inversely associated with normal plantar sensation scores on the left (β = -.241; p = .009) and right (β = -.222; p = .018) forefeet, left (β = -.322; p = .001) and right (β = -.253; p = .007) midfeet, and left (β = -.286; p = .002) and right (β = -.228; p = .014) wholefeet (relative to healthy weight) when using the 0.07 g monofilament. There was no association between obesity and plantar sensation when using the 0.4 g monofilament. Conclusions Obesity is associated with diminished light touch plantar sensation. Considering previously reported higher mechanical loading and the fact that Merkel cells and the Aβfibers that innervate them are superficial to the hypodermis, adaptive glabrous skin thickening (rather than fat pad thickness) may underlie this association. Contrary to previous suggestions, overweight is not associated with decreased plantar cutaneous sensation.
UAV Path Planning for Data Ferrying with Communication Constraints

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been used in many surveillance and remote sensing applications due to their capabilities of flying over large areas with sensing devices. The sensed data such as weather information or surveillance footage is usually very time sensitive, and the mission will be successful only if the data could be captured and delivered to processing centers on time. Using the data ferrying mechanism, UAVs could collect sensed data from remote areas and ferry the data to appropriate locations for offloading before the on-board storage spaces are overloaded. The data collection and offloading strategies of UAVs should be carefully determined to ensure the timely delivery of information while saving the travel costs. This paper investigates a UAV path planning problem considering realistic data ferrying situations involving data offloading time windows and communication constraints for periodic remote sensing applications. A Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) problem is formulated that finds paths for UAVs with the minimal cost to meet application deadline requirements under time window and communication constraints on data collection and offloading. A genetic algorithm (GA) based approach is designed to solve this problem. Evaluation results on different input parameters show that the proposed approach could produce near-optimal solutions with much faster execution time than the brute-force approach. The scalability of the proposed approach is validated by a major test case with 120 waypoints, in which stabilized near-optimal solutions could be found within 60,000 iterations.
An anatomic classification for heterotopic ossification about the hip.

Abstract Study design Retrospective cohort. Summary of background data Heterotopic ossification (HO) about the hip is a debilitating condition that can occur after fixation for acetabular fractures, total hip replacement, or polytrauma with closed head injuries. No classification exists that informs surgical treatment. Purpose To establish a classification system for HO about the hip by reviewing a consecutive series of HO at a single institution. It was hypothesized that HO about the hip could be grouped into a novel classification scheme based upon the location and involved structures of the hip. Methods Retrospective chart review of single center's case log for HO excision from 2004 to 2018 was performed. Inclusion criteria included all patients undergoing excision of heterotopic bone excision about the hip. Demographic data, pre and post hip range of motion, surgical approach for each surgery, index surgery date and interval to excision are reported as well as presence and location of HO and Brooker classification. Results A total of 36 patients (21 men and 15 women) and 40 hips were identified meeting inclusion criteria. The mean age at the time of the index surgery was 47 (range, 16-77 years). Traumatic injury with fracture (35%) included 9 acetabular fractures (22%), 2 long bone fractures (5%) treated with intramedullary devices, one displaced femoral neck fracture (2%), and one pelvic ring injury (2%). Total hip arthroplasty accounted for 32% of patients. Brooker classification was type 4 (35%), 3 (25%), 2 (23%), 1(17%) which translated to 55% anterior, 48% posterior, 3% medial with respect to location. Average improvement in hip flexion and abduction was 22 and 8°, respectively. Conclusion This study identified discrete locations for heterotopic ossification following hip or acetabulum surgery. Both posterior and anterior structures are implicated in the formation of HO, and this investigation presents a novel classification to guide surgical approach for HO excision based upon location.
On the Functional Relationship Between Fluorescence and Photochemical Yields in Complex Evergreen Needleleaf Canopies

Recent advancements in understanding remotely sensed solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence often suggest a linear relationship with gross primary productivity at large spatial scales. However, the quantum yields of fluorescence and photochemistry are not linearly related, and this relationship is largely driven by irradiance. This raises questions about the mechanistic basis of observed linearity from complex canopies that experience heterogeneous irradiance regimes at subcanopy scales. We present empirical data from two evergreen forest sites that demonstrate a nonlinear relationship between needle‐scale observations of steady‐state fluorescence yield and photochemical yield under ambient irradiance. We show that accounting for subcanopy and diurnal patterns of irradiance can help identify the physiological constraints on needle‐scale fluorescence at 70–80% accuracy. Our findings are placed in the context of how solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence observations from spaceborne sensors relate to diurnal variation in canopy‐scale physiology.
Sensemakr: Sensitivity Analysis Tools for OLS in R and Stata

This paper introduces the package sensemakr for R and Stata, which implements a suite of sensitivity analysis tools for regression models developed in Cinelli and Hazlett (2020a). Given a regression model, sensemakr can compute sensitivity statistics for routine reporting, such as the robustness value, which describes the minimum strength that unobserved confounders need to have to overturn a research conclusion. The package also provides plotting tools that visually demonstrate the sensitivity of point estimates and t-values to hypothetical confounders. Finally, sensemakr implements formal bounds on sensitivity parameters by means of comparison with the explanatory power of observed variables. All these tools are based on the familiar "omitted variable bias" framework, do not require assumptions regarding the functional form of the treatment assignment mechanism nor the distribution of the unobserved confounders, and naturally handle multiple, non-linear confounders. With sensemakr, users can transparently report the sensitivity of their causal inferences to unobserved confounding, thereby enabling a more precise, quantitative debate as to what can be concluded from imperfect observational studies.
The Sacrifice Zones of Carbon Capitalism: Race, Expendability, and Loss and Damage

This chapter examines the numerous forms of “loss and damage” experienced by poor and racialized communities who reside in the sacrifice zones of the fossil fuel-based world economy (carbon capitalism), including displacement, dispossession, and poisoning of land, air, and water. It argues that the Paris Agreement, despite its references to human rights and climate justice, contributes to the structural violence of carbon capitalism by failing to curtail fossil fuel extraction, promoting a variety of highly profitable false solutions to climate change (including the commodification of carbon), and neglecting to require high-emitting, affluent states to provide compensation for the climate change-induced disasters that continue to inflict disproportionate harm on racialized frontline communities all over the world. The Paris Agreement thereby eviscerates the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. It also perpetuates the climate crisis that displaces racialized, climate-vulnerable people, who are then demonized by right-wing authoritarian social movements in the name of national security. These right-wing “populists” deploy racism to create cross-class alliances in support of extractive industries and carbon-intensive models of economic development. The article offers an expansive interpretation of loss and damage that articulates the links among racism, extractivism, and economic inequality in order to promote solidarity among diverse social movements and collective opposition to carbon capitalism.
Anaplastic Sarcoma of the Kidney With Heterologous Ganglioneuroblastic Differentiation: Another DICER1-Associated Tumor

Anaplastic sarcoma of the kidney (ASK) is a rare renal tumor for which less than thirty cases have been described in the literature to date. Diagnosis of ASK is primarily based on histology, which features solid spindle cell neoplastic islands arranged in a fascicular pattern, prominent anaplastic nuclear morphology, brisk mitoses, and multiple multiloculated cysts lined by hobnail epithelium reminiscent of cystic nephroma. Chondroid or rhabdomyocytic differentiation is often present within the sarcoma. It has been recently suggested that this tumor entity belongs to the DICER1 syndrome tumors based on identification of DICER1 mutations. We report on a case of this rare tumor found in a twenty-month-old female. In addition to the typical histologic findings of ASK, this case also displayed heterologous neuroblastic-gangliocytic differentiation, which has not been previously described in the literature. TP53 and BRAF v600E had aberrant immunostaining. Chromosomal microarray and genomic sequencing revealed loss of chromosome 10 p15.3-p11.2 and both somatic and germline DICER1 mutations, consistent with recent research and further supporting the classification of this tumor within the DICER1 syndrome associated tumors.
Confronting legacy lead in soils in the United States: Community-engaged researchers doing undone science

Abstract Community-engaged soil testing projects fill gaps in an environmental regulatory system that does not meet the needs of people facing lead pollution in the United States. Lead has long been recognized as toxic, and soil is one source of lead exposure. However, in the U.S., systematic testing and monitoring of soil lead levels can be described as “undone science”—research in the public interest that is systematically neglected. Interviews with thirty community-engaged soil researchers across the country offer insights into the production and contestation of undone science surrounding soil lead. First, industrial interests resist the adoption of screening levels that offer higher levels of protection and environmental scrutiny. Second, the regulatory system focuses on legal action against identifiable polluters at industrial sites rather than broader actions to protect health. Third, soil testing is generally voluntary and there are deterrents to identifying contaminated soil. Fourth, while government programs for environmental testing are increasingly offloaded to academic researchers, research funding for “routine monitoring” is difficult to obtain. Fifth, straightforward exposure prevention is possible, but it requires funding and maintenance. Finally, the perceived lack of value or invisibility of soil may hinder public pressure on public agencies to direct research towards areas of undone science. Community-engaged researchers are challenging these mechanisms that produce undone science, creating new opportunities to protect health and the environment. The results of this study suggest that learning from community-engaged soil researchers could help to align lead mitigation policies with lived realities.
Whales are Not Cetacean Resources

What we know about whales is sufficient for ascribing to them the analogues of human rights, including the fundamental right to be treated with respect. Once we recognize their possession of this right, it follows that whales are not to be used or exploited by us for the promotion of our ends, however “benign” they may appear. In the case of humans, to refrain from killing them is to discharge only a small part of our total duties. We must also refrain from exploiting them, whether “consumptively” or “nonconsumptively.” Having come as far as we have in our understanding of the moral ties that binds humans and whales, we must now go further in our deeds. Just as whales are not here for us to kill for our purposes, so they are not here for us “to study,” or “to watch,” or “to play with.” The moral task before us is the most difficult. It is to let whales alone.
Metabolism of the Amyloid Precursor-like Protein 2 in MDCK Cells. POLARIZED TRAFFICKING OCCURS INDEPENDENT OF THE CHONDROITIN SULFATE GLYCOSAMINOGLYCAN CHAIN

Abstract Deposition of β-amyloid peptide in senile plaques is a principal neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. β-Amyloid peptide is derived from larger amyloid precursor proteins. Amyloid precursor protein is a member of a family of integral membrane glycoproteins that includes amyloid precursor-like protein (APLP) 1 and 2. Alternatively spliced pre-mRNAs encode several APLP2 isoforms; the APLP2-751 isoform is a substrate for modifications by a chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan (CS GAG) chain, whereas the APLP2-763 isoform does not undergo CS GAG modification. In this report, we have examined the sorting and metabolism of APLP2-751 and APLP2-763 in polarized epithelial Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. We demonstrate that, despite differences in post-translational modifications, both the APLP2-751 proteoglycan and APLP2-763 isoform were targeted and secreted to the basolateral compartment of MDCK cells. We document that the kinetics of intracellular maturation of full-length forms and secretion of soluble derivatives generated from each isoform were indistinguishable. Our results are consistent with the view that, in MDCK cells, the CS GAG chain of APLP2 has little influence on intracellular trafficking and that the principal basolateral targeting determinants are likely to reside in the APLP2 core protein.
Chapter V The cholinergic system in the primate brain: basal forebrain and pontine-tegmental cell groups

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the diffuse, ascending cholinergic projection systems, the basal forebrain, and the mesopontine large-celled cholinergic cell groups. In the Nissl-stained sections, the basal forebrain contains a more or less continuous band of magnocellular neurons that begins rostrally at the level of the septum in a medial position and extends caudally and laterally near the anterior commissure. Along its extent, these magnocellular neurons are found either clustered or scattered. The septum in primates contains relatively few neurons (compared to rodents). In the Nissl-stained sections, the parenchyma consists mainly of glial cells, among which are scattered neurons. The medial septal nucleus (MS) is an ill-defined cluster of magnocellular neurons, along the pial border of the structure. The MS disappears at the level of the descent of the columns of the fornix, which coincides approximately with the decussation of the anterior commissure. At this level, the nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca (nDBB) forms a cluster of neurons in the angle between the mid-line and the olfactory tubercle.
Pinocytosis of Ferritin from the Gut Lumen in Larvae of a Sea Star (Patiria miniata) and a Sea Urchin (Lytechinus pictus). (pinocytosis/ferritin/larval gut/sea star/sea urchin)

Pinocytosis of macromolecules from the gut lumen is demonstrated for the first time in larval stages of invertebrates. Developing sea stars (Patiria miniata) and sea urchins (Lytechinus pictus) were incubated in seawater containing ferritin, which was detected in cell organelles by transmission electron microscopy. Pinocytotic uptake of ferritin by gut cells of Patiria could be detected as soon as the larval mouth opened before the esophagus, stomach and intestine could be distinguished from one another; in contrast, no pinocytosis was detected at the comparable developmental stage (the prism larva) of Lytechinus. Pinocytosis was first detected in developing Lytechinus in pluteus larvae, especially in the stomach and intestine. In gut cells of both kinds of echinoderm larvae, the ferritin progressed rapidly from coated pits at the luminal cell membrane to secondary lysosomes (e.g. this progression took only about 10 min in stomach cells of Patiria larvae). Phagocytosis from the gut lumen was never observed after latex beads or starch granules were fed to larvae of Patiria and Lytechinus. Moreover, there was no evidence of pinocytosis of ferritin or phagocytosis of large particles by epidermal cells of larvae of either species.
Assessment Across Borders: National Perspectives Explain Differences Between Singaporean and US Evaluators

This study suggests that analytical tools to assess writing across genre can be meaningfully used across different countries. However, evaluators' "national perspectives" are likely to impact the assessment of content, particularly as it relates to completing the writing task. We compared Singaporean and American evaluators' assessment of written responses to workplace scenarios, requiring critiquing a superior's ideas. Two responses were collected from upper-level business school students at a major university in the Republic of Singapore: one response prior to and another at the end of a business communication course. Holistic scores of this corpus were used as a basis for selection of a core sample of 468 responses, which Singaporean and US evaluators independently scored on four analytical tools: task, reasoning units, coherence, and error interference. US evaluators gave significantly higher scores on task fulfillment and reasoning units than did Singaporean evaluators, and only the US evaluators found improvement in the post-assessment compared with the pre-assessment. Subsequent textual analyses suggested that these differences stemmed from content preferences we characterize as national perspectives - US evaluators favored an external "proactive" focus based on potential gains, whereas Singaporeans preferred an internal focus based on avoidance of potential losses. This finding has implications for cross-national education, assessment and training.
THE WAY OF THE HEART: DESERT SPIRITUALITY AND CONTEMPORARY MINISTRY By Henri J. M. Nouwen

Ballantine Press originally published this small classic in 1981 with a subtitle of The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, by Henri Nouwen, who has become one of America's foremost voi...
The Relevance of a Human Resources Development Model for Understanding Unemployment Status within Southeast Ohio.

Abstract A systematic random sample of 1,493 adult residents was drawn from a multicounty area in southeast Ohio to test the relevance of a human resources development model for understanding unemployment status. Selected variables were correlated with length of unemployment and discriminant analysis was used to compare socio‐economic characteristics of unemployed and employed heads‐of‐house‐hold. The findings revealed that the variables selected for analysis were very poor predictors of employment status. A combined human resources‐structural perspective is suggested for consideration in regional development efforts implemented within lesser developed regions such as the one under study.
Rural population estimates: an analysis of a large secondary data set.

Purpose Health services research often utilizes secondary data sources such as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Since 2006, the released BRFSS data do not include respondents who live in counties with 10,000 or fewer residents, and the CDC no longer offers the opportunity to access the unrestricted data set. As a result, rural residents can be underrepresented in BRFSS data after 2005. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the potential for bias introduced by rural underestimation. Methods We utilized 6 BRFSS data sets; the 2005 full data and the 2005-2009 restricted data. We estimated population sizes for each survey year, and we compared these estimates to comparable data from the US Census intercensal estimates. We also compared estimates of preventive service utilization (mammography, Pap tests, colorectal cancer screening, and influenza vaccinations) between the two 2005 data versions. Results Rural populations were underrepresented, particularly with the smaller counties excluded. Remote rural residents were the most consistently underrepresented. Preventive service delivery estimates differed between the full and restricted 2005 data versions. Mammography and Pap test estimates tended to be higher in the restricted data, while colorectal cancer screening and influenza vaccinations were similar or inconsistent. These results indicate that restricting by county size introduced bias in these estimates. Conclusions Having quality, nationally representative data is important to study disparities in service delivery. The potential bias introduced by the BRFSS county restriction may result in rural research being less effective for policy recommendations and interventions.
Separation of Calcium Isotopes by Liquid Phase Thermal Diffusion

Significant separation of the isotopes of calcium was obtained by thermogravitational thermal diffusion of an aqueous calcium nitrate solution. A flow of solvent was used to partially offset the large solute-solvent separation effect in the experimental column. Further development of this technique may lead to separation of the isotopes of calcium and of other elements on a practical scale.
Magnetic structure of slow shocks and the associated ion dissipation

The kinetic structure of slow magnetosonic shocks obtained from 1- and 2-D hybrid (fluid electrons, particle ions) simulations is discussed. The magnetic structure of the shock varies considerably with the Mach number. At low Mach numbers, the shock may be laminar with no associated waves, whereas, at high Mach numbers the shock may be unsteady with Alfvenic turbulence in the upstream and the downstream regions. The nature of ion dissipation also varies with the Mach number. At weak laminar shocks, ion dissipation consists of adiabatic heating and reflection of a small number of ions back into the upstream. At stronger shocks, particle scattering by Alfven/ion-cyclotron waves in the upstream contributes to the heating which continues well into the downstream region.
Characterization of Hydrophobic Soils: A Novel Approach Using Mid-Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy:

Previous research has produced conclusive evidence to show that soil hydrophobicity is affected by soil organic matter (SOM) and soil water content (WC). Soil hydrophobicity that responds to WC is a unique form of hydrophobicity called reversible hydrophobicity. The mechanistic processes by which water and SOM interact continue to be a subject of investigation. This article presents a novel application of photoacoustic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) for the investigation of reversibly hydrophobic soils. Photoacoustic FT-IR data show that, in response to hydration, surface molecules on wetted soil particles interacted differently with mid-infrared radiation than surface molecules present on air-dried soil. This can be interpreted as an effect of the reorienting of amphiphilic molecules in response to hydration-driven entropic processes. These results suggest that the photoacoustic FT-IR method can be used to elucidate how SOM and water interact at the molecular scale to drive soil hydrophobicity.
Immunological characterization of the subunits of type A botulinum neurotoxin and different components of its associated proteins

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) constitute a family of seven structurally similar but antigenically distinct proteins produced by different strains of Clostridium botulinum. Type A botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT/A) is produced along with 6 neurotoxin associated proteins (NAPs) including hemagglutinin (Hn-33) through polycistronic expression of a clustered group of genes to form a complex (BoNT/AC). The presence of NAPs enhances the oral toxicity of the neurotoxin significantly. Hn-33 makes up the largest fraction of NAPs in BoNT/AC and strongly protects BoNT/A against proteases of the GI tract. BoNT in its complex form is also used in therapeutic and cosmetic applications to treat several neuromuscular disorders. In this study immunological reactivity of BoNT/A in its purified and complex forms, neurotoxin associated proteins, and Hn-33 have been examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Antibodies raised against the whole complex reacted 60 times better with the complex and 35 times better with Hn-33 and NAPs compared to the purified neurotoxin suggesting stronger immunogenicity of NAPs over that of purified neurotoxin and a higher potential of BoNT/AC and its associated proteins to induce host immune response. This observation also suggests that Hn-33 and other NAPs could potentially be employed as adjuvants for development of vaccines against botulism and could be a good surrogate for botulinum diagnostics. ELISA binding curves of BoNT/AC and BoNT/A with antibodies raised against BoNT/A indicate that BoNT/A in its purified and complex forms induces equal immunogenic response and a 2.5-fold higher immunogenic response compared to BoNT/A light and heavy chains. We have also discovered a new protein, an intimin analog, present within the complex preparation of BoNT/A which shows dramatically high immunoreactivity.
Criminality on the electronic frontier: Corporality and the judicial construction of the hacker

Abstract In this essay, I examine the representation of hackers in popular and, most important, judicial discourse to explore how hackers are defined both popularly and legally in terms of criminality. In tracing out the discourse of ‘computer crime,’ I argue that discourse about hackers’ criminality is focused on issues of the body, addiction and performance. The domain of hackers is generally considered a ‘virtual space,’ a space without bodies. The technology of punishment, however, has it roots firmly established in mechanisms that relate almost exclusively to the body. Even surveillance, which takes the body and the visual as its target is problematized by the notion of virtual space. As a result, hackers, as noncorporeal criminals, have corporeality juridically forced upon them. Crimes, such as trespassing, which occur in virtual space need to be documented in the physical world and attached to bodies. Attaching these crimes to the hackers’ bodies does two things: first, it focuses on acts of posses...
Quantification of thermomechanical conditions for weld solidification cracking

AbstractThis paper presents the quantitative assessment of the thermomechanical conditions of two commonly used laboratory weld solidification cracking tests, the Sigmajig test and the transverse Varestraint test. The local temperature and stress/strain conditions in the vicinity of a weld pool are calculated using the finite element formulations of the heat transfer and continuum solid mechanics, respectively, and are quantitatively related to the welding and testing conditions. The calculated local stresses in the solidification temperature range are able to explain the experimentally observed solidification cracking initiation behaviours under different welding and loading conditions in the Sigmajig test. The local strain conditions in the transverse Varestraint test are related to the testing conditions, particularly to the augmented strains that have been used as an index to measure material susceptibility to solidification cracking. From results obtained using the technique of measurement by means o...