cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Creative Search: Using Search to Leverage Your Everyday Creativity

By highlighting the values of creativity to a society and individuals, we argue the importance of investigating people's daily creativity and the necessity of designing user interfaces to support the creative process. In this paper, moreover, we propose a dissertation study to examine people's creative process in the context of information search. The implications of this research will inform the future design of a novel search interface for supporting people's creativity.
The ethological deconstruction of fear(s)

The natural world presents a myriad of dangers that can threaten an organism's survival. This diversity of threats is matched by a set of universal and species specific defensive behaviors which are often subsumed under the emotions of fear and anxiety. A major issue in the field of affective science, however, is that these emotions are often conflated and scientists fail to reflect the ecological conditions that gave rise to them. I attempt to clarify these semantic issues by describing the link between ethologically defined defensive strategies and fear. This in turn, provides a clearer differentiation between fears, the contexts that evoke them and how they are organized within defensive survival circuits.
Antimalarial quinones: redox potential dependence of methemoglobin formation and heme release in erythrocytes

A number of quinones have been shown to be effective antimalarials. In addition some have been shown to have oxidant effects on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient red cells. To clarify the mechanism of this oxidant effect and to determine whether it is a general property of antimalarial quinones, the effects of five compounds on red cells were studied. Two, 5-hydroxy-6-demethyl pentaquine (5H6DP) and menadione, caused marked methemoglobin production and the insertion of heme into the red-cell membrane. The other three, atovaquone, daphnetin, and menoctone, did not. The insertion of heme into membranes caused diminished deformability, and this might account for the hemolytic effects. Redox potentials of all five compounds were measured. The two quinones that caused heme release, menadione and 5H6DP, had redox potentials of -141 +/- 12 and -97 +/- 25 mV, respectively, which are similar to the reported redox potentials for hemoglobin. The other three quinones had redox potentials that were either significantly higher or lower. Thus only quinones of the appropriate redox potentials are likely to be toxic to red cells.
Vocal Fold Injection of Absorbable Materials: A Histologic Analysis With Clinical Ramifications

Objectives:Gels composed of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and cross-linked hyaluronic acid are commonly used as temporary or resorbable injectable materials for vocal fold medialization. However, th...
Justices on the Ballot: A Tale of Two States

At least since 2000, there has been a sharp increase in political activity surrounding elections for state supreme court justices. The amount of money being raised by candidates in some elections has skyrocketed. Television advertising has increased. Interest groups have been active players both as direct contributors and through independent advertising and activities. In fact these changes are far from universal. While these changes have occurred in some states they have not — at least not yet — occurred in others. This is clearly illustrated by the two neighboring states of Wisconsin and Minnesota. As I discuss in the following sections of paper, while Wisconsin has seen substantial changes, Minnesota has not. These two states have some similarities in terms of political culture, largely sharing what Daniel Elazar labeled a “moralistic political culture,” and have been two of the Midwestern states that have had generally liberal politics over the last 50 years, with Minnesota supporting the Republican presidential candidate only one time in the fourteen elections between 1960 and 2012 and Wisconsin supporting the Republican candidate five times in those same fourteen elections. One difference between the two states is in their economies; while both have strong agricultural sectors, Minnesota’s industrial base has been more technology-based while Wisconsin was more dependent on heavy manufacturing. As a result, Wisconsin has been more affected by the exit of heavy industry to nonunion states and to overseas locations. However, it is unclear why this economic difference would be reflected in the different patterns found in elections for the two states’ supreme courts. Thus, an intriguing puzzle is why these two neighbors have taken such different paths over the last 15 to 20 years. The bulk of this paper (which will be the first chapter in a book on state supreme court elections since 1946) describes the differences in how state supreme court elections have evolved in the two states. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of what might account for the differences.
Pretreatment for water reuse using fluidized bed crystallization

Abstract This research investigated the use of fluidized bed crystallization for removing scale forming species and natural organic matter (NOM) from treated municipal wastewater prior to water reclamation. The effect of pH on Ca2+, Mg2+, silica and NOM removal in a fluidized bed crystallization reactor (FBCR) was determined. NOM removal in the FBCR was compared to that for the conventional treatments, ultrafiltration and ferric chloride coagulation/flocculation. Under optimized conditions, fluidized bed crystallization was able to remove more than 99.9 % of Mg2+, 97 % of Ca2+ and 42 % of silica. The FBCR was also able to remove 25 % of NOM, which was intermediate between NOM removal by ferric chloride (56 %) and ultrafiltration (13 %). Size exclusion chromatography-organic carbon detection (SEC−OCD) indicated that the majority of NOM removal occurred via co-precipitation with Mg(OH)2. Excitation emission matrix-parallel factor (EEM-PARAFAC) analysis was used to investigate the types of NOM removed. The FBCR was able to remove all five NOM components (three humic acids, one fulvic acid and one protein-like substance), including 100 % of the autochthonous fulvic acids. Ferric chloride was also able to remove all five NOM components, but only one third of the autochthonous fulvic acids, while ultrafiltration was able to remove only 11 % of the protein-like NOM.
Intraoperative Identification of Clavicle Fracture Patterns: Do Clavicles Fail in a Predictable Pattern?

Objectives To characterize the fracture pattern and pattern of fragmentation for displaced, midshaft clavicle fractures undergoing operative management. Design Prospective observational study. Setting Two institutions. Level 1 and Level 2 Trauma Centers. Patients/participants Fifty-three patients who underwent operative repair of midshaft clavicle fracture. Intervention All clavicles were treated by operative open reduction internal fixation. Main outcome measurements All clavicles were categorized by the Robinson classification based on injury plain film bilateral upright clavicle radiographs. In addition, intraoperative fracture characteristics of fragment length and location were measured and recorded to evaluate the fracture pattern. All fractures were analyzed to determine the frequency of segmental comminution versus length-stable patterns, analyze characteristics of butterfly fragment size, number and location as well as the location of the cortical read for those length-stable fractures. Results Analysis revealed 55% were Robinson 2B2 based on preoperative radiographs. Length-stable, anatomic reduction was achievable in 83%. For those in which an anatomic cortical read was achievable, 97.7% had a read present in the posterior-superior aspect of the clavicle. Conclusions Midshaft clavicle fractures that meet conventional criteria for operative repair occur in a predictable manner with butterfly fragments generated from anterior-inferior compression and simple fracture line generated from tension along the posterior-superior aspect of the clavicle. Understanding this pattern can assist in the in surgical planning.
Decolonizing Knowledge and Fostering Critical Allyship

This chapter focuses on an undergraduate elective course taught in rural Fiji as an application of critical pedagogy coupled with an experiential education (EE) framework. This teacher preparation program course required students to travel to Fiji for four weeks during the summer to decolonize knowledge, theorize and pursue culturally responsive community engagement, and consider the roles and responsibilities of being an ally to indigenous peoples. This chapter explains the theoretical framework of the experience design, offers curricular connections to teacher education standards, describes decolonizing pedagogical strategies, offers recommendations for working with the university for course approval, shares reflections and recommendations, and includes sample lesson plans.
Modifiable health behaviors among low-income, uninsured men with prostate cancer.

Abstract Background As life expectancy of men with prostate cancer (CaP)improves, the risks of chronic diseases and comorbid conditions become more relevant. Improving modifiable health behaviors now serves as a focus of guidelines to reduce all-cause morbidity and mortality from chronic disease among CaP survivors. Few studies have reported on these health behaviors in low-income, uninsured men with CaP Methods In addition to baseline demographic data, we collected four health behaviors in low-income men with CaP via telephone survey: physical activity, dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, weight management, and alcohol consumption. These behaviors were assessed for adherence to the American Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Survivorship Care Guidelines for health promotion. Results Of 236 participants, most self-identified as racial/ethnic minority (61% Hispanic, 16% Black). Most men demonstrated low (21%) or moderate (66%) adherence to guidelines, almost all of whom had poor adherence with recommendations for physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake. Multivariate analysis showed that non-white men were more likely to demonstrate low or moderate adherence. Conclusions Most men in this cohort of low-income, uninsured CaP survivors did not engage the healthy behaviors promulgated by the American Cancer Society. Future interventions in this population should focus on encouraging and facilitating healthier lifestyle choices in physical activity, diet, and weight management.
1.1 kW, beam-combinable thulium doped all-fiber amplifier

A 1.1 kW CW fiber amplifier emitting at 1.95µm and phase modulated at 5 GHz, with 51% optical conversion efficiency and near diffraction limited beam quality (M2<1.1) is demonstrated. The fiber amplifier consists of 9m of active 20/400um thulium doped fiber, and 2m of passive delivery fiber. Several limiting nonlinearities critical to maintaining coherence were analyzed, including stimulated Brillouin Scattering and modulation instability. To our knowledge, this is the first kw-class thulium doped fiber amplifier operating with narrow linewidth.
Research and Application of Internet of Things Edge Autonomy Technology Based on Microservice in Power Pipe Gallary

With the rapid development of power internet of things and the continuous improvement of the State Grid Company's requirements for the safe operation of the station, there are more and more monitoring systems for power transmission and transformation pipe gallary in engineering application. The information between multiple systems is relatively isolated. The workload of the operation and maintenance personnel increases dramatically, and the operation safety risk increases accordingly. In order to improve the perception ability, remote operation and maintenance level of the station, it is necessary to study a kind of management platform for information sharing. Based on mqtt protocol and using microservice architecture, the design makes function module plug-and-play possible. An edge autonomy technology of IOT is proposed to integrate intelligent substation and internet of things which can improve the high reliability of the system operation and ensure the security and stability of the power system.
Scaling Up Public Health Interventions: Engaging Partners Across Multiple Levels.

Advancing the science of intervention scale-up is essential to increasing the impact of effective interventions at the regional and national levels. In contrast with work in high-income countries (...
Abstract P304: Association of Stroke Risk Biomarkers With Stroke Symptoms: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Cohort

Background: History of stroke symptoms (SS) in the absence of prior stroke or TIA is associated with adverse stroke risk profile and future stroke risk. Biomarkers associated with inflammation, cardiac function and hemostatic function are also associated with stroke prevalence and incidence. Better understanding of the relationship between SS and these biomarkers will allow hypothesis formation on the biologic underpinnings of SS. Hypothesis: Higher levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, factor VIII, and factor XI and NT-proBNP are associated with prevalent SS. Methods: REGARDS enrolled 30,239 black and white participants age 45 and older from the contiguous US to study geographic and racial differences in stroke. We performed a cross-sectional study in a random sample of 1100 participants in which the above biomarkers were measured. Prevalent SS at baseline were ascertained using the Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-free Status. Excluding those with pre-baseline stroke or TIA, there were 190 participants with self-reported SS and 770 without these. Odds ratios of prevalence of any SS by quartiles and per SD increment of each biomarker were calculated using logistic regression. Results: Adjusting for age, race and sex, NT-proBNP, CRP and D-dimer in the top vs bottom quartile were associated with history of any SS (ORs: 3.45 (95%CI: 2.00-5.95), 2.38 (95%CI: 1.49-3.82), and 1.81 (95%CI:1.03-3.17), respectively), as were SD increments of these and factor XI. Odds ratios with added adjustment for Framingham stroke risk factors were little changed and are shown in the table. Summary: Higher levels of NT- proBNP, CRP, factor XI and D-dimer are each associated with prevalent SS. Results provide further evidence that history of SS may represent cerebrovascular disease. Future work is needed to determine whether these biomarkers identify persons with a history of SS who are at particularly high stroke risk.
Spatial relations between classes of individuals

In the Spatial Data Transfer Standard and many other geographic standards and ontologies, we find statements such as (1) “waterfalls are parts of watercourses” and (2) “ecoregions of continental scale are parts of ecoregions of global scale”, etc. In these examples, the terms “waterfall”, “watercourse”, “ecoregion of scale X”, etc. refer to classes of individuals rather than to particular individuals. Since it is the purpose of these standards and ontologies to facilitate interoperability, it is important to give a clear semantics to statements like (1) and (2). For example, (1) should be understood to claim that every waterfall is part of some watercourse, but NOT that every watercourse has a waterfall as its part. In (2), by contrast, the term “part-of” has a stronger meaning: every ecoregion of continental scale is part of some ecoregion of global scale AND every ecoregion of global scale has some ecoregion of continental scale as a part. To overcome this kind of semantic heterogeneity, we propose a Mereotopology for Individuals and Classes (MIC) in which we define parthood, location, and connection relations among classes based on parthood, location, and connection relations between individuals. We then demonstrate the usefulness of this formal theory for making the logical structure of spatial information more precise. Although we focus here on the simplest and most pervasive of the spatial relations (parthood, location, and connection), the strategy employed in this paper can be used in analogous treatments of other kinds of relations among classes.
THE INFLUENCE OF REFRACTIVE ERROR MANAGEMENT ON THE NATURAL HISTORY AND TREATMENT OUTCOME OF ACCOMMODATIVE ESOTROPIA (AN AMERICAN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY THESIS)

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of refractive error management on resolution of accommodative esotropia, deterioration of accommodative esotropia, and the natural history of hypermetropia in accommodative esotropia. METHODS Retrospective cohort study and nested case-control study of patients with accommodative esotropia untreated prior to diagnosis by the author. Eligibility criteria included esodeviation of >/=10 prism diopters (PD) on distance and near fixation on initial examination, hypermetropia, distance esodeviation <10 PD with full cycloplegic refraction correction on first follow-up examination, and at least 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS The study included 285 patients with mean follow-up of 102 months. After age 7 years, mean annual decrease in hypermetropia was .24 D for patients wearing full cycloplegic refraction and for patients in whom hypermetropia was undercorrected by 1.00 D or more. Age at diagnosis (P < .0001), oblique muscle dysfunction (P < .0001), and abnormal distance-near relationship (P = .007) were associated with deterioration of accommodative esotropia. Of 51 patients with an intermittent abnormal distance-near relationship, 19 (37%) had increased hypermetropia on cycloplegic refraction, and prescription of the increased correction normalized the distance-near relationship. CONCLUSIONS The possibility that undercorrecting hypermetropia speeds its resolution is not supported by this study. Accommodative esotropia is usually stable, but younger age at diagnosis, oblique muscle dysfunction, and abnormal distance-near relationship are associated with deterioration. Undercorrection of hypermetropia can cause an abnormal distance-near relationship, which in turn can cause deterioration of accommodative esotropia. Aggressive undercorrection of hypermetropia should be pursued carefully, because the risk may outweigh the potential advantages.
A study of timing jitter improvements on Z with a new laser triggering system

A new, low jitter, laser trigger system (LTS) has been installed on the Z machine at Sandia National Laboratories. The installation of the new tempest LTS has significantly reduced the jitter of the peak X-ray output. The most recent measurements of peak X-ray output show that the new LTS has reduced the jitter from 1/spl sigma/ = 2.5 ns to 1/spl sigma/ < 1 ns. In addition to having inherently less jitter than the old LTS, the independent precision triggering of the new LTS can compensate for timing errors due to drift and shot-to-shot correlations of other pulse power components further reducing the overall machine jitter. Specifically, the LTS compensates for trends in the gas switch runtime. By using a method based on linear prediction coefficients of previous shots, gas switch runtime noise can be further reduced by 1 ns.
Low mass SN Ia and the late light curve

The late bolometric light curves of type Ia supernovae, when measured accurately over several years, show an exponential decay with a 56d half-life over a drop in luminosity of 8 magnitudes (10 half-lives). The late-time light curve is thought to be governed by the decay of Co56, whose 77d half-life must then be modified to account for the observed decay time. Two mechanisms, both relying upon the positron fraction of the Co56 decay, have been proposed to explain this modification. One explanation requires a large amount of emission at infra-red wavelengths where it would not be detected(Axelrod, 1980a, Axelrod, 1980b). The other explanation has proposed a progressive transparency or leakage of the high energy positrons (Colgate, Petschek and Kriese, 1980). For the positrons to leak out of the expanding nebula at the required rate necessary to produce the modified 56d exponential, the mass of the ejecta from a one foe (1051 erg in kinetic energy) explosion must be small, M ejec = 0.4M ⊙ with M ejec ∝ KE 0.5. Thus, in this leakage explanation, any reasonable estimate of the total energy of the explosion requires that the ejected mass be very much less than the Chandrasekhar mass of 1.4M ⊙. This is very difficult to explain with the “canonical” Chandrasekhar-mass thermonuclear explosion that disintegrates the original white dwarf star. This result leads us to pursue alternate mechanisms of type Ia supernovae. These mechanisms include sub-Chandrasekhar thermonuclear explosions and the accretion induced collapse of Chandrasekhar mass white dwarfs. We will summarize the advantages and disadvantages of both mechanisms with considerable detail spent on our new accretion induced collapse simulations. These mechanisms lead to lower Ni56 production and hence result in type la supernovae with luminosities decreased down to ~ 50% that predicted by the “standard” model.
A Multi-Cultural Transformative Approach to Learning: Assessing Attitude Change in Doctoral Students following an Online Diversity Course.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the attitudes of students following the completion of an online doctoral level multicultural diversity course at a university in the Midwestern USA based on Banks' transformative approach to learning in an effort to determine if the online environment could successfully intervene to change student attitudes. Few studies examine the impact of a transformative approach to learning diversity in the online environment.Design/methodology/approach – This mixed methods study employed the Munroe multicultural scale and phenomenological analysis. The Munroe multicultural attitudinal scale questionnaire (MASQUE) is based on Banks' approach to multicultural learning and was administered in a pre‐ and a post‐test, and 594 pages of student journals were qualitatively analyzed using phenomenology.Findings – Of the 28 questions on the MASQUE scale, students showed a significant difference between pre‐ and post‐scores on two questions: “I am knowledgeable regarding differ...
Russia's Support for al-Asad's Syria: Reasons Old and New

Since 2005, Russia and Syria enjoyed a close relationship. The Syrian uprisings put this alliance to the test, and yet Russia continues supporting Bashar al-Asad’s regime. For this, there are several ‘old’ reasons. Economically, Russian companies benefited from the breakthrough in the Russian-Syrian relations in 2005 and invested heavily in Syria’s energy sector. Syria is also Russia’s fifth biggest weapons-buyer. Militarily, the Kremlin is interested in the Tartus naval station, seen by some as the Russian fleet’s foothold in the Mediterranean. The Arab Spring, and specifically the situation in Syria and the international community's interest in it, also offered Russia new political motives to support al-Asad. Firstly, Russia’s resistance to Western pressure and marginalisation of the Syrian opposition are aimed at the domestic audience. Secondly, the Syrian uprising is Russia’s chance to protest international military interventions as an acceptable way of regime changes. Thirdly, Russia’s stance on Syria promotes Russia’s image of a ’benevolent’ Eurasian power, which upholds international law and favours multilateral and regional solutions to crises. Finally, Moscow’s ‘different’ stand on the issue elevates Russia’s importance in international diplomacy.
Differences in Mare and Foal Oral Smears

Three indices were used to classify oral cells from foals and their dams. These were: Cell Development Index; Karyopycnotic Index; and Maturation Index. Cells were classified on the relative sizes and nuclear traits using epiflourescence ultra-violet and phase contrast microscopy. Five mares were studied. The 7, 000 cells evaluated over a four-month period showed the highest percentages of cells observed in smears were anucleate (about 80%) and the next highest were intermediate cells with oval nuclei (15%). There was a seasonal trend in that intermediate cells decreased from about 27% in May to 11% in August while anucleate cells increased over that period from 67 to 85%, respectively. About 4, 000 cells from five foals showed the highest percentages of cells observed in smears were anucleate (about 49%) and intermediate cells with oval nuclei (about 41 %). As foals became older, the percentages of intermediate cells with oval nuclei decreased while anucleate cells increased. These changes were rapid, often within one week. We cannot explain either of these exfoliation changes.
Psychiatric education of nonpsychiatrists: is it relevant to medical practice?

Abstract A questionnaire regarding the importance of various topics in medical student training programs was sent to directors of medical student education in psychiatry. A group of general physicians had previously ranked the same items according to their importance in daily medical practice. The two groups agreed on the relative importance of most of the topics, but differed considerably in rating the following items: mental status examination, diagnosis of schizophrenia and its treatment, psychosomatic disorders, alcoholism, and knowledge of state and community resources for the care of the emotionally disturbed. If psychiatric education is to be relevant for nonpsychiatric physicians, careful consideration must be given to these topics when designing a medical student curriculum.
Theoretical analysis and design considerations for float-zone refinement of electronic grade silicon sheets

Abstract The finite element method is used to solve a detailed model of heat and momentum transport in the vertical float-zone refinement of thin silicon sheets. The model formulation is much like that used to study float-zone refinement of cylindrical ingots, but the dominant physical mechanisms differ because of the much smaller length scale. The curvature of the meniscus remains nearly constant under all conditions due to the dominance of surface tension. The solid-liquid interface deviates considerably from a planar shape, contrary to the assumption of previous studies. The release and uptake of latent heat appear to play only minor roles in determining this shape, which results primarily from the sharp decrease of silicon emissivity upon melting. Strong flow in the melt due to the Marangoni effect is driven by large temperature gradients (O(100 K/cm)) at the melt surface, whereas buoyancy effects are negligible. Effective Reynolds numbers exceeding 10 3 are calculated. Multiple solutions are found under some circumstances. The different solution branches show little difference in the temperature field or free surface shape, but show a large difference in the flow field, which is likely to affect the redistribution of impurities. Transient calculations are used to determine the thickness variation of the sheet during the approach to steady state.
A large computer system for on-line data acquistion and analysis of data from analytical instruments

Experience with a unique large dual processor system designed to acquire and analyze data from about 140 instruments in a research installation will be described. The system has been in operation for nearly 4 years serving a variety of analytical instruments including gas chromatographs, liquid chromatographs, tensile testing machines, differential thermal analyzers, and other miscellaneous instruments. The system also serves a large community of scientific time-sharing users, a substantial portion of which reduce data and carry out scientific calculations on data acquired off-line on paper or magnetic tape. Unique features of the system are long distance transmission of analog data, retention of raw data for reanalysis, post processing of data into material balance, kinetic or statistical equations, interactive graphical display of the data acquired on-line and the ability to monitor instrument performance. Another unique features is the ability to develop new analysis programs in time-sharing without fear of jeopardizing the integrity of the data collection process.
Ground-State Energy of a Mixture of Fermions and Bosons in One Dimension with a Repulsive δ-Function Interaction

The ground-state energy of a mixture of spin-\textonehalf{} fermions and bosons in one dimension, interacting with a repulsive $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function potential, is analyzed. The wave function is given by repeated use of a generalized Bethe hypothesis. The "momenta" in the hypothesis are determined by coupled Fredholm integral equations. Numerical solutions are given. No phase separation is found.
A spatial needs assessment of indigent acute psychiatric discharges in California.

State and local mental health agencies have responsibility for the psychiatric care of Medicaid beneficiaries and indigents meeting pre-defined criteria. A significant uninsured caseload may prove draining to agencies and hospitals mandated to provide emergency services, resulting in limited access. A spatial needs assessment was conducted to find areas having a greater relative proportion of indigent psychiatric hospitalizations. Robust descriptive and inferential spatial techniques were applied to California 1999–2003 public-use Zip-Code-level hospital discharge data to create maps. These maps reveal a more stable view of spatial variation in the proportion of indigent discharges compared to all psychiatric discharges. Synthetic estimation techniques were also applied to U.S. Census data to estimate the proportion of severe mental illness among households at less than 200% poverty level compared to estimated mental illness among all households. Visually comparing these maps suggests areas of potential mismatch. These results and methods may inform public decision-making.
A study of rate coordination algorithm in serial chain redundant manipulators

Presents a general algorithm which results in an efficient solution for the rate coordination problem in redundant manipulators. An alternative formulation of minimum norm solution is first introduced based on a geometric interpretation that vectors orthogonal to constraint space should pass through the origin of the solution space. It is shown that for any spacial manipulator with 1 or 2 degrees of redundancy, the minimum norm rate solution can be derived analytically. The properties of orthogonal vectors are then utilized in formulating the general solution to incorporate any performance criterion. The method offers an equivalent but much more efficient alternative to using the pseudoinverse in redundancy resolution and, in fact, is applicable to any underdetermined linear system. Analytical as well as numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. >
On the perturbation analysis of discrete-event dynamic systems

The paper describes a new approach to the analysis and optimization of discrete-event dynamic systems, such as queueing networks.
Analysis of invertebrate resting eggs and other biota in ballast tank sediment of domestic Great Lakes cargo ships

Abstract Domestic shipping in the Laurentian Great Lakes may be a vector of secondary spread for non-native species, but research has not yet assessed the role of ballast tank sediment. Here, ballast tank sediment was collected from three domestic ships ( M/V American Century , M/V Edwin H. Gott , and M/V Mesabi Miner ) during 2011 and 2012 at Lake Superior harbors in the USA and analyzed for invertebrates. Samples contained evidence of active life stages of Bivalvia, Cladocera, Copepoda, Gastropoda, Hydracarina, Nematoda, Oligochaeta, and Ostracoda as well as dormant life stages of some species including ones hatched in the laboratory from Cladocera, Copepoda, Ostracoda, and Rotifera. Excluding resting eggs, the groups Bivalvia, Copepoda, and Ostracoda comprised 83% of individuals recovered. The mean density of resting eggs per ballast tank ranged from 16.0 to 24.8 eggs/g wet sediment for samples collected during November and from 0.2 to 2.7 eggs/g wet sediment for samples collected during December to March. The mean viability (percentage hatched) of resting eggs per ballast tank ranged from 31.2% to 75.8% for samples collected during November; December to March samples were not assessed for egg viability. Bosminidae (Cladocera) were the most commonly hatched taxa and comprised 548 of 819 hatchlings (or 67%). Hatched eggs included Eubosmina coregoni and Bythotrephes longimanus which are non-native to the Great Lakes. Densities of resting eggs and other biota were comparable to, or greater than, published densities of organisms in ballast tank sediment of foreign ships entering the Great Lakes and ballast tank water of domestic ships operating within the Great Lakes.
Evaluation of pulse oximetry in anemia from hemoglobin-H disease

A patient with hemoglobin-H (Hb-H) disease developed an acute hemolytic crisis after treatment with trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Despite her poor clinical condition and profound anemia (Hb, 2.7 g/dL), pulse oximetry continued to demonstrate a high O2 saturation percentage. Manipulation of Beer's law shows that anemia theoretically should not affect pulse oximetry values. The literature describes the effects of dyshemoglobinopathies such as carboxyhemoglobinemia and methemoglobinemia on O2 saturation percentage measured by pulse oximetry, but the effect of genetic hemoglobinopathies on pulse oximetry values is largely unreported. Because most hemoglobinopathies do not significantly change the protein-heme electronic interaction, the values of O2 saturation percentage determined through pulse oximetry should remain clinically valid. Hb-H is an exception to this generalization; as in patients with carboxyhemoglobinemia, pulse oximetry measurements showing high O2 saturation percentage do not correspond to high levels of oxygen available for delivery to tissues.
Elevated, but highly variable, acetylene reduction in soils associated with the invasive shrub Rhamnus cathartica in a Midwestern oak forest

Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is an important invasive shrub in North American forests, where it is thought that the plant’s retention of green leaves during autumn canopy senescence helps it succeed in deciduous understory habitat. This trait results in loss of nitrogen (N) in N-rich leaf litter, which has led some workers to suggest buckthorn may foster associative N-fixation in soil. We examined this possibility in an oak woodland understory in eastern Minnesota using the acetylene reduction assay to compare apparent nitrogenase activity in soils collected from beneath buckthorn individuals with soils collected from a canopy species (Quercus spp.), an important understory shrub (Prunus serotina), and non-vegetated areas. Buckthorn and non-buckthorn soils differed in variability of acetylene reduction (AR) rates, with buckthorn values covering a range 10× the range of non-buckthorn soils. Mean AR also differed between buckthorn and non-buckthorn soils, but the direction and magnitude of the difference varied with sampling location. Estimates of N inputs calculated from our data suggest that AR values at the high end of the buckthorn-associated range are biologically significant. Our results represent the first measurement of AR activity associated with common buckthorn, and are consistent with the hypothesis that this plant supports associative N fixation under some conditions. Suggestions for follow-up studies are provided.
Plasmonic Airy beams with dynamically controlled trajectories

We report the experimental generation and dynamic trajectory control of plasmonic Airy beams (PABs). The PABs are created by directly coupling free-space Airy beams to surface plasmon polaritons through a grating coupler on a metal surface. We show that the ballistic motion of the PABs can be reconfigured in real time by either a computer addressed spatial light modulator or mechanical means.
In situ DRIFTS investigation of the steam reforming of methanol over Pt/ceria

Abstract In situ DRIFTS was used to probe the reaction mechanism of steam reforming of methanol over 1% Pt/ceria. Links were drawn between those results and the results of catalytic testing in a fixed bed reactor, including switching studies between deuterated and non-deuterated feeds. The steam reforming mechanism is suggested to proceed via adsorbed methoxy, formate, and carbonate species, and is selective at low conversion. At higher conversions, CO2 reacts via reverse water–gas shift via surface formate intermediates to produce significant levels of undesired CO product.
Parsons's Emergent Durkheims

Parsons's training as an economist, his graduate stay at Heidelberg, and his participation in the Henderson seminar at Harvard provide major clues to his familiarity with Marshall, Pareto, and Weber—three of the four figures whose convergence forms the major theoretical achievement in The Structure of Social Action. But what led him to Durkheim, since Parsons did not study or reside in France, yet read Durkheim in the original, remains an enigma. Without resolving the enigma, this paper argues that Parsons had a great deal in common with Durkheim, and, equally important, that in his mature and late periods he found in his ‘revisits’ of the later writings of Durkheim both inspiration and affinity. I argue that Parsons well deserves recognition as a major authority on Durkheim, and that both combined offer an alternative to the contemporary version of utilitarianism.
Biosemiotic Entropy: Concluding the Series

This article concludes the special issue on Biosemiotic Entropy looking toward the future on the basis of current and prior results. It highlights certain aspects of the series, concerning factors that damage and degenerate biosignaling systems. As in ordinary linguistic discourse, well-formedness (coherence) in biological signaling systems depends on valid representations correctly construed: a series of proofs are presented and generalized to all meaningful sign systems. The proofs show why infants must (as empirical evidence shows they do) proceed through a strict sequence of formal steps in acquiring any language. Classical and contemporary conceptions of entropy and information are deployed showing why factors that interfere with coherence in biological signaling systems are necessary and sufficient causes of disorders, diseases, and mortality. Known sources of such formal degeneracy in living organisms (here termed, biosemiotic entropy) include: (a) toxicants, (b) pathogens; (c) excessive exposures to radiant energy and/or sufficiently powerful electromagnetic fields; (d) traumatic injuries; and (e) interactions between the foregoing factors. Just as Jaynes proved that irreversible changes invariably increase entropy, the theory of true narrative representations (TNR theory) demonstrates that factors disrupting the well-formedness (coherence) of valid representations, all else being held equal, must increase biosemiotic entropy—the kind impacting biosignaling systems.
Expert Robots For Automated Packaging And Processing

A variety of problems in automated packaging and processing seem ready for expert robotic solutions. Such problems as automated palletizing, bin-picking, automated stoilw and retrieval, automated kitting of parts for assembly, and automated warehousing are currently being considered. The use of expert robots which consist of specialized computer programs, manipulators and integrated sensors has been demonstrated with robot Chedkers, peg games, etc. Actual solutions for automated palletizing, pit-carb basket loading, etc. have also been developed for industrial applications at our Center. The generic concepts arising from this research will be described, unsolved problems discussed, and some important tools demonstrated. The significance of this work lies in its broad application to a host of generic industrial problems which can improve quality, reduce waste, are eliminate human injuries.
Interplay between S1 and S4 Subsites in Kex2 Protease: Kex2 Exhibits Dual Specificity for the P4 Side Chain†

The yeast Kex2 protease is the prototype of a family of eukaryotic proprotein processing proteases that includes PC1, PC2, and furin. The catalytic domains of these enzymes are homologous to the degradative serine proteases of the subtilisin family. Kex2 exhibits optimal activity toward substrates with Lys or Arg at P2 and Arg at P1 (Lys-Arg or Arg-Arg cleavage sites). However, mammalian proprotein processing proteases such as furin exhibit more stringent requirements for basic residues at P4 than at P2. Here we demonstrate that Kex2 protease also recognizes P4, with dual specificity for aliphatic and basic residues. Recognition of P4 is even more readily apparent in substrates having a poor P1 residue (Lys). Kinetic analysis of a series of otherwise identical fluorogenic substrates with Lys at P1 and different residues at P4 indicates that large, aliphatic P4 residues increase kcat/KM by 100-fold. However, smaller residues or acidic residues at P4 do not. P4 Arg also confers efficient cleavage on such a substrate, but the uncharged isostere of Arg, citrulline, does not. Kex2 may thus possess distinct subsites that recognize aliphatic or basic P4 side chains. Although a favorable P4 residue can partially compensate for the defects in kcat and kcat/KM seen with Lys in place of Arg at P1, this substitution resulted in a change in rate-determining step for all substrates examined. As previously seen in the case of subtilisin, effects of substitutions at the P1 and P4 positions were not independent, suggesting that interplay between these two positions is a common feature of substrate specificity for both processing proteases and degradative enzymes of the subtilisin superfamily.
Role of the major homology region in assembly of HIV-1 Gag.

The major homology region (MHR) is a highly conserved sequence in the gag gene of all retroviruses, including HIV-1. Its role in assembly is unknown, but deletion of the motif significantly impairs membrane binding and viral particle formation. To begin characterizing this defect, we have determined the contribution of this region to the energetics of the assembly process. Intrinsic fluorescence studies were conducted to determine the change in free energy associated with membrane and RNA binding using tRNA and large unilamellar vesicles of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylserine as models. For the wild-type protein, the change in free energy was within RT [600 cal/(mol·K)] whether Gag binds first to RNA or to the membrane. Thus, the initial binding of Gag can be to either substrate, but in vivo conditions favor initial association to RNA presumably due to its higher local concentration. After establishing the pattern of assembly, we compared the binding energy of GagWT versus the deletion mutant, GagΔMHR....
Idealism and Early-American Rhetoric

17th- and 18th-century philosophical separation of the reflecting mind from reality often resulted in a hostility towards rhetoric. However, this article demonstrates that American idealism yielded a rich conversation about rhetoric's place in the search for divine knowledge. Using Kenneth Burke's theory of attitudes' linguistic dialectical constitution, this article closely analyzes two 18th-century idealist philosophies (those of Jonathan Edwards and Samuel Johnson of Connecticut) and their related rhetorical theories. Seeing the interaction between the American idealist philosophical and rhetorical traditions leads us to reconsider the impact of idealist philosophy on the entire tradition of American rhetorical practice and theory.
Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Swarming Mutants with Altered Biofilm-Forming Abilities: Surfactin Inhibits Biofilm Formation

Swarming motility plays an important role in surface colonization by several flagellated bacteria. Swarmer cells are specially adapted to rapidly translocate over agar surfaces by virtue of their more numerous flagella, longer cell length, and encasement of slime. The external slime provides the milieu for motility and likely harbors swarming signals. We recently reported the isolation of swarming-defective transposon mutants of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, a large majority of which were defective in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis. Here, we have examined the biofilm-forming abilities of the swarming mutants using a microtiter plate assay. A whole spectrum of efficiencies were observed, with LPS mutants being generally more proficient than wild-type organisms in biofilm formation. Since we have postulated that O-antigen may serve a surfactant function during swarming, we tested the effect of the biosurfactant surfactin on biofilm formation. We report that surfactin inhibits biofilm formation of wild-type S. enterica grown either in polyvinyl chloride microtiter wells or in urethral catheters. Other bio- and chemical surfactants tested had similar effects.
VIRTUAL KNOT GROUPS AND THEIR PERIPHERAL STRUCTURE

Virtual knots, defined by Kauffman, provide a natural generalization of classical knots. Most invariants of knots extend in a natural way to give invariants of virtual knots. In this paper we study the fundamental groups of virtual knots and observe several new and unexpected phenomena. In the classical setting, if the longitude of a knot is trivial in the knot group then the group is infinite cyclic. We show that for any classical knot group there is a virtual knot with that group and trivial longitude. It is well known that the second homology of a classical knot group is trivial. We provide counterexamples of this for virtual knots. For an arbitrary group G, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a virtual knot group that maps onto G with specified behavior on the peripheral subgroup. These conditions simplify those that arise in the classical setting.
Quantum transport simulations on the feasibility of the bilayer pseudospin field effect transistor (BiSFET)

The feasibility of ultra low-voltage switching in the proposed Bilayer PseudoSpin Field-Effect Transistor (BiSFET) “beyond CMOS” device concept is illustrated using quantum transport simulations. The BiSFET relies on possible room-temperature superfluid condensation in dielectrically separated graphene layers. Simulations illustrate resulting greatly enhanced interlayer tunneling, and critical voltages for switching between ON and OFF interlayer conductance states below the thermal voltage of ~26 mV at 300 K. The BiSFET switching mechanism is also contrasted to the “drag-counterflow” biasing configuration with much higher switching voltages.