cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AEGIS: a rule based framework for traffic gatekeeping in wireless sensor networks

Traffic gatekeeping, typically implemented using firewalls, is an essential functionality in today's networked computing systems such as desktop PCs. Traffic gatekeeping provides protection against a variety of over-the-network security attacks and can also be used to implement various communication resource management policies. With the development of technologies such as IPv6 and 6LoWPAN that pave the way for Internet-connected embedded systems and sensor networks, traffic gatekeeping will soon become a must-have for these systems as well. Towards this, we present Aegis, a lightweight, rule-based traffic gatekeeping framework for sensor networks. We present an overview of the Aegis architecture, its implementation, and two usage scenarios.
Narcissism in the Comprehensive System for the Rorschach

The Egocentricity Index (ECOI) is the oldest clinical index in the Comprehensive System for the Rorschach. According to Exner's 1993 edition of The Rorschach: A Comprehensive System the ECOI, reflections, and pairs are valid Rorschach measures of self-focus and narcissism. The present article reviews research on these indicators and concludes that they are probably unrelated to self-focus or self-esteem. Furthermore, their relationship to narcissistic personality disorder and depression has not been established. Reflection but not pair responses appear to be weakly related to psychopathy and male homosexuality. The research summary in The Rorschach is unbalanced and omits numerous negative findings.
CANCER CELL AND FAS LIGAND (CD95 LIGAND): IMMUNE ESCAPE OR SELF-ATTACK

Life or death of a cancer cell is influenced by autocrine/paracrine and immune/nonimmune interactions that ultimately result in the victory of either the host or the cancer cell. Cross-linking of the soluble or membrane-bound Fas ligand (FasL/CD95L) with its receptor (Fas/CD95) induces apoptosis of Fas-expressing cells. This apoptotic pathway has been utilized by cancer cells as a mechanism of immune escape toward the activated lymphocytes of the host. However, in some systems, this down regulating mechanism may be directed against the cancer cell either by self-attack or by neighboring immune defense cells. Soluble FasL may contribute to the process in either direction. Additionally, nonimmune Fas/FasL interactions also appear to have important contributions to cancer development, invasion, and therapy by allowing survival of cells with unrepaired damaged DNA (when defective); by degrading neighboring tissues; and by inducing chemo/radiotherapy resistance. Thus, the expression of FasL by malignant cell h...
Dominant lethal study of sulfur mustard in male and female rats

Sulfur mustard (HD) (bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide) is a strong alkylating agent with known mutagenic and suspected carcinogenic properties, but occupational health standards have not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine the dominant lethal effect in male and female rats dosed orally with HD, for which currently available data are ambiguous. Sprague-Dawley rats of each sex, 6–7 weeks old, were orally administered 0, 0.08, 0.20 or 0.50 mg kg−1 HD 5 days a week for 10 weeks, after which dominant lethal studies were conducted during the post-exposure period. The studies were conducted in two phases: a female dominant lethal phase in which treated or untreated males were mated with treated females and their fetuses were evaluated 14 days after copulation; and a male dominant lethal phase in which treated males cohabited with untreated females for 5 days and fetuses were evaluated 14 days after the mid-point of the week of cohabitation, for each of 10 weeks. In addition, motility, population size and morphology were measured in sperm obtained from the cauda epididymis. Parental growth rates were reduced in both sexes treated with the high level of HD. Female dominant lethal effects were not observed, although significant male dominant lethal effects were observed in HD-exposed male rats mated to untreated females at 2 and 3 weeks' post-exposure. These effects, which included increases of early fetal resorptions and preimplantation losses and decrease in total live embryo implants, were most consistently observed at a dose of 0.50 mg kg−1. A significant P(P<0.05) increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm was detected in males exposed to 0.50 mg kg−1 HD. The timing of dominant lethal effects is consistent with an effect during the post-meiotic stages of spermatogenesis, possibly involving the generally sensitive spermatids.
Coactivation by OCA-B: Definition of critical regions and synergism with general cofactors

Molecular dissection of the B-cell-specific transcription coactivator OCA-B has revealed distinct regions important, respectively, for recruitment to immunoglobulin promoters through interaction with octamer-bound Oct-1 and for subsequent coactivator function. Further analysis of general coactivator requirements showed that selective removal of PC4 from the essential USA fraction severely impairs Oct-1 and OCA-B function in a cell-free system reconstituted with partially purified factors. Full activity can be restored by the combined action of recombinant PC4 and the PC4-depleted USA fraction, thus suggesting a joint requirement for PC4 and another, USA-derived component(s) for optimal function of Oct-1/OCA-B in the reconstituted system. Indeed, USA-derived PC2 was found to act synergistically with PC4 in reproducing the function of intact USA in the assay system. Consistent with the requirement for PC4 in the reconstituted system, OCA-B was found to interact directly with PC4. Surprisingly, however, removal of PC4 from the unfractionated nuclear extract has no detrimental effect on OCA-B/Oct-1-dependent transcription. These results lead to a general model for the synergistic function of activation domains in Oct-1 and OCA-B (mediated by the combined action of the multiple USA components) and, further, suggest a functional redundancy in general coactivators.
Alternate Diagnostic Testing and Compensation of RF Transmitter Performance Using Response Detection

Digital predistortion is used as a compensation technique in communication systems to minimize the effect of power amplifier non-linearity while increasing its operational efficiency. Prior linearization schemes use the receiver chain to feed data to the baseband processor that adaptively adjusts the predistortion coefficients. The procedure is iterative, requires many test applications, is sensitive to receiver quality, and is not suitable for RF communication front ends in which the mixer, LNA and PA are dynamically reconfigured to adapt to changing operating conditions. In the proposed scheme, a single multi-sine diagnostic test is applied from the baseband, and the response of the transmitter is captured via a response envelope detector. A novel unified methodology for co-tuning predistortion coefficients along with the PA bias voltage based on response diagnosis is proposed, thereby, enabling the transmitter to operate at high efficiency and linearity.
Falls in the Nursing Home: Are They Preventable?

INTRODUCTION: Falls are prevalent in elderly patients residing in nursing homes, with approximately 1.5 falls occurring per nursing home bed-years. Although most are benign and injury-free, 10% to 25% result in hospital admission and/or fractures. Primary care providers for nursing home residents must therefore aim to reduce both the fall rate as well as the rate of fallrelated morbidity in the long-term care setting. Interventions have been demonstrated to be successful in reducing falls in community-dwelling elderly patients. However, less evidence supports the efficacy of fall prevention in nursing home residents. METHODS: The authors conducted a Medline search using the key words Falls and Nursing Homes. RESULTS: Several studies examined the efficacy of multifaceted intervention programs on reducing falls in nursing homes with varied results. Components of these intervention programs include: environmental assessment, assistive device evaluation and modification, medication changes, gait assessment and training, staff education, exercise programs, hip protector use, and blood pressure evaluation. Current literature supports the use of environmental assessment and intervention in reducing falls in nursing homes, and demonstrates an association between certain medications and falls. However, there are no studies that examine the effect of medication adjustments on fall rates. Also, the literature does not strongly suggest that exercise programs are effective in fall reduction. Although not effective in reducing fall rates, the use of hip protectors appears to result in less fall-related morbidity. CONCLUSION: More studies must be done to clarify the effects of high-risk medication reduction, the optimal nature and intensity of exercise programs, and patient targeting criteria to maximize the effectiveness of nursing home fall prevention programs. Based on the current literature, an effective multifaceted fall prevention program for nursing home residents should include risk factor assessment and modification, staff education, gait assessment and intervention, assistive device assessment and optimization, as well as environmental assessment and modification. Although there is no association between the use of hip protectors and fall rates, their use should be encouraged because the ultimate goal of any fall prevention program is to prevent fall-related morbidity.
Underconnected, but How? A Survey of Functional Connectivity MRI Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Growing consensus suggests that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with atypical brain networks, thus shifting the focus to the study of connectivity. Many functional connectivity studies have reported underconnectivity in ASD, but results in others have been divergent. We conducted a survey of 32 functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging studies of ASD for numerous methodological variables to distinguish studies supporting general underconnectivity (GU) from those not consistent with this hypothesis (NGU). Distinguishing patterns were apparent for several data analysis choices. The study types differed significantly with respect to low-pass filtering, task regression, and whole-brain field of view. GU studies were more likely to examine task-driven time series in regions of interest, without the use of low-pass filtering. Conversely, NGU studies mostly applied task regression (for removal of activation effects) and low-pass filtering, testing for correlations across the whole brain. Results thus suggest that underconnectivity findings may be contingent on specific methodological choices. Whereas underconnectivity reflects reduced efficiency of within-network communication in ASD, diffusely increased functional connectivity can be attributed to impaired experience-driven mechanisms (e.g., synaptic pruning). Both GU and NGU findings reflect important aspects of network dysfunction associated with sociocommunicative, cognitive, and sensorimotor impairments in ASD.
Real-time simulation in an academic environment

A system that uses both digital and analog components and provides real-time simulation of control systems is described. The simulated system may include transportation lag and various nonlinear phenomena such as relay control functions, saturation, dead zone, static friction, and Coulomb friction. The nonlinear effects are simulated digitally, while the remaining linear elements are simulated using analog components. In an academic environment, the implementation of real-time simulation provides a high degree of realism, and the effects of system variations are readily observed. The experience tends to combine synergistically with theoretical discussions in the classroom, and the students receive the opportunity to observe and study phenomena that are often avoided in academic programs due to perceived conceptual or mathematical difficulties. >
Real-Time Maintenance Policy in Manufacturing Systems With Intermediate Buffers

Real-time maintenance decision making in large manufacturing system is complex because it requires the integration of different information, including the degradation states of machines, as well as inventories in the intermediate buffers. In this paper, by using a discrete time Markov chain (DTMC) model, we consider the real-time maintenance policies in manufacturing systems consisting of multiple machines and intermediate buffers. The optimal policy is investigated by using a Markov Decision Process (MDP) approach. This policy is compared with a baseline policy, where the maintenance decision on one machine only depends on its degradation state. The result shows how the structures of the policies are affected by the buffer capacities and real-time buffer levels.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Evaluation of an AVHRR Cloud Detection and Classification Method over the Central Arctic Ocean

Abstract A cloud classification method that uses both multispectral and textural features with a maximum likelihood discriminator is applied to full-resolution AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) data from 100 NOAA polar-orbiter overpasses tracked from an icebreaker during the 1994 Arctic Ocean Section. The cloud classification method is applied to the 32 × 32 pixel cell centered about the ship’s position during each overpass. These overpasses have matching surface weather observations in the form of all-sky photographs or, during a period of heavy weather, an objective record that the sky was overcast with low water clouds. The cloud classifications from the maximum likelihood method are compared with the surface weather observations to determine if the automated satellite cloud classifier actually produces realistic descriptions of the scene. These comparisons are favorable in most cases, with the exception of a frequent error in which the classifier confuses Ci/Cc/Ac with extensive low wat...
Mechanical Properties Comparing Composite Fiber Length to Amalgam

Photocure fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) with varying chopped quartz-fiber lengths were incorporated into a dental photocure zirconia-silicate particulate-filled composite (PFC) for mechanical test comparisons with a popular commercial spherical-particle amalgam. FRC lengths included 0.5-mm, 1.0 mm, 2.0 mm, and 3.0 mm all at a constant 28.2 volume percent. Four-point fully articulated fixtures were used according to American Standards Test Methods with sample dimensions of mm3 across a 40 mm span to provide sufficient Euler flexural bending and prevent top-load compressive shear error. Mechanical properties for flexural strength, modulus, yield strength, resilience, work of fracture, critical strain energy release, critical stress intensity factor, and strain were obtained for comparison. Fiber length subsequently correlated with increasing all mechanical properties, . Although the modulus was significantly statistically higher for amalgam than all composites, all FRCs and even the PFC had higher values than amalgam for all other mechanical properties. Because amalgams provide increased longevity during clinical use compared to the standard PFCs, modulus would appear to be a mechanical property that might sufficiently reduce margin interlaminar shear stress and strain-related microcracking that could reduce failure rates. Also, since FRCs were tested with all mechanical properties that statistically significantly increased over the PFC, new avenues for future development could be provided toward surpassing amalgam in clinical longevity.
UNRELENTING THIGH PAIN IN THE WELL FIXED FEMUR: A SOLUTION OPTION

Conventional wisdom holds that aseptic failure of proximal ingrowth femoral stems should be addressed by revision to a longer femoral stem dependent upon more distal fixation. This is a reliable and time-honoured strategy with a high likelihood of success provided secure initial fixation of the revision stem is obtained. Yet, stems reliant upon more distal diaphyseal fixation are accompanied by a greater risk of physiologic thigh pain attributable to the differential in flexural stiffness of the femoral shaft compared with the prosthetic stem. Contemporary proximal ingrowth femoral stems have become the most popular device used in total hip arthroplasty and are traditionally reserved for primary procedures. Nevertheless, the flat tapered design offers a tight fit between the medial and lateral endosteal cortices of the femur, unimpeded by an increasing anteroposterior dimension of the stem, and provides a secure geometrical block to rotational movement of the stem. In instances when the primary stem is not fit to the endosteal cortex on the anteroposterior radiograph, such as with the Corail or SROM devices, the opportunity may exist for revision with a flat tapered proximal ingrowth stem that is upsized to abut the endosteal femoral cortex. Such a strategy preserves the diaphyseal femur for subsequent revision in these typically young patients and avoids the issue of thigh pain in this active population. Likewise, revision of a well-fixed long stem that is associated with unrelenting thigh pain may be similarly accomplished by revision to a flat proximal ingrowth stem provided the integrity of the upper femur can be maintained during the revision. A prophylactic cerclage wire around the proximal femur is a helpful adjunct when using flat tapered proximal ingrowth stems in the revision setting.
Smartphone Operated Signal Transduction by Ion Nanogating (STING) Amplifier for Nanopore Sensors: Design and Analytical Application

In this report, we demonstrate a hand-held wireless voltage-clamp amplifier for current measurement of nanopore sensors. This amplifier interfaces a sensing probe and connects wirelessly with a computer or smartphone for the required stimulus input, data processing, and storage. To test the proposed signal transduction by ion nanogating (STING) wireless amplifier, in the current study the system was tested with a nano-pH sensor to measure pH of standard buffer solutions and the performance was compared against the commercial voltage-clamp amplifier. To the best of our knowledge, STING amplifier is the first miniaturized wireless voltage-clamp platform operated with a customized smartphone application (app).
Theories of Justice and Street-Level Discretion

As we continue our study of policy implementation we are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of exploring the frameworks through which public administrators view the world. Visions of social justice may be an important part of those frameworks. This article explores the principles of justice held by two groups of street-level bureaucrats and the overt relationship between those principles and their actions. Street-level bureaucrats are the final implementors of public policy. Their jobs are inherently discretionary and the actions they take (or fail to take) affect people in significant ways. As such this is an important group on which to focus. Do street-level bureaucrats exercise their discretion in order to produce what they believe to be just outcomes? Are there differences from one organizational arena to the next? This article explores these questions through an analysis of stories of justice and injustice told by two groups of street-level bureaucrats, schoolteachers and employees of the California Employment Development Department. These two groups work in very different organizational contexts with different cultural attitudes toward the use of discretion. My claim is that an organization's culture of discretion either enhances or inhibits the ability of street-level bureaucrats to orchestrate outcomes that are compatible with their visions of justice, thereby determining the significance of exploring street-level bureaucrats'justice judgments as we study the implementation process.
Kinematic Transformations for Arm Movements in Three-Dimensional Space

An algorithm is presented whereby information about the location of a target in extrapersonal space can be combined with information about arm posture to determine the kinematics of targeted arm movements. Experimental evidence which led to the model and additional experiments meant to test the model are also presented.
Public Opinion in Mozambique and Angola: Institutions, Security, and the Energy Issue

The current atmospheres in Mozambique and Angola--with their decades of war, crackdown of protests, marginalized regions, and lack of electoral turnoverhave raised questions about each countries ability to efficiently distribute wealth from natural resources. With Angola, which has had oil for many years, the state has largely failed to distribute to those who live in communities (or indeed work) outside of Luanda. In Mozambique, which has more recently discovered energy (specifically gas and oil), how the state regulates the industry will have implications for the future of the country. Also relevant here are issues regarding political space, security (both domestic and regional), and local institutions and how these tie in with the economy of both countries. Through 2,000 nationally representative surveys (from 2012) in each country, this paper focuses on these topics in the following ways. First, it pinpoints public opinion on where each country is going and how resource management is currently perceived. Second, it highlights opinion on institutions, corruption and service provision, as well as security in the neighborhood. While the countries are at different levels in their experience with and management of resources, comparing public opinion allows for general predictions on each countrys future direction.
Optimal model of taxi waiting time fee under traffic congestion condition

Based on economics demand theory,taxi income was divided into starting fee,mileage fee and waiting time fee.Taxi capacity was taken as constraint condition,the influence factors of taxi income during peak period and non-peak period were considered,the influence levels of waiting time fee on taxi demand and income were analyzed,and the optimal model of taxi waiting time fee under traffic congestion condition was set up.Based on the actual situation of taxi market in Beijing City,the example verification was carried out by using three schemes including original scheme,adjustment scheme and proposed scheme.Analysis result shows that when the starting fees are 12,14,12yuan,unit mileage fees are 2.0,2.3,2.0yuan·km-1 and waiting time fees are 24.0,55.2,55.2yuan·h-1,taxi incomes are 669.9,504.9,675.9yuan respectively. Under adjustment scheme,taxi demand decreases by 46.1%,and taxi income decreases by 25%. Under the proposed scheme,taxi demand decreases by 18.5%,and taxi income keeps stable level compared with original scheme.According to the exist structure of taxi fee,the adjustment objective of taxi demand and income can be realized by using proposed scheme.In the reformscheme of taxi price in Beijing City,it is suitable to keep or decrease starting fee and mileage fee and increase waiting time fee.2tabs,10figs,14refs.
Genetic influences in autism.

Two behavior genetic research strategies have been utilized to understand gene influences in autism. There is overwhelming evidence for gene involvement, although an exact mode of inheritance has not yet been elucidated. Family and twin studies illustrate that the clinical phenotype of autism is not sufficient to characterize the underlying genotype(s) involved. Exactly what should be included in the phenotype remains elusive. Cognitive and social deficits are indicated as milder variants of the autism phenotype, but precisely how to define these deficits requires further research. Furthermore, more complex models of inheritance (e.g., two-locus models--multifactorial and major gene) may be necessary to explain gene influences in autism. Genetic heterogeneity is indicated in autism, with an X-linked disorder, fragile X, and an autosomal dominant disorder, tuberous sclerosis, together accounting for perhaps 8% to 11% or more of cases of autism. Differences in family patterns (i.e., recurrence risks) of neuropsychiatric disorders between autism with and without mental retardation or other clinically defined groups (e.g., males and females) are suggested. Whether these differences represent genetic heterogeneity or multifactorial inheritance with varying thresholds (e.g., of severity or sex differences) cannot be distinguished on the basis of the data available to date. Autosomal recessive inheritance is suggested in a subgroup of families with autism, but the proportion of all autism that may be accounted for by autosomal recessive inheritance is unknown. Evidence exists that stoppage occurs in families with autism, however, and this can affect accurate estimates of segregation ratios when not taken into account. Future family studies need to report (1) exact ascertainment schemes and specification of probands and (2) sex and birth order of affected siblings, including sibship size, so that data may be pooled and such effects can be tested. Investigations of populations with fragile X or tuberous sclerosis as well as those with autism (without known genetic disorders) will identify the etiologic basis of these associations. Such associations may be due to linkage of genes underlying autism and those underlying the known genetic disorders (i.e., linkage disequilibrium) or shared brain pathophysiology or merely shared overt behaviors. Until such mechanisms are elucidated, we can use only empiric risk figures in genetic counseling situations of autism, assuming that no known genetic or environmental cause is identified. Pooling available data from family and twin studies, the following empiric risks are suggested for genetic counseling purposes. An average sibling risk (frequency of affected siblings among all siblings) based on pooled data is 3% (i.e., 57/1698).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
DIFFERENCES IN REGULATION OF ALPHA 1(I) COLLAGEN PROMOTER IN VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS IN TRANSFECTION STUDIES AND TRANSGENIC MICE

It has previously been shown that the expression of a transgene containing 3.5 kb of alpha 1(l) collagen (COL1A1) promoter sequence fused to the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter gene (ColCAT3.6) paralleled the expression of the endogenous type I collagen gene in bone, tendon and skin whereas the expression in aorta was extremely low. In contrast, the same promoter construct showed comparable activity in a variety of transiently transfected smooth muscle and fibroblastic cells. In order to compare the activity of the transiently transfected and the ?endogenous? transgene from a transgenic animal, in this study, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were isolated from ColCAT3.6 transgenic animals and used in a transfection assay. The endogenous transgene remained inactive in primary cultures of transgenic VSMC while transiently transfected ColCAT3.6 cells had comparable activity to NIH3T3 fibroblasts, primary rat tendon fibroblasts or primary rat VSMC. The immortalized cell line SM3T3, derived from the aorta of ColCAT3.6 transgenic mice did not express endogenous transgene but dis express stably transfected ColCAT3.6 to levels similar to NIH3T3 fibroblasts or osteoblastic ROS17/2.8 cells. This result stresses the influence of transgene history, possibly its passage through the germline, in regulation of tissue specific expression.
Secondary breast cancer in a woman treated for Hodgkin lymphoma as a child.

Overall survival of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is 90%; however, survival decreases with time owing to late complications, including subsequent malignancy. Female survivors of pediatric HL have increased morbidity and mortality associated with secondary effects of radiation therapy, most specifically the development of secondary breast cancer. It is estimated that female HL survivors have a 35- to 75-fold excess risk of developing breast cancer, with the greatest risk occurring 15 to 20 years after initial diagnosis. This risk time frame is more than 20 years before the median age (61 years) of breast cancer diagnosis among the general population. This equates to an HL survivor reaching the cumulative lifetime incidence of breast cancer by 40 years of age when compared with the general population.
THE PROTHROMBIN GENE 3'-UNTRANSLATED REGION MUTATION IS FREQUENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH FACTOR V LEIDEN IN THROMBOPHILIC PATIENTS AND SHOWS ETHNIC-SPECIFIC VARIATION IN ALLELE FREQUENCY

To the Editor: As data accumulate on the recently identified genetic variant in the 3′-untranslated region of the prothrombin (factor II) gene (G20210A), it is apparent that this mutation confers a moderate risk for venous thrombosis.[1-3][1] Data from several abstracts presented at the 1997 ISTH
Hierarchical Approach to Transfer of Control in Semi-Autonomous Systems: (Extended Abstract)

Semi-Autonomous Systems (SAS) describe a class of systems that are explicitly controlled by both human and agent actors, incorporating the distinct capabilities of each. They are designed for domains that require quick and safe transfer of control between the agent and human, and embed control transfer decisions in the overall high-level plan. We formally define SAS as a hierarchical model and its properties. We discuss how micro-level transfer of control and macro-level path planning can be solved together. Finally, we explore how SAS can be applied to semi-autonomous vehicles.
Teacher Stress and Burnout: Methodological Perspectives

As alarming news stories periodically remind us, the school has become a difficult environment in which to work and learn. Not surprisingly, empirical investigations of teacher stress and burnout have grown at a rapid rate over the last 15–20 years and now make up a voluminous literature that is truly international in scope. This research has taken several general directions, including (a) identification of the key determinants of teacher stress and burnout, (b) assessment of the impact of these occupational hazards on the psychological and physical well-being of teachers, and (c) evaluation of the efficacy of various intervention strategies in promoting a healthier work environment. A key issue in interpreting this literature centers on how teacher stress and burnout are conceptualized and measured.
Where’d You Hear That? Examining the Importance of Individuals and Institutions in Providing Knowledge to At-Risk Adolescents about Their Local Community

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between individuals and institutions when providing information to at-risk youth. This research examined how community issues are translated to 302 at-risk youth participants in two community-based after school programs. It specifically sought to identify the individuals and institutions where adolescents self-reported that they receive information from about community issues and whether there were relationships between these two entities. At-risk youth self-reported learning about community issues from key individuals and institutional connections. Positive correlations were found between all of the individuals and institutions, which indicate youth receive information about their communities from multiple individuals and institution types. The results provide important implications for institutions and individuals to consider as they work with youth.
Pretreatment of liquid industrial streams by adsorption: challenges and perspectives

Liquid phase adsorption is a common process in waste water purification, desiccation applications or in (analytical) laboratory applications; e.g. chromatography. However, this economic separation process has even more potential. The removal of undesired poisonous, environmentally harmful or corrosive contaminants from organic liquids by adsorption is such an application. Here, contaminant concentrations can be brought down to the detection limit or even below. These contaminants can be e.g. sulfur or nitrogen compounds or heavy metals like mercury. In the liquid phase adsorption process the chemical and physical properties of the mobile components (adsorptive and bulk phase) as well as the nature of the adsorbent play an important role. Each industrial stream to be treated requires a precise analysis of the components involving the interactions between the components as well as possible resulting side reactions which may occur during the adsorption or desorption process. The paper focuses on the possibilities of desulfurization of liquid propane gas streams depending on the nature of the side components of the stream and the availability and the composition of the regeneration gas. The limitations of the adsorption capacity and selectivity of the adsorbent towards sulfuric compounds in the liquid phase are discussed. On the other hand the potential of the adsorption technology in purification of liquid streams as an inexpensive and readily available method is demonstrated.
Calcium Calmodulin Regulates Zinc Mediated Changes in the Structure, Self-Association, and Activity of CaMKII

Ca2+-Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is an interpreter of Ca2+ signaling and has been shown to be a critical component of learning and memory. This dodecameric oligomer also functions in part as a scaffolding molecule, serving to promote the formation of higher order signaling complexes within synapses. We set to study the effect that divalent cations, known to be critically important in neuronal signaling, have on the structure and function CaMKII. First, we computed the electrostatic surface potential of the dodecameric complex as a means to predict possible binding sites for divalent cations. A discrete set of high probability binding sites were identified at the interface between catalytic and association domains of neighboring subunits, far from the Mg2+ binding sites required to coordinate ATP in the catalytic cleft. Next, we experimentally characterized the effects of divalent cations on CaMKII structure using fluorescence, light scattering and electron microscopy. We found that some, but not all, divalent ions including Zn2+ promote the reversible formation of self-assembled CaMKII fibers that can extend for several μm. When associated in fibers, CaMKII activity is compromised; however, Ca2+/CaM activation of the enzyme disassembles fibers and the loss of activity is reversed. Interestingly, fiber assembly does not interfere with the autophosphorylation of CaMKII at T286, an autoregulatory modification, which confers autonomous activity in monodisperse CaMKII. We compile our results with structural and mechanistic data from literature to propose a model of Zn2+-mediated CaMKII fiber formation, where Ca2+/CaM regulates fiber formation through allosteric modification of a divalent ion site identified in our electrostatic map.
Measures from Nonlinear Dynamics Reflect Glucose Current Sensor Degradation

Advancements in continuous glucose monitoring technology has enabled development of closed-loop insulin-glucagon delivery systems. Monitoring the reliability and fidelity of glucose current, \(\varSigma I_g(t)\), becomes essential for the safety of patients utilizing these closed loop systems (Barnaba et al., Diab Technol Ther 5:27–31, 2005) [2]. Because time series of \(\varSigma I_g(t)\) evidence chaotic nonlinear hyperbolic (expanding and mixing) dynamical behavior (Ruelle and Takens, Commun Math Phys 20(3):167–192, 1971) [10], we use the complexity measures from dynamical measure theory to discriminate normal function from progressive dysfunction in glucose sensors (Cornfeld et al., Ergodic Theory, 2012) [3]. We present a method of characterizing the \(\varSigma I_g(t)\) from the continuous glucose monitor signal, CGM, using a set of entropy equivalent information measures (EEIM) that, when combined with the use of a support vector machine, were found to distinguish between functional and failing continuous glucose sensors.
The value of wetlands for water quality improvement: an example from the St. Johns River watershed, Florida

Wetlands provide many valuable ecosystem functions such as sediment and nutrient retention, high biological productivity and biodiversity, flood control, and opportunities to recreate. Despite their importance, estimating the value of wetlands is difficult as the worth of these functions and services is not easily quantified. The overall objective of this study was to estimate the value of freshwater wetlands in the Saint Johns River (SJR) watershed, Florida based on their ability to remove nutrients, namely nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). We used a combination of literature review, geospatial analysis of land cover, and regression analysis to determine the total wetland area in the SJR watershed and the rates of nitrogen and phosphorus burial in the wetlands. We then estimated the economic value of these wetlands based on the replacement cost of nutrient removal by wastewater treatment plants. Nitrogen burial rates ranged from 27 g/m2/year to a background rate of 6.56 g/m2/year, and phosphorus burial rates range from 1.31 g/m2/year to a background of 0.11 g/m2/year. Using these rates, we calculate wetlands of the SJR catchment remove 79,873 MT of nitrogen annually just from burial in the soil, with a replacement cost of between $240 million to $150 billion per year. The amount of phosphorus buried yearly is more than 2400 MT with an annual replacement cost of $17 to $497 million. Though they are based on limited data and include a variety of watershed-scale research limitations, these findings highlight the significant potential value of conserving functional wetlands based solely on their nutrient retention functions. If we were to consider the benefits associated with other wetland functions such as flood control, biological productivity, and biodiversity in addition to their ability to retain nutrients, the value of the SJR wetlands would be even greater.
Inorganic Clathrates for Thermoelectric Applications

The unique crystal structures clathrates possess, in which atoms reside inside polyhedral cavities typically formed by framework group-14 elements, directly results in unconventional physical properties, including low thermal conductivity for these crystalline solids and their potential for thermoelectric heat-to-electrical energy conversion. A unique “tunablility” exists in these materials by altering the type of guest and host atoms, as well as the guest content. Poor thermal conduction, akin to amorphous solids, and electronic properties typical for crystalline materials define the so called phonon glass-electron crystal (PGEC) concept. This concept, first proposed by Glen Slack, identified clathrates as promising thermoelectric materials. In order to manufacture efficient thermoelectric devices the required thermoelectric performance must be realized in mechanically robust materials comprised of earth-abundant non-toxic elements, and low-cost manufacturing processes. Considering the recent advances in thermoelectric energy conversion technologies and the current interest for research in materials with excellent thermoelectric properties, it is likely that clathrates will play a role in thermoelectric power generation applications. In this chapter we provide an overview of the interesting transport properties these materials possess, then present some of the recent developments in the field of thermoelectric clathrates while highlighting potential strategies for further improvement of their thermoelectric properties.
Is Utilitarianism Bad for Women

Abstract Is Utilitarianism Bad for Women? Philosophers and policy-makers concerned with the ethics, economics, and politics of development argue that the phenomenon of ‘adaptive preference’ makes preference-utilitarian measures of well-being untenable. Poor women in the Global South, they suggest, adapt to deprivation and oppression and may come to prefer states of affairs that are not conducive to flourishing. This critique, however, assumes a questionable understanding of preference utilitarianism and, more fundamentally, of the concept of preference that figures in such accounts. If well-being is understood as preference-satisfaction it is easy to see why poor women in the Global South are badly off: even if they do not desire more favorable conditions they nevertheless prefer them, and that preference is not satisfied. Preferentism provides a rationale for improving economic conditions and dismantling the unjust institutions that prevent them from climbing higher on their preference-rankings. Utilitarianism, therefore, insofar as utility is understood as preference satisfaction, is good for women.
Automated Local Regression Discontinuity Design Discovery

Inferring causal relationships in observational data is crucial for understanding scientific and social processes. We develop the first statistical machine learning approach for automatically discovering regression discontinuity designs (RDDs), a quasi-experimental setup often used in econometrics. Our method identifies interpretable, localized RDDs in arbitrary dimensional data and can seamlessly compute treatment effects without expert supervision. By applying the technique to a variety of synthetic and real datasets, we demonstrate robust performance under adverse conditions including unobserved variables, substantial noise, and model
Spatio-Temporal Variation in Viability of Spermatozoa of Honey Bee, Apis mellifera1, Drones in Central Texas Apiaries

Males of some eusocial hymenopterans live in sheltered hives where they are raised by sister workers until they are ready to mate. Large amounts of colony resources are invested in the care and nurturing of males, as they provide no contributions to colony maintenance apart from reproduction. Colonies of the honey bee, Apis mellifera L., have one queen, thousands of female workers, and a few thousand seasonal males (drones) that are reared only during the reproductive season when colony resources are plentiful. We examined the viability of spermatozoa in sexually mature drones from eight apiaries in three counties in Central Texas during the summers of 2013 and 2014. We sampled 1,622 drones from two counties in 2013, and 556 drones from three counties in 2014. Using dual fluorescent flow cytometry, viability of drone spermatozoa was measured as the proportion of total spermatozoa that was viable. The average spermatozoa viability was 46.2% in 2013 and 67.0% in 2014. We found significant variation in spermatozoa viability across apiaries, with viability in Apiary 5 significantly lower and viability in Apiary 11 significantly greater than viability in the other apiaries sampled in 2013. Likewise, males in apiaries 6 and 7 had significantly lower average viability of spermatozoa compared with other apiaries analyzed in 2014. However, the changes were not consistent across apiaries during the 2 years sampled. Our results suggested that other factors such as exposure to insecticides or seasonal availability of forage might be more important than inter-colonial genetic differences in fertility of honey bee drones during the reproductive season.
The Natural History of Type-A Influenza Viruses and Wild Waterfowl

In the last few years during the fall migration type-A influenza viruses have frequently been isolated from migratory ducks and geese in the Northern hemisphere. The high percent of ducks with recoverable virus and strain variation in these isolants is surprising when compared to epizootic information available on influenza in domestic birds.
RELATIONSHIP OF SMALL WASHES TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF LYCIUM ANDERSONII AND LARREA TRIDENTATA AT A SITE IN THE NORTHERN MOJAVE DESERT

At a site near Rock Valley, Nevada, dominated by volcanic rocks, both Larrea tridentata (Sesse and Moc. ex DC.) Cov. And Lycium andersonii A. Gray were restricted in distribution. Larrea tridentata did not grow in the many small washes in the area, but L. andersonii grew only in the washes. Ambrosia dumosa (A. Gray) Payne was more dense and more dominant in wash areas than in nonwash areas.
Factors Associated With Patient Nonattendance in Rhinology Clinics.

BackgroundNonattendance to clinical appointments is a global problem appreciated by clinicians with an ambulatory presence. There are few reports of nonattendance in otolaryngology clinics, and no ...
Crossroads: Comparative Immigration Regimes in a World of Demographic Change

In political science, we use taxonomies as a short hand to understand the world: democracies versus autocracies, developed versus developing states, and varieties of capitalism, to name a few. From...
Dopamine receptor antagonists as potential therapeutic agents for ADPKD.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is caused mostly by mutations in polycystin-1 or polycystin-2. Fluid flow leads to polycystin-dependent calcium influx and nuclear export of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5), which facilitates the maintenance of renal epithelial architecture by de-repression of MEF2C target genes. Here, we screened a small-molecule library to find drugs that promotes nuclear export of HDAC5. We found that dopamine receptor antagonists, domperidone and loxapine succinate, stimulate export of HDAC5, even in Pkd1–/–cells. Domperidone targets Drd3 receptor to modulate the phosphorylation of HDAC5. Domperidone treatment increases HDAC5 phosphorylation likely by reducing protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity, thus shifting the equilibrium towards HDAC5-P and export from the nucleus. Treating Pkd1–/–mice with domperidone showed significantly reduced cystic growth and cell proliferation. Further, treated mice displayed a reduction in glomerular cyst and increased body weight and activity. These results suggest that HDAC5 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling may be modulated to impede disease progression in ADPKD and uncovers an unexpected role for a class of dopamine receptors in renal epithelial morphogenesis.
Teach-In: Positive Responses during Divisive Times

ABSTRACTIn response to the well documented divisiveness throughout the 2016 presidential campaign, faculty members at one university developed a “teach-in” to help students identify and respond to ...
Dynamic Microgrids With Self-Organized Grid-Forming Inverters in Unbalanced Distribution Feeders

In contrast to conventional static microgrids (MGs), MGs with dynamic and adjustable territories (i.e., dynamic MGs) are proposed and implemented in this article. Dynamic MGs are commonly dominated by grid-forming inverters and nested in unbalanced distribution feeders. Unlike balanced systems where only positive-sequence components exist, proper operation of unbalanced dynamic MGs presents additional challenges. A distributed secondary control strategy is developed in this article for distributed generators (DGs) interfaced with grid-forming inverters in unbalanced dynamic MGs by providing coordinated regulations on both positive- and negative-sequence system models. System frequency and voltage are under constant regulation, along with voltage unbalance (VU) management for multiple critical load buses (CLBs). The proposed control strategy enables seamless system transition during unbalanced dynamic MGs reconfiguration and guarantees proportional positive- and negative-sequence power-sharing among connected DGs with respect to system topology variation. Detailed controller designs are provided and stability analyses are derived. The proposed control strategy is fully implemented in hardware controllers and validated on a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) MG testbed.
Correction to: Partisan Dehumanization in American Politics

In the online version of the article, the y-axis labels for Figure 1 are incorrect. The Figure 1a y-axis reads “Mechanistic Traits”.