cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On Domestic Studies of Islamic Shiites in the Past 30 Years

For a long time,Shiite study did not receive enough attention from the academic community.After Iran's Islamic revolution,scholars published a number of translations,books and papers on the study of Shiites.Since the 1990s,more and more works came out.Since 2003,the Shiites have become hot issues in the Middle East research.Up to now,great achievements have been made in the study of history,Shiites,creed,religious law and religious systems research,and political point of view.However,the domestic Shiite study is still lagging behind,so it is necessary to expand breadth and strengthen depth.
Anti-tumor effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on human prostate carcinoma DU-145 cells in vitro

Objective To investigate the anti-tumor effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides( LBP) on the human prostate carcinoma DU-145 cells and its mechanism. Method After treating the cells with different concentrations of LBP,the morphological change of DU-145 cells was observed under microscope; the MTT assay was used to examine the inhibition effect of LBP on DU-145 cells,TUNEL was used to examine the apoptosis of DU-145 cells; and flow-cytometry was used to analyze the Cell cycle and apoptosis of the DU-145 cells. Result Different concentrations of LBP could inhibit the proliferation of DU-145 cells,and showed the feature of time / dose dependent,the growth of cells was blocked at G0 / G1 stage. With the increase of the LBP concentration,apoptosis of DU-145 cells increased. Compared with the control,there was a significant difference and the chart of FCM showed an obvious apoptosis peak. Conclusion LBP could inhibit the proliferation of DU-145 cells in vitro and had obvious anti-tumor effect,the mechanism might be related with the block of the growth of DU-145 cells,and its influence on inducing apoptosis.
Academic physicians' and medical students' perceived barriers toward bystander administered naloxone as an overdose prevention strategy.

Abstract Aims To identify perceived barriers to the prescription of naloxone to third-party contacts of opiate users. Design Qualitative descriptive study. Setting Two academic hospitals in Baltimore, MD, USA. Participants Thirty medical providers, including both physicians and medical students. Measurements Qualitative; in-depth interviews and focus groups analyzed using line-by-line, focused, and axial coding based on methods adapted from grounded theory. Findings Academic physicians and medical students cited three categories of barriers to naloxone prescription related to drug, provider, and patient characteristics. Concerns about naloxone itself included inability to prevent addictive behaviors, duration of action, medical risks, expiration date, and route of administration. Concerns about medical providers included lack of knowledge or experience, medical community common practices and norms, insufficient provision of third-party education, physician and clinic scheduling practices, worry about insulting patients, and fear of being viewed as enabling drug abuse. Concerns about patients included increased risk-taking behaviors, opiate withdrawal symptoms, potential repeat overdose related to withdrawal-discomfort, decreased contact with medical providers, and stigma. Conclusions Minimizing barriers to naloxone provision may increase acceptability and prescription practice in the medical community. Addressing these barriers from multiple provider perspectives is critical to advance naloxone prescription as a harm reduction strategy, which has the potential to prevent opiate overdoses.
Day-to-day management of asthma.

Asthma remains a major cause of morbidity and an occasional cause of mortality in children despite greatly increased knowledge of its pathophysiology and newer improved medications. Management of asthma requires consideration of the two components of airway obstruction, spasm of bronchial smooth muscle and inflammation resulting in mucosal edema and mucous secretions. The pharmacologic alternatives include medications that relax bronchial smooth muscle, prevent the release of mediators that induce bronchospasm and inflammation and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids that can reverse or prevent the inflammatory component of asthma. Therapeutic decisions in asthma also require consideration of the clinical pattern of disease which can be classified as intermittent, seasonal allergic or chronic. Therapeutic strategies for the use of pharmacologic agents include intervention measures for reversal of acute symptoms and maintenance measures to prevent symptoms. While all patients need available intervention measures to reverse acute symptoms when present, only those patients with prolonged periods of symptomatology, i.e. seasonal allergic or chronic, require pharmacologic agent for maintenance therapy. When evaluation identifies environmental factors as clinically important precipitants of asthma, appropriate environmental manipulation offers a potentially useful nonpharmacologic approach to therapy. The use of injections of allergenic extracts in selected patients with appropriate inhalant allergen sensitivity offers an immunologic approach for decreasing symptoms in patients with a predominant inhalant allergic component to their disease. Success in the treatment of asthma requires careful consideration of health care delivery. Available measures, when appropriately delivered to the patients when needed, have been convincingly demonstrated to greatly decrease morbidity.
Human oviductal fluid proteins. III. Identification and partial purification

The role of the macromolecular constituents of human oviductal fluid (hOF) in reproductive physiology is poorly understood. Oviductal fluid contains proteins derived by transudation from serum and those synthesized and secreted by the tubal mucosa. In this communication, we describe purification of hOF-specific proteins. As a first step, serum proteins were removed with an immunoaffinity gel. Fractionation of the proteins unique to hOF was accomplished with DEAE-cellulose chromatography. One of these proteins was obtained in a highly purified state after gel filtration on G-75 Sephadex. This protein of 54 kDa molecular weight had a pI of 4.5 and contained carbohydrate. We propose that this hOF glycoprotein be designated “human oviductin I” (hOV 1).
Ring Shout, Wheel About: The Racial Politics of Music and Dance in North American Slavery. By Katrina Dyonne Thompson. (Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press, 2014. Pp. xii, 244. $30.00.)

This book challenges the assertion that “minstrelsy was the foundation of American entertainment culture” by centering on an earlier set of performances that prefigured the appearance of the blackf...
Cross-Section Measurements for Charged Particle Fusion Reactors: The 6Li(3He, p) 2α Reaction

Many reactions involving 6Li are of interest in studies of the performance of charged particle fusion reactor systems. We report measurements of the absolute cross sections for the 6Li(3He, p)8Be r...
Health Literacy's Influence on Consumer Libraries

Health literacy has been redefined in recent years to move beyond an individual's own communication skills to include the skills of persons working within health care organizations, including librarians. Provision of consumer health services and resources, while a long-standing practice in hospital libraries, has also been redefined. As definitions of health literacy have evolved, so too have hospital librarian services as they embrace their role within health literacy. Many hospital medical and consumer health librarians have developed programs, services, and collaborations to further health literacy awareness, education, and initiatives for consumers, health care professionals, and their parent organizations.
Spin Polarization Transfer from a Photogenerated Radical Ion Pair to a Stable Radical Controlled by Charge Recombination

Photoexcitation of electron donor–acceptor molecules frequently produces radical ion pairs with well-defined initial spin-polarized states that have attracted significant interest for spintronics. Transfer of this initial spin polarization to a stable radical is predicted to depend on the rates of the radical ion pair recombination reactions, but this prediction has not been tested experimentally. In this study, a stable radical/electron donor/chromophore/electron acceptor molecule, BDPA•–mPD–ANI–NDI, where BDPA• is α,γ-bisdiphenylene-β-phenylallyl, mPD is m-phenylenediamine, ANI is 4-aminonaphthalene-1,8-dicarboximide, and NDI is naphthalene-1,4:5,8-bis(dicarboximide), was synthesized. Photoexcitation of ANI produces the triradical BDPA•–mPD+•–ANI–NDI–• in which the mPD+•–ANI–NDI–• radical ion pair is spin coupled to the BDPA• stable radical. BDPA•–mPD+•–ANI–NDI–• and its counterpart lacking the stable radical are found to exhibit spin-selective charge recombination in which the triplet radical ion pair ...
Effects of Wound Size, Amount of Sap, and Number of Blighted Nuts on Infection of Pistachio Organs by Neofusicoccum mediterraneum.

Laboratory and field studies were conducted to determine the effects of wounding of nut exocarp, susceptibility period after wounding, and sap nut on infection of pistachio nut by Neofusicoccum mediterraneum, the main causal agent of panicle and shoot blight of pistachio. Under controlled conditions and in the field, detached nuts were inoculated with a conidial suspension 30 min before or after wounding. In addition, a 30-µl drop of pistachio sap was placed on the surface of noninjured nuts 30 min before or after they were wounded and then inoculated. Wounding increased the disease severity under both controlled and field conditions. The addition of sap increased the susceptibility of nuts under controlled conditions but not in the field, possibly due to dried sap blocking the pathogen infection. When nuts of Kerman, Kalehghouchi, and Golden Hills pistachio were wounded and inoculated at different time periods after wounding; the nuts of the three cultivars were highly susceptible to pathogen infection d...
Non-foster circuit for wideband matching of high frequency helical antenna

This paper adopts normalized determined function (NDF) to analyze the stability of a non-Foster matched antenna. A −40 pF negative capacitor is achieved at high frequency (HF). The negative capacitor is connected to the input of a 2-meter height helical antenna for wideband cancellation of the large input reactance of the antenna at HF. Nyquist plots of NDFs are used to evaluate the stability of the non-Foster system with and without the stabilization resistor. The performance of input matching and efficiency improvement by non-Foster matching circuit is measured. The received signal power level can be increased by 20–30 dB from 3 to 13 MHz compared to without matching case, and about 15 dB improvement compared to a commercial well-matched HF antenna.
Semitic Philology and the Wissenschaft des Judentums. Revisiting Leopold Zunz’s Etwas über die rabbinische Litteratur (1818)

The article begins with a brief sketch of the beginnings of Semitics and the Wissenschaft des Judentums , highlighting the theological roots of the former and the relation of each to Jewish emancipation in Prussia. The second section presents a close reading of Leopold Zunz’s Etwas uber die rabbinische Litteratur (1818), a text that initiates the Wissenschaft des Judentums , and highlights several aspects of the work: the tension Zunz grapples with between rabbinic rupture and Jewish continuity, the former of which dominates; the contemporaneous use of “our science” and the relation between knowledge and the power it asserts; and the theological foundations of the program he proposes. It then looks at Zunz’s later writings, emphasizing the continuity of his thought and how he revises some of his earlier views. In closing, the article speculates as to why Zunz did not engage the field of Semitics.
Nucleosome Shape and Structure in Solution from Flow Birefringence

As our knowledge of the general features of chromatin structure at all levels improves, we will necessarily wish to shift our interest more and more toward an understanding of those dynamical characteristics of chromatin structure that relate directly, to biological function. There is an increasing body of evidence, both theoretical and experimental, that structural dynamics in chromatin are to a degree controlled, and certainly modulated, by solvent factors, particularly ionic strength and specific ion polyelectrolyte effects.1 Thus, an increasingly heavy experimental burden will fall upon those biophysical methods capable of giving structural information in solution, and especially upon those capable of interpretation under more-or-less arbitrary solvent conditions.
Scanning electron microscopy of human ossicles.

Human middle ear ossicles removed from cadavers and during surgical procedures have been examined with scanning electron microscope (SEM).
The emergence of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) as a therapeutic target in acute myeloid leukemia.

The enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is essential for the de novo production of pyrimidines starting with the generation of uridine monophosphate (UMP), and small molecule inhibitors of ...
Numerical Modeling of Convective Heat Transfer for Turbulent Flow in “Bubbler” Cooling Channels

In the present study, a numerical model was developed to investigate the heat transfer effect of single-phase turbulent flow in a “bubbler” geometry, typical for cooling channels in the high-pressure die-casting process. A steady-state $$ k - \omega $$ model with fine near-wall resolution was compared with established empirical relations developed by Gnielinski et al. for pressure drop and Nusselt numbers in turbulent flow in smooth pipes and annular ducts. The empirical relations matched well with the simulations. At the “tip” of the bubblers, impingement of the flow to the channel wall was found to intensify heat transfer locally. Increasing the ratio between inner and outer pipe diameters caused the flow to separate, increasing the pressure drop at the bend and the intensification of heat transfer.
Simulating Transplant Small-for-size Grafts Using Human Liver Monosegments: The Impact of Portal Perfusion Pressure.

Abstract Small-for-size-liver grafts (SFSG) in adult transplant recipients have elevated risk of graft failure, limiting its application in clinical liver transplantation. Relevant preclinical model of SFSG is lacking. Relevant to deceased-donor split liver transplant and living-donor liver transplant in adult recipients, in this study, we present our initial characterization of SFSG model using monosegments of a discarded human donor liver.
Enrichment reduces stereotypical behaviors and improves foraging development in rehabilitating Eastern Pacific Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina richardii)

Abstract There is empirical support for the efficacy of enrichment in decreasing stereotypical behaviors and increasing naturalistic behaviors in laboratory, agricultural, and zoological settings. However, little research has been done on the possible value of enrichment in facilitating appropriate behavioral development of rescued wildlife in rehabilitative captivity. Eastern Pacific harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina richardii) often strand on the west coast of California due to maternal separation or malnutrition and need to develop skills essential for reintroduction success while in rehabilitation. In the current study, we designated four enclosures at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA, as enrichment or control. Behavioral data were collected on 32 pups in these enclosures throughout the 2016 stranding season (April – July). In three enrichment sessions per day, pups were exposed to stimuli that elicited behaviors related to foraging and exploration (e.g., diving, tactile investigation, locomotor coordination). Stereotypical behaviors (e.g., flipper-chewing, suckling) were recorded daily when no enrichment was present. Extent of interaction with enrichment, number of stereotypical behaviors, and number of days to independently forage (free-feed) were used to determine the efficacy of enrichment for stereotypy reduction and development of foraging skills. We found a positive relationship between number of stereotypical behaviors and days to free-feed such that the more stereotypical behaviors were expressed, the more days it took the pups to free-feed (p = 0.06). When exposed to enrichment, pups displayed a trend toward fewer stereotypical behaviors than pups in a standard (unenriched) environment (p = 0.09). There were no differences in number of days it took to free-feed between enrichment and control pups but there was a negative relationship between the extent of engagement with enrichment and number of days to free-feed that approached significance (p = 0.07). This pattern of strong statistical trends suggests that enrichment can be used to reduce stereotypical behaviors and encourage naturalistic behaviors in wildlife rehabilitation settings, promoting the likelihood that rehabilitated animals will succeed when reintroduced to the wild.
Perceived Bullying Among Internal Medicine Residents.

This study uses IM-ITE survey data to characterize the proportion of internal medicine residents in 2016 who self-reported having been bullied during their residency training.
Distinctions without a difference? Preschool curricula and children's development.

AbstractPublic preschool programs require the use of a research-based, whole-child curriculum, yet limited research examines whether curricula influence classroom experiences and children’s develop...
Environmental drivers of nematode abundance and genus composition at two spatial scales on an estuarine intertidal flat

Estuarine intertidal flats are important ecosystems characterized by high primary production of microphytobenthos and high secondary production of macro- and meiofauna, especially nematodes. However, the link between both ecosystem components (microphytobenthos and faunal communities) is not fully established yet. In this study, spatial patterns and drivers of nematode density and genus composition were investigated at two different spatial scales (i.e. meso- and microscale), with drivers including sediment granulometry, inundation period and food availability as indicated by various phytopigments. Our study has shown that specific food sources, as represented by different pigments and measures of freshness, are important drivers of nematode genus composition and densities at both scales, especially for the surface layers of the sediments. These food sources mainly comprise microphytobenthos, but also deposited phytodetritus and zooplankton faecal pellets, a resource which had hitherto been largely overlooked in intertidal flats. Tidal level and grain size also had a more pronounced structuring effect in the surface layer of the sediment, while their assumed larger importance at the mesoscale was not outspoken. At both scales, vertical heterogeneity in nematode assemblages was larger than horizontal variability, which has repercussions for future studies into the spatial variability of nematode assemblages of tidal flats.
Emergency Funds in the Wake of the Coronavirus

The CARES Act targeting the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic allows taxpayers to withdraw up to $100,000 from their retirement savings, such as section 401(k) plans, without the typical 10% penalty for early withdrawal. However, retirement accounts do not make for ideal emergency funds. This Article therefore advocates that future legislation should incentivize separate savings funds.
Robotic Approach to Paraesophageal Hernia Repair Results in Low Long-Term Recurrence Rate and Beneficial Patient-Centered Outcomes

Background Little is known regarding important long-term outcomes following robotic paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repairs, such as symptom relief and recurrence rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes in a large series of patients undergoing robotic PEH repair. Methods This prospective, IRB-approved study analyzed adult patients who underwent robotic PEH repair from 2010 to 2014 at a high-volume tertiary academic medical center. Detailed information on patient characteristics, perioperative factors, and long-term patient reported outcomes for up to 5-years post-operatively were collected. Objective long-term outcomes included radiographic evidence of PEH recurrence at 1, 3, and 5-years post-operatively. Results A total of 233 patients underwent robotic PEH repair during the study period – 70% were primary, while 30% were revisional. Seventy-eight percent of patients (181) had a type III PEH, 21% (49) had a type IV, and 1% ( 3 ) had a type II. At 5-years post-operatively, 62% (145/233) of patients were available for follow-up with a radiographic recurrence rate of 9% (13/145). Additionally, there was a significant improvement in the GERD-HRQL score at 5-years post-operatively (pre-operative: 25.6 ± 8.7, 5-year post-operative, 4.5 ± 1.7, p Conclusion This study represents one of the largest longitudinal robotic foregut surgical databases to date. Our results demonstrate that robotic PEH repair with an experienced surgical team is a safe and effective alternative to laparoscopic repair with excellent long-term outcomes including a very low recurrence rate.
Quantitative and three-dimensional assessment of holdup material

Abstract Nuclear material deposited in equipment, transfer lines, and ventilation systems of a processing facility is usually referred to as holdup. Operators need to know the location and amount of holdup in their facility for radiation safety and material accountability. In this work, we propose to use an array of detectors co-axial to the inspected pipe to measure the holdup material. This method is implementable into an automated system capable of crawling on surfaces and pipes of various curvatures, which would enable faster, easier, and more accurate holdup safeguards measurements. We first demonstrated that the current holdup assay procedure could lead to a non-negligible bias in the estimate of special nuclear material mass, due to the simplified assumption of deposited geometry introduced by the Generalized Geometry Holdup (GGH) model. The new approach consists of imaging the inner holdup material by characterizing the detector array’s response and unfolding it from the measured light output. Our experimental proof of principle consists of three NaI(Tl) detectors surrounding an aluminum pipe containing two cesium-137 (137Cs) sources. We derived the source distribution inside the pipe by first calculating the detector response matrix using a method adaptive to the surface geometry of the object containing the measured holdup material. Creating a matrix of the detector array’s measured counts, we then proceed to solve an inverse problem, resulting in an accurately located source position and activity distribution within the response matrix’s spatial resolution. We then developed a simulated model of the envisioned experimental setup, which accurately described both the activity and position of the source in 2D. Finally, we extended our model onto a discretized three-dimensional model of the system, encompassing 36 detectors. The model was simulated to measure the source distribution and activity of multiple sources in pipes of varied geometries, which could then be conveniently translated to a real-time holdup measurement protocol. For the 3D simulation of four different source geometries, the model accurately localized the source position in 3D, while the activity retained a maximum relative error of ± 5 . 32 % .
"Caballo": risk environments, drug sharing and the emergence of a hepatitis C virus epidemic among people who inject drugs in Puerto Rico.

Sharing drug injection equipment has been associated with the transmission of HCV among PWID through blood contained in the cooker and cotton used to prepare and divide up the drug solution. While epidemiologists often subsume this practice under the sharing of “ancillary equipment,” more attention should be paid to the fact that indirect sharing takes place within the process of joint drug acquisition and preparation. We employed an ethnographic approach observing active PWID (N = 33) in four rural towns in Puerto Rico in order to document drug sharing arrangements involved in “caballo”, as this practice is locally known. We explored partners’ motivation to engage in drug sharing, as well as its social organization, social roles and existing norms. Findings suggest that drug sharing, is one of the main drivers of the HCV epidemic in this population. Lack of financial resources, drug packaging, drug of choice and the desire to avoid the painful effects of heroin withdrawal motivates participants’ decision to partner with somebody else, sharing injection equipment—and risk—in the process. Roles are not fixed, changing not only according to caballo partners, but also, power dynamics. In order to curb the HCV epidemic, harm reduction policies should recognize the particular sociocultural contexts in which people inject drugs and make decisions about risk. Avoiding sharing of injection equipment within an arrangement between PWID to acquire and use drugs is more complex than assumed by harm reduction interventions. Moving beyond individual risk behaviors, a risk environment approach suggest that poverty, and a strict drug policy that encourage users to carry small amounts of illicit substances, and a lack of HCV treatment among other factors, contribute to HCV transmission.
Characteristics of Designated Institutional Officials and Sponsoring Institutions of ACGME-Accredited Training Programs.

Background Since the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) established the designated institutional official (DIO) role in 1998, there have been major changes in sponsoring institutions (SIs) and DIO responsibilities. Yet there remains a large gap in our knowledge regarding baseline SI and DIO characteristics as well as a need for institutions wanting to increase diversity in the DIO role and other leadership positions within the medical education community. Objective We sought to characterize demographics of DIOs and the SIs they oversee. Methods We identified SIs and DIOs on the ACGME website on February 15, 2020. Reviewed data included SI accreditation status, number of programs and resident/fellow positions, and DIO characteristics. Results We identified 831 SIs. SIs with continued accreditation sponsored more programs (median 4.0) than SIs with initial accreditation (median 1.0, P < .001). DIO age ranged from 29-81 years (median 57 years). Two-hundred eighty-three of 831 (34%) DIOs were women. Of 576 DIOs with known academic rank, 356 (62%) DIOs held senior academic rank. A higher proportion of male DIOs had senior academic rank (68% vs 52%; OR 1.90 [95% CI 1.34-2.70]; P < .001) and professor rank (39% vs 24%; OR 2.01 [95% CI 1.38-2.94]; P < .001) compared to female DIOs. Female gender was associated with a greater number of ACGME-accredited programs and filled resident/fellow positions per SI (P < .001 for both). Conclusions This study describes characteristics of DIOs and SIs and offers insights for those pursuing a DIO position.
The Impact of Obesity on Surgically Treated Locoregional Melanoma.

The impact of obesity on early-stage melanoma is poorly understood. We examined the impact of overweight and obesity on clinical outcomes in locoregional melanoma. Adults who underwent surgery at Emory University Healthcare between 2010 and 2017 for clinically stage I–II cutaneous melanoma, with known stage, height, and weight at the time of presentation, were identified. The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and clinicopathologic characteristics was assessed. Of 1756 patients, 584 were obese (33.2%; BMI ≥ 30), 658 were overweight (37.5%; BMI ≥ 25 and 0.05). At 33 months’ median follow-up, obesity was not an independent predictor of stage-specific overall survival (p > 0.05). Obese patients are nearly twice as likely as their normal-weight peers to present with thicker melanomas, but they have similar stage-specific overall survival and SLN positivity. Obesity may promote more aggressive growth of the primary tumor, and barriers to preventive care in obese patients may exacerbate later-stage presentation.
Forest Fire Detection Using Combined Architecture of Separable Convolution and Image Processing

Early detection and classification of wildfires using aerial image-based computer vision algorithms like convolution neural networks and image processing techniques have lately gained much attention due to the record-setting wildfire events worldwide. Past studies have demonstrated varying degrees of success in implementing forest fire classification algorithms using variants of well-known sophisticated convolutional neural network architectures, which require extensive computation time for training but demonstrate comparatively high false alarm rates and low predictive power. To accurately detect small-scale forest burns, which typically marks the onset of larger catastrophic events, a combined architecture of separable convolution neural network and digital image processing using thresholding and segmentation is proposed in this paper. The proposed architecture is simple and hence computationally less expensive. Performance evaluation on the test data yielded excellent results in terms of high sensitivity, of about 98.10%, and a low specificity of 87.09%.
Stress Characterization by Local Magnetic Measurements

The US natural gas transmission pipeline system consists in excess of 90,000 miles of gathering lines, 280,000 miles of transmission lines and 835,000 miles of distribution mains and lines. Since transmission lines transport natural gas at high pressures, the failure of a pipeline can result in catastrophic consequences. Sections of the transmission pipeline that have been in operation for several years are prone to the effects of corrosion and often suffer from mechanical damage. Pipelines are periodically inspected to assess their condition using a tool called “a pig.” Since the inspection of the transmission lines is an expensive procedure it is extremely important to infer information as accurately as possible about the condition of the pipeline.
Helioseismic observations at Stanford, 1977-1986

Observations of low degree modes of solar oscillations were made at the Wilcox Solar Observatory for more than a decade. The set of observations from 1977 through 1986 are reexamined. The stability of the p-mode frequencies for modes of degree l=2-5 in each year is tested. A marginally significant trend of a decrease in p-mode frequencies of 0.06 microHz per year is found. The continuity of the observed signal at 160.01 minutes are also examined. It was found that the previously reported phase stability is no longer present. However, due to uncertainties in calibration, the reality of the reported signal can not be excluded.
Prevention of Spacecraft Anomalies: The Role of Space Climate and Space Weather Models

Space-based systems are developing into critical infrastructure to support the quality of life on Earth. Mission requirements along with rapidly evolving technologies have outpaced efforts to accommodate detrimental space environment impacts on systems. This chapter describes approaches to accommodate space climate and space weather impacts on systems and notes areas where gaps in model development limit our ability to prevent spacecraft anomalies.
Chapter 11 Gaussian Basis Sets Exhibiting Systematic Convergence to the Complete Basis Set Limit

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the current state of development of correlation consistent basis sets. It is probably safe to say that no other family of basis sets has spanned the number of elements and levels of accuracy as these basis sets. Their main advantage is in providing a systematic route toward estimates of the complete basis set limit for correlated methods. This has revolutionized the field of computational thermochemistry, the prediction of spectroscopic properties, and the calculation of potential energy surfaces. As the transition metal elements are now becoming covered by these basis sets, the next challenge is in the lanthanide and actinide series. Even for main group elements, there are still significant advances being made such as the development of correlation consistent basis sets for explicitly correlated methods.
Are all forces due to spin-curvature coupling?

Starting from the Dirac equation for a particle in a gravitational field and an arbitrary gauge field, we derive the Heisenberg and classical equations of motion. The force term is a generalization of the Lorentz force. It may be interpreted as the interaction between a generalized spin and the curvature of a fiber bundle.
'Paying your dues' in the hospitality industry: how functional is the belief?

One of the central beliefs about career success within the hospitality industry is that new employees must “pay their dues.” In Study 1, free-response format interviews with 40 hospitality program graduates generated functional and dysfunctional connotations of this belief statement for both the individual and the organization. In Study 2, 35 graduating seniors were asked to describe the extent to which the “pay your dues” message was present during job interviews. Future research and implications for surfacing and rethinking this belief are discussed.
Nanoscale non-equilibrium dynamics and the fluctuation–dissipation relation in an ageing polymer glass

Measurements of the local response and noise during the ageing of a polymer film show deviations from the expected fluctuation–dissipation theorem. Moreover, scaling behaviour suggests a separate universality class for fragile glass formers. Response functions1 and fluctuations2 measured locally in complex materials should equally well characterize mesoscopic-scale dynamics. The fluctuation–dissipation relation (FDR) relates the two in equilibrium, a fact used regularly, for example, to infer mechanical properties of soft matter from the fluctuations in light scattering3. In slowly evolving non-equilibrium systems, such as ageing spin4,5 and structural glasses6,7, sheared soft matter8 and active matter9, a form of FDR has been proposed in which an effective temperature10, Teff, replaces the usual temperature, and universal behaviour is found in mean-field models10,11 and simulations6,7,8,12. Thus far, only experiments on spin-glasses13 and liquid crystals14 have succeeded in accessing the strong-ageing regime, where Teff>T and possible scaling behaviour are expected. Here we test these ideas through measurements of local dielectric response and polarization noise in an ageing structural glass, polyvinyl acetate. The relaxation-time spectrum, as measured by noise, is compressed, and by response, is stretched, relative to equilibrium, requiring an effective temperature with a scaling behaviour similar to that of certain mean-field spin-glass models.
Some Observations Concerning Multi-Jurisdictional Tax Competition

Should (or when should) separate governments, including sub-units in a federal system, be encouraged to engage in tax competition rather than harmonizing their tax systems? The question is akin to asking when government should be used to solve collective action problems through coercion, and thus has no uniform answer. The paper discusses tariff examples where harmonization is preferable, Tiebout examples where competition is preferable, and then assesses the collision of these two lines of analysis with respect to tax haven and holiday jurisdictions that offer outside businesses or passive investors more favorable tax terms than those available to the locals.
A mechanism for the action of penicillamine in the treatment of Wilson's disease.

Electron paramagnetic resonance studies were performed with nitrogen and sulfur containing chelators of Cu(II) ranging from a vic-dicarbonyl bis-thiosemicarbazone, through butyraldehyde thiosemicarbazone, to penicillamine and cysteine. In the former two cases, stable complexes were formed with a great deal of charge delocalization throughout the chelate ring structures as a result of pseudoaromaticity. In the latter two cases, in which ring electron delocalization is not possible, the unstable Cu(II) complexes are formed, ultimately yielding Cu(I) and oxidized chelator. This reaction, which we term "reductive chelation," is described as a probable mechanism for the mobilization of copper with penicillamine in patients with Wilson’s disease.
Ascorbic acid stimulation of collagen biosynthesis independent of hydroxylation

Ascorbic acid stimulates collagen gene expression in cultured fibroblasts but mechanisms responsible for this effect are poorly understood. In the presence of the transitional metal iron, ascorbic acid could induce lipid peroxidation with the formation of reactive aldehydes. Because another aldehyde, acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of ethanol, also stimulates collagen transcription in cultured fibroblasts, we investigated whether ascorbic acid induces lipid peroxidation in cultured cells and if this is the mechanism by which ascorbic acid stimulates collagen gene expression. Ascorbic acid (0.2 mmol/L) induced lipid peroxidation and stimulated collagen alpha 1(I) gene transcription in cultured human fibroblasts. Inhibition of the ascorbic acid-induced lipid peroxidation in cultured human fibroblasts with alpha-tocopherol (50 mumol/L) or methylene blue (10 mumol/L) prevented the stimulation of collagen gene expression. Addition of malondialdehyde (200 mumol/L), a product of lipid peroxidation, to cultured human fibroblasts also increased two- to threefold collagen production and procollagen alpha 1(I) mRNA levels. Thus, ascorbic acid induces lipid peroxidation and reactive aldehydes, and this step may be necessary for stimulation of collagen gene expression by ascorbic acid in cultured human fibroblasts.
SEASONAL DIFFERENCES IN ACTIVITY OF PERCH (PERCA FLAVESCENS) GILL NA+/K+ ATPASE

Abstract We measured Na + /K + ATPase activity in homogenates of gill tissue prepared from field caught, winter and summer acclimatized yellow perch, Perca flavescens . Water temperatures were 2–4°C in winter and 19–22°C in summer. Na + /K + ATPase activity was measured at 8, 17, 25, and 37°C. V max values for winter fish increased from 0.48±0.07 μ mol P mg −1 protein h −1 at 8°C to 7.21±0.79 μ mol P mg −1 protein h −1 at 37°C. In summer fish it ranged from 0.46±0.08 (8°C) to 3.86±0.50 (37°C) μ mol P mg −1 protein h −1 . The K m for ATP and for Na + at 8°C was ≈1.6 and 10 mM, respectively and did not vary significantly with assay temperature in homogenates from summer fish. The activation energy for Na + /K + ATPase from summer fish was 10 309 ( μ mol P mg −1 h −1 ) K −1 . In winter fish, the K m for ATP and Na + increased from 0.59±0.08 mM and 9.56±1.18 mM at 8°C to 1.49±0.11 and 17.88±2.64 mM at 17°C. The K m values for ATP and Na did not vary from 17 to 37°C. A single activation energy could not be calculated for Na/K ATPase from winter fish. The observed differences in enzyme activities and affinities could be due to seasonal changes in membrane lipids, differences in the amount of enzyme, or changes in isozyme expression.
A mutation in E. coli SSB protein (W54S) alters intra-tetramer negative cooperativity and inter-tetramer positive cooperativity for single-stranded DNA binding.

Abstract E. coli SSB tetramer binds with high affinity and cooperatively to single-stranded (ss) DNA and functions in replication, recombination and repair. Curth et al. (Biochemistry, 32 (1993) 2585–2591) have shown that a mutant SSB protein, in which Trp-54 has been replaced by Ser (W54S) in each subunit, binds preferentially to ss-polynucleotides in the (SSB) 35 mode in which only 35 nucleotides are occluded per tetramer under conditions in which wild-type (wt) SSB binds in its (SSB) 65 mode. The W54S mutant also displays increased UV sensitivity and slow growth phenotypes, suggesting defects in vivo in both repair and replication (Carlini et al. (Molecular Microbiology, 10 (1993) 1067)). We have characterized the energetics of SSBW54S binding to poly(dT) as well as short oligodeoxyribonucleotides (dA(pA) 69 , dT(pT) 34 , dC(pC) 34 ) to determine the basis for this dramatic change in binding mode preference. We find that the W54S mutant remains a stable tetramer; however, its affinity for ss-DNA as well as both the intra-tetramer negative cooperativity and its inter-tetramer positive cooperativity in the (SSB) 35 mode ( ω 35 ) are altered significantly compared to wtSSB. The increased intra-tetramer negative cooperativity makes it more difficult for ss-DNA to bind the third and fourth subunits of the W54S tetramer, explaining the increased stability of the (SSB) 35 mode in complexes with poly(dT). When bound to dA(pA) 69 in the (SSB) 35 mode, W54S tetramer also displays a dramatically lower inter-tetramer positive cooperativity ( ω 35 = 77(±20)) than wtSSB ( ω 35 ≥ 10 5 ) as well as a significantly lower affinity for ss-DNA. These results indicate that a single amino acid change can dramatically influence the ability of SSB tetramers to bind in the different SSB binding modes. The altered ss-DNA properties of the W54S SSB mutant are probably responsible for the observed defects in replication and repair and support the proposal that the different SSB binding modes may function selectively in replication, recombination and/or repair.
Photoelectron spectroscopy of carbonyls. Bicyclo[2.2.1]-heptane-2,3-diones and bicyclo [2.2.1] hept-5-ene-2,3-diones☆

Abstract The HeI photoelectron spectra (UPS) of several bicyclo [2.2.1] heptane-2,3-diones and bicyclo[2.2.1] hept-5-ene-2,3-diones are presented. Interpretations are based on CNDO/s computations and empirical correlations. The n + orbital of the two carbonyl groups interacts strongly with, the π orbital of the 5-ene moiety in bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-diones. This interaction is dominantly “through-bond”, there being little or no direct (i.e. “through-space”) overlap. The net result is that insertion of 5-ene unsaturation increases the splitting of the n + and n − orbitals from ca. 1.9 to ca. 2.4 eV. Finally, the π* (CO) ← n + electronic absorption spectra of the [5-ene] -compounds, which are geometrically suited to an investigation of π/π* (CO) interactions, suggest that such mixing is negligible.
Impact of leakage on high performance designs

With aggressive technology scaling there has been a rapid increase in leakage currents in modern CMOS processes. Leakage is mainly composed of sub-threshold and gate leakage. Leakage has been exponentially increasing with the scaling of threshold voltage and gate oxide thickness. This has resulted in power consumption being drastically affected. With the explosive increase in usage of embedded multimedia processors, high performance circuits need to be ultra low power in the standby mode while having a moderate power budget during runtime. One of the most power consuming high performance macros of an embedded processor is the floating point unit. In this paper we look into various macros of a floating point unit designed using a dynamic power optimized logic style called Limited Switch Dynamic Logic and circuit solutions for reducing the impact of leakage on these macros. The results are obtained for CMOS technology nodes of 90nm and 65nm.
Distributional and Risk Reduction Effects of Commodity Revenue Program Design

O of the purposes of U.S. agricultural programs has been to support or stabilize farm incomes by mitigating the effects of low crop prices and yields. Commodity programs such as the counter-cyclical payment and Marketing Loan programs have provided benefits or made payments to producers of several major field crops when crop prices fall short of expected or target levels. At the same time, the federal crop insurance program has provided support that has focused on yield shortfalls but has increasingly included revenue coverage. Several proposals to reform U.S. commodity programs have received attention in the 2007 farm bill debate (American Farmland Trust; National Association of Corn Growers; USDA). Generally, these proposals would alter or replace commodity price programs with programs that would make payments when revenues, that is, prices multiplied by yields, fall short of expected or target levels (Coble, Dismukes, and Thomas). Interest in revenue as the basis for farm programs is not new. In 1983, a national-level revenue program was studied as a way to control federal outlays for commodity programs (CBO). In the early 1990s, a regional-level revenue program was analyzed as a way to mitigate the need for supplemental, ad hoc disaster payments (Miranda and Glauber). More recently, a county-level revenue guarantee program has been promoted as providing protection when it is needed while reducing the chances that annual payments would exceed domestic commodity support limits allowed under the World Trade Organization Agreement on Agriculture (Babcock and Hart).
The dimensions of protest politics: a reply to Lois Ruskai Melina

This is a reply to:Melina, Lois Ruskai. 2014. “Being the change: protest as performative discourse in the Occupy Portland.” Global Discourse. 4 (2–3): 308–322. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23269995.2014.903719.
The evolution of bat pollination: a phylogenetic perspective

BACKGROUND Most tropical and subtropical plants are biotically pollinated, and insects are the major pollinators. A small but ecologically and economically important group of plants classified in 28 orders, 67 families and about 528 species of angiosperms are pollinated by nectar-feeding bats. From a phylogenetic perspective this is a derived pollination mode involving a relatively large and energetically expensive pollinator. Here its ecological and evolutionary consequences are explored. SCOPE AND CONCLUSIONS This review summarizes adaptations in bats and plants that facilitate this interaction and discusses the evolution of bat pollination from a plant phylogenetic perspective. Two families of bats contain specialized flower visitors, one in the Old World and one in the New World. Adaptation to pollination by bats has evolved independently many times from a variety of ancestral conditions, including insect-, bird- and non-volant mammal-pollination. Bat pollination predominates in very few families but is relatively common in certain angiosperm subfamilies and tribes. We propose that flower-visiting bats provide two important benefits to plants: they deposit large amounts of pollen and a variety of pollen genotypes on plant stigmas and, compared with many other pollinators, they are long-distance pollen dispersers. Bat pollination tends to occur in plants that occur in low densities and in lineages producing large flowers. In highly fragmented tropical habitats, nectar bats play an important role in maintaining the genetic continuity of plant populations and thus have considerable conservation value.
The in vitro life span and fate of murine B lymphocytes stimulated by endotoxin.

Abstract The in vitro life span of murine spleen lymphocytes stimulated by endotoxin (LPS) was determined. Lymphocytes synthesizing DNA spontaneously in culture and those stimulated to DNA synthesis early (24 hr) and later (48 hr) in culture by LPS had half-lives of approximately 24 hr. The continuing presence of LPS in culture did not prolong cell longevity nor did free LPS have to be present to allow successive rounds of DNA synthesis in committed cells. Once activated to DNA synthesis, blast cells and lymphoblast-like cells did not revert to small lymphocytes.