cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is graffiti risky? Insights from the internet and newspapers

The act of creating graffiti is often perceived as being tied to risks, such as arrest or becoming a target for rival gangs. While graffiti writers seem aware of these risks, some use graffiti to send messages about issues such as race relations, governmental oppression, and war, while others see graffiti as an art form similar to painting on a traditional canvas. Using Lash’s work on aesthetic reflexivity within a risk model framework, we investigate internet images and newspaper accounts of graffiti to highlight the gap between the aesthetics of graffiti writing and the accounts of those who hold positions of power within structures such as city offices and police departments. This gap makes it difficult to distinguish between graffiti that is meant to enliven an area and graffiti that is used to promote violence.
Optimal measurement method for diffraction-based overlay metrology

We propose a method to measure the overlay by choosing an optimal measurement design with a modified scatterometer system. This method is capable of measuring zero and non-zero diffraction orders at theta (zenith) and phi (azimuth) angles of incidence by carefully modulating the optical system. Thus a large quantity of angular scatterometry data can be measured in a short period of time with no mechanical or vibrational movement. We used a rigorous diffraction theory to model the measurement sensitivity using an overlay with two layer gratings at a fixed wavelength in the range of the theta (zenith, 0° to 90°) and phi (azimuth, 0° to 180°) incident angles. We compared the measurement sensitivities at theta and phi dependence. In addition, we compared the optical responses of zero order and first order diffractive overlays. We propose a methodology to measure the overlay using overlay targets with two gratings, designed with an intentional offset difference between the top and bottom gratings to maximize the measurement sensitivity and minimize the response to the process noise.
Optical probe for high-temperature local void fraction determination

The optical response of a high-temperature and pressure-local void fraction device was optimized using a 2-D light ray tracing computer simulation. Snell's law, Beer's law for absorption, and Fresnel laws for reflection and refraction were included to simulate the optics associated with a diamond-tipped optical void probe. Based on an optimal design obtained from the computer simulation, an actual diamond-tipped optical void fraction device was constructed and tested at low pressure in air/water flows.
Application of CMA program to wood charring

Experiments were conducted to test the ability of a computer program to describe the charring of ovendried wood.
Real-Time Energy Management Algorithm for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Charging Parks Involving Sustainable Energy

In this paper, a real-time energy management algorithm (RTEMA) for a grid-connected charging park in an industrial/commercial workplace is developed. The charging park under study involves plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with different sizes and battery ratings as well as a photovoltaic (PV) system. Statistical and forecasting models were developed as components in the developed RTEMA to model the various uncertainties involved such as the PV power, the PHEVs, arrival time, and the energy available in their batteries upon their arrival. The developed energy management algorithm aims at reducing the overall daily cost of charging the PHEVs, mitigating the impact of the charging park on the main grid, and contributing to shaving the peak of the load curve. Hence, the benefits of implementing this RTEMA is shared among the customers, the charging park considering all customers as a bulk of power connected to the grid, and the ac grid. This makes it applicable for various business models. The developed RTEMA utilizes a fuzzy controller to manage the random energy available in the PHEVs' batteries arriving at the charging park and their charging/discharging times, power sharing among individual PHEVs that is commonly known as vehicle-to-vehicle functionality, and vehicle-to-grid service between the charging park and the main ac grid. The developed RTEMA was simulated using the standard IEEE 69-bus system at different penetration and distribution levels. The obtained results verify the effectiveness and validity of the developed RTEMA.
The use of the allometric model for avian standard metabolism-body weight relationships

Abstract 1. 1. The least--squares fitting of the allometric model, M = aW b , to avian standard metabolism ( M )-body weight ( W ) relationships is shown to yield different results from those obtained from the fitting of its logarithmic transformation, log M = log a + b log W . 2. 2. The allometric model is fitted to data from eight avian orders, and b values for the eight derived regression equations are not significantly different from each other. 3. 3. Suggestion are offered regarding the extension of the allometric model to multiple-regression analyses.
Furunculosis—Etiology and Treatment

EVIDENCE indicates that there are many factors in the etiology of furunculosis. There seems to be a widespread belief among laymen that boils are the result of ‘bad blood,’ but no scientific support has been presented to substantiate such a view. Cleanliness of the skin was considered a major factor by Gant, Owens and Schwartz (1) in a severe outbreak of boils among a group of tunnel workers. The resistance of the host is an important factor in any infection and it seems logical to assume that low tissue resistance would play a r61e in the development of furunculosis. The present report reviews 16 cases in which tissue resistance seemed to be an important factor. METHODS The 16 patients were college students between the ages of 17 and 25 years. They represented the only cases of furunculosis seen among approximately 2'000 students over a period of one year.
Clonality of Parathyroid Tumors in Familial Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1

Abstract Familial multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) is characterized by tumors of the parathyroids, endocrine pancreas, and anterior pituitary. Since the gene associated with MEN-1, locat...
New literal approximations for the longitudinal dynamic characteristics of flexible flight vehicles

The goal of the literal approximation method is to obtain simple literal (analytical) approximations for key dynamic characteristics of flexible flight vehicles. A basic question regarding the method is its usefulness as an additional design tool for existing design and simulation procedures. Two aspects of this question are: (1) ease of derivation and use of the literal approximations, and (2) the suitability of one set of literal approximations to describe the dynamics of a large set of significantly different vehicles. These issues are addressed by incorporating symbolic manipulation software into the literal approximation method for the analysis of a fifth order model of the longitudinal dynamics of a flexible flight vehicle. The automated literal approximation generated in this fashion reduces the manual derivation time by an approximate factor of four. A single set of literal approximations is shown to provide adequate approximations for the dynamics of significantly different flight vehicles configurations, such as an aircraft, a missile, and a hypersonic vehicle.
On the origin of an amphibole-rich vein in a peridotite inclusion from the Lunar Crater Volcanic Field, Nevada, U.S.A.

Abstract Late Cenozoic alkali basaltic lavas of the Lunar Crater Volcanic Field (LCVF), located in the center of the Great Basin of the Western U.S.A., contain a diverse suite of nodule samples of the lower crust and upper mantle. This paper documents a composite nodule from the Marcath flow in which an amphibole-bearing wehrlite (59% olivine, 30% clinopyroxene, 6% amphibole) is cut by a 6–9 mm wide vein of andesine-amphibolite (80% kaersutite, 15% andesine, 3% ilmenite). Aside from nodule-basalt reaction at the nodule exterior, there is little chemical variation either within or between individual grains of hydrous and anhydrous phases in the vein and host wehrlite. Furthermore, there is no systematic compositional zoning in the wehrlite relative to vein proximity. The whole-rock major and trace element composition of the vein is similar to a primitive (Mg/(Mg+Fe)=0.692) basaltic liquid and has Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Mn, Na, K, Zr, Y and Sr contents similar to basalts observed in the LCVF. In contrast to the Sr isotopic equilibrium displayed by vein feldspar and vein amphibole, Sr isotopic disequilibrium is exhibited between the vein (0.70318(4)), wehrlite (0.70322(4)), and host basalt (0.70357(5) n=3). However, the Sr isotopic ratios of older LCVF basalts (0.7030–0.7038; n=14) overlap those of the vein and wehrlite, and the magmatic activity leading to vein and wehrlite formation could be related to this older phase of LCVF volcanism. Petrographic and geochemical evidence is not consistent with a metasomatic origin for the vein and instead supports the view that the vein originated by the intrusion into a wehrlite mass and subsequent crystallization of a relatively primitive alkali basaltic magma in the lower crust or upper mantle. The wehrlite contains olivine of FO71 and probably originated by crystal separation and accumulation from a relatively differentiated basaltic magma in the lower crust or upper mantle.
Structure and Scm3-mediated assembly of budding yeast centromeric nucleosomes

There is debate about the structural organization of the yeast centromeric nucleosome and the role of the nonhistone protein Scm3 in its assembly. Dechassa et al. find that yeast centromeric nucleosomes organize DNA in a left-handed superhelix, and show that Scm3 is a specific nucleosome assembly factor.
Generalized Procedure for Estimating the Fractions of Nonbonded Associating Molecules and Their Derivatives in Thermodynamic Perturbation Theory

A generalized calculation procedure for solving thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT1) is found to give reliable numerical estimates of the fraction of nonbonded associating molecules, as well as their first- and second-order partial derivatives with respect to temperature, density, and mole fractions. This is in contrast to the conventional procedures that rely on specialized equations depending on the number and type of association sites and the number of components in the mixture. This procedure is applicable to SAFT-like equations of state and other models that utilize the TPT1 association term.
In vivo time-lapse imaging of cell proliferation and differentiation in the optic tectum of Xenopus laevis tadpoles.

We analyzed the function of neural progenitors in the developing central nervous system of Xenopus laevis tadpoles by using in vivo time-lapse confocal microscopy to collect images through the tectum at intervals of 2–24 hours over 3 days. Neural progenitor cells were labeled with fluorescent protein reporters based on expression of endogenous Sox2 transcription factor. With this construct, we identified Sox2-expressing cells as radial glia and as a component of the progenitor pool of cells in the developing tectum that gives rise to neurons and other radial glia. Lineage analysis of individual radial glia and their progeny demonstrated that less than 10% of radial glia undergo symmetric divisions resulting in two radial glia, whereas the majority of radial glia divide asymmetrically to generate neurons and radial glia. Time-lapse imaging revealed the direct differentiation of radial glia into neurons. Although radial glia may guide axons as they navigate to the superficial tectum, we find no evidence that radial glia function as a scaffold for neuronal migration at early stages of tectal development. Over 3 days, the number of labeled cells increased 20%, as the fraction of radial glia dropped and the proportion of neuronal progeny increased to approximately 60% of the labeled cells. Tadpoles provided with short-term visual enhancement generated significantly more neurons, with a corresponding decrease in cell proliferation. Together these results demonstrate that radial glial cells are neural progenitors in the developing optic tectum and reveal that visual experience increases the proportion of neurons generated in an intact animal. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:401–433, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The problem of accelerated atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: insights into a complex co-morbidity.

Rheumatic autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), are associated with antibodies to “self” antigens. Persons with autoimmune diseases, most notably SLE, are at increased risk for developing accelerated cardiovascular disease. The link between immune and inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease has been firmly established; yet, despite our increasing knowledge, accelerated atherosclerosis continues to be a significant co-morbidity and cause of mortality in SLE. Recent animal models have been generated in order to identify mechanism(s) behind SLE-accelerated atherosclerosis. In addition, clinical studies have been designed to examine potential treatments options. This review will highlight data from recent studies of immunity in SLE and atherosclerosis and discuss the potential implications of these investigations.
Carbon-catalyzed decompositions of hydrazine and hydroxylamine

Carbons catalyze the decomposition of hydrazine and of N H → N 1 4NH (3) 2 4 2 3 hydroxylamine. We wish to provide some details about both reactions. The reaction mechanisms have not been 3N H → 2N 1 3H 1 2NH (4) 2 4 2 2 3 studied in detail but some information has been produced. The hydrazine decomposition involves the formation of the We first encountered the carbon-catalyzed decomposidiazine (or diimide, HN5NH) intermediate. The hydroxyltion of hydrazine during our study of the carbon-catalyzed amine decomposition probably involves nitroxyl (HNO) as reduction of nitroaromatics by hydrazine [7]. Fig. 1 shows an intermediate. Three reviews provide lists of other plots of volume (at 1 at pressure) of gas evolved vs. time carbon-catalyzed reactions [1–3]. for refluxing solutions of hydrazine hydrate or monohyBeginning with the hydrazine decomposition, catalysis drate in isopropanol to which the indicated carbon had of this reaction by metals has been thoroughly studied been added. In the absence of the added carbon, hydrazine because of hydrazine’s use as a monopropellant, and an is stable under these conditions. The production of gas exhaustive review is available [4]. Four possible hydrazine upon addition of carbons to otherwise stable hydrazine decomposition pathways are shown in Eqs. (1)–(4). Resolutions demonstrates carbon-catalyzed decomposition. actions 2, 3, and 4 have all been catalyzed by various The carbons were used as received. There is no correlation metal-based catalysts, the most effective being those with between the rates or amounts of gas produced and either incomplete d shells [4]. The mechanism proposed by Sayer the metals content or the surface area of the carbons. is relevant [5] He proposed that an adsorbed hydrazine The first step in characterizing these reactions was a (denoted here by *) transfers two hydrogens to another search for hydrogen as a decomposition product. Using GC hydrazine to cleave the N–N bond and form two molecules techniques that were demonstrated to have a detection limit of ammonia and an adsorbed cis diazine (HN5NH, also of 0.5% yield of H , no H in the product gases was 2 2 known as diimide). The diazine then disproportionates to observed. Only one of the known hydrazine decomposition give N and hydrazine or decomposes to N and H . The pathways does not produce H (Eq. (3)), so it appears that 2 2 2 2 diazine disproportionation is well established and is a significant complication in the use of diazine to reduce double bonds [6]. Sayer’s mechanism is outlined in Scheme 1.
Effects of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D on osteoclast number and cytochemistry in normal and osteopetrotic (os) rabbits

Osteoclast-mediated bone resorption is increased in response to 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D or calcitriol). Osteopetrosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by defective, osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, which co-exists with elevated serum 1,25-(OH)2D levels in some osteopetrotic children and animals. We examined the effects of high doses of calcitriol on osteoclast number and cytochemistry in both normal and osteopetrotic (os) rabbits. Calcitriol was continuously infused at doses of 0.5, 2.5, or 25 μg/kg/day via subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps for a period of 7 days. Following treatment, the proximal tibial metaphyses were processed for histomorphometric and cytochemical analyses. Sections were stained for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TrAP) or acid ATPase (TraATPase). Osteoclasts were significantly reduced in untreated os rabbits compared with age-matched normal littermates between birth and 3 weeks of age (41–46% of normal). Whereas most normal osteoclasts (85%) stained heavily for TrAP or TraATPase, less than half of os osteoclasts were heavily stained for these acid hydrolases. Infusions of 1,25(OH)2D resulted in elevations of osteoclast numbers in both normal and os rabbits, but the number of osteoclasts remained significantly lower in mutants than in normal littermates at any given dose. Calcitriol infusions also resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of os osteoclasts staining heavily for TrAP and TraATPase. These results suggest that in response to 1,25(OH)2D normal osteoclasts increase their production of acid hydrolases before increasing cell numbers and that, in spite of high levels of endogenous calcitriol, os rabbits can respond to exogenous 1,25(OH)2D as evidenced by increased osteoclast number and cytochemical staining, even though these osteoclasts fail to resorb the excess skeletal matrix. Thus the defect in the mutant skeleton appears to be in the initial cytodifferentiation of osteoclasts, not in their responsiveness to endogenous regulators of bone resorption.
Reactive Wave Propagation Mechanisms in Energetic Porous Silicon Composites

Propagating reactive waves through porous silicon (PS)–sodium perchlorate composites and the generation of shock waves in the gaseous medium above the PS surface were studied using high-speed shadowgraphy. Propagation speeds were varied by changing the PS specific surface area (SSA) and the dopant type and level, and by the addition of organized microstructures along the wave propagation direction. Shadowgraph analysis showed that upstream permeation of hot gaseous combustion products was responsible for a two order of magnitude enhancement in the reactive wave propagation speeds obtained by the presence of organized microscale patterns on PS samples with low SSA (˜ 300 m2/g), which nominally exhibit baseline speeds of ˜ 1 m/s. Shadowgraph analysis and sound speed measurements on PS samples with high SSA (˜ 700 m2/g), which exhibit fast reactive wave propagations of ˜ 1000 m/s, indicated that neither the strong shock over the PS surface nor detonation of the porous layer were the mechanisms by which the w...
Infrared imaging of the polymer 3D-printing process

Both mid-wave and long-wave IR cameras are used to measure various temperature profiles in thermoplastic parts as they are printed. Two significantly different 3D-printers are used in this study. The first is a small scale commercially available Solidoodle 3 printer, which prints parts with layer thicknesses on the order of 125μm. The second printer used is a “Big Area Additive Manufacturing” (BAAM) 3D-printer developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The BAAM prints parts with a layer thicknesses of 4.06 mm. Of particular interest is the temperature of the previously deposited layer as the new hot layer is about to be extruded onto it. The two layers are expected have a stronger bond if the temperature of the substrate layer is above the glass transition temperature. This paper describes the measurement technique and results for a study of temperature decay and substrate layer temperature for ABS thermoplastic with and without the addition of chopped carbon fibers.
Teams with variable precision information structures: A model for organizational form

Motivated by considerations of optimal organizational form for a firm, a model is constructed that describes an organization as a team, each of whose members has access to the same basic information seen through noisy channels. The precision of the information received through the channels are the control parameters of the problem and serve to characterize the organization. A general linear-quadratic-Gaussian model is constructed and solved for two special cases.
Spectral methods for compressible reactive flows

Abstract High order simulations are necessary in order to capture fine details in resolving supersonic reactive flows. However, high Mach number compressible flows feature sharp gradients and discontinuities, which present a challenge to successful simulations using high order methods. Spectral methods have proven a powerful tool in simulation of incompressible turbulent flows, and recent advances allow the application of spectral methods to compressible reactive flows. We review the recent advances in the theory and application of spectral methods which allow stable computations of discontinuous phenomena, and the recovery of high order information via postprocessing, and present applications of high Mach number reactive flows. To cite this article: D. Gottlieb, S. Gottlieb, C. R. Mecanique 333 (2005).
Synthesis of silver nanocubes in a hydrophobic binary organic solvent.

Synthesis of metal nanoparticles with controlled shapes in hydrophobic solvents is challenging because homogeneous nucleation with high rate in these solvents is favorable for the formation of multiply twinned (MT) nanoparticles with spherical morphology. In this work, we report an inhomogeneous nucleation strategy in a binary hydrophobic solvent mediated by dimethyldistearylammonium chloride (DDAC), resulting in the coexistence of single-crystalline Ag polyhedrons and MT Ag quasi-spheres at the beginning of the reaction. In the consequent step, the MT Ag nanoparticles are selectively etched and dissolved through oxidation by NO3− ions (from the Ag precursor, AgNO3) with the assistance of Cl− ions (from DDAC). The dissolved Ag species are then reduced and deposited on the more stable single-crystalline polyhedrons to form Ag nanocubes. Synergy of the oxidative etching of MT particles and growth of single-crystalline particles leads to Ag nanocubes with high purity when the ripening time is long enough. Fo...
Scattering of monoenergetic argon beams from heated platinum: Out-of-plane time-of-flight measurements

Abstract Time-of-flight measurements were made in and out of the plane of incidence, with initially monoenergetic argon beams (speed 5.75 × 104 cm/sec.; incident angle 55° from target normal) before and after reflection from heated platinum. The data were used to compute low order moments of velocity distribution : relative number flux, momentum and energy flux. Flux ratios yield mean speed, mean energy and speed distribution as functions of angle of reflection. The data are consistent with the hypotheses that the tangentical component of momentum of the incident beam is nearly preserved on collision and that dispersion out of the plane of incidence is caused by surface roughness.
Symposium: Binding of upids by proteins conducted Ly The American Oil Chemists’ Society at its 37tn pall meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota September 30–Octoter 2, 1963

Steroid compounds form dissociable complexes of low binding energy with numerous proteins of different origin as can be demonstrated by various physicochemical procedures. This interac-tion has definite physiological consequences in case of the steroid hormones. The sites of attach-ment between Δ4-3-ketosteroids and human serum albumin appear to be located at the alpha side of the steroid molecule. The affinity of inter-action with serum albumins is increased by en-trance of electron-repelling groups (alkyl) into the steroid, and decreased by electron-attracting groups (-OH; =O; halogen) (“polarity rule”). This rule is reversed in interactions with certain proteins which have a higher content of aliphatic hydroxyl groups. It was concluded from compe-tition studies with higher fatty acids that the attachment of Δ4-3-ketosteroids to serum albumin does not take place at the anion-binding sites. The SH-group of serum albumin is not involved in the interaction with testosterone. The α1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) from human serum was found to have a particularly high binding affinity for progesterone. Removal of sialic acid results in a decrease of this binding affinity. Complex formation with the orosomucoid leads to physiological inactivation of progester-one. A highly specific interaction occurs between the adrenocorticoid hormones and the corticosteroid-binding globulin (transcortin) in serum of hu-man and other species. For a quantitative test, the endogenous corticosteroids have to be removed by dialysis at 37C. Cortisol, corticosterone and related hormones are bound by transcortin ; aldo-sterone interacts with serum and transcortin-containing fractions more strongly than with albumin. The “transcortin” activity of rat se-rum increases after adrenalectomy and hypo-physectomy; injection of corticosterone into adre-nalectomized rats reverses this effect. The general increase of the total α-globulin fraction in adrenalectomized rats (15-16%) is smaller than the increase in “transcortin” activity (100%). The corticosteroid-binding serum pro-teins of different mammalian species (rat, rab-bit, steer, horse) were found to be α-globulins. Their binding affinities towards different cortico-steroids will be discussed.
Range of Nitrogen Ions in Emulsion

The range of nitrogen ions in Ilford C-2 emulsion was measured for energies from 4 to 28 Mev. The rate of energy loss over this entire energy region is approximately 1.5 Mev per micron.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide in cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract Immunoreactive vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was measured in lumbar and ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with various neurological disorders and in 2 hour aliquots of cisternal fluid removed continuously from rhesus monkeys. Although most of the VIP in concentrated pools of human ventricular fluid and of monkey cisternal fluid co-eluted with synthetic porcine VIP 28 on a column of Sephadex G-25 superfine, there was evidence that smaller immunoreactive fragments were also present. A circadian pattern of CSF VIP concentration was observed in 2 of the 3 monkeys studied, with highest levels occurring at night and lowest during the day. Ventricular fluid VIP levels were highest in hydrocephalic children and lowest in patients with multiple sclerosis or epilepsy, while VIP was not detectable in ventricular fluid from patients in coma following a severe head injury. There were no significant differences in VIP concentrations in CSF from patients with dystonia, Parkinson's disease, or Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that VIP containing neurons are not affected in these disorders. Lumbar fluid VIP levels were low in patients undergoing aneurysm surgery. Since VIP is a potent vasodilator, these findings may have important implications in relation to the development of vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Improved Isobaric Tandem Mass Tag Quantification by Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry

RATIONALE Isobaric tandem mass tags are an attractive alternative to mass difference tags and label-free approaches for quantitative proteomics due to the high degree of multiplexing that can be performed with their implementation. A drawback of tandem mass tags are that the co-isolation and co-fragmentation of labeled peptide precursors can result in chimeric tandem mass (MS/MS) spectra that can underestimate the fold-change expression of each peptide. Ion mobility (IM) separations coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) instruments have the potential to mitigate MS/MS spectra chimeracy since IM-MS has the ability to separate ions based on charge, m/z, and collision cross section (CCS). METHODS Two complex protein mixtures, labeled with DiLeu isobaric tandem mass tags in opposite ratios, were mixed together and analyzed by data-dependent LC/IM-MS/MS. The accuracy of reporters from interfering pairs was compared with and without IM separation. RESULTS IM separation was able to mitigate isobaric interference from differentially charged interfering ion pairs, as well as pairs of the same charge. Of the eight example precursors shown, only one had reporters that remained compressed below the significance threshold after IM separation. CONCLUSIONS The results of this investigation demonstrate proof-of-principle that IM separation of tagged precursors prior to MS/MS fragmentation can help mitigate quantitative inaccuracies caused by isobaric interference. Future improvements of the method would include software for automated correction and use of higher resolution IM instrumentations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning on the Ground: Ecology, Engagement, and Embodiment

If theological education is to prepare religious leaders who will respond faithfully and capably to ecological challenges, what models of teaching and learning will best equip them for this work? In conversation with environmental education theory and examples from diverse learning contexts, this paper proposes a model of “learning on the ground” which is characterized by engaged and embodied pedagogy through participation in earth-honoring social practices. See a companion essay in this issue of the journal (Kevin J. O'Brien, “Balancing Critique and Commitment”) and a response to both these essays (Forrest Clingerman, “Pedagogy as a Field Guide to the Ecology of the Classroom”) also published in this issue of the journal.
Comparison of the Accu-CulShure system and a swab placed in a B-D Port-a-Cul tube for specimen collection and transport.

a B-D Port-a-Cul transport tube in terms of their efficacy under ideal conditions for recovery of bacteria from 10 decubitus ulcer specimens. Cultures yielded 57 aerobes and 21 anaerobes; 76 isolates were recovered with use of Accu-CulShure, and 72 isolates were recovered with use of Port-a-Cul. Both systems were comparable for recovery of organisms in terms of quantitative and qualitative results. Cotton or polyester swabs are the most common devices used for collection of surface and exudative specimens for microbiological culture. Swabs are not ideal, however, for several reasons: microorganisms may become enmeshed in the swab and thus elude recovery in culture; the swab may leave fibers that can serve as foci of infection in a wound; cultures of swab specimens frequently are contaminated with endogenous flora [1]; and swabs become difficult to manipulate and less likely to enable maximum recovery when their handles are broken off after collection (to avoid contamination of the transport medium). If the swab is correctly thrust deep into the agar of an anaerobic transport tube, the agar may retain some specimen material during subsequent removal of the swab. In addition, swab samples are considered poor alternatives to aspirates as specimens for anaerobic bacteriology because of the deleterious effects of oxygenation and drying [2]. However, a swab in agar deep was shown to be superior to at least one other available system for recovery of anaerobes [3].
Inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthase: genetic background affects ovulation in mice.

Abstract Objective: Inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and endothelial NOS are involved in female reproductive physiology. We sought to investigate the influence of the inducible ( Nos2 ) and endothelial ( Nos3 ) NOS genes as a function of genetic background on ovulatory capacity and early embryonic development in a mouse model. Design: Observational study of genetically altered mice and their response to a superovulation protocol. Setting: Academic research institution. Animals: Wild-type mice and mice deficient for Nos2 or Nos3 were bred to C57BL/6J and 129/Sv genetic backgrounds. Intervention(s): Superovulation protocol, oocyte culture. Main Outcome Measure(s): Number of oocytes harvested, early embryonic development of zygotes, evaluation of ovarian histology. Result(s): The mean number of oocytes was significantly reduced in Nos3 deficient mice on a C57BL/6J background compared with controls. Oocytes deficient for Nos3 on a C57BL/6J background also showed reduced progression to two-cell stage embryos after 24 hours, two-cell stage embryos to blastocyst stage embryos, and survival to 48 hours. Those effects were distinctly absent in mice deficient for Nos3 on a 129/Sv background and in mice deficient for Nos2 on either genetic background. Conclusion(s): Our data show that disruption of Nos2 had no effect on ovulation in our mice. The negative effect of Nos3 deficiency on ovulatory capacity and early embryonic development is modulated by genetic background. This suggests a role for strain-specific modifier genes in these processes.
Cumulative social disadvantage and child health.

CONTEXT. Disparities in child health are a major public health concern. However, it is unclear whether these are predominantly the result of low income, race, or other social risk factors that may contribute to their health disadvantage. Although others have examined the effects of the accumulation of risk factors, this methodology has not been applied to child health. OBJECTIVE. We tested 4 social risk factors (poverty, minority race/ethnicity, low parental education, and not living with both biological parents) to assess whether they have cumulative effects on child health and examined whether access to health care reduced health disparities. DESIGN. We analyzed data on 57 553 children <18 years from the 1994 and 1995 National Health Interview Survey Disability Supplement. Of the 4 risk factors, 3 (poverty, low parental education, and single-parent household) were consistently associated with child health. These were summed, generating tlie Social Disadvantage Index (range: 0-3). RESULTS. A total of 43.6% of children had no social disadvantages, 30.8% had 1, 15.6% had 2, and 10.0% had all 3. Compared with those with no social disadvantages, the odds ratios (ORs) of being in "good, fair, or poor health" (versus "excellent or very good") were 1.95 for 1 risk, 3.22 for 2 risks, and 4.06 for 3 risks. ORs of having a chronic condition increased from 1.25 (1 risk) to 1.60 (2 risks) to 2.11 (3 risks). ORs for activity limitation were 1.51 (1 risk) to 2.14 (2 risks) and 2.88 (3 risks). Controlling for health insurance did not affect these findings. CONCLUSIONS. The accumulation of social disadvantage among children was strongly associated with poorer child health and having insurance did not reduce the observed health disparities.
Lotteries, Justice and Probability

Intuition suggests that a fair lottery is the appropriate way to allocate a scarce good when two or more people have equally strong claims to it. This article lays out three conditions that any conception of justice compatible with this intuition must satisfy — efficiency of outcomes, fairness of outcomes, and fairness of treatment. The third, unlike the first two, manifests itself only in the intentions of the allocative agent, not in the final allocation itself. For this reason, while justice generally requires publicity — requires, that is, that the justice of public practices be as visible as possible — for fairness of treatment publicity is indispensable. This fact has implications for defining a fair lottery. On most accounts, fair lotteries must be equiprobable. But while some theories of probability facilitate the connection between the equiprobability of fair lotteries and the contribution they can make to justice, others do not.
Multimode Waveguides Coupled to Single Mode Ring Resonators

A planar integrated optical device based on the interaction of two spatial eigenmodes with a single eigenmode ring resonator is presented. Solutions for the output mode amplitudes are determined theoretically and are shown to be strong functions of the relative phases of the two input modes. A device was fabricated in a polymer-silicon material system by a photolithographic process. The modal response as a function of wavelength is measured by the twin-fiber interferometer technique through fringe visibility. It is found that sharp visibility lineshapes may be achieved through the adjustment of input mode phase and twin-fiber spacing on the radiated output beam. These sharp lineshapes are also possible in the presence of high loss in the resonator. The on-chip test device incorporates a single mode to two-mode converter and a far-field wavefront sampler. The measured fringe visibility slope with respect to wavelength reaches a maximum value of 74 nm- 1 which is 56 nm-1 larger than a single mode waveguide coupled to a single mode microring with the same ring loss and 15 dB extinction ratio. Such sharp lineshapes in visibility may be exploited for optical applications in sensing, communications, and computing.
Ants in Labyrinths: Lessons for Critical Landscapes

Percolation theory provides a starting point for models for the movement of organisms in fragmented landscapes. We simulated six general rules for movement on three general landscape patterns with different degrees of habitat fragmentation. Fragmentation pattern affects migration success. Organisms moving within habitat patches are restricted by fragmentation, but the response is less abrupt as one moves from random to hierarchical to fractal landscapes, respectively. Success for organisms moving along edges is more strongly differentiated by landscape pattern. Success and speed are usually directly related, but indirect relations may indicate rare but efficient pathways or cul-de-sacs. We propose that general rules can be applied to the identification of landscapes near critical levels of fragmentation that will respond sensitively to increases in fragmentation or efforts at restoration.
Performance evaluation in an ISDN—digital transmission impairments

This paper considers the performance evaluation of the future Integrated Services Digital Network. Emphasis is given to both the measurement and the instrumentation necessary to quantify the most important digital transmission impairments, jitter and errors. The trend towards non-intrusive measurement and automated testing made possible by advances in digital technology is reviewed
LOCALS, EXILES AND COSMOPOLITANS: A THEORETICAL ARGUMENT ABOUT IDENTITY AND PLACE IN MIAMI

Recent theoretical advances point to the dynamic and plural nature of processes of identity formation. Moreover, the ascendance of the globalisation paradigm implies a greater emphasis on their geographical dimension in terms of place and mobility. Illustrated with the case of Miami, this paper presents a theoretical argument about place, mobility and identity in contemporary global cities. The need to go beyond conventional and singular categories of identity is argued, with special reference to the impact of rapid increases in spatial mobility. In this paper, the role of Miami's different populations is framed in the context of their geographical identities and the ways they identify with Miami as locals, exiles and cosmopolitans. The high mobility of Miami's population and the small number of locals pose some major challenges, with implications for this city's civil society. The case of Miami also sheds a different, and less idealistic, light on the meaning of cosmopolitanism.
A quantum mechanical mobility model for scaled NMOS transistors with ultra-thin high-K dielectrics and metal gate electrodes

Abstract A quantum mechanical model of electron mobility for scaled NMOS transistors with ultra-thin SiO 2 /HfO 2 dielectrics (effective oxide thickness is less than 1 nm) and metal gate electrode is presented in this paper. The inversion layer carrier density is calculated quantum mechanically due to the consideration of high transverse electric field created in the transistor channel. The mobility model includes: (1) Coulomb scattering effect arising from the scattering centers at the semiconductor–dielectric interface, fixed charges in the high- K film and bulk impurities, and (2) surface roughness effect associated with the semiconductor–dielectric interface. The model predicts the electron mobility in MOS transistors will increase with continuous dielectric layer scaling and a fixed volume trap density assumption in high- K film. The Coulomb scattering mobility dependence on the interface trap density, fixed charges in the high- K film, interfacial oxide layer thickness and high- K film thickness is demonstrated in the paper.
Reinterpretation and reflections on the importance of the Worden Fault in Douglas County, Kansas

Abstract The Worden Fault is a 6-km long, northeast-trending fault located in southwestern Douglas County, Kansas. The fault has a displacement of about 6 m with the downthrown side to the northwest. The fault probably is the surface reflection of adjustments of Precambrian basement fault blocks.
Thermostabilization of the Human Serotonin Transporter in an Antidepressant-Bound Conformation.

Serotonin is a ubiquitous chemical transmitter with particularly important roles in the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Modulation of serotonergic signaling occurs, in part, by uptake of the transmitter by the serotonin transporter (SERT). In the brain, SERT is the target for numerous antidepressants including tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Despite the importance of SERT in human physiology, biochemical, biophysical and high-resolution structural studies have been hampered due to the instability of SERT in detergent micelles. To identify a human SERT (hSERT) construct suitable for detailed biochemical and structural studies, we developed an efficient thermostability screening protocol and rapidly screened 219 mutations for thermostabilization of hSERT in complex with the SSRI paroxetine. We discovered three mutations—Y110A, I291A and T439S –that, when combined into a single construct, deemed TS3, yielded a hSERT variant with an apparent melting temperature (Tm) 19°C greater than that of the wild-type transporter, albeit with a loss of transport activity. Further investigation yielded a double mutant—I291A and T439S—defined as TS2, with a 12°C increase in Tm and retention of robust transport activity. Both TS2 and TS3 were more stable in short-chain detergents in comparison to the wild-type transporter. This thermostability screening protocol, as well as the specific hSERT variants, will prove useful in studies of other integral membrane receptors and transporters and in the investigation of structure and function relationships in hSERT.
Reconfigurable Long-Reach UltraFlow Access Network: A Flexible, Cost-Effective, and Energy-Efficient Solution

In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a reconfigurable long-reach (R-LR) UltraFlow access network to provide flexible dual-mode (IP and Flow) service with lower capital expenditure (CapEx) and higher energy efficiency. UltraFlow is a research project involves the collaboration of Stanford, MIT, and UT-Dallas. The design of the R-LR UltraFlow access network enables seamless integration of the Flow service with IP passive optical networks deployed with different technologies. To fulfill the high-wavelength demand incurred by the extended service reach, we propose the use of multiple feeder fibers to form subnets within the UltraFlow access network. Two layers of custom switching devices are installed at the central office (CO) and remote node to provide flexibility in resource allocation and user grouping. With a centralized software-defined network (SDN) controller at the CO to control the dual-mode service, numerical analysis indicates that the reconfiguration architecture is able to reduce the CapEx during initial deployment by about 30%. A maximum of around 50% power savings is also achieved during low traffic period. The feasibility of the new architecture and the operation of the SDN controller are both successfully demonstrated on our experimental testbed.
A New Beating Experiment Using Biphotons Generated from a Two-Level System

A new beating experiment is proposed based on biphotons created from a two-level system in the resonant-pumping case. Both slow-light and fast-light effects play the role as of the path-length difference in the original Franson interferometer.
Robust nonparametric kernel regression estimator

In robust nonparametric kernel regression context, we prescribe method to select trimming parameter and bandwidth. Through solving estimating equations, we control outlier effect through combining weighting and trimming. We show asymptotic consistency, establish bias, variance properties and derive asymptotics.
When is Money Smart? Mutual Fund Flows, Energy Prices, and Household Disposable Income

This study shows that the representative investor’s sophistication in the market for mutual funds is time-varying, and increases with the constraints on household disposable income at the aggregate level. Based on the fact that energy commodities are largely inelastic household expenditures that reduce disposable income, I use changes in retail energy prices to proxy for short-run exogenous changes in the disposable income of potential investors. New money flows to actively managed U.S. equity mutual funds decrease with the constraints on disposable income, ceteris paribus. The representative investor shows fund selection and timing ability only in periods when the constraints on disposable income sharply increase, but does not display discernable ability unconditionally. Fund flows are more rationally sensitive to price (i.e. fees and loads) and funds’ past risk-adjusted performance when the constraints on disposable income increase. The results are also consistent with the representative fund investor displaying more aversion towards funds associated with more agency problems and inferior manager skill in periods when the constraints on disposable income increase.
Analysis of the Current Situation and Existing Problems of Broiler Production in China

As an important component of animal husbandry,Chinese broiler industry has sustainably developed for 30 years,and has become a spine industry in agriculture and agricultural economy.The current situation of broiler production in China was analyzed and some relevant suggestions were also put forword to solve the problems of disease,veterinary drug residue,high cost of labor and feed,environment and resourses that existed in the broiler production.
Rectal Indomethacin Reduces Pancreatitis in High- and Low-Risk Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Background & Aims Rectal indomethacin reduces the risk of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Most studies of its efficacy included high-risk cohorts and excluded low-risk patients, including those with malignant biliary obstruction. We investigated the potential of rectal indomethacin to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) in a variety of patients. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of 4017 patients who underwent ERCP at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, from 2009 and 2015, including 823 patients with malignant biliary obstruction. After June 2012, with a few exceptions, patients received indomethacin after their procedure. We collected data from patients' records on demographic and clinical features, procedures, and development of PEP. PEP was defined by consensus criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the association between indomethacin and PEP. Results Rectal indomethacin reduced the odds of PEP by 65% (OR, 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24–0.51; P Conclusions In a large retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing ERCP that included low-risk patients and patients with malignant biliary obstruction, rectal indomethacin was associated with a significant decrease in the absolute rate and severity of pancreatitis.