cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-association and ligand-induced conformational changes of iron regulatory proteins 1 and 2.

Iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) regulate iron metabolism in mammalian cells. We used biophysical techniques to examine the solution properties of apo-IRP1 and apo-IRP2 and the interaction with their RNA ligand, the iron regulatory element (IRE). Sedimentation velocity and equilibrium experiments have shown that apo-IRP1 exists as an equilibrium mixture of monomers and dimers in solution, with an equilibrium dissociation constant in the low micromolar range and slow kinetic exchange between the two forms. However, only monomeric IRP1 is observed in complex with IRE. In contrast, IRP2 exists as monomer in both the apo-IRP2 form and in the IRP2/IRE complex. For both IRPs, sedimentation velocity and dynamic light-scattering experiments show a decrease of the Stokes radius upon binding of IRE. This conformational change was also observed by circular dichroism. Studies with an RNA molecule complementary to IRE indicate that, although specific base interactions can increase the stability of the protein/RNA compl...
The effect of social preferences on the evolution of cooperation in public good games

Human societies are unique in the level of cooperation among non-kin. Evolutionary models explaining this behavior typically assume pure strategies of cooperation and defection. Behavioral experiments, however, demonstrate that humans are typically conditional co-operators who have other-regarding preferences. Building on existing models on the evolution of cooperation and costly punishment, we use a utilitarian formulation of agent decision making to explore conditions that support the emergence of cooperative behavior. Our results indicate that cooperation levels are significantly lower for larger groups in contrast to the original pure strategy model. Here, defection behavior not only diminishes the public good, but also affects the expectations of group members leading conditional co-operators to change their strategies. Hence defection has a more damaging effect when decisions are based on expectations and not only pure strategies.
Spontaneous massive hemoperitoneum from hemorrhagic corpus luteum cyst as initial presentation of aplastic anemia

Abstract While hemorrhagic ovarian cysts are quite common, rupture leading to spontaneous severe hemoperitoneum is much more rare, and in the setting of an acquired bone marrow failure syndrome, it can be a life-threatening event. We describe a 17-year-old female presenting with syncope, abdominal pain, and large-volume hemoperitoneum, associated with diffuse petechiae and oral purpura, who was found to have a hemorrhagic corpus luteum cyst at laparoscopic exploration. After discharge, the patient re-presented with severe anemia and thrombocytopenia, and was diagnosed with acquired severe aplastic anemia of unknown etiology.
Processing‐Related Fracture Origins: III, Differential Sintering of ZrO2 Agglomerates in Al2O3/ZrO2 Composite

Large, hard ZrO2 agglomerates remained in an Al2O3/ZrO2 composite suspension after inefficient ball-milling. The ZrO2 agglomerates shrank away from the consolidated Al2O3/ZrO2 powder matrix during sintering, producing crack-like voids which were responsible for strength degradation.
Use of water spray and extended drying time to lower bacterial numbers on soiled flooring from broiler transport coops

Abstract Broiler transport coops soiled with Campylobacter-positive feces have been shown to facilitate cross-contamination of broilers. Washing and sanitizing coop surfaces do not always effectively eliminate bacteria. The objective of this study was to examine drying as a means of lowering bacterial numbers on transport coop flooring. Small squares (5 x 5 cm) of fiberglass flooring from transport coops were intentionally contaminated with 1 g of Campylobacter-positive broiler gut contents. Soiled floor squares were sprayed with water and allowed to dry for 15 min, 24 h, or 48 h. Unsprayed squares were examined at each time period as controls. All squares were sampled by cotton-tipped applicators that were cultured for Campylobacter, coliforms, and Escherichia coli. Sampling of unsprayed squares at 15 min yielded 7.3 log cfu of Campylobacter, 6.2 log cfu of coliforms and 5.9 log cfu of E. coli per floor square. Water spray alone resulted in a significantly lower number of organisms recovered: 4.1 log cfu Campylobacter, 3.6 log cfu coliform, and 3.2 log cfu E. coli per floor square. When water spray was followed by a 24-hour drying period, no Campylobacter, coliforms, or E. coli were detected on the floor surface. However, allowing unsprayed soiled flooring to simply dry for 24 or 48 h also resulted in no recovery of Campylobacter and very low numbers of coliforms and E. coli. A 24- or 48-hour drying period for fecal matter on broiler transport cage flooring may be a viable method to lower bacterial numbers on these surfaces.
Variations of total electron content during geomagnetic disturbances : A model/observation comparison

This paper studies the ionospheric response to the major geomagnetic storm of October 18–19, 1995, using the NCAR TIE-GCM simulations and the global ionospheric maps (GIM) of total electron content (TEC) observations from the worldwide network of Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. The TIE-GCM results show a good agreement with the GPS-GIM in terms of simulating storm-time TEC disturbances over the polar regions. The model indicates that the increase of electron density in the high-latitude E and lower F regions below 200 km is directly related to the magnetospheric energy input through auroral precipitation to the ionosphere, while the decrease of TEC is mainly due to the increase in O2 and N2 densities in the upper F region above 200 km. During the recovery phase, both the TIE-GCM and GPS-GIM reveal a distinct hemispheric asymmetry in the TEC integrated above |50°| magnetic latitude, with a 20% decrease in the southern (summer-like) hemisphere and a 30% increase in the northern (winter-like) hemisphere.
Endothelial cells exhibiting angiogenesis in vitro proliferate in response to TGF-β1

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) has been implicated in the positive regulation of angiogenesis in vivo, whereas it inhibits the proliferation of endothelial cells in vitro. To reconcile these apparently contradictory effects, we have investigated the effect of TGF-beta 1 on bovine aortic endothelial cells that exhibit spontaneous angiogenesis in vitro. We show that concentrations of TGF-beta 1 which stimulate proliferation of cells that form endothelial cords and/or tubes inhibit proliferation of the same cells grown at subconfluent densities. An increase in cell number of 35% over control cultures was achieved with 0.5 ng TGF-beta 1/ml. The proliferative effect was blocked by antibodies against TGF-beta. Immunological detection of BrdU-labeled nuclei revealed an increase greater than 220% in cells treated with TGF-beta 1. Moreover, a population of cells within the cords appeared to be a selective target for this cytokine. The stimulatory effect was not restricted to bovine aortic endothelial cells, as similar results were obtained with endothelial cells derived from rat microvessels. Significant levels of active TGF-beta 1 were detected in cultures containing cords/tubes, whereas only latent TGF-beta 1 was detected in subconfluent cultures. We show further that endothelial cells exhibiting angiogenesis in vitro secrete plasminogen activator, an enzyme that regulates activation of TGF-beta. The major increases in mRNA transcripts for extracellular matrix proteins that are typically associated with TGF-beta 1 were not seen in cells exhibiting angiogenesis in vitro. Since the formation of tubular networks requires both invasion and proliferation, we propose that TGF-beta 1 is a major morphoregulatory factor in angiogenesis that specifically controls endothelial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix turnover.
Effect of Film Resolution and Size in Holography

A useful expression for the complex amplitude of the reconstructed holographic image is derived. This expression shows how the reconstructed image is affected by the optical transfer function of the recording media and by the size and shape of the hologram. Special cases that are studied include perfect film, very good film, Fourier-transform holograms, and large holograms. Detailed solutions for the general case are obtained by assuming a gaussian optical transfer function and either a rectangular hologram aperture or one having gaussian weighting.
Fatigue crack propagation of rubber‐toughened epoxies

Epoxies containing epoxy-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile rubber (ETBN) or amino-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile rubber (ATBN) were prepared and studied in terms of fatigue crack propagation (FCP) resistance and toughening mechanisms. Rubber incorporation improves both impact and FCP resistance, but results in slightly lower Young's modulus and Tg As Tg increases, the degree of toughening decreases. Rubber-induced shear yielding of the epoxy matrix is believed to be the dominant toughening mechanism. Decreasing fatigue resistance with increasing cyclic frequency is observed for both neat and rubber-toughened epoxies. This result may be explained by the inability of these materials to undergo possible beneficial effects of hysteretic heating. FCP resistance is linearly proportional to Mc1/2, where Mc is the apparent molecular weight between crosslinks determined on the rubber-toughened material. FCP resistance also increases with increasing static fracture toughness KIC. ATBN-toughened epoxies demonstrated better fatigue resistance than ETBN-toughened systems.
Identification of four common Culex (Culex) (Diptera: Culicidae) species from Florida with isoenzyme analysis

Females of four common Culex (Culex) species from Florida were analyzed for isoenzymes using polyacryamide gel electrophoresis. Ten enzymes that yielded 11 putative loci were studied. Most of the loci showed diagnostic characteristics in the four species, but four of the loci (glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase [Gpd-2], hexokinase [Hk], isocitrate dehydrogenase [Idh-1], and malate dehydrogenase [Mdh]) could be used in sequence to identify the four Culex species. Culex salinarius and Cx. p. quinquefasciatus could be separated from Cx. restuans and Cx. nigripalpus by Mdh locus. Culex salinarius could be distinguished from Cx. p. quinquefasciatus by Hk locus and Cx. nigripalpus could be distinguished from Cx. restuans, by Idh-1 and/or Gpd-2 loci. Randomly combined specimens of these four Culex species were identified accurately by using these enzyme loci.
Commodity-Price Volatility, Exchange Market Pressure, and Macroeconomic Linkages: Evidence from Latin America

As a major source of commodity exports, Latin America has long been susceptible to external shocks, that continue to this day. With prices falling for oil, copper, and other key products, it is important to study the effects of commodity-price volatility on the region’s macroeconomies. Using Principal Components Analysis, this study creates an index of Latin American commodity prices. This index’s volatility is then entered into a VAR that includes exchange market pressure (EMP), U.S. stock prices, and other macroeconomic variables. Granger causality and impulse-response functions show that variables such as growth are more affected by commodity-price volatility than is EMP. One key finding is that commodity-price risk reduces economic growth in Mexico, Chile, and Peru, but appears to increase Brazil’s growth rate. Further exploration might help reveal possible differences in Brazil’s economic structure that might drive this result.
Review: Nueva Roma: Mitología y humanismo en el Renacimiento sevillano by Vicente Lleó Cañal

Vicente Lleo Canal Nueva Roma: Mitologia y humanismo en el Renacimiento sevillano Revised ed., Madrid: Centro de Estudios Europa Hispanica, 2012, 339 pp., 120 color and 16 b/w illus. €28.85, ISBN 9788415245247 Vicente Lleo Canal’s Nueva Roma , first published in 1979 by the Diputacion Provincial de Sevilla, has been reissued in a revised and updated, handsomely produced volume by the Centro de Estudios Europa Hispanica. The “New Rome” of the title refers to Seville, the southern city that became the center of the Spanish Empire— and the center of Spanish humanism, the author argues—as Spain’s official port of transatlantic trade in the sixteenth century. Over the course of the sixteenth century, classicizing art and architecture, especially in the form of triumphal arches all’antica , helped transform Seville’s outward appearance to match its new status as imperial entrepot. But superficial appearances aside, did Seville really experience a Renaissance? Were the expressions of Renaissance style in Seville’s urban palaces, funerary monuments, and public architecture merely formal borrowings, or did they represent a more profound shift in ways of thinking about life and death, the ancient past and the modern city, nature and urbanism? These are the questions that drive Lleo’s study, and they are far from easy to answer since shockingly little of Renaissance Seville has survived the centuries. The triumphal city gates were demolished in the nineteenth century. Dozens of urban palaces have been destroyed, too, among them the famous house-museum of Gonzalo Argote de Molina and the palaces and gardens of Ferdinand Columbus. Surviving sixteenth-century constructions like the town hall on the Plaza de San Francisco have undergone heavy-handed renovations that profoundly altered their original decorative programs. Much secular painting and sculpture on mythological (and sometimes erotic) themes has been lost, as have many humanist manuscripts that never made it into print. As a result, Lleo’s project is what he describes as an almost archaeological endeavor to reconstruct the humanists’ sixteenth-century Seville, a “Carthage” buried beneath the victorious culture of the …
Using Critical Theory to Teach Public Administration Students About Social Class Inequalities

Various publications have shown that academic public administration mostly ignores questions involving socioeconomic disparities. This is especially true for how inherited cultural, social, and financial advantages affect interclass mobility, significant life outcomes, and, therefore, a citizen’s relationship to government. Even public administration’s social equity movement generally ignores class inequalities. Critical social theorists argue that socioeconomic issues must be a central focus of public administration. This article addresses the field’s disregard of class matters by proposing ten instructional tools public administration professors can use to introduce students to major concerns about the relationship between socioeconomic disparities and government operations. By encouraging students to understand classism, public administration faculty can help fulfill their discipline’s self-professed commitment to “fairness, justice, equity,” and being a “cutting edge” enterprise.
Abstract 437: Reproductive Timing Related Genetic Variants from GWAS are Associated with Blood Pressure in Healthy Adolescents

Blood pressure (BP) increases in an accelerated fashion during puberty. Previous studies have identified genetic variants that were associated with the timing of reproductive aging, namely menarche and menopause. But the effects of these genetic variations on BP have not been investigated. We examined the BP effects of 46 SNPs identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that were linked to age of menarche or of menopause in women of European ancestry. The current analysis was based on longitudinal data collected from 601 adolescents (338 whites and 263 blacks). Subjects were enrolled between ages 4 and 17 and followed for an average of 6 years. After adjusting for multiple testing, we found 3 of the 16 menarche-related SNPs, rs10423674 in CRTC1 , rs13187289 near PHF15 and rs9635759 near CA10 , were associated with a more rapid increase of BP in black males (all P CCDC85A and rs7642134 near VGLL3 ) and one SNP (rs1079866 near INHBA ) were associated with increased BP in black and white females, respectively (all P ETV5 was associated with increased BP in whites (P=0.0028); and 3 of the 7 menarche and height-related NPs, rs10946808 near HIST1H1D , rs6440003 in ZBTB38 and rs757608 near TBX2 , were positively associated with BP in white males, white females, and black males, respectively (all P SYCP2L , rs2153157, was associated with an increase of BP in whites (P= 0.0028). Most of the associations (9 of 11) were in the direction predicted by previously observed associations with menarche or menopause ages. Furthermore, these associations did not appear to be attenuated by weight and height. In conclusion, genetic variants from previous GWAS that were associated with a women’s reproductive aging showed significant associations with BP in healthy male and female adolescents. The genetic effects were independent of a subject’s sex, race or growth related factors such as weight, height, and BMI, and thus may represent novel candidates for BP genes.
Parasitoid Strategies and Community Organization

The hypothesis that parasitoid complexes develop in relation to plant succession is supported. Early colonizers have high fecundity and low competitive ability (r strategists) and later colonizers have low fecundity and high competitive ability (K strategists), and species diversity in the complex tends to increase as succession proceeds. These trends are evident also in a succession of increasing host densities from year to year and in decreasing host abundance within each host generation.
Hyper Numerical Aperture Blu-ray Disc Recording

We develop a hyper numerical aperture Blu-ray disc(HBD) recording system with a solid immersion lens. We use a phase change recording media with a 100 μm cover-layer. The HBD pick-up consists of a solid immersion lens with a numerical aperture of 1.41 and a laser diode of 408nm wavelength.
Occurrence of Perognathus fasciatus in Utah

It has been pointed out by Durrant (Univ. of Kansas Publications, Mus. of Nat. Hist., 6: 489, 1952) that the mammalian fauna of northeastern Utah is related in several respects to that of the Great Plains. Further support is given to this concept by the recent discovery of Perognathus fasciatus callistus in parts of Daggett and Uintah counties. Perognathus fasciatus Wied-Neuwied was described from North Dakota in 1839 and subsequently several subspecies have been named. The species has been known from southwestern Wyoming and northwestern Colorado for many years under the …
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE FOR THE PLACEMENT OF AN ENCIRCLING SCLERAL BUCKLE IN THE PRESENCE OF A GLAUCOMA DRAINAGE DEVICE

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to present a new surgical technique that facilitates placement of an encircling scleral buckle in a patient with a previously placed Baerveldt glaucoma implant who developed a retinal detachment due to a giant retinal tear.Methods:Case report of patient with pre
Degranulation of beta cells of rat's pancreas by glucose correlated with alterations in glucose tolerance.

SummaryThe beta cells of the rat's pancreas can be completely degranulated within 15 minutes by a single intra-cardiac injection of glucose. Dosage: 3.0 g glucose per kilo body weight.The phenomenon of degranulation is reversible; regranulation follows degranulation, but requires about 48 hours.Rats with degranulated beta cells show a reduced glucose tolerance, elevated fasting blood sugars, and glycosuria.The addition of 3 units of crystalline zinc insulin per 1.0 g of glucose does not prevent the degranulation of the beta cells due to a delay in the effect of the injected insulin and the consequent production of a hyperglycemia.Repeated injections of glucose cause a functional impairment of the beta cells as evidenced by the production of a temporary diabetic state.
RNA-seq analysis of developing olfactory bulb projection neurons

Transmission of olfactory information to higher brain regions is mediated by olfactory bulb (OB) projection neurons, the mitral and tufted cells. Although mitral/tufted cells are often characterized as the OB counterpart of cortical projection neurons (also known as pyramidal neurons), they possess several unique morphological characteristics and project specifically to the olfactory cortices. Moreover, the molecular networks contributing to the generation of mitral/tufted cells during development are largely unknown. To understand the developmental patterns of gene expression in mitral/tufted cells in the OB, we performed transcriptome analyses targeting purified OB projection neurons at different developmental time points with next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Through these analyses, we found 1202 protein-coding genes that are temporally differentially-regulated in developing projection neurons. Among them, 388 genes temporally changed their expression level only in projection neurons. The data provide useful resource to study the molecular mechanisms regulating development of mitral/tufted cells. We further compared the gene expression profiles of developing mitral/tufted cells with those of three cortical projection neuron subtypes, subcerebral projection neurons, corticothalamic projection neurons, and callosal projection neurons, and found that the molecular signature of developing olfactory projection neuron bears resemblance to that of subcerebral neurons. We also identified 3422 events that change the ratio of splicing isoforms in mitral/tufted cells during maturation. Interestingly, several genes expressed a novel isoform not previously reported. These results provide us with a broad perspective of the molecular networks underlying the development of OB projection neurons.
Ultraslow and Ultrafast Time-Resolved Resonance Raman Spectra of cis-Stilbene Photoproducts

The photochemistry of stilbene has been widely studied as a paradigm for cis-trans isomerization in general and solvation effects on rapid large-amplitude motions in particular. Early time-resolved studies focused mainly on the trans isomer; the excited state dynamics of cis-stilbene, with its much shorter lifetime (≤2 ps), have been probed by analyzing ground-state resonance Raman intensities to extract the excited-state dynamic information contained therein [1–3], but have only recently been observed directly on the femtosecond time scale [4–9]. While the time-resolved absorption and fluorescence techniques employed thus far can generate high quality kinetic data, they provide relatively little detailed information about structural relaxation and energy disposal in the photoproducts. To address these questions we are applying time resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy, already used extensively to probe dynamics in the S1 excited state of trans-stilbene [10–12], to the faster photochemistry of the cis isomer.
Some Stochastic Systems Depending on Small Parameters

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of some stochastic systems depending on small parameters. It reviews some literature dealing with nearly deterministic systems. The chapter presents an application of a truncation scheme to a one-dimensional problem in population genetics theory, concerning the rate of decay of mean heterozygosity in case of nearly neutral genes. This technique may be useful for more dimensional genetics models. The chapter also presents some results regarding optimal stochastic control problems that are either nearly deterministic or nearly of linear regulator type.
Mixed Aggregates of the Dilithiated Koga Tetraamine: NMR Spectroscopic and Computational Studies

A combination of 1H, 6Li, 13C, and 15N NMR spectroscopies and density functional theory computations explores the formation of mixed aggregates by a dilithium salt of a C2-symmetric chiral tetraamine (Koga's base). Lithium halides, acetylides, alkoxides, and monoalkylamides form isostructural trilithiated mixed aggregates with few exceptions. 6Li–13C and 6Li–15N couplings reveal heretofore undetected transannular contacts (laddering) with lithium acetylides and lithium monoalkylamides. Marked temperature-dependent 15N chemical shifts seem to be associated with this laddering. Computational studies shed light on the general structures of the aggregates, their penchant for laddering, and the stereochemical consequences of aggregation.
Trace-Anion Catalysis of Outer-Sphere Heterogeneous Charge-Transfer Reactions

That anions can affect the rate of metal redox reactions has been known for a long time. More often than not, this was caused by formation of complex ions in the solution, thereby completely changing the nature of the reaction, although other causes (electrostatic effects and surface ligand bridging) have also been considered. This general field has been summarized in a review by Weaver.1 Much of the early work was carried out on mercury electrodes, usually with polarographic techniques, reviewed by de Levie.2 The anion concentration and the ratio of anion to reactant concentration were so high in practically all these reports that bulk solution complex formation could not be ignored.
'Not at all FLAT!-Electronic Holographic Displays'

The generation of interactive holographic displays was long believed to be beyond the reach of any foreseeable computational or display technologies. Over the past few years, we have shown how holographic images can be computed on graphics workstations, and displayed with laser-illuminated acousto-optical modulators. Bringing these technologies to the laptop with flat screens presents new challenges, and very timely ones. The large pixel count required of a hologram suggests that a no-moving-part display, such as an LCD screen, is a long way from realization. However, such displays are very insensitive to pixel failures, and do not require high pixel contrast to produce high-contrast images. Our work with edge-lit holograms suggests that compact and satisfying holographic displays ought to be possible with plausible extensions of spatial light modulator technology.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Carbon Nanotube Sock Formation

Formation of the carbon nanotube (CNT) sock, which is an assemblage of nanotubes in a thin cylindrical shape, is a prerequisite for continuous production of thread and sheet using the floating catalyst growth method. Although several studies have considered sock formation mechanisms, the dynamics of the sock behavior during the synthesis process are not well understood. In this work, a computational technique is utilized to explore the multiphysics environment within the nanotube reactor affecting the sock formation and structure. Specifically the flow field, temperature profile, catalyst nucleation, and residence time are investigated and their influence on the sock formation and properties are studied. We demonstrate that it is critical to control the multiphysics synthesis environment in order to form a stable sock. Sock production rate was studied experimentally and found to be linearly dependent on the amount ofeffective catalyst (iron in the sock) inside the reactor. To achieve a high sock production rate, the proportion of effective iron has to be high when increasing the total amount of catalyst in the reactor. Based on the analysis, we suggest that using small size catalyst and growing longer CNTs by increasing temperature, increasing residence times etc. will increase the CNT production rate and improve the properties of CNT thread/sheet produced from the sock.
Review: How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster? by Norberto Lopez Amado and Carlos Carcas, directors

Norberto Lopez Amado and Carlos Carcas, directors How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster? Art Commissioners in association with Aiete Ariane Films, First Run Features, New York, 2010, DVD, 80 min., $20.96, http://firstrunfeatures.com/ In the years surrounding the 1967 establishment of the Foster Associates office (now Foster + Partners) in London by Norman Foster with his late wife and partner, Wendy Foster, the discourse on systems in architecture gained prominence both in the United States, where Foster had been a graduate student at Yale, and in Europe.1 Especially prominent in Britain was the “systems-built” model, emphasizing industrialized production, prefabricated elements, and speed of the construction process. Figures such as Foster, Richard Rogers, and Nicholas Grimshaw advocated increased performance, an ideal that was intimately linked to this notion of systematized production, and could be understood in terms of energy efficiency. Lightweight, modular components would lead to ease of assembly and reduced material expenditure. Advanced environmental controls systems would enhance comfort while minimizing energy consumption. The 2010 documentary on Norman Foster’s life and work, How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster? , draws its title from Buckminster Fuller’s favorite question to architects, purportedly posed to Foster during a visit to the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, completed in 1978. Implicit in the inquiry was Fuller’s call for more efficient use of material resources as part of a larger energy conservation strategy, and Foster claims he spent the next week coming up with the answer: 5,328 tons. This exercise clearly influenced Foster’s thinking, and the documentary includes footage of a 1980 client presentation in which he compares a mockup of a lightweight polycarbonate sandwich panel only a few inches thick to a 3-foot-thick brick wall, a 9-inch concrete wall with an air cavity, and a multilayered brick wall, concluding that the minimal sandwich panel performs equally as well as the other wall types. Foster asserts in the film: “Technology is the art of making things and high technology is performance.” Regrettably, the documentary largely …
Optical vortices as potential indicators of biophysical dynamics

Laser speckle patterns are granular patterns produced as a result of random interference of light waves. Optical vortices (OVs) are phase singularities in such speckle fields, characterized by zero intensity and an undefined phase. Decorrelation of the speckle fields causes these OVs to move in both time and space. In this work, a variety of parameters of these OVs have been studied. The speckle fields were simulated to undergo three distinct decorrelation behaviors- Gaussian, Lorentzian and constant decorrelations. Different decorrelation behaviors represent different dynamics. For example, Lorentzian and Gaussian decorrelations represent Brownian and ordered motions, respectively. Typical dynamical systems in biophysics are generally argued to be a combination of these. For each of the decorrelation behaviors under study, the vortex trails were tracked while varying the rate of decorrelation. Parameters such as the decorrelation length, average trail length and the deviation of the vortices as they traversed in the speckle field, were studied. Empirical studies were also performed to define the distinction between trails arising from different speckle decorrelation behaviors. The initial studies under stationary speckle fields were followed up by similar studies on shifting fields. A new idea to employ Poincaŕe plots in speckle analysis has also been introduced. Our studies indicate that tracking OVs can be a potential method to study cell and tissue dynamics.
Restrained molecular dynamics of solvated duplex DNA using the particle mesh Ewald method

Restrained and unrestrained aqueous solution molecular dynamics simulations applying the particle mesh Ewald (PME) method to DNA duplex structures previously determined via in vacuo restrained molecular dynamics with NMR-derived restraints are reported. Without experimental restraints, the DNA decamer, d(CATTTGCATC)⋅d(GATGCAAATG) and trisdecamer, d(AGCTTGCCTTGAG)⋅d(CTCAAGGCAAGCT), structures are stable on the nanosecond time scale and adopt conformations in the B-DNA family. These free DNA simulations exhibit behavior characteristic of PME simulations previously performed on DNA sequences, including a low helical twist, frequent sugar pucker transitions, BI- BII(e−ζ) transitions and coupled crankshaft (α−γ) motion. Refinement protocols similar to the original in vacuo restrained molecular dynamics (RMD) refinements but in aqueous solution using the Cornell et al. force field [Cornell et al. (1995) J. Am. Chem. Soc., 117, 5179–5197] and a particle mesh Ewald treatment produce structures which fit the restraints very well and are very similar to the original in vacuo NMR structure, except for a significant difference in the average helical twist. Figures of merit for the average structure found in the RMD PME decamer simulations in solution are equivalent to the original in vacuo NMR structure while the figures of merit for the free MD simulations are significantly higher. The free MD simulations with the PME method, however, lead to some sequence-dependent structural features in common with the NMR structures, unlike free MD calculations with earlier force fields and protocols. There is some suggestion that the improved handling of electrostatics by PME improves long-range structural aspects which are not well defined by the short-range nature of NMR restraints.
Common Problems in Patient Management during the Two Months Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

The first two months following an acute myocardial infarction are a time of change for the patient. This includes physiologic changes in endurance (1), changes in work status (2) and the resultant economic implications, changes in family and social roles, and acceptance of a modified lifestyle (3). Oftentimes, a myocardial infarction is the first clinical manifestation of coronary disease. In this setting a previously healthy person is suddenly labelled as a sick patient with serious heart disease. This psychosocial trauma is compounded by a hospitalization that frequently includes intensive care and the use of frighteningly complex technology. Current medical practice encourages the early discharge of patients with uncomplicated infarctions-as early as 7 days after the event (4). This short hospital stay means a brief period of time for acceptance of this new life situation, for education about potential beneficial changes in lifestyle, and for assessment and treatment of potential problems. Thus, the time after discharge is an important time that the physician and patient can utilize to alter medical regimens, deal with new problems, answer questions, and ensure the patient’s return to a functional lifestyle (5). Frequent interactions with health care personnel can help to facilitate a successful outcome.
A pharmacy student's role as a teaching assistant in an undergraduate medicinal chemistry course - Implementation, evaluation, and unexpected opportunities for educational outreach.

Abstract Background and purpose To describe 1) a pharmacy student's teaching assistant (TA) role in an undergraduate medicinal chemistry course, 2) an active learning module co-developed by the TA and instructor, and 3) the unexpected opportunities for pharmacy educational outreach that resulted from this collaboration. Educational activity and setting Medicinal Chemistry (CHM3413) is an undergraduate course offered each fall at Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). As a TA for CHM3413, a pharmacy student from the Gregory School of Pharmacy (GSOP) at PBA co-developed and implemented an active learning module emphasizing foundational medicinal chemistry concepts as they pertain to performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). Surveys assessed undergraduate students’ perceived knowledge of medicinal chemistry concepts, PEDs, and TA involvement. Findings Students’ (total n = 60, three fall semesters) perceived confidence in knowledge of medicinal chemistry concepts and PEDs increased significantly (p Discussion This collaboration developed the pharmacy student’s teaching skills and reinforced knowledge of foundational pharmaceutical science concepts for both the TA and undergraduate students. Unexpected “side-effects” that resulted from this collaboration included opportunities for the TA and instructor to discuss health risks associated with PED usage with student-athletes in PBA’s athletic department. Summary Educational/interprofessional outreach opportunities resulted from a pharmacy student TA’s involvement in an undergraduate medicinal chemistry course. An advanced pharmacy practice experience elective in sports pharmacy (based on Ambrose’s model) begins Fall 2017.
Developing Item Response Theory–Based Short Forms to Measure the Social Impact of Burn Injuries

Abstract Objective To develop self-reported short forms for the Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Profile. Design Short forms based on the item parameters of discrimination and average difficulty. Setting A support network for burn survivors, peer support networks, social media, and mailings. Participants Burn survivors (N=601) older than 18 years. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures The LIBRE Profile. Results Ten-item short forms were developed to cover the 6 LIBRE Profile scales: Relationships with Family & Friends, Social Interactions, Social Activities, Work & Employment, Romantic Relationships, and Sexual Relationships. Ceiling effects were ≤15% for all scales; floor effects were Conclusions The LIBRE Profile-Short Forms demonstrated credible psychometric properties. The short form version provides a viable alternative to administering the LIBRE Profile when resources do not allow computer or Internet access. The full item bank, computerized adaptive test, and short forms are all scored along the same metric, and therefore scores are comparable regardless of the mode of administration.
The governmentalities of infrastructure and services amid urban conflict: East Jerusalem in the post Oslo era

Abstract Urban conflict in Jerusalem has mainly been studied through the lens of spatial and functional segregation and discriminative fragmentation between Israeli and Palestinian localities. This article adopts a governmentality approach to the study of the politics of urban infrastructure and services in urban conflict, and argues that a governmentalization process of East Jerusalem by Israel has evolved in the last two decades that has been enacted mainly through the control and management of Palestinian urban infrastructure and services. Since, as manifestations of resistance to Israeli occupation, many of the Palestinian urban functionalities historically operated separately from Israeli state apparatuses, this new development and its consequences indicate an increasing dependency and forced adaptation of Palestinians in Jerusalem to Israeli rule. Based on analysis of Palestinian public transport and education systems, the article demonstrates how the “soft” power of governmentality – mediated through the control and management of urban infrastructure and services – diffuses among the Palestinian population and in space, restructuring them as objects and subjects of Israeli administration and governmental order. In this light, urban infrastructure and services appear in the course of urban conflict as an arena of governmentality and counter-governmentality. On the one hand they serve as a site where identities are practiced and defended; on the other, they may mediate and facilitate the restructuring of political subjectivities and normalization of political structures and hierarchies.
Institutional Logics and the Enacted Resource Environment in Primary Schools

Organizations depend on one another for resources, and consequently, organizations must manage dependencies. The prevailing perspective is that firms make strategic decisions around resources based...
A Neural Network Approach for Solving Inverse Problems in NDE

Solution to inverse problems is of interest in many fields of science and engineering. In nondestructive evaluation [1], for example, inverse techniques are used to obtain quantitative estimates of the size, shape and nature of defects in materials. Inv.:rse scattering problems in electromagnetics deal with estimation of scatterer information from knowledge of incident and scattered fields. Inverse problems are frequently described by Fredholm integral equations in the form $$ \smallint _a^bk(x,y)z(y)dy = u(x) (c \leqslant x \leqslant d)$$ (1) where u(x) represents the measured data, z(y) represents the source function or the system states or parameters, and k(x,y) represents the kernel of the transformation. The objective of inverse problem is then to solve for the source or state function from known measurements. This problem is sensitive to the system parameters z, to the shape of the kernel k, and to the accuracy of the measurements u.
Structural and catalytic properties of the Au25-xAgx(SCH3)18 (x = 6, 7, 8) nanocluster.

In this study, we explore the structural, electronic and catalytic properties of bimetallic nanoparticles of the form Au25−xAgx(SR)18 (for x = 6, 7, 8). Due to the combinatorial enormity of the number of different alloyed structures, we choose 500 random configurations corresponding to each alloying level and energetically optimize their structures. Here we report the properties of the lowest energy structures and determine the most favorable Ag alloying sites for these systems. We also show that nanoalloys with one Ag at the center and the rest in the outer shell of the Au13 kernel are less energetically favorable than the ones with all the Ag atoms occupying the surface of the Au13 kernel. We further present experimental results showing that catalytic oxidation of CO is adversely affected due to Ag alloying. We provide qualitative and quantitative evidence to explain this reduction of the catalytic activity using Fukui functions and average adsorption energies respectively.
Innovative Sandbag Propagation Method for Giant Cane (Arundinaria gigantea (Walter) Muhl.)

ABSTRACT Vegetative filter strips have been adopted as a common best management practice to manage soil erosion and nutrient losses from cultivated fields. New species and combinations of species are constantly being assessed based on their riparian function. A unique species that is native to southern Illinois and the southeast is giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea). Giant cane's performance as an effective filter of sediment and nutrients from surface and subsurface flows has been recently documented; however, it can be difficult to establish in riparian zones. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate a new approach for restoring giant cane in riparian buffer zones and methods that provide quick protection of critical source areas in the field. This study focused on developing a low-cost method for giant cane restoration designed to give reproductive propagules an advantage in assembling a successful canebrake while protecting critical areas bordering agricultural fields and streams/ditches. T...
Case Study: Longitudinal HIV Cohort Data

In this chapter, we introduce a case study based on the treatment of HIV infection. A series of scientific questions concerning how best to detect and manage antiretroviral treatment failure in resource-limited settings are used to illustrate the general road map for targeted learning. We emphasize the translation of background knowledge into a formal causal and statistical model and the translation of scientific questions into target causal parameters and corresponding statistical parameters of the distribution of the observed data. Readers may be interested in first reading the longitudinal sections of Appendix A for a rigorous treatment of longitudinal TMLE and related topics.
The Behavior of Centrioles and the Structure and Formation of the Achromatic Figure

Included among the many preparations for cell division in most higher plants and animals is the constellation of events encompassing the formation of the spindle or mitotic apparatus, depending upon the organism. These are transient structures, responsible primarily for the equipartition of the hereditary material, which are elaborated by cells just in advance of division and disappear from view shortly after (and sometimes before) the completion of division. Precisely what the origin and fate of the structural molecules of the division figure may be is apparently not known. In contrast to the dearth of factual information in this regard, an extensive literature describing the microscopically visible aspects of mitotic apparatus build-up and break-down exists. Recently investigations of a more chemical nature inquiring into the chemical events associated with mitotic apparatus appearance and disappearance have been reported. Whatever the underlying scheme may be, it seems likely that the formation of the division figure involves complex interactions between structural moieties that can be detected by light and electron microscopy, their structural precursors and functional molecules.
Testing Three-Way Complementarities: Performance Pay, Monitoring and Information Technology

We find evidence of three-way complementarities among information technology (IT), performance pay, and monitoring practices. We develop a principal-agent model examining how these practices work together as an incentive system that produces the largest productivity premium when the practices are implemented in concert. We assess our model by combining finegrained data on Human Capital Management (HCM) software adoption over 11 years with detailed survey data on incentive systems and monitoring practices for 189 firms. As predicted, we find that the adoption of HCM software is greatest in firms that have also adopted performance pay and performance monitoring practices. Furthermore, HCM adoption is associated with a disproportionately large productivity premium when it is implemented as a system of organizational incentives, but has little or no benefit when adopted in isolation. Interestingly, pair-wise interactions are typically insignificant or even negative when the third practice is missing, highlighting the importance of including all three complements. In principle, performance pay can have effects on motivation (inducing employees to commit greater effort), selection (attracting and retaining higher quality employees) or both. Since our survey separately evaluates each of these mechanisms, we can also empirically distinguish which mechanism is responsible for the observed productivity premium. We find that the complementarities in our sample are entirely explained by talent selection, and not by changes in employee motivation.
Sharpless asymmetric amino-hydroxylation

Osmium-mediated cis-addition of nitrogen and oxygen to olefins. Nitrogen sources (X-NC1Na) include:
The Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense), The Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum) and Their Hybrid

The Solanaceae has been one of the more important families in providing useful plants for humankind. By far the greatest number of these comes from tropical America, white potatoes, tomatoes and chili peppers being the best known. In recent years the fruits of two others, the tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea) and the pepino (Solanum muricatum) have begun to appear in our markets, both imported from New Zealand where they had been introduced from tropical America. To my thinking two other members of the family, the naranjilla (S. quitoense) and the cocona (S. sessiliflorum), are equal or superior to the last two, but they have yet to reach markets outside of Latin America. These species, both placed in the section Lasiocarpa of Solanum, are the subjects of this paper.