cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
California dragonfly and damselfly (Odonata) database: temporal and spatial distribution of species records collected over the past century

The recently completed Odonata database for California consists of specimen records from the major entomology collections of the state, large Odonata collections outside of the state, previous literature, historical and recent field surveys, and from enthusiast group observations. The database includes 32,025 total records and 19,000 unique records for 106 species of dragonflies and damselflies, with records spanning 1879-2013. Records have been geographically referenced using the point-radius method to assign coordinates and an uncertainty radius to specimen locations. In addition to describing techniques used in data acquisition, georeferencing, and quality control, we present assessments of the temporal, spatial, and taxonomic distribution of records. We use this information to identify biases in the data, and to determine changes in species prevalence, latitudinal ranges, and elevation ranges when comparing records before 1976 and after 1979. The average latitude of where records occurred increased by 78 km over these time periods. While average elevation did not change significantly, the average minimum elevation across species declined by 108 m. Odonata distribution may be generally shifting northwards as temperature warms and to lower minimum elevations in response to increased summer water availability in low-elevation agricultural regions. The unexpected decline in elevation may also be partially the result of bias in recent collections towards centers of human population, which tend to occur at lower elevations. This study emphasizes the need to address temporal, spatial, and taxonomic biases in museum and observational records in order to produce reliable conclusions from such data.
The drift-diffusion equation revisited

Abstract The drift-diffusion equation for carrier transport in semiconductors is reconsidered from the perspective of scattering theory. Reasons for its continued success in describing sub-micron devices are established, conditions for which it loses validity are identified, and prospects for its continued use are considered.
Quantitative analysis of diphenylhydantoin in serum by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract A method is described for analysis of diphenylhydantoin in clinical serum samples employing: 1. addition of a dilantin analogue as internal standard, 2. extraction by a procedure that selectively removes some of the interfering lipids, and 3. analysis by GC-MS mass fragmentography in which an ion is monitored that is common to both diphenylhydantoin and its analogue. The sensitivity is such that. 0002 μg produces a peak at 3 times noise level. The spectrum is free from interferences at sensitivity levels at which standard HFID records interfering peaks equivalent to 3–8 μg/ml and total ion monitoring records interfering peaks equivalent to 3–8 μg/ml of diphenylhydantoin.
A teaching tool for children in self care

Abstract Because of the high divorce rate and the increasing number of working mothers, many U.S. children come from families in which parent(s) are unavailable for 2 to 3 hours after school, when the parent(s) are still at work. Although many communities have after-school care programs, many children do not have access to these. Such children must return to empty houses and face loneliness, boredom, and the risk of personal harm. To assist these children to avoid harm, the authors devised a tool to teach age-appropriate “survival skills” to 6- to 9-year-old children in their classrooms (after parental consent). This article describes the authors' experience and the teaching tool.
Single threshold device realization subject to sensitivity requirements

Abstract A method to test and realize linearly-separable switching functions subject to specified sensitivity requirements is presented. A procedure is developed to take advantage of a universal map (Torng-Map). This approach appears to offer significant improvements over available methods. A detailed example is furnished.
Performance analyses of combined heating and photovoltaic power systems for residences

Abstract The performance of a combined solar photovoltaic and heating system for a single family residence has been analyzed over a full year, using hourly U.S. Weather Bureau data for insolation and environmental temperature for Boston, 1963. The collector analyzed is a flat plate thermal collector with heat transfer to the load via a liquid loop. The collector contains in lieu of the usual absorber surface a silicon solar array. The analysis has been carried out by use of existing detailed programs for hourly computation of the building heat load, of solar heating system performance, and of solar photovoltaic system performance. The optical properties of the photovoltaic array were used for the absorber plate in the thermal collector performance evaluation, and the available energy input to the absorber was reduced by 10% to account for the electrical energy taken out, as a first order approximation. The thus obtained hourly absorber temperatures were used in the computation of photovoltaic array performance. The hourly electrical load has been synthesized. The analysis has shown the combination system to be a viable approach. It will require a means for temperature control while heat energy is available in excess of load and is being dumped into the environment. Several system design parameters were varied for a sensitivity analysis.
Carbon-rich chondritic clast PV1 from the Plainview H-chondrite regolith breccia: Formation from H3 chondrite material by possible cometary impact

Chondritic clast PV1 from the Plainview H-chondrite regolith breccia is a subrounded, 5-mm- diameter unequilibrated chondritic fragment that contains 13 wt% C occurring mainly within irregularly shaped 30 - 400-m-size opaque patches. The clast formed from H3 chondrite material as indicated by the mean apparent chondrule diameter (310 m vs. 300 m in H3 chondrites), the mean Mg-normalized refractory lithophile abundance ratio (1.00 0.09H), the previously determined O-isotopic composition ( 17 O 0.66‰ vs. 0.68 0.04‰ in H3 chondrites and 0.73 0.09‰ in H4-6 chondrites), the heteroge- neous olivine compositions in grain cores (with a minimum range of Fa1-19), and the presence of glass in some chondrules. Although the clast lacks the fine-grained, ferroan silicate matrix material present in type 3 ordinary chondrites, PV1 contains objects that appear to be recrystallized clumps of matrix material. Similarly, the apparent dearth of radial pyroxene and cryptocrystalline chondrules in PV1 is accounted for by the presence of some recrystallized fragments of these chondrule textural types. All of the chondrules in PV1 are interfused indicating that temperatures must have briefly reached 1100°C (the approximate solidus temper- ature of H-chondrite silicate). The most likely source of this heating was by an impact. Some metal was lost during impact heating as indicated by the moderately low abundance of metallic Fe-Ni in PV1 (14 wt%) compared to that in mean H chondrites (18 wt%). The carbon enrichment of the clast may have resulted from a second impact event, one involving a cometary projectile, possibly a Jupiter-family comet. As the clast cooled, it experienced hydrothermal alteration at low water/rock ratios as evidenced by the thick rims of ferroan olivine around low-FeO olivine cores. The C-rich chondritic clast was later incorporated into the H-chondrite parent-body regolith and extensively fractured and faulted. Copyright © 2005 Elsevier Ltd
The Man from South: Reconsidering Navajo Students' Stories.

Developmental studies on children's written narratives have focused on tracing the appearance of certain elements at different ages to map out the possible stages of growth in storying. The underlying assumption in many of these studies has been that a unilinear pattern of growth is followed by all children as they learn to write stories. As such, it essentially ignores the effects of culture on story structures and themes. This study challenges this assumption as it analyzes the structural and thematic elements of three stories written by one sixth-grade Navajo girl. By examining various cultural influences, the origins and meanings of certain elements become clear. Furthermore, the complexity and sophistication of these stories can be appreciated. This analysis raises serious questions for those language arts teachers of American Indian children and other school personnel who have failed to appreciate certain kinds of narratives and have sometimes considered the authors of those narratives as less able ...
Legislative representation on a technical policy issue: Hazardous waste in Tennessee

Abstract Hazardous waste disposal is an example of an issue that government officials increasingly must confront but find difficult to resolve—complex scientific and technical problems that frighten the public. This study compares legislator's must estimate the attitudes of the public. This study compares legislators' opinions with constituency opinions using surveys of the general public and of legislators in Tennessee. It finds that citizens are more concerned than the lawmakers, that they are more willing to find solutions than the legislators believe, and that they trust scientific experts more than they trust public officials.
Computational and Analytical Study of Multiphase Rotary Separator Turbine Liquid Outlet

Gas-liquid separation is typically performed in settling tanks using gravitational force, or in cyclones generating higher centrifugal forces by swirl generators. However, in some applications such as offshore platforms or subsea compression stations, further compactness of the separating units is important. The Rotary Separator Turbine, a special type of cyclonic separator, generates even higher centrifugal forces, which allows the design of very compact separators. Due to the complexity of the flow fields in this type of machine, Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analyses were used in the recent design of such a rotary separator. Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved for multiphase turbulent flows in multiple frames of reference. This paper describes basic functionality of the RST and concentrates on one particular analysis of the lip discharge geometry. In addition to the numerical study, an analytical model is presented for this particular flow.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Vascular complications of essential thrombocythaemia: a link to cardiovascular risk factors

Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by absolute thrombocytosis and increased incidence of thrombosis and haemorrhage. We report higher morbidity in patients with ET due to arterial ischaemic complications when cardiovascular risk factors are present. In this retrospective analysis of 46 patients, arterial complications occurred in 20/46 patients (43.4%); patients with cardiovascular risk factors, especially cigarette smoking, had more than twice as many arterial complications than patients without risk factors (62.5% v 22.7%, P < 0.05). Neither age, gender nor degree of thrombocytosis were linked to the number of complications. In contrast, we observed no association between cardiovascular risk factors and venous thrombosis or haemorrhagic complications of ET.
Interleukin-6 production by endotoxin-stimulated kupffer cells is regulated by prostaglandin E2

Abstract Although its impact on the acute phase response is clear, little is known regarding the regulation of interleukin-6 (hepatocyte-stimulating factor) production. We evaluated its relationship with the potent immunosuppressive eicosanoid PGE 2 in endotoxin (LPS)-stimulated Kupffer cells (KC). KC were harvested from collagenasedigested Wistar-Furth rat livers and purified (>95% by phagocytosis) by adherence. Following overnight culture with or without the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10 μ M ), 5 × 10 5 KC were repleted with fresh media with or without 2.5 μg/ml LPS. Supernatant IL-6 levels (ng/ml) were measured with the B9.9 hybridoma proliferative bioassay, and PGE 2 levels (ng/ml) by radioimmunoassay. Negligible supernatant IL-6 and PGE 2 were measured at all culture intervals in unstimulated KC or those cultured with the LPS-inhibitor polymyxin-B (10 μg/ml). With LPS, KC IL-6 production increased in parallel with PGE 2 for 24 hr before decreasing as PGE 2 continued to rise. When indomethacin treatment blocked KC PGE 2 production, IL-6 levels significantly increased. We conclude that PGE 2 produced by activated Kupffer cells appears to down-regulate IL-6 secretion. Autocrine effects by PGE 2 may locally regulate the hepatic acute phase response by limiting the KC-derived IL-6 available to act on neighboring hepatocytes.
Large B-cell lymphoma of the base of the tongue and oral cavity: a practical approach to identifying prognostically important subtypes.

Objective The aim of this study is to illustrate a practical approach to the identification of prognostically important subtypes of large B-cell lymphomas. Study design Twenty-six cases of large B-cell lymphoma in the base of the tongue and oral cavity were retrieved from 2003 through 2012. All cases were classified based on the 2008 World Health Organization criteria. Hematoxylin-eosin–stained sections, immunohistochemical stains, flow cytometric immunophenotypic data, and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies were performed and evaluated. Results Four different subtypes of large B-cell lymphoma were identified: pleomorphic variant mantle cell lymphoma, Epstein-Barr virus–positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the elderly, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified, and B-cell lymphoma unclassifiable with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma, including a case of double-hit lymphoma. Conclusions Diverse subtypes of large B-cell lymphoma were identified in the base of tongue and oral cavity, and illustrate a practical approach to recognizing prognostically important lymphoma subtypes.
Degree of mastery of experimentally acquired verbal responses and their use and influence in conceptual block scoring.

(1966). Degree of Mastery of Experimentally Acquired Verbal Responses and Their Use and Influence in Conceptual Block Sorting. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 74, No. 2, pp. 279-287.
Linking Health Monitoring in Concrete Structures with Durability Performance Simulations

Service-life prediction models provide a useful and practical approach to estimate the durability that may be expected in concrete structures. For reliable performance predictions, these life-cycle models require accurate material property inputs that describe the quality of the placed concrete. Insitu sensing and monitoring has been suggested as an effective way to measure the properties of the in-place concrete. In this regard, the use of different types of sensors that measure fundamentally different material responses (e.g., stress/strain, acoustic/ultrasonic, electrical, and temperature) can be useful. This paper focuses on utilizing electrical conductivity measurements. It is discussed that while the sole measurement of concrete conductivity might not be able to accurately quantify material properties, a combination of three conductivity-based sensors plus a temperature measurement can provide valuable information for durability performance predictions. The proposed sensing system enables insitu measurement of properties such as porosity, pore connectivity, water permeability, and ion diffusivity. In addition, the sensors provide a means for life-cycle monitoring of moisture movement and ion (e.g., chloride) penetration inside the material. This paper discusses the applications of the sensing system and describes the role of each sensor, parameters measured, and principles of how each sensor operates.
Genomic similarity and kernel methods I: Advancements by building on mathematical and statistical foundations

Measures of genomic similarity are the basis of many statistical analytic methods. We review the mathematical and statistical basis of similarity methods, particularly based on kernel methods. A kernel function converts information for a pair of subjects to a quantitative value representing either similarity (larger values meaning more similar) or distance (smaller values meaning more similar), with the requirement that it must create a positive semidefinite matrix when applied to all pairs of subjects. This review emphasizes the wide range of statistical methods and software that can be used when similarity is based on kernel methods, such as nonparametric regression, linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models, hierarchical models, score statistics, and support vector machines. The mathematical rigor for these methods is summarized, as is the mathematical framework for making kernels. This review provides a framework to move from intuitive and heuristic approaches to define genomic similarities to more rigorous methods that can take advantage of powerful statistical modeling and existing software. A companion paper reviews novel approaches to creating kernels that might be useful for genomic analyses, providing insights with examples [1].
Imaging findings of adiposis dolorosa vs. massive localized lymphedema.

Adiposis dolorosa (Dercum’s disease) is a condition of benign, painful subcutaneous lipomatous lesions associated with weakness, endocrine and lipid abnormalities, and mental disturbances. There is little information documenting the cross-sectional imaging findings that differentiate it from lipomatous and neoplastic soft tissue masses, or massive localized lymphedema. The purpose of this study was to provide a radiological case series of adiposis dolorosa. A 10-year retrospective review of the picture archiving and communications system was performed. Two musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed images to confirm and document imaging features, location, size, and patient demographics. Medical records were reviewed to characterize patients into three groups: one group met at least three of the four criteria of Dercum’s syndrome, the second group met less than three criteria, and the third group had clinical diagnosis of cellulitis of the lower extremity. Seventeen cases (25 masses) of adiposis dolorosa were found, nine cases of which met at least three criteria of Dercum’s syndrome. All cases in the first two groups demonstrated skin thickening and lymphedema of subcutaneous fat, which was fluid attenuation on CT and low or intermediate T1-weighted and high STIR/T2-weighted MR signal. Two cases with pathology showed mild fatty infiltration with fibrous septa, and the third case showed massive localized lymphedema. The third group of ten cellulitis patients demonstrated non-mass-like subcutaneous edema with similar CT attenuation and MR signal characteristics to the first two groups, but differed by the presence of post-contrast enhancement and non-mass-like appearance in 90 %. Imaging findings of adiposis dolorosa and massive localized lymphedema overlap, as do the symptoms and pathological features. Due to the mass-like engorgement of the soft tissues and pain, patients will often undergo imaging to exclude neoplasm or infection. Knowledge of these conditions and the characteristic imaging findings is important to prevent unnecessary biopsy and misdiagnosis.
Comparison of trace metal data in mussels and oysters from a mussel watch programme of the 1970s with those from a 1980s programme

Abstract Two Mussel Watch programmes have collected and analysed Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Ag, and Zn concentrations in bivalve molluscs around the coasts of the United States annually for two periods of 3 yr, one in the late 1970s, the other in the late 1980s. Fifty sites were common to both programmes. The two 3 yr data sets have been compared by the use of two nonparametric techniques to identify changes over the 10 yr separating the programmes. By the Sign test, mean concentrations of Pb were shown to have decreased on a national scale. When the results for each metal were compared station-by-station using the Mann-Whitney U-test, substantially more sites were found with decreases in Cd and Pb than with increases. For Cu the converse held, substantially more sites with increases being noted. On a national scale, Ag, Ni and Zn showed little evidence of change between the two data sets.
Mary Or Michael? Saint-switching, Gender, And Sanctity In A Medieval Miracle Of Childbirth

Medieval pilgrims making the dangerous journey from the Norman-Breton coast to the island monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel would have passed a tall stone cross rising out of the sands about halfway between the mainland and the north shore of the Mont. In the unlikely event that the visitors had not already heard the story of this monument, the so-called “croix des greves,” they were sure to hear it—and perhaps even see it reenacted—once they arrived at their destination, since the miracle it commemorated was one of the most famous in the shrine's vast store of legend. Popularly known as the “Peril,” the miracle told of a pregnant woman who had come on pilgrimage to the shrine in the time of Abbot Hildebert I(1009–17). As she was making her way across the sands toward the abbey at low tide, a sudden storm blew in from the sea, carrying the tide in its wake. In her frantic efforts to reach the shore before the pilgrims' path was submerged, the woman went into labor and was unable to escape the quickly rising waters. According to the version of this story recounted to generations of pilgrims to Mont-Saint-Michel, the abbey's patron Saint Michael took pity on the unfortunate woman and made a dry space for her to wait out the storm in the midst of the sea, preserving her from harm while she was safely delivered of a healthy son. The boy was christened “Peril” in commemoration of his dangerous birth, and in gratitude to the archangel his mother designated him for the priesthood.
Microwave artificially structured periodic media microfluidic sensor

In this paper, microstrip-based spiral structured artificial magnetic media (metamaterial) coupled with microfluidic channel is experimentally demonstrated for sensing applications. It is found that the resonant frequency and the amplitude changes due to dielectric loading from the introduction of chemical substances in the microfluidic channels. Different concentrations of water — methanol and water — isopropanol samples are used in the characterization of the sensor. For water — methanol mixtures, the resonant frequency shifts from 2.15 GHz to 2.0 GHz with change in dielectric constant from 25 to 75. Results show that the wave propagation in LH-media can be used for interrogation of minute volumes of samples with high sensitivity.
Linking neural activity to complex decisions

In the 1990s, seminal work from Newsome and colleagues made it possible to study the neuronal mechanisms of simple perceptual decisions. The key strength of this work was the clear and direct link between neuronal activity and choice processes. Since then, a great deal of research has extended these initial discoveries to more complex forms of decision making, with the goal of bringing the same strength of linkage between neural and psychological processes. Here, we discuss the progress of two such research programs, namely our own, that are aimed at understanding memory-guided decisions and reward-guided decisions. These problems differ in the relevant brain areas, in the progress that has been achieved, and in the extent of broader understanding achieved so far. However, they are unified by the use of theoretical insights about how to link neuronal activity to decisions.
The study of creativity: from genius to cognitive science

This paper presents a historical review of the spectrum of views taken by students of creativity. The review centers on the notion of genius, which assumes that creative individuals make conceptual leaps far ‘outside the box’. One modern variant of this view, the idea that creativity depends on on psychopathology, is discussed. This paper then considers the dominant view in psychology, which assumes that a group of cognitive and personality characteristics sets creative individuals apart, although we all possess these characteristics to varying degrees. Finally, the author examines the possibility that there are no differences in cognition or personality between creative and ordinary individuals. In this view, even the most radically new creative achievements are firmly built on the past, rather than being the result of rejection of the past. Evidence for this conceptualization of creativity is discussed and its implications for policy decisions are examined.
Atlas based method for the automated segmentation and quantification of knee features: Data from the osteoarthritis initiative

This paper presents a fully unsupervised segmentation method for the segmentation of 3D DESS MRI images of the human knee. Five MRI knees manually segmented by human experts are used as reference atlases to automatically segment subsequent MRI images. The five segmentations are averaged to create the knee segmentation. The methodology was tested on the pilot Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) image set of MRI DESS sequences. The data includes longitudinal images from healthy normals and subjects with osteoarthritis (OA) scanned twice at baseline and at the 24 month follow-up. The segmentation methodology was able to create precise cartilage segmentations of the knees that were used to extract volume, thickness and subchondral bone plate curvature information of the knee. The quantitative thickness showed precisions ranging from 0.025mm to 0.051mm. The longitudinal reproducibility of the cartilage thickness measurement methodology showed intra-class correlations coefficients (ICC) ranging from 0.39 to 0.79.
Inhibition of mutant EGFR in lung cancer cells triggers SOX2-FOXO6-dependent survival pathways

Treatment of EGFR-mutant lung cancer with erlotinib results in dramatic tumor regression but it is invariably followed by drug resistance. In characterizing early transcriptional changes following drug treatment of mutant EGFR-addicted cells, we identified the stem cell transcriptional regulator SOX2 as being rapidly and specifically induced, both in vitro and in vivo. Suppression of SOX2 sensitizes cells to erlotinib-mediated apoptosis, ultimately decreasing the emergence of acquired resistance, whereas its ectopic expression reduces drug-induced cell death. We show that erlotinib relieves EGFR-dependent suppression of FOXO6, leading to its induction of SOX2, which in turn represses the pro-apoptotic BH3-only genes BIM and BMF. Together, these observations point to a physiological feedback mechanism that attenuates oncogene addiction-mediated cell death associated with the withdrawal of growth factor signaling and may therefore contribute to the development of resistance.
Evidence of the Lombard effect in fishes

Noise can be problematic for acoustically communicating organisms due to the masking effect it has on acoustic signals. Rapid expansion of human populations, accompanied by noise that comes with industrialization and motorized transportation, poses a threat for many acoustically communicating species. Although a significant amount of effort has been made exploring the responses of organisms inhabiting marine and terrestrial environments to elevated noise levels, relatively little has been directed toward organisms inhabiting small, lotic, freshwater systems. The aim of this study was to determine what effect elevated noise levels have on acoustic signals and inter-fish distance during sound production in the Blacktail Shiner, Cyprinella venusta. We hypothesized, based on the behaviors of other vocal organisms, that C. venusta would compensate for elevated noise levels by decreasing distance between sender and receiver, increasing signal amplitude (Lombard effect), or by changing temporal patterns to increase call redundancy. Using an experimental approach, we found that C. venusta altered several acoustic components under noisy conditions. Most notably, spectral levels of acoustic signals were increased in background noise, indicating presence of the Lombard effect in fishes. Inter-fish distance was typically not different between noisy and quiet conditions, although one circumstance did show a significantly smaller inter-fish distance under noisy conditions.
THE FINE STRUCTURE OF BONE CELLS

An electron microscopic study of Araldite-embedded, undecalcified human woven and chick lamellar bone is presented. The fine structure of the cells of bone in their normal milieu is described. Active osteoblasts possess abundant granular endoplasmic reticulum, numerous small vesicles, and a few secretion droplets. Their long cytoplasmic processes penetrate the osteoid. The transition of osteoblasts into osteoid osteocytes and then into osteocytes is traced and found to involve a progressive reduction of cytoplasmic organelles. Adjoining the osteocytes and their processes is a layer of amorphous material which is interposed between the cell surfaces and the bone walls of their respective cavities. Osteoclasts contain numerous non-membrane-associated ribosomes, abundant mitochondria, and little granular endoplasmic reticulum, thus differing markedly from other bone cells. The brush border is a complex of cytoplasmic processes adjacent to a resorption zone in bone. No unmineralized collagen is seen at resorption sites and it appears that collagen is removed before or at the time of mineral solution. All bone surfaces are covered by cells, some of which lack distinctive qualities and are designated endosteal lining cells. The structure of osteoid, bone, and early mineralization sites is illustrated and discussed.
High-Q micromechanical oscillators and filters for communications

With Q's in the tens to hundreds of thousands, micromachined vibrating resonators are proposed as IC-compatible tanks for use in the low phase noise oscillators and highly selective filters of communications systems. To date, LF oscillators have been fully integrated using merged CMOS+microstructure technologies, and bandpass filters consisting of coupled resonators have been demonstrated in the HF range. The performance of fabricated two- and three-resonator filters with center frequencies ranging from 300 kHz to 10 MHz and filter Q's from 100 to 2400 are reported. Evidence suggests that the ultimate frequency range of this high-Q tank technology depends upon material limitations, as well as design constraints-in particular, to the degree of electromechanical coupling achievable in micro-scale resonators.
Social network analysis: recent achievements and current controversies

Network analysis has grown rapidly over the past two decades, but criticisms of the approach have increased as well This article focuses on several accomplishments and unresolved problems of the ne...
Institutions Arrangements and Debt Financing

We find that institutional arrangements have an impact on the real economy by affecting firms’ choice between private and public debt and the subsequent financing costs. Using new debt issued by firms in 26 non-US countries, we find, after controlling for firm characteristics predicted by debt agency and information asymmetry theories, that the level of financial market development, the efficiency of bankruptcy procedure, the integrity and enforceability of laws, and the transparency of financial information have significant impacts not only on firms’ debt choice and yield to maturity in domestic debt market, but also their issuance choice in the international debt market.
Bending angle effects on the multi-domain in-plane-switching liquid crystal displays

The electro-optic properties of a multi-domain in-plane switching liquid crystal display (IPS LCD) are investigated through a three-dimensional (3-D) simulator, which combines the finite element and finite difference methods for fast solutions. The bending angle between the chevron-shaped electrodes makes an important contribution to the operating voltage and response time, and suppresses the color shift. Using optimized uniaxial compensation films, the viewing cone of the multi-domain IPS LCD is widened to /spl plusmn/80/spl deg/ at 100:1 contrast ratio. These properties are especially desirable for LCD TV and computer monitor applications.
[41] Selection of protein binding sites from random nucleic acid sequences

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the selection of protein binding sites from random nucleic acid sequences. A variety of strategies have been developed by which specific DNA or RNA sequences that can be bound by a protein, or by a protein complex, can be isolated by selecting these molecules in vitro from libraries of random sequences. In principle, these protocols make it possible to evaluate the capability of any protein to recognize specific nucleic acid sequences, thus providing information which can be invaluable for investigations of how that protein functions. These techniques have a number of experimental applications that can be useful for study of various proteins that have been implicated in oncogenesis. Either a biological or a biochemical selection scheme can be employed to isolate protein binding sites from a random sequence nucleic acid library, and each strategy can potentially yield different information. The power of current random sequence selection techniques derives from a central concept: that the selection procedure itself is coupled with a step in which the selected molecules are amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplification step makes it possible to perform multiple sequential rounds of selection and amplification to isolate specific binding sequences.
Effects of Prenatal Tobacco Exposure on Gene Expression Profiling in Umbilical Cord Tissue

Maternal smoking doubles the risk of delivering a low birth weight infant. The purpose of this study was to analyze differential gene expression in umbilical cord tissue as a function of maternal smoking, with an emphasis on growth-related genes. We recruited 15 pregnant smokers and 15 women who never smoked during pregnancy to participate. RNA was isolated from umbilical cord tissue collected and snap frozen at the time of delivery. Microarray analysis was performed using the Affymetrix GeneChip Scanner 3000. Six hundred seventy-eight probes corresponding to 545 genes were differentially expressed (i.e. had an intensity ratio > ±1.3 and a corrected significance value p < 0.005) in tissue obtained from smokers versus nonsmokers. Genes important for fetal growth, angiogenesis, or development of connective tissue matrix were upregulated among smokers. The most highly upregulated gene was CSH1, a somatomammotropin gene. Two other somatomammotropin genes (CSH2 and CSH-L1) were also upregulated. The most highly downregulated gene was APOBEC3A; other downregulated genes included those that may be important in immune and barrier protection. Validation of the three somatomammotropin genes showed a high correlation between qPCR and microarray expression. We conclude that maternal smoking may be associated with altered gene expression in the offspring.
The Effect of Counselors on the Reward System of Teachers

This article discusses the hidden, often manifest, animosity between counselors and teachers. A model and an empirical study by a sociologist are utilized in examining the need-reward system of teachers and counselors. It is suggested that in their work with students both teachers and counselors receive maximum gratification through similar processes, but in different contexts. Conflict between teachers and counselors is primarily due to the lack of recognition by either party of the differences in criteria of success in learning and work satisfaction. It is hypothesized that at the elementary school level these differences will be most pronounced but have the greatest opportunity for resolution.
Esophageal dilation in eosinophilic esophagitis

Abstract Solid-food dysphagia and food impaction are the hallmark symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and are a result of subepithelial fibrosis, leading to esophageal stricture formation and loss of compliance of the esophagus. This fibrosis can be mechanically disrupted by esophageal dilation, which leads to a significant improvement in dysphagia in more than 80% of patients. The esophageal mucosa is quite fragile in patients with EoE, and dilation frequently leads to deep mucosal tears. The risk of esophageal perforation with dilation in EoE is likely increased over that seen with dilation in other benign esophageal diseases, but this risk has been overestimated in the earlier literature. Dilation in EoE, when done with some precaution, can be done relatively safely and in many cases of small-caliber esophagus, it needs to be done to alleviate symptoms. However, this dilation is frequently associated with postprocedure chest pain. In this article, we discuss the mechanisms of dysphagia in EoE to better understand the indications and timing of esophageal dilation in this disease. Then, we discuss the technique, efficacy, and importantly, the safety of esophageal dilation in EoE.
“Unusual” modifications and variations of vertebrate oligosaccharides: are we missing the flowers for the trees?

The remarkable complexity of oligosaccharide structures found on vertebrate cells results from the concerted action of glycosyltransferase enzymes (Joziasse, 1992; Stanley and Ioffe, 1995; Varki and Marth, 1995; Whitfield and Douglas, 1996), several of which were first identified and characterized by Robert Hill (Paulson et al, 1977; Paulson et al, 1978; Beyer et al, 1979; Rearick et al, 1979; Sadler et ai, 1979, 1982). Together with the structural characterization of naturally occurring oligosaccharides, the study of these enzymes has led to the definition of the major structural motifs of vertebrate sugar chains (Cummings, 1992; Kobata and Takasaki, 1992; Varki and Freeze, 1994; Varki and Marth, 1995). These motifs can be divided into (1) the core regions unique for each class of glycoconjugate (e.g., the Chitobiosyl-N-Asn-linkage region); and (2) the outer chains (e.g., type 1 and 2 lactosamine units with sialylation and/or fucosylation) that can be shared to varying extents by the different core classes (Cummings, 1992; Kobata and Takasaki, 1992; Varki and Freeze, 1994; Varki and Marth, 1995). Vertebrate cells utilize a relatively limited subset of the monosaccharides known to exist in nature, and in only some of the many possible combinations. However, several unusual variations of the typical structures exist, as well as a variety of specific modifications of the individual monosaccharide units. Hypothesizing that such subtle variations and modifications are more likely to mediate specific biological functions (Varki, 1993), we have paid special attention to their existence, structure and biosynthesis. Here I briefly describe some examples that my group has studied over the past decade.
CAFFEINE IS NON-MUTAGENIC TO SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM AND HUMAN CELLS IN CULTURE

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) was inactive as a mutagen at the hgprt locus in two human lymphoblast lines at concentrations up to 20 mM. In addition, caffeine did not induce 8-azaguanine-resistant mutants in Salmonella typhimurium at similar levels.
Cryptomonad Systematics - An Algal Enigma?

The name assigned to the cryptomonads infers that this is an obscure group of organisms (crypto = hidden). However, a considerable amount of information has accumulated, particularly with regard to cellular structure. Unfortunately, phycologists have not utilized this information in a consistent manner to establish a coherent classification scheme, thus the systematics of this group remain enigmatic, although considerable information exists regarding their phylogeny. Consequently, it is the intent of this short chapter to summarize the known information about cryptomonad genera and to present those aspects which need more research to make this group less enigmatic.
Zika Virus Emergence and Expansion: Lessons Learned from Dengue and Chikungunya May Not Provide All the Answers

Following the emergence of Zika in the past decade, there are lessons to be learned from similar emergence events of dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV). Specifically, as Zika emerges in the Americas there is a natural tendency to apply the knowledge base of DENV and CHIKV to mitigation and control of a virus with such a similar transmission system. However, there are marked differences that may preclude such broad stroke application of this knowledge base without making potentially faulty assumptions. Herein, Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission is reviewed, and the commonalities among these three arboviruses are discussed. Importantly, the divergence of this particular arbovirus is discussed, as is the need to develop ZIKV-specific knowledge base for mitigation of this disease. Specifically reviewed are 1) emergence and persistence patterns, 2) genetic and phenotypic diversity, 3) vector host range, and finally, 4) alternate transmission routes and added complexity of ZIKV transmission and presentation.
Enhancement of Antibiotic Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria by the Efflux Pump Inhibitor 3,4-Dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione Isolated from a Pseudoalteromonas sp.

Members of the resistance nodulation cell division (RND) of efflux pumps play essential roles in multidrug resistance (MDR) in Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we describe the search for new small molecules from marine microbial extracts to block efflux and thus restore antibiotic susceptibility in MDR bacterial strains. We report the isolation of 3,4-dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione (1), an inhibitor of RND transporters, from Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, from the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas piscicida. 3,4-Dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione decreased the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of two fluoroquinolones, an aminoglycoside, a macrolide, a beta-lactam, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol between 2- and 16-fold in strains overexpressing three archetype RND transporters (AcrAB-TolC, MexAB-OprM, and MexXY-OprM). 3,4-Dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione also increased the intracellular accumulation of Hoechst 33342 in wild-type but not in transporter-deficient strains and prevented H33342 efflux (IC50 = 0.79 μg/mL or 3 μM), a hallmark of efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) functionality. A metabolomic survey of 36 Pseudoalteromonas isolates mapped the presence of primarily brominated metabolites only within the P. piscicida phylogenetic clade, where a majority of antibiotic activity was also observed, suggesting a link between halogenation and enhanced secondary metabolite biosynthetic potential. In sum, 3,4-dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione is a potent EPI and deserves further attention as an adjuvant to enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.
Use of serum-free media to minimize apoptosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells during in vitro culture.

Use of serum-free media to minimize apoptosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells during in vitro culture
Abstract: Sensitivity to Restricted Factor Analysis Model Misspecification.

While there is contention over the use of fit indices (Barrett, 2007; Bentler, 2007), they are often used to assess whether models are tenable representations of data, often utilizing rules of thum...
Developing an Instructional Workstation

A computer-based instructional workstation (IWS) is a means to: 1) integrate computer, video, and optical data storage technology into a single instructional system, 2) enable students to learn how to manage information and resolve problems by using the new technology available to them, and 3) help preservice and inservice teachers learn how to use these forms of technology to teach subject matter and information management skills.This workstation is a “problem-centered, information management” instructional system, suitable for individuals or small groups. It combines a microcomputer; video tape, video disc, and CD-ROM players; a video camera; and a printer with productivity, educational, and custom-designed software.An instructional workstation enables teachers and media specialists to focus on educational intents, processes and outcomes without the restrictions of discrete technologies. The system is flexible enough to provide multiple options in task selection, information presentation, and performanc...
The self-fulfilling prophecy of adolescent social expectations

Adolescents' negative social expectations of their peers were examined as long-term predictors of problematic self-reported social functioning. Early adolescent negative expectations were hypothesized to predict risk-averse functioning in late adolescence that would ultimately contribute to confirmation of those expectations. Utilizing observational data and friend- and self-reports from a community sample of 184 adolescents followed from ages 13 to 25, adolescents with more negative expectations were found to have become increasingly submissive with friends over time and were rated as less romantically appealing by late adolescence (after controlling for baseline levels of these variables, baseline friend-rated social competence and self-reported depressive symptoms). In turn, submissiveness and romantic appeal predicted problematic self-reported social functioning well into adulthood and mediated the relationship between adolescent negative expectations and problematic self-reported adult social functioning. These findings support the possibility of a self-fulfilling social process unfolding from early adolescence to adulthood.
Serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella in Luohu district of Shenzhen in 2012

Objective To understand the serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella in 2012,and provide references for the prevention and clinical treatment of Salmonella infection. Methods Twenty- six Salmonella isolates from diarrhea patients were identified in accordance with Salmonella detection methods of GB /4789. 4- 2010. The positive strains were conducted biochemical identification and drug sensitivity analysis by automated microbiology analyzer Microscan Walkaway- 40. Results The youth group( 0 ~ 5 years old) was the main crowd of Salmonella infection. Salmonella strains were isolated mainly in spring and summer,of which Salmonella typhimurium was the prevalent serotype. The strains were sensitive to aminoglycoside and carbapenems,but severely resistant to penicillins,multiple drug- resistant stains were detected in the research. Conclusion Salmonella typhimurium was the prevalent serotype causing diarrhea in Luohu district,showing a tendency of younger and severe multidrug resistance. Rational use of antibiotics and real- time monitoring on Salmonella resistance can contribute to reduce the multidrug resistant strains.
Advances in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus associated with thrombosis

Thrombosis is an important clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus( SLE) and is caused by many factors. Anti phospholipid antibody( APLA) positive is an important feature of SLE. However about 40% of patientes with SLE who are APLA negative have venous thrombosis,which indicates there have other risk factors could involved in SLE. Thus,the risk factors and pathogenesis of venous thrombosis should be act as evaluation systems of SLE to help early diagnosis and treatment of SLE.
The Fluorescent Labeling of Mitochondrial Monoamine Oxidase

Purified mitochondrial monoamine oxidase is specifically and irreversibly labeled by 59-( N -dansyl)cadaveryl- p -carboxymethylpargyline, a fluorescent analogue of the drug pargyline. The dansyl moiety is bound in a polar environment and has rotational degrees of freedom independent of the macromolecule. Since monoamine oxidase is found only in the outer mitochondrial membrane, probes of this type can be used to monitor chemical events occurring there.