cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quasivelocities and stabilization of relative equilibria of underactuated nonholonomic systems

This paper is concerned with the theory of quasivelocities and its applications to control. The equations of motion of a mechanical system are derived using the Lagrange-d'Alembert principle written in an arbitrary configuration-dependent frame. The structure of the equations of motion written in quasivelocities is utilized in the design of a nonlinear feedback stabilizing controller for an example of a nonholonomically constrained underactuated system.
Why Teach Thinking?-An Essay

Les efforts recents pour apprendre a penser pourraient rester sans effets sans une theorie de ce qui doit etre enseigne et pourquoi. L'analyse des raisonnements errones suggere qu'il faut souligner l'importance de la pensee active et ouverte (incluant la recherche des raisons qui font qu'une premiere conclusion peut etre fausse) et de la reflexion sur les regles de l'inference, tels que les algorithmes utilises dans les decisions et les jugements. La formation a deux raisons d'etre: elle aide les etudiants a penser par eux-memes et les prepare a comprendre la nature des savoirs specialises et plus generalement la nature des disciplines scientifiques. Ce deuxieme volet, trop souvent neglige dans les discussions academiques, doit etre retenu dans les formations au raisonnement dans les specialites scientifiques
Variant of Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 (TCF7L2) Gene and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Large Cohorts of U.S. Women and Men

Emerging evidence indicates that variation in the transcription factor 7-like 2 ( TCF7L2 ) gene may play a role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. In a prospective, nested, case-control study ( n = 3,520) within the Nurses’ Health Study (687 type 2 diabetic case and 1,051 control subjects) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (886 case and 896 control subjects), we examined the association of a common variant of the TCF7L2 gene (rs12255372 [T/G]) with type 2 diabetes risk among Caucasians. Frequencies of the T-allele were significantly higher among case than control subjects; each copy of the T-allele was associated with a 1.32-fold ( P = 0.0002) and 1.53-fold ( P < 0.0001) increased type 2 diabetes risk in women and men, respectively. The odds ratios (95% CI) associated with homozygous carriers of the T-allele were 1.86 (1.30–2.67) and 2.15 (1.48–3.13) in women and men, respectively. Population-attributable risks for diabetes associated with the T-allele were 14.8 and 22.3% for women and men, respectively. In a meta-analysis of 3,347 case and 3,947 control sujects, each copy of the T-allele was associated with a 1.48-fold increased risk ( P < 10−16). Our findings confirm that the TCF7L2 gene represents an important locus for predicting inherited susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.
Inhomogeneous human torso model of magnetohydrodynamic blood flow potentials generated in the MR environment

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) voltages resulting from blood flow in a magnetic field contribute to the ECG acquired in the MR environment. These MHD voltages may result in triggering problems for MR image acquisition, since the ECG is typically used for gating. Comsol Multiphysics software was used to model blood flow through the aorta in an inhomogeneous 3D human torso model in a 3.0 Tesla static magnetic field. These voltages were compared with experimentally acquired MHD voltages as well as MHD voltages computed using a simplified torso model. The maximum MHD voltage magnitude was 0.2 mV for the experimental data, 3.04 mV for the simplified model and 0.285 mV for the inhomogeneous torso model. Modeling MHD voltages using an inhomogeneous torso model may aid in optimizing ECG electrode placement for cardiac MRI. In addition, analysis of MHD not only as interference, but also as a physiological signal, may provide blood flow information.
QRS Duration on Electrocardiography and Cardiovascular Mortality (from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey—III)

The relation of bundle branch block (BBB) with adverse outcome is controversial. We hypothesized that increased QRS duration is an independent predictor of cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a cross-sectional US population. This is a retrospective cohort study on prospectively collected data to assess the relationship between QRS duration on routine ECG and CV mortality. Participants included 8,527 patients with ECG data available from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data set, representing 74,062,796 individuals in the United States. Mean age was 60.5 ± 13.6 years. Most subjects were white (87%) and women (53%). During the follow-up period of 106,244.6 person-years, 1,433 CV deaths occurred. Multivariate analysis revealed that the highest quartile of QRS duration was associated with higher CV mortality than lowest quartile (hazard ratio [HR] 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.7, p = 0.04) after adjustment for established risk factors. Both left BBB (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.7, p = 0.009) and right BBB (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.0, p = 0.008) were significantly associated with increased CV mortality. The addition of the QRS duration in 10-millisecond increments to the Framingham Risk Score model resulted in 4.4% overall net reclassification improvement (95% CI 0.02 to 0.04; p = 0.00006). In conclusion, increased QRS duration was found to be an independent predictor of CV mortality in this cross-sectional US population. A model including QRS duration in addition to traditional risk factors was associated with improved CV risk prediction.
Tertiary Structure Predictions on a Comprehensive Benchmark of Medium to Large Size Proteins

We evaluate tertiary structure predictions on medium to large size proteins by TASSER, a new algorithm that assembles protein structures through rearranging the rigid fragments from threading templates guided by a reduced Cα and side-chain based potential consistent with threading based tertiary restraints. Predictions were generated for 745 proteins 201–300 residues in length that cover the Protein Data Bank (PDB) at the level of 35% sequence identity. With homologous proteins excluded, in 365 cases, the templates identified by our threading program, PROSPECTOR_3, have a root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) to native 70% alignment coverage. After TASSER assembly, in 408 cases the best of the top five full-length models has a RMSD < 6.5 A. Among the 745 targets are 18 membrane proteins, with one-third having a predicted RMSD < 5.5 A. For all representative proteins less than or equal to 300 residues that have corresponding multiple NMR structures in the Protein Data Bank, ≈20% of the models generated by TASSER are closer to the NMR structure centroid than the farthest individual NMR model. These results suggest that reasonable structure predictions for nonhomologous large size proteins can be automatically generated on a proteomic scale, and the application of this approach to structural as well as functional genomics represent promising applications of TASSER.
Irrationality and beliefs in a laboratory asset market: Is it me or is it you?

Abstract This paper reports on an experiment designed to examine individual and market outcomes with a mixture of rational and non-rational traders. Using values elicited via auctions, we measure a specific form of irrationality: the tendency to overweight high payoff, low probability events, or probability judgment error. Subjects are classified by their tendency to exhibit errors, as well as their beliefs regarding whether others will make errors. Subjects then participate in a series of double auction markets. The results indicate that both probability judgment error and beliefs about other subjects’ susceptibility to probability judgment error have significant impact on individual and market outcomes.
Attitudes Toward The Use Of Quarantine In A Public Health Emergency In Four Countries

ABSTRACT: Countries worldwide face the threat of emerging infectious diseases. To understand the public's reaction to the use of widespread quarantine should such an outbreak occur, the Harvard Sch...
Petrogenesis of Ultramafic Xenoliths from the 1800 Kaupulehu Flow, Hualalai Volcano, Hawaii

The 1800 Kaupulehu flow on Hualalai Volcano, Hawaii, contains abundant xenoliths of dunite, wehrlite, and olivine clinopyroxenite with minor gabbro, troctolite, anorthosite, and websterite. The petrography and mineral compositions of 41 dunite, wehrlite, and olivine clinopyTOxenite xenoliths have been studied, and clinopyroxene separates from eight of these have been analyzed for Ba, K, Rb, Sr, rare earth elements, 87Sr/*6Sr, and 143Nd/14*Nd. Temperatures of equilibration obtained by olivine-spinel and pyroxene geothermometry range from 1000 to 1200 °C. Mineralogical data combined with published fluid inclusion data indicate depths of origin in the range of 8-30 km. The rarity of orthopyroxene, the presence of Fe-rich olivine (Fog, _89) and clinopyroxene (Fs3 _,2X and the occurrence of high TiO2 in spinel (0-9-2-8 wt.%) and clinopyroxene (0-35—1-33 wt.%) all indicate that the xenoliths are cumulates, not residues from partial fusion. The separated clinopyroxenes have 87Sr/*6Sr (0-70348-0-70367) and '"Nd/'^Nd (O-51293-O-51299) values that are different from Sr and Nd isotope ratios of Pacific abyssal basalts ( 0-5130, respectively). Also, clinopyroxenes and spinels in the xenoliths have generally higher TiO2 contents (>O-35 and >0-91 wt.%, respectively) than their counterparts in abyssal cumulates (<0-40 and <0-70wt%, respectively). These differences indicate that the xenoliths are not a normal component of oceanic crust Because the xenoliths and alkalic to transitional Hualalai lavas have similar values for Cr/(Cr +Al)
Editorial: Pediatric Psychology and the National Institutes of Health

External grant support has assumed increasing importance in the field of pediatric psychology. For example, during 2004, 41.5% of research articles published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology contained author acknowledgments noting that the research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and another 27.8% of the articles published acknowledged support from another federal agency or foundation. Thus, over two-thirds of research published in the Journal has endorsed support from external agencies. Although specific data are as of yet unavailable for 2005, it is suspected that external support for research articles published in 2005 will exceed that of 2004. Thus, investigator-initiated grants are driving research in pediatric psychology. In contrast, two decades ago little research
How far cardiac cells can see each other mechanically

We ask the question whether cardiac cells, separated by a soft solid medium, can interact with one another mechanically, and if so, then how does the interaction depend on cell–cell separation, and the stiffness of the medium. First, we show that cardiac cells can be stimulated by a mechanical signal alone. We culture primary chicken embryonic cardiomyocytes on a 2D soft substrate. A mechanical probe is used to apply local cyclic stretch on the substrate near quiescent cells (cells not beating). Within 10 cycles of stretch, the cells begin to beat, and continue to do so for hours after the stimulation, while control non-beating cells remain quiescent. Next, we show that a beating cardiac cell (instead of the probe) can stimulate a neighbor. Our 2D culture of cardiomyocytes on a deformable soft substrate (0.5–1 kPa) shows that closer the cells are as a pair, higher is the probability of both of them beating over longer time. This probability is much higher than that of both cells beating as a pair when they are cultured on a harder substrate (47 kPa), or the probability of a single cell beating on the same soft substrate (0.5–1 kPa). The cell–cell interaction, namely, the stretch induced by one contractile cell onto another is modeled using the principles of continuum mechanics. The close correspondence between the predicted cell–cell interaction and the experimental observations suggests that cardiac cells are mechanically coupled through the deformable substrate, and that the coupling decreases with increasing distance between them and the substrate stiffness. The quantitative analysis and the experimental results provide a biophysical basis for the understanding of cell–cell interaction in cardiac tissue through the deformation field of the in vivo soft microenvironment.
Value and utility of 532 nanometre pulsed potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser in endoscopic laryngeal surgery.

Objectives:Recently, the 532 nm pulsed potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser has emerged as an effective angiolytic laser for treating mucosal lesions of the larynx in the operating theatre and clinic. We sought to assess the current impact of potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser on our laryngeal surgery practice.Study design:Retrospective review of 710 patients undergoing endoscopic laryngeal surgery over a one-year period.Methods:Medical records of the endoscopic laryngeal procedures were reviewed; 386/710 had been performed in the clinic and 324/710 in the operating theatre under general anaesthesia. Indications for the procedures were classified by pathology.Results:Pulsed potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser was used in 209/386 clinic procedures. The indications for these procedures were: dysplasia (114/209 procedures), papillomatosis (89/209), varices or ectasia (three of 209), and ‘other’ (three of 209). Pulsed potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser was used in 178/324 operating theatre endoscopic laryngeal procedures. The indications for these procedures were: cancer (54/178 procedures), dysplasia (52/178), papillomatosis (38/178), varices or ectasia (13/178), polyps (six of 178), nodules (six of 178), stenosis (five of 178), granulation (three of 178), and amyloid (one of 178).Conclusions:Due to its versatility, the 532 nm pulsed potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser is our most commonly utilised instrument for performing endoscopic laryngeal surgery.
Safety of a new, single, integrated, closed photopheresis system in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Summary Background Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an approved palliative treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). The THERAKOS™ CELLEX™ (continuous flow separation) system (Therakos, Exton, PA, U.S.A.) has been developed from the current THERAKOS™ UVAR® XTS™ system. It is designed to reduce treatment times and extracorporeal volumes, and allows the use of either a single- or a dual-needle configuration. Objectives To assess the safety of the THERAKOS™ CELLEX™ system to provide ECP for patients with CTCL. Methods Patients received ECP with the THERAKOS™ CELLEX™ system for up to 6 months. The treatment schedule was defined by their current treatment and response to ECP. At least 150 treatments were required to assess safety of the new system. Safety was assessed using reports of adverse device effects (ADEs) and unanticipated ADEs (UADEs), device malfunctions and defects, vital signs, laboratory parameters and physical examinations. Results Thirteen patients were enrolled and 12 completed the study; 155 ECP treatments were initiated and 153 completed. There were no ADEs or UADEs reported during the study. The mean treatment time was shorter for patients who received dual- compared with single-needle treatments (74·4 vs. 103·0 min, P < 0·0001) and the extracorporeal volume was lower (216 vs. 266 mL). Conclusions This new ECP system provides lower extracorporeal volumes, faster treatment times, and flexibility to use either single- or dual-needle access, while not being associated in this study with any ADEs, and therefore having a positive benefit-risk ratio for patients with CTCL.
AN ALMOST IDEAL DEMAND SYSTEM MODEL OF HOUSEHOLD VEHICLE FUEL EXPENDITURE ALLOCATION IN THE UNITED STATES

In this study I model vehicle-fuel expenditure allocation in multi-vehicle households based on the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS). Using data from surveys conducted by the Energy Information Administration in 1988, 1991 and 1994, I estimate the AIDS model, augmented with a comprehensive set of household and vehicle characteristics for households owning 1 to 4 vehicles ordered by vehicle age. Results show that vehicle characteristics are the most significant factors in the expenditure allocation process. Mean and standard deviation of price, expenditure and Allen substitution elasticities are calculated across households. Own-price elasticities for all vehicles are close to 1. Allen substitution elasticities indicate that all vehicle pairs are substitutes, and only vehicle 1 is found to be expenditure inelastic. The approach taken in this study enables a disentangling of vehicle allocation/substitution effects from aggregate household vehicle use behavior. This will be useful in the analysis of efficiency and distributional effects of policies affecting household transportation.
High-performance anode-supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells based on Ba(Zr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2)O3−δ (BZCY) fabricated by a modified co-pressing process

Abstract A modified co-pressing process was developed to fabricate anode-supported dense and uniform Ba(Zr 0.1 Ce 0.7 Y 0.2 )O 3− δ (BZCY) electrolyte films (∼20 μm thick) from BZCY powders with different characteristics; the powders derived from a glycine nitrate process was used for the anode whereas the powders from solid state reaction for the electrolyte. The BZCY electrolyte films sintered at 1350 °C for 6 h reached a conductivity of ∼0.025 S cm −1 at 700 °C, similar to that of BZCY pellet sintered at 1550 °C for 10 h. Further, a test cell based on such an anode-supported BZCY electrolyte demonstrated peak power densities of ∼780 and ∼490 mW cm −2 at 700 and 600 °C, respectively.
A hybrid GA-RSM optimization process for coexistent SMSE waveform design

A hybrid GA-RSM optimization process is introduced for Spectrally Modulated, Spectrally Encoded (SMSE) waveform design in a coexistent environment containing a Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) system. Expanding upon previous efforts that used independent GA and RSM techniques under perfect DSSS code tracking conditions, a hybrid GA-RSM optimization process is demonstrated here under more realistic conditions with imperfect DSSS code tracking. Two SMSE waveform parameters (number of carriers and carrier bandwidth) are optimized in a coexistent scenario to characterize SMSE impact on Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) bit error rate (P b ). Hybrid optimization for minimum DSSS P b yields SMSE waveforms that were consistent with scenarios having no coexistent SMSE signal present (best-case coexistence). Optimization for maximum DSSS P b yields worst-case SMSE-DSSS coexistence with resultant SMSE waveforms being spectrally “matched” to the DSSS signal.
Assessing fit in Bayesian models for spatial processes

Gaussian random fields are frequently used to model spatial and spatial–temporal data, particularly in geostatistical settings. As much of the attention of the statistics community has been focused on defining and estimating the mean and covariance functions of these processes, little effort has been devoted to developing goodness-of-fit tests to allow users to assess the models' adequacy. We describe a general goodness-of-fit test and related graphical diagnostics for assessing the fit of Bayesian Gaussian process models using pivotal discrepancy measures. Our method is applicable for both regularly and irregularly spaced observation locations on planar and spherical domains. The essential idea behind our method is to evaluate pivotal quantities defined for a realization of a Gaussian random field at parameter values drawn from the posterior distribution. Because the nominal distribution of the resulting pivotal discrepancy measures is known, it is possible to quantitatively assess model fit directly from the output of Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms used to sample from the posterior distribution on the parameter space. We illustrate our method in a simulation study and in two applications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silicon-based Nanomaterials for Lithium-Ion Batteries - A Review

There are growing concerns over the environmental, climate, and health impacts caused by using non-renewable fossil fuels. The utilization of green energy, including solar and wind power, is believed to be one of the most promising alternatives to support more sustainable economic growth. In this regard, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can play a critically important role. To further increase the energy and power densities of LIBs, silicon anodes have been intensively explored due to their high capacity, low operation potential, environmental friendliness, and high abundance. The main challenges for the practical implementation of silicon anodes, however, are the huge volume variation during lithiation and delithiation processes and the unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) films. Recently, significant breakthroughs have been achieved utilizing advanced nanotechnologies in terms of increasing cycle life and enhancing charging rate performance due partially to the excellent mechanical properties of nanomaterials, high surface area, and fast lithium and electron transportation. Here, the most recent advance in the applications of 0D (nanoparticles), 1D (nanowires and nanotubes), and 2D (thin film) silicon nanomaterials in LIBs are summarized. The synthetic routes and electrochemical performance of these Si nanomaterials, and the underlying reaction mechanisms are systematically described.
Carbon monoxide in the treatment of sepsis

Carbon monoxide (CO), a low-molecular-weight gas, is endogenously produced in the body as a product of heme degradation catalyzed by heme oxygenase (HO) enzymes. As the beneficial roles of HO syste...
Entorno familiar: factor de riesgo o protección para el desarrollo de conductas adictivas en los hijos

La familia es el primer agente de socializacion y formacion de los hijos, en ella se aprenden roles, se generan dinamicas y se dan vinculos importantes para el desarrollo integral de cada miembro, ya sea para fortalecer o debilitar conductas que pueden ser perjudiciales o adictivas en los jovenes. El presente articulo expone de forma general la conceptualizacion de familia y un ideal de ella, para poco a poco ir incorporando elementos clave que conducen a factores protectores o de riesgo que, segun se promuevan o no, seran de utilidad a los padres para con sus hijos. El objetivo del escrito es concientizar al lector en aspectos basicos para una buena socializacion, toma de decisiones y proactividad dentro del nucleo familiar, ademas insta a reflexionar sobre las sugerencias planteadas para el acompanamiento de los miembros de la familia en su proyecto de vida, de manera que se prevenga el desarrollo de una conducta adictiva. Es una invitacion a que se estudie cada una de las perspectivas aqui propuestas, desde la experiencia familiar vivida, y se trabajen las que se consideren pertinentes para crecer y mejorar, con lo que se reconoce que la familia es un grupo en constante cambio por su misma dinamica interna y las exigencias externas que le plantean el medio y la sociedad.
THYROSIM App for Education and Research Predicts Potential Health Risks of Over-the-Counter Thyroid Supplements

Background: Computer simulation tools for education and research are making increasingly effective use of the Internet and personal devices. To facilitate these activities in endocrinology and metabolism, a mechanistically based simulator of human thyroid hormone and thyrotropin (TSH) regulation dynamics was developed and further validated, and it was implemented as a facile and freely accessible web-based and personal device application: the THYROSIM app. This study elucidates and demonstrates its utility in a research context by exploring key physiological effects of over-the-counter thyroid supplements. Methods: THYROSIM has a simple and intuitive user interface for teaching and conducting simulated “what-if” experiments. User-selectable “experimental” test-input dosages (oral, intravenous pulses, intravenous infusions) are represented by animated graphical icons integrated with a cartoon of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis. Simulations of familiar triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and TSH ...
Computational Analysis of the Binding Specificity of Gleevec to Abl, c-Kit, Lck, and c-Src Tyrosine Kinases

Gleevec, a well-known cancer therapeutic agent, is an effective inhibitor of several tyrosine kinases, including Abl and c-Kit, but displays less potency to inhibit closely homologous tyrosine kinases, such as Lck and c-Src. Because many structural features of the binding site are highly conserved in these homologous kinases, the molecular determinants responsible for the binding specificity of Gleevec remain poorly understood. To address this issue, free energy perturbation molecular dynamics (FEP/MD) simulations with explicit solvent was used to compute the binding affinity of Gleevec to Abl, c-Kit, Lck, and c-Src. The results of the FEP/MD calculations are in good agreement with experiments, enabling a detailed and quantitative dissection of the absolute binding free energy in terms of various thermodynamic contributions affecting the binding specificity of Gleevec to the kinases. Dominant binding free energy contributions arises from the van der Waals dispersive interaction, compensating about two-thi...
Passive Properties of Swimmeret Motor Neurons

Sherff, Carolyn M. and Brian Mulloney. Passive properties of swimmeret motor neurons. J. Neurophysiol. 78: 92–102, 1997. Four different functional types of motor neurons innervate each swimmeret: r...
Epidemiological Analysis on Public Health Emergencies in Nanjing City in 2008

[Objective] To study epidemiological features of public health emergency in Nanjing City in 2008, and provide evidence for developing prevention and control measures.[Methods]Descriptive epidemiology was used to analyze the data of public health emergency in Nanjing City in 2008.[Results]Totally 15 incidents of public health emergency were reported, including 14 infectious diseases outbreaks, 1 food poisoning, with 458 patients and 1 death case. A total of 16 780 people were exposed, with the attack rate of 2.73%.[Conclusion]The key to control public health emergencies is early detection and early reporting. The major public health topic is still the prevention and control of infectious disease in the future.
How do college students in Ukraine and the United States view criminal offenders

ABSTRACTThis paper introduces an original data set that provides insight into how Ukrainian and US college students would punish criminal offenders. Students on four campuses in Ukraine and four in the United States completed surveys that help us better understand these differences. In general, Ukrainian students are more likely than American students to be crime victims than are American students and they are consistently more fearful of being victimised. Ukrainian students are more punitive than American students for some types of crimes (e.g., drug possession) while Americans are more punitive on other crimes (e.g., burglary).
Applying the Polysynchronous Learning to Foster the Student-centered Learning in the Higher Education Context: A Blended Course Design

Teaching and learning computer programming has posed great challenges for both instructors and students. An emerging blended learning mode-polysynchronous learning has potentials to motivate and engage students in the programming learning process, to optimize students' programming learning experiences, and to transform the computer programming teaching and learning. This paper aims to integrate the polysynchronous learning, as a communication model, with the student-centered learning, as a pedagogical approach, to design a graduate-level course-App Design and Development. The authors primarily focuses on describing my decision-making process of the physical environment design, the technologies and tools selection, and the polysynchronous learning activity design, as well as specific details regarding these three aspects. Moreover, potentials, challenges, and implications of applying the polysynchronous learning to foster the student-centered learning in the higher education context are discussed.
Coordinated Regulation of Cap-Dependent Translation and MicroRNA Function by Convergent Signaling Pathways

Cell growth and proliferation require the coordinated activation of many cellular processes, including cap-dependent mRNA translation. MicroRNAs oppose cap-dependent translation and set thresholds for expression of target proteins. Emerging data suggest that microRNA function is enhanced by cellular activation due in part to induction of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) scaffold protein GW182. In the current study, we demonstrate that increased expression of GW182 in activated or transformed immune cells results from effects of phosphoinositol 3-kinase-Akt-mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K-Akt-mTOR) and Jak-Stat-Pim signaling on the translation of GW182 mRNA. Both signaling pathways enhanced polysome occupancy and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding to the 5' 7mG cap of GW182 mRNA. The effect of Jak-Stat-Pim signaling on polysome occupancy and expression of GW182 protein was greater than that of PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling, likely resulting from enhanced eIF4A-dependent unwinding of G-quadruplexes in the 5' untranslated region of GW182 mRNA. Consistent with this, GW182 expression and microRNA function were reduced by inhibition of mTOR or Pim kinases, translation initiation complex assembly, or eIF4A function. Taken together, these data provide a mechanistic link between microRNA function and cap-dependent translation that allows activated immune cells to maintain microRNA-mediated repression of targets despite enhanced rates of protein synthesis.
Geographic Information Systems: A Critical Look at the Commercialization of Public Information:

This paper is a political economic critique and exploration of the ways that private-sector companies in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) industry have emerged and consolidated themselves. ...
Tunable C-H activation via metal-plasma interaction at elevated temperatures

Selective and efficient control of C-H bond activation on a catalytic surface is paramount to convert hydrocarbons to desired chemicals.1, 2 In this presentation, we will discuss our results from studies investigating the interaction between catalytically active metal surfaces and dielectric barrier discharge plasmas at elevated temperatures. Specifically, we used dry CH4 reforming as a probe reaction and systematically varied the reaction environment (e.g., bulk reaction temperature, plasma power, and reactor configuration). In particular, a series of control experiments provided evidence that a metal-plasma interaction occurred and dominated the reaction performance rather than other competing effects such as packed-bed effects or reactor hot spots. Additionally, the dry reforming of C2H6 provided similar evidence that the metal-plasma interaction is the primary reason for attaining enhanced catalytic performance compared to thermal experiments, as evidenced by higher conversions, yields, and selectivities at high temperatures.
Effect of Multi-wall System Composition on Survivability for Spacecraft Impacted by Orbital Debris

Long-duration spacecraft in low earth orbit such as the International Space Station (ISS) are highly susceptible to high-speed impacts by pieces of debris from past earth-orbiting missions. Among the hazards that accompany the penetration of a pressurized manned spacecraft are critical crack propagation in the module wall, crew hypoxia, and uncontrolled thrust due to air rushing out of the module wall hole. A Monte Carlo simulation tool was used to determine the effect of spacecraft wall construction on the survivability of ISS modules and crew following an orbital debris penetration. The simulation results indicate that enhanced shield wall designs (i.e., multi-wall systems with heavier inner bumpers) always lead to higher overall survivability of the station and crew due to an overwhelming decrease in likelihood of module penetration. The results of the simulations also indicate that changes in crew operations, equipment locations, and operation procedures can significantly reduce the likelihood of crew or station loss following an orbital debris penetration.
STATIN INTENSITY AND OUTCOME IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION

Background: The pathophysiological mechanism of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is multifactorial and may involve a systemic inflammatory state. Inflammation plays an important role in left ventricular remodeling and myocytes hypertrophy. The anti-inflammatory effects of
Cellular Network Security

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the security of the cellular network. Cellular networks are high-speed, high-capacity voice and data communication networks with enhanced multimedia and seamless roaming capabilities for supporting cellular devices. Cellular networks have become open public networks to which end subscribers have direct access. This has greatly increased the threats to the cellular network. Though cellular networks have vastly advanced in their performance abilities, the security of these networks still remains highly outdated. With the increase in popularity of cellular devices, these networks are used for more than just entertainment and phone calls. They have become the primary means of communication for finance-sensitive business transactions, lifesaving emergencies, and life-/mission-critical services such as E-911. A breakdown in the cellular network has many adverse effects, ranging from huge economic losses due to financial transaction disruptions; loss of life due to loss of phone calls made to emergency workers; and communication outages during emergencies. It must be noted that it is not difficult for unscrupulous elements to break into the cellular network and cause outages. The major reason for this is that cellular networks were not designed with security in mind. They evolved from the old-fashioned telephone networks that were built for performance. The cellular network has numerous well-known and unsecured vulnerabilities providing access to adversaries. To ensure that adversaries do not access the network and cause breakdowns, a high level of security must be maintained in the cellular network. However, though great efforts have been made to improve the cellular network in terms of support for new and innovative services, greater number of subscribers, higher speed, and larger bandwidth, very little has been done to update the security of the cellular network.
The Two Faces of Pay Secrecy: The Effects of Pay Secrecy and the Moderating Roles of Team Climates

This study aims to extend the current theoretical understanding of whether and how pay secrecy leads to positive and negative consequences in terms of employees’ work attitudes and behaviors, and a...
Nanolayer Analysis by Neutron Reflectometry

Neutron reflectometry offers unique benefits for nanolayer research in green chemistry by providing accurate depth profiles of thin films and interfaces with subnanometer precision, under in operando condition, of active material in their native environments. Advantages of this technique include sensitivity to light elements, isotopic contrast control (which enables elemental depth profiles or labeling of specific features or reactants of interest), and the ability to penetrate complex and multimodal sample environments. This chapter focuses on the most stringent example in green chemistry, in operando electrochemistry. Because neutron reflectometry is not widely utilized, this chapter provides an introduction, literature review, theoretical basis, practical guides to data collection and analysis, examples, best practices, and future advances, with the goal of making this technique more comprehensible by scientists reviewing or applying neutron reflectometry research results, and making it more accessible to a wider range of experimenters.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING PACKAGE BY EMPLOYING SCIENTIFIC APPROACH ON GEOMETRY SUBJECT TO GRADE X STUDENTS AT SMA

This research is a research and development which aims The purpose of this research to develop and produce package in learning Geometry which is valid, practical, and effective. The desired product in this study is a valid, practical, and effective Geometry learning package, which consisted of 8 components, namely (1) RPP; (2) textbook; (3) worksheet; (4) test of the package; (5) observation sheet of students’ activities; (6) the observation sheet of the implementation of learning package; (7) the questionnaire of students’ responses, and; (8) validation sheet. The process of learnig package development used modification of 4-D model from Thiagarajan. The tryout was conducted at SMAN 4 Pinrang in Pinrang district to grade X MIA.2. students. The result obtained from the tryout is a valid, practical, and effective Geometry learning package. As the implications of the study, it is recommended that: (1) the Mathematics teachers should apply this package in learning Geometry, (2) for further development, teachers are expected to develop their own learning package (RPP, textbook, worksheets, and achievement test) adjusted to problem-based learning by employing scientific approach, so students will be motivated more and able to construct their own ideas/knowledge based on curriculum 2013
Divided Differences and Two-sided Polynomial Interpolation Over Quaternions

We consider a two-sided interpolation problem of Lagrange–Hermite type for polynomials over quaternions. Necessary and sufficient condition for the problem to have a solution is given and a particular low-degree solution is constructed in terms of a certain Sylvester equation.
Testicular atrophy. A risk of inguinal hernioplasty

Testicular atrophy is a complication of inguinal hernioplasty that angers men of all ages. It is caused by thrombosis of the spermatic cord. Experience with over 6,500 inguinal hernioplasties in men indicates that the thrombosis is induced by direct surgical trauma to the cord. Trauma to the cord can be minimized and the incidence of testicular atrophy can be reduced by 1) not dissecting beyond the pubic tubercle, by 2) leaving distal indirect hernia sacs attached to the cord or by 3) avoiding dissection of the spermatic cord altogether by employing a posterior properitoneal approach.
Pollen Ontogeny in Ruppia (Alismatidae)

Premise of research. Plants of Ruppia exhibit hydrophily (water pollination). Transitions to hydrophily have been repeatedly accompanied by modifications to pollen characters. However, comprehensiv...
Jane Campion’s Bright Star: The Disputed Biographies of John Keats and Fanny Brawne

Jane Campion’s 2009 film Bright Star, which focuses on the last three years of the poet’s life and his relationship with Fanny Brawne, delves into the controversies and disputed biographies of John...
Interannual variability of wind climates and wind turbine annual energy production

Abstract. The interannual variability (IAV) of expected annual energy production (AEP) from proposed wind farms plays a key role in dictating project financing. IAV in preconstruction projected AEP and the difference in 50th and 90th percentile (P50 and P90) AEP derive in part from variability in wind climates. However, the magnitude of IAV in wind speeds at or close to wind turbine hub heights is poorly defined and may be overestimated by assuming annual mean wind speeds are Gaussian distributed with a standard deviation ( σ ) of 6 %, as is widely applied within the wind energy industry. There is a need for improved understanding of the long-term wind resource and the IAV therein in order to generate more robust predictions of the financial value of a wind energy project. Long-term simulations of wind speeds near typical wind turbine hub heights over the eastern USA indicate median gross capacity factors (computed using 10 min wind speeds close to wind turbine hub heights and the power curve of the most common wind turbine deployed in the region) that are in good agreement with values derived from operational wind farms. The IAV of annual mean wind speeds at or near typical wind turbine hub heights in these simulations and AEP computed using the power curve of the most commonly deployed wind turbine is lower than is implied by assuming σ=6 %. Indeed, rather than 9 out of 10 years exhibiting AEP within 0.9 and 1.1 times the long-term mean AEP as implied by assuming a Gaussian distribution with σ of 6 %, the results presented herein indicate that in over 90 % of the area in the eastern USA that currently has operating wind turbines, simulated AEP lies within 0.94 and 1.06 of the long-term average. Further, the IAV of estimated AEP is not substantially larger than IAV in mean wind speeds. These results indicate it may be appropriate to reduce the IAV applied to preconstruction AEP estimates to account for variability in wind climates, which would decrease the cost of capital for wind farm developments.
Models and Data Requirements for Measuring the Economic Consequences of UV-B Radiation on Agriculture

Any environmental stress which either reduces potential agricultural productivity or increases its variability may have substantial economic consequences in both national and world markets. UV-B radiation is a potential environmental stress for vegetation, including agricultural crops. Concern over the economic consequences of such stresses on agriculture in the United States has motivated several economic assessments to aid policy makers in setting air quality standards. The purpose of this paper is to review the biological and economic data needs and procedures for performing an assessment of the effect of UV-B stress on agriculture. Conducting an economic assessment of air pollution or UV-B stress on agriculture first requires biological or production response data linking stress levels to yield or productivity. Then, consideration must be given to the structure of the economic problem being addressed. The economic assessment methodology must consider not only changes in yields, but also associated adjustments in commodity prices, and distributional consequences attendant to these price changes. The important dimensions of an economic assessment, and general economic methodologies capable of addressing them, are discussed using examples from air pollution. Data required to implement such methodologies are examined with emphasis on the integration of biological and economic information into a conceptually valid framework. While the tractability of such frameworks have been directly established for air pollution economic assessments, application to UV-B assessments will ultimately depend on the plant scientists’ ability to discriminate the yield effects of this stress from other environmental stresses.
AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION ON PROVIDER PRICING IN ONLINE CROWDSOURCING MARKETS FOR IT SERVICES

Pricing in online markets has been of much interest to academics and practitioners, particularly for unique IT services. In this paper, we theorize and empirically examine three primary factors that affect provider pricing of outsourced IT services: production cost, competitive dynamics (accounting for competitors’ attributes) and frictional cost (accounting for buyers’ information). We test the respective role of each of these three complementary pricing strategies with archival data from a leading global online market that specializes in the outsourcing of IT services. The results from our econometric analyses confirm that, besides production cost, service providers also account for the information signals about competing providers’ quality when pricing their services, reflecting the rule of market competition and dynamics. Furthermore, service providers also adjust their prices for different service outsourcers with varying perceived frictional costs, which indicates, although online markets are vaunted to reduce transaction costs that outsourcers would otherwise incur offline, they creates new types of frictional costs between providers and outsourcers.
Justice Clarence Thomas's Korematsu Problem

The U.S. Supreme Court's infamous decision in Korematsu v. United States, 323 U.S. 214 (1944) has been in the news recently as some scholars and advocates, such as Peter Irons, have asked the Court to formally repudiate the decision. This essay breaks new ground by demonstrating that Justice Clarence Thomas’s jurisprudence on executive power is consistent with that case. Two cases provide the major evidence. First, Justice Thomas was the lone dissenter in Hamdi v. Rumsfeld, 542 U.S. 507 (2004) where he reasoned that enemy combatants who were U.S. citizens have virtually no due process rights. Moreover, in Johnson v. California, 543 U.S. 499 (2005), he dissented and supported the California prison system’s practice of racially segregating inmates during the intake process. California argued this minimized racial violence. Thomas therefore abandoned his well-known position of racial color-blindness in the case. The juxtaposition of these opinions shows that he would have placed weak national security concerns ahead of strong evidence of racial bias as in Korematsu. The essay also addresses several counter-arguments. While Justice Thomas is a well-known supporter of very strong Presidential power, this essay demonstrates that his position is more extreme than might have been thought.
Policing Muslims in Western Democracies

After the incidents of September 9, 2011 the Muslim community in the United States and in most western democracies has come under official and public scrutiny. Muslims, due to their particular culture, adherence to religious practices, and minority status have encountered hostility and even physical attacks. Their allegiance to countries of residence and to liberal democratic values has been questioned. Above all, the policing of Muslim communities in liberal societies has been a subject of increasing interest. There have been growing allegations of profiling and targeting of Muslim youth by the security agencies. Intrusive surveillance, humiliating searches at the airports, and questionable stops on the roads have been reported by Muslims. On the other hand, security agencies have attempted to work with the community and hired minority officers to build bridges. This chapter examines the experiences of Muslim groups and the successes and failures of policing of their community in some selected western democracies.
Pavlovian Conditioning and the Mediation of behavior1

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview of the two-process approach. It is examined that a Pavlovian conditioning process serves to mediate the behavior observed under the three-term contingency of instrumental training (stimulus–response–reinforcer, S–R–SR). This tenet relies on the observation that imbedded within the instrumental paradigm itself are the necessary and sufficient conditions for Pavlovian conditioning—that is, predictive stimulus–reinforcer pairings. The chapter concludes that a stimulus paired with a UCS gives rise to some “meditational state” or “expectancy.” The focus is on the various properties and functions of these mediators and the mechanism through which they modulate instrumental behavior. One series of the experiments used Pavlovian procedures to manipulate the hypothesized mediational links. These experiments led to the assertion that there are S-M and M-R links in the regulation of behavior and that these are sequential and independent of one another. The two links involved and of a separate, parallel, direct S-R link is not only unnecessary but likely incorrect. Mediational affective properties provide information on the value of the expected event, and this is realized as an energizing function.
Teaching Truth, Lies, and Accuracy in the Digital Age: Media Literacy as Project-Based Learning:

The post-truth era has challenged traditional ways of teaching journalism and media literacy. Media literacy education can offer a useful lens for teaching students to be more critical. This pedago...