cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Dual Process of Xenophobia and Transnational Identity Formation in Turkey

This study analyzes the contradictory and simultaneous embrace of the transnational identity of world citizenship and rejection of individual countries and societies in Turkey. In the process, it assesses the impact of economic privilege and religion in this phenomenon. The results of the data analyses revealed that both privilege and religion played a role in shaping this contradictory process; however, their impact was limited and did not always have a clear direction. Overall, this study joins the scholars in the globalization literature who claim that globalization has been a contradictory process which reveals both universalizing and particularizing tendencies as it integrates economies and societies around the world while pitting them against one another.
Bike share travel time modeling: San Francisco bay area case study

Bike Share Systems (BSSs) are emerging in many US cities as a new sustainable transportation mode that provides a last-mile solution for short-distance transfers between different private and public transportation modes. In order to encourage the increased use of bikes as a mode of transportation, tools, measures, and planning techniques similar to those used for other transportation modes need to be developed. With precise information on the trip travel time, route planner systems can suggest optimal alternative routes, and manage and control traffic congestion. Although there is a growing body of literature dealing with BSSs, bike travel time has been studied sparingly up to this point. In this paper, we addressed this issue by developing different bike travel time models using random forest (RF), least square boosting (LSBoost) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques. We studied 33 different predictors affecting bike travel time, including such predictors as travel distance, biker experience, time-of-day, and weather conditions. The RF model produced a reasonable prediction rate with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 84.01 sec and a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 16.92%. We further improved the bike travel time prediction model by using RF and forward stepwise regression to select the best subset of predictors to explain the bike travel time variability. The resulting model, with only seven predictors, reduced the MAE to 82.04 sec and the MAPE to 16.2%.
A micromachined packaging with incorporated RF-choke for integration of active chips at submillimeter-wave frequencies

This paper presents the design, fabrication and evaluation of a novel packaging method for integration of active MMIC at millimeter-wave (MMW) and sub-MMW frequencies. This packaging approach is intended for integration with a micromachined sub-MMW radar system operating at 240 GHz. The concept is based on a peg and socket structure composed of RF transitions and biasing circuitry where the RF and DC pads on the MMIC chip mate with the on-wafer RF transitions and biasing pads, respectively, for a seamless packaging method. To prevent instability of the packaged active device, an ultrawideband RF-choke is devised to provide better than 15 dB of RF isolation between the chip and the biasing circuitry from 30 GHz to 330 GHz. A prototype of the RF-choke along with the rest of the packaging block is fabricated using multi-layer silicon mi-cromachining technology at Y-band (i.e. 220–325 GHz) and the performance is measured where close agreement of the measured and simulated results is shown. Additionally, the proposed integration method is used for packaging of an amplifier at 210 GHz where excellent RF and biasing results are achieved.
Crotalocytin: Characterization of the Timber Rattlesnake Platelet Activating Protein

Crotalocytin. a platelet activating protein from timber rattlesnake venom. was studied to characterize its nature and to investigate its action on platelets. It exhibited proteolytic activity on the substrate azocoll and amidolytic activity on several peptide p-nitroanilides. The platelet activating and amidolytic activity of Crotalocytin was inhibited by diisopropylfluorophosphate. In addition, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride inhibited Crotalocytin’s ability to stimulate platelets. Active site titration with p-nitrophenyl guanidobenzoate indicated that 52% of Crotalocytin’s molecules were active and that the enzyme could also hydrolyze the titrant. These studies showed that Crotalocytin is a serine protease. Like thrombin and collagen, Crotalocytin induced simultaneous platelet aggregation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) secretion. EDTA and prostaglandin E (PGE1) blocked Crotalocytin’s ability to activate platelets; hirudin and antithrombin III did not. Crotalocytin stimulated the secretion of serotonin from dense granules and low affinity platelet factor 4 and fibrinogen from a-granules. Crotalocytin did not cause platelet lactic dehydrogenase loss or agglutinate formalin-fixed platelets, but it did aggregate chymotrypsin-treated platelets. Studies with antimycin A and 2 deoxy- D-glucose showed that Crotalocytin-induced platelet secretion was dependent on metabolic energy. Furthermore, Crotalocytin’s induction of platelet secretion was prevented by eliminating exogenous ADP and blocking activation of the arachidonate pathway. Timber rattlesnake venom contains a senine protease that is a unique, potent platelet activator. S NAKE VENOMS have been identified to contain proteins that activate prothrombin and induce defibrination.’ � Some venom proteins have also been shown to activate platelets. Davey and Luscher4 described platelet aggregation and nucleotide release in both Bothrops and Crotalidae venoms; however, the venom platelet agonists in these two snake species were biochemically different.5 In the Bothrops species, platelet stimulating, coagulant, and esterase activity were found in diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) inhibited proteins. In the Crotalidae species, platelet activating activity was found in a venom protein that was not inhibited by DFP; in contrast, the protein having coagulant and esterase activity was DFP sensitive. Davey and Esnouf further characterized the platelet activating effect of a Crotalidus venom with a purified high molecular weight glycoprotein from the Trimeresurus okinavensis.6 This substance’s platelet activating effects was inhibited by periodate oxidation, but not by DFP or phenylmethylsulphonyfluoride (PMSF). Most recently, Ouyang and Teng studied the
Teaching and Learning About Positive Deviance: Boosting Metacognition to Grasp Global Communication Theory and Practice

AbstractThe National Communication Association’s learning outcomes in communication (LOCs) outline what students in the communication discipline need to know and do. This article argues that by tea...
Keynote Address Worldnet

I chose for my topic “worldnet.” The phenomenon I call worldnet is closely wrapped up with the development of computer science as a discipline. We’re celebrating here today the birth of computer science as a discipline with the first department in the country for granting Ph.Ds right here at Purdue. Many of the results of the research of this discipline have found their way into practice over the years and are coming together now in this international milieu of networking.
The Respiratory Burst and Carcinogenesis

Recent experimental evidence implicating oxygen-derived free radicals* in carcinogenesis has supported prior observations that link certain chronic inflammatory conditions to cancer. In this chapter we review data that support the notion that these radicals, many of which are derived from the respiratory burst of phagocytes, interact with target cells and thereby result in cellular changes that permit expression of the cancer phenotype. We first review the respiratory burst in phagocytes and then address the association between inflammation and cancer. The multistep model of carcinogenesis is discussed, followed by a presentation of the evidence linking oxygen-derived free radicals with the following events: (1) DNA and chromosomal alterations, (2) nucleoside modification, (3) activation of xenobiotics to genotoxic intermediates, (4) malignant transformation, and (5) tumor promotion (Fig. 1).
Inherited retinal dystrophy in Mer knockout mice.

Abnormalities of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are seen in several inherited degenerations such as Best disease (Petrukhin et al., 1998; Marmorstein et al., 2000), Stargardt disease (Weng et al., 1999), Sorsby’s fundus dystrophy (Steinmetz et al., 1992; Jacobson et al., 1995), and childhood-onset severe retinal dystrophy (Gu et al., 1997) and Leber congenital amaurosis due to RPE65 mutations (Marlhens et al., 1997; Morimura et al., 1998; Lotery et al., 2000; Thompson et al., 2000). RCS rats have been studied extensively as a model of photoreceptor (PR)-RPE cell interactions (Mullen and LaVail, 1976; LaVail, 2001) and retinal degeneration (Strauss et al., 1998; LaVail, 2001). Retinal degeneration in RCS results from failure of the RPE to phagocytize shed rod outer segments (OS) (Herron et al., 1969; Bok and Hall, 1971). The unphagocytized OS membranes form membranous whorls at the RPE surface, and the rod OS grow abnormally long (Dowling and Sidman, 1962; LaVail and Battelle, 1975). Eventually, the OS layer degenerates into a debris zone with subsequent PR cell death (Dowling and Sidman, 1962).
Demystifying the Effects of a Three‐Dimensional Microenvironment in Tissue Morphogenesis

Tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis are dependent on a complex dialogue between multiple cell types and chemical and physical cues in the surrounding microenvironment. The emergence of engineered three-dimensional (3D) tissue constructs and the development of tractable methods to recapitulate the native tissue microenvironment ex vivo has led to a deeper understanding of tissue-specific behavior. However, much remains unclear about how the microenvironment and aberrations therein directly affect tissue morphogenesis and behavior. Elucidating the role of the microenvironment in directing tissue-specific behavior will aid in the development of surrogate tissues and tractable approaches to diagnose and treat chronic-debilitating diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis. Toward this goal, 3D organotypic models have been developed to clarify the mechanisms of epithelial morphogenesis and the subsequent maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Here we describe the application of these 3D culture models to illustrate how the microenvironment plays a critical role in regulating mammary tissue function and signaling, and discuss the rationale for applying precisely defined organotypic culture assays to study epithelial cell behavior. Experimental methods are provided to generate and manipulate 3D organotypic cultures to study the effect of matrix stiffness and matrix dimensionality on epithelial tissue morphology and signaling. We end by discussing technical limitations of currently available systems and by presenting opportunities for improvement.
Fail Better, Fail Faster, and Learn Together (Panel)

While eHealth initiatives have the potential to transform the patient experience and improve health care, experience has shown that many fail to deliver. Successes should be celebrated, however, there is much to learn from failure – initiatives that didn’t reach the targeted benchmarks or faced an unexpected turn of events. Internally shortcomings may be evaluated, but rarely are they shared publicly so that a wider population can learn, avoid similar pitfalls, and build success upon missed marks. This is particularly critical in the new era of consumer health and participatory medicine, where innovation is moving at a rapid pace. As technology changes, new challenges related to its evaluation emerge, and evaluation approaches must adapt accordingly. This panel discussion deals with the unspeakable – those unsuccessful projects or plans we’d all like to forget. Fear of failure is, in and of itself, a powerful barrier to success. We want to turn that around and suggest a model where failing and failing fast, learning from the failure, naming those learnings, and incorporating them into future planning becomes part of our culture. Most attempts at innovation are risky and are likely to fail. How can we in health care be less risk adverse? How does potential failure impact our ability to move the needle and realize unknown potential? In this session, members of the panel will present examples of failures from their own experiences at different health care institutions and on different projects. Jackie Bender, PhD, a post-doctoral fellow and behavioral social scientist at the University Health Network, will present the challenges associated with integrating a patient-provider communication tool into clinical practice. Michelle Hamilton-Page, New and Social Media Manager at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, will discuss fast failure when launching multiple social media channels across a large teaching hospital. Colleen Young, Founder of Health Care Social Media Canada (#hcsmca) and Manager of Social Innovation at ELLICSR, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, UHN, will expose the missed opportunities when success measures are not set and data not collected in an online patient community. Each panelist will take an open and honest look at a project lay bare the unrealistic expectations, flawed approaches, unforeseen barriers, and special circumstances that contributed to its failure. Craig Thompson, Director Digital Communications at Women’s College Hospital will highlight the insights and practical lessons. As moderator he will invite the audience to discuss new definitions and outcome metrics to reposition failure and embrace it as a catalyst for success. []
Accelerated Recovery of Immunocompetent with Radioprotective Cu-DIPS

Copper(II)(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)2 (Cu-DIPS) provided substantial radioprotectant activity when administered 3 hours prior to exposure to gamma irradiation1. The present study investigated immune parameters of Cu-DIPS-mediated radioprotectant activity. It was found that Cu-DIPS did not prevent the destruction of mature lymphocytes, but accelerated the recovery of both the numbers of cells in the spleen and the responsiveness of those cells.
Sheldon Wolin, Jean Vanier and the present age: reflections on replenishment, resistance and progress

Neoliberalism is a force that seeks to commodify the time of education. Time must be productive. We rank journals and reward scholars who produce work published in those highly ranked journals. In ...
Proteomic Changes Across a Natural Temperature Gradient in a Marine Gastropod

Responses of marine ectotherms to variable environmental temperature often entails maintanence of cellular homeostasis and physiological function through temperature compensation and physiological changes. We investigated the physiological response to thermal stress by examining proteomic changes in the marine kelp forest gastropod and emerging fisheries species Kellet's whelk (Kelletia kelletii) across a naturally-existing thermal gradient that ranges from a warmer-water site inside the species' native range and extends to the northern, cold-water edge of the range. We hypothesized that abundance of cellular stress response and energy metabolism proteins would increase with decreasing temperature in support of cold-compensation. Our exploratory proteomic analysis of whelk gill tissue (N = 6 whelks) from each of the four California Channel Island sites revealed protein abundance changes related to the cytoskeleton, energy metabolism/oxidative stress, and cell signaling. The changes did not correlate consistently with temperature. Nonetheless, whelks from the coldest island site showed increased abundance of energy metabolism and oxidative stress proteins, possibly suggesting oxidative damage of lipid membranes that is ameliorated by antioxidants and may aid in their cold stress response. Similarly, our exploratory analysis revealed abundances of cell signaling proteins that were higher at the coldest site compared to the warmest site, possibly indicating an importance for cell signaling regulation in relatively cooler environments. This study provides protein targets for future studies related to thermal effects in marine animals and may contribute to understanding the physiological response of marine organisms to future ocean conditions.
Design and Analysis of a Fuze-Configurable Range Correction Device for an Artillery Projectile

Abstract : The primary purpose of the low cost competent munitions (LCCM) program was to improve the effectiveness of indirect fire support from cannon artillery (D'Amico 1996). With the advances in microelectronics, sensor technology, and packaging design, the reality of a range correction device for artillery is conceivable. One of the main objectives of the range correction device concept was to contain all the mechanical and electrical components within a fuze-like envelope, while maintaining certain constraints that would allow the fuze to fit into a variety of artillery shells used by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries. Another objective of the range correction device concept was to avoid any changes within the ogive of any of the projectiles in the existing stockpile. This report is a culmination of many design iterations, numerical analyses, shock tests, and actual cannon launchings. Most of the design iterations and numerical analyses are not mentioned in this report simply because they were stepping stones that led to the final design. Structural analyses indicated that the overall prototype design was durable enough to withstand the most severe artillery cannon launching available today. The design should be capable of withstanding a 15,000 g inertial set-back load with 150,000 rad/s2 of angular acceleration. In addition, the design should be capable of deploying while the projectile has velocity of 650 m/s and is spinning at 250 cycles per second. The next step would be to fabricate and test the design in order to truly verify the integrity of the structure and to determine the overall effect of the deployed drag blades on the range of flight.
Wide-angle MEMS-based imaging lidar by decoupled scan axes.

We present an optical architecture for a scanning lidar in which a digital micromirror device (DMD) is placed at an intermediate image plane in a receiver to decouple the trade-offs between scan angle, scan speed, and aperture size of the lidar’s transmitter and receiver. In the architecture, the transmitter with a galvo mirror and the receiver with a DMD scan the horizontal and vertical fields of view, respectively, to enable an increased field of view of 50°, centimeter transmitter beam diameter, and video frame rate range finding captures. We present our optimized system and discuss the adjustable parameter trade-offs.
Action Research in Apparel Design Using Digital Textile Printing Technology

Conducting research in design is a process of investigating how materials, ideas, and systems intersect and operate, and then further impact the society, culture, and people’s lives (Crouch & Pearce, 2012). Qualitative research is the major form of design research, which assess the behavior and sensitivities of human beings (Swann, 2002). When designers face research problems, a key strategy is to ask basic questions (Crouch & Pearce, 2012). Lawson (1984) also stated that when designers need to solve a problem, they propose a variety of possible solutions until they find a gratifying one. Different from the “problem-focused” strategy posed by natural scientists, designers employ “solution-focused” strategies. Thus, “synthesis” is emphasized in the design research process (Swann, 2002). The purpose of this study is to employ the action research model in design. It synthesizes designing textile prints and apparel design.
The nucleosome DNA entry-exit site is important for transcription termination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract Compared to other stages in the RNA polymerase II transcription cycle, the role of chromatin in transcription termination is poorly understood. Through a genetic screen, we identified histone mutant strains that exhibit transcriptional readthrough of terminators in vivo. Amino acid subtitutions map to the nucleosome DNA entry-exit site. On a genome-wide scale, the strongest H3 mutants revealed increased sense-strand transcription upstream and downstream of Pol II transcribed genes, increased antisense transcription overlapping gene bodies, and reduced nucleosome occupancy particularly at the 3’ ends of genes. Replacement of the native sequence downstream of a gene with a sequence that increases nucleosome occupancy in vivo reduced readthrough transcription and suppressed the effect of a DNA entry-exit site substitution. Our results suggest that nucleosomes can facilitate termination by serving as a barrier to RNA polymerase II progression and highlight the importance of the DNA entry-exit site in maintaining the integrity of the transcriptome.
Noncontact spatiotemporal strain mapping of composite multiferroic cylinders

Recently, the reinvigoration of research interest in in strain-mediated composite multiferroic structures resulted in translational magnetoelectric devices with superior performance than their traditional counterparts. Full-filed measurements and visualization of mechanical strain, with a focus at the interface, offer new possibilities for the advancement of magnetoelectric devices regardless of the material system. Here, we report spatiotemporal strain maps of composite magnetoelectric cylinders using a novel approach combining stable laser ultrasonic vibrometer and 2D motion system measurement technique. The physical measurement technique is augmented with a robust analysis algorithm that capable of effectively and consistently detect the interface. With the spatiotemporal maps, we forecast additional utility through the concurrent extraction of polarization and magnetization maps; hence highlighting the complex interactions between the involved order parameters. Understanding the converse magnetoelectric response in strain-mediated composite multiferroics is essential for the development of devices such and motors, antennas, and wireless power transferors. Given the dependence of the converse magnetoelectric response on the strain generation and transduction, mapping the mechanical response is essential for advancement of efficient devices. This mapping approach is challenging due to the dynamic nature of the response as well as the magneto-electro-mechanical coupling. Spatiotemporal maps of in-plane and out-of plane displacement and strain components were measured concurrently off the surface of a composite structure. To generate spatiotemporal strain maps, a laser-ultrasonic vibrometer mounted on a 2D gantry system was employed to map the in-plane and out-of-plane displacement components of a strain-mediated, concentric multiferroic composite cylinder. The strain maps provided insights on the behavior of the strain mediation mechanisms within the investigated composite structure including amplification of the strain due to the disparity in the mechanical properties of the constituents, which will result in a non-uniform distribution of magnetization and polarization responses. Additionally, the method to calculate the strain maps was shown to be robust for different spatial measurement resolutions.
Vergleichbar, passgenau, ganzheitlich

Geodatenprodukte von Anbietern wie der GfK Geomarketing zielen darauf ab, regionale Unterschiede in der soziodemographischen Struktur, dem Konsumverhalten, Produkt- und Markenpraferenzen sowie Werten und Einstellungen der Verbraucher abzubilden oder aber (Handels-)Standorte in ihrer Bedeutung und Qualitat zu bewerten. Derartige Produkte werden i.d.R. durch eine geeignete raumliche bzw. algorithmische Verknupfung von Daten aus offentlichen und privaten Quellen (kommerzielle Datenanbieter, Anwender/Kunde) und ggf. eigenen Erhebungen generiert.
Energy Stored and Capacitance of a Circular Parallel Plate Nanocapacitor

Nanocapacitors have received a great deal of attention in recent years due to the promises of high energy storage density as device scaling continues unabated in the nanoscale era. High energy storage capacity is a key ingredient for many nanoelectronic applications in which the significant consumption of energy is required. The electric properties of a nanocapacitor can be strongly modified from the expected bulk properties due to finite-size effects which means that there is an increased need for the accurate characterization of its properties. In this work, we considered a theoretical model for a circular parallel plate nanocapacitor and calculated exactly, in closed analytic form, the electrostatic energy stored in the nanocapacitor as a function of the size of the circular plates and inter-plate separation. The exact expression for the energy is used to derive an analytic formula for the geometric capacitance of this nanocapacitor. The results obtained can be readily amended to incorporate the effects of a dielectric thin film filling the space between the circular plates of the nanocapacitor.
Child Sex and Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia Reactivity as Moderators of the Relation Between Internalizing Symptoms and Aggression

Previous studies have examined sex differences in physiological responding, including respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reactivity in response to changing stimulus conditions involving situation specific or gender related cues, in children and adolescents. The present study examined whether RSA reactivity moderates the relation between aggression and internalizing symptoms and whether there are sex differences in this effect. Participants were 82 adolescents (M age = 12.1 years; 44 girls) from the general middle-school population. Peer nominations assessed aggression and internalizing symptoms, and RSA reactivity (defined as change in RSA from baseline to task) was recorded while participants anticipated and responded to an 85 dB signaled white-noise burst. For girls, internalizing symptoms were associated with aggression only if girls showed low RSA reactivity from baseline to task; there was no effect for boys. This association was absent when girls showed high RSA reactivity. Thus, child sex appears to influence not only levels of physiological responding but also relations of physiological responding to comorbidity of adjustment problems.
On the Stereogenicity and Prostereogenicity of Bonded Atoms

This chapter derives four composite designations of an atom, which include achiroastereogenic (achirotopic/astereogenic, type o), chiroastereogenic (chirotopic/astereogenic, type o * ), achirostereogenic (achirotopic/stereogenic, type s), and chirostereogenic (chirotopic/stereogenic, type s * ), - and a subclassification of achiroastereogenic (type o) and chiroastereogenic (type o * ) atoms. Astereogenic atoms (types o and o * ) are subclassified into prostereogenic subclasses, either proachirostereogenic (precursor of s) or prochirostereogenic (precursor of s * ). This subclassification is based on the removal of the degeneracy of homomorphic ligands, by a stepwise substitution of the homomorphic ligands such as achiral ligand a or chiral ligand g + on atoms o or o * ; by appropriate test ligands such as achiral ligands b, c, d, or chiral ligands h + ,i + and j + , until o (or o * ) is transformed into an atom of type s or s * .
Calling for a New Analytical Framework for Monetary Development Exactions: The Substantial Excess Test

Over the last twenty years, the federal government has decreased the amount of state grants for funding infrastructures like roads, sewers, water, and emergency services. Fiscal years 2004 and 2005 will be no different under the Bush Administration’s budget whereby grants to local and state governments for all programs, except Medicaid, will decline by 3.5 percent, or six-billion dollars. The end of the bull market and the beginning of the recession in 2000 have only exacerbated the states’ problem of finding funding for infrastructure maintenance and development. The states have dealt with these decreases in revenue in various ways. For example, in fiscal year 2003, forty states made either across-the-board or selective program cuts to their operating budgets totaling more than $11.8 billion, the second most drastic cut in over twenty-three years. Twenty-five states drew on rainy-day funds, and thirty-six states enacted tax and fee increases of more than $9.6 billion. These reductions in state spending are naturally passed on to local municipalities, forcing them to create alternative sources for funding the development of their growing cities. Because tax increases are so politically unpopular, many states turned to development exactions. Part I of this Comment will review local governments’ authority to exact private property from private citizens for public use as a condition to a building permit and the lack of a universal framework for analyzing such exactions. It will also discuss courts’ hesitation to superimpose the Nollan/Dolan test to monetary exactions. Part II argues that the same reasons for the heightened-scrutiny test of Nollan/Dolan exists for monetary exactions, and Part III recommends using the “substantial excess” test from Norwood as the proper instrument to ensure balance between governments’ power to regulate and developers’ private property rights.
Participation of tryptophan 62 in the self-association of hen egg white lysozyme. Application of natural abundance carbon 13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Self-association of hen egg white lysozyme in solution of 38 degrees) is examined by means of natural abundance 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The effect of pH on the resonances of the nonprotonated aromatic carbons of 9 mM lysozyme, and the effect of protein concentration (at pH 7) on these resonances, both indicate that self-association significantly affects the chemical shift of Cgamma of Trp-62, but not the chemical shifts of the other nonprotonated aromatic carbons. This result is consistent with the reported participation of Trp-62 in the intermolecular contact (Banerjee, S.K., Pogolotti, A., and Rupley, J.A. (1975) J. Biol. Chem. 250, 8260-8266). Our results indicate that the resonance of Cgamma or Trp-62 is a convenient monitor of lysozyme self-association. The chemical shift of this resonance reflects the extent of aggregation, while the line width yields information about the lifetime of the intermolecular contact. This lifetime is 1 to 2 ms at 38 degrees (9 mM protein, 0.1 M NaCl, pH 7). Our results also indicate that self-association of lysozyme is not accompanied by any general conformational change, and that binding of a lanthanide ion (at the metal ion binding site near the carboxylate groups of ASP-52 AND Glu-35) strongly suppresses self-association.
Friendsourcing for the Greater Good: Perceptions of Social Microvolunteering.

People with disabilities can be reluctant to friendsource help from their own friends for fear of appearing dependent or annoying. Our social microvolunteering approach has volunteers post friendsourcing tasks on behalf of people with disabilities. We demonstrate this approach via a Facebook application that answers visual questions on behalf of blind users.
An expert system applied to power system operation

The development and features of an expert system package to assist the supervisor in the control center at a distribution or transmission level is described along with criteria for its application. This microcomputer package is intended for use in a power system configuration with distributed control centers. The expert system analyzes the electrical system's voltage and power flow parameters and helps the operator to organize strategies and plans of actions when the parameters fall outside of specified limits. With a simulator, the package can also be used for training personnel. >
The ATMOS Solar Atlas

The ATMOS solar atlas covers the infrared spectrum of the Sun observed from space, over the frequency range from 650 to 4800 cm-1 at a resolution of 0.01 cm-1. The spectrum reveals a large number of molecular and atomic features that are not visible in spectra taken from the ground. The acquisition of the spectra, details of their presentation in the atlas, and some highlights of the solar features are described.
Socioeconomic Status and Coronary Heart Disease Risk: The Role of Social Cognitive Factors.

The aim of this study is to examine existing research on social cognitive factors that may, in part, mediate the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and coronary heart disease (CHD). We focus on how social status is ‘carried’ in the mental systems of individuals, and how these systems differentially affect CHD risk and associated behaviors. To this end, literatures documenting the association of various social cognitive factors (e.g., social comparison, perceived discrimination, and self-efficacy) with cardiovascular disease are reviewed as are literatures regarding the relationship of these factors to SES. Possible mechanisms through which social cognitions may affect health are addressed. In addition, directions for future research are discussed, and a model identifying the possible associations between social cognitive factors, SES, and coronary disease is provided.
Social Work Practice with Veterans, by Gary L. Dick (Ed.)

Social Work Practice with Veterans is an edited volume that seeks to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of some of the most relevant challenges facing U.S. military veterans. The book...
The reduced knot Floer complex

We define a “reduced” version of the knot Floer complex CFK − (K) CFK − ( K ) , and show that it behaves well under connected sums and retains enough information to compute Heegaard Floer d -invariants of manifolds arising as surgeries on the knot K . As an application to connected sums, we prove that if a knot in the three-sphere admits an L -space surgery, it must be a prime knot. As an application to the computation of d -invariants, we show that the Alexander polynomial is a concordance invariant within the class of L -space knots, and show the four-genus bound given by the d -invariant of +1-surgery is independent of the genus bounds given by the Ozsvath–Szabo τ invariant, the knot signature and the Rasmussen s invariant.
Bateman–Trivers in the 21st Century: sexual selection in a North American pitviper

Assessment of sexual selection in organisms with cryptic life histories is challenging, although accurate parentage assignments using genotypic markers, combined with behavioural observations and a method to account for open population bias, allow for robust estimation of metrics. In the present study, we employed 22 tetranucleotide microsatellite DNA loci to interpret mating and reproductive success in a population of Copperhead (Viperidae, Agkistrodon contortrix) in Connecticut, USA. We sampled DNA from 114 adults (56 males, 58 females) and 137 neonates from known mothers to quantify Bateman gradients (βss), as well as sex-specific opportunities for selection (I) and sexual selection (Is). We also estimated selection on male size [snout-to-vent length (SVL)], a trait important for successful combat and subsequent copulations. Estimates of male I and Is differed significantly from those of females when estimated with four different methods and only males had a significant Bateman gradient. As predicted, male reproductive success was positively correlated with increasing SVL. These results contrast with those derived in another study investigating the same population but based solely on observational data and without correction for open population bias. We thus argue that molecular approaches to quantifying reproductive success and strength of sexual selection provide more accurate results than do behavioural observations alone. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 114, 436–445.
Astronomical and « astrodynamical » values of constants and ephemeral data

The author comments upon the different needs of the astronomical constants in ephemeris work and space trajectory computations.
Solution to the inverse kinematics problem in robotics by neural networks

The authors use a neural-network model in the solution of the inverse kinematics problem in robotics. It is found that the neural network can be trained to generate a fairly accurate solution which, when augmented with local differential inverse kinematic methods, results in minimal burden on processing load of each control cycle and thus allows real-time robot control. Further benefits are expected from the natural fault tolerance of the neural network and the elimination of the costly derivation and programming of the inverse kinematic algorithm. >
Epidemiology of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in a Tunisian pediatric intensive care unit: a 2-year prospective study.

Background There are few data providing rates of nosocomial bloodstream infections (NBI) in pediatric intensive care patients from developing regions of the world. Objectives To describe the epidemiology of NBI in a Tunisian pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods A prospective surveillance study from January 2004 through December 2005 was performed in the PICU of the Children's Hospital of Tunis. All patients who remained in the PICU for more than 48 hours were included. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were applied for the diagnosis of NBI. Results Six hundred forty-seven patients aged 0 to 15 years were included. Forty-one NBIs occured in 38 patients. The NBI rate was 7/1000 patient days (6.3/100 admissions). Twenty-seven NBIs (66%) occured in patients with central venous catheter (CVC). CVC-associated infection rate was 14.8 per 1000 catheter days. Gram-negative rods were involved in 53.6% of NBIs. The most common organisms causing NBIs were Staphylococcus aureus (26.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.5%) and Coagulase-negative staphylococci (17%). Staphylococcus aureus was methicillin-resistant in 9.1% of cases. Eighty-seven percent of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates had extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. The PICU crude mortality rate of infected patients was 42% (versus 5.9% in noninfected patients; P Conclusions Considering the high incidence of NBI resulted from multiple drug-resistant gram-negative rods in our center, implementation of improved infection control practices is required.
The BTeV pixel detector system

BTeV is a collider experiment approved to run at the Tevatron at Fermilab. The experiment will conduct precision studies of heavy flavor decays, with particular emphasis on CP violation, flavor oscillations and rare decays. One of its unique features is a state-of-the art pixel detector system, designed to provide accurate measurements of the decay vertices of heavy flavored hadrons that can be used in the first level trigger. This will insure the ability to perform precision study of a variety of final states and is a key element of the rich phenomenology that will be explored by BTeV. The main design features of the pixel vertex detector are reviewed.
Role of Prostaglandin in Thyrotropin Action on Thyroid

We examined the effects of thyrotropin (TSH), prostaglandins E1 and E2 (PGE1, PGE2), and of the prostaglandin antagonists 7-oxa-13-prostynoic acid (PY1) and 7-oxa-l5- hydroxy-13-prostynoic acid (PY2) on adenyl cyclase activation and cyclic AMP formation in isolated bovine thyroid cells and canine thyroid slices, respectively. In the presence of ineffective or minimally effective concentrations of one stimulator (TSH or PGE), adenyl cyclase activation and cyclic AMP formation induced by a maximally effective concentration of the other stimulator were markedly reduced. Combinations of maximally effective concentrations of TSH and PGE had no additive effect on adenyl cyclase activation or cyclic AMP formation. PY1 and PY2 inhibited PGE1} PGE2, and TSH stimulation of adenyl cyclase in isolated bovine thyroid cells. PY1 blocked both PGE2 and TSH effects on cyclic AMP formation in canine thyroid slices. PY1 blocked TSH and PGE1 effects on phagocytosis of latex beads by isolated bovine thyroid cells as well as T...
Interferometer phase measurements: Comparison with theory

Recent measured results for long baselines are compared with theoretical predictions of interferometer phase fluctuations. The measured values, from the Green Bank observatory in West Virginia, are somewhat smaller than predicted from refractivity spectra data gathered earlier in Colorado. The affects of different lengths and observation times are predicted quite well. It is particularly significant that theory based on the "frozen turbulence" model is so successful in predicting fluctuations over an 11-km baseline.
Histoproliferative effect of Rauscher leukemia virus on lymphatic tissue. II. Antigen-stimulated germfree and conventional BALB-c mice.

SummaryNormal and antigenically stimulated germfree BALB/c young adult mice were used as a test system for studying the role of the nonthymus-dependent and thymus-dependent lymphoid tissue in Rauscher leukemia virus infection. It was considered that the splenomegaly of Rauscher disease within a germfree population would be enhanced by the establishment of active germinal centers in the nonthymus-dependent region of the lymphatic nodules of mice previously immunized with sterile sheep erythrocytes (SRBC). Similar comparisons were made in conventional BALB/c mice in which SRBC and lactic dehydrogenase virus were used as the test antigens. Results of these studies demonstrate the necessary, if not essential, role of the antigen-retaining reticular cells and immunoblasts of lymphatic tissue germinal centers in the early lymphoblastosis and subsequent splenomegaly of Rauscher disease. In addition, morphologic results strongly suggest the differential effect of the Rauscher preparation on the thymus- and nonthy...
Portal hypertensive enteropathy

Portal hypertensive enteropathy (PHE) is a condition that describes the pathologic changes and mucosal abnormalities observed in the small intestine of patients with portal hypertension. This entity is being increasingly recognized and better understood over the past decade due to increased accessibility of the small intestine made possible by the introduction of video capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy. Though challenged by its diverse endoscopic appearance, multiple scoring systems have been proposed to classify the endoscopic presentation and grade its severity. Endoscopic findings can be broadly categorized into vascular and non-vascular lesions with many subtypes of both categories. Clinical manifestations of PHE can range from asymptomatic incidental findings to fatal gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Classic endoscopic findings in the setting of portal hypertension may lead to a prompt diagnosis. Occasionally histopathology and cross sectional imaging like computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging may be helpful in establishing a diagnosis. Management of overt bleeding requires multidisciplinary approach involving hepatologists, endoscopists, surgeons, and interventional radiologists. Adequate resuscitation, reduction of portal pressure, and endoscopic therapeutic intervention remain the main principles of the initial treatment. This article reviews the existing evidence on PHE with emphasis on its classification, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, endoscopic appearance, pathological findings, and clinical management. A new schematic management of ectopic variceal bleed is also proposed.
One‐Time Dormant Season Application of Gas Well Brine on Forest Land

Gas well brine was applied to forest land at loading rates of 1.52, 0.69, and 0.17 kg Cl m⁻² of ground surface in November 1985 to test the feasibility of one-time, dormant season brine applications on forest land. The number and species of woody and herbaceous plants on the treated plots and adjacent control plot were measured in July 1985 and July 1986. Both pan and suction lysimeters were used to follow changes in macro- and micropore soil water chemistry, respectively, at 70-cm soil depths. Little mortality of overstory trees occurred in any of the treatments, but the number of understory red maple (Acer rubrum L.) and flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.) saplings was reduced 30 to 40% on the plot receiving 1.52 kg Cl m⁻². Several species of herbaceous plants were also eliminated from all treated plots; however, the majority of understory woody and herbaceous plants survived. Chloride, Ba, Pb, As, Se, and Cd were found in soil water at 70-cm depths at concentrations exceeding Safe Drinking Water Act limits immediately after brine application. Concentrations of elements in macropore soil water declined to safe levels within 3 mo of treatment, except for Se. Micropore soil water, extracted under negative pressures, remained at or slightly above Safe Drinking Water Act limits for As, Se, Ba, and Cd 8 mo after treatment. Mobility of Pb and Cd in the soil appeared to be enhanced by complexation of these metals with Cl in the brine.
Oral Fleet Phospho-Soda laxative-induced hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemic tetany in an adult. Report of a case

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to report an adverse outcome of the routine use of Fleet® Phospho®-Soda for bowel cleansing and to review the available literature. METHOD: Report of a case and review of the literature is presented. RESULT: Administration of Fleet® Phospho®Soda for bowel preparation in an adult resulted in hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemic tetany. Review of the literature shows this to be the first such report. Further evaluation suggests a role for partial bowel obstruction and renal failure in this complication. CONCLUSION: Although Fleet® Phospho®-Soda solution continues to be a safe bowel preparation, caution should be used in adults with bowel obstruction and renal failure.
A Review of “Colossus: Hoover Dam and the Making of the American Century”

Perhaps inevitably, the story of Hoover Dam calls out for superlatives. Its construction was a project of unprecedented scope, carried out around the clock in harsh conditions, under attention from...
Tracheal Bronchus : A Cause of Prolonged Atelectasis in Intubated Children

Tracheal bronchus is a common anomaly that occurs in approximately 2% of people. Two children with multiple medical problems which led to endotracheal intubation are described. The hospital course for each child was complicated by persistent right upper lobe atelectasis. The presence of a tracheal bronchus was not recognized in either case initially; identification of this anatomic variant allowed appropriate changes in airway management. The potential for tracheal bronchus to cause, or be associated with, localized pulmonary problems is reviewed. The diagnosis of tracheal bronchus should be considered early in the course of intubated patients with right upper lobe complications.
Semiempirical calculations on the ring opening of α-lactones

Abstract We report the results of INDO calculations on the ring opening of acetolactone and its difluoro and dimethyl derivatives. Of the structures possibly important in the chemistry of α-lactones, the closed system is most stable. The open form, which we call methylenecarboxylate, is calculated by the INDO method to be more stable as a triplet. Finally a semi-open structure, favored in the older literature, is predicted to be chemically unimportant.
Zeroing in on amyloid proteins in Alzheimer disease therapy

The authors have provided us with a complete review of the approaches to the amyloid proteins of Alzheimer's disease in regards to targets for drug therapy. Sufficient information is now available concerning systemic amyloidogenesis, genes for familial Alzheimer's disease and the beta amyloid precursor protein, as well as the posttranslational processing requirements for amyloidogenesis and its prevention. Recent excitement concerning the roles for serine proteases and their inhibitors, both in the production and prevention of amyloidogenesis, make this review and its publication in the Neurobiology of Aging extremely timely.