cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and evaluation of a high-flow rate dichotomous aerosol sampler

Two prototype high-flow dichotomous samplers, each simultaneously collecting fine (0.0–2.5 μm), coarse (2.5–10.0 μm), and total (0.0–10.0 μm) particle samples from a single air stream, have been designed and evaluated. A series of tests were conducted to estimate the prototype sampler collection efficiencies over a range of particle concentrations, to compare prototype sampler collection efficiencies with standard particle monitors, and to evaluate relationships between particle size and sample chemistry. No statistical differences in particle collection efficiencies were observed between the two prototype samplers or between the prototype samplers and standard PM10 and PM2.5 high volume samplers. The study's analytical results indicate that the particle-bound organic compounds are primarily associated with the fine-particle sample and that the organics associated with the coarse-particle fraction did not significantly contribute to the total sample organic composition. The prototype sampler can be constructed locally from routine sampler and machine shop components. The design minimizes the extensive resource requirements associated with low-flow dichotomous sampling and is an excellent alternative for organizations not having access to commercial low flow dichotomous instrumentation.
The c-Jun kinase signaling cascade promotes glial engulfment activity through activation of draper and phagocytic function

After neuronal injury or death glial cells become reactive, exhibiting dramatic changes in morphology and patterns of gene expression and ultimately engulfing neuronal debris. Rapid clearance of degenerating neuronal material is thought to be crucial for suppression of inflammation and promotion of functional recovery. Here we demonstrate that Drosophila c-Jun N-terminal kinase (dJNK) signaling is a critical in vivo mediator of glial engulfment activity. In response to axotomy, we find glial dJNK signals through a cascade involving the upstream mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases Slipper and Tak1, the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase MKK4, and ultimately the Drosophila activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcriptional complex composed of Jra and Kayak to initiate glial phagocytosis of degenerating axons. Interestingly, loss of dJNK also blocked injury-induced upregulation of Draper levels in glia, and glial-specific overexpression of Draper was sufficient to rescue engulfment defects associated with loss of dJNK signaling. This work identifies that the dJNK pathway is a novel mediator of glial engulfment activity and a primary role for the glial Slipper/Tak1 →MKK4 →dJNK →dAP-1 signaling cascade appears to be activation of draper expression after axon injury.
Photoacoustic imaging using a 9F microLinear CMUT ICE catheter

This work presents our preliminary results on developing a multi-modality imaging catheter enabling combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging. We have developed an optical fiber ring catheter for use with our previously demonstrated 9F, real-time, forward-looking intracardiac ultrasound imaging catheter. Our custom software provides realtime ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging on a PC-based imaging platform. The promising phantom and in vivo imaging results presented here demonstrate the utility of a fully integrated catheter that provides both anatomical and functional information through co-registered ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging capabilities.
Social Rhetoric and the Construction of Black Motherhood

In this article, historical womanist theory, which situates Black women as a unique racialized and gendered laboring class in the United States, is empirically validated through testing of several ...
Structure of the group G streptococcal polysaccharide.

The structure of the group-specific polysaccharide of group G Streptococcus was determined by means of methylation analysis and selective chemical degradations. The anomeric configurations and conformations of the sugar residues were studied by 1H- and 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy. The tetrasaccharide repeating unit, ----3)-alpha-D-Galp-(1----2)-[alpha-L-Rhap-(1----3)-beta-D-GalpNAc - (1----4)]-alpha-L-Rhap-(1----, was determined.
Policy as Symbolic Statement: International Response to National Population Policies

Traditional studies of statepolicies tend tofocus on the achievement ofthepolicies'stated ends. But policies, as systems of meaning and expressions of legitimate statehood, signal various meanings to national and international audiences. In this article; we demonstrate the importance of the symbolic and international realms by investigating the impact of population policies on patterns of financial assistance from international donor organizations. We find that developing countries with policies are more likely to (1) receive population assistance, and (2) receive greater amounts offunding than are countries withoutpolicies. These results suggest that studies ofpolicy outcomes should not only evaluate local, intended consequences, but how national policies as international symbols mayfoster other types of consequences. Research on national policies often focuses on questions of effectiveness. This conventional framework overlooks two aspects of national policies: their significant symbolic value (which may bring unanticipated effects) and their international relevance. Drawing on interpretative and institutionalist perspectives, we consider policies as national symbols and explore consequences attributable to their meaning within global society. We focus on policies within an area of sociology where the policy evaluative
Geography, the Integrating Discipline: Explaining China's Population-Driven Geopolitics to Students

Abstract This article demonstrates geography's role as an integrative discipline and its utility in connecting students to the world around them. A case study links China's demography and its geopolitics to the lives of U.S. students. The relationship of China's population pressures to its resulting economic growth, need for economic resources, and geopolitical efforts are examined using the concepts and holistic capabilities that are the academic strength of geography.
An exploratory analysis of software piracy using cross-cultural data

This study examines three cultural predictors of attitude towards software piracy: Long Term Orientation, Power Distance and Individualism-Collectivism. About 80 University students in each of five countries (Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and USA) were surveyed on their attitude towards piracy and their level of the three constructs. The data shows that the three constructs are significant predictors of attitude towards piracy. Long Term Orientation is shown to be a strong predictor.
Minor and trace metal analysis of a solvent-refined coal by flameless atomic absorption

Abstract Solvent-refined coal (SRC), THF ∗ -insoluble SRC, THF-soluble SRC and three of its ‘size-separated’ fractions have been analysed for eleven metallic elements via flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. Prior to analysis each sample was wet ashed with equal quantities of concentrated H 2 SO 4 and 30% H 2 O 2 . Matrix effects were compensated for by the method of standard additions and deuterium-arc background correction. Mg, Al, K and Fe were found in greatest concentration in all samples. The concentration of Pb and Cd was measurable only in THF-insoluble SRC.
Increased subtlety of transcription factor binding increases complexity of genome regulation

In PNAS, Afek et al. (1) show that the specific (or “consensus”) base-pair sequences of a regulatory DNA target are not solely responsible for controlling the binding affinities of several eukaryotic transcription factors (TFs) for their DNA target sites. Rather, so-called “nonconsensus” sequences that flank the specific target, particularly flanking sequences that contain certain base-pair repeat symmetries, also seem to play a major role in regulating binding preferences and these effects significantly modulate the measured binding affinities of the TFs tested. Such symmetries also appear to alter the nonspecific binding of TFs to duplex DNA in the absence of specific binding sequences. Why is this important?
Statewide Assessment of Response to Domestic Violence in Louisiana

The Louisiana statewide assessment of domestic violence attitudes and services was a cooperative effort between the Louisiana Community Policing Institute and the Criminal Justice Program at the University of Louisiana, Monroe. The research project included both surveys and focus groups from Louisiana's eight law enforcement planning districts. Results indicate that the response to domestic violence in Louisiana is generally inadequate. Furthermore, problems exist with respect to the definition of domestic violence among agencies. Finally, four basic barriers to successful intervention were identified, including lack of resources, lack of education and training, victims' lack of confidence in the system, and lack of a coordinated response to the problem. Recommendations are presented for overcoming these obstacles.
Defining and measuring completeness of electronic health records for secondary use

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted The completeness of EHR data is dependent upon the definition of completeness being used.We present four definitions of EHR completeness: documentation, breadth, density, and predictive.Each definition results in a different set of complete patient records.Researchers reusing EHR data should report completeness limitations and findings. We demonstrate the importance of explicit definitions of electronic health record (EHR) data completeness and how different conceptualizations of completeness may impact findings from EHR-derived datasets. This study has important repercussions for researchers and clinicians engaged in the secondary use of EHR data. We describe four prototypical definitions of EHR completeness: documentation, breadth, density, and predictive completeness. Each definition dictates a different approach to the measurement of completeness. These measures were applied to representative data from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital's clinical data warehouse. We found that according to any definition, the number of complete records in our clinical database is far lower than the nominal total. The proportion that meets criteria for completeness is heavily dependent on the definition of completeness used, and the different definitions generate different subsets of records. We conclude that the concept of completeness in EHR is contextual. We urge data consumers to be explicit in how they define a complete record and transparent about the limitations of their data.
Sarcoidosis of the Upper Lung Fields Simulating Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Fifty-four of 616 patients (9 percent) with sarcoidosis exhibited upper lung field radiographic abnormalities, which mimicked adult tuberculosis. Difficulty in diagnosis occurred when patients presented with residual upper zonal shadows, which had persisted after clearing of lower and midzonal densities. The abnormalities of sarcoidosis appeared as streaks and nodules simulating acinonodose tuberculosis. Contraction of the upper zones with retraction of the mediastinal structures may be just as prominent as in fibrotic tuberculosis. Bullae can sometimes be mistaken for tuberculous cavities, and small multiple radiolucencies may be mistaken for tuberculous bronchiectasis. Awareness that upper zonal sarcoidosis represents a residual manifestation of the more usual pattern of hilar adenopathy and diffuse lower and midzonal infiltrations, aids in distinguishing this radiographic pattern from that of adult tuberculosis. Obtaining a radiograph dating back to an earlier stage can be crucial in making this differentiation. When confronted with upper lung field abnormalities, the diagnosis of sarcoidosis as well as tuberculosis should come to mind and appropriate clinical support should be sought.
Yeast and human genes that affect the Escherichia coli SOS response

The sequencing of the human genome has led to the identification of many genes whose functions remain to be determined. Because of conservation of genetic function, microbial systems have often been used for identification and characterization of human genes. We have investigated the use of the Escherichia coli SOS induction assay as a screen for yeast and human genes that might play a role in DNA metabolism and/or in genome stability. The SOS system has previously been used to analyze bacterial and viral genes that directly modify DNA. An initial screen of meiotically expressed yeast genes revealed several genes associated with chromosome metabolism (e.g., RAD51 and HHT1 as well as others). The SOS induction assay was then extended to the isolation of human genes. Several known human genes involved in DNA metabolism, such as the Ku70 end-binding protein and DNA ligase IV, were identified, as well as a large number of previously unknown genes. Thus, the SOS assay can be used to identify and characterize human genes, many of which may participate in chromosome metabolism.
Concerning the Proposed Existence of a One-iron-Protein Species of Conalbumin or Siderophilin

THE iron-binding proteins siderophilin (transferrin) from human blood plasma and conalbumin, an analogous protein from hen's egg white, are known to bind firmly two ferric ions per protein molecule1,2. Controversy exists as to whether the two iron-binding sites show positive interaction leading to all-or-none binding of iron3–5, or show equal and independent behaviour6–8. One of the strongest arguments for the latter point of view has been the apparent demonstration of an intermediate one-iron–protein species in electrophoretic experiments by moving boundary7,9 and isoelectric focusing8 techniques at low pH. Our failure to observe this intermediate species on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 7.5 and the reported failure to observe it at pH 9.2 (ref. 10) led us to investigate further the nature of the proposed “one-iron–one-protein” species.
Solution of nonlinear partial differential equations using the Chebyshev spectral method

The spectral method is a powerful numerical technique for solving engineering differential equations. The method is a specialization of the method of weighted residuals. Trial functions that are easily and exactly differentiable are used. Often the functions used also satisfy an orthogonality equation, which can improve the efficiency of the approximation. Generally, the entire domain is modeled, but multiple sub-domains may be used. A Chebyshev-Collocation Spectral method is used to solve a two-dimensional, highly nonlinear, two parameter Bratu's equation. This equation previously assumed to have only symmetric solutions are shown to have regions where solutions that are non-symmetric in x and y are valid. Away from these regions an accurate and efficient technique for tracking the equation's multi-valued solutions was developed. It is found that the accuracy of the present method is very good, with a significant improvement in computer time.
New function interpolator using small memory

High-speed elementary function generation is crucial to the performance of many DSP applications. This paper presents a new Composite Polynomial Method for generating elementary functions using second-order interpolation. The composite polynomial takes the average of two second-degree polynomials with an overlapping subinterval, and features the minimum approximation error the overlapping subinterval. Its implementation uses small memory with minimal additional computational circuitry and represents a competitive design with respect to existing designs.
ERROR ESTIMATES FOR NONLINEAR FINITE ELEMENT COMPUTATIONS

Abstract The paper presents a new approach to the construction of a posteriori error estimates for nonlinear finite element computations. The estimates use a linearized form of the problem and hence their computation can be accomplished about as rapidly as in the case of linear problems. Based on these estimates a prototype software system for the adaptive finite element solution of a class of two-dimensional parametrized nonlinear problem is now under construction and its features are described briefly. Numerical results are given which show the effectiveness of the error estimates and of the adaptive approach based upon them.
Islam beyond Democracy and State in Kyrgyzstan

Much has been made of the importance of democracy to securing individual rights and the general advancement of a just society. The role of democracy in post-Soviet governance and the strength of the state, however, have been called into question on many counts. Both state and democratic structures have been supported by elites who have used the claims of democracy and state to combat, or at least constrain, governance rooted in Islam. The ideals of democracy and the state, however, are experienced differently by those who are secularists and those for whom religion is a lived category. In this piece, I concern myself with how Muslims experience democracy and the state in Kyrgyzstan and thus how many remain unseduced by the unfulfilled promises of political rhetoricians.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: An Unusual Cause of Biliary Sepsis

We report three cases of cholangitis caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and review two other cases reported in the literature. All five episodes occurred in patients with hepatobiliary malignancy complicated by biliary tract obstruction. All five episodes occurred in patients with hepatobiliary malignancy complicated by biliary tract obstruction. All patients had undergone biliary tract instrumentation. Before infection developed, four of the five patients had received therapy with antibiotics that do not have in vitro activity against this organism. Four patients responded to appropriate antibiotic therapy and biliary tract decompression, whereas the fifth patient, who had persistent biliary obstruction, did not respond to appropriate antibiotic therapy.
HMGB1: a novel Beclin 1-binding protein active in autophagy.

The autophagosome delivers damaged cytoplasmic constituents and proteins to the lysosome or to the extracellular space. Beclin 1, an essentialautophagic protein, is a BH3-only protein that binds Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic family members and has a critical role in the initiation of autophagy. How the Beclin 1 complex specifically promotes autophagy remains largely unknown. We have found that high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a chromatin-associated nuclear protein and extracellular damage associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP), is a novel Beclin 1-binding protein important in sustaining autophagy. HMGB1 shares considerable sequence homology with Beclin 1 in yeast, mice and human, representing an evolutionarily conserved regulatory step in early autophagosome formation. Endogenous HMGB1 competes with Bcl-2 for interaction with Beclin 1, and orients Beclin 1 to autophagosomes. Moreover, the intramolecular disulfide bridge (C23/45) of HMGB1 is required for binding to Beclin 1 and sustaining autophagy. Taken t...
A fluorometric, high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for transglutaminase activity

Abstract A fluorometric, high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for transglutaminase activity is described. The method uses the small synthetic peptide benzyloxycarbonyl- l -glutaminylglycine and the fluorescent amine monodansylcadaverine as substrates. Very small amounts of substrates and enzyme are required for this assay. The reaction product is separated from substrates on a reversed-phase, C-18 column, using an isocratic elution solvent consisting of 50% methanol in water, and is detected fluorometrically with didansylcadaverine as standard. A detection limit of 31 pmol of product per injection was measured. An apparent K m of 34.7 ± 2.4 m m was determined for the peptide substrate with purified guinea pig liver enzyme. Using this assay, a series of alkyl aldehydes was shown to inhibit transglutaminase. Modification of this assay using either gradient or isocratic elution with various proportions of acetonitrile (0.1% trifluoroacetic acid)/water (0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) afforded assays for a series of glutamine-containing peptides including substance P, α-endorphin, and two small, synthetic peptides. The assay is suitable for measurement of transglutaminase activity with purified enzyme or with crude preparations. This method provides a sensitive, quantitative assay for the determination of substrate and inhibitor properties of small peptides toward transglutaminases.
Macro- and micronutrient effects on decomposition of leaf litter from two tropical tree species: inferences from a short-term laboratory incubation

While a large number of studies have investigated the effects of macronutrients such as nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) on litter decomposition, recent studies suggest that micronutrients including zinc (Zn) may also limit decomposition rates. Our goal was to compare the effects of nutrient addition on decomposition of two leaf litter types from tropical dry forest trees in a short-term laboratory microcosm experiment. Single nutrients (N, P, Zn, potassium, magnesium, and nickel) were applied to leaf litter in solution at low or high concentrations (to mimic in situ availability or to alleviate nutrient limitation, respectively), and decomposition was assessed as final mass remaining and carbon dioxide mineralization. Both mass remaining and CO2 mineralization were affected by nutrient identity and concentration, and these effects varied by species. In general, P and Zn addition increased decomposition, Mg and N inhibited it, and K and Ni had no significant effects. Future studies should consider the interactions between decomposition processes, decomposer communities, and a wider range of macro- and micronutrients.
SART-Type Half-Threshold Filtering Approach for CT Reconstruction

The [Formula: see text] regularization problem has been widely used to solve the sparsity constrained problems. To enhance the sparsity constraint for better imaging performance, a promising direction is to use the [Formula: see text] norm (0 < p < 1) and solve the [Formula: see text] minimization problem. Very recently, Xu et al. developed an analytic solution for the [Formula: see text] regularization via an iterative thresholding operation, which is also referred to as half-threshold filtering. In this paper, we design a simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART)-type half-threshold filtering framework to solve the computed tomography (CT) reconstruction problem. In the medical imaging filed, the discrete gradient transform (DGT) is widely used to define the sparsity. However, the DGT is noninvertible and it cannot be applied to half-threshold filtering for CT reconstruction. To demonstrate the utility of the proposed SART-type half-threshold filtering framework, an emphasis of this paper is to construct a pseudoinverse transforms for DGT. The proposed algorithms are evaluated with numerical and physical phantom data sets. Our results show that the SART-type half-threshold filtering algorithms have great potential to improve the reconstructed image quality from few and noisy projections. They are complementary to the counterparts of the state-of-the-art soft-threshold filtering and hard-threshold filtering.
De novo biosynthesis of linoleic acid in two non-insect invertebrates: the land slug and the garden snail

The de novo biosynthesis of linoleic acid [18:2(n-6)], a fatty acid considered to be essential for most animals, was demonstrated in the land snail,Bulimulis alternatus mariae, and the garden slug,Arion circumscriptus. Radiolabeled acetate injected into the animals was incorporated into both 18:2 and 20:2, as demonstrated by radio-high performance liquid chromatography (radio-HPLC) and radio-gas chromatography (radio-GC). GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the methoxy derivatives of the 18:2 and 20:2 isolated from the snail showed that major isomers had the double bonds in the n-6,9 positions. Radio-gas-liquid chromatography (radio-GLC) of the ozonolysis products from the labeled dienoic fatty acid methyl esters showed that both ends of the molecules were labeled, confirming de novo synthesis. The production of linoleic acid by these animals suggests the capability to produce linoleic acid may be widespread in invertebrates.
A Diagnosis That Eats at You

Question: A 78-year-old Caucasian man with a 12-year history of extensive ulcerative colitis in stable remission on azathioprine 150 mg/d presented to the emergency department with a 3-day history of fevers and malaise. He had no gastrointestinal symptoms. On physical examination, he had a fever of 40.1 C, was hypotensive (87/51 mmHg), and had a diffuse, lacy, macular rash with scattered petechiae. He also was noted to have an intention tremor and global, symmetric weakness. Azathioprine was discontinued, and an extensive infectious workup, including analysis of cerebral spinal fluid, only revealed elevated cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in the serum (39,000 copies/mL). Repeat assessment 24 hours later revealed an increase of serum CMV DNA to 154,000 copies/mL, without evidence of mutations that confer antiviral resistance. Thus, the patient was treated with an induction dose of ganciclovir 2.5 mg/kg every 24 hours. Over the course of several days, the patient developed melenic stool (upper endoscopy findings; Figures A and B), a coagulopathy (International Normalized Ratio, 1.7; partial thromboplastin time, 52.9 seconds), acute renal failure (blood urea nitrogen, 104 mg/dL; creatinine, 4.1 mg/dL), worsening liver injury (aspartate aminotransferase, 205 U/L; alanine aminotransferase, 95 U/L; alkaline phosphatase, 338 U/L), progressive hypoalbuminemia (1.9 g/dL), and pancytopenia (white blood cell count, 2.4 K/mL; hemoglobin, 5.9 g/dL; platelets, 80 K/mL). Ferritin was noted to increase from an initial 7657 ng/mL to 11,217 ng/mL, triglycerides were elevated (319 mg/dL), and fibrinogen was decreased (166 mg/dL). He was also noted to have hepatosplenomegaly on abdominal ultrasonography. In light of all these abnormalities, a biopsy was promptly performed. The pathology is shown Figures C–E. What is the cause of this patient’s physical examination findings, multi-organ dysfunction, and laboratory abnormalities? Look on page 489 for the answer and see the GASTROENTEROLOGY web site (www.gastrojournal.org) for more information on submitting your favorite image to Clinical Challenges and Images in GI. Acknowledgments: The authors acknowledge the contributions of Muhammad Mirza MD, PhD in the Section of Hematopathology in the Department of Pathology at the University of Chicago Medicine.
Laboratory investigation of non-steady penetrative convection

Laboratory experiments of non-steady penetrative convection in water are performed that closely simulate the lifting of an atmospheric inversion above heated ground. Vertical profiles of horizontally averaged temperature and heat flux are measured and interpreted. The rate at which kinetic energy is destroyed by the downward heat flux in the vicinity of the inversion base is found to be a very small fraction of the rate at which it is generated in the lower convective region. The interface separating the convective region from the stable region is examined and its rate of rise explained.
Frequency, etiology, treatment, and outcomes of drug-eluting stent thrombosis during one year of follow-up.

Drug-eluting stents (DESs) exhibit delayed endothelialization compared with bare metal stents. Adverse late vessel wall remodeling and inflammation have also been attributed to the drug/polymer coating. Recent registry data suggesting increased risk of DES thrombosis in routine clinical practice compared with previous clinical trial experience has led to concerns regarding long-term safety of these devices. We sought to determine the frequency, etiology, and clinical outcomes of stent thrombosis over 1 year in a large patient cohort treated with coronary DESs. Consecutive patients (n = 1,213) who received ≥1 DES between April 2003 and June 2004 at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) were identified. Medical records pertaining to all deaths, major adverse cardiac events, and/or repeat coronary angiograms after DES placement were evaluated to identify cases of stent thrombosis. Mean follow-up was 12 months. Eleven cases (0.9%, 95% confidence interval 0.4 to 1.3) of stent thrombosis were identified; 4 were acute (
Economies of Size and the 160-Acre Limitation: Fact and Fancy

Two years ago, in August 1976, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in the case of National Land for People, Inc. v. Bureau of Reclamation et al., ordered the Department of the Interior to initiate rulemaking proceedings with respect to the criteria and procedures to be used in approving the sales of excess lands under the 1902 Reclamation Law. One year later, in August 1977, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the 160acre limitation of the Reclamation Act of 1902 applied to the irrigated farms of California's Imperial Valley-lands that were previously considered exempt. The Bureau of Reclamation immediately responded with proposed rules and regulations to enforce strictly the 1902 law on all Reclamation projects, including those projects served by the Corps of Engineers. The presumed economic and social consequences of putting the proposed rules into effect, after seventy-six years of benign neglect, are considered so large that a courtordered environmental impact statement will be required before enforcement. Further, the original proposed rules are being revised and legislation to change the 1902 law is being proposed. Thus, it will be several years before strict enforcement could occur under whatever rules and regulations become final. It seems likely, however, that some permutation of the current proposed rules will be adopted (Bureau of Reclamation 1977). These rules form the basis for analysis in this paper. The August 1977 proposal is basically as follows. Excess land is all irrigable land owned by an individual in excess of 160 acres that is capable of being served by the project. Owners of excess land must sign a "recordable contract" agreeing to sell excess lands according to terms and conditions satisfactory to the Secretary of the Interior, in order to receive project water. These terms and conditions are quite restrictive, as will become evident through the analysis of this paper.
The Relationship Between Personality and Peers’ Judgments of the Appropriateness of Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities1

The purpose of this research was to provide a preliminary evaluation of how the personality characteristics of peers, as defined by the 5-factor model of personality, explained their judgments of the appropriateness of accommodations given to disabled persons. We hypothesized that both agreeableness and openness to experience would be related positively to judgments of appropriateness and that conscientiousness would be related negatively. We also hypothesized that personality dimensions would interact with disability and accommodation types in determining judgments of appropriateness. We obtained partial support for our hypotheses in that the interactions of Disability × Accommodation × Agreeableness as well as Disability × Accommodation × Openness to Experience were significant, although the personality dimensions themselves did not produce significant results.
Synthesis, emulsification and self-assembly properties of sugar-containing semifluorinated amphiphiles.

Surfactants with two and three monosaccharide-based heads and a perfluoroalkyl tail have been synthesized. Perfluoroalkyl C3-symmetric triol and C2-symmetric diol were conveniently prepared via Cu-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition between a fluorous alkyne and tertiary and secondary azides, respectively. Glycosylation of the perfluoroalkyl diol and triol led to orthoester-type structures, which were evaluated for their capacity to stabilize aqueous emulsions of highly fluorinated anesthetics. The self-assembly properties of the tri-sugar amphiphile were examined by transmission electron microscopy.
Experiencing Niagara Fallsfrom the Perspective Ofan Early Ecofeminist: An Introduction to Margaret Fuller’s Summer on the Lakes, in 1843

L'A. presente l'ouvrage de Margaret Fuller Summer on the Lakes publie en 1843. Celle-ci apparait comme une des premieres representantes du courant ecologiste feministe americain. Il retrace sa vie et sa carriere de journaliste et d'ecrivain. Il souligne que Fuller defendait une conception philosophique resolument optimiste. Elle considerait que Dieu demeurait present dans la nature et chez les hommes. Summer on the Lakes decrit le profond emerveillement devant le spectacle de la nature offert par la region des Grands Lacs
Uncertainty in civil engineering systems: probability and fuzzy sets

Abstract Decisions in civil engineering systems have to be made in the face of uncertainty. Probability theory has been used to quantify this uncertainty. Claims for the use of fuzzy set theory in accommodating semantic ideas have been made. The relationship between these two theories as expressions of uncertainty in decision making is explored by means of Saaty's two by two construction for the assessment of subjective probabilities and fuzzy supports, and by an examination of the psychological evidence with respect to fuzzy set theories.
K + -Meson Production in p-p Collisions at 2.5-3.0 GeV

Differential cross sections as a function of momentum are presented for the production of ${K}^{+}$ mesons in $p\ensuremath{-}p$ collisions at incident proton energies of 2.54, 2.88, and 3.03 GeV. The measurements were made at 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 40\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} relative to the direction of the internal proton beam of the Princeton-Pennsylvania accelerator. At 2.54 GeV, the results follow closely the predictions from phase space (with 60% ${K}^{+}\ensuremath{\Sigma}N$ and 40% ${K}^{+}\ensuremath{\Lambda}p$ in the final state). At 2.88 and 3.03 GeV, however, there is a definite disagreement with phase space. The data are compared to the predictions of three models: (1) a model based on the assumption that $K'\mathrm{s}$ are produced via $p+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{+}+{X}^{+}$, where ${X}^{+}$ is a $B=2$, $S=\ensuremath{-}1$ resonance which decays into a nucleon+hyperon; (2) the isobar model; and (3) the one-pion-exchange model. Model (1) is found to be inconclusive, model (2) is inadequate, and model (3) is partly successful in predicting total cross sections, but not in interpreting the detailed experimental observations.
Antimicrobial Use in the Surgical Patient

Antimicrobials are often used in the surgical patient in an effort to prevent infection (prophylactic) or to treat established infection (therapeutic). To be effective, prophylactic antimicrobials at appropriate concentrations must be present in tissues at the surgical site at the time of contamination to prevent bacterial growth and subsequent infection. Therapeutic antimicrobials are used to treat established localized or systemic infection. Selection of antimicrobial agents for prophylactic or therapeutic use should be based on knowledge of expected flora, ability of the antimicrobial to reach the target tissue at appropriate concentrations, bacterial resistance patterns, drug pharmacokinetics, and culture and susceptibility testing results (therapeutic use). Failure of antimicrobial therapy to prevent or treat infection in the surgical patient may result from poor antimicrobial selection, inappropriate dosage or frequency, or inappropriate duration of therapy.
Transcriptional regulation by coactivators in embryonic stem cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells, like all cell types, are defined by their unique transcriptional signatures. The ability of ES cells to self-renew or exit the pluripotent state and enter differentiation requires extensive changes in their transcriptome and epigenome. Remarkably, transcriptional programs governing each cell fate must remain sufficiently malleable so that expression of only a handful of transcriptional activators can override the pre-existing state by collaborating with an unexpectedly elaborate collection of coactivators to specify, restrict and stabilize the new state. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how the same coactivator can interpret multiple lines of information encoded by different activators and integrate signals from diverse regulators into stem cell-specific transcriptional outputs.
French Roast: Consumer Responses to International Conflict - Evidence from Supermarket Scanner Data

During international disputes do consumers boycott an adversary country’s products? We show that during the 2003 US-France dispute over the Iraq War, the market share of French-sounding, US supermarket brands declined. The dispute was a negative shock to US consumers’ associations with France. French-sounding brands, brands that consumers perceive to be French imports, allow us to isolate the dispute’s effect on economic behavior because these brands’ only link to France is through consumers’ associations. Our causal estimates, derived from a nationwide sample of weekly supermarket sales for over 8000 brands, are robust to a variety of alternate explanations. Additionally, we show that supermarkets with a higher proportion of customers who are US citizens (e.g. more strongly identify with US national identity) exhibit sharper boycotts. Customers’ partisan affiliations do not correlate with boycott response.
Hopewell, Middle Woodland, and the Laurel Culture: A Problem in Archeological Classification1

Concepts of the Middle Woodland as a classificatory device are examined from the different perspectives of the greater Ohio Valley and the northern lake country between Lakes Superior and Winnipeg with the Hopewell and Laurel cultures as test cases. The predominant role of the former in archeological thinking is seen as providing an unbalanced picture. Four different uses of the term Middle Woodland (formal taxon, cultural tradidition, archeological period, and cultural stage) are explored as they relate particularly to the classification of the Laurel culture. Problems of loose, inadequate, or even inappropriate definitions suggest that archeologists are not quite in the close agreement that use of common classificatory terms might otherwise indicate. A few modest suggestions are made to provide more explicit criteria for classification.
ACCESSORY PLASMA FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE BACTERICIDAL TEST FOR TYPE-SPECIFIC ANTIBODY TO GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI II. HUMAN PLASMA COFACTOR(S) ENHANCING OPSONIZATION OF ENCAPSULATED ORGANISMS

A study was made of the nature of the thermolabile plasma factors in human blood which promote the phagocytosis of Group A streptococci in vitro in the presence of optimal amounts of type-specific M antibody. The plasmas of individuals with strong opsonic activity (normal) were compared with those of some individuals whose opsonic activity was consistently weak (deficient). A general relationship was established between encapsulation of streptococci and the opsonic requirement for thermolabile plasma factor(s). Marked differences in phagocytosis of Group A organisms by human bloods were demonstrated with encapsulated strains only. Human bloods deficient in the cofactor required for opsonization of encapsulated streptococci (coopsonin) showed a normal rate of phagocytosis against all other organisms and particles studied. Furthermore, coopsonin-deficient bloods contained normal levels of four components of complement, of properdin, of lysozyme, and of direct bactericidal activity against several species of Gram-negative organisms and of E. coli bacteriophage. The independence of the streptococcal coopsonin from complement was also demonstrated by absorption of plasma with bentonite and with zymosan. Under appropriate conditions, the coopsonin was reduced without significant loss of complement. The data support the concept that the capsule of the streptococcus imposes an opsonic requirement for a plasma factor(s) which is present in varying amounts in human bloods and which appears to be independent of the complement system. The possibility that it is accessory to the latter components has not been excluded.
Integrated Approach for Multi-Robot Spot-Welding Cell Design and Welding-Point Allocation

The design of multi-robot cells for spot welding strictly influences the feasibility and complexity of the multi-robot motion planning. In comparison to existing literature, the proposed approach simultaneously addresses: (i) the design of multi-robot cells for spot welding; (ii) the allocation of the welding points to the robots on the basis of required cell cycle time. First, the algorithm selects one robot model and one robot fixturing structure. Second, the approach identifies free trajectories among welding points for each couple gun/position of the robot in the fixturing structure through probabilistic roadmaps (PRMs). Third, on the basis of the previous results, an innovative mathematical model selects and allocates the resources taking into account cell investment costs. Finally, the solutions that differ on robot model and robot fixturing structure are compared and the best solution is selected. A test case is provided to show the applicability of the approach.
Effect of Non-Canonical Structures on the DNA Duplex

DNA is constantly being modified by exogenous and endogenous agents, leading to covalent changes to its structure and, if left unrepaired, to permanent changes in sequence. We use a wide variety of biophysical techniques to examine the effect on DNA structure and dynamics of the common base lesion 8-oxoguanine, the cis-syn thymine dimer lesion, single-base mismatches, and bubbles. The stability of duplex formation in the presence of these disturbances is explored using UV melting thermodynamics, calorimetry, and single-molecule force measurements. Duplex structure is analyzed using small molecule reactive probes, circular dichroism, and NOESY spectroscopy. NMR proton exchange experiments reveal locations of dynamic changes to the DNA duplex, including base pair opening and flexibility. By bringing a diverse set of techniques to bear on each non-canonical structure, we have shown the 8oxoG lesion to be surprisingly stable, while the thymine dimer lesion is significantly more labile. Even Hoogsteen-binding "wobble" mismatches can effect the kinetics and thermodynamics of duplex formation in surprising ways. These results complement and extend the information obtained by crystallographic methods to include dynamic and thermodynamic factors.
Differential regulation of two palmitoylation sites in the cytoplasmic tail of the β1-adrenergic receptor

S-Palmitoylation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is a prevalent modification, contributing to the regulation of receptor function. Despite its importance, the palmitoylation status of the β1-adrenergic receptor, a GPCR critical for heart function, has never been determined. We report here that the β1-adrenergic receptor is palmitoylated on three cysteine residues at two sites in the C-terminal tail. One site (proximal) is adjacent to the seventh transmembrane domain and is a consensus site for GPCRs, and the other (distal) is downstream. These sites are modified in different cellular compartments, and the distal palmitoylation site contributes to efficient internalization of the receptor following agonist stimulation. Using a bioorthogonal palmitate reporter to quantify palmitoylation accurately, we found that the rates of palmitate turnover at each site are dramatically different. Although palmitoylation at the proximal site is remarkably stable, palmitoylation at the distal site is rapidly turned over. This is the first report documenting differential dynamics of palmitoylation sites in a GPCR. Our results have important implications for function and regulation of the clinically important β1-adrenergic receptor.
The form of analog size information in memory

The information used to choose the larger of two objects from memory was investigated in two experiments that compared the effects of a number of variables on the performance of subjects who either were instructed to use imagery in the comparison task or were not so instructed. Subjects instructed to use imagery could perform the task more quickly if they prepared themselves with an image of one of the objects at its normal size, rather than with an image that was abnormally big or small, or no image at all. Such subjects were also subject to substantial selective interference when asked to simultaneously maintain irrelevant images of digits. In contrast, when subjects were not specifically instructed to use imagery to reach their decisions, an initial image at normal size did not produce significantly faster decisions than no image, or a large or small image congruent with the correct decision. The selective interference created by simultaneously imaging digits was reduced for subjects not told to base their size comparisons on imagery. The difficulty of the size discrimination did not interact significantly with any other variable. The results suggest that subjects, unless specifically instructed to use imagery, can compare the size of objects in memory using information more abstract than visual imagery.
Texture density adaptation and visual number revisited

Summary Burr and Ross [1] have recently proposed that the visual dimension of number is itself directly adaptable. The aftereffect they describe is one that my colleagues and I previously used to investigate the perception of texture density [2–4]. Burr and Ross [1] argue that the effect is new because it concerns visual number, rather than texture density, but they did not report critical tests to support this claim. Here, I shall briefly describe the striking similarity between our prior work and that of Burr and Ross [1], and discuss how some of our results rule out Burr and Ross's [1] interpretation that numerosity, and not density, is at play. I shall also provide a new demonstration that confirms that these effects are based on density, using a display that explicitly dissociates density from numerosity. Taken together, this line of arguments suggests that Burr and Ross's [1] recent study may best be thought of as replicating support within a well-established line of work on texture density.
Coating of amorphous iron nanoparticles by long-chain alcohols

Coating of long-alkyl-chain alcohols on nanophased amorphous iron nanoparticles has been carried out using the self-assembled technique. The formation of chemical bonds between the substrate and the alcohols was demonstrated by FTIR and XPS measurements. The superparamagnetic nature of the small coated nanoparticles is detected in the magnetization measurements.