cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coda Q before the 1983 Hawaii (MS = 6.6) earthquake

Abstract Coda Q values were derived for more than 300 microearthquakes that occurred in a 6-yr period before the 16 November 1983 Kaoiki, Hawaii, earthquake ( M S = 6.6). The sources were located within a 14 × 16 km rectangular region surrounding the main shock epicenter, and most of them occurred at depths between 5 and 10 km. Digital recordings from three stations at epicentral distances ranging from 0 to 18 km were used. Coda Q was calculated from the amplitude decay rate of the S -wave coda in nine frequency bands from 4.5 to 27 Hz. The average Q of the NW part of the studied area is about 15 per cent higher than that of the SE part. These two subregions also showed differences in seismicity, b value, and microearthquake source mechanisms. In the high- Q volume, the b value was 1.0, and the rate of earthquakes per unit volume was about 50 per cent of the rate in the low- Q volume where b = 1.3. One interpretation of these observations is that more extensive faulting in the SE Kaoiki fault zone leads to lower Q , higher b value, and a higher seismicity rate. During the 5 to 6 yr before the mainshock, the 1-yr average Q values were stable. No significant Q change could be identified as a precursor to the main shock.
From Intervention to Invention: Introducing Topological Techniques

This chapter orients readers to the volume and explains its basic logic: that current discourses of technoscience, media, and culture require a new analytical approach—one that can work outside the traditional, modern dichotomies of nature/culture, human/nonhuman, and text/context—to create competent accounts of their political dynamics. Such a framework can be located in the notion of topology. A topology combines the ancient strategy of the topos or strategic position with nonlinear logic to yield a model of discourse that is transductive, concrete, rhetorical (sensitive to contingency), and political (productive of power dynamics). The introduction provides a brief overview of the spatial turn in critical theory, topological theories, and how the chapters in this volume contribute to a post-critical rhetoric.
Crystal structure of HLA-B*5801 with a TW10 HIV Gag epitope reveals a novel mode of peptide presentation

Crystal structure of HLA-B*5801 with a TW10 HIV Gag epitope reveals a novel mode of peptide presentation
Venom-derived peptides inhibiting Kir channels: Past, present, and future

Abstract Inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels play a significant role in vertebrate and invertebrate biology by regulating the movement of K+ ions involved in membrane transport and excitability. Yet unlike other ion channels including their ancestral K+-selective homologs, there are very few venom toxins known to target and inhibit Kir channels with the potency and selectivity found for the Ca2+-activated and voltage-gated K+ channel families. It is unclear whether this is simply due to a lack of discovery, or instead a consequence of the evolutionary processes that drive the development of venom components towards their targets based on a collective efficacy to 1) elicit pain for defensive purposes, 2) promote paralysis for prey capture, or 3) facilitate delivery of venom components into the circulation. The past two decades of venom screening has yielded three venom peptides with inhibitory activity towards mammalian Kir channels, including the discovery of tertiapin, a high-affinity pore blocker from the venom of the European honey bee Apis mellifera. Venomics and structure-based computational approaches represent exciting new frontiers for venom peptide development, where re-engineering peptide ‘scaffolds’ such as tertiapin may aid in the quest to expand the palette of potent and selective Kir channel blockers for future research and potentially new therapeutics. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled ‘Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.’
Management of Patient Samples

Scientists have been using human specimens for centuries in their quest to understand the nature of human diseases. Yet, it is only recently that medical researchers have begun to appreciate the growing evidence that the molecular profile of a biospecimen may be significantly impacted by the condition of the patient at the time of specimen accrual and by subtle differences in specimen handling. Scientists are currently developing research protocols that increase consistency in specimen handling to improve the quality of results. The purpose of this chapter is to review critical considerations that should be made when performing research using patient samples (human specimens collected for research) and to provide guidance on how those samples most effectively can be collected and processed, and finally, how processing procedures can be documented and reported to allow for scientific evaluation of findings and support the reproducibility of the research outcomes in subsequent studies.
Functional Outcomes of Compression Plating and Bone Grafting for Operative Treatment of Nonunions About the Forearm

Purpose To describe one center's experience with nonunion of one or both bones of the forearm and report on the functional recovery of patients treated for a single- or 2-bone forearm nonunion. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 23 patients who presented to our institution over an 11-year period and underwent surgical repair of a forearm nonunion (radius, ulna, or both bones). The main outcome measurements included time to union, visual analog scale pain scores, range of motion, Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment scores, and postoperative complications. Results Of the 23 patients, 21 (91.3%) healed their nonunion after a single surgical procedure. All patients ultimately healed their nonunion; 7 patients were healed at 3-month follow-up, 11 healed at 6-month follow-up, and 5 healed at 12-month follow-up. Mean visual analog scale pain scores improved considerably from presentation to latest follow-up. The mean range of motion at the latest follow-up was as follows: elbow 130.9° flexion-extension arc, forearm 78.5° pronation/77.8° supination, and wrist 76.1° palmar flexion/74.3° dorsiflexion. Mean Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment arm and hand index scores improved significantly from baseline to the latest follow-up. Mean Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment function, activity, and bothersome indices demonstrated improvement, though this was not statistically significant. Two patients required further surgery to achieve osseous union. One patient sustained an iatrogenic posterior interosseous nerve palsy, which resolved spontaneously. Conclusions Repair of forearm nonunion with compression plating and bone grafting provides reliable clinical and functional outcomes. Patients treated surgically for nonunion of one or both of the forearm bones can expect to heal with the potential for considerable improvements in pain and function postoperatively. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
G243 A more efficient regional cardiac network: yes, weccan!

Background and aims Outpatient paediatric cardiology services in the West Midlands Children’s Cardiac Network (WeCCaN) consist of cardiology clinics in the tertiary centre and clinics in District General Hospitals (DGHs) run by either Consultant Paediatric Cardiologists (joint cardiology clinics) or by Paediatricians with Expertise in Cardiology (PECs). We aimed to assess the communication between tertiary cardiology, local Paediatricians and PECs and establish whether the cardiac network runs efficiently. Methods We collected data from all patients seen in tertiary cardiology clinics over a period of one month (November 2016). Results In total 1023 patients were seen between 01/11/2016 and 30/11/2016 in 108 Cardiology clinics and 12 specialist cardiac clinics. Age range was 3 weeks-19 years and M:F ratio was 1.3:1. Diagnosis was divided in: simple structural defects (35%), complex structural defects (28%), non-structural heart disease (21%) and acquired/inherited disease (16%). 195 patients were new (12%) and 828 were follow-up (81%). There was no cardiac pathology identified in 66% of new referrals. 369 patients (36%) had underlying non-cardiac comorbidities. Communication to PECs took place in 26% of new referrals and 34% of follow-up patients (postcode in a region with PEC service). Letters to General/Community Paediatrician were sent in 45% of new referrals and 53% of follow-up patients. Looking into disease severity and reasons for referral/follow-up, we concluded that 77% of new and 30% of follow-up patients could have seen a PEC instead of a Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist. Conclusions Communication between tertiary Cardiology and PECs is suboptimal: We are currently working towards an information–sharing network, by providing access to our cardiac database for all West Midlands PECs. Communication with Paediatricians is suboptimal: We wish to approach Community Paediatricians and create a working relationship to ensure that all patients with complex heart disease undergo neurodevelopmental surveillance. 2/3rd of new patients and 1/3rd of follow–ups could have seen a PEC. 1 in 6 patients are under cardiac surveillance for acquired/inherited disease: Re–designing cardiac services to include PEC and/or combined nurse practitioner/physiologist–led clinics in the tertiary centre is being discussed to improve efficiency and enhance workforce development.
Histomorphologic spectrum of germline-related and sporadic BAP1-inactivated melanocytic tumors

Background BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1)-inactivated melanocytic tumors (BIMTs) are often the earliest sign of the BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome. Identification of BIMTs and selection of patients for germline testing affect the lives of patients with germline BAP1 mutations. Objective To describe the spectrum of histomorphologic findings in BAP1-inactivated melanocytic lesions to improve their recognition. We determined the frequency of sporadic versus germline cases in our cohort, assessing whether any features were statistically linked to germline status. Methods Histomorphologic features of BAP1-inactivated melanocytic lesions were analyzed by comparing cases with germline mutations with those with unknown or negative status. Available clinical follow-up data were reported. Results The histomorphologic spectrum of BAP1-inactivated melanocytic lesions is broad; it includes cases with spitzoid cytomorphology (69%), smaller epithelioid cells without spitzoid features (31%), and rhabdoid cytologic features (58%). BIMTs from patients with germline mutations were statistically more likely to have an extensive junctional component of BAP1-inactivated melanocytes (P = .0177). All 11 patients with suspected or confirmed germline mutations had a history of cutaneous melanoma or multiple BIMTs. Limitations The unknown germline status of 77 patients. Conclusion Approximately 12% of patients with BIMTs have germline mutations. Extensive junctional involvement in a BIMT and a personal history of melanoma or previous BIMT may be additional indications for germline testing.
Mars and Hygeia: The Application of Victorian Army Data on Height to the Quality of Health in the British Population

The health of a nation in any epoch is an object of study since it provides perspective on the era’s quality of life and social progress. Study of the matter is not easy since information before the present age tends to consist of little beyond recording plagues and natural disasters. Only since the seventeenth century has information existed in quantities sufficient to offer a basis for research; with publication of his analysis of the London Bills of Mortality in 1662 John Oraunt provided the first empirically-based commentary on the state of public health. Inrecent years historians have turned with increasing frequency to archives of height data on reasonably large samples of human beings. However, such data sets tend to be unrepresentative of populations in general but, when interpreted cautiously, can provide insights into the health of populations.
Perceptions of a Healthier Neighborhood Food Environment Linked to Greater Fruit and Vegetable Purchases at Small and Non-Traditional Food Stores

The aim of this study was to examine associations between perceived neighborhood food environments and food purchasing at small and non-traditional food stores. Intercept interviews of 661 customers were conducted in 105 small and non-traditional food stores. We captured (1) customer perceptions of the neighborhood food environment, (2) associations between customer perceptions and store-level characteristics, and (3) customers' perceptions and shopping behaviors. Findings suggest that customers with more favorable perceptions of the neighborhood food environment were more likely to purchase fruits and vegetables, despite no significant association between perceptions of the neighborhood and objectively measured store characteristics.
Abstract C51: Definitive radiation therapy for cervical cancer: Race as a risk factor for delayed completion, preliminary findings

Objective: To assess whether racial disparities exist in time to completion of external beam pelvic radiation therapy and brachytherapy in cervical cancers treated with definitive chemoradiation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on all cervical cancer patients treated with definitive radiotherapy between 2006 and 2016. Analyses were performed according to the following distinct definitions of wait times: interval from pathologic diagnosis of cervical cancer to (1) initiation of radiation therapy, (2) completion of external beam radiation therapy, and (3) completion of brachytherapy. The duration of external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy was also calculated. Results: A total of 50 women underwent primary external beam pelvic radiation therapy for cervical cancer at our institution over a 10-year period. Of 50 women, 21 self-identified as White, 25 as African-American (AA), and 4 as Hispanic. Due to small numbers, Hispanic women were excluded. Thus, a total of 46 patients were analyzed. The average age was 52 years for both White and AA women in this cohort. Mean days to initiation of radiation therapy was 42.5 days: 33.7 days (median 32 days) among White patients versus 49.8 days (median 40 days) for AA patients (p-value 0.058). Mean days from diagnosis to completion of pelvic radiation therapy was 81.4 days: 70.9 days (median 69 days) among White patients versus 90.3 days (median 84 days) among AA (p-value 0.026). Mean days from diagnosis to completion of brachytherapy were noted to be 87.1 days for White patients and 103.7 days for AA patients (p-value 0.035). The duration of ERBT and brachytherapy was 57.2 for White patients and 56.6 for AA patients (p-value 0.818). Conclusion: African-American patients experienced delays to initiating radiation therapy, which resulted in delays to completing external beam radiation and brachytherapy. However, there was no difference in the duration of treatment between groups. Therefore, we conclude that once patients begin treatment, they complete treatment within the similar time frame of 57 days regardless of race. Studies to determine the effect of delayed initiation on survival outcomes are under way. Directed patient navigation programs may be helpful to decrease the delay to initiating radiation therapy for African-American patients. Citation Format: Shariska Petersen, Dmitry Davydov, Yafa Davydova, Michael FitzGerald, Thomas Buekers. Definitive radiation therapy for cervical cancer: Race as a risk factor for delayed completion, preliminary findings [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr C51.
Combining novel research and community-engaged learning in an undergraduate physiology laboratory course

To better prepare physiology students for 21st century careers, we incorporated classroom-based undergraduate research experiences and service learning/community-engaged learning (SLCE) into a coll...
Scattering interference from large spacecraft and causal effects on launch vehicle antenna performance

In this work, we investigate after the performance of an S-band, circularly polarized patch antenna installed on a Launch Vehicle (LV) compromised by the launching spacecraft structure and the unpredicted loss of critical telemetry. During any space launch, on-board Radio Frequency (RF) Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) systems must satisfy RF link requirements for monitoring of launch vehicle system health, and trajectory tracking for launch range safety. Preprogrammed flight manoeuvres attempt to provide best line-of-sight (LOS) visibility to scheduled receiving satellite and ground stations along the launch trajectory path. Traditional link margin analysis conservatively predicts telemetry margin using measured element radiation patterns for scheduled stations that are in the view. Using advanced computational electromagnetic modelling methods, the compromised radiation pattern is investigated and the causal effect on LV telemetry performance is discussed after the fact without the need for integrated system testing.
Measuring Holistic User Experience: Keeping an Eye on What Matters Most to Users

When it comes to how we define success metrics for our products, teams often leave out the user. Daily active users, conversion rates, % uptime, CSAT - these are all important metrics to keep track of from a product and business perspective, but none of these fully capture the user's perspective. They don't give insight into what users care about and what they're trying to achieve. With qualitative research, we gain a deep understanding of what matters to users, but these insights are often quickly forgotten by product teams. In this workshop, we'll introduce Critical User Journeys (CUJs: important tasks your user needs to be able to complete) and Experience Outcomes (XOs: your user's fundamental emotional needs) as tools that will enable product teams to prioritize based on what matters to users.
La Ley de Modernización para la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA): Controles Preventivos para los Alimentos de Animales

La Ley de Modernizacion de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA) se convirtio en ley en enero de 2011 y se considera la reforma mas amplia de las normas de seguridad alimentaria en 70 anos. Primero, se establecieron las regulaciones sobre alimentos para el consumo humano luego con la contribucion de la industria, la academia, y los consumidores y otras agencias, se modificaron para adaptarse mejor a la produccion de alimentos para animales. En Florida, estas nuevas regulaciones se aplican a las instalaciones que fabrican, procesan, empacan o almacenan alimentos o ingredientes para animales. El objetivo principal de estas regulaciones es garantizar alimentos seguros para los animales, las personas que manejan el alimento y las personas que consumen productos derivados de animales. This 4-page document is the Spanish version of The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Preventive Controls for Animal Food. Written by Francisco Rivera, Chad Carr, and Jason M. Scheffler, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, February 2019. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an352
A new species of Parthenopea Kossmann, 1874 (Cirripedia: Rhizocephala: Parthenopeidae) from Florida: the first record of a rhizocephalan from a lobster (Decapoda: Nephropoidea)

A new species of rhizocephalan barnacle is described parasitizing the Florida lobsterette Nephropsis aculeata Smith, 1881. This is the first record of a nephropoid as a host for any rhizocephalan and represents the first record of a rhizocephalan parasitizing any marine lobster (Achelata, Astacidea, Glypheidea, Polychelida). The new species belongs to the genus ParthenopeaKossmann, 1874, which now contains three species: Parthenopea australisLutzen, Glenner & Lorz, 2009 (on a callianassid in New Zealand), P. subterraneaKossmann, 1874 (on a callianassid and an axiid in the Skagerrak strait, Black Sea, and Mediterranean), and P. reinhardi n. sp. (on N. aculeata from Dry Tortugas, Florida, USA). The new species can be distinguished from the other two in the genus based on the shape of the seminal receptacle ducts (proximally straight in P. subterranea versus coiled in P. reinhardi n. sp.) and annuli on the stalk (present in in P. australis but absent in P. reinhardi n. sp.) and the position of the mantle opening (on the surface and close to the stalk in P. australis versus in a groove and more distant from the stalk in P. reinhardi n. sp.). We urge researchers and fisheries scientists working on marine lobsters to examine specimens for rhizocephalans, potentially leading to additional new records among lobster hosts.
CMV Viremia after Discontinuation of Valganciclovir Prophylaxis in Lung Transplant Recipients

Purpose Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a significant cause of acute morbidity following lung transplantation, and has been linked to the early onset of chronic allograft rejection. Most lung transplant centers utilize prophylaxis with valganciclovir (VGC) to prevent CMV infection. Long-term VGC therapy can be complicated by adverse side effects that include myelosuppression, leading to early discontinuation. We hypothesize that the risk of CMV infection following withdrawal of VGC will be affected by the D/R serology status. Methods We performed a single center, retrospective study of patients who received a lung transplant between January 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2018. Patient information included gender; VGC discontinuation due to myelosuppression; time from transplant to VGC discontinuation; and time from VGC discontinuation to first detectable CMV PCR. Results A total of 112 patients received a lung transplant during the study period (table 1). All patients initiated VGC after transplant. CMV D+/R- patients also received CMV immunoglobulin every 2 weeks for 7 doses. 40 patients (36%) developed CMV viremia, with more than half of these cases occurring in CMV+/- recipients. All but two of these cases occurred following discontinuation of VGC. None of the cases of viremia were associated with end-organ disease. Conclusion Although recent data suggests that extending VGC prophylaxis up to 18 months in lung transplant patients may offer additional protection, the side effects may limit this practice. Incidence of CMV viremia following discontinuation was highest in D+/R- patients and in patients who discontinued therapy early, but there were no patients with end organ disease. These results support a VGC prophylaxis strategy where duration of therapy is based on D/R serologies coupled with weekly monitoring of CMV PCR for 16 weeks after VGC discontinuation.
A new technique for evaluating stacked nanosheet inner spacer TDDB reliability

For stacked Nanosheet gate-all-around transistors, a new failure mode between the gate and epitaxial source/drain (PC-Epi) is introduced in the Middle-Of-Line (MOL) intermetal dielectrics (IMD) because of a unique module called inner spacer. In this work, we demonstrate a novel integration scheme for evaluating the inner spacer reliability by completely oxidizing the Si channel. The inner spacer TDDB reliability is also shown to be robust, which is essential to support the continuous aggressive device scaling.
JAPAN’S GREEN MONSTERS: ENVIRONMENTAL COMMENTARY IN KAIJU CINEMA By Sean Rhoads and Brooke McCorkle. Jefferson: McFarland, 2018. 226 pp. $39.95 softcover.

In their recent volume, Japan’s Green Monsters: Environmental Commentary in Kaiju Cinema, coauthors Sean Rhoads (film historian and Japanologist) and Brooke McCorkle (music historian and Japanologi...
Digital OER Impact on Learning Outcomes for Social Inclusion

The Information Systems field has long been positioned globally as a particularly powerful instrument to promote social inclusion. While individual identity characteristics have been the primary re...
Appendix: Applying the framework

To find issues where questions arise about the appropriate roles of scientists in policy and politics, it often seems that one need only open up the morning paper. Whether the issue involves national science academies, government advisors, environmental, corporate, or other interest groups, or individual scientists, many contested public issues today involve science and scientists. To stimulate discussion and application of the framework provided in this book, this appendix provides several case studies. In each case, ask yourself, What decisions are faced by individual scientists or science institutions? And what are the consequences? Are the issues characterized by values conflict or consensus? Certainty or uncertainty? What are the consequences of serving as a Pure Scientist, Science Arbiter, Issue Advocate, or Honest Broker of Policy Alternatives? These cases are merely a point of departure for exploring the role of scientists in policy and politics in other issue areas that you will no doubt come across just about every day. Applying the Framework I: Honest Brokers of Policy Alternatives Throughout this volume has emphasized the importance of Honest Brokers of Policy Alternatives as a role for scientists and other experts in policy and politics. But who are such honest brokers? In practice they could be any expert or collection of experts, but far more likely from the standpoints of practicality and legitimacy, Honest Brokers of Policy Alternatives will be a collection of experts on a committee or other formal organization.
Research on lightning protection of 500 kV extra-high voltage substation in west inner mongolia power grid

Reliable lightning protection of 500 kV extra-high voltage substation is essential for its safe and stable operation. In this paper, combined with the design scheme of typical 500 kV substation – Fengquan substation in west Inner Mongolia power grid, the electromagnetic transient calculation program (EMTP) was used to establish the simulation calculation model of lightning intrusion wave overvoltage of 500 kV extra-high voltage substation. Considering the configuration scheme and parameters of the lightning arrester in the substation, the lightning stroke point, the impulse grounding resistance of the tower and other influence factors, the overvoltage of the electrical equipment in the 500 kV substation was calculated when lightning wave intruded by using the deterministic method. The influence of various factors on the overvoltage was analysed, and the layout scheme of the lightning arrester in the substation was checked. Combined with the altitude of the substation, the lightning impulse insulation level of the substation equipment was checked. Moreover, using the probability and statistics method, the minimum safe operation year of the equipment in the 500 kV Fengquan substation was calculated to be 1455 years, which proved that the safe operation years of the substation equipment can meet the standard requirements. The research results can provide reference for the design of extra-high voltage engineering in west Inner Mongolia power grid.
Emerging Technologies in Spinal Surgery: Ultra-Low Radiation Imaging Platforms.

Background Spine surgery has seen tremendous growth in the past 2 decades. A variety of safety, practical, and market-driven needs have spurred the development of new imaging technologies as necessary tools for modern-day spine surgery. Although current imaging techniques have proven satisfactory for operative needs, it is well-known that these techniques have negative consequences for operators and patients in terms of radiation risk. Several mitigating techniques have arisen in recent years, ranging from lead protection to radiation-reducing protocols, although each technique has limits. A hitherto-problematic barrier has been the fact that efforts to diminish radiation emission come at the cost of reduced image quality. Objective To describe new ultra-low radiation imaging modalities that have the potential to drastically reduce radiation risk and minimize unacceptable adverse effects. Methods A literature review was performed of articles and studies that used either of 2 ultra-low radiation imaging modalities, the EOS system (EOS-Imaging S.A., Paris, France) and LessRay (NuVasive, San Diego, CA). Results Both ultra-low radiation imaging modalities reduce radiation exposure in the preoperative and perioperative settings. EOS provides 3-dimensional reconstructive capability, and LessRay offers intraoperative tools that facilitate spinal localization and proper visual alignment of the spine. Conclusion These novel radiation-reducing technologies diminish patient and surgeon exposure, aid the surgeon in preoperative planning, and streamline intraoperative workflow.
Performance of mmWave UAV-Assisted 5G Hybrid Heterogeneous Networks

Motivated by the need for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications in the modern era of wireless communication, this chapter focuses on a case study of millimeter‐Wave (mmWave) and teraHertz (THz) communication and the technical challenges in applying mmWave and THz frequency band for communication with UAVs. Specifically, this chapter focuses on the placement of UAVs to replace the terrestrial backhaul network with an aerial network. In addition, we address the performance of UAV‐enabled hybrid heterogeneous network (HetNet) by considering stringent communication‐related constraints, e.g. bandwidth, data rate, and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). Also, the association of terrestrial small‐cell base stations (SCBs) with UAVs is addressed such that the sum rate of the overall system is maximized. To this end, an association algorithm is presented, which deals not only with the association of SCBs but also with backhaul link capacity. A detailed analysis of simulation‐based results shows a favorable performance of UAV‐assisted wireless network.
In Defense of the False

Taking stories that have been commonplace in East and Central Africa for over a century of Africans who worked for whites to capture other Africans to take their blood as my starting point, I argue...
High-Energy Electrons in Bacteria

Publisher Summary High-energy electrons are of fundamental importance to the bacterial cell. They play important roles in many of the basic processes of bacterial metabolism, both in aerobic and anaerobic cells. High-energy electrons produced in one biochemical reaction are linked via specific electron carriers to reductive cellular processes. In the simplest instances, ferredoxin works with a dehydrogenase and a reductase linking these two enzymes together. In some cases, the electron-transport chain of such pathways is more complex, as in Azobacter, where additional carriers are involved. Electrons that feed into electron-transport chains are supplied from donors such as a-keto acids, formate, molecular hydrogen, hypoxanthine, acetaldehyde, “excited” chlorophyll, and reduced nicotinamide nucleotides. A variety of compounds function as acceptors of high-energy electrons such as nicotinamide nucleotides (NAD and NADP), carbon dioxide, and molecular nitrogen. One of the reactions, the reduced nicotinamide nucleotide to ferredoxin couple, acts as an important source of high-energy electrons mid and may be found to play a key role in several organisms. This nicotinamide nucleotide-Fd reaction also appears to be vital for the nitrogen-fixation pathway of Azotobacter and photosynthetic bacteria. One of the most interesting aspects of the low-redox chains discussed is the high degree of specificity of the redox reactions. It seems clear that the high-energy carriers must possess a complex series of active sites on their surfaces to allow the selective coupling to other carriers. The specificity of high-energy carriers means the individual electrons themselves must be tucked away—or perhaps buried—in the interior of the protein body, thus protecting them from seizure by surrounding electron-deficient compounds.
A Multicultural Examination of Business Ethics Perceptions

This study provides an evaluation of ethical business perception of busIness students from three countries: Australia, Taiwan and the United States. Although statistically significant differences do exist there is significant agreement with the way students perceive ethical/unethical practices in business. The findings of this paper indicate a universality of business ethical perceptions.
SU-E-T-130: Are Proton Gantries Needed? An Analysis of 4332 Patient Proton Gantry Treatment Plans From the Past 10 Years

Purpose: To ascertain the necessity of a proton gantry, as compared to the feasibility of using a horizontal fixed proton beam-line for treatment with advanced technology. Methods: To calculate the percentage of patients that can be treated with a horizontal fixed beam-line instead of a gantry, we analyze the distributions of beam orientations of our proton gantry patients treated over the past 10 years. We identify three horizontal fixed beam geometries (FIXED, BEND and MOVE) with the patient in lying and/or sitting positions. The FIXED geometry includes only table/chair rotations and translations. In BEND, the beam can be bent up/down for up to 20 degrees. MOVE allows for patient head/body angle adjustment. Based on the analysis, we select eight patients whose plan involves beams which are still challenging to achieve with a horizontal fixed beam. These beams are removed in the pencil beam scanning (PBS) plan optimized for the fixed beam-line (PBS-fix). We generate non-coplanar PBS-gantry plans for comparison, and perform a robustness analysis. Results: The percentage of patients with head-and-neck/brain tumors that can be treated with horizontal fixed beam is 44% in FIXED, 70% in 20-degrees BEND, and 100% in 90-degrees MOVE. For torso regions, 99% of the patients can be treated in 20-degree BEND. The target coverage is more homogeneous with PBS-fix plans compared to the clinical scattering treatment plans. The PBS-fix plans reduce the mean dose to organs-at-risk by a factor of 1.1–28.5. PBS-gantry plans are as good as PBS-fix plans, sometimes marginally better. Conclusion: The majority of the beam orientations can be realized with a horizontal fixed beam-line. Challenging non-coplanar beams can be eliminated with PBS delivery. Clinical implementation of the proposed fixed beam-line requires use of robotic patient positioning, further developments in immobilization, and image guidance. However, our results suggest that fixed beam-lines can be as effective as gantries.
Analysis of Ocs-element enhancer sequences and their binding factors.

A detailed analysis of the control of plant gene expression is necessary to understand both the molecular basis of plant growth and development, and how plants respond to external and internal changes in their environment. A powerful approach for studying gene regulation is to use pathogens as model systems. Such systems provide excellent windows into the control of gene expression in the host, since in many cases the pathogens have taken advantage of important, existing cellular transcription factors. Plants studies on bacterial pathogens such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens (DeGreve et al. 1983; Ellis et al. 1987; Leisner and Gelvin 1988; Bouchez et al. 1989) and viruses such as the caulimoviruses (Benfey et al. 1989; Bouchez et al. 1989) and maize streak virus (Fenoll et al. 1988) have helped elucidate the control of gene expression. Interestingly, the same regulatory element has been found to be utilized by both bacteria and viruses to express pathogen-encoded genes in the plant (Bouchez et al. 1989; Lam et al. 1989). The cis-acting DNA component of this plant transcription system has been called the ocs-element, as the sequence was first discovered in the promoter of the octopine synthase (ocs) gene of the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Ellis et al. 1987). The ocs-element sequence in the CaMV promoter is also referred to as the as-1 site (Lam et al. 1989). In this review we briefly describe the initial identification and characterization of the ocs-element followed by a more detailed account of the isolation and characterization of proteins in maize and Arabidopsis which interact with the ocs-element.
Attitudes and Skill Levels of College Students Entering a Typical Introductory College Computing Course.

AbstractSkills and attitudes of students entering introductory computing courses have changed over the last decade, but not as much as some might think. Students new generally possess rudimentary computing skills, but lack most of the knowledge necessary for them to make effective use of computers as teachers. Students attitudes toward computers are generally positive but this study suggests a possibility that attitudes toward computers, particularly among females, may be less positive today than they were a few years ago.
Sampling for Airborne Microorganisms

Microbiologists have confronted the challenges of sampling and analysis of airborne microorganisms since the early 20th century. Today, the concentration and composition of airborne microorganisms are of interest in various areas such as agricultural and industrial settings, hospitals, home and office environments, and military installations. In all of these applications, the term "bioaerosol" is used to refer to airborne biological particles, such as bacterial cells, fungal spores, viruses, and pollen grains, and to their fragments and by-products. A wide variety of bioaerosol sampling and analysis methods have been used, and new methods are being developed. However, no single sampling method is suitable for the collection and analysis of all types of bioaerosols and no standardized protocols are currently available. Therefore, data from different studies are often difficult to compare because of differences in sampler designs, collection times, airflow rates, collection media and analysis methods. In addition, human exposure limits have not been established for bioaerosols because of the lack of exposure, dose, and response data. The purpose of this chapter is to present various bioaerosol sampling and analysis methods that would allow facilitating an intelligent selection of instrumentation and techniques. The principles of bioaerosol sampling are presented, followed by a review of traditional and emerging sampling methods and techniques, including the results of performance evaluations of the various sampler types. Equipment calibration and air sampling considerations such as collection times and the number of samples are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of surface sampling methods are also described.
Photon Upconversion Devices

This paper reviews our development effort in realizing and perfecting photon upconversion devices for wavelengths from 1.5 μm region to 0.87 μm. The basic idea is to integrate a 1.5-μm detector with a 0.87-μm light emitting diode (LED), connected in series. The detected photocurrent drives the LED, thereby achieving the upconversion. Various approaches of integration methods and device designs have been tested
A Radiological Assessment of Reprocessing Advanced Liquid-Metal Fast Breeder Reactor Fuels

Results of the assessment were compared with those for reference oxide fuel. Candidate advanced fuels analyzed included ((U,Pu)C) and ((U,Pu)N) with selected concentrations of /sup 15/N. Core neutronics and designs appropriate to advanced-fueled LMFBRs were used with the ORIGEN computer code to calculate compositions of spent core and blanket fuel equivalent to 50 GW-y of electrical energy generation. Confinement factors, specific to each radionuclide released to the atmosphere at the reprocessing plant, were used to calculate source terms describing the emission of radionuclides. Radiological impact within a 80-km radius of the facility was determined with the AIRDOS-II computer code, while the dose to the world population from /sup 14/C released at the reprocessing plant was estimated with a multicompartment global carbon cycling model. For carbide fuel, the calculated dose commitment to the total body of the maximally exposed individual was approximately 2.8 mrem. Corresponding dose commitments when nitride fuels were substituted ranged between 59 and 3.4 mrem, as the /sup 14/N content in fuel was varied from 99.64%, the natural abundance of /sup 14/N, to zero (i.e., 100% enrichment with /sup 15/N), respectively. Dose commitment to the world population from /sup 14/C produced in nitride fuel made with natural nitrogenmore » may prohibit use of this fuel from an environmental standpoint. However, a combination of /sup 15/N enrichment in the fuel and confinement of at least part of the /sup 14/C at the reprocessing plant can significantly reduce both the amount of /sup 14/C ultimately released to the atmosphere and the global impact from /sup 14/C. It was concluded that no major differences exist in the radiological impact when carbide fuel is substituted for oxide fuel at the reprocessing plant. The use of nitride fuel may, however, require substantial enrichment with /sup 15/N or significant improvement in effluent treatment techniques proposed for /sup 14/C retention. 7 tables, 5 figs.« less
High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of the Enantiomers of β-Adrenoceptor Blocking Agents in Biological Fluids I: Studies with Pindolol

This paper describes a high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure for the analysis of (+)- and (−)-pindolol in biological fluids. Racemic pindolol is extracted from alkalinized plasma or urine into ether, then purified by two steps of back extraction. The final extract is reacted with (S)-(−)-α-methylbenzyl isocyanate at room temperature, forming urea diastereoisomers as suggested by mass spectral analysis. Separation of the two distereoisomers is accomplished by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The assay is reproducible and precise for both (+)- and (−)-pindolol in human plasma and urine, as judged by a coefficient of variation of less than 10% at most concentrations. The standard curves for (+)- and (−)-pindolol in plasma are linear between 10–100 ng/mL, and between 100–2500 ng/mL in urine. The lower limit of detection is ∼2 ng/mL for each enantiomer in plasma. This procedure can be readily adapted for the stereospecific assay of other β-adrenoceptor blocking agents as demonstrated by the base-line separation of atenolol and acebutolol.
Phase transition in cholesteryl oleate and cholesteryl linoleate

Abstract A differential scanning calorimeter study of cholesteryl oleate (CO) and cholesteryl linoleate (CL) reveals a new solid — solid transition in CO at 265 K with enthalpy difference 1.8 cal/g. Glass transitions ( T g CO=226 K, CL=215 K) and crystal nucleation temperatures are reported.
Specialized generalists: constraints on host range in some plusiine caterpillars

Insects that feed on plants with secretory canals often cut trenches across leaves, thereby depressurizing the canals and eliminating exudation at their distal feeding site. We compared the trenching ability of three species of polyphagous plusiines (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and tested if trenching scores correlate with larval growth. The three plusiines (Trichoplusia ni, Pseudoplusia includens, and Rachiplusia ou) were each tested on prickly lettuce, Lactuca serriola (Asteraceae), which has latex canals, and on Italian parsley, Petroselinum crispum (Apiaceae) with oil ducts. To ascertain how secretory canals affect performance, larvae were tested on intact leaves and on excised leaves with depleted canals. T. ni larvae cut trenches in both plant species, whereas P. includens only trenched prickly lettuce and R. ou only trenched Italian parsley. Intact leaves of Italian parsley were acceptable to all three species. Trenching varied in T. ni and R. ou, but did not correlate significantly with larval growth. In contrast, trenching was required for feeding on intact prickly lettuce. Final-instar T. ni all cut trenches and developed rapidly. P. includens varied in trenching and performance; their trenching scores correlated with growth. R. ou larvae did not trench or feed even though most R. ou on intact Italian parsley cut at least partial trenches. All three plusiine species developed rapidly on excised leaves of both plant species, documenting the suitability of these plants when canals are inactivated. Our results document the efficacy of latex canals as a plant defense and suggest that trenching ability alone does not permit feeding. Larvae must also recognize the need to trench and must tolerate deterrent exudates during the trenching procedure.
Magnetic X-points, stochasticity, and Edge Localized Modes

The confinement and stability properties of the edge of a magnetically confined fusion plasma have long resisted theoretical explanation. Numerical simulation with the M3D extended MHD code shows that large periodic Edge Localized Modes (ELMs), associated with otherwise good confinement, represent a new type of nonlinear MHD plasma instability, in which a coherent plasma instability couples to the favorable part of a chaotic magnetic field. The magnetic surface bounding the plasma typically contains at least one X-point. Under small perturbations, such a Hamiltonian surface splits into two different asymptotic limits. A ballooning-type plasma instability can couple to the "unstable" field manifold that forms bulges around the original magnetic surface and then grow to penetrate deep into the plasma. The magnetic field becomes chaotic over the affected region, allowing plasma loss from the core to the outside. Eventually the instability saturates and the plasma relaxes back towards its original axisymmetric shape. The interaction between the plasma and the homoclinic field perturbation drives a multi-stage process that reproduces many experimental observations. This type of instability may help to explain the wide range of ELM and ELM-free behavior observed in fusion plasmas with X-points, as well as properties of plasma confinement.
BRIGHT CARS AND SPEEDING TICKETS.

Speeding tickets for a 22 month period in a suburban area were examined to determine the possible relationships among the percentage of speed over the speed limit, the age and color of the car, and the age and gender of the driver. The frequencies of speeding tickets by car color were also compared with the frequencies of cars on the road by colors. The percentage of speed over the limit was not related to the characteristics of the cars or the drivers. It was found, however, that red, grey, and brown cars were more likely to receive speeding tickets than cars of other colors. A previous conclusion that bright colored cars give the impression of speed, which results in a higher estimation of actual velocity, was not supported by the present study.
Social interaction and psychological well-being : comparison across stages of adulthood

Using a national probability sample, this study examines the impact of social interaction on psychological well-being across stages of adulthood. Quality of social interaction measured by satisfaction with family life and friendship are found to be positively related to well-being of adults in all age groups. A further examination of this positive effect shows that the impact of family and friendship interaction on well-being are similar in each adulthood stage. These findings show that the positive impact of social interaction on psychological well-being is not unique to the elderly population but similar among all stages of adulthood.
On some results of M. I. Gordin: A clarification of a misunderstanding

M. I. Gordin proved a central limit theorem for some strictly stationary strongly mixing random sequences without the assumption of finite second moments. Because of a series of misunderstandings, his own correct formulation of the theorem has been essentially ignored, while an incorrect formulation has been discussed extensively and attributed to him in many references. This note explains in detail what has happened, in the hope of clearing up the misunderstandings.