cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cations Mediate B-DNA Conformational Heterogeneity†

We demonstrate that DNA conformation is sensitive to cationic environment. We describe a high resolution (1.2 A) potassium form of CGCGAATTCGCG, determined from crystals grown in the presence of spermine and magnesium, along with potassium. The structure was refined with anisotropic displacement- factors by SHELX-97 to an R-factor of 13.9%. A comparison of this structure with others, reveals that the conformation of CGCGAATTCGCG varies in direct response to cation type and position. The DNA conformation in the presence of excess magnesium differs from the conformation in the presence of excess spermine. Divalent cations near the minor groove sequester into the lip, which is the region between opposing phosphate groups. Minor groove width is sensitive to, and can be predicted by, cation positions. It appears that minor groove narrowing is facilitated by interactions of cations with opposing phosphate groups.
Morphology‐Dependent Trap Formation in High Performance Polymer Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells

Bulk heterojunction solar cells (BHJs) based on poly[N-9′′-hepta-decanyl2,7-carbazole- alt -5,5-(4′,7′-di-2-thienyl-2′,1′,3′-benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT) can have internal quantum effi ciencies approaching 100% but require active layers that are too thin to absorb more than ∼ 70% of the above band gap light. When the active layer thickness is increased so that the cell absorbs more light, the fi ll factor and open circuit voltage decrease rapidly, so that the overall power conversion effi ciency decreases. We fithat hole-traps in the polymer, which we characterize using space-charge limited current measurements, play an important role in the performance of PCDTBT-based BHJs and may limit the active layer thickness. Recombination due to carrier trapping is not often considered in BHJs because it is not believed to be a dominant loss mechanism in the “fruit-fl y” P3HT system. Furthermore, we show that in contrast to P3HT, PCDTBT has only weak short-range molecular order, and that annealing at temperatures above the glass transition decreases the order in the π ‐ π stacking. The decrease in structural order is matched by the movement of hole-traps deeper into the band gap, so that thermal annealing worsens hole transport in the polymer and reduces the effi ciency of PCDTBTbased BHJs. These fi ndings suggest that P3HT is not prototypical of the new class of high effi ciency polymers, and that further improvement of BHJ effi ciencies will necessitate the study of high effi ciency polymers with low structural order.
Effectiveness and safety of velnacrine for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Mentane Study Group.

Background: Alzheimer's disease is characterized by cognitive and behavioral disturbances that are mediated in part by cholinergic brain deficits. Objective: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of an investigational cholinesterase inhibitor, that is, velnacrine maleate, in treating patients with clinically probable Alzheimer's disease (according to the criteria of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [Washington, DC]-Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders Association [Chicago, Ill]). Methods: This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. After a single-blind washout period, patients were randomized to receive placebo (n=152), velnacrine maleate, 150 mg/d (n=149), or velnacrine maleate, 225 mg/d (n=148) for 24 weeks. Primary end points were cognitive behavior and memory components of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale and the Clinical Global Impression of Change scale. Secondary end points were caregiver-rated scales. Results: The scores for the cognitive behavior and memory components of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale deteriorated in the placebo-treated group (P Conclusions: Velnacrine produces modest but significant benefits in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Velnacrine maleate (225 mg) is more effective than 150 mg of velnacrine. Both dosages have acceptable safety profiles. (Arch Intern Med. 1995;155:1766-1772)
THYROID REGULATORY FUNCTION OF INTRA-OCULAR PITUITARY TRANSPLANTS1

Thyroid regulatory responses to thyroxine administration and to hemithyroidectomy have been studied in hypophysectomized rats bearing intraocular pituitary transplants. The intra-ocular graft, though separated from direct contact with the hypothalamus stimulated thyroid I131 uptake but did not influence other measures of thyroid function (I131 release rate, thyroid weight, PBJ). The grafts released ACTH but had no effect on growth or on testicular weight. In the presence of the graft but not in ungrafted hypophysectomized animals hemi-thyroidectomy was followed by increased TSH release as evidenced by a more rapid I131 release rate, stimulation of I131 uptake and thyroid enlargement. Thyroxine injection led to thyroid inhibition both in pituitary graft-bearing hypophysectomized and in normal animals, but not in ungrafted hypophysectomized rats. These findings were taken to indicate that pituitary tissue is capable of appropriate and autonomous TSH secretory responses to alterations in blood thyroid hormon...
PURIFICATION OF PEACH POLYPHENOL OXIDASE IN THE PRESENCE OF ADDED PROTEASE INHIBITORS

Crude preparations of peach fruit (Prunus persica Batsch cv. Redskin) polyphenol oxidase (PPO) showed many apparent isoenzyme forms. Some of these forms were probably the result of proteolytic action of peach proteases while other forms were the result of association of PPO with carbohydrate materials. In the presence of protease inhibitors, Trasylol and phenylmethylsul-fonyl fluoride, three apparent isoenzyme forms of PPO were purified to homogeneity. The purification scheme included hydrophobic chromatography on phenyl sepharose CL-4B, hydroxylapatite chromatography, DEAE cellulose chromatography, and gel filtration on Ultrogel AcA 34. Minor contaminants remaining after these steps were separated from PPO by gel electrophoresis. The major PPO isoenzyme form (A) was purified 44 fold with an overall yield of 5.6% and contained no detectable carbohydrates. Isoenzyme forms A' and A' were purified 104 and 67 fold respectively, but still were associated with carbohydrate material. Cesium chloride centrifugation partially removed the carbohydrates associated with PPO A' and A'. Purified peach PPO A showed greater activity toward D-catechin (539%) and pyrogallol(l82%) than to catechol (100%). An apparent K3 of 4, 0.3, and 2 mM was obtained with D-catechin, pyrogallol and catechol, respectively. The enzyme was severely inhibited by 10 μM 2,3-naphthalenediol (91%) and by 10 pM diethyl dithiocarbamate (100%).
Expansion of human cardiac stem cells in physiological oxygen improves cell production efficiency and potency for myocardial repair

Aims The ex vivo expansion of cardiac stem cells from minimally invasive human heart biopsies yields tens of millions of cells within 3–4 weeks, but chromosomal abnormalities were frequently detected in preliminary production runs. Here we attempt to avoid aneuploidy and improve cell quality by expanding human cardiac stem cells in physiological low-oxygen (5% O2) conditions, rather than in traditional culture in a general CO2 incubator (20% O2). Methods and results Human heart biopsies ( n = 16) were divided and processed in parallel to expand cardiac stem cells under 5% or 20% O2. Compared with 20% O2, 5% O2 culture doubled the cell production and markedly diminished the frequency of aneuploidy. Cells expanded in 5% O2 showed lower intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species, less cell senescence, and higher resistance to oxidative stress than those grown in 20% O2, although the expression of stem cell antigens and adhesion molecules was comparable between groups, as was the paracrine secretion of growth factors into conditioned media. In vivo , the implantation of 5% O2 cells into infarcted hearts of mice resulted in greater cell engraftment and better functional recovery than with conventionally cultured cells. Conclusion The expansion of human adult cardiac stem cells in low oxygen increased cell yield, and the resulting cells were superior by various key in vitro and in vivo metrics of cell quality. Physiological oxygen tensions in culture facilitate the ex vivo expansion of healthy, biologically potent stem cells.
Local uterine regulation of the corpus luteum.

In order to determine if the well known uterine inhibition of the guinea pig corpus luteum is a local effect, a series of partial hysterectomies were performed. Some groups were subjected to one-half or three-fourths hysterectomies alone, while in others one ovary was also removed on either the side retaining some or the side losing all uterine tissue. In addition, two groups in which all ovarian and uterine tissue was preserved were subjected to unilateral or bilateral complete surgical separation of all communicating structures between uterus and ovary. Sham-operated, totally hysterectomized, and unilaterally ovariectomized groups were used as controls. In all groups in which an ovary left in the animal was separated from direct contact with its uterine horn, the estrous cycles became long and erratic, or were arrested completely due to the persistance of active corpora lutea in those ovaries. However, corpora lutea regressed normally in all ovaries left in their normal relationship to a uterine horn. These results indicate that the uterine regulatory factor does reach the ovary by some local route.
Clinical manifestations of varicella-zoster virus infection

Infections by VZV, the virus that causes chickenpox and herpes zoster, usually are diagnosed by the classic clinical presentations. In immunocompromised patients, however, the atypical presentation can make the diagnosis more challenging. Although varicella typically follows an uncomplicated course in children, adults and immunocompromised patients can develop complications involving several organs; some complications may be fatal. Prevention of disease with the vaccine is ideal. When varicella or zoster infection does occur, proper treatment should be initiated, depending on the age and immune status of the patient.
FANCC suppresses short telomere-initiated telomere sister chromatid exchange

Telomere shortening has been linked to rare human disorders that present with bone marrow failure including Fanconi anemia (FA). FANCC is one of the most commonly mutated FA genes in FA patients and the FANCC subtype tends to have a relatively early onset of bone marrow failure and hematologic malignancies. Here, we studied the role of Fancc in telomere length regulation in mice. Deletion of Fancc (Fancc−/−) did not affect telomerase activity, telomere length or telomeric end-capping in a mouse strain possessing intrinsically long telomeres. However, ablation of Fancc did exacerbate telomere attrition when murine bone marrow cells experienced high cell turnover after serial transplantation. When Fancc−/− mice were crossed into a telomerase reverse transcriptase heterozygous or null background (Tert+/− or Tert−/−) with short telomeres, Fancc deficiency led to an increase in the incidence of telomere sister chromatid exchange. In contrast, these phenotypes were not observed in Tert mutant mice with long telomeres. Our data indicate that Fancc deficiency accelerates telomere shortening during high turnover of hematopoietic cells and promotes telomere recombination initiated by short telomeres.
A Review of: “Wenona Giles and Jennifer Hyndman, eds., Sites of Violence: Gender and Conflict Zones”

If you have an interest in, or are familiar with feminist research methodologies, you may find Sites of Violence: Gender and Conflict Zones informative. If you do not have a background in feminist ...
Axolotl retina and lens development: mutual tissue stimulation and autonomous failure in the eyeless mutant retina

During eye development in the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum Shaw), morphogenetic movements bring together tissues from head epidermis, neuroectoderm and neural crest. The stages 0 to 14 of axolotl eye development were expanded from Rabl's (1898) stages 1 to 10 and correlated with Harrison's (1969) stages. At the onset of neurulation (stage 13 of Harrison), the head epidermis is already determined to form skin, and the neuroectoderm is committed to form brain, because these tissues develop autonomously in 60% Leibovitz L-15 culture medium. However, a sequence of mutual tissue interactions is necessary to stimulate eye development. When head epidermis and neuroectoderm were cocultured, eyes developed, containing retinas with photoreceptors (stage 8) and lenses with secondary lens fibres (stage 8). The first event needed in this case appears to be the secretion of a growth factor from the head epidermis which stimulates retina development from the neuroectoderm. When neuroectoderm cultures were exposed to nondialysable extracts (30 micrograms ml-1) of an adult epidermis derivative, the bovine cornea, pigmented retinas (stage 6) and at higher concentrations (3000 micrograms ml-1) neural retinas developed (stage 6). In turn, lens formation is stimulated in the head epidermis by a retina-derived growth factor. A mutation that causes adult eyelessness (e eyeless, nonlethal, recessive) affects the earliest event in eye development (stage 1a), while a mutation that causes arrest of eye development (mi microphthalmic, lethal, recessive) acts in a later event (stage 8). Two possibilities have been considered in the case of mutation e: either the head epidermis does not secrete sufficient amounts of active growth factor, or the presumptive retina itself is defective. The latter statement turned out to be correct, because mutant e neural plates rarely developed early retina stages (stage 5) in organ culture when combined with wild-type head epidermis. On the other hand, wild-type neural plates formed advanced retinas (stage 8) in all cases when combined with mutant e head epidermis. As expected, no retina or lens developed when both neural plate and head epidermis were from mutant e donors. The heterozygous presence of genes e and r (renal insufficiency, lethal, recessive) produces duplications of the presumptive retina at the optic stalk. This observation is consistent with the notion that the mutation e, assisted by the r locus, causes a primary failure in the presumptive retinal region.
Highly sensitive GaAs/AlGaAs heterojunction bolometer

Abstract GaAs/AlGaAs multilayer heterojunction structures with different aluminum (Al) fractions and emitter doping densities were tested to identify optimum parameters for high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). Higher Al fractions and lower doping densities showed higher TCR. Additionally, p-doped heterojunction structures showed a higher TCR compared to an n-doped one with similar parameters. A p-doped multilayer superlattice heterojunction structure with 30 periods of GaAs/Al0.57Ga0.43As junctions, operating at room temperature showed a TCR of ∼4% and bolometer like infrared (IR) response up to 20 μm with a D* of 1.7 × 106 Jones. This TCR is higher than that of VOx or α-Si bolometers. At low temperatures (50 K) some of these devices have shown TCR values of over 30%.
Regulation of Neuronal Function by Ras-GRF Exchange Factors

Ras-GRF1 (GRF1) and Ras-GRF2 (GRF2) constitute a family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). The main isoforms, p140-GRF1 and p135-GRF2, have 2 GEF domains that give them the capacity to activate both Ras and Rac GTPases in response to signals from a variety of neurotransmitter receptors. GRF1 and GRF2 proteins are found predominantly in adult neurons of the central nervous system, although they can also be detected in a limited number of other tissues. p140-GRF1 and p135-GRF2 contain calcium/calmodulin-binding IQ domains that allow them to act as calcium sensors to mediate the actions of NMDA-type and calcium-permeable AMPA-type glutamate receptors. p140-GRF1 also mediates the action of dopamine receptors that signal through cAMP. Although p140-GRF1 and p135-GRF2 have similar functional domains, studies of GRF knockout mice show that they can play strikingly different roles in regulating MAP kinase family members, neuronal synaptic plasticity, specific forms of learning and memory, and behavioral responses to psychoactive drugs. In addition, the function of GRF proteins may vary in different regions of the brain. Alternative splice variants yielding smaller GRF1 gene isoforms with fewer functional domains also exist; however, their distinct roles in neurons have not been revealed. Continuing studies of these proteins should yield important insights into the biochemical basis of brain function as well as novel concepts to explain how complex signal transduction proteins, like Ras-GRFs, integrate multiple upstream signals into specific downstream outputs to control brain function.
Introducing the Action Potential to Psychology Students.

For this simple active learning technique for teaching, students are assigned “roles” and act out the process of the action potential (AP), including the firing threshold, ion-specific channels for ions to enter and leave the cell, diffusion, and the refractory period. Pre–post test results indicated that students demonstrated increased learning and believed they better understood the AP after they completed the learning activity.
Parallel and Distributed Audio Concealment using Nonlocal Sparse Representations

We present a new class of parallel and distributed audio concealment (PDAC) algorithms which recover lost audio packets at the receiver to fight against channel impairment. The main contribution of this work is the proposal of using nonlocal sparse representations to characterize the prior constraint of undamaged audio. When combined with observation constraint, we obtain an alternating projection based audio concealment algorithm which recovers missing data in a parallel and distributed fashion. We also present two extensions of PDAC for more challenging situations: expectation-maximization PDAC (EM-PDAC) to handle consecutive packet loss and filter-bank PDAC (FB-PDAC) to repair complex music signals. Excellent preliminary experimental results are reported for a wide range of audio materials and loss conditions.
Pleuropulmonary blastoma with a large embolic cerebral infarct

We report on a 3-year-old girl who developed a large embolic cerebral infarct 1 day after an uneventful thoracotomy to remove a large pleuropulmonary blastoma. The tumour had encased the heart and great vessels and ruptured into the left hemithorax. Pleuropulmonary blastoma is a rare, but unique, primary thoracic neoplasm in young children and, to our knowledge, the development of a secondary large embolic cerebral infarct is also uncommon and has not been reported in this tumour.
Endocrine regulation of reproduction and diapause in the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman

A review of the literature for the hormonal control of reproduction and diapause in Coleoptera is presented. The role of juvenile hormone and juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) in the control of the different life history strategies of the boll weevil are examined. Elevated levels of hemolymph JHE were found to be positively correlated with survival throughout the winter in South Texas population of weevils. Winter weevils were examined for hemolymph vitellogenin (Vg) and their subsequent survival was monitored. The majority of weevils surviving beyond ten weeks had no hemolymph Vg. We conclude that elevated hemolymph JHE and the absence of Vg are good predictors of survivors in the South Texas population. The hormonal basis of diapause termination was examined using hormone treatment and implant therapy. We were unsuccessful in our attempt to induce post-diapause reproductive development with all of our treatments. Only weevils given access to a food source were capable of reproductive development. Our recent experimental findings in the control of Vg synthesis and uptake in the boll weevil are reviewed. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 35:455‐477, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Designing Property Futures Contracts and Options Based on NCREIF Property Indices

Executive Summary.Due to the heterogeneous nature of real estate assets, as well as the difficulty in selecting a reliable and representative underlying index, real estate markets are the last of t...
Using Next-Generation Sequencing to Assist a Conservation Hatchery: a Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Panel for the Genetic Management of Endangered Delta Smelt

AbstractThe Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus, listed as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act, has been cultured at a conservation hatchery since 2008 in response to significant declines in the wild. The conservation hatchery relies on accurate, efficacious, and reproducible molecular techniques to help maintain the captive population's overall genetic diversity and to minimize inbreeding. We created a panel of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to support broodstock pedigree reconstruction and improve upon current genetic management. For the SNP discovery, we sequenced 27 broodstock samples from the 2012 spawn by using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq). We then created a linkage map by genotyping three single-pair crosses at 2,317 newly discovered loci with RAD-seq. We successfully mapped 1,123 loci and identified 26 linkage groups. Fluidigm SNP Type genotyping assays were developed for 104 mapped loci that were selected for minor allele frequencies (MAFs) grea...
Putting the face to a name: concurrent assessment of vascular morphology and biology.

With the hybrid positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) systems, coronary artery anatomy and physiology can be realized during the same imaging session. Whereas the coronary CT angiography provides information on the presence and extent of the luminal stenosis in coronary
Keynote: Utility-based Routing and its Application in Dynamic Wireless Networks

A paramount concern in dynamic wireless networks is efficient utilization of limited resources. The dynamic nature of wireless networks makes it difficult use limited resources in a cost-efficient way. The traditional single utility model, such as link quality, is inadequate for addressing this problem. In this talk, a composite utility model is presented together with a routing application in dynamic wireless networks. In this model, both cost and link quality are integrated into a single network utility metric together with the benefit of successful packet delivery to measure routing optimality. Efficient centralized and distributed algorithms are presented. Finally, several extensions of the basic model are discussed.
“Color Him Black”: Erotic Representations and the Politics of Race in West German Homosexual Magazines, 1949–1974

This piece analyzes the tensions between racial liberalism and erotic representations in West German homosexual-oriented magazines between 1949 and 1974. Relying primarily on publications such as Der Kreis, Die Insel/Der Weg, Amigo, and Du & Ich, this paper argues that as white West German homosexual men made a case for the end of legal discrimination and for social acceptance, they often constructed their arguments and identity as a persecuted minority in relation to the struggles and imagined experiences of colonized men and racial minorities. At the same time, however, many homosexual men still maintained a set of assumptions about racial difference that exoticized and essentialized men of color, assumptions that are particularly apparent in the erotic representations (both visual and literary) of men of color that appeared in these magazines. I further argue that, although historians of homosexuality in West Germany have traditionally viewed 1969 as a break, due to the radical changes in gay life that followed the 1969 reform of the anti-sodomy statute, the tensions between racial liberalism and exoticization continued well into the 1970s and in a remarkably similar published format. The contradictions within these magazines add to the growing literature on both homosexuality and race in postwar West Germany. Through the close examination of a medium that was crucial to the formation of homosexual communities and the development reformist politics, we can more fully understand the complexities and tensions on which minority politics were built in the wake of fascism.
Influence of Social and Health Indicators on Pain Interference With Everyday Activities Among Older Black and White Cancer Patients

Objective: This prospective study aimed to determine the influence social and health factors have on pain interference with everyday activities among older patients receiving outpatient treatment services from a comprehensive cancer center. Method: Participants were surveyed on questions assessing pain interference, and social (communication), health (pain severity, comorbidities), behavioral (self-efficacy, affect), and demographic characteristics. Multivariate analyses were specified to examine determinants of pain interference, with items loading on separate cluster composites: physical interference and psychosocial interference. Results: Pain severity was a significant indicator for physical interference. Similarly, pain severity, education, self-efficacy, negative affect, and communication were predictors of psychosocial interference. Discussion: Factors defining the daily lived experiences of older adults are important in providing baseline information on functional status. This emphasizes the need to rigorously examine the association between pain, and clinical and psychosocial indicators, but more importantly indicators that contribute to the patient's ability to perform normal everyday activities.
Approximate entropy of respiratory rate and tidal volume during weaning from mechanical ventilation.

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of respiratory failure on respiratory rate pattern and tidal volume pattern.DesignProspective, clinical study.SettingCardiovascular intensive care unit.PatientsTen patients within 12 hrs of cardiac surgery, and 21 patients who required prolonged (>7 days) mechanical
Change in regional (somatic) near-infrared spectroscopy is not a useful indictor of clinically detectable low cardiac output in children after surgery for congenital heart defects

Objective: Near-infrared spectroscopy correlation with low cardiac output has not been validated. Our objective was to determine role of splanchnic and/or renal oxygenation monitoring using near-infrared spectroscopy for detection of low cardiac output in children after surgery for congenital heart defects. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Patients: Children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit after surgery for congenital heart defects. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: We hypothesized that splanchnic and/or renal hypoxemia detected by near-infrared spectroscopy is a marker of low cardiac output after pediatric cardiac surgery. Patients admitted after cardiac surgery to the pediatric intensive care unit over a 10-month period underwent serial splanchnic and renal near-infrared spectroscopy measurements until extubation. Baseline near-infrared spectroscopy values were recorded in the first postoperative hour. A near-infrared spectroscopy event was a priori defined as ≥20% drop in splanchnic and/or renal oxygen saturation from baseline during any hour of the study. Low cardiac output was defined as metabolic acidosis (pH 2 mmol/L, or base excess ≤–5), oliguria (urine output <1 mL/kg/hr), or escalation of inotropic support. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed using near-infrared spectroscopy event as a diagnostic test for low cardiac output. Twenty children were enrolled: median age was 5 months; median Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category was 3 (1–6); median bypass and cross-clamp times were 120 mins (45–300 mins) and 88 mins (17–157 mins), respectively. Thirty-one episodes of low cardiac output and 273 near-infrared spectroscopy events were observed in 17 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of a near-infrared spectroscopy event as an indicator of low cardiac output were 48% (30%–66%) and 67% (64%–70%), respectively. On receiver operating characteristic analysis, neither splanchnic nor renal near-infrared spectroscopy event had a significant area under the curve for prediction of low cardiac output (area under the curve: splanchnic 0.45 [95% confidence interval 0.30–0.60], renal 0.51 [95% confidence interval 0.37–0.65]). Conclusions: Splanchnic and/or renal hypoxemia as detected by near-infrared spectroscopy may not be an accurate indicator of low cardiac output after surgery for congenital heart defects. (Pediatr Crit Care Med 2012; 13:529–534)
Where the South Begins: The Northern Limit of the Cis-Appalachian South in Terms of Settlement Landscape

ALTHOUGH the cultural individuality of the South has been recognized from colonial times onward, there has never been any serious attempt to determine by scientific means the precise limits of this vast sub-nation. This problem in delimitation merits the time and imagination of social scientists as an aid in filling in a still quite incomplete picture of the cultural landscape of the older portion of our country, for a sound decision as to where the South begins must rest upon a thorough inventory of culture and upon evaluation of a multiplicity of factors. Since the inventory is still highly incomplete and the final evaluation of factors long distant, what is attempted here is a provisional job of boundarymarking based primarily on the one set of data that appear particularly significant and accessible. American social scientists have had to content themselves with the Census Bureau's definition of a South that terminates along the Ohio River and Mason and Dixon Line although there has been some awareness that the Southern Appalachians and Peninsular Florida cannot properly be termed Southern.' For lack of field experience, I cannot challenge the validity of the Ohio River as a cultural frontier, but by almost any criterion the Cis-Appalachian-the eastern-portion of this line requires radical revision. In order to go about redrafting the limits of the South, we must accept some formula whereby the southernness of a locality can be gauged. A set of cultural factors should logically be used since the South is ostensibly a cultural rather than a physical entity, being simply an area occupied by a population that thinks and behaves distinctively.2 In this distinctive culture there are identifiable patterns of speech, diet, dress, gesture, and miscellaneous custom; and the structure of the economy, the manner of worship, recreation, social intercourse, and political behavior all have meaning for the cultural geographer. The mere listing of all the traits that might help define the South would occupy the full space of this paper, but we are limited in our choice of index items to those with a high degree of pertinence and those which may be readily mapped from field data or statistical publications.3 Another severe limitation is the fact that where quantitative data have been published, the unit area-usually the county-is too coarse to furnish the network of values necessary for a realistic boundary line, while the use of manuscript statistics by smaller areas offers grave difficulties. In this analysis the settlement landscape is offered as a feasible device for delimiting the South.4 This term denotes the aggregate pattern
Colonic complications of renal transplantation.

AbstractColonic complications of renal transplantation occur in 1.9 per cent of the cases. In our series of 587 consecutive renal transplants recipients 3 (0.51 per cent) had colonic complications, including 2 with ischemic colitis and 1 with pseudomembranous colitis. A review of 8 large series describing 2, 539 additional renal transplant patients revealed 55 with significant colonic complications. The most common complication was ischemic colitis, which occurred in 29 patients, followed by diverticulitis in 17, pseudomembranous colitis in 5, appendicitis in 3, hemorrhagic proctitis in 1, a disrupted appendiceal stump in 1 and fecal impaction in 1. Etiological factors that may be important in the development of these colonic complications are uremia, blood volume redistribution, immunosuppressive therapy, antibiotic therapy, irradiation and previous retroperitoneal surgery.
SU-F-T-483: An Investigation into the Effect of Varying Temperature On PTP Corrections in TG-51

Purpose: To determine the effect on machine output calibration, following the TG-51 protocol, as the water temperature increasingly deviates from Standard temperature (22°C) Methods: A water tank was set up according to TG-51 protocol. Two sets of measurements were taken and the pressure recorded. The measurements consisted of readings at different temperatures. In the first set, P(ion), P(pol), and P(elec) were assumed constant while they were accounted for in the second. The outputs were normalized to that at 22°C. The first readings were taken after the chamber had equilibrated to the water temperature. The water temperature was then raised at intervals of approximately 1–2°C and measurements taken after 5–10 minutes (as per TG-51). Results: In both measurements, P(TP) was corrected for using equation 10 in TG-51. The normalized output is expected to be 1.0 with all corrections accounted for. However as the water temperature was gradually increased, the normalized output also varied. The largest discrepancy observed while not accounting for the factors, P(ion), P(pol), and P(elec) was 1.1%, and while accounting for these factors, the largest discrepancy was 1.0%. Conclusion: Our results show discrepancies in output measured at different temperatures. Although a lack of equilibrium may explain these discrepancies, it is not as easy to ensure true equilibrium. It is also possible that these discrepancies are real and related to the inherent venting mechanism of the chamber. However, more work would need to be done to investigate this further and to determine if this effect is true across all Exradin and/or other manufacturer chambers. Most importantly, the physicist should perform TG-51 at room temperature and pressure to better ensure thermal equilibrium. If this is not currently being done, and not enough time is given, especially when the water temperature is “significantly” different from 22°C, the calibration will be less accurate.
Ambient Scripts in Humor and Beyond

The paper explores the mechanism of following scripts in inferencing and reasoning, both in humor and, generally, in natural language, as a way of creating a base for acquisition and use of scripts in the computer.
Gauge Invariance, BRST Invariance, and Ward Identities, in String Field Theory

The derivation of Ward identities from BRST invariant gauge fixed versions of string field theory is discussed for both open and closed strings. However, in the latter case some problems are encountered in attempting to justify the gauge fixed action by the Batalin Vilkovisky method.
Unexpected Interference on Alere Triage B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Measurement

A 75-year-old male who was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma presented to the urgent care clinic with worsening swelling of legs, scrotum, and penis. Because of external pressure of the urethra (from the swelling), the patient experienced difficulty voiding urine. Radiology imaging showed multiple lytic lesions in the skull, ribs, and iliac bone. The patient had been treated with standard chemotherapy (cyclophosamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone). The patient denied having local pain, fever, shortness of breath, headache, or diarrhea. He had a history of colorectal cancer and received chemotherapy, but had no evidence of colorectal cancer. Renal ultrasound and Doppler of the lower extremity was unremarkable for deep venous thrombosis. The patient's renal profile was suggestive of acute kidney injury (see chemistry and hematology results in Table 1). Magnesium, ammonia, potassium, carbon dioxide, chloride, calcium, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, and anion gap were all within normal range. View this table: Table 1. Abnormal chemistry and hematology results. The possible causes for acute kidney injury include myeloma or hypoperfusion of kidney as a result of …
Meeting Optimization Program: A "Workshop in a Box" to Create Meetings That Are Transformational Tools for Institutional Change.

Introduction Stemming from an initiative launched at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine's retreat in 2014, a group of 15 senior faculty and administrators convened to e...
Smoking behavior among casino employees : Self-report validation using plasma cotinine

The veracity of behavioral self-reports is often challenged, particularly when the motivation to avoid stigma and win social approval holds potential to introduce bias into the data collected. This study employed plasma cotinine tests to validate the self-reports of tobacco use collected from 3,841 casino employees as part of a comprehensive health survey. Rates of discordance were calculated by comparing employee self-reports with results from plasma cotinine tests. This study provides evidence that casino employees can provide valid self-report data. Further, discordance rates of self-reported tobacco use vary according to operational definitions of tobacco use. These findings highlight the methodological importance of recognizing the inherent heterogeneity of smoking behavior.
Personalized ads on Facebook: An effective marketing tool for online marketers

Abstract A growing number of researchers have examined the effects of personalized advertising in traditional media, however, little has been known about personalized advertising on Facebook. The primary objectives of this research are threefold: (1) Develop a comprehensive model that captures the effects of perceived personalized ads on Facebook on customer attitudinal and behavioral reactions (ad credibility, ad avoidance, ad skepticism, ad attitude, and behavioral intention) to the ad; (2) Test hypothesized relationships using two data sets collected through an online survey; and (3) Develop appropriate customer segments based on personal views of personalized ads on Facebook. The paper reveals that eleven out of thirteen hypotheses are supported and that three market segments are identified including Ad Lovers, Ad Accommodators, and Ad Haters. The paper concludes with conclusion and discussions highlighting managerial and research implications.
The role of social work in free healthcare clinics and student-run clinics

ABSTRACTBackground: The role of social work in free healthcare clinics and student-run clinics remains an understudied topic. Method: We conducted a literature review of the published studies through four online databases: Google Scholar, Social Work Abstracts, Academic Search Complete, and PsycInfo. Results: The literature review revealed 449 possibly relevant studies, but only nine met the criteria for the final review. Based on these findings, social work is not fully utilized in free healthcare clinics and student-run clinics. Conclusion: Our literature review provides evidence for the need for social work in free healthcare clinics and student-run clinics.
Epidermal Tattoo Patch for Ultrasound-Based Transdermal Microballistic Delivery

This work presents a flexible transdermal tattoo patch with a novel penetrative ultrasound-triggered microballistic delivery capability toward enhanced skin penetration of its microdose payload. The new microballistic transdermal patch consists of a microporous membrane attached on an elastic temporary tattoo designed to conform to the skin surface and resist repeated common mechanical strains characteristic of epidermal wear. The porous membrane contains cylindrical micropores, which are fully loaded with a microdose of a model cargo along with a perfluorocarbon emulsion. Application of a high intensity focused ultrasound pulse vaporizes the perfluorocarbon emulsion, which serves as a propellant for the rapid ejection of the encapsulated payload and its penetration into soft adherent surfaces. The utility of the new microballistic concept and advantages over passive diffusion are illustrated using a skin-mimicking phantom model toward enhanced drug delivery and improved nerve agent decontamination. The marriage between wearable epidermal tattoo-patch technology and penetrative needle-free ultrasound-microballistic processes paves the way for new skin-worn delivery devices for diverse therapeutic, detoxification, and skin-care applications.
Incentive mechanisms for peer-to-peer streaming

The increasing popularity of high-bandwidth Internet connections has enabled new applications like the online delivery of high-quality audio and video content. Conventional server-client approaches place the entire burden of delivery on the content provider's server, making these services expensive to provide. A peer-to-peer approach allows end users to reduce the burden on the service provider by contributing bandwidth by uploading data they have downloaded to other clients. However, the success of a peer-to-peer system hinges on resources contributed by participants. Unfortunately, studies have shown that end users are often reluctant to contribute resources to the system without a concrete incentive to do so. Our thesis is that a robust incentive mechanism is necessary to encourage nodes to contribute resources to the system, and a receiver-driven architecture with a pairwise incentive mechanism allows for great flexibility, simplicity, robustness, and performance. The popular file sharing software BitTorrent is widely used, and includes an incentive mechanism that aims to tie the quality of service a node receives to the amount of resources it contributes. Their incentive mechanism is pairwise, in that nodes only rely on direct first-hand observations eliminating the need for complex distributed algorithms. However, studies have shown that flaws in BitTorrent's incentive mechanism make it vulnerable to gaming. We present SWIFT, our alternative incentive mechanism for BitTorrent-like file sharing applications, and experimentally show that it is more resistant to gaming, while retaining the benefits of a pairwise mechanism. Having validated pairwise incentive mechanisms, we turn to our main goal of live streaming. Pairwise mechanisms rely on a bi-directional flow of data between nodes so that nodes may directly penalize neighbors that do not upload data to them. Therefore, traditional tree-based live streaming systems are not amenable to pairwise incentives. We address this with Chainsaw, our peer-to-peer live streaming system based on an unstructured mesh network. Through extensive experimental evaluation we demonstrate that Chainsaw is able to support high-bandwidth streams to a large number of simultaneous receivers with low packet-loss rates over a wide range of network sizes and other system parameters. We then build on Chainsaw and present Token Stealing, our pairwise incentive mechanism for peer-to-peer streaming. Through detailed experimental evaluation, we show that our algorithm offers good service to all participants in the network when the system is resource-rich. When the system is resource-constrained, however, nodes that contribute resources receive significantly better service than those that do not. Thus, we show that our system is versatile and scalable, offering excellent performance across a wide range of system parameters and network conditions, with a robust incentive mechanism that promotes resource-rich conditions by encouraging nodes to contribute as much bandwidth to the system as they are able.
Why Is There Shamanism? Developing the Cultural Evolutionary Theory and Addressing Alternative Accounts

The commentators endorse the conceptual and ethnographic synthesis presented in the target article, suggest extensions and elaborations of the theory, and generalize its logic to explain apparently similar specializations. They also demand clarity about psychological mechanisms, argue against conclusions drawn about empirical phenomena, and propose alternative accounts for why shamanism develops. Here, I respond.
Consistency Principle for Data-Based Probabilistic Inference

Probabilistic methods to make inference from a random sample of observations should satisfy certain requirements for consistency. A principle of invariance under conditioning of the random variable domain is stated. Such a principle is formalized using the paradigm of a two-step inference method based on data. Invariance requirements are expressed both in the data encoding and probability distribution selection steps.
Legal issues in foetal diagnosis and abortion

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the legal issues associated with fetal diagnosis following an abortion. Fetal diagnosis is conditioned upon an agreement to abort. Such a diagnosis is anywhere taken to be the sole (or even primary) grounds for abortion, and the debate over abortion goes on largely without reference to such genetic issues. The decision whether to undertake amniocentesis will depend in each individual case upon the parents' view of the harm that would be caused by the birth of an affected child and this is plainly a judgment that goes beyond medical expertise. The legal analysis following a fetal diagnosis leads to identify four sets of participants who have definable interests and who may play some role in decision-making about alternatives that affect those interests. They are 1) physician-investigators, (2) parents and (3) children, who together might be termed 'patients', and (4) collective bodies, such as the professions and the state. Thus, there would seem no doubt that the kinds of limitations on reproduction that would be needed to achieve the desired genetic effects would deprive the individuals of fundamental rights.
Energy-Aware Dynamic Data-Driven Distributed Traffic Simulation for Energy and Emissions Reduction

The Chapter describes an approach of the dynamic data-driven applications systems (DDDAS) paradigm to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in surface transportation systems. The approach includes algorithms and distributed simulations to predict space-time trajectories of onroad vehicles. Given historical and real-time measurement data from the road network, computation resources residing in the vehicle generate speed/acceleration profiles used to estimate fuel consumption and emissions. These predictions are used to suggest energy-efficient routes to the driver. Because many components of the envisioned DDDAS system operate on mobile computing devices, a distributed computing architecture and energy-efficient middleware and simulations are proposed to maximize battery life. Energy and emissions modeling and mobile client power measurements are also discussed.