cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cooling Water Studies at Electric Power Station

Field studies are conducted on the condenser cooling water discharges of a thermoelectric power station. Water is drawn from the hypolimnion of an adjoining lake by use of an inverted skimmer. Heat dissipation patterns are displayed for various times of the year and under different meteorological and plant loading conditions by graphic illustrations.
Resurrecting Old β-Lactams: Potent Inhibitory Activity of Temocillin against Multidrug-Resistant Burkholderia Species Isolates from the United States.

Burkholderia spp. are opportunistic human pathogens that infect persons with cystic fibrosis and the immunocompromised. Burkholderia spp. express class A and C β-lactamases, which are transcriptionally regulated by PenRA through linkage to cell wall metabolism and β-lactam exposure. The potency of temocillin, a 6-methoxy-β-lactam, was tested against a panel of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Burkholderia spp. In addition, the mechanistic basis of temocillin activity was assessed and compared to that of ticarcillin. Susceptibility testing with temocillin and ticarcillin was conducted, as was biochemical analysis of the PenA1 class A β-lactamase and AmpC1 class C β-lactamase. Molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) were performed using PenA1 with temocillin and ticarcillin. The majority (86.7%) of 150 MDR Burkholderia strains were susceptible to temocillin, while only 4% of the strains were susceptible to ticarcillin. Neither temocillin nor ticarcillin induced bla expression. Ticarcillin was hydrolyzed by PenA1 (k cat/Km = 1.7 ± 0.2 μM-1 s-1), while temocillin was slow to form a favorable complex (apparent Ki [Ki app] = ∼2 mM). Ticarcillin and temocillin were both potent inhibitors of AmpC1, with Ki app values of 4.9 ± 1.0 μM and 4.3 ± 0.4 μM, respectively. MDS of PenA revealed that ticarcillin is in an advantageous position for acylation and deacylation. Conversely, with temocillin, active-site residues K73 and S130 are rotated and the catalytic water molecule is displaced, thereby slowing acylation and allowing the 6-methoxy of temocillin to block deacylation. Temocillin is a β-lactam with potent activity against Burkholderia spp., as it does not induce bla expression and is poorly hydrolyzed by endogenous β-lactamases.
Screening for Access to Firearms by Pediatric Trainees in High-Risk Patients

Abstract Objective Access to firearms is an independent risk factor for completed suicide and homicide, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pediatricians screen and counsel about firearm access and safe storage. This study investigates how often pediatric residents screen for access to firearms or counsel about risk-reduction in patients with suicidal or homicidal ideation. Methods Retrospective chart review of visits by patients younger than the age of 19years presenting to the pediatric emergency department (ED) of a tertiary academic medical center from January to December 2016. Visits were eligible if there was an ultimate ED discharge diagnosis of “suicidal ideation,” “suicide attempt,” or “homicidal ideation” as identified by International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision codes and the patient was seen by a pediatric resident before evaluation by psychiatry. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results. Results Ninety-eight patients were evaluated by a pediatric resident for medical assessment before evaluation by a psychiatry team during the study period and were therefore eligible for inclusion. Screening for firearm access was documented by a pediatric resident in 5 of 98 (5.1%) patient encounters. Twenty-five patients (25.5%) had no documented screening for firearm access by any provider during the ED visit, including in 5 cases when patients were discharged home. Conclusions Pediatric residents rarely document screening for firearm access in patients with known suicidal or homicidal ideation who present to the ED. Additional understanding of the barriers to screening and potential strategies for improving screening and counseling are critical to providing appropriate care for high-risk pediatric patients.
“Our Son’s Cancer Is Gone. Why Can’t We Stop Treatment?”

In this chapter, we will explore a case involving a 14-year-old boy with a brain tumor who has received some therapy but whose parents now refuse further treatment. By the conclusion of the case, learners will be able to identify ethical, social, and public health issues that are unique to certain developmental periods, such as infancy and adolescence; apply the best interests standards (BIS) and the harm principle to surrogate decision-making in pediatrics; analyze the relationships among medicine, ethics, law, and culture, paying special attention to when and how biomedical cultural practices may conflict with the patient’s and family’s cultural practices; and explain the healthcare practitioner’s legal and ethical responsibilities when patients and families decline to follow medical advice.
Polarization Shift Keying for Wireless Communication

This paper considers polarization shift keying (PolSK) modulation in wireless communication systems. The PolSK has previously been analyzed in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) for optical fiber and wireless communications. In our work, analytical results additionally focus on Rayleigh and Rician fading channels. It is shown that the dual-polarized signaling enjoys an ergodic capacity advantage over co-polarized signaling for a sufficiently large Rician $K$ factor and signal-to-noise ratio. Specific PolSK constellations are formulated and analyzed in AWGN and Rayleigh fading channels. We examine the effect of the channel’s polarization parameters on symbol error rates and achievable information. Also, considered are detection candidates to exploit statistical and instantaneous channel state information at the receiver. Over-the-air experiments were conducted to validate the principles. At higher modulation orders, uncoded PolSK shows an error rate advantage over unit symbol power constellations such as phase shift keying (PSK) and differential PSK with/without adverse carrier frequency offsets. The PolSK with dual-polarized antennas also outperforms the same modulation technique implemented with spatially separated co-polarized antenna elements in a line-of-sight (LoS) scenario. The proposed maximum likelihood PolSK detectors exploiting non-Gaussian statistics of the noise on the Poincare sphere are validated to be superior to zero forcing and minimum mean square error equalization for a non-LoS scenario.
Creating transnational, intercultural arts’ interactions: African diasporic dialogues

Painted with broad as well as, highly nuanced brush strokes, this is a comprehensive essay. Initially, it traces and later weaves within the larger discussion, the influences of Marcus Garvey’s philosophy and his lasting contributions to Africans in the diaspora. As importantly, the essay highlights the exceptional works of two Jamaican-born artists who reside in the USA. Thirdly, the essay explores some of the Miami-based Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator’s, (DVCAI’s) intercultural exchanges, in which artists challenge dominant Western perspectives. Fourthly, the essay summarizes key aspects of DVCAI’s international cultural exchange in Jamaica. The recent, transcultural arts’ exchanges exemplify, reciprocal dialogues between the DVCAI’s representatives and the Jamaican arts community, specifically, with artists who adopt a Freirean pedagogy and focus on significant social justice issues in a postcolonial country.
A machine-learning framework for rapid adaptive digital-twin based fire-propagation simulation in complex environments

Abstract The objective of this work is to illustrate how to algorithmically integrate Machine-Learning Algorithms (MLA’s) with multistage/multicomponent fire spread models. In order to tangibly illustrate this process, this work develops a framework for a specific model problem combining: (I) a meshless discrete element “submodel” that tracks the trajectory of airborne hot particles/embers, subject to prevailing wind velocities and updrafts, (II) a topographical “submodel” of the ambient combustible material whereby airborne embers that make contact are allowed to start secondary fires (if conditions are appropriate), combined with ground-based surface spread and burn rates for generating new embers, new updrafts (due to hot air), etc., and (III) a Machine-Learning Algorithm to rapidly ascertain the multi-submodel system parameters that force the overall model to match observations. The submodels compute both ground and airborne hot-ember driven fire propagation, as well as subsequent distribution of debris/soot, which is important for air-quality assessment. The overall framework is designed for use in digital twin technology, which refers to an adaptive digital replica of a physical system, whereby model updates are continuously in near real-time. This necessitates a rapid simulation paradigm that can easily interface with telecommunications, cameras and sensors. The presented framework is designed to run quickly on laptops and hand held devices, with the guiding principle being to make it potentially useful for first-responders in real-time.
Prebiotic inulin consumption reduces dioxin-like PCB 126-mediated hepatotoxicity and gut dysbiosis in hyperlipidemic Ldlr deficient mice.

Abstract Exposure to some environmental pollutants increases the risk of developing inflammatory disorders such as steatosis and cardiometabolic diseases. Diets high in fermentable fibers such as inulin can modulate the gut microbiota and lessen the severity of pro-inflammatory diseases, especially in individuals with elevated circulating cholesterol. Thus, we aimed to test the hypothesis that hyperlipidemic mice fed a diet enriched with 8% inulin would be protected from the pro-inflammatory toxic effects of PCB 126. Four groups of male Ldlr−/- mice were fed a high cholesterol diet containing 8% inulin or 8% cellulose (control) for 12 weeks. At weeks 2 and 4, mice were exposed to PCB 126 or vehicle (control). PCB 126 exposure induced wasting and impaired glucose tolerance, which were attenuated by inulin consumption. PCB 126 exposure induced hepatic lipid accumulation and increased inflammatory gene expression, which were both decreased by inulin consumption. In addition, inulin feeding decreased atherosclerotic lesion development in the aortic root and modulated the expression of enzymes related to glycolysis. Finally, 16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbial populations showed that PCB 126 modulated multiple microbiota genera (e.g., 3-fold decrease in Allobaculum and 3-fold increase in Coprococcus) which were normalized in inulin fed mice. Overall our data support the hypothesis that a dietary intervention that targets the gut microbiota may be an effective means of attenuating dioxin-like pollutant-mediated diseases.
5-Aminolevulinic acid tumor paint and photodynamic therapy for myxofibrosarcoma: An in vitro study

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), a fluorescent contrast agent, has been used for tumor paint and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for various tumors, but its use with soft tissue sarcomas is not well documented. Myxofibrosarcoma, a subtype of soft tissue sarcoma with a high local recurrence rate, may benefit from similar types of treatment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of 5-ALA tumor paint and PDT on a myxofibrosarcoma cell line. Tumor paint was assessed by exposing micromass pellets of human adipose-derived stromal (ADS) cells or myxofibrosarcoma (MUG-Myx1) cells to 5-ALA. Cell pellets were then visualized using a microscope at established excitation and emission wavelengths. Corrected total cell fluorescence was calculated per accepted protocols. Photodynamic therapy was similarly assessed by exposing ADS and MUG-Myx1 cells to 5-ALA, with subsequent analysis via flow cytometry and real-time confocal microscopy. The use of 5-ALA tumor paint led to a selective fluorescence in MUG-Myx1 cells. Findings were confirmed by flow cytometry. Interestingly, flow cytometry results showed progressive selective cell death with increasing 5-ALA exposure as a result of the PDT effect. PDT was further confirmed using confocal microscopy, which revealed progressive cellular bubble formation consistent with advancing stages of cell death—a finding that was not seen in control ADS cells. 5-ALA tumor paint and PDT were successfully used on a human myxofibrosarcoma cell line (MUG-Myx1). Results from this study showed both selective fluorescent tagging and selective cytotoxicity of 5-ALA toward malignant myxofibrosarcoma cells, while sparing benign adipose control cells. This finding was further confirmed in a dramatic time-lapse video, visually confirming active, targeted cell death. 5-ALA’s two-pronged application of selective tumor identification and cytotoxicity may transform surgical and medical approaches for treating soft tissue sarcomas.
Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in Treating Lateral Epicondylitis, Does Injection Location Matter? A Systematic Review.

Objective Clinical trials assessing the efficacy of botulinum toxin in treating recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis have demonstrated varied results and differed greatly in methodology. The objective of this systematic review was to demonstrate injection location as a significant contributor to outcome heterogeneity. Design Two reviewers independently conducted a systematic review using Scopus, Embase, and PubMed for randomized controlled trials assessing botulinum toxin in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria to abstracts and reviewing the full-text articles, seven studies were found representing six separate injection locations. Reduction in visual analog scale pain and change in grip strength were the principal outcomes of interest. Results The largest reduction in pain was seen in injection at 1/3 of the length of the forearm from the lateral epicondyle at 16-wk follow-up, whereas the smallest reduction was seen at 12-wk follow-up after injection at the 0-cm mark. Differences were also identified in grip strength, although all studies reported return to baseline strength by weeks 12-18. Conclusions This study demonstrates injection location as a potential source of heterogeneity. This clinical question warrants further evaluation with direct comparison of outcomes at different injection locations while controlling for dosage, toxin type, and ultrasound/electromyographic guidance.
Effect of Integrated Nitrogen Management on Quality of Rice

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif , 2012 at Rice Research Unit, Bapatla to study the quality of rice affected by integrated use of nitrogen. The experiment was laidout in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments. Results of the investigation revealed that significantly the highest quality parameters of rice like head rice recovery, volume expansion ratio, iron and zinc content were recorded by the application of 50 per cent nitrogen though organics and 50 per cent nitrogen through in-organics and it was on par with 100 per cent RDN through organic source treatment.
The Dating Matters® Toolkit: Approaches to increase adoption, implementation, and maintenance of a comprehensive violence prevention model:

Purpose:This practical implementation report describes a comprehensive teen dating violence prevention model—Dating Matters®—and the approach taken to maximize its potential for widespread dissemin...
Building a Community for Educational Transformation in Higher Education

This Innovation to Practice, Work-In-Progress Paper discusses efforts toward building a community for educational transformation in Higher Education led by the department of Open Learning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). MIT has a long history of implementing hands-on, science-based, problem-focused engineering education by working on authentic real-life problems. Within this context, sustainability has been and remains at the core of the MIT curriculum. In addition, Open Learning has a core mission to support educational transformation within the institution as well as around the world. In order for these goals to be fully achieved, institutional partnerships and global input are critical.In 2017 Open Learning, with support from Community Jameel, founded the Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab (J-WEL), a consortium of global members. Through J-WEL, MIT works with member organizations to promote excellence and transformation in education at MIT and worldwide. This paper focuses on the work taking place through one of three J-WEL subgroups, a collaborative focusing on higher education that is primarily composed of universities. By design, the J-WEL higher education collaborative members actively engage throughout the year via both online and in-person mechanisms.There are currently 20 higher education members who are working on 20 different goals regarding education transformation. Our future work includes building research partnerships between members through an innovation in education grant program, and assessing the outcomes of the collaboration facilitated by the consortium.
Systematic review: non‐invasive prognostic tests for primary sclerosing cholangitis

Background Several prognostic tests for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) have been developed, including biochemical models, elastography and magnetic resonance imaging scores. Aim To conduct a systematic review of non-invasive prognostic tests for PSC. Methods A systematic review was conducted from 1987 to 2020 of blood tests, biochemical models, elastography and imaging scores associated with outcomes in PSC. Results Forty studies of prognostic tests that collectively included 16 094 subjects with PSC were reviewed, of which 26 studies of non-invasive tests including 13 759 subjects with PSC were included. Normalisation or reduction of alkaline phosphatase with or without therapy was associated with transplant-free survival and reduced risk of hepatobiliary cancers but cut-off values for alkaline phosphatase were not consistent among studies. The most studied prognostic biochemical model was the Mayo Risk Score (MRS) evaluated in 18 studies with a c-statistic from 0.63 to 0.85 for clinical outcomes. One study demonstrated that the UK-PSC score outperforms MRS for predicting clinical outcomes with a c-statistics of 0.81and 0.75 respectively. A transient elastography score greater than 11.1 kPa is associated with survival and liver-related complications. The Anali score, derived from specific MRI and MRCP features, is associated with the development of cholangiocarcinoma and decompensated cirrhosis. Promising prognostic models include the enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score, ELF test and PREsTo scores. Conclusion MRS is the most studied prognostic score for clinical outcomes in PSC but the UK-PSC score and PREsTo have better test performance. Further studies comparing MRS to UK-PSC score, PREsTo or ELF with elastography or imaging-based scores are warranted.
To be online or in-store: Analysis of retail, grocery, and food shopping in New York city

Abstract With advances in information technology, online shopping for a parcel (retail), grocery, and food (i.e. prepared meal) have become a part of daily life and they are expected to continue to grow in the future. Accordingly, shopping behaviors, i.e. shopping channels, are becoming more complex than ever. However, the current research focus is still mainly on traditional parcel delivery and little is known for food and grocery deliveries and their impacts on transportation systems. To have a better understanding of deliveries and their impacts on transportation systems, using the survey data from NYC DOT Citywide Mobility Survey in 2018, this paper investigated (a) factors affecting the three types of deliveries (retail, grocery, and food) by developing a seemingly unrelated model, and (b) the relationships between deliveries and in-store shopping trips by different modes using multiple simultaneous equations models. The results showed that factors affecting deliveries vary by the type of delivery, and the three deliveries are positively correlated by common unobserved factors. In addition, the relationships between delivery and shopping trip vary not only by delivery type but also by trip mode (driving/walking). The findings would provide valuable insights into travel demand modeling and curbside management.
Cytosolic DNA sensing by cGAS: regulation, function, and human diseases.

Sensing invasive cytosolic DNA is an integral component of innate immunity. cGAS was identified in 2013 as the major cytosolic DNA sensor that binds dsDNA to catalyze the synthesis of a special asymmetric cyclic-dinucleotide, 2′3′-cGAMP, as the secondary messenger to bind and activate STING for subsequent production of type I interferons and other immune-modulatory genes. Hyperactivation of cGAS signaling contributes to autoimmune diseases but serves as an adjuvant for anticancer immune therapy. On the other hand, inactivation of cGAS signaling causes deficiency to sense and clear the viral and bacterial infection and creates a tumor-prone immune microenvironment to facilitate tumor evasion of immune surveillance. Thus, cGAS activation is tightly controlled. In this review, we summarize up-to-date multilayers of regulatory mechanisms governing cGAS activation, including cGAS pre- and post-translational regulations, cGAS-binding proteins, and additional cGAS regulators such as ions and small molecules. We will also reveal the pathophysiological function of cGAS and its product cGAMP in human diseases. We hope to provide an up-to-date review for recent research advances of cGAS biology and cGAS-targeted therapies for human diseases.
Below the Tip of the Iceberg: Examining Early Childhood Participation in SNAP and TANF from Birth to Age Six.

In the United States, the SNAP and TANF programs provide financial support to low-income households with children. Yet, little is known about the extent of this support over the early childhood period or how program participation varies by race (or ethnicity) and metropolitan county residence. We use administrative data from Virginia to document participation in SNAP and TANF among children born between 2007 and 2010 during their early childhood period, which we define here as birth to age six. We find that participation in SNAP is about four times greater than participation in TANF and that most children begin their connection with the social welfare system in their birth year. Children who participate earlier in life tend to stay connected over a longer portion of the early childhood period, although SNAP participation peaks around ages 3–4 while TANF peaks earlier, around ages 2–3. Most households on SNAP do not receive TANF, but only about 1 in 12 children on TANF do not receive SNAP. Finally, over the early childhood period, on average, just under 1 in 2 children in Virginia participated in SNAP or TANF but demography plays an important role in this process: The level of cumulative receipt is 1 in 4 among White children, 1 in 2 among Hispanic children but rises to 3 in 4 for Black children; cumulative receipt is also higher in nonmetropolitan counties than metropolitan counties. This study documents the reach of the existing social welfare system during the early childhood period, underlining the importance of race and space in twenty-first century America.
A dimension reduction method for stock-price prediction using multiple predictors

Stock-price prediction has been the focus of extensive studies. Historical price values have been proven to have power to predict future prices. At the same time, different economic variables have also been used in the literature to predict stock-price values with high accuracy. In this work, we develop a general method for stock-price prediction using multiple predictors. First, we use multichannel cross-correlation coefficient as a measure for selecting the most correlated set of variables for each stock. We then construct the temporally local covariance matrix of the data and use this as the basis for a dimension-reduction method for prediction. This method involves resolving the predictive data (predictors) onto a principal subspace and from there producing a prediction that is consistent with the resolved data. Our method is easily implemented and can accommodate an arbitrary number of predictors. We investigate the optimal number of predictors based on two performance metrics: mean squared error of the prediction and the directional change statistic. We illustrate our results based on historical daily price data for 50 companies.
Synthesis, characterization and formation mechanisms of nanocrystalline akermanite powder

Abstract Pure nanocrystalline akermanite was successfully synthesized by mechanical activation and heat treatment of talc, calcium carbonate, and silicate. Powders were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), x-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The formation mechanism was studied in depth. These results showed that akermanite was produced by the formation and consumption of transitionary compounds such as enstatite, wollastonite, larnite, and merwinite. Pure akermanite was synthesized with a crystalline size of 34 nm after ball milling for 20 h and subsequent heat treatment at 900 °C for 1 h.
An efficient nanophotonic source of ultra-broadband entangled photons

We demonstrate ultra-broadband spontaneous parametric down-conversion over a 100 THz bandwidth using an on-chip dispersion-engineered periodically-poled lithium niobate waveguide. The source produces photon-pairs with an unprecedented 13 GHz/mW efficiency and a coincidence-to-accidental ratio exceeding 105.
Web-based tool to assess breast cancer risk for women presenting to a gynecologic oncology visit

Objectives: Approximately 40,000 women die from breast cancer each year in the United States, highlighting the importance of identifying high-risk women prior to breast cancer development. Risk models exist, including the Tyrer-Cusick (TC) model but have not been widely implemented due to the time required to perform the risk assessment and interpret results. We aim to report our experience with a web-based application (WBA) to complete the TC model for women prior to a scheduled gynecologic oncology clinic visit. Methods: All patients scheduled for a gynecologic oncology new patient appointment between 9/2020-9/2021 were offered enrollment in an institutional review board-approved prospective trial. Patients were randomized to standard of care gynecologic oncology visit versus utilization of a WBA completed either at home or in the office prior to the appointment (randomized 1:1:1). The WBA collects personal and family health history and utilizes this information to generate a TC score. As part of the trial protocol, all women with a TC score reflecting a lifetime risk of breast cancer ≥ 20% were referred to the institution's high risk breast clinic which provides counseling on genetic testing, breast screening and breast cancer prevention. The WBA also generated additional information on personal and family cancer, the results of which are reported separately. Results: Sixty-six patients were randomized to utilization of the WBA which included completion of the TC model. Median patient age was 60 (range 22-88). Twenty-six patients (39.4%) did not complete the model for the following reasons: 13 (50%) were not able to access the application, 11 (42.3%) did not answer all required questions and 4 (15.4%) were ineligible due to prior breast cancer. Forty patients (60.6%) successfully completed the TC model and among those patients, 6 (15%) had a significantly elevated lifetime breast cancer risk score (defined as ≥ 20%), all of whom were referred to a high risk breast clinic. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has pressed the healthcare system to better utilize technology to provide safe and equitable medical care. A WBA for collection of personal and family health history and generation of cancer risk models completed prior to the physician appointment is an exciting application of such technology. When piloted in a gynecologic oncology practice, 60.6% of patients were able to complete the risk model and 15% of these patients were found to have a significantly elevated breast cancer risk warranting follow-up care.
Measuring Knowledge Enablers and Project Success in IT Organizations

Knowledge enablers exist at the organizational and project levels. There is however, no meaningful means to measure organizational or project knowledge sharing. The need to understand the elements that enable this flow of knowledge is dramatically evidenced in information technology organizations in which insufficient knowledge sharing leads to intellectual capital loss, rework, skills deterioration, and repeated mistakes that increase project costs or failures. The goal of this study was to examine the relationship among knowledge sharing processes at the organizational level-organizational learning enablers OLEs-the project level-project learning enablers PLEs-and project success variables PSVs. After identifying and validating the OLE, PLE, and PSV constructs they were codified in a survey. Results showed a positive and significant relationship among OLEs, PLEs, and PSVs. A multiple regression indicated that the combination of OLEs and PLEs accounted for 30% of a project's success, however, PLEs alone were not statistically significant.
Chapter 2 Mechanism of Fiber Carcinogenesis: From Extranuclear Target to Transforming Growth Factor Signaling Pathway

Publisher Summary The association between exposure to asbestos fibers and the development of lung cancer and mesothelioma is well-established in both man and experimental animals. The fact that asbestos—a known and highly durable carcinogen that has been used extensively in industry and households for decades—continues to pose an important health concern even though the US Environmental Protection Agency has restricted the industrial use of asbestos since the early 1970s. Asbestos is a well established human carcinogen and, as exemplified by the recent Libby, Montana incidence, the danger of developing asbestos associated disease has extended beyond that of a simple occupational setting. Various in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that fiber dimensions, surface properties, and physical durability are important criteria for the carcinogenicity of the fibers. The correlation between fiber dimension and carcinogenic potency suggests the importance of fiber–cell interactions. The carcinogenic mechanism of asbestos is complex and no single pathway can account for all of the known effects of asbestos fibers. It is likely that multiple pathways involving physical interaction of asbestos and the target cells and the subsequent inflammatory response are important in the initiation of diseases. A better understanding of the carcinogenic mechanism of asbestos and other mineral fibers provide important information on interventional and preventive measures in the management of asbestos mediated human diseases.
Articulating secession: self-determination, decolonization and stateless independence amongst the Kanaka Maoli

Two assumptions reign supreme in the secession literature. The first is that separatist groups seeking autonomy necessarily fall into one of two camps, one that stresses essentialist criteria for social membership, the other emphasizing instead a socially constructed collective identity. The second assumption is that secession can only be defined as taking place in the context of a separatist group whose claim to independence hinges on the attempt to galvanize a new state. This article challenges both assumptions by looking to a provocative counter-site. Amongst the Kanaka Maoli of Hawai'i secession is increasingly framed precisely as a rejection of those Western idioms that have historically undergirded colonial expropriation and racial subjection. As such, secession is being framed not as a struggle for new statehood, but rather as a reinvigoration of indigenous lifeworlds. In so doing, the Kanaka Maoli are asserting community boundaries in ways that contest the idea that indigenous identity is solely a...
Mechanisms of metal resistance in plants: aluminum and heavy metals

Plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to deal with toxic levels of metals in the soil. In this paper, an overview of recent progress with regards to understanding fundamental molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying plant resistance to both aluminum (Al) and heavy metals is presented. The discussion of plant Al resistance will focus on recent advances in our understanding of a mechanism based on Al exclusion from the root apex, which is facilitated by Al-activated exudation of organic acid anions. The consideration of heavy metal resistance will focus on research into a metal hyperaccumulating plant species, the Zn/Cd hyperaccumulator, Thlaspi caerulescens, as an example for plant heavy metal research. Based on the specific cases considered in this paper, it appears that quite different strategies are used for Al and heavy metal resistance. For Al, our current understanding of a resistance mechanism based on excluding soil-borne Al from the root apex is presented. For heavy metals, a totally different strategy based on extreme tolerance and metal hyperaccumulation is described for a hyperaccumulator plant species that has evolved on naturally metalliferous soils. The reason these two strategies are the focus of this paper is that, currently, they are the best understood mechanisms of metal resistance in terrestrial plants. However, it is likely that other mechanisms of Al and/or heavy metal resistance are also operating in certain plant species, and there may be common features shared for dealing with Al and heavy resistance. Future research may uncover a number of novel metal resistance mechanisms in plants. Certainly the complex genetics of Al resistance in some crop plant species, such as rice and maize, suggests that a number of presently unidentified mechanisms are part of an overall strategy of metal resistance in crop plants.
Factors associated with attrition of African Americans during the recruitment phase of a clinical trial examining adherence among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. To examine factors contributing to the loss of potential minority participants in a study of medication adherence among rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methods. Chi-square statistics were used to test for differences in refusal/ineligibility by race and site at 4 screening points (initial eligibility review, initial patient contact, adherence screening, and informed consent). Differences in criteria-specific risks for exclusion at initial eligibility review were examined across 4 sites by race. Odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were estimated if differences were significant. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine sociodemographic factors associated with the probability for ineligibility at the initial eligibility review. Stated reasons for refusal were qualitatively quantified. Results. A greater percentage of African Americans were lost at every screening point when compared with whites, but only the difference at the initial eligibility review was statistically significant. Conclusion. Factors associated with attrition included selection of area medical sites, research design issues, comorbid conditions, alcohol abuse, and being younger, unmarried, African American, and male.
Recognizing and responding to plan-oriented misconceptions

This paper discusses the problem of recognizing and responding to plan-oriented misconceptions in advice-seeking dialogs, concentrating on the problems of novice computer users. A cooperative response is one that not only corrects the user's mistaken belief, but also addresses the missing or mistaken user beliefs that led to it. Responding appropriately to a potentially incorrect user belief is presented as a process of 1. checking whether the advisor holds the user's belief; 2. confirming the belief as a misconception by finding an explanation for why the advisor does not hold this belief; 3. detecting the mistaken beliefs underlying the misconception by trying to explain why the user holds the incorrect belief, and 4. providing these explanations to the user. An explanation is shown to correspond to a set of advisor beliefs, and searching for an explanation to proving whether various abstract configurations of advisor beliefs hold. A taxonomy of domain-independent explanations for potential user misconceptions involving plan applicability conditions, preconditions, and effects is presented.
Getting Started on the Road to Applying the Science of Learning

Summary This article describes how Richard Mayer's academic career started on the road to applying the science of learning to education. It suggests four recommendations for getting started: (1) develop intellectual curiosity and core values—which for Mayer occurred because he grew up surrounded by supportive people; (2) find your question—which for Mayer concerns how to help people learn so they can apply what they have learned to new situations; (3) develop your professional skills—which for Mayer occurred because of his educational opportunities in public education culminating in graduate school at the University of Michigan; and (4) find an environment in which you can flourish—which for Mayer is the academic world culminating in landing at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A differential game theoretic analysis of international trade in renewable resources

We use a Stackelberg differential game to model trade in renewable resources between a monopsonistic buyer and a monopolistic seller. The buyer uses unit and ad valorem tariffs to indirectly encourage conservation of the resource under study. First, we show that the efficacy of these tariffs in furthering conservation depends essentially on whether harvesting costs are stock dependent or independent. Second, we study the impacts that alternate biological growth functions and the dependence of welfare in the buying country on the resource stock have on the optimal tariffs. Third, we note that because the simultaneous use of both tariffs does not render one tariff extraneous, it makes sense for the buyer to use both tariffs concurrently. Finally, we show that when the buyer uses both tariffs simultaneously, she can force the monopolistic seller to behave competitively.
Subcellular particles in echinoderm tube feet: II. Class holothuroidea

The investigation of bio adhesives in echinoderms has been extended to the Class Holothuroidea. The tube feet of five species of sea cucumbers were studied by means of the electron microscope with correlative light microscopy. The attaching surfaces of these feet contain channels of secretory packets which under the electron microscope reveal a unique ultrastructure. These packets in four of the five species studied contained three areas: (i) a filamentous area, (ii a) a dark granular area, and (ii b) a light granular area. The fifth species had only two areas: (i) a filamentous area, and (ii) a granular area. With the Thorotrast method selective for acid mucopolysaccharides, the filamentous area showed a heavy accumulation of colloidal thorium indicating that this is the area containing acid mucopolysaccharide. The exact nature of the granular area has not yet been determined. As in starfish, there is a close relationship of the Golgi apparatus to the developing secretory packets, and the process of packet formation appears to be similar. It has now been possible to trace the route of secretion from the area of synthesis distal to the surface through a long extension of the cell to the surface, where the cell membrane ruptures discharging the packets. Again, as in starfish, the ultrastructural differences are such that the packets provide a means of identification at the generic level. These packets also serve to increase the attaching force of the tube feet.
Admissions for hepatitis B reactivation in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy remain unchanged from 1999 to 2014

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in patients with chronic or past HBV infection receiving immunosuppressive therapy (IST) can be prevented through HBV screening and prophylactic antiviral therapy. We aimed to determine the occurrence of severe HBV reactivation secondary to IST in the era of HBV nucleos/tide analogs, the implicated IST, and outcomes. We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients who were HBsAg+ and HBV DNA+ and had received IST within 90 days of admission to our hospital. Of 1446 patients with HBV diagnosis code admitted from 1999 to 2014, 17 had HBV reactivation, 8 of whom were admitted after 2009. Nine patients had hematologic conditions, three solid organ transplants, one hepatocellular carcinoma, and four other nonmalignant diseases. Implicated IST included chemotherapy, prednisone, antirejection therapies, budesonide, and a JAK-2 inhibitor. Three patients were screened for HBV prior to IST, but none was given antiviral prophylaxis. Six patients were initially admitted to other facilities, only two were tested for HBV, and one was started on antiviral therapy prior to transfer. At admission to our hospital, all 17 were HBsAg+ and HBV DNA+. Despite antiviral therapy, five patients decompensated, three died, and two had a liver transplant. Severe HBV reactivation requiring hospital admission continues to occur because HBV screening was not performed and a prophylactic antiviral not given to those who tested positive. HBV reactivation can occur in a variety of clinical settings and in association with drugs not considered to be highly immunosuppressive.
Meet Them at the Plate: Reflections on the Eating of Animals and the Role of Education Therein

Using the author’s own struggle to move toward a vegetarian diet as a backdrop, the article focuses in on the implications that one’s disconnection from their food has upon their consumption choices. It aims to illuminate the troubling connection between the consumption of nonhuman animals and structures of violence and domination that pervade human society, and takes aim at the notion that direct action is the best means through which meat consumption may eventually be eliminated. Rather the article contends that the critical animal educator must engage students in inquiry and “empowering discourse” (DeLeon & Love, 2009) at the point where they are likeliest to be able to reflect critically upon the issue; it may be that the most radical approach, if one is to consider actual outcomes, is not direct action, but direct engagement of students in a critical consideration of their diets which may well foster ambivalence, and ultimately, conversion.
Performance of nanocrystalline iron pyrite as the back contact to CdS/CdTe solar cells

We describe the application of iron persulfide (pyrite, FeS 2 ) NC thin films as a Cu-free back contact to CdS/CdTe solar cells. We synthesized cubic FeS 2 NCs, and prepared NC-FeS 2 films by drop-casting to investigate their use in thin film solar cells. Characterization of the FeS 2 NC films revealed sub-band-gap optical absorption, holes as the majority carrier, free hole concentration of ∼1019 cm−3, and Hall mobility of µ h 2 back contacts directly onto CdTe displayed efficiencies comparable to those of standard Cu/Au back contact devices. Our best FeS 2 device shows an AM1.5G efficiency of 12.5%, V oc = 0.81 V, J sc = 23.0 mA/cm2, and FF = 67%. Temperature dependent studies of solar cells reveal that the ‘roll-over’ effect observed in standard devices at low temperature is controlled by replacing Cu by hydrazine-treated NC-FeS 2 .
Mechanism of beta-galactosidase induction in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Infection with T-even bacteriophage, removal of inducer and treatment with actinomycin D were used to arrest the induction of β- d -galactosidase in Escherichia coli . The incorporation of a radioactive amino acid into β-galactosidase was used to measure the appearance of enzyme-specific polypeptides. The formation of active enzyme in the presence of chloramphenicol was used to measure inactive enzyme precursor. The results indicate that, following addition of inducer, a period of 2 to 2.5 minutes is required for the completion of β-galactosidasespecific messenger RNA. During this period, extensive enzyme-specific polypeptide synthesis is already in progress. An inactive enzyme precursor begins to accumulate promptly after the completion of the messenger RNA, and active enzyme appears one minute later. These results indicate that the transcription of the β-galactosidase gene requires 2 to 2.5 minutes, and that translation of the unfinished messenger RNA occurs during this time. However, successful translation is not required for transcription, since β-galactosidase can be induced when polypeptide synthesis is completely blocked by puromycin. Bacteriophage T2 reduces the rate of host messenger RNA synthesis during the first minute of infection and blocks it almost completely during the second minute. In cells pre-induced for β-galactosidase the exponential decay of enzymeforming capacity follows immediately when induction is arrested by actinomycin D, but is delayed for 2 to 2.5 minutes when induction is arrested by phage infection or inducer removal. Apparently phage infection and inducer removal arrest the initiation of the synthesis of β-galactosidase-specific messenger RNA, but do not interfere with the completion of this synthesis.
Validation of the Dynamic Recrystallization (DRX) Mechanism for Whisker and Hillock Growth on Sn Thin Films

A study was performed to validate a first-principles model for whisker and hillock formation based on the cyclic dynamic recrystallization (DRX) mechanism in conjunction with long-range diffusion. The test specimens were evaporated Sn films on Si having thicknesses of 0.25 μm, 0.50 μm, 1.0 μm, 2.0 μm, and 4.9 μm. Air annealing was performed at 35°C, 60°C, 100°C, 120°C, or 150°C over a time duration of 9 days. The stresses, anelastic strains, and strain rates in the Sn films were predicted by a computational model based upon the constitutive properties of 95.5Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu (wt.%) as a surrogate for pure Sn. The cyclic DRX mechanism and, in particular, whether long whiskers or hillocks were formed, was validated by comparing the empirical data against the three hierarchal requirements: (1) DRX to occur at all: ec = A D o Z n , (2) DRX to be cyclic: D o < 2D r, and (3) Grain boundary pinning (thin films): h versus d. Continuous DRX took place in the 2.0-μm and 4.9-μm films that resulted in short stubby whiskers. Depleted zones, which resulted solely from a tensile stress-driven diffusion mechanism, confirmed the pervasiveness of long-range diffusion so that it did not control whisker or hillock formation other than a small loss of activity by reduced thermal activation at lower temperatures. A first-principles DRX model paves the way to develop like mitigation strategies against long whisker growth.
Semiempirical e‐N2 elastic scattering cross sections from 5 eV to 1 keV

Elastic scattering of electrons from molecular nitrogen has been represented by empirical analytic forms in many calculations of the spatial aspects of electron energy deposition. In this work, elastic scattering of electrons from molecular nitrogen is discussed in terms of phenomenological independent particle potential models which have a few adjustable parameters. Numerical computations are performed for a spheroidal and a spherical potential. By suitable adjustment of the potential parameters, both models accurately reproduce the experimental differential cross sections for incident electron energies in the range 5 eV to 1 keV. The potential parameters are found to be strongly energy‐dependent at low energies, and to saturate at higher energies. The integrated cross sections are in reasonable agreement with experiment.