cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Need-Efficiency Trade-Offs in the Allocation of Resources: Ideological and Attributional Differences in Public Aid Decision Making 1

We examined whether ideological differences influenced perceptions of the underlying causes of public aid applicants’ predicaments, and whether in turn ideology-patterned attributions accounted for how resource allocators prioritized need- and efficiency-related goals in allocating aid. To examine the need-efficiency trade-off, participants (N=112) divided a hypothetical pool of aid applicants for subsidized health insurance into two “incorrect” allocation outcomes: false alarms (allocate aid to unneedy applicants) and misses (deny aid to needy applicants). Moreover, to examine beliefs about the absolute percentage of aid applicants who are truly in need of societal assistance, participants divided the remaining aid applicants into two “correct” allocation outcomes: hits (allocate aid to needy applicants) and correct rejections (deny aid to unneedy applicants). Results of a series of structural equation models indicated that conservatism was linked to the causal belief that aid applicants’ predicaments arise from dispositional rather than situational factors, which in turn predicted a preference for making efficiency-related over need-related resource allocation judgments (e.g., preferring misses to false alarms) and the belief that a relatively small number of aid applicants are truly in need of societal assistance (e.g., preferring correct rejections to hits). Results are discussed in terms of how ideologically driven attributions influence the manner in which people resolve need-efficiency trade-offs inherent in the context of public aid decision making.
Reglucosylation of N-Linked Glycans Is Critical for Calnexin Assembly with T Cell Receptor (TCR) α Proteins but Not TCRβ Proteins

Association of calnexin with newly synthesized glycoproteins involves recognition of monoglucosylated glycans, generated in the endoplasmic reticulum via initial removal of two glucose (Glc) residues from immature glycan chains by glucosidase enzymes (Glc trimming), or addition of a single Glc residue to fully trimmed glycans by glucosyltransferase enzymes (reglucosylation). While it has been established that creation of monoglucosylated glycans is important for chaperone binding, it is unknown if most proteins require both deglucosylation and reglucosylation for calnexin assembly or if initial Glc trimming is sufficient. Here, we studied the deglucosylation and reglucosylation of two related glycoproteins, the alpha and beta subunits of the T cell receptor (TCR) complex, and their assembly with calnexin in BW thymoma cells. Our data demonstrate that TCRalpha/beta glycoproteins undergo multiple cycles of Glc removal and addition within the endoplasmic reticulum and that numerous reglucosylated proteins assemble with calnexin, including TCRalpha/beta glycoproteins. Importantly, the current study shows that TCRbeta proteins, but not TCRalpha proteins, effectively associate with calnexin under conditions of functional Glc trimming but impaired reglucosylation. These data demonstrate that reglucosylated proteins associate with lectin-like chaperones in vivo and provide evidence that reglucosylation is of differential importance for the association of individual, indeed similar, glycoproteins with calnexin.
A Microscopic and Spectroscopic Study of Interactions between Carbon Nanotubes and a Conjugated Polymer

Production of stable polymer−nanotube composites depends on good wetting interaction between polymer and nanotube, which is polymer specific, and depends in particular on chain conformation. In this paper, we examine this interaction for a conjugated, semiconducting polymer by a range of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, to gain a greater understanding of the binding. Several interesting effects are observed, including an order to the interaction between the polymer and nanotube, the tendency of defects in the nanotube structure to nucleate crystal growth, and substantial changes in the spectroscopic behavior of the polymer due to the effect of the nanotubes on polymer conformation. This is substantiated by computational modeling, which demonstrates that these conformational modifications are due to the interaction with the nanotubes.
Spin-resolved magnetic studies of focused ion beam etched nano-sized magnetic structures

Abstract Scanning ion microscopy with polarization analysis (SIMPA) is used to study the spin-resolved surface magnetic structure of nano-sized magnetic systems. SIMPA is utilized for in situ topographic and spin-resolved magnetic domain imaging as well as for focused ion beam (FIB) etching of desired structures in magnetic or non-magnetic systems. Ultra-thin Co films are deposited on surfaces of Si(1 0 0) substrates, and ultra-thin, tri-layered, bct Fe(1 0 0)/Mn/bct Fe(1 0 0) wedged magnetic structures are deposited on fcc Pd(1 0 0) substrates. SIMPA experiments clearly show that ion-induced electrons emitted from magnetic surfaces exhibit non-zero electron spin polarization (ESP), whereas electrons emitted from non-magnetic surfaces such as Si and Pd exhibit zero ESP, which can be used to calibrate sputtering rates in situ. We report on new, spin-resolved magnetic microstructures, such as magnetic “C” states and magnetic vortices, found at surfaces of FIB patterned magnetic elements. It is found that FIB milling has a negligible effect on surface magnetic domain and domain wall structures. It is demonstrated that SIMPA can evolve into an important and efficient tool to study magnetic domain, domain wall and other structures as well as to perform magnetic depth profiling of magnetic nano-systems to be used in ultra-high density magnetic recording and in magnetic sensors.
Perceptual structure of adductor spasmodic dysphonia and its acoustic correlates.

Summary Objectives To examine the perceptual structure of voice attributes in adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) before and after botulinum toxin treatment and identify acoustic correlates of underlying perceptual factors. Reliability of perceptual judgments is considered in detail. Study Design Pre- and posttreatment trial with comparison to healthy controls, using single-blind randomized listener judgments of voice qualities, as well as retrospective comparison with acoustic measurements. Methods Oral readings were recorded from 42 ADSD speakers before and after treatment as well as from their age- and sex-matched controls. Experienced judges listened to speech samples and rated attributes of overall voice quality, breathiness, roughness, and brokenness, using computer-implemented visual analog scaling. Data were adjusted for regression to the mean and submitted to principal components factor analysis. Acoustic waveforms, extracted from the reading samples, were analyzed and measurements correlated with perceptual factor scores. Results Four reliable perceptual variables of ADSD voice were effectively reduced to two underlying factors that corresponded to hyperadduction, most strongly associated with roughness, and hypoadduction, most strongly associated with breathiness. After treatment, the hyperadduction factor improved, whereas the hypoadduction factor worsened. Statistically significant ( P Conclusions This study supported a two-factor model of ADSD, suggesting perceptual characterization by both hyperadduction and hypoadduction before and after treatment. Responses of the factors to treatment were consistent with previous research. Correlations among perceptual and acoustic variables suggested that multiple acoustic features contributed to the overall impression of roughness. Although CPPs appears to be a partial correlate of perceived breathiness, a physical basis of this percept remained less clear.
Expanding the scope of solvent-free synthesis: entrapment of thermally unstable species

Abstract The use of the acetone monoadduct, [Rh2(O2CCF3)4·(OCMe2)], instead of unligated dirhodium(II) tetrakis(trifluoroacetate) in sublimation–deposition reactions allowed us to study coordination of thermally sensitive 1,4-diiodo-1,3-butadiyne. A new mixed-ligand organometallic compound, [Rh2(O2CCF3)4·(OCMe2)]2·(C4I2), has been isolated in crystalline form and shown by X-ray diffraction study to have an η2(1,2):η2(3,4)-bridging mode of diyne. This has demonstrated the donor ability of the diiodobutadiyne that was previously known to act as a π-acceptor through the Lewis acidic iodine atoms. This work has expanded the temperature limits of the solvent-free synthesis strategy for potential study of thermally unstable species.
Using Action Research to Improve Learning and the Classroom Learning Environment

To a large extent, research in business and the social sciences is based on theoretical constructs about existing organizations, phenomena, or behavior, followed by tests of hypotheses derived from these constructs. The goal usually is to describe or explain the organizations, phenomena, or behavior being studied and/or to generalize the findings to future organizations, phenomena, or behavior. Conversely, the goal of action research is to effect a desirable change within a specific social setting—one in which the researcher is an active participant. It is a value‐driven, cyclical, and transformative process that uses intervention in a setting, based on observation and theoretical constructs, to alleviate an observed problem or to increase the effectiveness of a practice in the setting. This paper describes action research and provides an example of how faculty can use it to help them diminish observed classroom problems or increase the effectiveness of their classroom strategies.
Development of a microarray-based method to detect exposure of human basophils to IL-3.

Abstract Human basophils are an accessible participant of the human allergic reaction. There is natural variation in various functional endpoints and in signaling molecule expression but there has been only a limited effort to place this information in the context of mRNA expression profiles. The goal of these studies was to develop gene transcript profiles associated with IL-3 exposure for use in probing basophil phenotypes. Highly purified human basophils were cultured under several conditions and the cells subsequently analyzed by microarray analysis of gene transcript expression. Basophils were cultured with or without IL-3 for 24 h and the expression profile, relative to pre-culture, analyzed for transcripts that act in a reciprocal fashion depending on the condition. A 51-gene transcript set was identified that was composed of 34 transcripts that increased with IL-3 and decreased without IL-3 and a further 17 transcripts that did the reverse. This set of transcripts was validated on two microarray chips. The changes induced by IL-3 were stable in time, with 3 day cultures generating a signature concordant with 1 day cultures. The inverted nature of the response to ± IL-3 suggested that the normal circulating basophil is balanced between a state of high and low IL-3 exposure and thus is very sensitive to changes in IL-3. For example, the basophil could detect the early generation of IL-3 that follows IgE-mediated stimulation of basophils. When this signature tool was applied to freshly isolated basophils, it was observed that the signature was similar for the same subjects’ basophil sampled weeks apart. It was also shown that the 51-gene transcript was insensitive to the method of preparing purified basophils. Finally, these studies provided an estimate for the normal in vivo exposure of circulating basophils to IL-3 or IL-3-like functionality. These studies identified an IL-3 signature to probe changes in basophils occurring in vivo .
Effect of Peptide Histidine Isoleucine on In Vitro and In Vivo Prolactin Secretion in the Turkey

Abstract Studies were conducted both in vitro, using monolayer cultures of turkey pituitary cells, and in vivo, using ovariectomized turkey hens, steroid-primed ovariectomized hens, and immature toms to compare the effectiveness of peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI) with that of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in stimulating prolactin (PRL) secretion. Vasoactive intestinal peptide, a putative PRL-releasing factor (PRF) in the turkey, was approximately 1000-fold more effective than PHI in stimulating PRL secretion in vitro. Prolactin secretion was significantly enhanced by the exposure of pituitary cells to 10−7M PHI and a similar stimulation was observed with 10−10M VIP. Injection of cannulated, unrestrained turkeys with PHI at doses up to 100 μg per kg of BW caused no significant change in circulating PRL concentrations, but injection of 10 μg of VIP per kg resulted in a 7 to 22-fold increase in plasma PRL concentration within 10 to 30 min following injection. These results demonstrate a marked difference between the turkey and the rat in their response to a PRL-stimulating neuropeptide. In contrast to what was observed in the turkey, PHI is a strong PRF in the rat, with a potency equal to or greater than that of VIP. Earlier studies have shown that thyrotropin-releasing hormone, another strong PRF in mammals, has little consistent PRF activity in the turkey. Thus, the present studies add additional evidence of major differences between mammals and birds in the control of PRL secretion by hypothalamic neuropeptides.
Faculty and Student Relationships: Context Matters

As many as 42% of first and second year students at post-secondary institutions fail to complete their degrees, and of those students, only 15–25% of them drop out due to poor academic performance or for financial reasons. The remainder of them leave college for reasons that are less clear (National Center for Education Statistics 2012). However, positive relationships with key players, including faculty, at colleges and universities have been clearly associated with college persistence and completion. This article is an examination of student-faculty relationships at four-year colleges and universities and the contexts in which their interactions occur. Characteristics of positive relationships are discussed along with descriptions of student and faculty perceptions of the significance of the different contexts in which they interact.
Highly hydrogen selective ceramic membranes: application to the transformation of greenhouse gases

Abstract This paper reports the preparation of modified Vycor glass membranes by several methods: polymerization, dip coating, sol–gel impregnation, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). It was found that a membrane (here called Nanosil) formed by the high-temperature CVD of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) in inert gas exhibited hydrogen selectivities of 100% with respect to CH 4 , CO, CO 2 and H 2 O. The transport of hydrogen was not through Knudsen diffusion, but was activated, and probably involved atomic hydrogen species. The membrane was also stable to hydrothermal stresses (10% H 2 O at 873 K and 1 bar) for over 150 h of operation. The membrane was employed in a catalytic reactor for the dry reforming of methane, CH 4 +CO 2 ⇌2CO+2H 2 , using a 1% Rh/Al 2 O 3 catalyst. As a result of simultaneous reaction and separation, conversions were higher than those obtained in a packed-bed reactor operated at the same conditions, and exceeded equilibrium levels.
The relationship between mirex-induced liver enlargement and the adrenal glands

Abstract A single oral dose of mirex given to male rats produced a doubling in liver mass (liver weight/body weight) within 3 days. The response was both dose and time related. There was an accompanying increase in adrenal gland weight (adrenal weight/body weight). In adrenalectomized animals given a single oral dose of mirex, the increase in liver weight/body weight response was drastically reduced. Adrenalectomized animals given corticosterone supplements showed a similar liver weight increase when given mirex as did intact mirex dosed animals. These results suggest a relationship between mirex-induced liver enlargement and adrenal gland secretions.
Forecasting category sales and market share for wireless telephone subscribers: a combined approach

Abstract The ability to forecast market share remains a challenge for many managers especially in dynamic markets, such as the telecommunications sector. In order to accommodate the unique dynamic characteristics of the telecommunications market, we use a multi-component model, called MSHARE. Our method involves a two-phase process. The first phase consists of three components: a projection method, a ring down survey methodology and a purchase intentions survey. The predictions from these components are combined to forecast category sales for the wireless subscribers market. In the second phase, market shares for the various brands are generated using the forecast of the number of subscribers that are obtained in Phase 1 and the share predictions from the ring down methodology. The proposed methodology produces the minimum Relative Absolute Error for each market as compared to the forecasts from each individual component in the first phase. The value of the proposed model is illustrated by its application to a real world scenario. The managerial implications of the proposed model are also discussed.
Time-bandwidth product of the photonic time-stretched analog-to-digital converter

The time-bandwidth product of the photonic time-stretched system is modeled in terms of physical system parameters. Using the time-bandwidth product as figure-of-merit, the performances of optical double-sideband and single-sideband (SSB) intensity modulation are compared, and optical SSB intensity modulation is identified as a potential solution to extend the system's time-bandwidth product. An SSB-modulated time-stretched system is theoretically analyzed and experimentally demonstrated. As an important practical consideration, the analytical model relating the system performance to the phase and amplitude mismatches in the SSB modulator is presented. The results show that the system is tolerant to such unavoidable mismatches. Experiments using commercially available components suggest that the dispersion-induced power penalty can be kept below 2.5 dB over 4 - 20 GHz bandwidth for any stretch factor. Additional experiments demonstrating 120-GSamples/s real-time digitization of a 20-GHz SSB-modulated signal are also reported.
JOHN DEWEY’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO AN EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Abstract Leading researchers describe the field of special education as sharply divided between two different theories of disability. In this article Scot Danforth takes as his project addressing that division from the perspective of a Deweyan philosophy of the education of students with intellectual disabilities. In 1922, John Dewey authored two articles in New Republic that criticized the use of intelligence tests as both undemocratic and impractical in meeting the needs of teachers. Drawing from these two articles and a variety of Dewey’s other works, Danforth puts forward a Deweyan educational theory of intellectual disability. This theory is perhaps encapsulated in Dewey’s observation that “The democratic faith in human equality is belief that every human being, independent of the quantity or range of his personal endowment, has the right to equal opportunity with every other person for development of whatever gifts he has.”1
Strontium optical lattice clock: 10 −16 uncertainty

We report on the improved characterization and operation of an optical frequency standard based on nuclear-spin-polarized, ultracold neutral strontium confined in a one dimensional optical lattice. We implement a remote optical carrier phase link between JILA and NIST Boulder campus, permitting high precision evaluation of the Sr system with other optical standards. Frequency measurement against a free-space Ca standard enables determination of systematic shifts of the Sr standard at or below 1 x 10-16 fractional uncertainty. We observe a density-dependent shift of the clock transition and its dependence on excited state fraction, with a zero crossing of the shift. We perform a 50-hour-long absolute frequency measurement of the strontium transition referenced to the NIST-F1 Cs fountain standard. This yields a value for the Sr clock transition frequency with a fractional uncertainty of 8.6 x 10-16, limited by the H-maser and Cs standards used. This represents our fifth, and the most accurate, measurement of the 87Sr clock frequency.
An asymmetric model for XPS analysis

The process of determining the overlapping peaks in complex X-ray photoelectron spectra of polymer surfaces is posed mathematically as an inverse problem whose solution can be reduced to a standard least-squares procedure. Various models can be generated by assuming specific forms for the distribution of effective binding energies corresponding to photoelectron kinetic energies and for the spreading kernel characteristic of the spectrometer. A particular generalized asymmetric model is developed for monochromatic X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of polymer surfaces based on physically meaningful electron energy loss characteristics and assuming the spreading kernel to possess both Gaussian and Lorentzian forms. Computer fits to experimental X-ray photoelectron spectra indicate that the asymmetric model and curve-fitting procedures employed offer an effective and flexible means for analyzing X-ray photoelectron spectra.
New Forecasting Methodology Indicates More Disease And Earlier Mortality Ahead For Today's Younger Americans

Traditional methods of projecting population health statistics, such as estimating future death rates, can give inaccurate results and lead to inferior or even poor policy decisions. A new “three-dimensional” method of forecasting vital health statistics is more accurate because it takes into account the delayed effects of the health risks being accumulated by today’s younger generations. Applying this forecasting technique to the US obesity epidemic suggests that future death rates and health care expenditures could be far worse than currently anticipated. We suggest that public policy makers adopt this more robust forecasting tool and redouble efforts to develop and implement effective obesity-related prevention programs and interventions.
Schur complements on Hilbert spaces and saddle point systems

For any continuous bilinear form defined on a pair of Hilbert spaces satisfying the compatibility Ladyshenskaya-Babusca-Brezzi condition, symmetric Schur complement operators can be defined on each of the two Hilbert spaces. In this paper, we find bounds for the spectrum of the Schur operators only in terms of the compatibility and continuity constants. In light of the new spectral results for the Schur complements, we review the classical Babusca-Brezzi theory, find sharp stability estimates, and improve a convergence result for the inexact Uzawa algorithm. We prove that for any symmetric saddle point problem, the inexact Uzawa algorithm converges, provided that the inexact process for inverting the residual at each step has the relative error smaller than 1/3. As a consequence, we provide a new type of algorithm for discretizing saddle point problems, which combines the inexact Uzawa iterations with standard a posteriori error analysis and does not require the discrete stability conditions.
The reef-building coral Siderastrea siderea exhibits parabolic responses to ocean acidification and warming

Anthropogenic increases in atmospheric CO 2 over this century are predicted to cause global average surface ocean pH to decline by 0.1–0.3 pH units and sea surface temperature to increase by 1–4°C. We conducted controlled laboratory experiments to investigate the impacts of CO 2 -induced ocean acidification ( p CO 2 = 324, 477, 604, 2553 µatm) and warming (25, 28, 32°C) on the calcification rate of the zooxanthellate scleractinian coral Siderastrea siderea , a widespread, abundant and keystone reef-builder in the Caribbean Sea. We show that both acidification and warming cause a parabolic response in the calcification rate within this coral species. Moderate increases in p CO 2 and warming, relative to near-present-day values, enhanced coral calcification, with calcification rates declining under the highest p CO 2 and thermal conditions. Equivalent responses to acidification and warming were exhibited by colonies across reef zones and the parabolic nature of the corals9 response to these stressors was evident across all three of the experiment9s 30-day observational intervals. Furthermore, the warming projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for the end of the twenty-first century caused a fivefold decrease in the rate of coral calcification, while the acidification projected for the same interval had no statistically significant impact on the calcification rate—suggesting that ocean warming poses a more immediate threat than acidification for this important coral species.
Science and Mathematics Teachers' Experiences, Needs, and Expectations regarding Professional Development.

High quality teachers are essential to improving the teaching and learning of mathematics and science, necessitating effective professional development (PD) and learning environments for teachers. However, many PD programs for science and mathematics teachers fall short because they fail to consider teacher background, experience, knowledge, beliefs, and needs (Loucks-Horsley, Love, Stiles, Mundry, & Hewson, 2003). To develop more effective PD systems, it is necessary to assess and identify teachers’ PD needs, expectations, experiences and constraints. In this manuscript, we describe the findings from a study that examined the PD experiences, needs, expectations, and constraints of middle and high school science and mathematics teachers in one state in the U.S. We examine similarities and differences between science and mathematics teachers and among teachers from urban, suburban and rural schools. The findings from this study suggest that mathematics and science teachers participate in a minimal amount of PD and that a number of factors contribute to this reality. Furthermore, science and mathematics teachers do not experience effective PD learning environments described by Bransford, Brown & Cocking (2000) and there is a mismatch between teachers’ PD needs and experiences.
Time-frequency distribution analysis of scattering from waveguide cavities

The time-frequency distributions (TFD) analysis of the electromagnetic scattering from a circular waveguide cavity is investigated. Two time-frequency representations, the Wigner distribution and the running-window Fourier transform, are applied to the frequency-domain scattering data and the results are compared. For the cavity, propagating modes and cutoff frequencies can be determined from the TFD, whereas neither time nor frequency representations will provide such information directly. >
Factors Associated With Adolescents' Propensity to Drive With Multiple Passengers and to Engage in Risky Driving Behaviors

Abstract Purpose Research shows that parenting factors and individual difference variables, such as sensation seeking (SS) and risk perceptions (RPs), are associated with increased motor vehicle crash risk for young drivers. The presence of peer passengers is also known to be associated with increased crash risk. However, as previous studies did not study these factors concurrently, less is known about the factors that are associated with driving with peer passengers and if peer passengers may mediate the effect of parenting and individual difference variables on adolescents' engagement in risky driving behavior. Methods We examined predictors of driving with multiple passengers (DWMPs) and explored it as a potential mediator of pathways from three factors: (1) SS, (2) RPs, and (3) Parental monitoring and rule-setting to risky driving behaviors in a convenience sample of 198 adolescent drivers using a cross-sectional Web-based survey. Results Findings indicate that both stronger RPs and perceiving parents as strong monitors and rule setters were associated with less engagement in risky driving, whereas greater SS was associated with more engagement in risky driving; RPs, monitoring, and SS were also significantly associated with DWMPs in these same directions. DWMPs partially mediated the effect of these risk factors on risky driving behavior. Conclusions Results inform theory and policy by examining factors associated with risk taking in the context of adolescent driving. Interventions can be developed to complement graduated driver licensing laws by targeting individual difference variables and decreasing opportunities for peer passenger carriage.
Adaptive sparse optimization for coherent and quasi-stationary problems using context-based constraints

Stationarity of the sparse coefficients as well as the sparseness of their support, along with incoherence assumptions related to restricted isometry, are fundamental to compressive sensing and sparse optimization. However, scientific study of many sparse processes encountered in nature as well as engineering applications necessitates solving ill-conditioned optimization metrics and tracking rapidly fluctuating coefficients where such incoherence and stationarity assumptions are difficult to satisfy. We propose to close the gap between mathematical optimality of sparse reconstruction and practical constraints of real-world applications by combining contextual information as external constraints to the traditional sparse optimization problem. Specifically, we explore the unobservable dimensions in a coherent reconstruction problem by navigating the non-convex topography of a modified mixed norm metric proposed in earlier work. Investigations based on simulated and experimental field data are provided.
GaN-on-Si technology, a new approach for advanced devices in energy and communications

The Si substrate of GaN-on-Si wafers offers new opportunities to increase the functionality and performance of nitride-based devices. This paper will review three examples of these new devices/systems. First, GaN-on-Si substrates allow the on-chip heterogeneous integration of GaN and Si electronics. Second, the easy removal of the Si substrate through dry or wet etching gives access to the N-face of the GaN layer, and all the new device structures that this orientation enables. Finally, the use of Si substrates for the growth of GaN high voltage switches makes the cost of these devices competitive with Si devices, and the total or partial etch of Si brings a new degree of freedom to increase the breakdown and performance of GaN transistors.
Glycoxidation and inflammation in renal failure patients.

Abstract Background: Inflammation is common in patients with chronic renal failure and has been associated with the increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in this condition. Advanced glycoxidation end products (AGEs) are among the factors implicated in the inflammatory state of chronic renal failure. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 189 dialysis patients, we measured circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) to test for possible relationships between them and serum AGE levels. In addition, these parameters were measured in a subgroup of 18 patients with chronic renal failure randomly assigned to a 4-week diet, either low (L-AGE) or high (H-AGE) in AGE content. AGEs were measured by means of a monoclonal antibody against ɛN-carboxymethyllysine. Results: At baseline, serum AGE levels, as well as those for CRP, TNF-α, VCAM-1, and VEGF, were markedly elevated, although no correlation was found between AGE levels and the other markers. Dietary AGE modulation resulted in a significant decrease in levels of serum AGEs, CRP, and PAI-1 in the L-AGE group (∼35%, 44%, and 17%, respectively; P
Augmenter of liver regeneration: a flavin-dependent sulfhydryl oxidase with cytochrome c reductase activity.

Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR; hepatopoietin) is a recently discovered enigmatic flavin-linked sulfhydryl oxidase. An N-terminal His-tagged construct of the short form of the human protein has been overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Several lines of evidence suggest that, contrary to a recent report, human ALR is a disulfide-bridged dimer (linked via C15−C124) with two free cysteine residues (C74 and 85) per monomer. The C15−124 disulfides are not critical for dimer formation and have insignificant impact on the dithiothreitol (DTT) oxidase activity of ALR. Although the crystal structure of rat ALR shows a proximal disulfide (C62−C65) poised to interact with the FAD prosthetic group [Wu, C. K., Dailey, T. A., Dailey, H. A., Wang, B. C., and Rose, J. P. (2003) Protein Sci. 12, 1109−1118], only flavin reduction is evident during redox titrations of the enzyme. ALR forms large amounts of neutral semiquinone during aerobic turnover with DTT. This semiquinone arises, in part, by comproportionation betwe...
Anger and the behavioral approach system

Two studies were conducted to test the hypothesis that trait anger is related to trait behavioral approach sensitivity (BAS). In both studies, trait BAS, as assessed by Carver and White's (1994) scale, was positively related to trait anger, as assessed by the Buss and Perry (1992) aggression questionnaire. One of the two studies found that trait anger also related to trait behavioral inhibition sensitivity (BIS) at the simple correlation level. In both studies, statistically controlling for general negative affect, which correlates with both anger and BIS, revealed that BAS and not BIS related to anger. In these regression analyses, general negative affect also related to anger, suggesting that BAS and general negative affect independently contribute to anger. Additional results in Study 2 revealed that BAS was positively correlated with physical aggression, and regressing aggression onto BAS, BIS, and general negative affect revealed that physical aggression was positively related to BAS, negatively related to BIS, and positively related to negative affect. Together with other research on anger and left frontal cortical activity (e.g. Harmon-Jones & Sigelman, 2001), the present results strongly challenge theoretical models that assume that approach motivation is associated only with positive affect.
Corrosion of steel bars in saturated Ca(OH)2 and concrete pore solution

Testing steel in solution has the advantage of avoiding the long time necessary for chlorides to penetrate the concrete cover. It is well known that steel in high alkaline environments is passive and the protective capability of the passive film increases with pH. The pH of saturated calcium hydroxide solution is lower than concrete pore solution which does induce passivation but not to the degree encountered by steel in good quality concrete. Nevertheless, saturated calcium hydroxide has been used in many studies of rebar corrosion as a substitute for pore solution. This paper discusses the electrochemical behavior of low carbon steel bars is chloride free and chloride contaminated pore solution and saturated calcium hydroxide solution. Results show that the passive film on the steel immersed in pore solution and saturated Ca(OH) 2 have similar composition. However, as a result of lower pH in saturated Ca(OH) 2 solution, the passive layer formed in this solution is less protective and does not offer enough passivity to steel to simulate a realistic concrete environment.
The Effects of 30Hz Theta Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (P01.171)

Objective: To examine the effects of 30Hz Theta Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TBS) in healthy adults. Background The safety parameters of the Magstim SuperRapid2® limit the stimulation intensity of 50Hz TBS. By lowering the burst frequency to 30Hz, we are able to increase this limit, thus expanding the population that may participate in TBS research. Design/Methods: Seventeen right-handed healthy adults (32.5+/-9.3years; M:F=7:10) completed intermittent and continuous TBS (iTBS, cTBS) over the left motor cortex. TBS was performed with Magstim SuperRapid2® using published settings, except: 1) stimulation intensity was set higher, at 90% of Resting Motor Threshold (RMT), and 2) 30Hz, rather than 50Hz, burst frequency was used. Motor-Evoked Potentials (MEP) in the right first dorsal interosseous muscle were measured before, and one and 10 minutes after TBS. Before and 20 minutes after TBS, subjects also completed a stop-signal choice reaction time task consisting of choosing either X or O after a visual cue but stopping when a tone follows. The delay time for the tone is automatically adjusted to yield a ∼50% accuracy in the stop signal inhibition. Stop Signal Reaction Time (SSRT) is calculated by subtracting the Mean tone Delay (MD) from the Choice Reaction Time (CRT). We used repeated-measures ANOVA to compare MEPs and paired t-test to analyze stop-signal task measures. Results: 30Hz iTBS increased, while cTBS decreased MEP amplitudes with a significant Group*Time effect (p=0.009). After iTBS, CRT (p=0.006) and MD (p=0.010) increased. SSRT was not different (p=0.40). Reaction time measures did not change after cTBS. Conclusions: Similar to conventional (50Hz) TBS, 30Hz iTBS increases and cTBS decreases MEP amplitudes. Uniquely, 30Hz iTBS significantly changed responses on several stop signal reaction time measures. This technique, which can be used with higher intensities, merits further exploration in populations such as children who have higher RMTs. Supported by: 1. Tourette Syndrome Association (Steve Wu) 2. R01 MH081854 (Donald Gilbert). Disclosure: Dr. Gilbert has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Pediatrics Review and Education Program R11. Dr. Gilbert has received research support from Psyadon Pharmaceuticals and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Shahana has nothing to disclose. Dr. Huddleston has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wu has received research support from Psyadon Pharmaceuticals, Otsuka Pharmaceutical and Genzyme Corporation.
The Complex Dynamics of Farm Growth

Economic change is richly varied as one readily discovers when comparing historical eras, geographical regions and different organisational situations. Long-established trends occasionally reverse themselves. Growth, for example, may switch over to decline or decline may change into growth. Commodity supplies and prices often fluctuate in irregular, and seemingly unpredictable, patterns. New scarcities and sometimes new surpluses arise. The future of one group of firms or households improves while that of another group declines. Occasionally, the entire economic system, or part of it, stops working or is threatened with breakdown.
Roles of SPARC in urothelial carcinogenesis, progression and metastasis

// Neveen Said 1 1 Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston Salem, NC, USA Correspondence to: Neveen Said, email: // Keywords : SPARC, urinary bladder, carcinogenesis, cell cycle, inflammation Received : April 01, 2016 Accepted : July 27, 2016 Published : August 24, 2016 Abstract Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular glycoprotein that is implicated in myriad physiological and pathological conditions characterized by extensive remodeling and plasticity. The functions and disease association of SPARC in cancer is being increasingly appreciated as it plays multi-faceted contextual roles depending on the cancer type, cell of origin and the unique cancer milieu at both primary and metastatic sites. Herein we will review our current knowledge of the role of SPARC in the multistep cascades of urinary bladder carcinogenesis, progression and metastasis from preclinical models and clinical data and shine the light on its prognostic and therapeutic potentials.
mTORC2 Puts Its Shoulder to Krebs' Wheel.

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Moloughney et al. (2016) find that mTORC2 responds to falling levels of glucose and glutamine catabolites, promoting glutaminolysis and preserving the TCA cycle and hexosamine biosynthesis.
The impact of social support, unit cohesion, and trait resilience on PTSD in treatment-seeking military personnel with PTSD: The role of posttraumatic cognitions.

Abstract Background The personal resources of social support, unit cohesion, and trait resilience have been found to be associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity among military personnel. However, the underlying mechanisms of these relationships are unclear. We hypothesized that negative posttraumatic cognitions, which are associated with PTSD, mediate the relationships between these personal resources and PTSD. Methods The relationship between PTSD symptom severity and a latent factor comprised of social support, unit cohesion, and trait resilience was evaluated using cross-sectional data from 366 treatment-seeking active duty military personnel with PTSD following deployments to or near Iraq or Afghanistan. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test whether posttraumatic cognitions mediated this relationship. Results The SEM model indicated that (1) a robust latent variable named personal resources (indicated by social support, unit cohesion, and trait resilience) was negatively associated with PTSD severity; (2) personal resources were negatively associated with negative posttraumatic cognitions; (3) negative posttraumatic cognitions fully mediated the association between personal resources and PTSD severity. The final SEM mediation model showed a highly satisfactory fit [ χ 2 (22) = 16.344, p = 0.798; χ 2 / df = 0.743; CFI = 1; RMSEA = 0.000]. Conclusions These findings suggest that among active duty military personnel seeking treatment for PTSD, personal resources (social support, unit cohesion, and trait resilience) may mitigate PTSD severity by reducing negative posttraumatic cognitions.
Workup and Diagnostic Testing

The workup of a patient undergoing minimally invasive lateral spine surgery begins with a through history and physical, focusing on patient specific characteristics that allow the surgeon to approach the spine via this technique and achieve a successful outcome. Adjunctive studies and radiographic analysis are also critical to ensure the possibility of utilizing a lateral approach in a safe manner. Patient education regarding the nuances of lateral access spinal surgery during the workup can moderate patient expectation and eliminate uncertainty.
Student Responsibility for Learning.

This paper presents the results of a study of student responsibility for learning, utilizing a student perspective. On the basis of a four-month participant/observation and 52 interviews with sixth and seventh graders at a California middle school, six categories were found that students viewed as being their responsibilities for learning. The categories, from the most to least frequently mentioned, were: (1) Do the Work, (2) Obey the Rules, (3) Pay Attention, (4) Learn or Study, (5) Try or Make an Effort, and (6) Responsibility as Something Given or Taken. It was concluded that the students did not perceive school as a place for learning, saw school as neither challenging nor as allowing them enough control to make the work challenging, and although they said they felt responsible for learning, they were actually just "being held responsible" rather than "being responsible."
A 0.5MHz mode-matched pitch or roll annulus gyroscope with nano-gap slanted electrodes for quadrature cancellation

This paper presents, for the first time, the effective quadrature cancellation in a high-frequency pitch or roll bulk acoustic wave (BAW) gyroscope to enable perfect mode-matching for sensitivity improvement and noise reduction. The presented gyroscope has a high operation frequency of 0.5MHz and high translational stiffness for shock and vibration robustness. Quadrature cancellation, which is the biggest challenge in high-performance pitch or roll gyroscopes, is achieved by incorporating nano-gap slanted electrodes through the new HARPSS+ fabrication process, which combines anisotropic wet-etching of silicon with conventional DRIE-based HARPSS process. The HARPSS+ process enables precision capacitive transduction and tuning in all desired orientations, providing tuning coverage over typical process corners and significantly improving the yield of pitch or roll gyroscopes. Quadrature cancellation is verified on fabricated devices, allowing a perfectly mode-matched operation with a scale factor of 95.2pA/(°/s) and an open-loop bandwidth of 15Hz. The HARPS S+ process also enables simultaneous fabrication of single-chip tri-axial BAW gyroscopes: high-frequency (0.5–5MHz) gyroscopic modes with high quality factors (10,000s–100,000s) are measured on both yaw and pitch/roll BAW gyroscopes on the same wafer.
Interrupting an Imminent Body Current Fault and Restoring Full Power in Milliseconds on a DIII-D National Fusion Facility Gyrotron

AbstractAn imminent gyrotron body current fault can now be detected and avoided in less than 10 µs using a high-resolution, real-time, high-voltage reference waveform generator with signal analyzer subroutines. The gyrotron is restarted and full power resumed in a little over 10 ms.
Individual strategies in adaptation to altered auditory feedback

Speakers monitor themselves while talking. When they hear a real-time altered version of their speech, they will change their articulation so that when they hear their altered speech, it matches their acoustic target [Houde and Jordan (1998, Science 20;279(5354):1213–1216)]. The experiment presented here used the novel addition of ultrasound imaging to reveal how speakers (n = 30) change their articulations in response to two different formant perturbations: raising of F1 in “head” and F2 in “hood.” Principal components analysis was used to identify speakers' individual strategies during adaptation. Some speakers use a single strategy for an entire adaptation block, while others change strategy. Speakers are also known to change production in a formant that was not altered [Katseff et al. (2010, JASA 127(3), 1955)]. The ultrasound analysis shows that at least for some speakers, change in two formants is linked to independent and uncorrelated articulatory components and possibly serves a perceptual purpose in compensation, rather than being an unintended result of the compensatory response. Preliminary results (n = 4) of adaptation to raising F3 in “heard” will also be presented. Modeling with the Maeda and Manzara synthesizers [Bakst and Johnson (2016, JASA 140(4), 3223)] correctly predicted speakers' articulatory strategies.
Cartilage Degeneration in Relation to Repetitive Pressure Case Study of a Unilateral Hip Hemiarthroplasty Patient

In vivo acetabular contact pressures were measured over 32 months in an elderly man with a pressure instrumented hemiarthroplasty. After death, left (hemiarthroplasty) and right (control) acetabula were explanted. Cartilage thickness and degeneration were quantified from magnetic resonance imaging and histological analysis. Highest repetitive in vivo contact pressures during gait (4.5 to 6.5 MPa) were measured in the superior dome of the acetabulum and decreased at a rate of approximately 1 MPa per year after implant (R2 = 0.48, P < .001). Contact pressure magnitudes measured during gait correlated positively with regional histology score (R2 = 0.34, P < .0001) and negatively with cartilage thickness (R2 = 0.35, P < .0001). Although histology scores were typical of early osteoarthritis (histological grade of 4–6), there were no significant differences in overall histology score for the left and right acetabula (P = .23). We conclude that acetabular cartilage degeneration was explained, in part, by repetitive stress, but the degeneration did not appear to be mediated solely by articulation with the metallic endoprosthesis.