cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Near-Field Photothermal Heating with a Plasmonic Nanofocusing Probe

Noble metal nanostructures support plasmon resonances—collective oscillation of charge carriers at optical frequencies—and serve as effective tools to create bright light sources at the nanoscale. These sources are useful in broad application areas including, super-resolution imaging and spectroscopy, nanolithography, and near-field optomechanical transducers. The feasibility of these applications relies on efficient conversion of free-space propagating light to plasmons. Recently, we demonstrated a hybrid nanofocusing scheme for efficient coupling of light to plasmons at the apex of a scanning probe. In the approach, free-space light is coupled to propagating surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on the tapered shaft of the scanning probe. The SPPs propagate adiabatically towards the probe tip where they are coupled to localized plasmons (LSPs). The nanofocusing scheme was explored in a near-field scanning optical microscope for super-resolution imaging, near-field transduction of nanomechanical vibrations, and local detection of ultrasound. Owing to the strong concentration of light at the probe, significant heating of the tip and a sample positioned in the optical near-field is expected. This paper investigates the local heating produced by the plasmonic nanofocusing probe under steady-state conditions using the tip-enhanced Raman scattering approach. In addition, a finite element model is explored to study the coupling of free propagating light to LSPs, and to estimate the temperature rise expected in a halfspace heated by absorption of the LSPs. This study has implications for exploring the plasmonic nanofocusing probe in heat-assisted nanofabrication and fundamental studies of nanoscale heat transport in materials.
Ethical Issues for Innocence Projects: An Initial Primer

While the advent of DNA has led to more than 100 exonerations in the United States, few of them would have been possible without the existence of innocence projects around the country that have undertaken the often difficult work of exonerating the wrongfully convicted. More than thirty projects are now in operation, with several more in the planning stages. As these projects have developed, issues have emerged regarding the professional responsibility obligations of attorneys and others engaged in this post-conviction work. These issues were the subject of discussion at national innocence conferences in 2000 and 2002, but that discussion, while helpful, left many issues unresolved. Because of the importance to projects of insuring compliance with ethical requirements, both to maintain the integrity of the projects' work and to model proper practices for the many aspiring lawyers who work with our programs, this article focuses on some basic professional responsibility issues confronting innocence projects today. It recognizes that innocence work poses unique ethical issues and that different types of projects confront varying challenges. It examines existing ethical rules and suggests how they can be best interpreted and applied to facilitate this important work. While on-going discussion and refinement will be important as these programs develop, this article provides some introductory thoughts for those establishing and operating such projects.
Disclosing large scale adverse events in the US Veterans Health Administration: lessons from media responses.

Abstract Objectives We examined print, broadcast and social media reports about health care systems' disclosures of large scale adverse events to develop future effective messaging. Study design Directed content analysis. Methods We systematically searched four communication databases, YouTube and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds relating to six disclosures of lapses in infection control practices in the Department of Veterans Affairs occurring between 2009 and 2012. We assessed these with a coding frame derived from effective crisis and risk communication models. Results We identified 148 unique media reports. Some components of effective communication (discussion of cause, reassurance, self-efficacy) were more present than others (apology, lessons learned). Media about ‘promoting secrecy’ and ‘slow response’ appeared in reports when time from event discovery to patient notification was over 75 days. Elected officials' quotes (n = 115) were often negative (83%). Hospital officials' comments (n = 165) were predominantly neutral (92%), and focused on information sharing. Conclusions Health care systems should work to ensure that they develop clear messages focused on what is not well covered by the media, including authentic apologies, remedial actions taken, and shorten the timeframe between event identification and disclosure to patients.
Single-Incision Lateral Approach for Triple Arthrodesis:

Background:Triple arthrodesis is a powerful hindfoot corrective procedure involving fusion of the talonavicular (TN), calcaneocuboid (CC), and subtalar (ST) joints. A 2-incision approach, a single-...
Effects of Antibiotics on Synthesis of Lysine Decarboxylase in Escherichia coli.

SummaryAt concentrations not inhibitory to growth, the antibiotics chlortetracycline and oxytetracycline inhibited induction of lysine decarboxylase in proliferating cells of Escherichia coli. Induction of this enzyme in resting cells was readily inhibited by chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline and chloramphenicol. Penicillin and streptomycin were indifferent while bacitracin and neomycin enhanced induction of lysine decarboxylase in resting cells of this bacterium.
The Secret of Centriole Length: Keep a LID on It.

An outstanding challenge in biology is to elucidate the mechanisms that establish and limit organelle structure and size. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Sharma et al. (2016) report how a conserved centriole protein dynamically caps centriole microtubule plus ends to limit the organelle's length.
Understanding Spatially Complex Segmental and Branch Anatomy Using 3D Printing: Liver, Lung, Prostate, Coronary Arteries, and Circle of Willis.

Rationale and Objectives Three-dimensional (3D) manufacturing is shaping personalized medicine, in which radiologists can play a significant role, be it as consultants to surgeons for surgical planning or by creating powerful visual aids for communicating with patients, physicians, and trainees. This report illustrates the steps in development of custom 3D models that enhance the understanding of complex anatomy. Materials and Methods We graphically designed 3D meshes or modified imported data from cross-sectional imaging to develop physical models targeted specifically for teaching complex segmental and branch anatomy. The 3D printing itself is easily accessible through online commercial services, and the models are made of polyamide or gypsum. Results Anatomic models of the liver, lungs, prostate, coronary arteries, and the Circle of Willis were created. These models have advantages that include customizable detail, relative low cost, full control of design focusing on subsegments, color-coding potential, and the utilization of cross-sectional imaging combined with graphic design. Conclusions Radiologists have an opportunity to serve as leaders in medical education and clinical care with 3D printed models that provide beneficial interaction with patients, clinicians, and trainees across all specialties by proactively taking on the educator's role. Complex models can be developed to show normal anatomy or common pathology for medical educational purposes. There is a need for randomized trials, which radiologists can design, to demonstrate the utility and effectiveness of 3D printed models for teaching simple and complex anatomy, simulating interventions, measuring patient satisfaction, and improving clinical care.
TH-EF-207A-07: An Integrated X-Ray/bioluminescence Tomography System for Radiation Guidance and Tumor Evaluation

Purpose: CT is not able to differentiate tumors from surrounding soft tissue. This study is to develop a bioluminescence tomography (BLT) system that is integrated onto our previously developed CT guided small animal arc radiation treatment system (iSMAART) to guide radiation, monitor tumor growth and evaluate therapeutic response. Methods: The BLT system employs a CCD camera coupled with a high speed lens, and is aligned orthogonally to the x-ray beam central axis. The two imaging modalities, CT and BLT, are physically registered through geometrical calibration. The CT anatomy provides an accurate contour of animal surface which is used to construct 3D mesh for BLT reconstruction. Bioluminescence projections are captured from multiple angles, once every 45 degree rotation. The diffusion equation based on analytical Kirchhoff approximation is adopted to model the photon propagation in tissues. A discrete cosine transform based reweighted L1-norm regularization (DCT-re-L1) algorithm is used for BLT reconstruction. Experiments are conducted on a mouse orthotopic prostate tumor model (n=12) to evaluate the BLT performance, in terms of its robustness and accuracy in locating and quantifying the bioluminescent tumor cells. Iodinated contrast agent was injected intravenously to delineate the tumor in CT. The tumor location and volume obtained from CT also serve as a benchmark against BLT. Results: With our cutting edge reconstruction algorithm, BLT is able to accurately reconstruct the orthotopic prostate tumors. The tumor center of mass in BLT is within 0.5 mm radial distance of that in CT. The tumor volume in BLT is significantly correlated with that in CT (R2 = 0.81). Conclusion: The BLT can differentiate, localize and quantify tumors. Together with CT, BLT will provide precision radiation guidance and reliable treatment assessment in preclinical cancer research.
The Human Virome in Health and Disease

Early studies of the human microbiome were directed at bacteria. However, just as the bacterial microbiota affects human health and disease, viruses have analogous interactions. Thus, the human microbiome should be thought of as having a viral component, which is designated the human virome (Fig. 1 and Table 1). The definition of the human virome is complicated by the complexity of viruses and their life cycles. Viruses may be associated with acute infections that may or may not produce manifestations of disease and in which the presence of the viral etiologic agent is transient. In other cases, viral infections are persistent with prolonged presence of the implicated virus and ongoing replication. Persistent infections may or may not be associated with disease. In addition, some viruses become latent following acute infection. During latency, the viral genome persists, but viral replication does not occur, although transcription of some viral genes may take place. Another component of the virome consists of sequences within the human genome that appear to have resulted from remote incorporation of viral elements into the human genome. Designated as endogenous human retroviruses, these sequences cannot generate infectious viral particles. They occupy approximately 4.8% of the human genome (1). Finally, bacteriophages are viruses that infect the bacteria that make up the human endogenous microbiota. While all of the forms of viral infection described above may legitimately be considered part of the human virome, this chapter will focus on the first three groups: namely, viruses that infect eukaryotic cells and are capable of independent replication. The reason for that focus is that these are the viruses that have been associated to date with human disease and are the targets of diagnostic testing.
Computerized System for Safety Verification of External Beam Radiation Therapy Planning.

Purpose To report an assessment of in-house software, Verifier, developed to improve efficacy and efficiency of the radiation therapy (RT) treatment planning process and quality control review (QCR). Methods and Materials Radiation therapy plan parameters retrieved from our treatment planning database are used by automated tests to give 75 types of warnings, such as prescription and plan discrepancies. The software is continuously updated on the basis of new issues, ideas, and planning policies. Verifier was retrospectively assessed (2007-2015) by examining impact on treatment plan revisions, frequency of quality improvement incident reports of avoidable RT plan-related safety events, unaddressed issues, and staff efficiency. Results Plan revisions for specific issues declined dramatically in response to implementation of corresponding Verifier tests. Between 2012 and 2015 our institution's total rate of plan revisions dropped from 18.0% to 11.2%. Between 2008 and 2015 specific tests were added to Verifier while the rate of corresponding avoidable safety events was reduced from 0.34% to 0.00% over the same period. Simulations suggest Verifier saves approximately 2 to 5 minutes per QCR. Conclusions The decrease in quantifiable metrics of plan revisions and incident reports suggests automatic RT plan-checking software enhances patient safety and clinical efficiency. Although only modest time savings may be gained using Verifier for the QCR itself, the greater impact on efficiency is through avoiding late-stage plan modifications and improving documentation via automation. We encourage other institutions to consider working toward adding similar technologies to enhance their RT quality assurance programs.
Geant4 evaluation of the impact of spatial resolution improvement on the contrast recovery coefficient in a small-animal PET system with collimation

Two limitations on the resolution of a reconstructed PET image are sampling and detector pixel size. Using collimation that partially blocks each crystal reduces the effective crystal size. Using different collimation positions increases sampling. In this study we determine the Contrast Recovery Coefficient (CRC) for a small-animal PET scanner with and without collimation in the transverse direction. We performed simulations of a single-slice small-animal PET system (205 mm diameter and 2×2×10 mm3 LYSO crystals). The septa forming the collimation were 1×2×10 mm3 tungsten pieces covering half of each crystal transaxially. Phantoms (25 mm diameter) with one cold and three hot lesions with diameter D (D=0.5, 1, 2, 3 mm) were simulated with two S:B ratios (4:1, 6:1). CRC = (S/B-1)/(T-1) where S and B are mean lesion (hot or cold) and background count densities, and T is true uptake ratio. CRC was measured from reconstructions to quantify the impact of the resolution improvement. Results show collimation improves mean CRC compared to non-collimated PET. For 1 mm hot lesions (4:1), scanned for the same duration, the collimated mean hot lesion CRC values (STD) were 0.44 (0.03) (center) and 0.24 (0.02) (off-center), where STD is the standard deviation of measured CRCs of an ensemble of images. Non-collimated results were 0.31 (0.01) and 0.18 (0.01), respectively. Although the total number of coincidences for the same scan time is fewer by about a factor of 4 in the collimated system, the measured mean CRC is higher. The efficiency loss in collimated PET manifests itself as worse STD in measured CRC and noisier images. When the collimated PET scan time is increased, the STD of measured CRCs improves and reaches that of non-collimated PET. In certain imaging scenarios, it may be possible to scan longer with a collimated PET system to make up for the efficiency loss. In conclusion, our study shows the use of collimation has the potential to improve the quantification and detection capabilities of a small-animal PET system.
Heterogeneous architecture of vertebrate kinetochores revealed by three-dimensional superresolution fluorescence microscopy

The kinetochore is often depicted as having a disk-like architecture in which the outer layer of proteins, which engage microtubules and control checkpoint signaling, are built on a static inner layer directly linked to CENP-A chromatin. Here, applying three-dimensional (3D) structural illumination microscopy (SIM) and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to Xenopus egg extracts and tissue culture cells, we report various distribution patterns of inner and outer kinetochore proteins. In egg extracts, a configuration in which outer kinetochore proteins surround the periphery of CENP-A chromatin is common, forming an ∼200-nm ring-like organization that may engage a bundle of microtubule ends. Similar rings are observed in Xenopus tissue culture cells at a lower frequency but are enriched in conditions in which the spindle is disorganized. Although rings are rare in human cells, the distribution of both inner and outer kinetochore proteins elongates in the absence of microtubule attachment in a manner dependent on Aurora B. We propose a model in which the 3D organization of both the outer and inner kinetochore regions respond to the progression from lateral to end-on microtubule attachments by coalescing into a tight disk from less uniform distributions early in prometaphase.
Penetrating thoracic spinal cord injury with ice pick extending into the aorta. A technical note and review of the literature.

Background Penetrating spinal cord injuries pose a great challenge to both patients and the treating physicians. Although the overall incidence of penetrating spinal cord injury is the highest in the military, the ubiquity of guns in our society continues to make penetrating spinal cord injury prevalent in the civilian population. These types of injuries are particularly complicated because, beyond the trauma to the neural elements and supporting structures, other organs can be affected and a team approach is required for successful treatment. Case description In this report, the authors present a unique case of an ice pick penetrating posteriorly through the spinal canal into the aorta. The described surgical management involved careful consideration and planning to prevent worsening vascular and neurological compromise. Among the challenges faced are neurological compromise, vascular injury, spinal instability, and cerebrospinal fluid leak. Conclusion To the author's knowledge, this challenging case represents the first description of a successful removal of a penetrating thoracic spinal foreign body that terminated within the lumen of the thoracic aorta.
Designing for Family Science Explorations Anytime, Anywhere.

Families play an important role in informal science learning, but they may need supports for engaging in science that is exploratory, inquiry based, and builds on family practices. We designed resources that frame scientific sensemaking as an active and playful process of exploration in which family members are coparticipants. This approach contrasts with more traditional school-like canonical patterns of engagement in family science conversations where adults state facts and provide explanations to children. The Anytime, Anywhere resources were designed to locate phenomena of interest in outdoor settings and cue families about how they might engage playfully in exploration by using sensemaking activities and conversation starters. We analyzed families’ video-recorded activities and interviews as they field-tested the resources at a coastal beach. The analysis shows families engaged in three features of scientific sensemaking, both in response to our designed activities and spontaneously. They elicited ideas and mechanistic processes, made hypotheses, and experimented to test ideas. We propose emerging design recommendations for Anytime, Anywhere family scientific sensemaking activities, which can inform learning design in a variety of settings.
Culture Impact on Perceptions of Communication Effectiveness

Early research on relationship marketing highlights the role of communication in shaping trusted and committed business partnerships. Various studies validate communication as one of the strongest determinants of relationship commitment, loyalty, trust and satisfaction. But, few have studied the predictors of communication effectiveness, especially in a global context. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of cooperation, quality communication, conflict handling and two-way communication as predictors of communication effectiveness. The perception of their impact on increasing communication effectiveness is tested in the context of buyer-supplier relationship in one high-context/relationship-based country (Brazil) and one low-context/rule-based country (U.S.). Structural equation modeling is used to test the relationships in the model. Results suggest that suppliers focus more on fostering cooperation when dealing with buyers from low-context countries and on conflict avoidance when dealing with buyers of high-context countries. Across both contexts, results further indicate that buyers are universally influenced by the quality of communication exchanged with their buyers.
The Role of Mucosal Immunity in the Pathogenesis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most devastating gastrointestinal disease of prematurity. Although the precise cause is not well understood, the main risk factors thought to contribute to NEC include prematurity, formula feeding, and bacterial colonization. Recent evidence suggests NEC develops as a consequence of intestinal hyper-responsiveness to microbial ligands upon bacterial colonization in the preterm infant, initiating a cascade of aberrant signaling events and a robust pro-inflammatory mucosal immune response. We now have a greater understanding of important mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, such as the role of cytokines, immunoglobulins, and immune cells in NEC. In this review, we will provide an overview of the mucosal immunity of the intestine and the relationship between components of the mucosal immune system involved in the pathogenesis of NEC, while highlighting recent advances in the field that have promise as potential therapeutic targets. First, we will describe the cellular components of the intestinal epithelium and mucosal immune system and their relationship to NEC. We will then discuss the relationship between the gut microbiota and cell signaling that underpins disease pathogenesis. We will conclude our discussion by highlighting notable therapeutic advancements in NEC that target the intestinal mucosal immunity.
Phase IIb Study of Intranasal Glutathione in Parkinson's Disease.

Background Reduced glutathione (GSH) is an endogenously synthesized tripeptide depleted early in the course of Parkinson's disease (PD) and GSH augmentation has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy in PD. Objective This Phase IIb study was designed to evaluate whether a Phase III study of intranasal GSH, (in)GSH, for symptomatic relief is warranted and to determine the most appropriate trial design for a disease-modification study. Methods This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 45 individuals with Hoehn & Yahr Stage 1-3 PD. Participants were randomized to receive intranasal placebo (saline), 100 mg GSH, or 200 mg GSH thrice daily for three months, and were observed over a one-month washout period. Results All cohorts improved over the intervention period, including placebo. The high-dose group demonstrated improvement in total Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) (-4.6 (4.7), P = 0.0025) and UPDRS motor subscore (-2.2 (3.8), P = 0.0485) over baseline, although neither treatment group was superior to placebo. One participant in the high-dose GSH cohort developed cardiomyopathy. Conclusions Although predicted improvements in PD total and motor scores were observed, these data do not suggest (in)GSH is superior to placebo after a three month intervention. The symptomatic effects are sufficient to warrant a delayed-start or wash-out design study for disease-modification trials. Whether long-term use of (in)GSH leads to clinical improvements that are sustained and significantly different than placebo will require appropriately-powered longer-duration studies in larger cohorts. The improvement in the placebo arm was more robust than has been observed in previous PD studies and warrants further investigation.
Two novel bimetallic transition metal-uranyl one-dimensional coordination polymers with manganese(II) and cobalt(II) incorporating bridging diglycolate (2,2'-oxydiacetate) ligands.

The crystal structures of two new bimetallic uranyl–transition metal compounds with diglycolic acid [or 2-(carb­oxy­meth­oxy)acetic acid] have been hydro­thermally synthesized and structurally characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compounds, namely catena-poly[[[tetra­aqua­manganese(II)]-μ-2,2′-oxydi­acetato-[dioxidouranium(VI)]-μ-2,2′-oxydi­acetato] dihydrate], {[MnU(C4H4O5)2O2(H2O)4]·2H2O}n, and catena-poly[[[tetra­aqua­cobalt(II)]-μ-2,2′-oxy­di­acetato-[dioxidouranium(VI)]-μ-2,2′-oxydi­acetato] dihydrate], {[CoU(C4H4O5)2O2(H2O)4]·2H2O}n, both crystallize in the triclinic space group P\overline{1}. These compounds form one-dimensional chains via alternating uranyl and transition metal building units. The chains then assemble into three-dimensional supra­molecular networks through several hydrogen bonds between water mol­ecules and diglycolate ligands. Luminescence measurements were conducted and no uranyl emission was observed in either compound.
A Ruthenium(II) Complex as a Luminescent Probe for DNA Mismatches and Abasic Sites

[Ru(bpy)2(BNIQ)]2+ (BNIQ = Benzo[c][1,7]naphthyridine-1-isoquinoline), which incorporates the sterically expansive BNIQ ligand, is a highly selective luminescent probe for DNA mismatches and abasic sites, possessing a 500-fold higher binding affinity toward these destabilized regions relative to well-matched base pairs. As a result of this higher binding affinity, the complex exhibits an enhanced steady-state emission in the presence of DNA duplexes containing a single base mismatch or abasic site compared to fully well-matched DNA. Luminescence quenching experiments with Cu(phen)22+ and [Fe(CN)6]3- implicate binding of the complex to a mismatch from the minor groove via metalloinsertion. The emission response of the complex to different single base mismatches, binding preferentially to the more destabilized mismatches, is also consistent with binding by metalloinsertion. This work shows that high selectivity toward destabilized regions in duplex DNA can be achieved through the rational design of a complex with a sterically expansive aromatic ligand.
Vale: Verifying High-Performance Cryptographic Assembly Code

High-performance cryptographic code often relies on complex hand-tuned assembly language that is customized for individual hardware platforms. Such code is difficult to understand or analyze. We introduce a new programming language and tool called Vale that supports flexible, automated verification of high-performance assembly code. The Vale tool transforms annotated assembly language into an abstract syntax tree (AST), while also generating proofs about the AST that are verified via an SMT solver. Since the AST is a first-class proof term, it can be further analyzed and manipulated by proven-correct code before being extracted into standard assembly. For example, we have developed a novel, proven-correct taint-analysis engine that verifies the code’s freedom from digital side channels. Using these tools, we verify the correctness, safety, and security of implementations of SHA-256 on x86 and ARM, Poly1305 on x64, and hardware-accelerated AES-CBC on x86. Several implementations meet or beat the performance of unverified, state-of-the-art cryptographic libraries.
AlterWear: Battery-Free Wearable Displays for Opportunistic Interactions

As the landscape of wearable devices continues to expand, power remains a major issue for adoption, usability, and miniaturization. Users are faced with an increasing number of personal devices to manage, charge, and care for. In this work, we argue that power constraints limit the design space of wearable devices. We present AlterWear: an architecture for new wearable devices that implement a batteryless design using electromagnetic induction via NFC and bistable e-ink displays. Although these displays are active only when in proximity to an NFC-enabled device, this unique combination of hardware enables both quick, dynamic and long-term interactions with persistent visual displays. We demonstrate new wearables enabled through AlterWear with dynamic, fashion-forward, and expressive displays across several form factors, and evaluate them in a user study. By forgoing the need for onboard power, AlterWear expands the ecosystem of functional and fashionable wearable technologies.
Management of the Eye in the Setting of Facial Nerve Paralysis

Due to incomplete eyelid closure, the eye is acutely at risk in a patient with facial paralysis. Involvement of an ophthalmologist is necessary to appropriately examine the patient, safeguard the eye, and plan subsequent periocular rehabilitation. Early treatment involves lubrication and possibly the placement of a tarsorrhaphy. Rehabilitation may involve improving the position of the eyebrow, upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or midface. Epiphora has a multitude of potential causes in the patient with a facial paralysis including reflex tearing, eyelid malposition, and a defective lacrimal pump. Patients with a coexisting trigeminal nerve palsy or neurotrophic cornea are at a heightened risk of ocular morbidity and must be treated as so. The purpose of this chapter is to review the evaluation and management of the ocular concerns in a patient with facial nerve paralysis.
Labor Management in Masonry Construction: A Sustainable Approach

Work in masonry is divided in different tasks and performed by sub-contractors. Sub-contractors specialize in a given skill to accomplish a specific construction task and usually work with crews. Due to this specialization, multiple crews with different skills are present on the jobsite at any one time and the sub-contractor is responsible of configuring crews to produce good quality work by means of capitalizing skills. Even though crews work independently within the range of their own skills, they need to properly sequence and coordinate their work to complete tasks and eliminate disruptions. One of the problems masonry contractors face is the need to design crews, that is, determine the number of crews and the composition of each crew to be effectively used in the construction process to maximize workflow. This study proposes the framework for a decision support system to assist contractors in the allocation of crews in masonry projects. The proposed system can be a valuable tool to assist masonry contractors in the process of predicting the number of workers and allocating workers.
Uptake and Transport of Boron

As a consequence of its structural role in growing tissues (Loomis and Durst, 1992; Matoh, 1997) and the inherent phloem immobility of B in most plant species (Brown and Shelp, 1997), boron has to be supplied continually throughout the life of the plant and fluctuations in soil B availability can have a profound effect on plant growth and productivity. Additionally, many species are also sensitive to high levels of B in the growing environments and growth inhibition as a result of excess B uptake is experienced in many agricultural regions. Understanding the biology of B uptake and transport in plants is therefore critical to the management of B in natural and agricultural systems.
The Role of Protected Areas for Conserving Biodiversity and Reducing Poverty

The practice of setting lands aside for the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, sometimes in the face of a perceived threat to that site or resource, is hardly a modern concept. For centuries, even millennia, human societies have established protected areas, often for the safeguarding of sacred sites, forests, or hunting grounds (Chape et al. 2005). Most mark the beginning of our present-day network of government-established protected areas with the declaration of the first national park, Yellowstone, by the U.S. federal government in 1872. The early protected areas of the U.S. system embodied the romantic concept of wilderness, one captured in the writings and actions of Thoreau, Muir, and others as the sublime: natural landscapes where one might best sense the presence of God (Cronon 1995). This wilderness concept propelled a pre­servationist mode of protected area creation and management, one that focused on protected areas as natural monuments, places that should be kept free of human activity. By the second half of the twentieth century, the primary motivations behind conservation and protected area establishment shifted from the wilderness and preservationist ethic to one focused on conservation of rapidly disappearing habitats, often in landscapes where the spheres of human societies and nature were interwoven (McNeely 2005). Today, protected areas (PAs) are often cited as the cornerstones of biodiversity conservation, the most effective tool for in-situ conservation, as well as essential safeguards of ecosystem services (CBD 2006; MEA 2005).
A numerical analysis of failure characteristics of ductile layers in laminated composites

In this study, the failure of the ductile layers from collinear, multiple and delaminating cracks that occur in laminated composite systems was studied using a constitutive relationship that accounts for strength degradation resulting from the nucleation and growth of voids. The results indicate that, in laminated composites, void nucleation and growth ahead of the cracks occur at a much faster rate because of evolution of much higher stress values in the interface region. Except for short crack extensions, collinear and multiple cracks develop crack resistance curves similar to that seen for a crack in the ductile layer material as a homogenous isotropic cases. For delaminating crack cases, the fracture behaviour is strongly influenced by the delamination length. The resistance of the ductile layers to crack extension can be significantly reduced by short delamination lengths; however, for large delamination lengths the resistance to crack extension becomes greater than that seen for the ductile material. The results also show that, if the crack tip is at the interface, similar maximum stress values develop in the ductile layers as in the fracture test of the same ductile material, suggesting that ductile–brittle fracture transition behaviour of the ductile layers is dependent upon the extent of the cracks in the brittle layers and fracture characteristics of the brittle layers.
Taxing Others in the Age of Trump: Foreigners (and the Politically Weak) As Tax Subject

Supporting a tax increase during the past couple of decades might sound the death knell for the career of a U.S. politician. Some attribute George H. W. Bush’s presidential reelection campaign loss to violation of his “no new taxes” pledge.[2] Conflicting with the political toxicity of new taxes and tax increases is the relentless demand for revenue to operate government and fund the fulfillment of campaign promises. The fiscal discipline to eliminate the need for revenue increase rarely accompanies the political rhetoric committing to decrease taxes and never increase them again. For many politicians, the funding issue becomes a matter of decreasing funding for programs the politician disfavors and using the decreased funding for programs the politician favors.[3] These conflicting goals of funding spending programs while reducing (or at least not increasing) taxes have encouraged development of “non-tax” revenue sources. User fees for governmental services that previously had been free or low-cost have proliferated.[4] Law enforcement agencies routinely use property forfeitures to supplement revenue from government tax allocations—a phenomenon observed in the numbers of forfeitures that are not accompanied by any prosecution.[5] At the state and local level, revenue-based policing with aggressive enforcement of misdemeanors has become commonplace.[6] Hotel and entertainment taxes capture revenue from nonresidents who do not vote locally.[7] Automatic increases of property tax from periodic value reassessments are politically more acceptable than a legislative vote or a referendum in states requiring a vote to increase a tax rate[8] because they do not attach specific political blame for the increase. When revenue falls short and tax increases seem better than spending cuts, income tax increases and steeper progressivity in income tax rates remains impractical. Regressive consumption taxes falling most heavily on the non-affluent and politically weak are the preferred choice for additional revenue.
The chemistry of vicinal tricarbonyls. A new synthesis of substituted furans

Abstract Enolates of acyl phosphoranylidine carboxylates react with aldehydes to form secondary alcohols which undergo intramolecular addition to the central carbonyl of a vicinal tricarbonyl unit, generated in a separate step. The resulting dihydrofuranols undergo acid-catalyzed dehydration to form 3-hydroxyfuran-2-carboxylates.
Online personalized feedback intervention for cannabis-using college students reduces cannabis-related problems among women.

Abstract There is growing evidence that college cannabis use is associated with use-related problems, yet efforts to reduce cannabis-related problems via online personalized feedback interventions (PFIs) have had limited success in significantly reducing risky cannabis use among college students. However, men and women may respond differently to such interventions and failure to examine effects of gender may obfuscate intervention effects. Thus, the current study tested intervention effects (moderated by gender) of an online, university-specific PFI for high-risk cannabis users (i.e., past-month cannabis users with at least one recent cannabis-related problem) who were randomly assigned to an online PFI (n = 102) or an online personalized normative feedback-only condition (PNF-only; n = 102). Gender moderated the relationship between condition and one-month follow-up problems, such that women in the PFI condition reported fewer cannabis-related problems at follow-up than women in the PNF-only condition. Men in the PFI condition did not significantly differ from men in the PNF-only condition on use-related problems at follow-up. Cannabis PFIs may be efficacious for reducing cannabis use-related problems among undergraduate women (but not men) and women may benefit from online interventions that include problem-focused components.
Conclusion: Principles for the Uses of Theory

This chapter returns to the larger question of how best to apply theory to literary texts. Few of Elizabeth Gaskell’s characters can be read to support the cheerful version of Judith Butler’s performativity. But the texts that contain those who can are among her most-read, by scholars and popular audiences alike. Resistance to acknowledging the darker side of Butler’s theory is reflected in the way that the term “performativity” is often used to imply an agency and control that Butler would withhold. This might seem to be an illegitimate use of her theory, but after all, academic discourse is a conversation, and a living field is always evolving. Where, then, are the borders of legitimacy between taking theory seriously and evolving the original? The conclusion elucidates some principles by which scholars can decide, and which faculty can apply in graduate teaching or undergraduate teaching of research methods courses.
MAX SALM. Analogie im Germanischen: Historisch-morphologische Studien zum Ablautsystem der e-Verben anhand des Deutschen und Schwedischen kontrastiv dargestellt.

(1992). MAX SALM. Analogie im Germanischen: Historisch-morphologische Studien zum Ablautsystem der e-Verben anhand des Deutschen und Schwedischen kontrastiv dargestellt.. WORD: Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 470-472.
The Effects of Subsidized and Transitional Employment Programs on Noneconomic Well-Being

Programs designed to help disadvantaged workers improve their labor-market prospects may have effects beyond improvements in employment rates and income. One possible supplementary effect is improvements in subjective well-being, or how participants feel about their current life situations. Subjective well-being is important because there are social costs related to lower levels of well-being, and because a person’s outlook has been demonstrated to have an effect on his or her future behavior. The analysis reported here uses data collected as part of the Subsidized and Transitional Employment Demonstration (STED), which is designed to investigate the effects of subsidized and transitional employment programs on both financial and nonfinancial well-being. The STED programs examined here had positive effects on both employment and well-being while the programs were operating, but these effects dissipated. The analysis reported here examines two main research questions: -- What were the programs’ effects on well-being and how did the effects vary over time? -- What are the mechanisms for these effects? Were the effects primarily due to participation in employment or did other factors contribute? The STED data-collection effort included multiple approaches to the measurement of well-being, including a global measure of “happiness” (or overall life satisfaction) and several more specific concepts such as emotional distress, “locus of control,” and self-esteem. The interrelationships among the multiple measures were examined. Generally, individuals with less positive scores on the specific measures also had less positive overall assessments of their well-being, so the analysis focused on the overall measure. The analysis of STED’s effects on well-being began by examining the variation in well-being associated with participants’ social and demographic characteristics, and comparing the trends in that population with well-being trends among Americans in general. Members of the STED sample were less likely to assess their well-being positively than the general population, and some factors associated with positive assessments in the general population (marriage, for example) had little association with positive assessments in the STED sample. However, the STED programs, which provided employment (and earnings) along with supportive services, had a positive effect on well-being. The impact model indicates that these positive effects occurred both because the programs made it more likely for program group members to be employed (or because that employment brought them increased income) and because of their participation in the program itself, independent of its effects on their employment. These results add to an emerging body of literature on changes in well-being when people move from unemployment to employment.
Fast, multiplane line-scan confocal microscopy using axially distributed slits

The inherent constraints on resolution, speed and field of view have hindered the development of high-speed, three-dimensional microscopy techniques over large scales. Here, we present a multiplane line-scan imaging strategy, which uses a series of axially distributed reflecting slits to probe different depths within a sample volume. Our technique enables the simultaneous imaging of an optically sectioned image stack with a single camera at frame rates of hundreds of hertz, without the need for axial scanning. We demonstrate the applicability of our system to monitor fast dynamics in biological samples by performing calcium imaging of neuronal activity in mouse brains and voltage imaging of cardiomyocytes in cardiac samples.
Receipt of Serial Endoscopy Procedures Prior to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Diagnosis Is Associated with Better Survival

The poor prognosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has focused efforts on early detection by serial endoscopic surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Previously, we reported that receipt of endoscopy before EAC diagnosis was associated with improved survival. We aimed to refine our previous analysis, assessing surveillance as measured by performance of serial endoscopy before EAC diagnosis and evaluating its association with stage and survival. A retrospective cohort study was performed using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare database. Patients aged ≥ 70 years with EAC diagnosed during 1998–2009 were identified. Diagnosis with BE and receipt of ≥ 2 upper endoscopic procedures within 5 years before cancer diagnosis were identified. We compared a reference group not receiving serial endoscopy to 3 patterns based on ≥ 2 endoscopy dates relative to a timepoint 2 years before cancer diagnosis: “remote,” “recent,” and “sustained.” Among 5532 patients, 28% (n = 1,575) had localized stage. Thirteen percent (n = 703) received ≥ 2 endoscopic procedures before cancer diagnosis: 224, 298, and 181 in the “recent,” “remote,” and “sustained” groups. Serial endoscopy and prior BE were associated with localized stage (“sustained” group OR 2.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.07, 4.19; prior BE OR 2.68, 95% CI 2.03, 3.56). Serial endoscopy was associated with improved survival even with adjustment for lead time bias (“sustained” group HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.37, 0.55) and length time bias. Sustained endoscopy was associated with earlier stage and improved survival. These results support the role of sustained surveillance in early detection of EAC.
CELSS Breadboard Project at the Kennedy Space Center

The CELSS Breadboard Project is described, noting that it was initiated to study aspects of a CELSS for long-term space missions. Topics for extensive investigation included air and water regeneration, engineering control, and food production. The many options available for growing food crops in commercial plant growth chambers were investigated and the best of this information was translated to the Biomass Production Chamber (BPC). The chamber contains 20 sq m of crop growing area under 96 400 W HPS lamps; sixteen 0.25 sq m plant growth trays used on each of four growing shelves for a total of 64 trays; and one 256-L nutrient solution reservoir with the appropriate continuous-flow, thin-film plumbing for each shelf. A heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system maintains atmospheric conditions and serves to distribute oxygen and carbon dioxide and maintain pressure at 12 mm of water. The control and monitoring subsystem, which uses a programmable logic controller, manages the BPC subsystems.
Expression and characterization of Geotrichum candidum lipase I gene. Comparison of specificity profile with lipase II.

Despite tremendous progress in the elucidation of three-dimensional structures of lipases, the molecular basis for their observed substrate preference is not well understood. In an effort to correlate the lipase structure with its substrate preference and to clarify the contradicting reports in the literature, we have compared the enzymic characteristics of two closely related recombinant lipases from the fungus Geotrichum candidum. These enzymes were expressed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as fusions with an N-terminal poly(His) tag and were purified in a single step by metal-affinity chromatography. Their specific activities against a series of triacylglycerol substrates were compared using a titrimetric assay. The substrates varied in fatty acyl chain length, number of double bonds and their position along the chain. G. candidum lipases I and II (GCL I and GLC II) are markedly different with respect to their substrate preferences. For unsaturated substrates having long fatty acyl chains (C18:2cis -9, cis -12 and C18:3cis -9, cis -12, cis-15), GCL I showed higher specific activity than GCL II, whereas GCL II showed higher specific activity against saturated substrates having short fatty acid chains (C8, C10, C12 and C14). We have constructed a hybrid molecule containing the N-terminal portion of GCL I (including the flap covering the active site) linked to the C-terminal portion of GCL II. The hybrid molecule showed a substrate preference pattern identical to that of GCL II. These results indicate that sequence variation within the N-terminal 194 amino acids of G. candidum lipases do not contribute to the observed variation in efficiency by which the lipases hydrolyze their substrates. Moreover, it also shows that the flap region in GCL is not directly involved in substrate differentiation, even though this region is thought to be involved in recognition of the interface and in the activation of the enzyme.