cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design considerations for online learning in health and social work education

Increasingly, health and social work educators are joining their colleagues throughout higher education in exploring the possibilities of teaching and learning online. Online teaching and learning initiatives have been aided by both proprietary and open source course management systems such as BlackBoard and Moodle. However, the rush to put courses online is rarely informed by adequate consideration of the affordances of the World Wide Web to support different types of pedagogical dimensions or instructional design. In addition, academic staff members may jump into teaching online without sufficient consideration of the design components that can be implemented in online courses. This study provides an introduction to 10 design dimensions, derived from research and theory in instructional technology, cognitive science and adult education, for guiding the design and evaluation of online learning environments for health and social work education. It concludes by addressing the rewards and risks of online learning.
CHANGES IN SOMATOTROPIC AXIS RESPONSE AND BODY COMPOSITION DURING GROWTH HORMONE ADMINISTRATION IN PROGRESSIVE CACHECTIC PARASITISM

Abstract A multistage protozoan parasitic disease was used as a cachexia model to study the effects of daily administration of bovine growth hormone (GH) on endocrine and body composition changes of young calves from the onset of the acute phase response (APR). Male calves averaging 127.5 ± 2.0 kg body weight were assigned to control, ad libitum fed, noninfected (C); ad libitum fed, infected (250,000 oocysts Sarcocystis cruzi , per os, I); noninfected, pair-fed (PF) to matched I-treatment calves and these respective same treatments in calves injected daily with GH (USDA-bGH-B1), 12.5 mg/calf/day, im) designated as C GH , I GH and PF GH . GH injections were initiated on Day 20 postinfection (PI), 3 to 4 d before the onset of clinical signs of APR, and continued to Day 56 PI, at which time animals were euthanized for tissue collections. Abrupt increases in rectal temperature commensurate with up to 70% reduction in voluntary feed intake were observed in I and I GH beginning 23–25 d PI. For the trial period between Days 20 and 56 PI, average daily carcass protein gains were 123, 52, 109, 124, 48, and 67 g/d and average daily carcass fat gains were 85, 11, 43, 71, −23, and 29 g/d for C, I, PF, C GH , I GH , and PF GH , respectively. Effects of GH were significant for fat accretion and plasma urea depression. Rectus femoris was highly refractory to catabolic effects of infection while psoas major was significantly catabolized during infection. Plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-) I increased significantly in all GH-treated calves between Day 20 and 23 PI. Plasma IGF-I declined well below Day 20 values in all infected calves from the onset of the APR through the end of the study. The decrease in plasma IGF-I concentrations in I and I G was highly correlated with the magnitude of the fever response. Hepatic mRNA for GH receptor and IGF-I was decreased in infected calves. Hepatic microsomal membrane binding of 125 I-GH did not differ between groups. The data suggest that effects of GH and parasitism on tissue metabolism during disease may vary among different specific tissue pools. The data demonstrate that daily GH administration in young calves does not prevent lean tissue losses and may accelerate fat depletion associated with cachectic parasitism. Furthermore, the onset of APR overrode the capacity for GH to maintain elevated plasma concentrations of IGF-I, an effect not readily explained through changes in GH-receptor binding.
Iatrogenic pulse granuloma detected at prostatectomy.

Pulse granulomas are peculiar reactions to vegetable matter characterized by aggregates of hyaline rings and may be oral or extraoral. Pulse granulomas are important to recognize because they may indicate serious pathologic processes, may simulate neoplasia clinically, and may morphologically be confused with hyaline vasculopathy. We recently encountered a case involving a highly unusual pulse granuloma in a 55-year-old man who underwent prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma. Prior pancolonoscopy and digital rectal examination excluded significant colorectal disease. Microscopy showed a prominent pulse granuloma with demonstrable vegetable matter occupying periprostatic soft tissue. Interestingly, retrospective review of material from prior prostatic core biopsies revealed vegetable matter that appeared identical to the vegetable matter in the pulse granuloma. We conclude that the biopsies transrectally displaced vegetable matter, which provided the nidus for the pulse granuloma. We present the first pulse gra...
Characterization of highly anisotropic three-dimensionally nanostructured surfaces

Abstract Generalized ellipsometry, a non-destructive optical characterization technique, is employed to determine geometrical structure parameters and anisotropic dielectric properties of highly spatially coherent three-dimensionally nanostructured thin films grown by glancing angle deposition. The (piecewise) homogeneous biaxial layer model approach is discussed, which can be universally applied to model the optical response of sculptured thin films with different geometries and from diverse materials, and structural parameters as well as effective optical properties of the nanostructured thin films are obtained. Alternative model approaches for slanted columnar thin films, anisotropic effective medium approximations based on the Bruggeman formalism, are presented, which deliver results comparable to the homogeneous biaxial layer approach and in addition provide film constituent volume fraction parameters as well as depolarization or shape factors. Advantages of these ellipsometry models are discussed on the example of metal slanted columnar thin films, which have been conformally coated with a thin passivating oxide layer by atomic layer deposition. Furthermore, the application of an effective medium approximation approach to in-situ growth monitoring of this anisotropic thin film functionalization process is presented. It was found that structural parameters determined with the presented optical model equivalents for slanted columnar thin films agree very well with scanning electron microscope image estimates.
A Potential New Method to Estimate Tissue Cystine Content in Nephropathic Cystinosis

Objectives To evaluate intestinal mucosal cystine crystal (CC) load as a way to estimate tissue cystine content in children with cystinosis. Study design Intestinal mucosal biopsies were obtained endoscopically from children (ages 2-18 years) with cystinosis. Using a special processing technique, CC within histiocytes were easily visible and enumerable in the mucosal tissue. Mean CC counts, calculated from stomach and duodenum combined (CC-GD), were correlated with duration of cysteamine treatment, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and mean white blood cells (WBC) cystine levels. Results Seventeen subjects (6 male) were enrolled in 2 studies from 2001 and 2003. The CC-GD count (mean 12.5 ± 1.41 crystals/histiocyte) was lower than the colonic crystal count (mean 23.6 ± 3.38, P = .0031). Nine of 17 subjects underwent repeated endoscopy 2 years later and the trend for CC-GD was to decrease over time ( P = .065). Biopsies, however, were never completely depleted of CC. In subjects who were diagnosed before age 18 months, the percent change from baseline of both eGFR and CC-GD were inversely correlated ( P = .026). Mean WBC cystine levels were positively correlated with CC-GD ( P = .023). Conclusions CC are easily visible in the intestinal mucosa. CC-GD counts appear to correlate with eGFR and may help monitor response to treatment. Even when mean WBC cystine levels are low, the mucosal CC are not depleted suggesting that tissue cysteamine levels may not achieve therapeutic efficacy.
Trp’ing Tuberculosis

IFN-γ-activated macrophages attempt to limit pathogen growth through tryptophan starvation. Zhang et al. demonstrate that Mycobacterium tuberculosis responds to this threat by synthesizing its own tryptophan. Genetic and chemical inhibition of this pathway reduces mycobacterial survival, revealing a new immune-dependent drug target for tuberculosis.
Catholicity and Context: The Cenotaphs of Orthodox Theological Education.

. For more than twenty-five years, field education programs have been the primary pedagogical strategy by which contextual (practical) theological training has occurred at most Orthodox theological schools in America. These programs are based on a developmental approach, with students progressing from observation to participation to actual leadership. A synthetic model of contextualism will prepare students more effectively for ministry in the third millennium by providing attention to the contemporary context throughout the entire curriculum. This article will: (a) discuss the current practice of Orthodox theological education in America, (b) examine six classifications of contextual theology, and (c) suggest nine core values and goals that support a synthetic model for the contextualization of Orthodox theological education in America.
Happy Medium, Happy Citizens: Presidential Power and Democratic Regime Support

Institutional and behavioral theories of democracy abound but rarely intersect. Do executive lawmaking power and prowess condition democratic regime support in presidential democracies? We develop ...
Lung Function, Pre- and Post-natal Smoke Exposure, and Wheezing in the First Year of Life

The relationship between initial level of lung function and subsequent wheezing, lower respiratory illness (LRI) was studied in 97 infants in whom the first measurement of pulmonary function (PFT) was made before 6 months of age. Occurrence of LRI was evaluated by standardized questionnaires at each well-baby visit, biweekly telephone calls to mothers, and review of all visits to physicians. Infant PFT was assessed by partial expiratory flow-volume curves and helium-dilution measurement of functional residual capacity (FRC). Maternal, prenatal smoking was assessed by urine cotinine and standard questionnaires. Infants who developed an LRI during the first year of life had lower preillness length-corrected forced expiratory flow at FRC (Vfrc) than those who did not experience an LRI (males, 2.06 ± 0.20 versus 2.32 ± 0.29 ml/s/cm; females, 2.38 ± 0.20 versus 2.91 ± 0.26 ml/s/cm). Similar results were observed with FRC-corrected Vfrc. No differences were observed for FRC. Differences in lung function were gr...
Synthesis and characterization of nitrogen-rich macrocyclic ligands and an investigation of their coordination chemistry with lanthanum(III).

Derivatives of the ligand 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen) containing pendant N-heterocyclic donors were prepared. The heterocycles pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, and pyrazine were conjugated to cyclen to give 1,4,7,10-tetrakis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (Lpy), 1,4,7,10-tetrakis(3-pyridazylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (Lpyd), 1,4,7,10-tetrakis(4-pyrimidylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (Lpyr), and 1,4,7,10-tetrakis(2-pyrazinylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (Lpz), respectively. The coordination chemistry of these ligands was explored using the La3+ ion. Accordingly, complexes of the general formula [La(L)(OTf)](OTf)2, where OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate and L = Lpy (1), Lpyd (2), Lpyr (3), and Lpz (4), were synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy. Crystal structures of 1 and 2 were also determined by X-ray diffraction studies, which revealed 9-coordinate capped, twisted square-antiprismatic coordination geometries for the central La3+ i...
Native conformational tendencies in unfolded polypeptides: development of a novel method to assess native conformational tendencies in the reduced forms of multiple disulfide-bonded proteins.

Oxidative folding is the concomitant formation of the native disulfide bonds and the native tertiary structure from the reduced and unfolded polypeptide. Of interest is the inherent conformational ...
Computation of Maps for Particle and Light Optics by Scaling, Splitting, and Squaring

New methods are presented for the integration of autonomous flows, with an emphasis on the Hamiltonian case. The Hamiltonian results are expected to have important applications for charged-particle optics (including accelerator design) and for graded-index light optics.
Local administration of dopaminergic drugs into the ventral tegmental area modulates cataplexy in the narcoleptic canine.

Abstract Cataplexy in the narcoleptic canine may be modulated by systemic administration of monoaminergic compounds. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of monoaminergic drugs on cataplexy in narcoleptic canines when perfused locally via microdialysis probes in the amygdala, globus pallidus/putamen, basal forebrain, pontine reticular formation and ventral tegmental area of narcoleptic and control Doberman pinchers. Cataplexy was quantified using the Food-Elicited Cataplexy Test and analyzed by electroencephalogram, electrooculogram and electromyogram. Local perfusion with the monoaminergic agonist quinpirole, 7-OH-DPAT and BHT-920, into the ventral tegmental area produced a dose-dependent increase in cataplexy without significantly reducing basal muscle tone. Perfusion with the antagonist raclopride in the same structure produced a moderate reduction in cataplexy. Local perfusion with quinpirole, 7-OH-DPAT and BHT-920 into the globus pallidus/putamen also produced an increase, while raclopride produced a decrease, in cataplexy in narcoleptic canines. In control animals, none of the above drugs produced cataplexy or muscle atonia when perfused into either the ventral tegmental area or the globus pallidus/putamen. Other monoaminergic drugs tested in these two brain areas; prazosin, yohimbine, amphetamine, SKF 38393 and SCH 23390 had no effects on cataplexy. Local perfusion with each of the above listed drugs had no effect on cataplexy in any of the other brain regions examined. These findings show that cataplexy may be regulated by D2/D3 dopaminergic receptors in the ventral tegmental area and perhaps the globus pallidus/putamen. It is suggested that neurons in the mesolimbic dopamine system of narcoleptics are hypersensitive to dopaminergic autoreceptor agonists.
Galileo ultraviolet spectrometer observations of atomic hydrogen in the atmosphere of Ganymede

Atomic hydrogen Lyman alpha radiation (121.6 nm) has been measured in emission from the atmosphere of Ganymede with the Galileo ultraviolet spectrometer. An exospheric model with the following parameters has been fit to the observational data: atomic hydrogen density directly above the surface (radius 2634 km) equal to 1.5 × 104 atoms cm−3 scale height 2634 km, exospheric temperature 450 K. A model calculation of the photodissociation of water vapor from surface ice at 146 K is used to obtain the photodissociation rate necessary to supply the hydrogen atoms that are escaping from the exosphere of Ganymede. The calculated escape flux of atomic hydrogen is 7 × 108 atoms/cm² sec. Two alternate but speculative sources of the atomic hydrogen escaping from Ganymede are photodesorption of water ice by ultraviolet photons in the wavelength range 120.5–186.0 nm and sputtering of water ice by Jupiter's magnetospheric ion plasma.
Energy Policy in the Context of Sustainable Development: Case of Algeria and Tunisia

Abstract At the dawn of the twenty-first century, one of the major problems of mankind is to combine the energy, the respect for environment. A problem of sustainable development has been clearly demonstrated in the Earth Summit in Johannesburg 2002. Among the major battles to be fought in this century for the survival of the planet is to include energy efficiency as an international political priority, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Renewable energy, inexhaustible, clean, are needed in these conditions as a priority. Algeria has entered its energy strategy in the context of sustainable development by integrating the promotion of renewable energy. The legislative and regulatory framework adopted in recent years testifies to this irreversible commitment. Three major laws govern the field of renewable energy and state incentives enjoyed by this sector. The law on energy management enacted in 1999 provides for the creation of a National Fund for Energy Management (NFEM) which helps to finance renewable energy projects. As part of the implementation of the law on electricity and public distribution of gas by pipeline passed in 2002, executive decree on the costs of diversification of electricity production promulgated in 2004 provides for the granting of premium for green electricity up to 300% of normal rate. Some projects for electrification of rural villages in the sun have been made in Great South of Algeria.
Virilizing Adrenal Hyperplasia Presenting in a Prepubertal Female

Postnatal virilization is reported in a prepubertal girl with onset at age 6 years. The pattern of steroid excretion, response to ACTH stimulation and decadron suppression was as seen with congenital adrenal hyperplasia secondary to a defect in 21-hydroxylation. Because of the similar age of onset of previously reported cases it is suggested that this postnatal form most likely represents a variant of the congenital variety rather than an acquired disorder.
Industry solves the lightning protection problem

I DEEPLY APPRECIATE the honor which the Institute has conferred on me in awarding me the Edison Medal for 1949. I accept this award on the basis that it is given not only for whatever personal accomplishment I have been able to make in the field of lightning and of lightning protection; but also in recognition of the contribution of the many other persons associated with me both outside and within my own company. Some indication of their contribution will be apparent from a brief resume of what has happened in this field in the last 27 years.
Structural relaxation in ion-damaged amorphous germanium.

X-ray and optical studies of ion-damaged amorphous germanium reveal a structural relaxation produced by low-temperature (200 {degree}C) annealing. This relaxation appears to be qualitatively different from that observed previously at higher annealing temperatures (250--500 {degree}C). Extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure measurements, made in the total-electron-yield mode with a sampling depth of 600--800 A, indicate a sharpening of the first shell in the radial distribution, but no change in the first-shell distance or coordination number. No higher shells in the radial distribution are observed, before or after annealing, indicating that these shells remain highly disordered. Infrared-reflection and Raman-scattering measurements confirm that a relaxation takes place and that there is no nucleation of microcrystals in the implanted layer within the detection limit of 1.5% volume fraction. In contrast to previous studies, the present results exhibit no evidence of a reduction in bond-angle disorder.
A Fourier Transform Infrared Study of Mineral Matter in Coal: The Application of a Least Squares Curve-Fitting Program

The application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to the quantitative determination of mineral matter in coal is discussed. The use of a least squares curve-fitting program allows a choice between standards to be made. The results of an analysis of mineral mixtures and a coal low temperature ash are presented. The results are in good agreement with known concentrations and those obtained by other methods of analysis.
Cellular Cholesterol Efflux Mediated by Cyclodextrins DEMONSTRATION OF KINETIC POOLS AND MECHANISM OF EFFLUX

The efflux of cholesterol from cells in culture to cyclodextrin acceptors has been reported to be substantially more rapid than efflux induced by other known acceptors of cholesterol (Kilsdonk, E. P. C., Yancey, P., Stoudt, G., Bangerter, F. W., Johnson, W. J., Phillips, M. C., and Rothblat, G. H. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 17250-17256). In this study, we compared the kinetics of cholesterol efflux from cells with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrins and with discoidal high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles to probe the mechanisms governing the remarkably rapid rates of cyclodextrin-mediated efflux. The rate of cholesterol efflux was enhanced by shaking cells growing in a monolayer and further enhanced by placing cells in suspension to achieve maximal efflux rates. The extent of efflux was dependent on cyclodextrin concentration, and maximal efflux was observed at concentrations >50 mM. For several cell types, biexponential kinetics of cellular cholesterol efflux were observed, indicating the existence of two kinetic pools of cholesterol: a fast pool (half-time (t1/2) approximately 19-23 s) and a slow pool with t1/2 of 15-30 min. Two distinct kinetic pools of cholesterol were also observed with model membranes (large unilamellar cholesterol-containing vesicles), implying that the cellular pools are in the plasma membrane. Cellular cholesterol content was altered by incubating cells with solutions of cyclodextrins complexed with increasing levels of cholesterol. The number of kinetic pools was unaffected by raising the cellular cholesterol content, but the size of the fast pool increased. After depleting cells of the fast pool of cholesterol, this pool was completely restored after a 40-min recovery period. The temperature dependence of cyclodextrin-mediated cholesterol efflux from cells and model membranes was compared; the activation energies were 7 kcal/mol and 2 kcal/mol, respectively. The equivalent activation energy observed with apo-HDL-phospholipid acceptor particles was 20 kcal/mol. It seems that cyclodextrin molecules are substantially more efficient than phospholipid acceptors, because cholesterol molecules desorbing from a membrane surface can diffuse directly into the hydrophobic core of a cyclodextrin molecule without having to desorb completely into the aqueous phase before being sequestered by the acceptor.
Energy Conversion by Means of MHD Shock-Wave Generators Combined with Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines

The principle of the operation and the basic features of shock-wave MHD generators are described. Such generators may serve as topping devices to closed-cycle gas turbines, giving the possibility of using heat source temperatures of a few hundred degrees in excess to the inlet temperatures to the gas turbines. Cycle efficiencies and specific power ratings can be increased considerably by means of such topping devices.Copyright © 1979 by ASME
Cytomorphology of unusual primary tumors in the Pap test

Rare entities in the Pap test, which include neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions, pose challenges due to the infrequent occurrence of many of these entities in the daily practice of cytology. Furthermore, these conditions give rise to important diagnostic pitfalls to be aware of in the Pap test. For example, cases with adenoma malignum (AM) have been called benign. Recognition of these conditions can help correctly interpret Pap tests as abnormal and thereby ensure that patients get appropriately diagnosed. In this paper, we illustrate and discuss selected uncommon primary neoplastic lesions of the cervix and the vagina that may be seen in Pap test, with a focus on cytomorphology, differential diagnosis and the role of possible ancillary studies. These cases include high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cells with small cell morphology; small cell carcinoma; large neuroendocrine carcinoma; glassy cell carcinoma; AM; malignant mixed Mullerian tumor; clear cell carcinoma and primary malignant melanoma. Recognition of these rare variants/neoplasms is important so that involved Pap tests are not diagnosed as benign and that patients with these conditions get additional follow-up.
Femtosecond excitation dynamics in gold nanospheres and nanorods

Femtosecond visible photoluminescence is detected from gold nanoparticles using time-resolved fluorescence upconversion spectroscopy. We directly compared this fast luminescence from gold nanospheres $(\ensuremath{\emptyset}25\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm})$ with that obtained from nanorods ($\ensuremath{\emptyset}15\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}40\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$, $\ensuremath{\emptyset}15\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}27\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$) under vis $(3.02\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV})$ and $\mathrm{UV}(4.65\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV})$ excitation. A fast $(\ensuremath{\sim}50\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{fs})$ decay was obtained for the nanoparticles and the emission was depolarized. Degenerate femtosecond pump-probe experiments in the low excitation intensity regime demonstrated much slower electron thermalization and/or equilibration dynamics on the time scale of a few hundred femtoseconds. These features strongly indicate a $d$-hole-conduction electron recombination process as the origin of this photoluminescence. A direct comparison of the fast emission spectra from nanorods and nanospheres is used to discuss the emission enhancement mechanism. These results suggest that the classical local field enhancement theory describes quantitatively well many of the emission features of nanorods with respect to those for nanospheres without invoking more complex models.
In ovo electroporation in chick midbrain for studying gene function in dopaminergic neuron development

Dopaminergic neurons located in the ventral midbrain control movement, emotional behavior, and reward mechanisms. The dysfunction of ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons is implicated in Parkinson's disease, Schizophrenia, depression, and dementia. Thus, studying the regulation of midbrain dopaminergic neuron differentiation could not only provide important insight into mechanisms regulating midbrain development and neural progenitor fate specification, but also help develop new therapeutic strategies for treating a variety of human neurological disorders. Dopaminergic neurons differentiate from neural progenitors lining the ventricular zone of embryonic ventral midbrain. The development of neural progenitors is controlled by gene expression programs. Here we report techniques utilizing electroporation to express genes specifically in the midbrain of Hamburger Hamilton (HH) stage 11 (thirteen somites, 42 hours) chick embryos. The external development of chick embryos allows for convenient experimental manipulations at specific embryonic stages, with the effects determined at later developmental time points. Chick embryonic neural tubes earlier than HH stage 13 (nineteen somites, 48 hours) consist of multipotent neural progenitors that are capable of differentiating into distinct cell types of the nervous system. The pCAG vector, which contains both a CMV promoter and a chick β-actin enhancer, allows for robust expression of Flag or other epitope-tagged constructs in embryonic chick neural tubes. In this report, we emphasize special measures to achieve regionally restricted gene expression in embryonic midbrain dopaminergic neuron progenitors, including how to inject DNA constructs specifically into the embryonic midbrain region and how to pinpoint electroporation with small custom-made electrodes. Analyzing chick midbrain at later stages provides an excellent in vivo system for plasmid vector-mediated gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies of midbrain development. Modification of the experimental system may extend the assay to other parts of the nervous system for performing fate mapping analysis and for investigating the regulation of gene expression.
GRaTIS: Free Bits in the Network

Recent work has examined techniques to estimate the “best” modulation rate for data networks such as 802.11a/g. While accurate rate estimation yields better rate-selection decisions and increased throughput, those methods must still choose between a handful of modulation rates. Each modulation rate is effective in a range of actual signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) but the limited number of practical rates means that transmitters are often forced to “step down” to a lower data rate despite having a higher SNR than the minimum required for that lower rate. In this paper we describe, evaluate and implement a practical multiuser communication scheme that exploits these discrete “steps” in modulation rates to transmit two packets in the time normally needed to transmit a single packet, increasing aggregate throughput precisely when it is most needed—when the network is busy and suffers from rate unfairness. Because the method transmits a group of packets simultaneously, we call this scheme Group Rate Transmission with Intertwined Symbols, or GRaTIS. In addition to up to 120% improvement in network throughput achieved by GRaTIS, the technique is backward compatible with 802.11 and doesn’t require complex DSP algorithms as required by competing methods.
The city vs. firm subsidy game

Abstract The conflict between a city and a subsidy-seeking firm is modelled as a signalling game. Each firm has private information regarding its relocation opportunities and uses the threat of moving and the resulting loss in tax revenues to obtain a subsidy. The analysis shows that lobbying can be a socially desirable or undesirable activity depending on the probability of the firm having a profitable opportunity to move to some other city. If this probability is low, the city can increase welfare by committing to investigate the firm's claim before giving a subsidy.
Fuzzy distributed power control in cellular radio network

A rule-based fuzzy system is developed for distributed power control in a cellular radio network. Based on two local measurements, the power level and CIR, the mobile units independently update the power in discrete time steps, trying to maximize the lowest CIR among all users. The fuzzy system uses three fuzzy sets for power level and two for CIR, and six inference rules. Its convergence is investigated by simulation and the performance is enhanced by unsupervised training.
Management Education for Archivists, Information Managers, and Librarians: Is There a Global Core?.

The paper reports the results of an analysis of 35 American management textbooks and identifies 17 concepts that could be considered "core". Each concept (accountability, accounting, authority, budgeting, change/innovation/creativity, communication, controlling, decision making, delegation and organization, ethics, fiscal management, leadership, staffing) was defined in non-cultural terms in an attempt to show that the concepts should be global in scope,
Field application uniformity and accuracy of two rate control systems with automatic section capabilities on agricultural sprayers

The adoption of automatic section control (ASC) on agricultural sprayers remains popular since it reduces overlap and application in unwanted areas leading to input savings and improved environmental stewardship. Most spray controllers attempt to maintain the desired target rate during ASC actuation (ON and OFF of control sections which change the width of boom-section actually spraying) but limited knowledge exists regarding controller response and nozzle discharge variation during field operation. Therefore, field experiments were conducted using two common self-propelled sprayers equipped with commercially available control systems with ASC capabilities. Pressure transducers were mounted across the spray booms to record real-time nozzle pressure with data tagged with GPS location and time. Nozzle flow was obtained from nozzle pressure to compute nozzle flow uniformity or coefficient of variations (CVs) across the ON boom, off-rate errors (percent difference between actual and target nozzle flow rate) and settling times. Results indicated that nozzle CVs were >10 % for both auto-boom and auto-nozzle control systems, when each of the auto-boom and auto-nozzle sections were turned back ON for 0.5 and 0.2 s, respectively. Further, nozzle off-rate errors exceeding ±10 % occurred in both rectangular and irregular shaped fields. These off-rate errors primarily occurred during ASC actuation while at the same time the sprayer was being accelerated or decelerated. The extended nozzle flow settling times of up to 20 s (delayed response) indicated that the rate controller may require intelligent and enhanced control algorithms to minimize nozzle flow stabilization and thereby a reduction in sprayer off-rate errors during field operation.
Outer Membrane Protein X (Ail) Contributes to Yersinia pestis Virulence in Pneumonic Plague and Its Activity Is Dependent on the Lipopolysaccharide Core Length

Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is one of the most virulent microorganisms known. The outer membrane protein X (OmpX) in Y. pestis KIM is required for efficient bacterial adherence to and internalization by cultured HEp-2 cells and confers resistance to human serum. Here, we tested the contribution of OmpX to disease progression in the fully virulent Y. pestis CO92 strain by engineering a deletion mutant and comparing its ability in mediating pneumonic plague to that of the wild type in two animal models. The deletion of OmpX delayed the time to death up to 48 h in a mouse model and completely attenuated virulence in a rat model of disease. All rats challenged with 1 × 10(8) CFU of the ompX mutant survived, compared to the 50% lethal dose (LD50) of 1.2 × 10(3) CFU for the wild-type strain. Because murine serum is not bactericidal for the ompX mutant, the mechanism underlying the delay in time to death in mice was attributed to loss of adhesion/internalization properties but not serum resistance. The rat model, which is most similar to humans, highlighted the critical role of serum resistance in disease. To resolve conflicting evidence for the role of Y. pestis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and OmpX in serum resistance, ompX was cloned into Escherichia coli D21 and three isogenic derivatives engineered to have progressively truncated LPS core saccharides. OmpX-mediated serum resistance, adhesiveness, and invasiveness, although dependent on LPS core length, displayed these functions in E. coli, independently of other Yersinia proteins and/or LPS. Also, autoaggregation was required for efficient OmpX-mediated adhesiveness and internalization but not serum resistance.
Design of dual-polarised multiband frequency selective surfaces using fractal elements

A technique is proposed for the design of multiband frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) that is based on the use of fractal screen elements. The authors demonstrate the design methodology by exploiting the self-similarity of the crossbar fractal to implement a tri-band FSS. Another benefit of this design approach, in addition to its multiband performance, is that the frequency response of both the TE and TM modes are exactly the same, owing to the symmetry in the tree-like fractal structure of the screen elements. Dielectric loading effects have been considered for practical implementation of designs with coverage exceeding two bands. Finally, it is noted that the locations of the individual bands can be controlled by the scaling or similarity factor used in the construction of the fractal screen elements.
Finding Optimal 1-Endpoint-Crossing Trees

Dependency parsing algorithms capable of producing the types of crossing dependencies seen in natural language sentences have traditionally been orders of magnitude slower than algorithms for projective trees. For 95.8-99.8% of dependency parses in various natural language treebanks, whenever an edge is crossed, the edges that cross it all have a common vertex. The optimal dependency tree that satisfies this 1-Endpoint-Crossing property can be found with an O ( n^ 4 ) parsing algorithm that recursively combines forests over intervals with one exterior point. 1-Endpoint-Crossing trees also have natural connections to linguistics and another class of graphs that has been studied in NLP.
Population-based evaluation of incidence trends in oropharyngeal cancer focusing on socioeconomic status, sex, and race/ethnicity.

Background The influences of socioeconomic status (SES) on the incidence rates of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) are unclear. Methods Data from the California Cancer Registry and U.S. Census were used to compare incidence rates and trends of OPSCC and other human papillomavirus–related and –unrelated cancer sites by neighborhood SES, race/ethnicity, and sex. Results The incidence of OPSCC rose in both higher and lower SES neighborhoods. Absolute rates were greater in the latter. Only non-Hispanic white males with OPSCC demonstrated a significant increase in the incidence rate of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The incidence rate for this group increased from 4.5/100,000 person-years between 1988 and 1992 to 7.1 between 2003 and 2009. Regression analysis demonstrated an annual percentage change of 1% from 1988 to 1997 and 4% thereafter. Conclusions Increases in incidence rates are SES independent. Incidence rates are higher in lower-SES groups. The rise in OPSCC incidence is limited to non-Hispanic white males. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 34–42, 2014
Dynamic Distribution of the SecA and SecY Translocase Subunits and Septal Localization of the HtrA Surface Chaperone/Protease during Streptococcus pneumoniae D39 Cell Division

ABSTRACT The Sec translocase pathway is the major route for protein transport across and into the cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria. Previous studies reported that the SecA translocase ATP-binding subunit and the cell surface HtrA protease/chaperone formed a single microdomain, termed “ExPortal,” in some species of ellipsoidal (ovococcus) Gram-positive bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes. To investigate the generality of microdomain formation, we determined the distribution of SecA and SecY by immunofluorescent microscopy in Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), which is an ovococcus species evolutionarily distant from S. pyogenes. In the majority (≥75%) of exponentially growing cells, S. pneumoniae SecA (SecA Spn ) and SecY Spn located dynamically in cells at different stages of division. In early divisional cells, both Sec subunits concentrated at equators, which are future sites of constriction. Further along in division, SecA Spn and SecY Spn remained localized at mid-cell septa. In late divisional cells, both Sec subunits were hemispherically distributed in the regions between septa and the future equators of dividing cells. In contrast, the HtrA Spn homologue localized to the equators and septa of most (>90%) dividing cells, whereas the SrtA Spn sortase located over the surface of cells in no discernable pattern. This dynamic pattern of Sec distribution was not perturbed by the absence of flotillin family proteins, but was largely absent in most cells in early stationary phase and in ∆ cls mutants lacking cardiolipin synthase. These results do not support the existence of an ExPortal microdomain in S. pneumoniae. Instead, the localization of the pneumococcal Sec translocase depends on the stage of cell division and anionic phospholipid content. IMPORTANCE Two patterns of Sec translocase distribution, an ExPortal microdomain in certain ovococcus-shaped species like Streptococcus pyogenes and a spiral pattern in rod-shaped species like Bacillus subtilis, have been reported for Gram-positive bacteria. This study provides evidence for a third pattern of Sec localization in the ovococcus human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. The SecA motor and SecY channel subunits of the Sec translocase localize dynamically to different places in the mid-cell region during the division cycle of exponentially growing, but not stationary-phase, S. pneumoniae. Unexpectedly, the S. pneumoniae HtrA (HtrA Spn ) protease/chaperone principally localizes to cell equators and division septa. The coincident localization of SecA Spn , SecY Spn , and HtrA Spn to regions of peptidoglycan (PG) biosynthesis in unstressed, growing cells suggests that the pneumococcal Sec translocase directs assembly of the PG biosynthesis apparatus to regions where it is needed during division and that HtrA Spn may play a general role in quality control of proteins exported by the Sec translocase.
The effects of substrate and bias on CoNiCr/Cr thin films

The magnetic properties and microstructural characteristics of CoNiCr/Cr films with thin Cr underlayers prepared on both single-crystal Si and glass substrates are discussed. It is found that [200] crystallographic texture is easily obtained for Cr films prepared on Si at room temperature. Substrate bias during the Cr deposition, however, changes the Cr [200] texture to [110]. Substrate bias during the CoNiCr deposition degrades the texture of the Cr underlayer. >
Using Lamport clocks to reason about relaxed memory models

Cache coherence protocols of current shared-memory multiprocessors are difficult to verify. Our previous work proposed an extension of Lamport's logical clocks for showing that multiprocessors can implement sequential consistency (SC) with an SGI Origin 2000-like directory protocol and a Sun Gigaplane-like split-transaction bus protocol. Many commercial multiprocessors, however, implement more relaxed models, such as SPARC Total Store Order (TSO), a variant of processor consistency, and Compaq (DEC) Alpha, a variant of weak consistency. This paper applies Lamport clocks to both a TSO and an Alpha implementation. Both implementations are based on the same Sun Gigaplane-like split-transaction bus protocol we previously used, but the TSO implementation places a first-in-first-out write buffer between a processor and its cache, while the Alpha implementation uses a coalescing write buffer. Both write buffers satisfy read requests for pending writes (i.e., do bypassing) without requiring the write to be immediately written to cache. Analysis shows how to apply Lamport clocks to verify TSO and Alpha specifications at the architectural level.
Creating an Integrated Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trial Analysis Database (P3.211)

OBJECTIVE: To create an integrated multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trial analysis database using common methodology to enable learning beyond the benefit-risk profile of individual therapies. The first phase of this project is integration of six RRMS pivotal clinical trials (approved therapies), MSCRG (IM IFNβ-1a), AFFIRM and SENTINEL (natalizumab), DEFINE and CONFIRM (dimethyl fumarate), and ADVANCE (PegIFNβ-1a), to demonstrate proof-of-concept of database creation and perform preliminary analyses identifying prognostic factors of disease activity and predictive markers of treatment response. BACKGROUND: Biogen Idec has conducted numerous MS clinical trials over the last 25 years. These trials have varied with respect to disease course and study design. DESIGN/METHODS: Common baseline and efficacy data across studies were identified and consistent endpoints were derived. Baseline variables include demographic and disease characteristics. Derived outcomes include Rio and Modified Rio scores, NEDA and progression on EDSS, MSFC, and visual function. RESULTS: This first database version contains data from 6574 patients. Baseline characteristics are: mean (SD) age 37.4 (8.9) years, 72[percnt] female, 86[percnt] white, median (range) disease duration 6.0 (0-42) years, 42[percnt] with prior MS treatment, mean (SD) number of relapses in prior year 1.4 (0.7), mean (SD) EDSS 2.4 (1.2), mean (SD) number of Gd+ lesions 1.7 (4.4), median (range) T2 volume 6378 mm3 (0-140276), median 25 foot walk 5.30 seconds (2.2, 157.6), mean (SD) 9-hole peg test 23.2 (17.3) seconds, mean (SD) PASAT3 48.7 (11.2) correct items, and mean visual function (SD) 2.5[percnt] contrast 32.7 (12.0) letters correctly identified. Analyses of prognostic factors and predictive markers for outcomes will be presented. CONCLUSIONS: This database represents a valuable resource to explore MS research questions in treated and untreated RRMS patients. Potential future phases include incorporating additional clinical trials, including long-term extensions, derivation of additional outcomes, and application of other statistical methodologies. STUDY SUPPORTED BY: Biogen Idec. Disclosure: Dr. Raghupathi has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as an employee. Dr. James has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as an employee. Dr. Pace receives personal compensation from Biogen Idec Inc. as an employee. Dr. Catrillo-Viguera has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as an employee. Dr. Pellegrini has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as an employee.
Hypotheses in Newton's Philosophy

Isaac Newton’s scientific thought is all too often presented as if it had been dominated by a single philosophical slogan: Hypotheses non fingo! The scholars who have applied this expression to all Newton’s writings evidently take as axiomatic that Newton’s stand on hypotheses never changed from the early period of 1672, when Newton published his first paper on color, to 1712, when he wrote out the General Scholium for the second edition of the Principia, and in it imbedded those three famous words about hypotheses. But such a supposed constancy of Newton’s views will surely appear astonishing to anyone who is acquainted with the development of thought in so long a span (some 40 years) in the creative life of a reflecting scientist like Newton!
Neural networks in mining molecular properties from tabulated data

We produce global estimates of data for vibration frequencies of main-group diatomic molecules for the first time, using a very sophisticated-neural network program designed for forecasting financial markets. Input vector selection, frequency compensation, genetic-algorithm variable selection, hidden nodes, multiple transfer functions, Kalman filtering, and a root-mean power evaluation function are used to produce 56 models. Of these, an optimal number of 23 models is selected. Mean error measures over the 23 networks are determined for all molecules and 181 outliers are deleted. The number of predictions per molecule varies from 18 to 23; and the average of the 99% confidence limits of these predictions is 9.04%. To test these estimates, data for 116 molecules were gleaned from the literature. The average 1/2-spread in these literature data for molecules is approximately 4.4%. 90 of our predictions agreed with the literature values to within the literature 1/2-spread plus the predictions' 99% confidence limits. 18 more, a total of 108, of them were outside of the sum of the two error measures by less than 50% of the prediction magnitude.
The 2-hydroxyglycals.

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of 2-hydroxyglycals. The 2-hydroxyglycals are anhydrosugars derived from the cyclic form by loss of the hydroxyl group from C1 and the hydrogen atom from C2. They differ from the parent glycal by the replacement of H by OH at C2. They are known in the form of O -acetyl, O -benzoyl, and O -methyl derivatives. The conditions of the reaction with diethylamine are similar to those used for the preparation of glycosylamines. The chapter discusses the various reactions of 2-hydroxyglycals like hydrogenation, oxidation by permanganate, conversion to ozone hydrates, reaction with phenylhydrazine, conversion of esters to kojic acid, and deacetylation of acetates. Hydrogenation of the acetates of the 2-hydroxyglycals takes place smoothly when they are subjected to the procedures of low-pressure and catalytic hydrogenation. Two atoms of hydrogen are consumed, as required by the single double bond.
Method of Increasing Graffito Responses

The frequency of graffiti did not change following posting of a sign prohibiting writing on the walls in a men's washroom. After blackboards were installed, the numbers of graffiti increased significantly. It was hypothesized that the ease of making a graffito response is a controlling variable and that the reported method will produce a large number of responses. Data did not support the idea that graffiti reflect important social issues.