cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Sterol Substitution in Plasma Membrane of Host Cell upon Internalization of Yersinia Pseudotuberculosis

Cholesterol is a major component of mammalian plasma membrane, and can participate in the formation of ordered membrane domains (lipid rafts). To investigate its functional role, it can be substituted with various sterols having different chemical structures and varying abilities to support or inhibit ordered domains formation by incubating cells with sterol-loaded methyl β cyclodextrins. We recently used this technique to investigate the role of sterol properties upon endocytosis of proteins. Several sterols could support endocytosis. It was found that a sterol having both raft-promoting abilities and a 3β-OH group in its structure is necessary and sufficient for that sterol to support endocytosis. These studies have been extended by investigating the effect of sterol substitution upon entry of a bacterial pathogen into host cells. Entry of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis into the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was measured. Thirteen different sterols/steroids were substituted for cholesterol. In all cases, a similar level of Y. pseudotuberculosis attachment to cells was obtained. However, other than cholesterol, only desmosterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol could support Y. pseudotuberculosis internalization. The sterols are the immediate precursors of cholesterol, and thus are very similar to cholesterol in structure. Thus, it appears that Y. pseudotuberculosis internalization into host cells needs more specific property of the sterol than the endocytosis. Whether this sterol specificity reflects a requirement for active bacterial invasion or passive endocytosis by the host cells is being studied with Y. pseudotuberculosis mutants lacking one or more surface adhesins.
Expansive Openness in Teacher Practice

Background/ContextPrevious work on the use of open educational resources in K–12 classrooms has generally focused on issues related to cost. The current study takes a more expansive view of opennes...
On results using automated wideband instrumentation for radar measurements and characterization

Experiences are shared from a recent radar measurement and characterization effort. A regimented data collection procedure ensures repeatability and provides an expedited alternative to typical narrowband capabilities. Commercially-available instrumentation is repurposed to support wideband data collections spanning a contiguous range of frequencies from 700 MHz to 40 GHz. Utilizing a 4-port network analyzer, both monostatic and quasi-monostatic measurements are achievable. Polarization is varied by way of a custom-designed antenna mount that allows for the mechanical reorientation of the antennas. Computational electromagnetic modeling is briefly introduced and serves in validating the legitimacy of the collection capability. Data products presented will include high-range resolution profiles and inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imagery.
How to achieve patient-centered testing: role of the protocol nurse

Introduction Patient-centered cardiac testing is predicated on choosing the right test for the right patient. We studied the effects of changing from script-driven scheduling to nurse-driven protocoling of stress tests.
Probing the top squark sector of the MSSM with the Higgs boson at the CERN LHC

We propose using the lightest $CP$-even Higgs boson in the minimal supersymmetric standard model to probe the stop sector. Unlike measuring stop masses in production/decay processes which requires knowledge of masses and mixing angles of other superparticles, our strategy depends little on supersymmetric parameters other than those in the stop sector in a large region of the parameter space. We show that measurements of the Higgs mass and the production rate in the gluon fusion channel, the dominant channel at the CERN LHC, allow for determination of two parameters in the stop mass-squared matrix, including the off-diagonal mixing term. This proposal is very effective when stops are light and their mixing is large, which coincides with the region where the electroweak symmetry breaking is minimally fine-tuned. We also argue that a lightest $CP$-even Higgs mass in the upper range of allowed values and a production rate significantly smaller than the rate predicted in the standard model would be difficult to reconcile within the minimal supersymmetric standard model, except in extreme corners of the parameter space.
Synthesis and Isomeric Characterization of Well-Defined 8-Shaped Polystyrene Using Anionic Polymerization, Silicon Chloride Linking Chemistry, and Metathesis Ring Closure

A methodology to efficiently synthesize well-defined, 8-shaped polystyrene using anionic polymerization, silicon chloride linking chemistry, and metathesis ring closure has been developed, and the 8-shaped architecture was ascertained using the fragmentation pattern of the corresponding Ag+ adduct, acquired with tandem mass spectrometry. The 4-arm star precursor, 4-star-α-4-pentenylpolystyrene, was formed by linking α-4-pentenylpoly(styryl)lithium (PSLi) with 1,2-bis(methyldichlorosilyl)ethane and reacting the excess PSLi with 1,2-epoxybutane to facilitate purification. Ring closure of 4-star-α-4-pentenylpolystyrene was carried out in dichloromethane under mild conditions using a Grubbs metathesis catalyst, bis(tricyclohexylphosphine)benzylidine ruthenium(IV) chloride. Both the 4-arm star precursor and resulting 8-shaped polystyrene were characterized using SEC, NMR, and MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry (MS). Tandem mass spectrometry (MS2) was used for the first time to study the fragmentation pattern of 8-sha...
Challenges in predicting steam-side pressure drop and heat transfer in air-cooled power plant condensers

Abstract Conventional power plant condensers operate at unsustainably high cooling water consumption rates (2–28 m3 MW h−1). Dry air-cooled condensers (ACCs) can enable reduced water consumption in power plants. However, ACCs are rarely employed because of the substantial decreases in condenser performance and power plant efficiencies compared to wet-cooled systems. ACC studies typically focus on air-side transport, assuming that the effects of steam-side pressure drop and thermal resistance are small. The objective of the present investigation is to scrutinize this assumption – quantifying the influence of steam-side effects on ACC operation. A detailed model of a representative ACC is formulated. Model results demonstrate that condensation heat transfer and pressure drop are poorly characterized at ACC operating conditions. Predicted power plant efficiency varies by 0.7% with different condensation heat transfer models. Additionally, predicted plant efficiencies vary depending on which pressure drop correlation is employed. The differences are exacerbated at low steam saturation pressures (∼4 kPa), where the cycle efficiencies range from 36.0% and 37.7% between different pressure drop correlations. Results from this study indicate that both steam side and air-side effects must be considered to improve ACC performance. Some methods for enhancing in-tube condensation are mentioned, and future ACC research needs are discussed.
Exploring A Law-Based, Ecological Approach to Skilled Action

With respect to skilled behavior, competence refers to the conditions that must hold for humans and other animals to coordinate their acts with objects and events, and performance refers to how those conditions are exploited. An argument is made for a theory of competence expressed in terms of the lawful regularities of the ecological scale rather than in the conventional terms of the computational capability of the nervous system. The principal assumption is that where there is fluent behavior, it must be lawfully grounded. A number of different analyses and experiments are presented identifying the kinds of action-relevant lawful regularities and principles available at the coarse scale of animals and their environments. The analyses and experiments express collectively what might be termed an ecological approach to skilled behavior and the competence that underlies it.
Prioritizing lakes for conservation in lake-rich areas

Radomski P, Carlson K. Prioritizing lakes for conservation in lake-rich areas. Lake Reserve Manage. 34:401–416.Identifying lakes in which to invest water quality conservation efforts can help more ...
Structural, Electronic, and Magnetic Analysis and Device Characterization of Ferroelectric–Ferromagnetic Heterostructure (BZT–BCT/LSMO/LAO) Devices for Multiferroic Applications

Ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism have been investigated in a lead-free 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BZT–BCT)/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) heterostructure for multiferroic (MF) applications. The BZT–BCT thin film has been grown on LSMO/lanthanum aluminate, LaAlO3 (LAO) by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Prior to that, the LSMO layer was deposited on a single-crystal LAO substrate by PLD. The epitaxial growth of the (001) oriented films was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The small value of the full-width at half-maximum of the rocking curve peak (0.1°) performed about (002) plane of the BZT–BCT film indicates an out-of-plane orientation of the film. The polarization switching behavior in the heterostructure device was observed with a remnant polarization of $\sim 47~\boldsymbol {\mu \text {C}/}{{\text {cm}}}^{2}$ and a coercive field of ~180kV/cm at an applied voltage of 5 V. The frequency-dependent relative dielectric constant varies in-between 5100 and 4900 in the frequency range from 1 to 50 kHz during the dielectric measurements of the fabricated device. The observed low value of the dielectric loss (0.02) confirms the outstanding quality of the ferroelectric device. A well-saturated room temperature magnetization–applied field curve, with a coercive field of ~1200A/m and a remnant magnetization of ~110kA/m, was observed in the LSMO/LAO system indicating the ferromagnetic behavior of the film. The temperature-dependent magnetization of the LSMO film exhibits a ferromagnetic-to-paramagnetic transition at ~360K. These results on all solid-state ferroelectric–ferromagnetic heterostructure using BZT–BCT and LSMO open viable possibilities for MF applications.
Vasopressin and alcohol: a multifaceted relationship

Arginine vasopressin (VP) has been implicated in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders with an emphasis on situations where stress increased the severity of the disorder. Based on this hypothesized role for VP in neuropsychiatric disorders, much research is currently being undertaken in humans and animals to test VP as a target for treatment of a number of these disorders including alcohol abuse. To provide a summary of the literature regarding the role of VP in alcohol- and stress-related behaviors including the use of drugs that target VP in clinical trials. Changes in various components of the VP system occur with alcohol and stress. Manipulating VP or its receptors can alter alcohol- and stress-related behaviors including tolerance to alcohol, alcohol drinking, and anxiety-like behavior. Finally, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis response to alcohol is also altered by manipulating the VP system. However, clinical trials of VP antagonists have had mixed results. A review of VP’s involvement in alcohol’s actions demonstrates that there is much to be learned about brain regions involved in VP-mediated effects on behavior. Thus, future work should focus on elucidating relevant brain regions. By using previous knowledge of the actions of VP and determining the brain regions and/or systems involved in its different behavioral effects, it may be possible to identify a specific receptor subtype target, drug treatment combination, or specific clinical contexts that may point toward a more successful treatment.
Virtuelle Technik und Medizin im Computernetz

Bisher standen die Grundlagen von Computernetzen und Programmiersprachen im Vordergrund, um virtuelle Welten der Natur zu erzeugen. Wenn der Nutzer moglichst vollstandig in virtuelle Welten eintauchen will, mus das Interface von Mensch und Computernetz die menschliche Wahrnehmung der Ausenwelt berucksichtigen. Die menschlichen Sinnesorgane reichen von der visuellen, auditiven, kinesthetischen (Bewegungs-), taktilen (Tast-) und haptischen (Greif-) Wahrnehmung bis zur olfaktorischen (Geruchs-) und thermorezeptiven (Warme-) Wahrnehmung. Der Grad des VR-Erlebens eines Nutzers (Immersionsgrad) hangt dann davon ab, in welchem Umfang und mit welcher Qualitat diese Sinneswahrnehmungen in einer virtuellen Welt simuliert werden konnen.
40nm Ultra-Low Leakage (40ULL) SRAM - Challenges and Solutions

We present an overview of the 40nm Ultra-Low Leakage (40ULL) SRAMs, aimed at Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications with stringent leakage requirements. We demonstrate SRAM standby leakage (Isb) reduction to ~1.5pA/bit with floating bitlines at 1.1V and a retention leakage 0.4pA/bit achieved through a combination of process technology and design optimizations. The 40ULL technology is qualified with 2000 hours of HTOL stressing with excellent post-stress Vmin characteristics.
Measuring gains and losses in human-robot trust: evidence for differentiable components of trust

Human-robot trust is crucial to successful human-robot interaction. We conducted a study with 798 participants distributed across 32 conditions using four dimensions of human-robot trust (reliable, capable, ethical, sincere) identified by the Multi-Dimensional-Measure of Trust (MDMT). We tested whether these dimensions can differentially capture gains and losses in human-robot trust across robot roles and contexts. Using a 4 scenario x 4 trust dimension x 2 change direction between-subjects design, we found the behavior change manipulation effective for each of the four subscales. However, the pattern of results best supported a two-dimensional conception of trust, with reliable-capable and ethical-sincere as the major constituents.
Improving cyclability of Li metal batteries at elevated temperatures and its origin revealed by cryo-electron microscopy

Operations of lithium-ion batteries have long been limited to a narrow temperature range close to room temperature. At elevated temperatures, cycling degradation speeds up due to enhanced side reactions, especially when high-reactivity lithium metal is used as the anode. Here, we demonstrate enhanced performance in lithium metal batteries operated at elevated temperatures. In an ether-based electrolyte at 60 °C, an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.3% is obtained and more than 300 stable cycles are realized, but, at 20 °C, the Coulombic efficiency drops dramatically within 75 cycles, corresponding to an average Coulombic efficiency of 90.2%. Cryo-electron microscopy reveals a drastically different solid electrolyte interface nanostructure emerging at 60 °C, which maintains mechanical stability, inhibits continuous side reactions and guarantees good cycling stability and low electrochemical impedance. Furthermore, larger lithium particles grown at the elevated temperature reduce the electrolyte/electrode interfacial area, which decreases the per-cycle lithium loss and enables higher Coulombic efficiencies. The performance of Li-ion batteries deteriorates at elevated temperatures due to increased activity of electrode materials and parasitic reactions. Here Yi Cui and colleagues report much-improved battery cyclability at 60 °C and use cryo-electron microscopy to shed light on the origin of the phenomenon.
Willingness to Pay for Shrimp with Homegrown by Heroes, Community-Supported Fishery, Best Aquaculture Practices, or Local Attributes

With the seafood food market endowed with various attributes, consumers may prefer certain certifications over others. By surveying a diverse sample of respondents, this study examines consumer preference for farm-raised shrimp in Kentucky and South Carolina. Respondents’ assessment of certain seafood labels is evaluated using a stated preference survey. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) estimates and various product profiles are generated. Consistent with previous studies, a strong preference for fresh and “local” was found. Furthermore, Homegrown by Heroes was highly valued among participants, as well as Best Aquaculture Practices. Based on WTP estimates for these attributes, marketing and policy recommendations are discussed.
Reaction Kinetics, Product Branching, and Potential Energy Surfaces of 1O2-Induced 9-Methylguanine-Lysine Cross-Linking: A Combined Mass Spectrometry, Spectroscopy, and Computational Study.

We report a kinetics and mechanistic study on the 1O2 oxidation of 9-methylguanine (9MG) and the cross-linking of the oxidized intermediate 2-amino-9-methyl-9H-purine-6,8-dione (9MOGOX) with Nα-ace...
Gallai-Ramsey Results for Rainbow Triangles

Recall that a Gallai coloring of \(K_n\) is a rainbow triangle-free edge-coloring of \(K_n\). For a connected bipartite graph H, define s(H) to be the order of the smallest part in the unique bipartition of H and let \(\ell (H)\) be the order of the largest part.
The role of culture in the transfer of training

Organizations interested in raising their performance and results spend large sums of money on training their employees, but unless the resultant learning is transferred to the work situation that investment will not yield a return. This study's initial premise is that national cultures may play a part in the transfer process. The study's purpose is to identify national cultural factors which may influence training and learning transfer. Leadership training among school leaders in Ghana and Burkina Faso, West Africa was observed and recorded using Hofstede et al. Six Cultural Dimensions model as a framework of analysis. Some cultural factors, which may have influenced transfer, are identified and the author provides a practical checklist that training organizers can use to ensure that they account for cultural factors before, during and after training.
Saying kaddish: Meaning-making and continuing bonds in American Jewish mourning ritual

Jewish tradition prescribes rituals and prohibitions for the first week, month, and year after a death, which provide an organized framework for meaning-making, constructing continuing bonds, and e...
VEGFR2 Trafficking by KIF13B Is a Novel Therapeutic Target for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Purpose Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor VEGFR2 are promising therapeutic targets for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As a topically applicable option, we developed the peptide KAI to selectively interfere with VEGFR2 trafficking to the cell surface where it receives VEGF. This study sought to determine the efficacy of KAI in the mouse model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Methods The specificity of KAI was tested by surface plasmon resonance. The drug delivery was analyzed by cryosection and the ELISA after treatment of KAI eyedrop to the mouse eyes. For the laser-induced CNV model, mice with laser-induced ruptures in Bruch's membrane received daily treatment of KAI eyedrop or control peptide. The other groups of mice received intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF or IgG control. After two weeks, CNV was quantified and compared. Results First, we showed the specificity and high affinity of KAI to VEGFR2. Next, biodistribution revealed successful delivery of KAI eyedrop to the back of the mouse eyes. KAI significantly reduced the disease progression in laser-induced CNV. The comparison with current therapy suggests that KAI eyedrop is as effective as current therapy to prevent CNV in wet AMD. Moreover, the genetic deletion of a kinesin KIF13B, which mediates VEGFR2 trafficking to the cell surface, confirmed the pivotal role of KIF13B in disease progression of wet AMD and neovascularization from choroidal vessels. Conclusions Taken together, pharmacologic inhibition and genetic deletion complementarily suggest the therapeutic possibility of targeting VEGFR2 trafficking to inhibit pathological angiogenesis in wet AMD.
A Wearable Mobile-App Controlled Device for Continuous Monitoring of UV Exposure and Hydration Levels

Over-exposure to harmful radiation that can damage the skin is a common issue in today's world. In particular excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation affects mast cells in the epidermis that can drive skin aging, eye damage, immune suppression, and melanoma, a type of skin cancer that causes over 75% of all skin cancer deaths. UV exposure can occur through various sources and during certain activities including tanning beds and lamps. However, the most common form of exposure is through the natural sunlight in numerous climates. In this paper, we proposed a new wearable medical device to quickly and conveniently monitor ultraviolet exposure, hydration levels, and location tracking for the users. The device is dedicated to ensuring the individuals will avoid overexposure to the UV radiation and build healthy habits. Partnered with a mobile application, the device not only allows the individuals to track their sun exposure history, but it also provides a history of an individual's hydration levels and group tracking for multiple users. Our proposed wearable device will allow users to be more aware and responsive to the level of sun exposure and dehydration so that the outdoors can be experienced in a safe way and any increased risk of skin cancer may be avoided.
Computer-Assisted Interpreting Technologies and Interpreter Cognition : a Product and Process-Oriented Perspective

Fins ara, la recerca sobre la interpretacio assistida i intercedida per la tecnologia ha adoptat un enfocament centrat principalment en el producte per tal d’entendre el paper de la tecnologia durant l’exercici de la interpretacio. A fi de respondre a la necessitat d’una recerca empirica addicional sobre la interseccio entre la interpretacio, la tecnologia i la cognicio, aquest article posa de manifest la necessitat d’incloure una recerca orientada al proces de la interpretacio i determina diverses arees de recerca de possible interes.
Clostridioides difficile Infection and Liver Cirrhosis - A Retrospective, Cohort Study.

Purpose Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common health care-associated infections in the United States. Studies revealed a higher mortality when CDI is associated with liver cirrhosis. We aim to present the outcomes of CDI among patients with and without liver cirrhosis and to analyze the association of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) and Child-Pugh (CPT) scoring with the severity of CDI. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted in hospitalized patients with CDI diagnosed via a 2-step method - glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and toxin polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Patients with liver cirrhosis were identified based on ICD codes and chart review. MELD and CPT scores were calculated using laboratory parameters at the time of hospitalization. We compared CDI-related mortality in patients with and without cirrhosis and reviewed the CDI severity distribution in cirrhosis patients. Results A total of 526 patients were included in the study, of which 478 (90.87%) were non-cirrhotic and 48 (9.13%) were cirrhotic patients. Mortality rate was higher in cirrhosis group compared to the non-cirrhosis group (39.6% vs. 14.6%,P = 0.001). Among cirrhosis patients, those who survived had lower MELD score compared to the expired group (14.9 vs. 18.58, P = 0.106). There was no correlation of mortality based on CPT score in the cirrhosis group (P = 0.062). In post hoc analysis comparing the severity of CDI to liver cirrhosis, cirrhosis patients are more likely to present with severe-complicated disease. Multivariate logistic regression identified liver cirrhosis, severe-complicated CDI and serum albumin level as independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion Our study noted a more severe disease presentation and higher mortality in patients with cirrhosis admitted with CDI. Further studies are required for better understanding of the clinical course of CDI in cirrhosis and to evaluate the need for early intervention in this patient group.
Overcoming Conflict between Symmetric Occupations: How “Creatives” and “Suits” Use Gender Ordering in Advertising

In knowledge-based organizations, conflict among interdependent occupations can be exacerbated by the absence of a clear hierarchical ordering of these occupations within the organization. Moreover...
ManNAc Is Safe and Increases Sialic Acid Production in GNE Myopathy (P7.061)

Objectives. To determine the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ManNAc in subjects with GNE myopathy. Background. GNE myopathy is a rare, progressive muscle disease caused by mutations in GNE, the gene encoding the key enzyme in intracellular sialic acid biosynthetis. Hyposialylation of muscle glycoproteins likely contributes to the pathophysiology. The uncharged sialic acid precursor ManNAc is a therapeutic candidate that prevents muscle weakness in a GNE myopathy mouse model. Design/Methods. We conducted a first-in-human, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, single-ascending dose study (NCT01634750; INDNo.78,091) to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of DEX-M74 in GNE myopathy subjects (n=22). DEX-M74(ManNAc drug product) was administered orally at doses of 3,000, 6,000, and 10,000 mg. Plasma pharmacodynamics (PK) of ManNAc and sialic acid (Neu5Ac) were determined by LC-MS/MS. Results. Single doses of DEX-M74 were safe and well tolerated. ManNAc was rapidly absorbed into plasma (Tmax ~2h) and returned to baseline by 12-24h. Tmax of Neu5Ac occurred at ~9-11h, and, importantly, was still increased 48h post-dose in the 6,000 and 10,000 mg DEX-M74 cohorts. Conclusions. The intracellular localization of GNE and the sialic acid pharmacokinetics profile provide evidence that ManNAc (derived from oral DEX-M74) was metabolized intracellularly in subjects with GNE myopathy, a favorable location for this sialylation-increasing therapy. The fact that ManNAc concentrations returned to baseline within 12-24 h post-dose and sialic acid levels remained increased at least 48h after single oral doses of DEX-M74 allow for 1-2x daily dosing in future multiple dose studies. This dosing regime will not accumulate ManNAc and constitutively produce sialic acid. The positive safety and pharmacodynamics profiles from this Phase 1 trial, together with clinical data from our ongoing natural history study allowed for effective design of a planned Phase 2 trial of DEX-M74 in subjects with GNE myopathy. Funding: Intramural programs of NHGRI and NCATS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA. Disclosure: Dr. Class has nothing to disclose. Dr. Celeste has nothing to disclose. Dr. Xu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Malicdan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Latham has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ciccone has nothing to disclose. Dr. Huizing has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gahl has nothing to disclose. Dr. Carillo-Carrasco has nothing to disclose.
Las procesiones en Mesoamérica

Las procesiones son plegarias hechas paso a paso que trazan un sendero sagrado a traves de un ambiente edificado y que hacen eco en las montanas, cuevas y manantiales circundantes. Las procesiones son manifestaciones publicas de fervor y solidaridad, demostraciones de creencias individuales y colectivas, asi como de obediencia a la autoridad, sea esta humana o sobrenatural
Developing writing concepts for teaching purposes: Preservice L2 writing teachers’ developing conceptual understanding of parallelism

Abstract While there has recently been increased attention to L2 writing teacher education in the professional literature, much work remains to be done. In particular, while recent studies have examined the outcomes of L2 writing teacher preparation and professional development courses on teachers’ overall attitudes and conceptions of the teaching of L2 writing, little research has focused on how teachers engage with the specific content and assignments in the moment to moment progression of such courses. This study addresses this need by examining two pre-service ESL writing teachers’ developing understanding of the concept of parallelism within a team microteaching assignment in a TESL methodology course. Using a teacher knowledge framework and Vygotskyan sociocultural theory analytical, this study traces changes in teachers’ understanding of this single concept as they move through the various stages of the assignment, as well as examining how the teachers’ interactions with instructional materials and the teacher educator mediated their developing understanding. The findings demonstrate that even in preparing to teach a relatively simple concept such as parallelism, novice teachers engage in an extended process of learning and that how the two teachers interacted with the available mediation differed based on their underlying conceptions of writing. This analysis can illuminate how L2 writing teachers learn in teacher education coursework and provide insight for L2 writing teacher educators and supervisors as they work to promote L2 writing teachers’ ongoing professional development.
Sub-barrier fusion of 1H and 4He: Empirical and theoretical barriers for fusion and evaporation

Fusion excitation functions for 1H and 4He have been compared to a one-dimensional, barrier-penetration model. In contrast to fusion for heavier nuclei this simple model is completely adequate, except for the statically deformed target 233U. Empirical barrier heights are obtained and compared to those from two theoretical nuclear potentials. These empirical barriers (from cold reactants) are used as input for calculating evaporation spectra that arise from hot nuclear emitters. The excess of observed low-energy 1H and 4He emission signals information content concerning distortions of the hot nuclei.
Implementation techniques for an in-line pH controller

A novel model-based method has been conceived for in-line pH control, and laboratory demonstrations show proof of concept. A nonlinear model-based control technique has been successfully applied to achieve excellent control results on both acidic and basic streams, for a wide variety of disturbances. The controller contains several refinements over the earlier version and is more robust. It gives good performance for tests conducted on two industrial wastewater situations. This paper discusses several implementation issues and solutions.
Jumping on the Bandwagon: Origins and Effects of Gender Quotas Worldwide

Quotas for Women in Politics: Gender and Candidate Selection Reform Worldwide. By Krook Mona Lena. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009. 290 pp., $22.45 paperback (ISBN-13: 978-0-195-37567-1). Since the 1990s, political transformations in Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Africa have contributed to progressive institutional reforms. Among those institutional changes, the adoption of gender quotas has been a worldwide phenomenon. In the 1990s, quotas “appeared in more than 50 countries” and have been introduced “by 40 more since 2000,” whereas they were rarely adopted during most of the twentieth century (Krook 2009:4). Gender quotas are institutional mechanisms that provide women with a means to secure legislative seats; they have been implemented in developed and developing countries and shaped by regional and international trends (Crocker 2007). Undoubtedly, research on gender quotas has become one of the fastest growing scholarships within the subfield of women and politics and deserves the attention of scholars and students of international relations and policymakers. However, most studies on gender quotas have focused on country-cases (Araujo 2003; Baldez 2004; Schmidt and Saunders 2004) or on several countries in a region (Htun and Jones 2002; Matland and Montgomery 2003; Araujo and Garcia Quesada 2006); others have dealt with the process of cross-national or subnational diffusion (Crocker 2007), but Krook's research goes beyond previous works. In her book, Krook takes on the various types of gender quotas, studies their origins and effects, and employs a pathbreaking framework of analysis to explain these trends. She develops an approach that outlines the range of actors, motivations, and contexts involved in quota reforms across the globe. Through a review of the existing quota literature, she identifies the factors that appear across many studies while acknowledging that there is no single model of quota adoption (p. 17) and that there are …
Single-particle imaging

The current status of single-particle X-ray imaging - or "X-ray crystallography without need for a crystal" - is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the Stony Brook/Cornell/Berkeley single yeast cell imaging project. Two-dimensional (2D) images of a quick-frozen yeast cell have been obtained with a resolution which, if carried out in three-dimensional (3D), would allow observation of the positions of the large molecular assemblies in an entire almost-living-state cell. The projected shift from 2D to 3D imaging is discussed.
Restoration by Albumin of Oxidative Phosphorylation and Related Reactions

Bovine serum albumin prevented the effects of pentachlorophenol, 2,4-dinitrophenol, and various other reagents upon oxidative phosphorylation, the orthophosphate-adenosine triphosphate exchange reaction, adenosine triphosphatase, and respiratory control of rat liver mitochondria. More significantly, albumin restored the capacity for oxidative phosphorylation and the ancillary reactions, including respiratory control, to mitochondria previously reacted with these compounds. Inhibition by gramicidin, oligomycin A, antimycin A, and rotenone was not counteracted by albumin. Oxidative phosphorylation of liver mitochondria uncoupled by the intraperitoneal injection of pentachlorophenol into rats was also restored by albumin. The circulating halophenol after injection was found associated with the albumin fraction of the plasma. The ability of albumin to prevent the deleterious action of the uncoupling reagents, and to restore function to mitochondria treated with them, resides in its capacity to bind these reagents and thereby remove them from the medium or from mitochondria. The beneficial effect is specific for serum albumin. Various other proteins and compounds were found to be ineffective. It was shown that 1 mole of bovine serum albumin can bind 5 moles of pentachlorophenol. Each of these 5 moles is not held with equal affinity, and reversible binding was readily demonstrated. Certain modified albumins, i.e. acetylated, or denatured by chemical or physical means, lost their capacity to bind pentachloro- or 2,4-dinitrophenol. Other modifications, such as blocking sulfhydryl or imidazole groups, did not alter the ability of albumin to bind pentachlorophenol. From these results, evidence is adduced that the native protein structure and especially free amino groups are involved in the protein-phenol interaction. A possible physiological role for the reversible binding of uncoupling reagents to proteins is discussed, as is the use of the phenomenon in studying mitochondrial function and structure.
Estimation theory and tracking of deformable objects

This paper provides a summary of several recently detailed recursive, filtering strategies as applied to the task of tracking deformable objects from a video sequence. Estimation theory provides the foundation for filtering objects based on presumed dynamics and (partial) uncertain measurements. All of the methods seek to arrive at an accurate contour signal in spite of measurement and prediction errors. They differ fundamentally in the state definition and in the estimation approaches.
Sea Surface Temperatures in the Western Equatorial Pacific During Marine Isotope Stage 11

Mg/Ca data from ODP Hole 806B on the Ontong Java Plateau, western equatorial Pacific, indicate that marine isotope stage (MIS) 11 was the warmest interglacial episode of the last 450 ky. Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) for MIS 11, as calculated from Mg/Ca, reached just above 30°C. MIS 11 is also characterized by the longest sustained period (-20 ky) of SST ≥ 29°C. The maximum in MIS 11 SST is flanked by strong minima in SST (25 to 26°C) in glacial MIS 10 and 12. The changes in SST, as indicated by Mg/Ca, lead the changes in δ 18 O at the climate transitions by as much as 7-9 ky, suggesting that temperature changed before ice volume and/or local hydrology. Warm tropical Pacific SST during MIS 11 is supported by uplifted reefs of coeval age containing warm-water fauna on the Chilean coast. A super-interglacial in the tropical Pacific during MIS 11 would undoubtedly have influenced global climate through direct heat exchange and influence on atmospheric H 2 O and CO 2 .
Advances in Business Transformation Technologies

The backbone of the World economy has shifted from agriculture to manufacturing to information. It is now entering a new phase known as an innovation-based economy where economic value will be created in services we provide with information to improve business, government, education, and people's daily workspace. Accordingly, the focus of computing and information technologies is shifting to their applications to help enterprises, governments, and other organizations improve and transform their current practices. This chapter will describe the latest advances in the development of new methods and technologies supporting the service-led economy. First, it will present a model-driven business transformation approach. Business transformation is a key executive management initiative that attempts to align the technology initiatives of an organization closely with its business strategy and vision for a better business performance. The presented approach employs models that map IT (Information Technology) functions and capabilities to business performance, and help articulating the delivered business value of IT solutions and services. Also, it integrates a value model with business models of processes and components to leverage the value model at different levels and phases of business transformation. One of the key requirements for the model-driven business transformation is the capability of representing the semantics of various aspects of the models in a language and enforcing them. Also, efficient engineering of the semantic models that works well with the traditional software engineering mechanisms has become more and more important in business or enterprise IT application development. The second part of this chapter will address these requirements and discuss a novel approach to engineering semantic models, which allows seamlessly supporting existing software engineering models in Unified Modeling Language or other modeling languages in semantic model-based enterprise application development. Finally, this chapter will describe a new approach to business process integration by using Web services. While the Web service technologies facilitate the creation of business process solutions in an efficient, standard way, it is required to automate their discovery and composition to make it useful and scalable. We will present a solution to these problems of the Web service-based business process integration: the discovery of Web services based on the capabilities and properties of published services, and the composition of business processes based on the business requirements of submitted requests.
Alginic Acid Degradation by Eliminases from Abalone Hepatopancreas

Abstract Two separate alginic acid eliminases have been purified from abalone hepatopancreas. Alginase I appeared to be specific for β-1,4 bonds involving d-mannuronic acid units and apperently acts at random on internal bonds. Alginase II appeared to cleave 1,4 bonds involving l-guluronic acid and to work at or near chain ends. A combination of both enzymes could not degrade alginic acid completely, indicating the presence of other types of bonds. An ionic concentration of about 50 to 75 mm was required for maximum activity. It appears that the high ionic strength was necessary to remove bound water from the substrate, alginic acid, and to neutralize the negative charges on the polyanion in order to render the molecular configuration more suitable for enzyme action.
Coming out of the hard of hearing closet: Reflections on a shared journey in academia

Deaf academics who navigate aspects of their professional lives through signed language interpreting services face a range of issues, including handling perceptions of their Hearing peers, identifying and negotiating their own communication preferences, and balancing personal and professional relationships with their interpreters. Interpreters bring individual sets of schemas and skills to their work, which impacts the interpreted interaction. In this paper, a Deaf academic and her interpreter/colleague discuss various challenges in having an interpreter—and being an interpreter—in academia. Topics include being “outed” as a person with a disability because of the presence of an interpreter; the need for interpreters with specialized academic vocabulary; the responsibilities of the Deaf academic and the interpreter in interpreted interactions; and the sense of vulnerability, intimacy, and autonomy experienced by the Deaf academic and the interpreter. The article is a shared reflection about the evolution of a relationship, beginning with the authors’ respective roles as client and interpreter, and leading into to their present alliance as colleagues and friends. Key words: interpretation, Deaf, academic, ethics, disability, autonomy, vulnerability, intimacy, philosophy, hard of hearing, hearing impaired, sign language, oral interpreting, American Sign Language
Blanket Optimization Studies for Cascade

A nonlinear, multivariable, blanket optimization technique is applied to the Cascade inertial confinement fusion reactor concept. The thickness of a two-zone blanket, which consists of a BeO multiplier region followed by a LiA10/sub 2/ breeding region, is minimized subject to constraints on the tritium breeding ratio, neutron leakage, and heat generation rate in Al/SiC tendons that support the chamber wall.
Risks of alternate-day prednisone in patients with cystic fibrosis.

In recent years an immune-mediated inflammatory process has been implicated in the genesis of the pulmonary damage seen in patients with cystic fibrosis.1,2 A 4-year double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of alternate-day prednisone (2 mg/kg) was conducted in 45 cystic fibrosis patients with mild-to-moderate pulmonary disease to assess the effect of this drug on the pulmonary inflammatory process.3 The patients in the prednisone group showed better growth and pulmonary function and less morbidity compared with those in the placebo group. No complications were reported among the prednisone-treated patients. To extend these observations, the United States Cystic Fibrosis Foundation sponsored a multicenter double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of alternate-day prednisone. Since March 1986, 283 patients with cystic fibrosis, followed up at 15 centers in the United States and Canada, have been enrolled in this trial. Patients 5 through 14 years of age with mild-to-moderate pulmonary disease were randomly assigned to receive prednisone 2 mg/kg (high-dose) every other day, prednisone 1 mg/kg (low-dose) every other day, or placebo. On entry into the study, patients in the three groups were closely matched by a variety of clinical and laboratory parameters (Table 1). Patients are closely monitored at 3-month intervals for both efficacy and side effects. An interim analysis is carried out every 6 months and the results are reviewed by an unblinded study ombudsman. Initially, 95 patients were randomly assigned to the high-dose group, 94 to the low-dose group, and 94 to the placebo group. At the time of the most recent interim analysis, mean duration in the study was 33.9 months for the high-dose group, 35.3 months for the low-dose group, and 36.8 months for the placebo group.
Heparin accelerates coronary collateral development in a porcine model of coronary artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND Coronary collaterals develop in response to an ischemic stimulus. However, collateral growth is not sufficient to result in the complete recovery of coronary reserves. Using a porcine model of gradual coronary artery occlusion, we investigated the effect of continuous heparin infusion on coronary collateral development. METHODS AND RESULTS We placed ameroid constrictors on the left circumflex coronary artery of 16 minipigs; the ameroid constrictors completely occluded the left circumflex coronary artery at 10 +/- 1 days. Half of the animals also were instrumented with subcutaneously placed osmotic pumps and catheters that delivered heparin (300 units/h) into the external jugular vein. At 2, 3, and 4 weeks, we assessed blood flow at rest and during vasodilation using radioactive microspheres. Our results indicate that the animals receiving heparin restored resting myocardial blood flow to normal levels at or before 2 weeks; in contrast, we did not see normal resting myocardial blood flow levels in the untreated-ameroid animals until 3 weeks. Under vasodilated conditions, untreated-ameroid animals experienced a severe loss of coronary reserves at 2 weeks. Although this improved with time, these animals still were significantly underperfused at 4 weeks. In contrast, in the heparin-treated animals, coronary reserves returned to near-normal levels between 3 and 4 weeks. In addition, infarct size was significantly smaller in the heparin-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS These experiments suggest that the administration of heparin in the early phases of gradual coronary occlusion accelerates the rate of return of normal blood flow under resting conditions, substantially increases the recovery of coronary reserve, and reduces the risk of infarction.
Studies in Mutagenesis: Production of Bacteriophage Mutants by a Disturbance of Deoxyribonucleic Acid Metabolism

Studies in Mutagenesis: Production of Bacteriophage Mutants by a Disturbance of Deoxyribonucleic Acid Metabolism
Human papillomavirus vaccine knowledge and hypothetical acceptance among women in Appalachia Ohio.

Abstract Objective To assess hypothetical acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for themselves and a daughter age 9–12 years among Appalachia Ohio women. Methods Women with an abnormal Pap smear and randomly selected women with a normal Pap smear from 17 clinics completed an interview in 2006–2008. Results From 1131 original study participants, 807 (71%) completed a survey about the HPV vaccine for their daughters and themselves. Nearly half, 380 (47%), of the participants had heard of a vaccine to prevent cancer, and 362 (95%) of respondents had heard of HPV. The participants were then told that the FDA had approved a vaccine to prevent HPV. Only 379 (38%) participants identified girls ages 9–12 years as a group who should get the vaccine. After being given the official HPV vaccine recommendation statement, 252 (31%) wanted the vaccine; 198 (25%) were “not sure”; and 353 (44%) did not want the vaccine for themselves. With respect to giving the HPV vaccine to a daughter ages 9–12 years, participants responded “yes” 445 (55%); “not sure” 163 (20%); or “no” 185 (23%). Numerous reasons were provided supporting and opposing vaccine acceptance for themselves and for a daughter. Their physician's recommendation for the HPV vaccine increased vaccine acceptance to 86% for themselves and 90% for a daughter. Conclusion Knowledge, acceptance, and barriers about the HPV vaccine vary among women living in Appalachia Ohio. Physician recommendation is a key facilitator for vaccine diffusion in this region.