cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Model of Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Chronically Intoxicated Rats

To determine the role of chronic ethanol intoxication on the pathogenesis of pneumococcal pneumonia, male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an ethanol-containing diet for 1 week before intratracheal challenge with type 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae and for 10 days after infection. Control rats were fed the same diet except that ethanol was replaced isocalorically with carbohydrate. Ethanol treatment increased pneumococcal bacteremia, levels of capsular polysaccharide antigenemia, and susceptibility to lethal pneumonia. Once dissemination occurred, ethanol-fed rats failed to eliminate pneumococci from the bloodstream. Ethanol-fed rats demonstrated a defect in late pulmonary clearance of pneumococci that was temporally associated with a significantly higher pneumonia severity index. Pneumonia was characterized by an intense polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, severe edema, and a fibrous exudate. Bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed the heightened inflammatory response in the lungs of ethanol-fed rats, suggesting that chronic ethanol intoxication did not impair polymorphonuclear leukocyte recruitment but may alter their antipneumococcal functions.
General Luce model

We extend the Luce model of discrete choice theory to satisfactorily handle zero-probability choices. The Luce mode struggles to explain choices that are not made. The model requires that if an alternative y is never chosen when x is available, then there is no set of alternatives from which y is chosen with positive probability. In our model, if an alternative y is never chosen when x is available, then we infer that y is dominated by x. While dominated by x, y may still be chosen with positive probability, when grouped with a comparable set of alternatives.
How can we detect when language emerged

Views differ radically as to how deep the roots of language lie in human phylogeny, largely because prior to the development of writing systems, this striking human attribute has to be inferred from indirect proxies preserved in the material record. Here I argue that the most appropriate such archaeological proxies encode the modern human symbolic cognitive system from which language emerges. Throughout the 2.5 million years or more for which an archaeological record has existed, change has been both sporadic and rare-until symbolic objects and behaviors begin to appear, well within the tenure of our highly apomorphic species Homo sapiens. I propose that the biology underwriting our unusual cognitive and linguistic systems was acquired in the major developmental reorganization that gave rise to our anatomically distinctive species around 200,000 years ago in Africa. However, the material record indicates that this new potential lay fallow for around 100,000 years, following which it was released by what was necessarily a behavioral stimulus. By far the best candidate for that stimulus is the spontaneous invention of language, which is plausibly underwritten by a relatively simple mental algorithm, and could readily have spurred symbolic cognitive processes in a feedback process. None of this means that earlier hominid vocal communication systems were not complex, or that extinct hominid species were not highly intelligent. But it does emphasize the qualitative distinctiveness of both modern symbolic cognition and language.
The Electric Power Engineering Handbook - Five Volume Set

The Electric Power Engineering Handbook, Third Edition updates coverage of recent developments and rapid technological growth in crucial aspects of power systems, including protection, dynamics and stability, operation, and control. With contributions from worldwide field leaders—edited by L.L. Grigsby, one of the world’s most respected, accomplished authorities in power engineering—this reference includes chapters on: Nonconventional Power Generation Conventional Power Generation Transmission Systems Distribution Systems Electric Power Utilization Power Quality Power System Analysis and Simulation Power System Transients Power System Planning (Reliability) Power Electronics Power System Protection Power System Dynamics and Stability Power System Operation and Control Content includes a simplified overview of advances in international standards, practices, and technologies, such as small-signal stability and power system oscillations, power system stability controls, and dynamic modeling of power systems. Each book in this popular series supplies a high level of detail and, more importantly, a tutorial style of writing and use of photographs and graphics to help the reader understand the material. This resource will help readers achieve safe, economical, high-quality power delivery in a dynamic and demanding environment. Volumes in the set: K12642 Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution, Third Edition (ISBN: 9781439856284) K12648 Power Systems, Third Edition (ISBN: 9781439856338) K13917 Power System Stability and Control, Third Edition (9781439883204) K12650 Electric Power Substations Engineering, Third Edition (9781439856383) K12643 Electric Power Transformer Engineering, Third Edition (9781439856291)
Oxidative Stress and Vaso-Occlusion in Sickle Cell Disease: Role of Activated Leukocytes and Redox Active Iron.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a disease of oxidative stress. We and others have demonstrated increased oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial cell activation and white blood cell counts in human patients and transgenic murine models of SCD. Leukocytosis in SCD is associated with increases in the incidence of pain crisis, acute chest syndrome, stroke and mortality. We hypothesize that reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from leukocytes and excess redox active iron promote vascular inflammation and vaso-occlusion. Leukocytes were activated in S+S-Antilles sickle mice compared to normal C57BL/6 control mice as measured by the percentage of leukocytes expressing CD11b on their surface in ambient air (25.4% vs. 19.3%, p 2 O 2 than normal mice (p
Decay of neutron-rich Ar-45 and Ar-46

The decay of /sup 45/Ar and the previously unreported decay of /sup 46/Ar have been studied from sources prepared in the /sup 48/Ca(n, 2p,2n)/sup 45/Ar and /sup 48/Ca(n,2pn)/sup 46/Ar reactions. The half-lives of /sup 45/Ar and /sup 46/Ar were measured to be 20.8 and 8.9 sec, respectively. On the basis of results from ..gamma.. spectroscopy levels in /sup 45/K and /sup 46/K are determined. Of 14 ..gamma.. rays observed in the decay of /sup 45/Ar, 13 are placed in a /sup 45/K level scheme. The only ..gamma.. ray observed in /sup 46/Ar decay is one from a 1/sup +/ core state in /sup 46/K at 1944 keV. The systematics of K nuclei are discussed.The /sup 2/0Ne(/sup 3/He, /sup 8/Li) reaction has been used to study the particle-unstable nucleus /sup 15/F. The ground state of /sup 15/F is observed as a broad peak at a mass excess of 16.9 +- 0.2 MeV with a width greater than 900 keV. A well defined narrower peak is observed at a mass excess of 18.088 +- 0.025 MeV and with a width of 240 +- 30 keV. It is shown to be the mirror of the 5/2/sup +/ first excited state of /sup 15/C.more » The analog of the 5/2/sup +/ state was observed in /sup 15/O at E/sub x/ = 12.255 +- 0.013 MeV. This state is shown to proton decay to the T = 1 first excited state of /sup 14/N and to have a width of 135 +- 15 keV.« less
Asymmetric tensioning of circular saws

The most frequently used tensioning methods are hammering and roll tensioning. The effectiveness of hammering depends heavily on the skill of the saw filer. Roll tensioning is a well understood technique that yields increases in some natural frequencies while decreasing others. Thus, an optimal tensioning exists beyond which further rolling buckles the saw into a “dish” shape. This paper introduces a new tensioning method in which the natural frequencies associated with all the saw vibration modes are increased simultaneously. An eccentric hole is introduced into the saw, and a uniform normal pressure is applied to the face of the hole. The natural frequencies increase monotonically with increased pressure, and the magnitude of the shifts increase with the introduction of additional stressed holes. Hole eccentricity affects which natural frequencies are altered most, so the tensioning can be directed towards optimal increases in certain vibration modes. The predicted increases in the natural frequencies associated with the potentially unstable modes are limited only by the restrictions of classical plate theory and loading within unstable modes are limited only by the restrictions of classical plate theory and loading within the elastic limit of the saw.
Surface turbulence intensity as a predictor of extrapolated wind resource to the turbine hub height: method's test at an offshore site

Abstract Originally developed and validated at the Cabauw (Netherlands) topographically flat onshore location, the α–I wind resource extrapolating method was tested at the FINO3 offshore site in the North Sea (Germany). The aim was to prove its validity also when applied over a substantially different environment in terms of surface characteristics and stability conditions. Data from local mast at 30, 80, and 100 m were used, with extrapolations to 80-m and 100-m turbine hub heights accomplished based on 30-m turbulence intensity observations. Trained over a 2-year period (2011–2012), the method was validated on year 2013. Similarly to the onshore application, the method was reliable in extrapolating wind speed to both 80 m and 100 m, with bias within 5%, NRMSE = 0.20 and r = 0.94. Conversely, scores were largely better than at the onshore site in predicting the annual energy yield, biased by 0.41–1.02% at 80 m, and 1.12–1.36% at 100 m. The method proved to be highly sensitive to the stability classification, as not considering this option increased its biases to 4.51–5.93% at 80 m, and 7.46–8.23% at 100 m. Method's reliability might suitably help reduce the number of masts installed throughout a large offshore area.
The fuzzy integral for missing data

Numerous applications in engineering are plagued by incomplete data. The subject explored in this article is how to extend the fuzzy integral (FI), a parametric nonlinear aggregation function, to missing data. We show there is no universally correct solution. Depending on context, different types of uncertainty are present and assumptions are applicable. Two major approaches exist, use just observed data or model/impute missing data. Three extensions are put forth with respect to just use observed data and a two step process, modeling/imputation and FI extension, is proposed for using missing data. In addition, an algorithm is proposed for learning the FI relative to missing data. The impact of using and not using modeled/imputed data relative to different aggregation operators-selections of underlying fuzzy measure (capacity)-are also discussed. Last, a case study and data-driven learning experiment are provided to demonstrate the behavior and range of the proposed concepts.
Effects of combination of anti-stathmin therapy and chemotherapy on prostate tumor growth in vivo

2382 Stathmin, a microtubule-destabilizing factor, is expressed at high levels in prostate cancer (PC). We had previously shown that stathmin inhibition interferes with the proliferation of PC cells. Here, we investigated the effects of anti-stathmin therapy in combination with taxol and/or etoposide in mouse models of human PC. We used a bicistronic adenoviral (Ad) vector that coexpresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) and a ribozyme (Rz) that targets human stathmin mRNA. Twenty-seven animals were injected subcutaneously at four different sites, each with 5x10 6 LNCaP cells/site. We initiated treatment after the mice developed tumors of 0.4-0.5 cm in size. Mice bearing established LNCaP xenografts were divided into 9 groups of 3 mice each. Group I was injected with PBS alone. Groups 2, 3, 4 & 5 were injected with control Ad.GFP (1x10 8 vp/injection). At the same time, taxol (10 mg/kg/injection), etoposide (5 mg/kg/injection) & taxol + etoposide (at indicated doses) was co-administered in groups 3, 4 & 5 respectively. Similarly, groups 6, 7, 8 & 9 were injected with Ad.Rz.GFP (1x10 8 vp/injection) anti-stathmin adenovirus. Groups 7, 8 & 9 were also given taxol, etoposide & taxol + etoposide respectively at the same doses. The adenovirus & the drugs were administered at subtherapeutic doses that were selected based on dose response experiments. All drugs were injected i.p. & the adenoviruses were injected intratumorally once a week for a total of 3 injections. Changes in tumor growth were monitored in the different groups for another 6-8 weeks. Tumors in animals injected with PBS (group 1) or the control Ad.GFP (group 2) continued to grow & reach larger sizes. The growth of the tumors in animals treated with drugs alone (groups 3-5) or Ad.Rz.GFP alone (group 6) was modestly slowed down compared to control groups. However, the rate of tumor growth in animals treated with Ad.Rz.GFP was markedly slower than animals treated with drugs alone. When animals were treated with a combination of anti-stathmin therapy & taxol (group 7), complete regression was observed in 60% of the tumors, partial (≥ 40%) regression in 20% of the tumors & 20% of the tumors were stabilized. Similarly, animals treated with a combination of anti-stathmin therapy & etoposide (group 8) showed complete regression in 44% of the tumors, partial regression in 22% of the tumors & 33% of the tumors were stabilized. Interestingly, when mice were treated with combination of anti-stathmin therapy, taxol & etoposide (group 9), complete regression was achieved in nearly 100% of the tumors. Although inhibition of tumor growth was significantly greater in all 3 combination treatment groups compared to groups treated with single agent alone, combination of anti-stathmin therapy, taxol & etoposide had the most profound inhibition of tumorigenicity. These findings are highly relevant for the treatment of PC since taxol & etoposide are two of the most active agents in PC.
Human Capital of Misconduct in the U.S. Securities Industry

When misconduct is committed by an organization or by its members in the course of working for the organization, there is often a debate about whether it resulted from the actions of a few rogue me...
Thermomechanical Characterization of Shape Memory Alloy Materials

Having introduced the fundamentals of shape memory alloy behavior, the characterization of SMA materials is discussed here. Such a discussion fosters a better understanding of the thermomechanical constitutive response of SMAs. Furthermore, proper determination of required material properties is necessary for the development of comprehensive and accurate SMA material models. Finally, it is perhaps the most important step in the practical implementation of SMAs. Whatever methodology one uses to design a given SMA application, a quantitative evaluation of key material properties is required.
Race and Stratification in College Enrollment over Time.

We measure college enrollment selectivity gaps by race-ethnicity using a novel method that is sensitive to both the level (2- vs. 4-year) and selectivity of the college in which students enroll. We...
Positive parenting behaviors in women who spontaneously quit smoking during pregnancy: Clues to putative targets for preventive interventions

Abstract Background While the majority of pregnant smokers do not respond to intervention, little is known about how a subset of pregnant smokers known as spontaneous quitters achieve sustained biologically-confirmed abstinence through delivery in the absence of intervention. We explore a developmental framework to address this question by viewing spontaneous quitting as an adaptive parenting behavior, facilitated by abilities necessary for sensitive parenting, or responsiveness. Utilizing existing data, we examined responsiveness from parenting assessments in women who exhibited a variety of smoking patterns during pregnancy, including spontaneous quitting. Methods Participants were N = 305 pregnant women assessed for smoking prospectively and biochemically at 16 weeks, 28 weeks, delivery, and 4 weeks postpartum, then reassessed with their children 5 years later with directly-observed home- and lab-based measures of parenting. We used linear regression analysis to compare spontaneous quitters with women who exhibited other prenatal smoking patterns on parenting responsiveness, controlling for potential confounders. Results In home-based observations, spontaneous quitters (n = 22) exhibited greater responsiveness with their children relative to intermittent pregnancy smokers [n = 70; β = 0.258, p = .022]; persistent pregnancy smokers [n = 66; β = 0.228, p = .040]; former smokers (quit before pregnancy) [n = 78; β = 266, p = .028]; and never smokers [n = 69; β = 0.312, p = .009]. Hypothesized differences were not observed in lab-based and self-report measures. Conclusions Putative protective characteristics in spontaneous quitters were captured in mother-child interactions at home, but not in lab-based and maternal report measures of responsiveness. Specification of these characteristics using prospective designs that oversample for spontaneous quitters is recommended to enable translation to preventive interventions.
Converging functional and anatomical evidence for novel brainstem respiratory compartments in the rat.

Central nervous system circuits controlling respiratory motoneurons have usually been divided into a dorsal medullary respiratory group—associated with portions of the nucleus of the solitary tract, a ventrolateral medullary respiratory group—mostly ventral to the motoneurons of nucleus ambiguus, and a pontine respiratory group—associated with portions of the parabrachial nuclear complex. When visualized via retrograde labeling of neurons from injections within the ventrolateral medulla (Fig. 1 A), the labeled aggregates of respiratory-related neurons in the pons and medulla appear to form a practically continuous column of cells. These are concentrated in lateral brainstem areas stretching from the caudal mesencephalon, through the pons and medulla1—4. This pattern of labeling highlights the rostrocaudal columnar organization of respiratory neurons that integrates respiratory control across the entire extent of the rhombencephalon. A second organizational theme is represented by a rostrocaudal segmentation of respiratory neurons within this column into functional compartments (Fig. 1B).
A national survey evaluating obstetric providers' attitudes and regional trends of trial of labor after cesarean.

Objective: To evaluate trends amongst residency programs offering trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC).Methods: An electronic survey was sent to Program Directors of every obstetrics and ...
Low-Temperature Wafer Bonding for Three-Dimensional Wafer-Scale Integration

In this paper, we report a low-temperature wafer-to-wafer fusion bonding process whose maximum processing temperature is 300C and can potentially be further reduced to 250C. This low-temperature process would enhance the compatibility of the three-dimensional wafer-scale integration technology with the devices and with the temporary adhesive materials that might suffer from high-temperature FBEOL processes. Preliminary experiments are done with blanket 300mm wafers, and characterization results from SAM imaging and mechanical shear test are reported to evaluate the feasibility of the low-temperature fusion bonding process.
Teaching Social Responsibility: Conflict Minerals Module for a Circuits Class

In an entry-level Electrical Circuits course, we designed a module to help students consider the social and ethical implications of electrical engineering. Such implications are particularly evident when we consider the origin of materials that electrical engineers use, the products that they develop, and the lifecycle of those products. However, technically-focused classes in electrical engineering often neglect to address any of these issues. Engaging with issues related to social context can seem disconnected from technical course content. Integrating such material challenges students to engage with more than technical content and requires faculty to develop appropriate course content and devote precious class time to these themes. In this paper, we describe a module that introduces conflict minerals in electrical components, designed to integrate technical and social content in ways that enhance student learning. This module included homework, in-class presentations, and discussions that spanned two class periods. We also describe student response to this module and lessons learned by the instructors.
The Impact of Sleep on Disability and School Functioning: Results From a Tertiary Pediatric Headache Center:

Pediatric headache patients often experience significant sleep disturbance, which may be a risk factor for poor physical, academic, and emotional functioning, including increased anxiety/fear. The ...
Technologies to Facilitate Communication, Social Skill Development, Diagnostic Reporting, and Learning

This chapter describes ways computerized tools are used to teach a variety of functional, social, and communicative skills. Video-modeling, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices, Robotics, Virtual Reality, Telepractice & Teletherapy, and Video Games will be discussed. Findings from the literature on these forms of technology, their uses, limitations, and applications will be discussed in order to explain their benefits in ASD. A variety of different forms of technology have been applied to the problems faced by learners with ASD, and six of these will be discussed. Several of these can be considered assistive-technologies, because they can be used to help a learner access an instructional environment, its resources, and its curriculum. In addition, technology tools can provide organizational support, present instruction visually, aid communication, provide a consistent presentation with fewer distractions, provide immediate feedback and structure, promote positive behavior, and create opportunities for social interaction.
College and Career Readiness Groups for Gifted Black Students with Disabilities

Current literature on gifted Black students with disabilities is growing but still limited in regards to specific college and career readiness needs of these students. This article discusses the un...
Non-Hermitian Dynamics Mimicked by a Fully Parametric Hybrid Nonlinear Optical System

We demonstrate that hybridization of OPA and idler SHG produces desirable nonlinear dynamics equivalent to OPA with idler loss, despite being a fully conservative system. Both systems take the form of a damped Duffing oscillator.
Counterclockwise Rotation of the Maxillomandibular Complex for the Correction of Dentofacial Deformities and Sleep Apnea

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) commonly have a retruded maxilla and mandible and a high occlusal plane angle (HOP) facial morphology creating a decrease in the oropharyngeal airway resulting in OSA. The focus of this chapter is on the HOP facial morphology; clinical, radiographic, and occlusal diagnostic characteristics; treatment protocols; and outcomes for surgical counterclockwise rotation (CCWR) of the maxillomandibular complex. Common temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathologies are presented that can be contributory to the development of OSA as well as postsurgical relapse if the orthognathic surgery is performed and the TMJ pathology ignored. Treatment protocols are presented to address the jaw deformity requiring CCWR of the maxillomandibular complex as well as management protocols for coexisting TMJ pathologies in order to provide highly predictable outcomes.
Sketch-based Algorithms for Approximate Shortest Paths in Road Networks

Constructing efficient data structures (distance oracles) for fast computation of shortest paths and other connectivity measures in graphs has been a promising area of study in computer science [23, 24, 28]. In this paper, we propose very efficient algorithms, based on a distance oracle, for computing approximate shortest paths and alternate paths in road networks. Specifically, we adopt a distance oracle construction that exploits the existence of small separators in such networks. In other words, the existence of a small cut in a graph admits a partitioning of the graph into balanced components with a small number of inter-component edges. We demonstrate the efficacy of our algorithm by using it to find near optimal shortest paths and show that it also has the desired properties of well-studied goal-oriented path search algorithms such as ALT [12]. We further demonstrate the use of our distance oracle to produce multiple alternative routes in addition to the shortest path. Finally, we empirically demonstrate that our method, while exploring few edges, produces high quality alternates with respect to metrics such as optimality-loss and diversity of paths.
Single-stage long-segment tracheal transplantation

Tracheal transplantation has been envisioned as a viable option for reconstruction of long-segment tracheal defects. We report the first human single-stage long-segment tracheal transplantation. Narrow-band imaging and bronchoscopic biopsies demonstrate allograft vascularization and viable epithelial lining. The recipient was immunosuppressed with Tacrolimus, Mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids. Six months after transplantation, the trachea is both functional and the patient is breathing without the need of a tracheostomy or stent.
Shallow-Water Species Diversity of Common Intertidal Zoantharians (Cnidaria: Hexacorallia: Zoantharia) along the Northeastern Coast of Trinidad, Southern Caribbean

Zoantharians are colonial cnidarians commonly found in shallow tropical Caribbean coral reefs, and are known to be globally distributed. Common species in genera Zoanthus and Palythoa occur at Toco, Trinidad, where they are more abundant than their Scleractinia counterparts relative to benthic coverage. In this study, distribution, morphological and molecular data were collected to determine species and symbiont identification to provide more insight on zoantharians. The Line Intercept Point (LIT) transect method recorded coverage at three sites: Salybia (SB), Pequelle (PB), and Grande L’Anse (GA) Bays along the northeastern coast. Variations in morphology, such as tentacle count, oral disk color and diameter were collected from colonies in situ. All specimens were zooxanthellate, and molecular and phylogenetic analyses were done by sequencing the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for species and symbiont identification, respectively. Results showed mean Zoantharia percentage cover was 32.4% ± 5.1 (X ± SE) at SB, 51.3% ± 6.5 (PB), and 72.2% ± 6.1 at GA. Zooxanthellate zoantharians were identified as Palythoa caribaeorum, Palythoa grandiflora, Zoanthus pulchellus, and Zoanthus sociatus. Symbiodiniaceae genera were identified as Cladocopium and Symbiodinium in Palythoa and Zoanthus spp., respectively. Although this is the first molecular examination of zoantharians, and their symbionts in Trinidad, more research is needed to identify and document species distribution and symbiont biodiversity to understand their ecology in these dynamic ecosystems.
Comparative Analysis of Depreciation in the Common Market: United Kingdom

This article is a part of European Taxation’s continuing study of fiscal depreciation in the European economic community and focuses on the United Kingdom. It incorporates changes made by the Finance Act of 1972. There are eight categories of capital expenditure for which depreciation, or capital allowances, are allowed and taken into account for income tax purposes. These categories include industrial buildings; plants and machinery; mines, oil wells, and other natural mineral deposits of a wasting nature; dredging; agricultural and forestry buildings; scientific research; patents; and know-how. While there is considerable variation in the rules that apply to each category, the general effect is the same: the capital expenditure incurred for the acquisition of an asset, minus any amount received from its disposition, must be deducted from income over a period of time which varies for each category. While there is no statutory definition for a capital expenditure, the frequently cited test for distinguishing a capital expenditure from a non-capital expenditure is “when an expenditure is made, not only once and for all, but with a view to bringing into existence an asset or an advantage for the enduring benefit of a trade . . . there is very good reason . . . for treating such expenditure as . . . [a capital expenditure].” Other cases illustrate that even this rule cannot be taken too literally and whether or not something is a capital expenditure is a fact-specific inquiry to be decided in light of the particular circumstances. This article describes the terms basic to depreciation such as: annual depreciation deduction; initial allowance; first year allowance; unallowed expenditure; balancing allowance; and balancing charge. The body of the article then examines the eight categories of capital expenditures mentioned above, and goes into detail about what qualifies for each category and rules specific to each of the categories, with examples.
An improved assay to measure the phospholipid transfer activity of microsomal triglyceride transport protein.

Abstract Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) is essential for the assembly and secretion of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins. MTP transfers diverse lipids such as triacylglycerol (TAG) and phospholipids (PLs) between vesicles in vitro. Previously, we described methods to measure these transfer activities using N-7-nitro-2-1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl (NBD)-labeled lipids. The NBD-TAG transfer assay is sensitive and can measure MTP activity in cell and tissue homogenates. In contrast, the NBD-PL transfer assay shows high background and is less sensitive; therefore, purified MTP is required to measure its PL transfer activity. Here, we optimized the assay to measure also the PL transfer activity of MTP in cell and tissue homogenates. We found that donor vesicles containing dioleoylphosphoethanolamine and palmitoyloleoylphosphoethanolamine result in a low background signal and are suitable to assay the PL transfer activity of MTP. This assay was capable of measuring protein-dependent and substrate-dependent saturation kinetics. Furthermore, the MTP inhibitor lomitapide blocked this transfer activity. One drawback of the PL transfer assay is that it is less sensitive at physiological temperature than at room temperature, and it requires longer incubation times than the TAG transfer assay. Nevertheless, this significantly improved sensitive assay is simple and easy to perform, involves few steps, can be conducted at room temperature, and is suitable for high-throughput screening to identify inhibitors. This assay can be adapted to measure other PL transfer proteins and to address biological and physiological importance of these activities.
Defining the happiness gap—Response.

![Figure][1] Are conservatives happier than liberals? PHOTO: © MODE IMAGES / ALAMY In our analyses of more than 6000 political liberals and conservatives, we found that conservatives reported greater life satisfaction than liberals, but that liberals displayed more frequent, more intense,
“Scientific” History and Traditional History

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the scientific and technological discoveries that were radically transforming the mode of production and altering long-established habits of life. The industrial revolution was the gift for practical men who saw how to transform these discoveries into new methods of production. In that incredible burst of inventive activity and entrepreneurship that did so much to transform the nations of Europe and North America, it seemed as if science had no bounds. It was quite natural that those who pondered the nature of human affairs should have been deeply impressed by the transformation that resulted from the applications of science to production. History was also deeply influenced by the natural sciences, but the lines of influence were complex and contradictory. To some historians being scientific meant being objective and objectivity required a rejection of conceptions of history that emanated from moral philosophy.
SU-E-T-610: Phosphor-Based Fiber Optic Probes for Proton Beam Characterization

Purpose: To investigate feasibility of using fiber optics probes with rare-earth-based phosphor tips for proton beam radiation dosimetry. We designed and fabricated a fiber probe with submillimeter resolution (<0.5 mm3) based on TbF3 phosphors and evaluated its performance for measurement of proton beam including profiles and range. Methods: The fiber optic probe with TbF3 phosphor tip, embedded in tissue-mimicking phantoms was irradiated with double scattering proton beam with energy of 180 MeV. Luminescence spectroscopy was performed by a CCD-coupled spectrograph to analyze the emission spectra of the fiber tip. In order to measure the spatial beam profile and percentage depth dose, we used singular value decomposition method to spectrally separate the phosphors ionoluminescence signal from the background Cerenkov radiation signal. Results: The spectra of the TbF3 fiber probe showed characteristic ionoluminescence emission peaks at 489, 542, 586, and 620 nm. By using singular value decomposition we found the contribution of the ionoluminescence signal to measure the percentage depth dose in phantoms and compared that with measurements performed with ion chamber. We observed quenching effect at the spread out Bragg peak region, manifested as under-responding of the signal, due to the high LET of the beam. However, the beam profiles were not dramatically affected by the quenching effect. Conclusion: We have evaluated the performance of a fiber optic probe with submillimeter resolution for proton beam dosimetry. We demonstrated feasibility of spectral separation of the Cerenkov radiation from the collected signal. Such fiber probes can be used for measurements of proton beams profile and range. The experimental apparatus and spectroscopy method developed in this work provide a robust platform for characterization of proton-irradiated nanophosphor particles for ultralow fluence photodynamic therapy or molecular imaging applications.
From Professional Judgement to Audit Professionalism in a Global Economy

In an increasingly globalised economy, the quality and professionalism of a business is becoming more important than ever before. The audit profession is no exception. This paper examines audit professionalism, its trend and its relationship with professional judgement. It is discovered that there is a contradiction between the commercial logic and the professional logic in the audit practice. This article argues that the key to bring a balance to this contradiction is professional judgement.
Topological protection, disorder, and interactions: Survival at the surface of three-dimensional topological superconductors

We consider the interplay of disorder and interactions upon the gapless surface states of 3D topological superconductors. The combination of topology and superconducting order inverts the action of time-reversal symmetry, so that extrinsic time-reversal invariant surface perturbations appear only as “pseudomagnetic” fields (Abelian and non-Abelian vector potentials, which couple to spin and valley currents). The main effect of disorder is to induce multifractal scaling in surface state wave functions. These critically delocalized, yet strongly inhomogeneous states renormalize interaction matrix elements relative to the clean system. We compute the enhancement or suppression of interaction scaling dimensions due to the disorder exactly, using conformal field theory. We determine the conditions under which interactions remain irrelevant in the presence of disorder for symmetry classes AIII and DIII. In the limit of large topological winding numbers (many surface valleys), we show that the effective field theory takes the form of a Finkel’stein nonlinear sigma model, augmented by the Wess-Zumino-Novikov-Witten term. The sigma model incorporates interaction effects to all orders and provides a framework for a controlled perturbative expansion; the inverse spin or thermal conductance is the small parameter. For class DIII, we show that interactions are always irrelevant, while in class AIII, there is a finite window of stability, controlled by the disorder. Outside of this window, we identify new interaction-stabilized fixed points.
Geodynamics: progress, problems, and prospects

The development of geotectonic theory has been relatively rapid in recent years, culminating with the plate tectonics theory. Although many of the basic data and ideas which support this theory have been gathered patiently over the preceding half-century, recent advances in our knowledge of the structure and geophysics of ocean basins clearly have contributed to the accelerated evolution of geotectonic thought. The plate tectonics theory has elegantly simple basic principles, and is currently the most satisfactory and widely accepted tectonic theory. It postulates that the major zones of deformation of the Earth's crust are located at the margins of large plates of the lithosphere, which are in motion relative to each other. The geometry of motion is fairly simple, and allows geophysical predictions which can be tested. Although a great variety of geological and geophysical observations can be related through this theory, many enigma in geodynamics remain. Accepting, therefore, the plate tectonics theory in principle, the writer isolates some enigmatic geological and geophysical problems which require further study. Some such areas in South America are especially mentioned. which are of great interest to geodynamics in general.
Competitive sports participation in high school and subsequent substance use in young adulthood: Assessing differences based on level of contact

The objective of this analysis is to examine how participation in different types of competitive sports (based on level of contact) during high school is associated with substance use 1 to 4 years after the 12th grade. The analysis uses nationally representative samples of 12th graders from the Monitoring the Future Study who were followed 1 to 4 years after the 12th grade. The longitudinal sample consisted of 970 12th graders from six recent cohorts (2006-2011). The analyses found that respondents who participated in at least one competitive sport during the 12th grade had greater odds of binge drinking during the past two weeks (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.43, 2.90) 1 to 4 years after the 12th grade, when compared to their peers who did not participate in sports during their 12th grade year. Moreover, respondents who participated in high-contact sports (i.e., football, ice hockey, lacrosse, and wrestling) had greater odds of binge drinking (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.18, 2.72) and engaging in marijuana use during the past 30 days (AOR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.12, 2.93) 1 to 4 years after the 12th grade when compared to their peers who did not participate in these types of sports during their 12th grade year. Accordingly, the findings indicate important distinctions in sport participation experiences on long-term substance use risk that can help inform potential interventions among young athletes.
The Empirical Calibration and Testing of a Simulation Model of Residential Location

This paper summarizes the results obtained from the empirical calibration of a model of residential location proposed in a previous paper. The model is compared with the short-run versions of two other models of residential location based on the microeconomic theory of locational behavior (the Herbert—Stevens model and the Senior—Wilson model). The empirical results and the testing of the rent-adjustment mechanism are discussed.
Unconventional diets for dogs and cats

Food plays a far more complex role in daily life than simply serving as sustenance. Social and cultural factors along with individual beliefs govern people's eating behaviors, and it is likely that these same factors influence their choice of diet and feeding practices for their pets. Some people seek alternatives to conventional commercial pet foods, including commercially available "natural" diets, raw food diets, and vegetarian diets, in addition to a variety of home-prepared diets. Exploring a person's knowledge and beliefs about feeding pets can aid in understanding her or his motives for seeking alternative and may help in changing those practices when it is in the best interest of the pet to do so.
Effect of organic matter source and salinity on dissolved organic matter isolation via ultrafiltration and solid phase extraction

In this study, samples were taken from three contrasting freshwater sources and amended with salt in order to determine the influence of salinity and dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition on DOM recovery via ultrafiltration and solid phase extraction (SPE) with C18 disks. Salt addition caused variable recovery of DOM when using C18 SPE, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopic characterization of the extracted material showed spectral responses that varied among sample sources. In contrast, increasing sample salinity from 0 to 30 ppt consistently caused a 15–25% reduction in the amount of high molecular weight DOM isolated by ultrafiltration for both dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and chromophoric DOM (CDOM), regardless of DOM composition. We hypothesize that a change in conformation (such as coiling or disaggregation) of DOM molecules occurs in the presence of salt, allowing them to pass through the ultrafiltration membrane and thereby decreasing the DOM retained by ultrafiltration. These results are important because they demonstrate that changes in salinity can influence DOM recovery in estuaries. Interpretation of DOM characteristics along estuarine gradients needs to account for potential artifacts introduced by sample isolation techniques.
Sequence Analysis of Duplicated Actin Genes in Lagenidium Giganteum and Pythium Irregulare (Oomycota)

Southern analysis of genomic DNA identified multiple-copy actin gene families in Lagenidium giganteum and Pythium irregulare (Oomycota). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols were used to amplify members of these actin gene families. Sequence analysis of genomic coding regions demonstrated five unique actin sequences in L. giganteum (Lg-Ac1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and four unique actin sequences in P. irregulare (Pi-Ac1, 2, 3, 4); none were interrupted by introns. Maximum parsimony analysis of the coding regions demonstrated a close phylogenetic relationship between oomycetes and the chromophyte alga Costaria costata. Three types of actin coding regions were identified in the chromophyte/oomycete lineage. The type 1 actin is the single-copy coding region found in C. costata. The type 2 and type 3 actins are found in the oomycetes and are the result of a gene duplication which occurred soon after the divergence of the oomycetes from the chromophyte algae. The type 2 coding regions are the single-copy sequence of Phytophthora megasperma, the Phytophthora infestans actB gene, Lg-Ac5 and Pi-Ac2. The type 3 coding regions are the single-copy sequence of Achlya bisexualis, the P. infestans actA gene, Lg-Ac1, 2, 3, 4 and Pi-Ac1, 3, 4.
Can off-the-shelf object detectors be used to extract geographic information from geo-referenced social multimedia?

On-line photo sharing websites such as Flickr not only allow users to share their precious memories with others, they also act as a repository of all kinds of information carried by their photos and tags. The objective of this work is to perform geographic knowledge discovery by crowdsourcing of geographic information from Flickr's geo-referenced photo collections. In particular, we explore the idea of extracting geographic information semantically for land-use classification by applying state-of-the art object and concept detectors directly to the photo collections. Our results suggest that even though the detectors are able to produce distinctive spatial distributions of different objects, performing land-use classification using user contributed geo-referenced photos remains a challenging problem due to the wide variety of photos available in the collections.
The RootScope: a simple high-throughput screening system for quantitating gene expression dynamics in plant roots

High temperature stress responses are vital for plant survival. The mechanisms that plants use to sense high temperatures are only partially understood and involve multiple sensing and signaling pathways. Here we describe the development of the RootScope, an automated microscopy system for quantitating heat shock responses in plant roots. The promoter of Hsp17.6 was used to build a Hsp17.6p:GFP transcriptional reporter that is induced by heat shock in Arabidopsis. An automated fluorescence microscopy system which enables multiple roots to be imaged in rapid succession was used to quantitate Hsp17.6p:GFP response dynamics. Hsp17.6p:GFP signal increased with temperature increases from 28°C to 37°C. At 40°C the kinetics and localization of the response are markedly different from those at 37°C. This suggests that different mechanisms mediate heat shock responses above and below 37°C. Finally, we demonstrate that Hsp17.6p:GFP expression exhibits wave like dynamics in growing roots. The RootScope system is a simple and powerful platform for investigating the heat shock response in plants.
Effects of Polarizability on the Adsorption of Noble Gases at Low Pressures in Monohalogenated Isoreticular Metal–Organic Frameworks

A systematic investigation of the effects of linker polarizability on the adsorption properties of weakly interacting gases (N2, Ar, Kr, and Xe) is reported. Experimental and simulated adsorption properties were measured for a complete isoreticular series of monohalogenated metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Variations on IRMOF-2, in which one linker hydrogen is replaced with −F, −Cl, −Br, or −I, comprise the series. Both experimental and simulated results indicate that increasing linker polarizability correlates with increased gas uptake. Evidence of increased adsorbate interaction with increased linker polarizability is also observed in the Kr/N2, Xe/N2, and Xe/Kr selectivity data and in isosteric heats of adsorption. Unexpectedly, comparison between simulated and experimental isotherms reveals that the agreement between the two improves with the size of the adsorbate, with essentially identical results for Xe. This is apparently due to the creation of regions inaccessible to any of the noble gases as a r...
PENDULUM MOTION— THE VALUE OF MULTIPLE SOLUTION METHODS*

ABSTRACT This article presents a detailed description of an in-depth calculus project which is explored by the students from a variety of viewpoints. The problem under consideration is the determination of a relationship between the length of a pendulum and the period of its oscillatory motion. The students investigate this relationship in three different ways: a numerical solution of the initial value problem for pendulum motion, an analytic solution of the corresponding linearized initial value problem, and empirical measurements of actual pendulum motion. The combination of these three different approaches leads to far deeper understanding than would be achieved by any one of the methods alone. The basic project design was conceived by David Smith and Lawrence Moore of Duke University for use in their revised calculus program Project CALC. In this article we will consider the Mathematica version of the project, adapted for this platform by the current author. * Based on a presentation given at the Conf...