cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Aesthetic Turn and the Rhetorical Perspective on Argumentation

This paper argues that Robert Scott's landmark essay, “On Viewing Rhetoric as Epistemic, “sets in motion a constitutive model of rhetorical effectivity. As such, Scott's essay belongs to a discipli...
Basic and Non-Basic Tax Tips for Leasing Lawyers

Leases raise numerous tax issues. Attorneys advising landlords and tenants should be aware of the general tax aspects of leases and know of more complicated tax issues that may affect leases and be prepared to introduce those issues to experts in taxation of leases. This article covers basic tax aspects of leases, including the character and timing of rental income and rent deductions; the deductibility of tenant improvements; and the consequences to the landlords and tenants of lease terminations, including leases with tenant improvements. The article also introduces non-basic leasing topics, such as section 467 leases and loans and leases used in basic and complex section 1031 exchanges.
Aging Degradation of Insulation Paper in Power Transformers by XRD Method

The aging degradation of paper insulation in transformers is usually evaluated by the dissolved products in oil, such as CO/CO2, furfural and methanol. However, these methods are difficult to explain the internal aging mechanism of paper insulation. In this paper, in the condition of simulated accelerated aging, the surface morphology and cellulose crystallinity were studied to explore the degradation mechanism of insulation paper under different aging time, which provided theoretical basis and precaution for the aging of insulation paper. The results showed that surface morphology of paper had no obvious changes in the early aging stage, but cracks and holes appeared on the surface in the severe aging stage. The relative crystallinity of insulation paper increased with the aging time, meaning that thermal aging changed the internal structure of cellulose. The reason was speculated to be that more hydrogen bonds were formed between the multiple small cellulose chains after the main cellulose chain break, which increased the crystallinity of the paper insulation.
New-generation Antipsychotics and Cardiovascular Risk

To critically review the current landscape of literature on cardiotoxicity of “new-generation antipsychotics,” defined as those approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the last 10 years. There is a paucity of data regarding the cardiovascular risks of these medications. Based on the investigations that have been published, iloperidone appears to be the greatest risk of corrected QT prolongation followed by asenapine whereas lurasidone, cariprazine, and brexpiprazole were not found to have significant effects on corrected QT. However, the evidence was low quality. In terms of metabolic effects, asenapine, iloperidone, cariprazine, and brexpiprazole all had mild to moderate effects whereas lurasidone had no significant effects observed. Further investigation is warranted for all of these medications to better understand their cardiovascular effects.
Folic Acid Absorption in Pregnancy: Comparison of the Pteroylpolyglutamate and Pteroylmonoglutamate

The gastrointestinal absorption of naturally occurring folate (pteroylpolyglutamate) and therapeutic folate (pteroylmonoglutamate) was studied in a series of pregnant subjects. No significant difference in absorption was found. Furthermore, the elevated estrogen and progesterone levels which occur during pregnancy do not inhibit absorption of pteroylpolyglutamate.
Application of deep visualization in CNN-based tool condition monitoring for end milling

Abstract Cutting tool is one of the major components to largely influence the overall machining process efficiency. There has been a significant amount of research conducted in developing tool condition monitoring systems with the application of various sensory systems and artificial intelligence techniques for processing and predicting tool wear. Although artificial intelligent techniques have shown significant results in tool condition prediction, the fundamental methodology adopted by these techniques for predicting tool condition still needs to be investigated. This study aims in applying and investigating deep learning techniques for tool condition monitoring in end milling process based on spectrogram features of audible sound collected during the machining process and employing a deep visualization technique to gain the knowledge on inner workings of the deep learning models in the tool wear prediction. Specifically, this study applies Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to develop a tool condition monitoring model and performs hyper-parameter tuning to improve prediction accuracy. In addition, the class saliency extraction technique has been used by this study to generate the saliency maps to visualize the specific features utilized by the CNN model for a given spectrogram of audio signal. Furthermore, the study examines the saliency maps of different tool condition levels to understand the intuition of proposed CNN model in selecting the specific localized features of spectrogram for accurate prediction.
Understanding the use of health information technology for maternal and child health practitioner training in low and middle income countries

Objectives:To assess the evidence of information communication technology (ICT) use in the training of maternal and child health (MCH) workers, discuss methodological issues present in the identifi...
LI-RADS v2018: utilizing ancillary features on gadoxetate-enhanced MRI to modify final LI-RADS category

To quantify how often the LI-RADS v2018 category changed when utilizing major features only, when utilizing major and ancillary features, and when utilizing major and ancillary features excluding gadoxetate-specific ancillary features. Retrospective analysis of 100 patients age 18 and older at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma who had an MRI abdomen performed with intravenous contrast gadoxetate between 1/1/2017 and 3/23/2018. Each examination was reviewed by a body fellowship-trained radiologist. LI-RADS category was assigned to the liver observation after review of major features only. Ancillary features were then reviewed and LI-RADS category assigned both including and excluding ancillary features specific to gadoxetate. Utilizing all MRI ancillary features, including those specific to gadoxetate, changed the final LI-RADS category in 56.4% of liver observations, the majority an increase or decrease from LR-3. When not including the ancillary features specific to gadoxetate, the final LI-RADS category changed in 30.9% of observations, the majority increasing from LR-3 to LR-4. Utilizing LI-RADS v2018 ancillary features can significantly alter the final LI-RADS category, especially when using gadoxetate-specific ancillary features. Understanding the correct application of ancillary features for the final LI-RADS category helps implement a more consistent category assessment amongst users.
Prevalence and factors associated with non-medical prescription stimulant use to promote wakefulness in young adults

Objective: This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with non-medical use of prescription stimulants to promote wakefulness. Participants: We surveyed 3,160 university students aged 18-35 between June 2016 and May 2017. Method: Participants reported whether they used prescription stimulants non-medically to stay awake and completed measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms, sleep quality, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and attitudes toward non-medical prescription drug use. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used. Results: Prevalence of non-medical prescription stimulant use to promote wakefulness was 3.1%. The following factors remained significant in the multivariate model: alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine vapor use, attitude toward non-medical use of prescription medication, poor sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness. Conclusion: Poor sleep, substance use and more liberal attitudes to non-medical prescription drug use were associated with the misuse of stimulants to promote wakefulness. Prevention/intervention programs should promote sleep hygiene and highlight the risks of using prescription drugs non-medically.
Acute Psychological Effects of Resistance Exercise in Men With Symptoms of Muscle Dysmorphia: A Pilot Study.

SantaBarbara, NJ, Nosrat, S, Whitworth, JW, Ciccolo, JT. acute psychological effects of resistance exercise in men with symptoms of muscle dysmorphia: A pilot study. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-This study tested the acute psychological effects of resistance exercise in men with symptoms of muscle dysmorphia. Twenty-one men completed 4 on-site sessions including a single session of moderate- (70% of 10 repetition maximum [RM]) and high- (100% of 10RM) intensity resistance exercise in a counter balanced order separated by at least 48 hours. State body image, perceived muscle size, exercise enjoyment, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed before, during, and after each session, and statistical significance was set a priori at p < 0.05. State body image significantly improve from pre to post during both sessions (p < 0.01), with greater effect sizes seen for the high- (d = 0.57) compared with the moderate- (d = 0.39) intensity session. Perceived muscle size improved from pre to post during the high-intensity only (p < 0.01, d = 0.66), and subjects enjoyed the high-intensity session significantly more than the moderate-intensity session (p = 0.01), despite significantly higher RPE at each timepoint (p < 0.01). Results contend with previous findings that show more positive psychological effects of moderate- compared with high-intensity resistance exercise. Education and client observation are essential to be aware of the potential for muscle dysmorphia. In instances where muscle dysmorphia is suspected, referral to qualified mental health professionals is recommended.
Factors Associated with Hospitalization and Disease Severity in a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Population of COVID-19 Patients

ABSTRACT Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan in December 2019 became a pandemic within a few months of its discovery. The impact of COVID-19 is due to both its rapid spread and its severity, but the determinants of severity have not been fully delineated. Objective Identify factors associated with hospitalization and disease severity in a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of COVID-19 patients. Methods We analyzed data from COVID-19 patients diagnosed at the University of Cincinnati health system from March 13, 2020 to May 31, 2020. Severe COVID-19 was defined as admission to intensive care unit or death. Logistic regression modeling adjusted for covariates was used to identify the factors associated with hospitalization and severe COVID-19. Results Among the 689 COVID-19 patients included in our study, 29.2% were non-Hispanic White, 25.5% were non-Hispanic Black, 32.5% were Hispanic, and 12.8% were of ‘Other’ race/ethnicity. About 31.3% of patients were hospitalized and 13.2% had severe disease. In adjusted analyses, the sociodemographic factors associated with hospitalization and/or disease severity included older age, non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic race/ethnicity (compared to non-Hispanic White), and smoking. The following comorbidities: diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, asthma, COPD, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, and vitamin D deficiency were associated with hospitalization and/or disease severity. Hematological disorders such as anemia, coagulation disorders, and thrombocytopenia were associated with both hospitalization and disease severity. Conclusion This study confirms race and ethnicity as predictors of severe COVID-19. It also finds clinical risk factors for hospitalization and severe COVID-19 not previously identified such a vitamin D deficiency, hypercholesterolemia, osteoarthritis, and anemia.
Preliminary efficacy of a community-based, group-mediated cognitive behavioral lifestyle intervention among breast cancer survivors.

e24035Background: Post-treatment weight gain places breast cancer (BCa) survivors at heightened risk for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and functional decline. Lifestyle weight managem...
Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound Findings among Infants Born Extremely Preterm: Associations with Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 10 Years of Age.

Objective To examine the association between neonatal cranial ultrasound (CUS) abnormalities among infants born extremely preterm and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 10 years of age. Study design In a multicenter birth cohort of infants born at Results WMD without IVH was associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.7, 7.4), cerebral palsy (OR 14.3, 95% CI 6.5, 31.5), and epilepsy (OR 6.9; 95% CI 2.9, 16.8). Similar associations were found for WMD accompanied by IVH. Isolated IVH was not significantly associated these outcomes. Conclusions Among children born extremely preterm, CUS abnormalities, particularly those indicative of WMD, are predictive of neurodevelopmental impairments at 10 years of age. The strongest associations were found with cerebral palsy.
Sibling Social Comparison in Mid- to Later Life: Links with Well-Being and Relationship Quality:

Social comparison processes between siblings play an important role in the ways siblings influence one another at younger ages, but to our knowledge, no studies have examined social comparison proc...
Refractory Elevated Intracranial Pressure (ICP) in the Setting of a Traumatic Cerebral Sinus Venous Thrombosis (CSVT).

The management of patients with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) requires a systematic approach. After the failure of tier zero, tier one, and tier two therapies, all potential secondary causes of elevated ICP must be reviewed. Up to 28% of patients with blunt traumatic brain injury (TBI) develop cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT), among these, patients up to 55% have occlusive thrombi. A literature review revealed a dearth of specific treatment guidelines in this scenario. Here, we present one such case of refractory elevated ICP due to occlusive CSVT secondary to skull fractures. Initial CT venogram (CTV) on admission showed an occlusive CSVT; however, subsequent CTV on the post-trauma day (PTD) 4 and 6 showed non-occlusive thrombi only. The risks of worsening acute TBI-related hemorrhage with systemic anticoagulation versus the benefit of treating an occlusive CSVT are discussed here. In cases of occlusive CSVT with refractory elevated ICP and stable intracranial hemorrhage, the benefit of anticoagulation may outweigh the overall risks of hemorrhage expansion as prolonged uncontrolled ICP elevation is inevitably fatal. In this case, anticoagulation started on PTD 6, led to the resolution of ICP elevation and an excellent outcome for the patient, who was discharged to an acute rehab center, subsequently discharged home with no residual motor deficits, and was able to resume employment. Further prospective trials are necessary to develop guidelines for the management of occlusive CSVT in patients with severe TBI and to determine which patient populations are likely to benefit from early initiation of therapeutic anticoagulation.
The Labor Union Opponent

Do labor unions raise wages in the private sector? In order to answer this question, we must first ask what determines wage rates in the first place. Why is it that movie stars earn a ton of money, a college professor garners a middle-class salary and the person who pushes a broom around takes home a more modest remuneration.
Is Pathological Exam for Disorders of the Appendix Testis Necessary

Testicular appendages are remnants of embryologic structures commonly encountered during pediatric operations. The literature is vague on the management of incidentally discovered testicular appendages found intraoperatively. We performed a retrospective review of 93 pediatric patients who were found to have an incidental testicular appendage during inguinal hernia repair, cryptorchidism, or testicular torsion cases from December 2017 to June 2020. 100% of the incidental testicular appendage pathology results were benign. All of the specimens were 1.0 cm or less in their largest dimension. Removal of these specimens is considered the standard of care at our institution to help prevent torsion of the testicular appendage, which is one of the leading causes of acute scrotum in children. The authors of this study argue that pathological analysis is unnecessary and may result in excessive use of resources without proven benefit.
Dissociation and Intrapelvic Entrapment of a Dual-mobility Polyethylene Component.

Background Dual-mobility bearings have gained popularity in recent years as a proposed method of reducing the risk of dislocation after primary and revision hip arthroplasties. Intraprosthetic dislocation, defined as dissociation of the smaller femoral head from the larger outer polyethylene head, is a known complication of these designs. Intraprosthetic dislocation typically requires reoperation and revision as closed reduction of intraprosthetic dislocations of these components is not effective. The small femoral head typically remains inside the large diameter acetabular component during intraprosthetic dislocation, thus the diagnosis may be missed if femoral head eccentricity is not identified on radiographs. Intraprosthetic dislocation leads to a free polyethylene bearing which typically stays in the joint space, however in theory, migration of the bearing is possible.
Results of 20 years schistosomiasis control in Hubei province.

Objective To evaluate the results on the control of schistosomiasis in Hubei province for the past 20 years.Methods Data from the four epidemiological surveys and one general disease survey between 1989 and 2009 were collected and used for the establishment of a database.Data were used for the statistical analysis on the disease occurrence and for the evaluation of the disease prevention strategies.Results In the past 20 years,Hubei province had enforced three strategies for the prevention and treatment of schistomaisis.Both the rate of schistosoma infection in human,cattle and the predicted number of patients with schistosomiasis were greatly decreased.Conclusion In the past 20 years,the changes of the three strategies in the prevention and treatment of schistomaisis in Hubei province were found to be effective.
A Real-Time Simulation Evaluation of an Advanced Detection, Isolation and Accommodation Algorithm for Sensor Failures in Turbine Engines

An Advanced sensor failure Detection, Isolation, and Accommodation (ADIA) algorithm has been developed for use with an aircraft turbofan engine control system. In a previous paper the authors described the ADIA algorithm and its real-time implementation. This paper discusses subsequent improvements made to the algorithm and implementation, and presents the results of an evaluation. The evaluation used a real-time, hybrid computer simulation of an F100 turbofan engine.
A Review of “Teaching as a Moral Practice: Defining, Developing, and Assessing Professional Dispositions in Teacher Education”

This book serves as a practical guide for teacher educators faced with negotiating the often rugged terrain of professional dispositions. The editors, some of the leading scholars in the field, hig...
Influence of affinity and antigen density on antibody localization in a modifiable tumor targeting model.

A persistent question in the field of antibody imaging and therapy is whether increased affinity is advantageous for the targeting of tumors. We have addressed this issue by using a manipulatable model system to investigate the impact of affinity and antigen density on antibody localization. In vitro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and bead-binding assays were carried out using BSA conjugated with high and low densities (HD and LD, respectively) of the chemical hapten rho-azophenyl-arsonate as an antigen. Isotype-matched monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) 36-65 and 36-71, with identical epitope specificity but 200-fold differences in affinity, were chosen as targeting agents. The relative in vitro binding of 36-65 and 36-71 was compared with an artificial "tumor" model in vivo using antigen-substituted beads s.c. implanted into SCID mice. Nonsubstituted BSA beads were implanted in the contralateral groin as a nonspecific control. The efficacy of the targeting of [125I]-labeled antibodies was assessed by the imaging of animals on a gamma-scintillation camera using quantitative region-of-interest image analysis over the course of 2 weeks and by postmortem tissue counting. In vitro, both antibodies bound well to the HD antigen, whereas only the high-affinity mAb 36-71 bound effectively to the LD antigen. In vivo, high-affinity mAb 36-71 bound appreciably to both LD and HD beads. In contrast, there was no specific localization of low-affinity mAb 36-65 to LD antigen beads, although the antibody did bind to the beads with the HD antigen. Whereas the high-affinity mAb 36-71 increased its binding to HD beads throughout the 14 days of observation, binding of the high affinity antibody to LD beads and of the low affinity antibody to HD beads plateaued between 10-14 days. These in vitro and in vivo findings demonstrate that the need for a high-affinity antibody is dependent on the density of the target antigen. High-affinity antibodies bind effectively even with a single antigen-Fab interaction, irrespective of the antigen density. In contrast, low-affinity antibodies, because of weak individual antigen-Fab interactions, require the avidity conferred by divalent binding for effective attachment, which can only occur if antigen density is above a certain threshold. An understanding of the differential behavior of high- and low-affinity antibodies and the impact of avidity is useful in predicting the binding of monovalent antibody fragments and engineered antibody constructs and underlies the trend toward development of multivalent immunological moieties. Consideration of the relative density of the antigen on the tumor and the background tissues may enable and even favor targeting with low-affinity antibodies in selected situations.
Design Space Exploration for the Profitability of a Rule-Based Aggregator Business Model Within a Residential Microgrid

The microgrid has been shown to be profitable, reliable, and efficient for military, commercial, and university-like installations. However, until now, there has been no study to show how and when a residential microgrid may be profitable. Therefore, in this paper, we present a design space exploration methodology of the microgrid by modeling all the energy resources at the residential level and conducting numerous simulations with various parameters. Moreover, a set of rules are defined to make the stakeholders in the microgrid profitable. Also, by analyzing the number of houses in the microgrid, we observe that the number of years it takes to return the capital costs invested in the microgrid may become adequately short for a certain range of the number of houses. For instance, if the aggregator owns the renewable energy resources, e.g., solar panels, it may profit in less than five years when 500 houses participate in the microgrid where each house owns 500 sf solar panels. On the other hand, if the prosumers own the renewable energy resources, e.g., solar panels, the aggregator may profit in about a year. Typically, for an apartment-block type housing area in U.S. there are more than 1000 houses, therefore the aggregator profitability may improve furthermore.
Challenges in Implementing an Integrated Curriculum in Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba

Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM) is a private medical school in Aruba shifted to an integrated, organ system-based curriculum from January 2014. There is greater emphasis on problem-based learning, small group activities, early clinical exposure, and self-directed learning. In this article the author describes challenges faced while implementing the integrated curriculum. Among the challenges faced were faculty apprehensions about an integrated curriculum, faculty apprehensions regarding self-directed learning, providing early clinical exposure to the students, organizing activities and practical sessions for students, learning the art of medicine, developing student skills for critical appraisal of scientific literature and developing closer links with the community and the health system. The strategies adopted for overcoming some of these challenges is also described.
SPIRIT II: a rocketborne interferometer spectrometer

A cryogenic Michelson Fourier transform interferometer-spectrometer (FTIR) was built and flown as part of the second Spatial sPectral Infrared Rocketborne Interferometer Telescope (SPIRIT II) payload. The flex-pivot mirror-translation interferometer was designed to obtain spectral data from 2 to 28 micrometers. Two different scan rates and resolutions were provided: 10 cm-1 at 2 seconds per scan, and 2 cm-1 at 10 seconds per scan. A laser reference channel was run antiparallel to the main channel to provide sampling information. The system was calibrated using an infrared calibration system built specifically for SPIRIT II. The payload was launched from the University of Alaska's Poker Flat Research Range on March 28, 1992, and successfully collected auroral emissions data.
15N-NMR characterization of His residues in and around the active site of FeSOD.

Abstract We have exploited 15N-NMR to observe histidine (His) side chains in and around the active site of Fe-containing superoxide dismutase (FeSOD). In the oxidized state, we observe all the non-ligand His side chains and in the reduced state we can account for all the signals in the imidazole spectral region in terms of the non-ligand His′, paramagnetically displaced signals from two backbone amides, and the side chain of glutamine 69 (Gln69). We also observe signals from the His′ that ligate FeII. These confirm that neither the Q69H nor the Q69E mutation strongly affects the FeII electronic structure, despite the 250 mV and > 660 mV increases in Em they produce, respectively. In the Q69H mutant, we observe two new signals attributable to the His introduced into the active site in place of Gln69. One corresponds to a protonated N and the other is strongly paramagnetically shifted, to 500 ppm. The strong paramagnetic effects support the existence of an H-bond between His69 and the solvent molecule coordinated to FeII, as proposed based on crystallography. Based on previous information that His69 is neutral, we infer that the shifted N is not protonated. Therefore, we propose that this N represents a site of H-bond acceptance from coordinated solvent, representing a reversal of the polarity of this H-bond from that in WT (wild-type) FeSOD protein. We also present evidence that substrate analogs bind to FeIISOD outside the FeII coordination sphere, affecting Gln69 but without direct involvement of His30.
ErbB4/HER4: Role in Mammary Gland Development, Differentiation and Growth Inhibition

The ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase family has often been associated with increased growth of breast epithelial cells, as well as malignant transformation and progression. In contrast, ErbB4/HER4 exhibits unique attributes from a two step proteolytic cleavage which releases an 80 kilodalton, nuclear localizing, tyrosine kinase to a signal transduction mechanism that slows growth and stimulates differentiation of breast cells. This review provides an overview of ErbB4/HER4 in growth and differentiation of the mammary epithelium, including its physiologic role in development, the contrasting growth inhibition/tumor suppression and growth acceleration of distinct ErbB4/HER4 isoforms and a description of the unique cell cycle regulated pattern of nuclear HER4 ubiquitination and destruction.
Productivity returns to experience in the teacher labor market: Methodological challenges and new evidence on long-term career improvement

Abstract We present new evidence on the relationship between teacher productivity and job experience. Econometric challenges require identifying assumptions to model the within-teacher returns to experience with teacher fixed effects. We describe the identifying assumptions used in past models and in a new approach that we propose, and we demonstrate how violations of these assumptions can lead to substantial bias. Consistent with past research, we find that teachers experience rapid productivity improvement early in their careers. However, we also find evidence of returns to experience later in the career, indicating that teachers continue to build human capital beyond these first years.
On the application of orthogonal polynomials to the iterative solution of linear systems of equations with indefinite or non-Hermitian matrices

Let Ax=b be a large linear system of equations, and let the eigenvalues of the matrix A lie in one or several known simply connected regions Sj,j=1(1)l, in the complex plane. We consider the iterative solution of such linear systems by methods that make use of polynomials {pn(z)}∞n=0 orthogonal on the boundary of ∪lj=1Sj. We show that for boundary curves such that the pn(z) satisfy a three-term recurrence relation, iterative methods based on this recurrence relation yield an optimal asymptotic rate of convergence. For boundary curves for which the pn(z) do not satisfy a three-term recurrence relation, we show that n-cyclic Richardson iteration methods with relaxation parameters chosen as the reciprocal roots of pn(z) give nearly asymptotic optimal convergence for n sufficiently large. Our analysis suggests that in many cases the iterative methods should be based on residual polynomials pn(z)pn(0), instead of on the corresponding kernel polynomials qz=∑nk=0pk(0)pk(z)∑nk=0|pk(0)|2 . Numerical examples are presented.
Chloride Concentration in Endosomes Measured Using a Ratioable Fluorescent Cl− Indicator EVIDENCE FOR CHLORIDE ACCUMULATION DURING ACIDIFICATION

Abstract A novel long wavelength fluorescent Cl− indicator was used to test whether endosomal Cl− conductance provides the principal electrical shunt to permit endosomal acidification. The green fluorescent Cl−-sensitive chromophore 10,10′-bis[3-carboxypropyl]-9,9′-biacridinium dinitrate (BAC) was conjugated to aminodextran together with the red fluorescent Cl−-insensitive chromophore tetramethylrhodamine (TMR). BAC fluorescence is pH-insensitive and quenched by Cl−with a Stern-Volmer constant of 36 m −1. Endosomes in J774 and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were pulse-labeled with BAC-TMR-dextran by fluid-phase endocytosis. Endosomal [Cl−] increased over 45 min from 17 to 53 mm in J774 cells and from 28 to 73 mm in CHO cells, during which time endosomal pH decreased from 6.95 to 5.30 (J774) and 6.92 to 5.60 (CHO). The acidification and increased [Cl−] were blocked by bafilomycin. Together with ion substitution and buffer capacity measurements, we conclude that Cl− transport accounts quantitatively for the electrical shunt during vacuolar acidification. Measurements of relative endosomal volume by a novel ratio imaging method involving fluorescence self-quenching indicated a 2.5-fold increase in volume during early acidification and Cl− accumulation, which was blocked by bafilomycin. These experiments provide the first direct measurement of endosomal [Cl−] and indicate that endosomal acidification is accompanied by significant Cl− entry and volume increase.
Weight- and race-based bullying: Health associations among urban adolescents:

Stigma-based bullying is associated with negative mental and physical health outcomes. In a longitudinal study, surveys and physical assessments were conducted with mostly Black and Latino, socioeconomically disadvantaged, urban students. As hypothesized, greater weight- and race-based bullying each was significantly indirectly associated with increased blood pressure and body mass index, as well as decreased overall self-rated health across 2 years, through the mechanism of more negative emotional symptoms. Results support important avenues for future research on mechanisms and longitudinal associations of stigma-based bullying with health. Interventions are needed to reduce stigma-based bullying and buffer adolescents from adverse health effects.
Soil-plant relationships of two steppe desert shrubs

Greasewood and hopsage shrubs growing together on the same ground accumulated large amounts of sodium and potassium respectively. The decay of accumulated leaf litter beneath the canopy spread of these shrubs has altered the soil chemistry over about 20 per cent of the ground area. About 14 per cent of the surface soil area is being supplied with sodium and about 7 per cent of the area is being supplied with potassium. At the present time minerals are being supplied at a rate faster than they can be leached away. The location od shrubs needs to be considered when collecting soil samples for studies of effects of certain kinds of desert shrubs on chemical and physical properties of soil.
LPE growth and characterization of InP photodiodes

Advances have been made in understanding high-purity LPE growth, and several important materials parameters have been determined from measurements on high performance InP APD's. In particular, for the former, sulfur contamination resulting from opening the growth system to air can occur via adsorption on and re-evaporation from graphite. Also the type of fused silica used in the growth tube affects the rate of approach to equilibrium during baking. From the study of high performance InP APD's with grown p-n junctions we have determined the hole diffusion length Lp ≈ 12 μm, appropriate to LPE material with ND−NA≈1 ×1016 cm-3, by fitting the calculated to measured photocurrent versus voltage and versus n-layer thickness. This is an order of magnitude higher than Lp's determined from EBIC, a technique that is not well suited to these long diffusion lengths. Messurements of dark current versus dislocation etch pit density show no correlation between these parameters; this is in contrast to work reported by other authors on junctions formed by diffusion. Impact ionization measurements have been made for the electric field parallel to 〈100〉 and 〈110〉 directions, and excess noise versus multiplication data have also been analyzed for these directions as well as <111. We find that there is not a measurable orientational dependence of the ratio of hole to electron impact ionization coefficients.
Identifying the Motivation to Attend Wine Education Courses

Abstract Wine can be an intimidating and confusing product for consumers. To dispel this confusion and to develop knowledge about wine, wine education courses are conducted across the globe. For this study, 131 participants in a wine appreciation course were surveyed to understand what motivated them to attend the course. The findings were different than what has been found in other studies of what motivated people to take other continuing education courses and were different than the motivations to go to a wine festival. The main motivation for the participants was that they were motivated to become better wine consumers.
A new electrical and mechanically detonatable shear wave source for near surface (0–30 m) seismic acquisition

Abstract We present a new, impulsive, horizontal shear source capable of performing long shot profiles in a time-efficient and repeatable manner. The new shear source is ground-coupled by eight 1/2″ (1.27 cm) × 2″ (5.08 cm) steel spikes. Blank shotshells (12-gauge) used as energy sources can be either mechanically or electrically detonated. Electrical fuses have a start time repeatability of We conducted field tests at the 17th Street Canal levee breach site in New Orleans, Louisiana (30.017° N 90.121° W) and at an instrumented test borehole at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi (32.325° N 93.182° W) to compare our new source and a traditional hammer impact source. The new shear source produces a broader-band of frequencies (30–100 Hz cf. 30–60 Hz). Signal generated by the new shear source has signal-to-noise ratios equivalent to ~ 3 stacked hammer blows to the hammer impact source. Ideal source signals must be broadband in frequency, have a high SNR, be consistent, and have precise start times; all traits of the new shear source.
An emergent computational approach to the study of ecosystem dynamics

Abstract Despite success in theory formulation and prediction of quantities and patterns in nature, traditional modeling approaches have not proven particularly valuable as “surrogate experimental systems” in applied ecology. Theoretical models, while useful as embodiments of ecological theory, are too simplistic to be effective surrogate systems. Although simulation models can represent systems of realistic complexity, they are limited by factors which arise from the way in which they are built. We propose an alternative paradigm for modeling biotic systems which promises to enhance their usefulness as surrogate experimental systems. This paradigm is based on the premise that dynamic behavior in biotic systems emerges from the low-level interactions of independent agents. It forms the basis for the new field of artificial life (ALife), which involves the study of life-like behavior in artificial systems. In an ALife model, the target biological system is modeled as a population of independent computer programs called machines. The complete behavioral repertoire of each individual, including its interaction with others, is specified within the entity itself. A spatially-referenced “environment” is provided within which the machines interact with each other and their local environment. There is no overall controlling program or agent. Thus, the overall behavior of the system emerges from local interactions between independent agents. In this paper, we examine the premises upon which ALife is based (including the concept of emergence) and discuss several examples of ALife models at ecological scales, which we call “artifical ecosystems”. We next introduce LAGER, an environment for producing and running artificial ecosystems. Finally, we present PARE, a host/parasitoid dynamics model built in LAGER, and compare its behavior to two similar systems in the literature.
Natural and synthetic corticosteroids inhibit uptake2-mediated transport in CNS neurons

Abstract In addition to exerting actions via mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors, corticosteroids also act by inhibiting uptake 2 , a high-capacity monoamine transport system originally described in peripheral tissues. Recent studies have demonstrated that uptake 2 transporters are expressed in the brain and play roles in monoamine clearance, suggesting that they mediate some corticosteroid effects on physiological and behavioral processes. However, the sensitivity of brain uptake 2 to many natural and synthetic corticosteroids has not been characterized. Cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) were previously shown to exhibit corticosterone-sensitive accumulation of the uptake 2 substrate1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP + ). We examined the expression of uptake 1 and uptake 2 transporters in CGNs, and tested the effects of a variety of natural and synthetic corticosteroids on accumulation of [ 3 H]-MPP + by these cells. Cultured rat CGNs expressed mRNA for three uptake 2 -like transporters: organic cation transporters 1 and 3, and the plasma membrane monoamine transporter. They did not express mRNA for the dopamine or norepinephrine transporters, and expressed very little mRNA for the serotonin reuptake transporter. Accumulation of [ 3 H]-MPP + by CGNs was dose-dependently inhibited by corticosterone and decynium-22, known inhibitors of uptake 2 . Accumulation of MPP + was also dose-dependently inhibited, with varying efficacies, by aldosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, cortisol, and cortisone, and by the synthetic glucocorticoids betamethasone, dexamethasone and prednisolone, and the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU38486. These studies demonstrate that uptake 2 in the CNS is inhibited by a variety of natural and synthetic corticosteroids, and suggest that inhibition of uptake 2 -mediated monoamine clearance may underlie some behavioral and physiological effects of these hormones.
The temperature dependence of the 57 Fe hyperfine magnetic field distribution in Fe-Ni

The temperature dependence of the57Fe hyperfine magnetic field (hmf) in Fe-Ni is stronger than the temperature dependence of the57Fe hmf in pure Fe. By analyzing the shape of the57Fe hmf distribution, and with the help of experiments with Si in Fe-Ni, we deduce that this anomalous temperature dependence originates from a large thermal sensitivity of the magnetic moments at those Fe atoms with more Ni nearest neighbors. A strong temperature dependence of the recoilfree fraction was also observed in Fe-Ni alloys. We suggest that a large mean square thermal displacement of Fe atoms in Fe-Ni is the cause of the anomalous temperature dependence.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha stimulates amnion prostaglandin biosynthesis primarily via an action on fatty acid cyclooxygenase.

The purpose of this study was to determine how tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) stimulates prostaglandin E(2) production in human amnion. Amnion cells were isolated from term placentae and grown to confluence in culture. Incubations were conducted in quadruplicate wells for 16 hours with TNF alpha and protein synthesis inhibitors cycloheximide and actinomycin D, or arachidonic acid, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), or staurosporine or H7 which inhibit protein kinase C activity. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) was measured by radioimmunoassay and cellular protein determined. The stimulatory action of TNF alpha on amnion PGE(2) production was blocked by protein synthesis inhibitors, and the addition of arachidonic acid always enhanced the stimulatory properties of TNF alpha. TNF alpha consistently induced more rapid recovery from ASA treatment, and protein kinase C inhibition attenuated the stimulatory effects of TNF alpha. These results suggest that the stimulatory action of TNF alpha on amnion PGE(2) production is likely at the level of induction of fatty acid cyclooxygenase activity and is partially dependent upon activation of protein kinase C.
Determination of Second Virial Coefficient of Proteins Using a Dual-Detector Cell for Simultaneous Measurement of Scattered Light Intensity and Concentration in SEC-HPLC

Abstract A method is proposed for the measurement of the B 22 value of proteins in aqueous solutions in flow-mode that utilizes a novel fabricated dual-detector cell, which simultaneously measures protein concentration and the corresponding scattered light intensity at 90°, after the protein elutes from a size-exclusion column. Each data point on the chromatograms obtained from the light scattering detector and the concentration (ultraviolet) detector is converted to Rayleigh's ratio, R θ , and concentration, c , respectively. The B 22 value is calculated from the slope of the Debye plot ( K c / R θ versus c ) generated from a range of concentrations obtained from these chromatograms for a single protein injection. It is shown that this method provides reliable determination of the B 22 values for such proteins as lysozyme, chymotrypsinogen, and chymotrypsin in various solution conditions that agree well with those reported in literature.
Artificial sentiment: using machines to manage public sentiment on social media at OpenSym 2015

Social media is where public opinion is happening: where it's born, where it grows / matures, and where it dies. In this talk I review techniques and approaches for machine processing of public sentiment on social media: how to analyze and understand it, how to react to it, and how to influence it. The age of artificial intelligence is upon us.
On transient effects in the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

During the initially exponential spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV—the causative agent of AIDS) the growth rate of the number of AIDS cases decreases from plus infinity to the growth rate of HIV infections. A sensitivity analysis shows that for all reasonable values of the parameters of the HIV epidemic (incubation period, initial doubling time, etc.) the effect of this positive transient becomes negligible when the annual number of AIDS cases reaches a few dozen. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the growth rate of the number of AIDS cases to be monotonically decreasing during the positive transient. A mildly pathological density function for the incubation period of AIDS provides an example of a growth rate of AIDS that does not decrease monotonically, even though HIV is spreading exponentially. A negative transient occurs when the growth rate of HIV begins to decrease. In this context a somewhat surprising result emerges under the assumption that the growth rate of HIV is non-increasing: the growth rate of AIDS is at all times larger than the growth rate of HIV. A logistic HIV epidemic illustrates this result, and implications for the growth of the HIV epidemic in the United States and Europe are discussed. In particular, it is shown that the positive transient must have passed by 1982 in the United States and by 1986 or 1987 for the five European countries with the largest caseloads.
Hidden Conditional Random Fields for land-use classification

Undirected probabilistic graphical models such as Markov Random Fields (MRFs) and Conditional Random Fields (CRFs) are being increasingly used to model problems having a structured domain and to enable probabilistic inferences such as answering queries about the variables of interest, e.g., inferring classification labels of pixel patches or images. We investigate Multiple-Instance learning approach based on Hidden Conditional Random Fields for land-use classification using weakly labeled aerial images. The performance is evaluated using publicly available dataset that contains aerial imagery belonging to 21 land-use categories.
The ‘Bear’ in the Pacific? US intelligence perceptions of Soviet strategic power projection in the Pacific Basin and East Asia, 1945–1947

(1997). The ‘Bear’ in the Pacific? US intelligence perceptions of Soviet strategic power projection in the Pacific Basin and East Asia, 1945–1947. Intelligence and National Security: Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 75-101.
Low-Level Secretion of Human Hepatitis B Virus Virions Caused by Two Independent, Naturally Occurring Mutations (P5T and L60V) in the Capsid Protein

The functional significance of naturally occurring variants of human hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains largely unknown. Previously, we reported an immature secretion phenotype caused by a highly frequent mutation at amino acid 97 of the HBV core (capsid) protein (HBcAg). This phenotype is characterized by a nonselective and excessive secretion of virions containing an immature genome of single-stranded viral DNA. To extend our study of virion secretion to other naturally occurring variants, we have characterized mutations at HBcAg codons 5, 38, and 60 via site-directed mutagenesis. Although the phenotype of the mutation at codon 38 is nearly identical to that for the wild-type virus, our study reveals that a single mutation at codon 5 or 60 exhibits a new extracellular phenotype with significantly reduced virion secretion yet maintains normal intracellular viral DNA replication. A complementation study indicates that the mutant core protein alone is sufficient for the “low-secretion” phenotype. Furthermore, the low-secretion phenotype of the codon 5 mutant appears to be induced by the loss of a parental proline residue, rather than by the gain of a new amino acid. Our study underscores the core protein as another crucial determinant in virion secretion, in addition to the known envelope proteins. Our present results suggest that a very precise structure of both α-helical and nonhelical loop regions of the entire HBcAg molecule is important for virion secretion. The low-secretion variants may contribute to the phenomenon of gradually decreasing viremia in chronic carriers during the late phase of persistent infection.