cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technical Versus Public Spheres: A Feminist Analysis of Women’s Rhetoric in the Twilight Sleep Debates of 1914–1916

Twilight Sleep (TS) describes the delivery, via an injection, of an amnestic drug cocktail to a parturient woman throughout labor. In order to understand the development of modern-day rhetoric surrounding childbirth methods and procedures, this article explores the debate over TS between the public and technical sphere in New York City between 1914 and 1916 and examines the ways in which this debate altered obstetric health care for middle- and upper-class White women. The public response to this campaign posed a direct challenge to male obstetricians in New York City, many of whom were ill-equipped, both literally and figuratively, to use this procedure. Using a feminist rhetorical criticism, we examined the pro-TS rhetoric of women writers in New York City, the methods they borrowed from the women’s movement, and the ensuing dialogue between the public and technical spheres. For this study, we analyzed journal and newspaper articles, a pamphlet, a collection of pro-TS organizational documents, letters t...
Femoral venous pulsations during open-chest cardiac massage

We describe the cases of two children with easily palpated femoral pulses during open-chest cardiac massage after aortic occlusion. These pulsations must have arisen from the femoral veins, implying that during CPR in children the usual anatomic landmarks for femoral venous access may be unreliable, and femoral pulsations do not necessarily reflect arterial flow. Femoral pulses may signify to-and-fro inferior vena caval flow that compromises venous return, adversely affecting cardiac output and the effectiveness of medication administration to the lower extremity.
The full Monte

This paper deals with computing based on various forms of random sampling, or Monte Carlo methods. The author illustrates with applications to evaluate integrals and simple simulation, before explaining the prescription that inspired the paper.
Assessment of usnic acid toxicity in rat primary hepatocytes using 13C isotopomer distribution analysis of lactate, glutamate and glucose

The lichen metabolite usnic acid (UA) has been promoted as a dietary supplement for weight loss, although cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported. Here we evaluated UA-associated hepatotoxicity in vitro using isolated rat hepatocytes. We measured cell viability and ATP content to evaluate UA induced cytotoxicity and applied (13)C isotopomer distribution measuring techniques to gain a better understanding of glucose metabolism during cytotoxicity. The cells were exposed to 0, 1, 5 or 10 μM UA concentrations for 2, 6 or 24h. Aliquots of media were collected at the end of these time periods and the (13)C mass isotopomer distribution determined for CO(2), lactate, glucose and glutamate. The 1 μM UA exposure did not appear to cause significant change in cell viability compared to controls. However, the 5 and 10 μM UA concentrations significantly reduced cell viability as exposure time increased. Similar results were obtained for ATP depletion experiments. The 1 and 5 μM UA doses suggest increased oxidative phosphorylation. Conversely, oxidative phosphorylation and gluconeogenesis were dramatically inhibited by 10 μM UA. Augmented oxidative phosphorylation at the lower UA concentrations may be an adaptive response by the cells to compensate for diminished mitochondrial function.
A Story to Tell: The Culture of Storytelling and Folklore in Ireland

(2011). A Story to Tell: The Culture of Storytelling and Folklore in Ireland. Childhood Education: Vol. 87, International Focus Issue 2011: Children's Literature Around the World, pp. 409-414.
Carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of naturally‐occurring substances‐ LVII Triterpenes related to lupane and hopane

The 13C NMR spectra of lupeol and related triterpenes were recorded and all carbon shifts assigned. Their analysis aided in the shift assignment of the structurally related hopane-like triterpenes.
Procedural Design of Exterior Lighting for Buildings with Complex Constraints

We present a system for the lighting design of procedurally modeled buildings. The design is procedurally specified as part of the ordinary modeling workflow by defining goals for the illumination that should be attained and locations where luminaires may be installed to realize these goals. Additionally, constraints can be modeled that make the arrangement of the installed luminaires respect certain aesthetic and structural considerations. From this specification, the system automatically generates a lighting solution for any concrete model instance. The underlying, intricate joint optimization and constraint satisfaction problem is approached with a stochastic scheme that operates directly in the complex subspace where all constraints are observed. To navigate this subspace efficaciously, the actual lighting situation is taken into account. We demonstrate our system on multiple examples spanning a variety of architectural structures and lighting designs.
The Joy of Spam: Embracing e-mail’s dark side

Not a day goes by that a large amount of spam doesn’t get past the two filters that I have in place. Most of this e-mail is annoying and some of it dangerous. But I have finally come to peace with spam and it no longer bothers me. How did I do that, you ask? I have learned to respect, even love, spam’s malicious beauty. I want to share my journey to inner peace, hopeful that you will find happiness, too.
IMMUNOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO IMPLANTED ADULT DWARF TAPEWORMS.

EARLIER immunofluorescent, radioisotopic, and diffusion chamber isolation investigations1,2 indicated that antibodies, derived as a result of ova-induced Hymenolepis nana infestations, combined in vivo with adult tapeworms. The authors did not, however, presume that responsible helminth antigens were, necessarily, stage-specific. The work recorded here was carried out to determine whether or not adult cestodes are capable of immunological insult in situ. Implantation of adult parasites into the ileum of the mouse host, for various periods of time, was therefore considered. Under these conditions the cysticercoid stage, with tissue phase involvement, could be precluded or controlled without utilization of an intermediate host. This appeared to permit a singular investigation of the lumen stage of the parasitsemia, from the point of view of possible elicitation of a local and/or systemic immunological response.
Convergence of moments in a Markov-chain central limit theorem

Let (Xi)i=0∞ be a V-uniformly ergodic Markov chain on a general state space, and let π be its stationary distribution. For g : χ → R, define It is shown that if |g| ≤ V1/n for a positive integer n, then ExWk(g)n converges to the n-th moment of a normal random variable with expectation 0 and variance This extends the existing Markov-chain central limit theorems, according to which expectations of bounded functionals of Wk(g) converge. We also derive nonasymptotic bounds for the error in approximating the moments of Wk (g) by the normal moments. These yield easy bounds of all feasible polynomial orders, and exponential bounds as well under some circumstances, for the probabilities of large deviations by the empirical measure along the Markov chain path Xi.
Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 on phosphate uptake into chick intestinal brush border membrane vesicles.

Brush border membrane vesicles prepared from the vitamin D-deficient chick duodenum take up phosphate and show an overshoot phenomenon in the presence of NaCl. Substitution of choline chloride for NaCl reduces phosphate uptake. Prior treatment of vitamin D-deficient chicks with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 increases the initial rate of Na+-dependent phosphate uptake into the brush border vesicles. This Na+-dependent phosphate uptake is a saturable process, exhibiting an apparent Km of 0.31 mM and a V of 385 pmol/mg per 15 s. Pretreatment of chicks with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 leads to an increase in V (750 pmol/mg per 15 s) without significantly altering the apparent Km (0.33 mM). Addition of Ca2+, either in the presence or absence of the polyene antibiotic, filipin, or of calmodulin, has no effect on Na+-dependent phosphate uptake. Pretreatment of the vitamin D-deficient chick with a dose of cycloheximide sufficient to inhibit membrane protein synthesis blocks the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3-induced increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, but does not affect the stimulation of Na+-dependent phosphate uptake. From these data, it is concluded that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 stimulates Na+-dependent phosphate transport at the brush border membrane of the enterocyte, that alkaline phosphatase is not directly involved in this process, and that this effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 is independent of new protein synthesis.
Daptomycin inoculum effects and mutant prevention concentration with Staphylococcus aureus

Background Antimutant activity of antimicrobials can be estimated by comparing drug pharmacokinetics with mutant prevention concentration (MPC). Large bacterial inocula known to reduce susceptibility have not been studied for effects on MPC determination. Methods Staphylococcus aureus inoculum size was varied with solid and liquid media containing daptomycin and Ca(2+), a cation expected to lower inoculum effects, to assess effects on MIC and MPC. Results With drug-containing agar, individual colonies were obtained over a narrow range of inoculum size that shifted to higher inoculum size as daptomycin concentration increased. Increasing Ca(2+) supplementation from 1 to 50 mM lowered MIC by 2-fold and MPC from 20 to 3 mg/L, the latter determined by extrapolation of population analysis profiles to an inoculum size of 10(10) cfu. Cells of colonies recovered from daptomycin-containing agar had wild-type MIC. With liquid medium, supplemented with 1 mM Ca(2+)and containing 10(10) cfu, MPC was between 2.5 and 5 mg/L at an inoculum density of 10(7) cfu/mL. Bacteria recovered from liquid assays exhibited a 4- to 8-fold increase in MIC and contained point mutations in mprF. Conclusions Inoculum effects on MPC can be reduced by measurement with low-density (large volume) liquid bacterial cultures. Retesting putative mutants for susceptibility can be important: stable mutants having genetic variations in the mprF gene were recovered from liquid medium, but not from agar. Daptomycin MPC with S. aureus was below minimal plasma drug concentration with approved doses, which is consistent with resistance to daptomycin arising rarely.
Gender, employment and retirement quality: A life course approach to the differential experiences of men and women.

Using a life course perspective in integrating 2 theories of retirement satisfaction--role theory and continuity theory--this study draws on a sample of retired men (n = 244) and women (n = 214), ages 50-72, to investigate factors contributing to the quality of their retirement experience. Overall, we find that men report greater retirement satisfaction than women, although the difference is small. For women, increased retirement quality is associated with good health, a continuous career (fewer years spent in part-time employment), an early retirement (though not earlier than anticipated), and a good postretirement income. For men, the key correlates with retirement quality are good health, an enjoyable preretirement job, low work-role salience, substantial preretirement planning, and retiring for internally motivated reasons (e.g., to do other things). These results underscore the importance of a life course focus on gendered pathways to and through life transitions such as retirement.
Staphylococcus aureus immunodominant surface antigen B is a cell-surface associated nucleic acid binding protein

Staphylococcus aureus immunodominant surface antigen B (IsaB) elicits an immune response during septicemia and is generally classified as a virulence factor, but its biological function remains completely undefined. In an attempt to identify staphylococcal RNA-binding proteins, we designed an RNA Affinity Chromatography assay and subsequently isolated IsaB. Western analysis indicated that IsaB was both secreted and cell-surface associated. Gel Shift analysis confirmed the RNA binding activity but revealed that IsaB bound to any nucleic acid without sequence specificity. IsaB exhibited the highest affinity for double-stranded DNA followed by single-stranded DNA and RNA. Because extracellular DNA has been shown to play a role in biofilm formation, we investigated the biofilm-forming capacity of an isogenic isaB deletion mutant but we found that IsaB did not contribute to biofilm formation under any conditions tested. IsaB is an extracellular nucleic acid binding protein, with little to no sequence specificity, but its role in virulence remains unclear.
More evidence on an abominable pairing: atrial fibrillation and kidney disease.

In the past 5 years we have experienced a surge in scientific activity related to exploring various aspects linking atrial fibrillation and kidney disease. Previously an understudied topic with available findings derived mostly from small and underpowered samples that were often of limited generalizability, important insights have now been made in large and mostly generalizable cohorts. First, these findings included the realization that the prevalence of atrial fibrillation increased monotonically with impaired kidney function, both and independently, with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and with increased urine albumin excretion.1 Patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis had a particularly high prevalence of diagnosed atrial fibrillation exceeding 10%, with >17% of those older than 65 years of age being diagnosed with this most common of arrhythmias.2 Then, not surprisingly, it was also found that the incidence of atrial fibrillation increased with reduced kidney function,3 again with older patients initiating dialysis for end-stage renal disease in the United States having a particularly high incidence at 148 new cases diagnosed per 1000 person-years of observation.4 Outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation and kidney disease were found to be particularly poor, with dialysis patients having been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation experiencing a 1-year mortality of almost 40%, twice the rate of otherwise similar patients without atrial fibrillation.2 Article see p 569 These epidemiological observations raised questions about the most appropriate treatment strategies for patients with both atrial fibrillation and advanced kidney disease. Although oral anticoagulation is generally the recommended secondary prevention for patients with atrial fibrillation, patients with advanced kidney disease have both higher bleeding risks as well as elevated risks for ischemic stroke. The benefit–risk relationship of oral anticoagulation in the population with advanced kidney disease remains ill defined, particularly among those with end-stage renal disease.5 …
Recognizing a facial image from a police sketch

This paper presents a theory and practical computations for the recognition of a facial image given a police-artist sketch. First, the facial features of the police sketch are located automatically. Then, regions centered at these positions that contain high intensity variations are temporarily removed. Then a standardization step transforms the sketch image into a "photograph-like" image. After this transformation, the high intensity variation regions that were removed are placed back into the standardized image. The resulting image is then passed to the recognition part of our algorithm. In this stage, principle component analysis is performed on both the standardized image to be recognized and the facial images of the training set. Results using actual police sketches and arrest photographs are presented. >
Structural basis for initiation of transcription from an RNA polymerase–promoter complex

Although the single-polypeptide-chain RNA polymerase from bacteriophage T7 (T7RNAP), like other RNA polymerases, uses the same mechanism of polymerization as the DNA polymerases, it can also recognize a specific promoter sequence, initiate new RNA chains from a single nucleotide, abortively cycle the synthesis of short transcripts, be regulated by a transcription inhibitor, and terminate transcription. As T7RNAP is homologous to the Pol I family of DNA polymerases, the differences between the structure of T7RNAP complexed to substrates and that of the corresponding DNA polymerase complex provides a structural basis for understanding many of these functional differences. T7RNAP initiates RNA synthesis at promoter sequences that are conserved from positions -17 to +6 relative to the start site of transcription. The crystal structure at 2.4 A resolution of T7RNAP complexed with a 17-base-pair promoter shows that the four base pairs closest to the catalytic active site have melted to form a transcription bubble. The T7 promoter sequence is recognized by interactions in the major groove between an antiparallel beta-loop and bases. The amino-terminal domain is involved in promoter recognition and DNA melting. We have also used homology modelling of the priming and incoming nucleoside triphosphates from the T7 DNA-polymerase ternary complex structure to explain the specificity of T7RNAP for ribonucleotides, its ability to initiate from a single nucleotide, and the abortive cycling at the initiation of transcription.
Light Sensor Platform Based on the Integration of Bacteriorhodopsin with a Single Electron Transistor

This paper reports on the integration of an optical protein with single electron transistors to form a nano-bio-hybrid device for sensing. Bacteriorhodopsin (bR) is an optoelectric protein that translocates a proton across a distance of several nanometers in response to an absorbed photon of incident light. This charge gradient results in a measurable voltage in the dried state. Single electron transistors (SETs) have active regions consisting of one or more quantum islands with a size typically 10 nanometers or less. Integrating bacteriorhodopsin with the gate of a SET provides a device capable of a modulated electrical output in response to optical modulation at the device gate. Modulation of the optoelectric activity of the bR by chemical binding with a targeted environmental antigen can form a direct chemical-to-electrical sensor reducing the size and complexity of fluorescence-based systems. The work resulted in electrical resistance and capacitance characterization of purple membrane containing bR under variable illumination to ensure minimal impact on SET operation. Purple membrane containing bacteriorhodopsin was electrodeposited on the SET gates, and current throughput was well correlated with variable and cyclic illumination. It was confirmed that bR optoelectric activity is capable of driving SETs.
The next 25 years of surface physics

The 20th International Seminar on Surface Physics commemorates the last quarter of a century in surface physics andserves as the commencement of the next millennium. This article attempts to identify the guiding directions for the next 25 years of surface physics relevant to the fieldof cond ensedmatter physics. The message is that Surface Science and specifically surface physics must undergo a Cultural Revolution from a technique-driven to science-driven discipline. There are tremendously exciting opportunities for surface physics but to take advantage of them will require a change in our culture and most importantly in the education of the next generation of surface scientist. Some of the opportunities that exist in complex highly correlated systems in reduced dimensionality will be presented to illustrate the pivotal role that surface physicists can play in contemporary Condensed Matter Physics. � 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Tired of Teaching to the Test? Alternative Approaches to Assessing Student Learning

I f you ask teachers what they feel is most rewarding about their work, nearly all will say it’s the joy that comes when students “get it,” and when students are motivated to learn, enjoy learning, and nd it a reward- ing experience. When asked about which tasks are most dis- agreeable, grading usually ranks quite highly. Similarly, stu- dents generally rate engaging learning activities highly and, with a few exceptions, don’t relish taking exams. We typically use exams to assess student learning, and grades provide a means of recognizing speci c levels of achievement or mas- tery. But can we effectively assess the diverse competencies and real-world skills that we want our students to develop with exams alone? DOI: 10.2458/azu_rangelands_v34i3_abbott
Formation of [b3 − 1 + cat]+ ions from metal‐cationized tetrapeptides containing β‐alanine, γ‐aminobutyric acid or ε‐aminocaproic acid residues

The presence and position of a single beta-alanine (betaA), gamma-aminobutyric acid (gammaABu) or epsilon-aminocaproic acid (Cap) residue has been shown to have a significant influence on the formation of b(n)+ and y(n)+ product ions from a series of model, protonated peptides. In this study, we examined the effect of the same residues on the formation of analogous [b3 - 1 + cat]+ products from metal (Li+, Na+ and Ag+)-cationized peptides. The larger amino acids suppress formation of b3+ from protonated peptides with general sequence AAXG (where X = beta-alanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid or epsilon-aminocaproic acid), presumably because of the prohibitive effect of larger cyclic intermediates in the 'oxazolone' pathway. However, abundant [b3 - 1 + cat]+ products are generated from metal-cationized versions of AAXG. Using a group of deuterium-labeled and exchanged peptides, we found that formation of [b3 - 1 + cat]+ involves transfer of either amide or alpha-carbon position H atoms, and the tendency to transfer the atom from the alpha-carbon position increases with the size of the amino acid in position X. To account for the transfer of the H atom, a mechanism involving formation of a ketene product as [b3 - 1 + cat]+ is proposed.
Failure to learn to (really) swim: inflated self-efficacy?

The willingness of individuals to enroll in swimming classes requires them to recognize they do not have functional skills. This study investigated the self-efficacy of young adults 18 to 35 years ...
Impact of routing and link layers on TCP performance in mobile ad hoc networks

Mobile ad hoc networks have attracted attention lately as a means of providing continuous network connectivity to mobile computing devices, regardless of physical location. To date, a large amount of research has focused on the routing protocols needed in such an environment. In this paper, we investigate the effects that the routing and link layers have on TCP performance. In particular, we show how the route cache management strategy in an on-demand ad hoc routing protocol can significantly affect TCP performance. We also take a brief look at the impact of link layer retransmissions on TCP throughput in a fixed, wireless multihop network.
Optimized Parameters for Scaling Correlation Energy

Twelve general parameterizations of the SAC (scaling-all-correlation) method for semiempirical extrapolation of electronic structure calculations are presented. The methods are based on Moeller-Plesset perturbation theory and coupled-cluster theory with correlation-consistent basis sets, and the parameterizations are based on 49 equilibrium atomization energies. This paper also presents an optimized scale factor for estimating the total anharmonic zero-point vibrational energy of a molecule with a root-mean-square accuracy of 0.17 kcal/mol.
CodY-affected transcriptional gene expression of Streptococcus pyogenes during growth in human blood

In an attempt to expand the available knowledge of pathogen–host interactions during ex vivo growth of Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) in nonimmune whole human blood, the extents to which the expression of 51 genes including regulators with known targets, established virulence factors, physiologically important transporters and metabolic enzyme genes was differentially affected in the presence or absence of a functional codY gene were determined. The results obtained by quantitative real-time PCR using the M49 strain NZ131 showed that CodY influenced GAS gene activity in a dynamic fashion, with differential responses detected for 26 genes and occasionally characterized by discordance in the blood environment compared to laboratory medium. Degenerate derivatives of the recently discovered CodY box potentially serving as a cis-regulatory element for CodY action were identified in the upstream regions of 15 genes of the NZ131 genome, and these genes featured sequence motifs identical to the NZ131 CodY box in all completely sequenced S. pyogenes genomes. As none of these genes represented a genuine virulence factor, it seems likely, therefore, that the observed differential transcription of the majority of virulence genes was caused by indirect actions of CodY as part of a regulatory network.
Individual and Contextual Factors Influencing Special Education Teacher Learning in Literacy Learning Cohorts

In this study, researchers operated from cognitive and situated perspectives to understand how individual qualities and contextual factors influenced elementary special education teachers’ learning...
Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Poly (1, 1, 12, 12-tetramethyl-13-oxa-1, 12-disilatridecanylene-co-dimethylsiloxane) Using Anionic Ring-opening Polymerization

High molecular weight copolymers, referred to as polysilalkylene siloxanes or hybrid silicones, were prepared using anionic ROP of 1,1,3,3,14,14,16,16-octamethyl-2,15-dioxa-1,3,14,16-tetrasilacyclohexacosane (II) and octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) mixtures. The resultant gum-like polymers were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 29Si NMR, FTIR, GPC, TGA and FTIR. It was determined that the resultant polymers possessed a ratio of alkylene to dimethylsiloxane units similar to that expected from the original monomer ratio. Number averaged molecular weights ranged from 111,000 to 160,900 g/mol in yields of 75% to 78%. In addition, the thermal stability of the poly(decanylene-co-dimethylsiloxane)s were similar to that of the homopolymer based on II.
Principles of Antibiotic Therapy in Severe Infections: Optimizing the Therapeutic Approach by Use of Laboratory and Clinical Data

The increasingly daunting problem of antimicrobial resistance has led to an intense focus on optimization of antibiotic therapy, with simultaneous goals of improving patient outcomes and minimizing the contribution of that therapy to making the available antibiotics obsolete. Although even appropriate antibiotic therapy drives resistance, inappropriate therapy may also have adverse effects on the individual patient, as well as on the bacterial ecology. Recent research has validated the benefit of intelligent utilization of both microbiological data and clinical assessment in the empirical selection of initial broad-spectrum therapy and in further guidance of therapeutic decisions throughout the course of illness by use of a systems approach. Thus, the optimal approach to the critically ill patient with infection involves the initiation of aggressive broad-spectrum empirical therapy followed by timely responses to microbiological and clinical results as they become available. An appropriate response to this information often involves de-escalation of therapy or even its discontinuation.
Generalized orthogonal wavelet phase reconstruction

Phase reconstruction is used for feedback control in adaptive optics systems. To achieve performance metrics for high actuator density or with limited processing capabilities on spacecraft, a wavelet signal processing technique is advantageous. Previous derivations of this technique have been limited to the Haar wavelet. This paper derives the relationship and algorithms to reconstruct phase with O(n) computational complexity for wavelets with the orthogonal property. This has additional benefits for performance with noise in the measurements. We also provide details on how to handle the boundary condition for telescope apertures.
Through the Eyes of Hollywood: Images of Social Workers in Film

This article reports on research that investigated the images of social workers as portrayed in movies as a major medium of popular culture. Findings from an analysis of 44 movies spanning the period from 1938 to 1998 are presented with particular attention to the themes of gender, race, and class. Using the concept of motivated representations in popular culture, we suggest that these popular constructions of social workers are perhaps motivated by efforts to maintain the status quo of the dominant society, rather than to promote social change and social justice.
Nonisotropic fading channel model for the highway environment

This article investigates the properties of several non-Jakes Doppler spectra proposed for the vehicle-to-vehicle nonisotropic scattering environment of the open highway. Expressions for the ideal model correlations, level-crossing rates, and average fade durations are derived. The classic Clarke channel model is modified to generate fading signals corresponding to the nonisotropic scattering profiles. The simulation results match well with the theoretical ideal channel.
In Quest of the Historical Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai

Concerning the effort to recover rabbinic biographies, Professor Judah Goldin writes: … Such works are hardly biographies in the serious sense of the word, … for not only do the primary sources disappoint us deeply in the amount of reliable historical detail they provide, but even as regards the opinions and teachings of the Sages, one is left to guess what is early and what is late. In short, there is practically no way to get at development , surely and desperately necessary for the historian and biographer. These books therefore are filled with speculation, sometimes plausible, sometimes not. As reflections of the author's own imagination and interpretation, however, and as collections of data about the specific sage, they are informative exercises. My research exhibits, alas, the deplorable qualities to which Goldin points. At the same time, I have continued to reflect on what we know about Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai. Here are some of the results.
Surface complexation of Pb(II) on amorphous iron oxide and manganese oxide: spectroscopic and time studies.

Abstract Hydrous Fe and Mn oxides (HFO and HMO) are important sinks for heavy metals and Pb(II) is one of the more prevalent metal contaminants in the environment. In this work, Pb(II) sorption to HFO (Fe2O3⋅nH2O, n = 1 – 3 ) and HMO (MnO2) surfaces has been studied with EXAFS: mononuclear bidentate surface complexes were observed on FeO6 (MnO6) octahedra with Pb O distance of 2.25–2.35 A and Pb Fe(Mn) distances of 3.29–3.36 (3.65–3.76) A. These surface complexes were invariant of pH 5 and 6, ionic strength 2.8 × 10 −3 to 1.5 × 10 −2 , loading 2.03 × 10 −4 to 9.1 × 10 −3 mol Pb / g , and reaction time up to 21 months. EXAFS data at the Fe K-edge revealed that freshly precipitated HFO exhibits short-range order; the sorbed Pb(II) ions do not substitute for Fe but may inhibit crystallization of HFO. Pb(II) sorbed to HFO through a rapid initial uptake (∼77%) followed by a slow intraparticle diffusion step (∼23%) resulting in a surface diffusivity of 2.5 × 10 −15 cm 2 / s . Results from this study suggest that mechanistic investigations provide a solid basis for successful adsorption modeling and that inclusion of intraparticle surface diffusion may lead to improved geochemical transport depiction.
A NOTE ON EFFECTIVE POPULATION SIZE WITH OVERLAPPING GENERATIONS

ABSTRACT A simple derivation is given far a formula obtained previously for the effective size of random-mating populations with overlapping generations. The effective papulation size is the same as that for a population with discrete generations having the same variance of lifetime family size and the same number of individuals entering the population per generation.
A Dold-Kan theorem for crossed complexes

Abstract By means of a (slightly non-abelian) generalization of the classical Dold-Kan theorem for simplicial abelian groups, we prove a homotopy preserving equivalence of the category of (simplicial) T -groupoids whose complex of objects is discrete and the category of crossed complexes (over a groupoid) in the sense of Brown and Higgins. Consequently, those simplicial groupoids whose Moore complex is a crossed complex, are precisely the T -groupoids. Roughly speaking, a T -complex is a Kan complex where the horn fillers are functional.
Waste Stabilization in Multilayer Aquifers by Optimal Hydraulic Control

Migration of contaminant plumes in aquifer systems can be controlled by producing desired changes in local flow rates and hydraulic gradients through the use of pumping and recharge wells. Such management scenarios have been used in the past for controlled operations in main aquifers. It is also possible to describe similar control procedures for multilayer aquifer systems. In these applications the migration of contaminant plumes in one layer may be controlled through the use of pumping and recharge wells in other layers which control the hydraulic gradients in the contaminated aquifer. In such applications the contaminated aquifer will not be interfered with and hydraulic gradient control operations will be performed on adjacent aquifer layers avoiding direct contact with the contamination source. Such operations may prove useful in case of hazardous waste management. In the study discussed here, mathematical preliminaries of the models utilized in this type of an operation are reviewed, and the effects of management scenarios are discussed for a typical aquifer considering only the hydraulic control aspects of the management process. Management procedures which incorporate the contaminant transport process and operational cost optimization processes into the analysis are not the subject matter of this study.
Using Empirical Article Analysis to Assess Research Methods Courses

Developing students who can apply their knowledge of empirical research is a key outcome of the undergraduate psychology major. This learning outcome was assessed in two research methods courses by having students read and analyze a condensed empirical journal article. At the start and end of the semester, students in multiple sections of an introductory research methods course and students in sections of an advanced methods course answered questions about a condensed journal article in a pre–post approach. Students in the advanced course significantly outperformed students in the introductory course at both administrations, and students in both courses improved significantly from beginning to end of the semester. Results indicate that using journal article analysis can effectively supplement assessment efforts for psychology departments.
Evaluation of the switching characteristics of a gallium-nitride transistor

Gallium-nitride (GaN) technology for power conversion is maturing, with a growing need to evaluate the capabilities of GaN devices in high switching frequency and elevated ambient temperature operation. These capabilities may particularly benefit systems constrained by strict EMI standards, due to the possibility of significant size and weight reduction. An inductive load tester circuit has been developed for switching characterization of a GaN transistor (EPC1010) and a paired silicon diode (SBR10U200P5). Maximum measured switching speeds for hard switching turn-on and turn-off transitions were dv/dt (on) = 4 V/ns, di/dt (on) = 4.5 A/ns, and dv/dt (off) = 18 V/ns, di/dt (off) = 5 A/ns respectively. Total measured switching energy loss was Etot = 40 µJ under 100 V supply voltage and 15 A load current conditions, with little change with increase of transistor junction temperature from 25 °C to 100 °C. Zero-voltage switching reduced loss to only E tot = 6 µJ, thus enabling high switching frequency operation. As the switching pair of a silicon diode and an EPC1010 is not suitable in hard switching mode and high switching frequency operation due to high switching loss of the turn-on process, another tester was built. Here, two EPC1010 devices were used in a phase-leg configuration. The fastest switching speeds were dv/dt (on) = 21 V/ns, di/dt (on) = 9 A/ns, and dv/dt (off) = 20 V/ns, di/dt (off) = 2 A/ns respectively. Total measured switching energy loss was E tot = 11 µJ, under 100 V supply voltage and 15 A load current conditions.
COMPARATIVE PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF MALE ALTERNATIVE REPRODUCTIVE TACTICS IN RAY-FINNED FISHES

Using comparative phylogenetic analysis, we analyzed the evolution of male alternative reproductive tactics (MARTs) in ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii). Numerous independent origins for each type of MART (involving sneaker males, female mimics, pirates, and satellite males) indicate that these behaviors have been highly labile across actinopterygiian evolution, consistent with a previous notion that convergent selection in fishes can readily mold the underlying suites of reproductive hormones into similar behaviors. The evolutionary appearance of MARTs was significantly correlated with the presence of sexually selected traits in bourgeois males (P = 0.001) but not with the presence of male parental care. This suggests that MARTs often arise from selection on some males to circumvent bourgeois male investment in mate monopolization, rather than to avoid male brood care per se. We found parsimony evidence for an evolutionary progression of MARTs wherein sneaking is usually the evolutionary precursor to the presumably more complex MARTs of female mimicry and cooperative satellite behavior. Nest piracy appears not to be part of this evolutionary progression, possibly because its late onset in the life cycle of most ray-finned fishes reduces the effects of selection on this reproductive tactic.
Characteristics of somatic hypermutation of human immunoglobulin genes

Affinity maturation of antibodies after immunization is a result of hypermutation of the variable region of immunoglobulin genes and an antigen selection process that preserves those B lymphocytes with mutated surface immunoglobulin (Ig) expressing an increased affinity for the immunogen (French et al. 1989; Kocks and Rajewsky 1989; Wagner and Neuberger 1996). The surviving B cells then give rise to memory B cells and antibody secreting cells. Hypermutation is the predominant mechanism for diversification of the secondary antibody response. The hypermutation process is not only lineage-specific but is site- and stage-specific. Hypermutation of Ig genes is prominent in B cells in the germinal centers of secondary lymphoid organs from approximately 1–3 weeks after immunization (Levy et al. 1989; Berek et al. 1991; Jacob et al. 1991; MacLennan 1994; Pascual et al. 1994). The mutations are primarily single point substitutions that are targeted to 2 kb of DNA of rearranged heavy and light chain V gene segments with a sharp upstream boundary in the middle of the leader intron and an imprecise downstream boundary in the J-C intron that are introduced at approximately 10-3-10-4 mutations per base pair per generation, which is the highest rate of mutation observed in the eukaryotic genome (Kocks and Rajewsky 1989; Lebeque and Gearhart 1990; Wagner and Neuberger 1996).
Imaging patients with renal impairment

Imaging with intravascular contrast media is generally considered safe, particularly in patients without renal failure. However, as renal function deteriorates, the potential risk of nonallergic-type adverse events increases. This presents a unique challenge, particularly when the use of intravenous contrast media is deemed essential for diagnostic purposes. Following a discussion regarding the definition and epidemiology of kidney injury, this review focuses on the evolving understanding of both contrast-induced nephropathy and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and discusses preventative strategies aimed at minimizing the risk of developing these entities. Alternative non-contrast imaging techniques are also discussed.
Precise Editing of the Zebrafish Genome Made Simple and Efficient

We present simple and efficient methods for creating heritable modifications of the zebrafish genome. Precisely modified alleles are generated by homologous recombination between the host genome and dsDNA donor molecules, stimulated by the induction of chromosomally targeted double-strand breaks. Several kilobase-long tracts of genome sequence can be replaced. Tagging donor sequences with reporter genes that can be subsequently excised improves recovery of edited alleles by an order of magnitude and facilitates recovery of recessive and phenotypically silent conditional mutations. We generate and demonstrate functionality of (1) alleles with a single codon change, (2) an allele encoding an epitope-tagged version of an endogenous protein, (3) alleles expressing reporter proteins, and (4) a conditional allele in which an exon is flanked by recombinogenic loxP sites. Our methods make recovery of a broad range of genome editing events very practicable, significantly advancing applicability of the zebrafish for studying normal biological processes and modeling diseases.
Origin of the trans fatty acids in human tissue.

SummarySamples of fat from human placental, maternal, fetal, and baby tissue were examined for presence of trans fatty acids. While the maternal tissue contained considerable amounts of trans fatty acids, these lipids were not found to any measurable extent in placental, fetal, or baby fat. The results indicate that trans fatty acids found in human tissue must originate solely from dietary fat.
Up: directed by Pete Docter with screenplay by Rob Peterson and Pete Docter. Produced by Jonas Rivera. Emeryville, CA: Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures, 2009

The Oscar-winning animated feature film Up is a story of losing and rediscovering a life of adventure. The movie tells the story of Carl Fredricksen. As a child Carl is fascinated with the adventur...
Urban distribution grid line outage identification

The growing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in urban distribution grids raises various reliability issues due to complex uncertainties. With the large-scale penetration of DERs, traditional outage detection methods, which rely on customers making phone calls and smart meters' “last gasp” signals, will have limited performance because 1) the renewable generators can supply powers after line outages, and 2) many urban grids are mesh and line outages do not affect power supply. To address these drawbacks, we propose a new data-driven outage monitoring approach based on the stochastic time series analysis with the newly available smart meter data utilized. Specifically, based on the power flow analysis, we prove that the statistical dependency of time-series voltage measurements has significant changes after line outages. Hence, we use the optimal change point detection theory to detect and localize line outages. As the existing change point detection methods require the post-outage voltage distribution, which is unknown in power systems, we propose a maximum likelihood method to learn the distribution parameters from the historical data. The proposed outage detection using estimated parameters also achieves the optimal performance. Simulation results show highly accurate outage identification in IEEE standard distribution test systems with and without DERs using real smart meter data.
Oil and Water: Blending Market and Research Logics in Academic Entrepreneurship

In the context of technology-based startups emerging from universities, this paper explores the influence of founders’ experience and institutional logics on the firm’s ability to commercialize their inventions. In technology-based startups, many founders are steeped in a research logic and direct the startup with a similar mindset to that of their academic laboratories, emphasizing knowledge expansion and technical progress, primarily utilizing government grant funding. Prior research suggests that these founders find partners driven by a commercial mindset to help market and sell the technology, but the evidence on this front is unclear. To understand how diverging institutional logics affect commercialization, I analyzed archival data from 473 entrepreneurial firms exploiting university technology between 1989 and 2007, as these firms must shift from a research logic to a hybrid (research/market) logic to commercialize. Findings suggest founders’ institutional logics influence the time it takes for the...
Impact of Biomaterials on Health and Economic Development

Improving the medical outcomes for pneumonia, traumatic injuries, and diarrheal diseases extends beyond the overall health of affected individuals. The health of a country is innately tied to the corresponding wealth of that country, in which healthy individuals foster increased productivity and economic gains on both local-level and macro-level scales. In acknowledging this, there are additional steps that Nigeria can consider in the area of biomaterials science that may lead to greater health and economic sustainability. The primary concern is the health of future generations in combating conditions and morbidities that afflict the youth population and human capital development and minimizing the risks associated with increased economies of scale related to the future development of bio-economies. Biomaterials have the potential to foster advancements on multiple fronts but require an integrative approach to making sure that future initiatives are both sustainable in nature as well as help those that are in need of these interventions the most.
The Reflex Hammer: A Brief History of the Tool We Know and Love (P2.047)

Objective: To examine the origins and evolution of the reflex hammer and its incorporation into neurological clinical practice. Background: The reflex hammer is an important diagnostic tool used by physicians to test deep tendon reflexes, an essential part of the neurological physical examination in order to assess the peripheral and central nervous system. Design/Methods: Literature review primarily through PubMed and historical archives. Results: There are three important milestones leading to the incorporation of the reflex hammer into clinical practice: the discovery of percussion, the description of the clinical usefulness of deep tendon reflexes, and the construction of the first neurological reflex hammer. The reflex hammer found its origins in a wine-growers’ tool used to thump the wine casks in order to measure the amount of wine inside. Based on this practice, Austrian physician Leonard Auenbrugger first described thoracic percussion in 1761. By 1826, percussion had entered clinical practice in mainland Europe and “percussion hammers” were developed and carried by physicians. An important catalyst were the scientific publications by Heinrich Erb and Carl Westphal in 1875 describing the patellar reflex and its implications for diagnosing neurological disease. These papers boosted scientific interest in deep tendon reflexes and the best way to elicit them. In order to assess the reflexes, physicians initially used their hands (“finger taps” or “side hand taps”) and their percussion hammers. However, these were inadequate to reliably elicit the response. It wasn’t until 1888 that the first neurological reflex hammer was developed by John Madison Taylor in Philadelphia, PA. Over the next decades, the reflex hammer continued to evolve and new designs surfaced. Conclusions: In the face of modern diagnostic and imaging technology, the reflex hammer is a diagnostic tool that continues to evolve and hold its place in history and clinical practice. Disclosure: Dr. Sisniega has nothing to disclose.