cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Collaborative Mobile Charging and Coverage

Wireless energy charging using mobile vehicles has been a viable research topic recently in the area of wireless networks and mobile computing. This paper gives a short survey of recent research conducted in our research group in the area of collaborative mobile charging. In collaborative mobile charging, multiple mobile chargers work together to accomplish a given set of objectives. These objectives include charging sensors at different frequencies with a minimum number of mobile chargers and reaching the farthest sensor for a given set of mobile chargers, subject to various constraints, including speed and energy limits of mobile chargers. Through the process of problem formulation, solution construction, and future work extension for problems related to collaborative mobile charging and coverage, we present three principles for good practice in conducting research. These principles can potentially be used for assisting graduate students in selecting a research problem for a term project, which can eventually be expanded to a thesis/dissertation topic.
Repeated reflection of waves in the systemic arterial system

Traditional analysis of pulse-wave propagation and reflection in the arterial system treats measured pressure and flow waves as the sum of a single forward wave (traveling away from the heart) and ...
Anaesthetic management of a parturient with the postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: a case report

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome encompasses a group of disorders characterized by orthostatic intolerance. We describe the anaesthetic management of analgesia for labour and of Caesarean section in a parturient suffering from this disorder. Worsening of her symptoms during pregnancy was managed with an increase in the dose of β-blockers taken by the patient. Epidural analgesia was instigated early to attenuate the stress of labour and avoid consequent triggering of a tachycardic response. Slow titration of epidural analgesia and anaesthesia after an adequate fluid preload was undertaken to minimize hypotension and subsequent tachycardia. Neuraxial opioid, combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and bilateral iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerve blocks were used to optimize postoperative analgesia.
The Community Environmental Monitoring Program: Reducing Public Perception of Risk through Stakeholder Involvement

The Community Environmental Monitoring Program (CEMP) has promoted stakeholder involvement, awareness, and understanding of radiological surveillance in communities surrounding the Nevada Test Site (NTS) since 1981. It involves stakeholders in the operation, data collection, and dissemination of information obtained from a network of 29 stations across a wide area of Nevada, Utah and California. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration's Nevada Site Office (NNSA/NSO) and administered by the Desert Research Institute (DRI) of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Integration of a near real-time communications system, a public Web site, training workshops for involved stakeholders, and educational programs all help to alleviate public perception of risk of health effects from past activities conducted at the NTS.
Surgical repair of rectovestibular fistula with normal anus.

Abstract Purpose : The aim of this study was to evaluate the authors' surgical approach and technique in patients with congenital rectovestibular fistula with a normal anus (CRF). Methods : During the period between 1981 and 1995, 19 girls from 2 months to 13 years of age were treated surgically for CRF by a primary perineal approach. After appropriate bowel preparation, the patient was placed in a lithotomy position. A probing catheter was placed in the fistula. A perineal transverse skin incision was made on the midpoint between the posterior commissure and the anus, and the underlying tissue was dissected. The fistula was divided, and the both ends were closed by interrupted sutures. The external sphincter muscle was mobilized to interpose between the vestibular and rectal stumps of the fistula. Postoperative feeding was begun on day 6. Results : A protecting colostomy was created in the early 4 patients. Fifteen patients underwent a primary fistula division without colostomy. In thos without colostomy, 1 patient had a reopening of the fistula 6 days after the primary repair. In this patient, colostomy was created, and the fistula was divided 6 months later by the same approach. After a follow-up of 3 to 17 years, all patients have normal bowel habit. Conclusion : A primary perineal approach is appropriate for the treatment of CRF.
A nematode effector protein similar to annexins in host plants

Nematode parasitism genes encode secreted effector proteins that play a role in host infection. A homologue of the expressed Hg4F01 gene of the root-parasitic soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, encoding an annexin-like effector, was isolated in the related Heterodera schachtii to facilitate use of Arabidopsis thaliana as a model host. Hs4F01 and its protein product were exclusively expressed within the dorsal oesophageal gland secretory cell in the parasitic stages of H. schachtii. Hs4F01 had a 41% predicted amino acid sequence identity to the nex-1 annexin of C. elegans and 33% identity to annexin-1 (annAt1) of Arabidopsis, it contained four conserved domains typical of the annexin family of calcium and phospholipid binding proteins, and it had a predicted signal peptide for secretion that was present in nematode annexins of only Heterodera spp. Constitutive expression of Hs4F01 in wild-type Arabidopsis promoted hyper-susceptibility to H. schachtii infection. Complementation of an AnnAt1 mutant by constitutive expression of Hs4F01 reverted mutant sensitivity to 75mM NaCl, suggesting a similar function of the Hs4F01 annexin-like effector in the stress response by plant cells. Yeast two-hybrid assays confirmed a specific interaction between Hs4F01 and an Arabidopsis oxidoreductase member of the 2OG-Fe(II) oxygenase family, a type of plant enzyme demonstrated to promote susceptibility to oomycete pathogens. RNA interference assays that expressed double-stranded RNA complementary to Hs4F01 in transgenic Arabidopsis specifically decreased parasitic nematode Hs4F01 transcript levels and significantly reduced nematode infection levels. The combined data suggest that nematode secretion of an Hs4F01 annexin-like effector into host root cells may mimic plant annexin function during the parasitic interaction.
Cryptocurrencies: Are Disruptive Financial Innovations Here?

Digital currencies, virtual currencies, in-game currencies, etc., have gathered a lot of attention, despite the difficulties of definition, from all corners of society for many years. Cryptocurrency has gained unprecedented attention since the birth of Bitcoin in 2009. Bitcoin is an online system of making and receiving payments in bitcoins. The system distinguishes itself by providing an open-source, cryptographically secure, confidentiality-preserving platform for transactions and/or making payments. The number of transactions as well as the number of accounts (held by individuals and businesses) is steadily increasing. A whole industry of service-providers has sprung up alongside. We consider the development of Bitcoin and its sister currencies as an important disruptive financial innovation which is here to stay unless throttled by ill-considered legislative or regulatory actions. Potential problems are analyzed and solutions offered. The overall assessment is that cryptocurrencies and variants of virtual currencies are a welcome development, they will offer competition to the existing modalities of money and governmental regulation, they will provide alternative means to economic agents for their transactions, and their innovative existence should be encouraged so that their beneficial features outperform any deleterious ones.
Enhancement of vaginal infection in mice by herpes simplex virus type II with progesterone.

SummaryNonpregnant, pregnant and progesterone treated mice were infected intravaginally with HSV II. Mortality rates were 10%, 88% and 88% respectively. Progesterone levels were 80–100 times greater in the treated mice and 10–70 times greater in the pregnant mice than controls. We were able to simulate the increased susceptibility of pregnant mice by administration of progesterone to nonpregnant female mice.
Three dimensional dielectrophoretic assembly of singlewalled carbon nanotubes for integrated circuit interconnects

In this paper, we report a novel technological approach for three dimensional (3D) assembly of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using dielectrophoresis (DEP). The two terminal resistance of the assembled SWNTs is ~545 Ohms. Encapsulation of the 3D structure with a thin layer of parylene-C protects it from the environment and keeps it intact. This directed assembly procedure is versatile, inexpensive, and achieved at room temperature. By utilizing a self-aligned three mask process, we demonstrate a 3D assembly/encapsulation method utilizing conductive SWNTs as the metallization material, parylene-C as the inter-level dielectric and the encapsulation layer. This technology is also applicable for vertical assembly of other conductive nanostructures and will enable 3D research in nanotechnology.
Bubble coalescence in viscous fluids

The gravity-driven coalescence of 1- to 2-cm. diameter air bubbles in glycerine and in water has been studied by high-speed cinematography. The resulting coalescence behavior can be correlated by a simple model which assumes that each bubble trails a wake, and that the bubble coalescing from below accelerates when it enters the wake of the preceding bubble and thus overtakes the first bubble. The predictions of the model are not significantly altered by different assumed wake configurations.
Intercomparisons of Airborne Measurements of Aerosol Ionic Chemical Composition during TRACE-P and ACE-Asia

As part of the two field studies, Transport and Chemical Evolution over the Pacific (TRACE-P), and the Asian Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACEAsia), the inorganic chemical composition of tropospheric aerosols was measured over the western Pacific from three separate aircraft using various methods. Comparisons are made between the rapid online techniques of the Particle Into Liquid Sampler (PILS) for measurement of a suite of fine particle ionic compounds and a mist chamber (MC/IC) measurement of fine sulfate, and the longer time-integrated filter and multi-orifice impactor (MOI) measurements. Comparisons between identical PILS on two separate aircraft flying in formation showed that they were highly correlated (e.g., sulfate r(sup 2) of 0.95), but were systematically different by 10 +/- 5% (linear regression slope and 95% confidence bounds), and had generally higher concentrations on the aircraft with a low turbulence inlet and shorter inlet-to-instrument transmission tubing. Comparisons of PILS and mist chamber measurements of fine sulfate on two different aircraft during formation flying had an 3 of 0.78 and a relative difference of 39% +/- 5%. MOI ionic data integrated to the PILS upper measurement size of 1.3 pm sampling from separate inlets on the same aircraft showed that for sulfate, PILS and MOI were within 14% +/- 6% and correlated with an r(sup 2) of 0.87. Most ionic compounds were within f 30%, which is in the range of differences reported between PILS and integrated samplers from ground-based comparisons. In many cases, direct intercomparison between the various instruments is difficult due to differences in upper-size detection limits. However, for this study, the results suggest that the fine particle mass composition measured from aircraft agree to within 30-40%.
Estimated Cost-Effectiveness of Dispatcher CPR Instruction via Telephone to Bystanders During Out-of-Hospital Ventricular Fibrillation

Hypothesis:Emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instruction via telephone (ETCPR) is cost-effective compared to prehospital, emergency medical technician (EMT)/paramedic treatment alone of witnessed, ventricular fibrillation (VF) in adult patients.Methods:A total of 118 patients, age >18 years, with prehospital, witnessed ventricular fibrillation were studied. Patient data were extracted from hospital records, monitor-defibrillator recordings, paramedic reports, dispatching records, and telephone interviews with bystanders. No ETCPR was available during this period. The costs of ETCPR implementation were estimated retrospectively. Marginal cost of the paramedic service attributable to treatment of VF was calculated from fire department records. Years-of-life saved were estimated from age, gender, and race matched norms.Results:Of the 53 patients receiving bystander CPR (BCPR), 14 (26%) survived to hospital discharge versus 4/65 patients (6%) lacking BCPR, These groups did not differ significantly (p>.05) in age, EMS response times, or time from collapse to defibrillation. The mean time interval from collapse to CPR was significantly less for patients with BCPR (1.8 min) than for patients without BCPR (7.1 min). Had all patients received BCPR and survived at the rate of 0.26, 13 additional patients would have survived to hospital discharge. The cost per year-of-life saved by the EMS system with ETCPR would have been [US]$560 in patients experiencing out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation.Conclusion:The use of ETCPR instruction of callers by 9-1-1 dispatchers potentially is a cost-effective addition to a two-tier, EMS system for treatment of prehospital ventricular fibrillation.
The Body Shop International Plc 2001: An Introduction to Financial Modeling

CASE HAS A SPREADSHEETIn this case the student is cast into the role of adviser to Anita Roddick, the managing director of The Body Shop. The student must prepare a three-year forecast of the firms income statement and balance sheet. The case is intended to provided a first-time introduction to percentage-of-sales forecasting and walks the student through the preparation of a simplified forecast, first using pencil and paper, then a spreadsheet program on the personal computer. The case emphasizes the importance of being able to talk plainly about ones financial forecast and the insights that are of use to the general manager.
Abstract 603: Effective And Sustained ACE2 Delivery Using Minicircles Technology

Chronic and sustained amplification of ACE2 activity in vivo has required the development of transgenic mice or the use of viral vectors. Minicircle is a new gene delivery technology which is resistant to gene silencing, and therefore represents an attractive platform for gene replacement strategies in vivo . Here we cloned cDNA of soluble mouse ACE2 into a circular expression cassette and the resulting ACE2 minicircle (MC) was injected to female FVB mice using iv. hydrodynamic approach (10ug or 30ug/mouse). At 3-7d after MC administration, serum ACE2 activity in mice that received 10ug ACE2MC (n=9) was over 100-fold higher than in controls (n=9) (138±48 vs 0.7±0.2 RFU/uL/hr) and in ACE2MC mice (30ug) (n=8) was almost 1000-fold higher than in controls (n=14) (480 ±153 vs 0.5±0.1 RFU/uL/hr, respectively). Mice that received 10 ug ACE2MC were followed for consecutive serum ACE2 activity monitoring, BP measurements and plasma Ang levels. The increase in serum ACE2 activity was sustained until the end of the study (up to 82 days) (Figure). Despite such a marked increase in serum ACE2 activity in ACE2MC mice, conscious SBP was not different from controls (137±8 vs 138±7 mmHg, respectively). At the end of the study, when Ang II was infused acutely (0.2 ug/kg BW i.p.), the increase in plasma Ang II in ACE2MC mice was significantly reduced compared to control mice (915±154 vs 1420±131 fmoL/mL, p Mini-circle delivery of ACE2 results in a dose-dependent and sustained long-term increase in serum ACE2 that efficiently degrades plasma Ang II. Extremely high increases in serum ACE2 activity do not reduce BP probably due to activation of non-ACE2 dependent compensatory Ang-hydrolyzing pathways.
Ultrastructure of calcium phosphate-containing cells in the serpulid polychaete worm Pomatoceros caeruleus.

A small patch of cells in the epithelium of the anterior surface of the collar of the serpulidPomatoceros caeruleus contains membrane-bound vacuoles filled with crystalline material. The crystals have rhomboidal or rectangular profiles and have been shown by electron diffraction analysis to be composed of hydroxyapatite and calcium magnesium phosphate. The apices of the cells are bordered by microvilli. Some cells also have apical cilia. The cells contain Golgi complexes in the apical cytoplasm. Large numbers of mitochondria are distributed thoughout the cytoplasm. The possible function of these mineral-containing cells as sites for storage of calcium and/or phosphorus is discussed.
Alkylperoxy Radical Photochemistry in Organic Aerosol Formation Processes

Recent studies have shown that 254 nm light can be used to generate organic aerosol from iodoalkane/air mixtures via photodissociation of the C-I bond and subsequent oxidation of the alkyl radical. We examine organic aerosol formed from the 1-iodooctane photolysis at this wavelength using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with derivatization to selectively probe carbonyl- and hydroxyl-containing molecules. Tandem mass spectrometry reveals that the product distributions are much more complex than a traditional low-NOx peroxy-peroxy oxidation mechanism from a single parent isomer would justify. We propose that this difference is due to peroxy radical photochemistry, leading to two major channels: direct peroxy radical isomerization via internal H-abstraction and reverse dissociation to form alkyl radical and O2. The complexity of the product spectrum is derived from both scrambling of the radical site in the alkyl radical and the additional oxidation of otherwise stable peroxy radicals as a result of the isomerization. A branching ratio for these channels is estimated using a canonical representation of the internal energy distribution. Lifetime estimates using extrapolated ethyl peroxy absorption cross sections and the actinic flux near 310 nm show that peroxy radical photochemistry may play a role in defining the composition of atmospheric secondary organic aerosol formed in pristine (low-NOx) environments.
Electrical Properties of Boron-Doped μc-Si:H Prepared by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering from c-Si Targets

We discuss the preparation and electrical properties of B-doped μc-Si:H thin films prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering in a hydrogen containing ambient. The B-concentration, and hence the dark conductivity, have been varied by controlling the rf power supplied to two sputtering targets, one, of undoped c-Si, and the other of B-doped c-Si. Films deposited from either target alone display dark conductivity activation energies of approximately 0.5 eV due to Fermi level pinning by native donorlike defects and B-doping for samples prepared from the undoped and B-doped targets, respectively. Films deposited by simultaneously sputtering undoped and B-doped targets display activation energies which first increase to approximately 0.7 eV and then decrease as the fraction of power supplied to the B-doped target is increased. For the combination of deposition parameters used, the cross over point between B- compensated , n-type films, and B-doped p-type films occurs for powers of 50 W supplied to the B-doped target and 100 W to the undoped target. B-compensated samples display trends in photoconductive properties essentially identical to results for μc-Si:H samples prepared by remote plasma CVD. However, IR studies indicate that the material shows significant post-deposition oxide formation. TEM studies confirm the existence of a low-density, porous network. Work is underway to optimize the structural aspects of this material.
Multi-layer robot skin with embedded sensors and muscles

Soft artificial skin with embedded sensors and actuators is proposed for a crosscutting study of cognitive science on a facial expressive humanoid platform. This paper focuses on artificial muscles suitable for humanoid robots and prosthetic devices for safe human-robot interactions. Novel composite artificial skin consisting of sensors and twisted polymer actuators is proposed. The artificial skin is conformable to intricate geometries and includes protective layers, sensor layers, and actuation layers. Fluidic channels are included in the elastomeric skin to inject fluids in order to control actuator response time. The skin can be used to develop facially expressive humanoid robots or other soft robots. The humanoid robot can be used by computer scientists and other behavioral science personnel to test various algorithms, and to understand and develop more perfect humanoid robots with facial expression capability. The small-scale humanoid robots can also assist ongoing therapeutic treatment research with autistic children. The multilayer skin can be used for many soft robots enabling them to detect both temperature and pressure, while actuating the entire structure.
Commenting and Inspiring from the Road of Chinese Speed Skating to Winter Olympics

With the methods of documental information and mathematical statistics,after analyzing the four stages of Chinese speed skating's road to Winter Olympics,the paper tries to figure out the nature of problem in order to provide a reference for decision-making departments.Besides a series of factors restraining Chinese speed skating to achieve the zero breakthrough of Winter Olympic gold medal,it puts forward the inspirations as follows: the lag of the national strategic goals,resulting in long-term indifference of middle and long distance events;the single goal of Winter Olympics,resulting in the coaches' impercipient ideas about speed endurance and endurance training;the limitations of combining with the scientific research,making the lack of dialectical understanding about this sports future development;the contradictions between control and management,becoming the important factor influencing the coaches' growth conditions;the narrow coaching idea,limiting their development of innovation ability.
Comprehensive Characterization of SGTP-Binding Proteins by Orthogonal Quantitative SGTP-Affinity Profiling and SGTP/GTP Competition Assays

Thiopurine drugs are widely used as antileukemic drugs and immunosuppressive agents, and 6-thioguanosine triphosphate (SGTP) is a major metabolite for these drugs. Recent studies have suggested that thiopurine drugs may exert their cytotoxic effects partly through binding of SGTP to a GTP-binding protein, Rac1. However, it remains unclear whether SGTP can also bind to other cellular proteins. Here, we introduced an orthogonal approach, encompassing nucleotide-affinity profiling and nucleotide-binding competition assays, to characterize comprehensively SGTP-binding proteins along with the specific binding sites from the entire human proteome. With the simultaneous use of SGTP and GTP affinity probes, we identified 165 SGTP-binding proteins that are involved in several different biological processes. We also examined the binding selectivities of these proteins toward SGTP and GTP, which allowed for the revelation of the relative binding affinities of the two nucleotides toward the nucleotide-binding motif s...
Two mechanisms by which ATP depletion potentiates induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition

The present and a previous study [J. W. Snyder, J. G. Pastorino, A. M. Attie, and J. L. Farber, Am. J. Physiol. 264 (Cell Physiol. 33): C709-C714, 1993] define two mechanisms whereby ATP depletion promotes liver cell death. ATP depletion and cell death are linked by the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). Mitochondrial deenergization promotes the MPT, and ATP maintains a membrane potential by reversal of ATP synthase. With an increased influx of Ca2+ induced by the ionophore A-23187, oligomycin depleted the cells of ATP without loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential and further elevated the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Cyclosporin A (CyA) prevented the accompanying cell killing. Fructose also preserved the viability of the cells. With the increased cytosolic Ca2+ imposed by A-23187, viability is maintained by ATP-dependent processes. Upon depletion of ATP, Ca2+ homeostasis cannot be maintained, and the MPT is induced. Rotenone also depleted the cells of ATP, and A-23187 accelerated the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential occurring with rotenone alone. CyA and fructose prevented the cell killing with rotenone and A-23187. Oligomycin did not prevent this action of fructose. We conclude that ATP is needed to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis to prevent the MPT and the resultant liver cell death. ATP is also needed to maintain mitochondrial energization when electron transport is inhibited.
Chapter 7 – Shigella and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli: Paradigms for pathogen evolution and host–parasite interactions

Shigella spp. and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli are agents of bacillary dysentery, a disease that remains a scourge of impoverished communities with little access to clean water. Because of the low infectious dose needed to cause disease, refugees and displaced peoples are also at risk of dysentery outbreaks. The characteristics of dysentery (diarrhea, fever, blood in stools) are direct results of the bacteria’s ability to invade epithelial cells of the large intestine and induce a robust inflammatory response. Genes encoding invasion and a type III secretion system and its secreted effectors are all found on a large plasmid. Other virulence genes are encoded in pathogenicity islands on the chromosome. The four species of Shigella are genetically closely related to E. coli and evidence suggests that Shigella evolved independently from at least seven ancestral lineages of E. coli. The evolution of Shigella by gene acquisition (virulence plasmid) and gene loss (black holes and antivirulence genes) provides a paradigm for the evolution of bacterial pathogens from commensal ancestors.
Polypeptide Rapid Turnover and Photosystem II Recovery from Calcium Stress in Anacystis Nidulans

When liquid cultures of cyanobacteria are illuminated in medium devoid of Ca2+ , then Photosystem II (PS II) activity becomes totally inhibited within a few h. Addition of Ca2+ to the growth medium fully restores activity anc cells resume normal growth (1). Partial electron transport activities of membranes isolated from broken cells indicate a site of inhibition very near to the reaction center of PS II (2). This site is also indicated by measurements of fluorescence induction kinetics and ms delayed fluorescence (3). Calcium depletion appears to switch off PS II units on an all-or-none basis, rather than gradually slowing down their turnover rate (2). Both inhibition in the absence of Ca2+, and recovery upon addi-tion of Ca to the culture are light dependent. Here we report on evidence for light-dependent turnover of PS II polypeptide, and the effect of Ca2+ on this turnover.
Enhancing Electrocatalytic Performance of Bifunctional Cobalt–Manganese‐Oxynitride Nanocatalysts on Graphene

We report the synthesis and characterization of graphenesupported cobalt-manganese-oxynitride nanocatalysts (CoMnON/G) as bifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). A nitriding treatment of spinel compound CoMnO increased the ORR activity considerably, and the most active material catalyzed the ORR with only a 30 mV half-wave potential difference from the commercial carbon-supported platinum (Pt/C) in alkaline media. In addition to high activity, the catalyst also exhibited an intrinsic stability that outperformed Pt/C. An appropriately designed nitridation thus facilitates new directions for developing active and durable non-precious-metal oxynitride electocatalysts.
Failure and Fatigue Properties of Immature Human and Porcine Parasagittal Bridging Veins.

Tearing of the parasagittal bridging veins (BVs) is thought to be a source of extra-axial hemorrhage (EAH) associated with abusive traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in children. However, the pediatric BV mechanical properties are unknown. We subjected porcine adult, porcine newborn, and human infant BVs to either a low rate pull to failure, a high rate pull to failure, or 30 s of cyclic loading followed by a pull to failure. An additional subset of human infant BVs was examined for viscoelastic recovery between two cycling episodes. We found that human infant BVs are stronger than porcine BVs, and BV mechanical properties are rate dependent, but not age dependent. Successive cyclic loading to a uniform level of stretch softened BVs with decaying peak stresses, and shifted their stress–stretch relationship. These data are critical in understanding BV tissue behavior in accidental and abusive trauma scenarios, which in turn may clarify circumstances that may be injurious to young children.
The human Ia system.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses conceptual and technical developments in the field of human Ia antigens by describing the chemical structure and immunologic relationship to their murine counterparts. The distribution of human Ia antigens is limited primarily to the B lymphocyte series, stimulated T cells, and stem and precursor hematopoietic cells, suggestive of both cell type and differentiation specificity. The association of certain Ia antigens with susceptibility or resistance to a variety of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, rheumatic fever, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes, provides both a valuable clinical predictive measure and a lead for the future study of pathogenetic factors possibly related to the particular Ia genes involved. The chapter examines the Ia antigens from two principal perspectives: (1) as membrane components related to differentiation, and (2) as part of a genetically intricate system of molecules bearing alloantigens that have relevance to susceptibility to certain diseases. Three types of antisera are used to detect Ia antigens: alloantisera, heteroantisera raised in rabbits or similar species, and monoclonal hybridoma reagents. It is apparent that the relationship of diseases to the Ia alloantigens is an intricate one and is likely to involve several distinct factors.
American Muslim Philanthropy after 9/11

Following 9/11, American Muslim philanthropy has generally been framed in terms of national security and civil liberties. In practice, however, American Muslims’ charitable giving has neither posed a threat to national security nor has the government’s closing of some of the largest Muslim relief organizations after 9/11 had the chilling effect that many predicted it would have had on American Muslims’ religious obligation of giving to charity. This article argues that the American Muslim philanthropy post-9/11 belies enduring presuppositions about Islam’s rigidity and religion’s interiority, which resulted in widespread misapprehensions about the nature of Muslim philanthropy in America after 9/11. American Muslim philanthropy post-9/11 highlights the polyvalence and fluidity of the public practice of Islam. In the fluid space of practice, American Muslims have brought together Islamic vocabularies of charity and American legal and sociopolitical norms regarding philanthropy to forge new relations across groups of varying social, religious, political, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
Pensar el guión teología-política en la España contemporánea: la prótesis mortuoria en Camino (Javier Fesser, 2008)

Mediante un close reading de la pelicula Camino (Javier Fesser, 2008), este articulo explica por que la idea de protesis mortuoria propuesta es la clave que une teologia catolica y politica en el contexto de la relacion entre Iglesia y Estado espanol contemporaneos. A partir de Foucault, Derrida, Nancy y Agamben, la protesis mortuoria consiste en el cierre de la muerte mediante la represion-del-deseo y el martirio de Camino, la protagonista del film. Esta protesis da cuenta de la precarizacion y canibalizacion del cuerpo de Camino y de su sacrificio, culminando con una canonizacion que construye su biografia como thelos historico y que mediante la clausura del futuro de la chica refuerza la onto-teologia politica occidental. Reclamando la urgencia de debatir sobre la muerte y la relacion la Iglesia y el Estado, esta reflexion defiende la posibilidad de otra-democracia que suspenda el guion que sutura teologia(–)politica.
Molecular Evolution at a Meiosis Gene Mediates Species Differences in the Rate and Patterning of Recombination

Crossing over between homologous chromosomes during meiosis repairs programmed DNA double-strand breaks, ensures proper segregation at meiosis I [1], shapes the genomic distribution of nucleotide variability in populations, and enhances the efficacy of natural selection among genetically linked sites [2]. Between closely related Drosophila species, large differences exist in the rate and chromosomal distribution of crossing over. Little, however, is known about the molecular genetic changes or population genetic forces that mediate evolved differences in recombination between species [3, 4]. Here, we show that a meiosis gene with a history of rapid evolution acts as a trans-acting modifier of species differences in crossing over. In transgenic flies, the dicistronic gene, mei-217/mei-218, recapitulates a large part of the species differences in the rate and chromosomal distribution of crossing over. These phenotypic differences appear to result from changes in protein sequence not gene expression. Our population genetics analyses show that the protein-coding sequence of mei-218, but not mei-217, has a history of recurrent positive natural selection. By modulating the intensity of centromeric and telomeric suppression of crossing over, evolution at mei-217/-218 has incidentally shaped gross differences in the chromosomal distribution of nucleotide variability between species. We speculate that recurrent bouts of adaptive evolution at mei-217/-218 might reflect a history of coevolution with selfish genetic elements.
Display techniques in information-rich virtual environments

Across domains, researchers, engineers, and designers are faced with large volumes of data that are heterogeneous in nature - including spatial, abstract, and temporal information. There are numerous design and technical challenges when considering the unification, management, and presentation of these information types. Most research and applications have focused on display techniques for each of the information types individually, but much less in known about how to represent the relationships between information types. This research explores the perceptual and usability impacts of data representations and layout algorithms for the next-generation of integrated information spaces. We propose Information-Rich Virtual Environments (IRVEs) as a solution to challenges of integrated information spaces. In this presentation, we will demonstrate the application requirements and foundational technology of IRVEs and articulate crucial tradeoffs in IRVE information design. We will present a design space and evaluation methodology to explore the usability effects of these tradeoffs. Experimental results will be presented for a series of empirical usability evaluations that increase our understanding of how these tradeoffs can be resolved to improve user performance. Finally, we interpret the results though the models of Information Theory and Human Information Processing to derive new conclusions regarding the role of perceptual cues in determining user performance in IRVEs. These lessons are posed as a set of design guidelines to aid developers of new IRVE interfaces and specifications.* *This dissertation is a compound document (contains both a paper copy and a CD as part of the dissertation). The CD requires the following system requirements: Windows MediaPlayer or RealPlayer.
How do depressive symptoms influence self-care among an ethnic minority population with heart failure?

OBJECTIVES: Depression is very common in patients with heart failure (HF). However, little is known about how depression influences self-care (ie, adherence to diet, medication and symptom management behaviors) in ethnic minority patients with HF. The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of depression and how depressive symptoms affect self-care in an ethnic minority Black population with HF. DESIGN: In this mixed methods study, 30 Black patients (mean age 59.63 SD +/- 15 years; 60% male) participated in in-depth interviews about HF self-care and mood; and completed standardized instruments measuring self-care, depression, and physical functioning. Thematic content analysis was used to explore the meaning of depression and elicit themes about how depressive symptoms affect daily self-care practices. Qualitative and quantitative data were integrated in the final analytic phase. RESULTS: Self-care was very poor in the sample. Forty percent of the sample had evidence of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 > or = 10; mean 7.59 +/- 5.29, range 0 to 22). Individuals with depressive symptoms had poorer self-care (P = .029). In the qualitative data, individuals described depressive mood as "feeling blue... like I failed." "Overwhelming" sadness and fatigue influenced self-care and resulted in treatment delays. For many, spirituality was central to coping with sadness. Few discussed depressive feelings with health care providers. CONCLUSIONS: Depression in ethnic minority patients with HF may be difficult to assess. Research to develop and test culturally sensitive interventions is critically needed, since depression influences self-care and minority populations continue to experience poorer outcomes. ( Ethn Dis. 2013;23[1]:22–28)
Taking Note of the Investment Aspect of Purchasing a Franchise: A Proposal for Required Electronic Filing of Pre-Sale Disclosure Documents

While exact figures may be unavailable, a very large percentage of retail goods and services are distributed through franchised outlets. It is therefore unremarkable that this business strategy receives so much attention. In spite of all the attention that Congress and the Federal Trade Commission have devoted to franchising, there is little regulation at the federal level. To be sure, the Federal Trade Commission's Franchise Rule requires pre-sale disclosure with respect to most offers of franchise units. However, there is no requirement that the disclosure document be filed with the Federal Trade Commission or any other federal agency or official. In addition, the franchise relationship itself is not subject to significant federal regulation. Because of the significant stakes involved in franchising and the potentially conflicting interests of franchisors and franchisees, there is continuing disagreement about a number of issues including, but not limited to: i) whether a federal filing requirement for franchise disclosure documents should be imposed; ii) whether states' pre-sale disclosure laws should be pre-empted; iii) whether there should be a private cause of action for violation of the Federal Trade Commission's Franchise Rule; iv) whether there is a need for federal regulation of the franchise relationship itself, either by the Federal Trade Commission or new legislation; and v) whether there is need for federal regulation of the franchise relationship and, if so, the form such regulation should take. This paper only attempts to answer the first of these questions. However, the answer suggested may help pave the way for productive consideration of the remaining questions. After a brief discussion of the assumptions guiding the author's analysis, the paper discusses some rough similarities between the franchise relationship and the sale of common shares, and their different treatment under the federal securities laws. It then gives a brief comparison of the federal regulatory schemes governing public offerings of securities and the offering of franchise interests. The paper concludes with a proposal that franchisors be mandated to electronically file the pre-sale disclosure document already required to be provided to prospective franchisees by the Franchise Rule, and a brief discussion of implementation of this proposal.
Multicultural Education as Fostering Individual Autonomy

This article attempts a philosophical defense of an autonomy-based approach to multicultural education. I contend that multicultural education is necessary in order for students to be able to develop personal autonomy. This, in turn, can empower students to effectively formulate their own version of the good life. The development of autonomy need not, as many critics claim, promote atomistic individualism. Rather, contemporary liberal autonomy strives for a balance between the individual and the community. In defending multicultural education, my argument relies on Joseph Raz's notion of autonomy and Will Kymlicka's concept of a context of choice. I conclude that through multicultural education, students can expand their contexts of choice and consequently develop individual autonomy, an essential ingredient of the good life.
HgCdTe detectors grown on silicon substrates for observational astronomy

With the next generation observatories such as GMT, TMT, and E-ELT looming, the astronomy community is in need of unprecedented number of infrared pixels. To address the affordability of the next generation of infrared instruments, the Center for Detectors (CfD) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Raytheon Vision Systems (RVS) are developing large format, short-wave infrared HgCdTe focal plane arrays grown on silicon (Si) wafers for observational astronomy. The use of silicon wafers offers significant savings and a path to very large format (>; 8K×8K, 15 μm) focal plane arrays. This paper presents the latest results from the detector development effort and its suitability for use in observational astronomy. Currently, the HgCdTe/Si technology is competitive with the state-of-the-art HgCdTe/CZT technology in many performance metrics, and it has the promise to meet stringent performance requirements posed by observational astronomy. A full suite of characterization results, including for dark current, read noise, spectral response, persistence, linearity, full well, and crosstalk probability, will be presented.
Historia mundial y perspectiva mundial

World history has a value in breaking down our ethnocentrism. The up-to-date general histories mention China in one or two chapters, whereas they spend all the rest of their time on Europe. Is this because only Europe has changed, only Europe has had things happen? Anyone who has studied the history of China will tell you this is not true. The history of Chinese culture is as important, from an international point of view, to modern world humanity as is the history of Europe. Yet when we read “world history” we read chiefly of Europe.
The Canine c-Wave: Breed and Anesthetic-Dependent Variations

Understanding of the mammalian c-wave is enhanced by recent clarification of the role of the cells of the pigment epithelium. Profound between and within human variability is reported by Hock and Marmor (1982), while the classical literature exhibits a confusing number of citations to species variation for c-wave amplitude and latency. Among others, the canine eye has been reported to have no c-wave (Rodieck, 1973). We report here that this view is incorrect although DC-recorded canine c-waves are highly breed dependent and exhibit sensitivity to both inhalation and parenteral anesthetics. For example, in the pure breed beagle, normally large c-waves were eliminated by end-tidal halothane concentrations of 2%. More sensitive English setters lost 70% of c-wave amplitude with end-tidal halothane concentrations of 0.1%. Setters also show significant c-wave reductions with graded pentobarbital concentrations up to 10 mg/kg. One mixed breed dog showed potentiation of the c-wave in the presence of 2% halothane. An overview of performance across breeds disclosed moderate or mild a-, b-wave sensitivities, while c-wave reductions up to 100% were recorded. Species, breed, anesthetic and general physiological state probably account for the varied results in the classical c-wave literature.
VASCULITIS OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

SUMMARY Angiitis of the CNS remains a poorly understood form of vascular inflammatory disease. Primary angiitis of the CNS or PACNS, a disease once considered extremely rare, recently has been reported more frequently. Traditional views of PACNS held it to be a relentless and uniformly fatal disease if untreated, but it is now viewed as more heterogeneous, with some relatively benign subsets. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Secondary vasculitis of the CNS can occur with a variety of other conditions and diseases; each requires a different diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Regardless of whether primary or secondary CNS vasculitis is considered, an understanding of the limitations of currently available neurodiagnostic investigations is essential.
High-resolution laser excitation spectroscopy: Analysis of the B2Σ+-X2Σ+ system of CaCl☆

Abstract Single-mode cw dye laser excitation spectra of the (0, 0), (1, 1), and (2, 2) bands of the B2Σ+-X2Σ+ system of CaCl have been observed and assigned. Some 300 independent photo-luminescence spectra have been used in making the rotational assignment and demonstrate the power of the technique of line-by-line analysis in unraveling complex spectra. Spectroscopic constants (cm−1) obtained from a weighted least squares fit of the data are given below. Numbers in parentheses refer to 95% confidence limits in the last digit. X 2 Σ + B 2 Σ + T e 0 16856.69(2) ω e 369.8(10) 366.8(10) ω e x e 1.13(20) 1.28(20) B e 0.15200(54) 0.15448(54) α e 0.00063(34) 0.00073(35) D e 1.027(16) × 10−7 1.097(17) × 10−7 γ e (spin-rotation) +0.003 −0.0630(16) The ground-state rotational constant is in excellent agreement with the previous value obtained from the analysis of the C2Πr-X2Σ+. The B-state spin-rotation interaction constant is consistent with the pure precession estimate of the interaction between the A2Πr and B2Σ+ states, which, in the one electron approximation, both have the unpaired electron in a calcium 4p orbital.
Pink1/Parkin link inflammation, mitochondrial stress, and neurodegeneration.

What causes inflammation in age-related neurodegenerative diseases remains a mystery. Sliter et al. (2018. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0448-9) show that, when damaged mitochondria cannot be removed by mitophagy, stress from exercise or mitochondrial DNA mutations activates the proinflammatory cGAS–STING pathway that may contribute to Parkinson’s disease.