cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transport of Ions and the Membrane Potential of Mitochondria

In contemporary thought, the electrochemical gradient of H+ in mitochondria, the so-called protonmotive force (\({{\mu }_{{{\text{H}}^{+}}}}\)), is considered directly responsible for the transport of ions and the phosphorylation of ADP.
Effects of Niacin on HDL Metabolism

Nicotinic acid, a vitamin of the B complex (B3), is the most potent high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) raising agent currently available, when used at pharmacological doses. In randomized intervention trials, nicotinic acid has been shown to lower the risk of coronary heart disease and to slow the progression of coronary artery lesions. Niacin lowers plasma triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, in addition to raising HDL-C. The mechanism by which nicotinic acid increases plasma HDL cholesterol levels is not clear. In studies conducted in normolipidemic subjects, niacin increased HDL-C by reducing its plasma clearance. In a placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study conducted in dyslipidemic subjects, nicotinic acid increased plasma HDL-C levels by increasing the production rate of apo A-I, the major protein in HDL, and the cholesterol content in HDL. Further studies need to assess the role of niacin on HDL metabolism in subjects with elevated plasma TG and low HDL-C levels.
THz imaging and data processing: State of the art and perspective

Abstract In the recent years, THz imaging is deserving of huge attention as a submillimeter high-resolution diagnostic tool capable of performing nondestructive, contact-free, and safe surveys of materials. THz waves are, indeed, nonionizing radiations able to penetrate into nonmetallic opaque media and to visualize embedded objects with a significantly improved spatial resolution compared with the microwaves and millimeter signals. However, the effectiveness of THz imaging depends on technological progress in terms of hardware devices and data processing approaches. This chapter aims at providing a brief overview of available measurement setups and imaging methodologies by presenting opportunities and challenges. After, THz imaging results are presented for two specific test cases, one concerning artwork application and the other one regarding food quality control.
Selective monochlorination of methane via elimination of dichloromethane from the oxychlorination product stream

Through exploring the impact of dichloromethane on the chloromethane to olefins reaction, it is shown in this paper that a small amount of dichloromethane in the chloromethane feed has a drastically negative impact on the performance of SAPO-34 catalyst for the chloromethane to olefins reaction. Such impact on the catalyst performance is due to dichloromethane reacting with hydroxyl groups on the catalyst surface through a reaction that produces chloromethane. Based on this learning, we show that dichloromethane can be converted to chloromethane while performing the methane oxychlorination reaction using a layered catalyst bed approach by placing a bed of γ-Al2O3 catalyst below a CeO2 oxychlorination catalyst. Our results were successful in showing that a layered catalyst design using γ-Al2O3 as catalyst is an effective means of eliminating dichloromethane from the oxylchorination product stream and simultaneously providing an uplift to the chloromethane production rate. Such approach can serve as a one-step selective monochlorination route for production of chloromethane from methane.
‘Ask what you can do to the Army’: A textual analysis of the underground GI press during the Vietnam War:

This study examined the normative roles of alternative media, focusing on how the underground GI press did or did not serve these roles during the Vietnam War. The researchers conducted a textual a...
A Framework for Evaluating Caching Policies in A Hierarchical Network of Caches

Much attention of the research community has focused on performance analysis of cache networks under various caching policies. However, the issue of how to evaluate and compare caching policies for cache networks has not been adequately addressed. In this paper, we propose a novel and general framework for evaluating caching policies in a hierarchical network of caches. We introduce the notion of a hit probability/rate matrix, and employ a generalized notion of majorization as the basic tool for evaluating caching policies for various performance metrics. We discuss how the framework can be applied to existing caching policies, and conduct extensive simulation-based evaluation to demonstrate the utility and accuracy of our framework.
A Qualitative Metasynthesis of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy & Culturally Responsive Teaching: Unpacking Mathematics Teaching Practices

This article uses Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) as the theoretical frameworks and qualitative metasynthesis as the methodological framework to synthesize qualitative research published between 1994 and February of 2016. Initial searches produced 1,224 articles, but through a process of appraisals, 12 articles were synthesized to understand how researchers interpret mathematics teaching practices that support CRP and CRT in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. There were five findings focused on teacher practices, classroom interactions, and student experiences with CRP and CRT within mathematics education, including: caring, context, cultural competency, high expectations, and mathematics instruction.
Safety after neoliberalism

Abstract Neoliberalism refers to the political, economic and social arrangements that have become globally dominant since the 1980s. It promotes privatization, free markets, and deregulation. Neoliberal governance can be linked to safety management by stifling rules developed by non-experts, bureaucratic overreach, imposition of discipline and accountability, and a hemming in of autonomy and discretion on the frontline. Using a variety of sources, this paper examines what safety and safety management can look like after neoliberalism. Centrally, it hinges on changing the belief that complex risks can be managed by rule-based uncertainty reduction, documentation-based liability management, or shrinking the bandwidth of allowable human performance. Safety after neoliberalism involves regulation on the basis of capacities to make things go right as opposed to compliance; de-bureaucratizing safety by putting safety expertise closer to the ‘messy details’ of actual practice, and instituting investigations and restorative incident responses that emphasize safe working conditions as a collective responsibility. In addition, safety after neoliberalism takes a fresh look at global supply chains, participatory equality, and workers’ compensation practices.
Independent Predictors of Perioperative Stroke-Related Mortality after Cardiac Surgery.

Abstract Background and Purpose: Perioperative stroke remains a devastating complication after cardiac surgery and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the significant contribution of stroke to perioperative mortality, risk factors for perioperative stroke-related mortality have not been well characterized. Our aim was to identify independent predictors of perioperative stroke-related mortality after cardiac surgery, using the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) database which provides information on cause of death. Methods: We retrospectively examined patient medical records from 2012 to 2014 of 3345 patients (ages 18-99) who underwent a cardiac surgical procedure and suffered perioperative (30-day) mortality. Perioperative stroke-related mortality was identified by International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification cause of death codes. We performed Fisher's exact test and multivariate analysis to identify comorbidities that independently predict perioperative stroke-related mortality. Results: After controlling for all variables with multivariate analysis, we found that patients with carotid stenosis were 4.9 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-12.8) times more likely to die from a stroke than from other causes, when compared to patients without carotid stenosis. Other independent predictors of perioperative stroke-related mortality included in-hospital stroke (aOR 108.8, 95%CI 48.2-245.9), history of stroke (aOR 17.1, 95%CI 3.3-88.4), and age ≥ 80 (aOR 4.9, 95%CI 2.1-11.2). Conclusions: This is the first study to establish carotid stenosis, among other comorbidities, as an independent predictor of perioperative stroke-related mortality after cardiac surgery. Understanding risk factors for mortality from stroke will help enhance the efficacy of preoperative screening, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, and potential treatments for stroke. Interventions to manage carotid stenosis and other identified risk factors prior to, during, or immediately after surgery may have the potential to reduce perioperative stroke-related mortality after cardiac surgery.
Laser Sensor Development for Fluorescence Detection of Plastics and other Anthropogenic Compounds Dissolved in Seawater

Abstract : The long-term goal is to build and deploy a highly sensitive, in situ AUV-mounted instrument optimized for distinguishing natural colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in seawater as well as locating and identifying plastic and rubber-coated objects, such as mines, in the water column and buried within the seafloor. Oceanographic applications include UV-vis spectral characterization of dissolved and particulate (phytoplankton) fluorescence for remote sensing, plume tracking, and pollution applications. The multi-channel UV laser-induced fluorescence sensor (MUVLIFS) will ultimately be integrated and deployed on an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to enhance strategic and oceanographic applications.
Cramer Rao Inequality, Cauchy-Binet Representation and Structural Optimization of Fluorescence Unmixing Experiment

A predictive theoretical model based on Cramer-Rao bound for the uncertainty in fluorescent protein mixture composition detection has been developed. A physically based representation of the experimental efficiency through the Cauchy-Binet identity is presented. This approach allows the optimal design of the experiments without the introduction of artificial figures of merit.
The Fair Contextual Multi-Armed Bandit

When an AI system interacts with multiple users, it frequently needs to make allocation decisions. For instance, a virtual agent decides whom to pay attention to in a group setting, or a factory robot selects a worker to deliver a part. Demonstrating fairness in decision making is essential for such systems to be broadly accepted. We introduce a Multi-Armed Bandit algorithm with fairness constraints, where fairness is defined as a minimum rate that a task or a resource is assigned to a user. The proposed algorithm uses contextual information about the users and the task and makes no assumptions on how the losses capturing the performance of different users are generated. We view this as an exciting step towards including fairness constraints in resource allocation decisions.
Characterizing active learning environments in physics using network analysis and COPUS observations

This study uses social network analysis and the Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (COPUS) to characterize six research-based introductory physics curricula. Peer Instruction, Modeling Instruction, ISLE, SCALE-UP, Context-Rich Problems, and Tutorials in Introductory Physics were investigated. Students in each curriculum were given a survey at the beginning and end of term, asking them to self-identify peers with whom they had meaningful interactions in class. Every curriculum showed an increase in the average number of student connections from the beginning of term to the end of term, with the largest increase occurring in Modeling Instruction, SCALE-UP, and Context-Rich Problems. Modeling Instruction was the only curriculum with a drastic change in how tightly connected the student network was. Transitivity increased for all curricula except Peer Instruction. We also spent one week per research site in the middle of the term observing courses using COPUS. From these observations, the student COPUS profiles look nearly the same for Tutorials, ISLE recitations, and Context-Rich Problems discussion sections. This is likely due to the large resolution of activities that can be coded as "other group activity", suggesting the need for a more detailed observation instrument.
Saturn-ring proton backlighters for the National Ignition Facility.

Proton radiography is a well-established technique for measuring electromagnetic fields in high-energy-density plasmas. Fusion reactions producing monoenergetic particles, such as D3He, are commonly used as a source, produced by a capsule implosion. Using smaller capsules for radiography applications is advantageous as the source size decreases, but on the National Ignition Facility (NIF), this can introduce complications from increasing blow-by light, since the phase plate focal spot size is much larger than the capsules. We report a demonstration of backlighter targets where a “Saturn” ring is placed around the capsule to block this light. The nuclear performance of the backlighters is unperturbed by the addition of a ring. We also test a ring with an equatorial cutout, which severely affects the proton emission and is not viable for radiography applications. These results demonstrate the general viability of Saturn ring backlighter targets for use on the NIF.
Reduced overwinter survival of unharvested corn in fields with cover crops

Volunteer corn arising from unharvested kernels in fields is a common problem that reduces yield of crops like soybean in intensive rotational agricultural systems. Over the last decade, farmers in the Midwestern United States have increased use of cover crops to improve soil health and suppress weeds in corn‐soybean rotational agriculture. We assessed whether the fate of unharvested corn kernels in cover‐cropped fields differed from fields without cover crops. After the 2018 harvest season, we recorded overwinter removal and spring 2019 germination of corn kernels from plots in six fields in Tippecanoe county, west‐central Indiana, United States. We used mixed effects logistic regression to model the role of a cereal rye cover crop, bare ground, soil drainage class, distance from field edge, and average height of vegetation on mortality of kernels. Probability of kernel absence from a plot was greater in fields planted to cover crops (0.93–0.98) than in no‐till fields without cover crops (0.53–0.85). Distance from field edge was positively related to kernel loss in cover‐cropped fields, but negatively related to loss in fields without cover crops. Within cover‐cropped fields, kernel removal near field edges increased to levels comparable to field interiors only for plots with >15% bare ground. Cover crops substantially reduced survival of corn kernels that serve as prospective volunteer corn, consistent with increased foraging activity and use of cover‐cropped fields by vertebrate seed predators.
Using Think-Alouds for Response Process Evidence of Teacher Attentiveness

There is a need for assessment items that assess complex constructs but can also be efficiently scored for evaluation of teacher education programs. In an effort to measure the construct of teacher...
The longitudinal influences of adverse childhood experiences and positive childhood experiences at family, school, and neighborhood on adolescent depression and anxiety.

Abstract Background Adolescent depression and anxiety are major mental health concerns. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are risk factors for depression and anxiety in adolescence and positive childhood experiences at home, school, and neighborhood are protective factors. Few studies, however, have compared the longitudinal effects of these two sets of contextual risk and protective factors on depression and anxiety among adolescents by framing them together. Methods This study used data on a subsample of 3426 socioeconomically disadvantaged adolescents collected at their birth, ages one, three, five, nine, and fifteen. Logistic regression was used to examine the longitudinal effects of ACEs, focusing on childhood maltreatment and family dysfunctions, and positive childhood experiences with family, school, and neighborhood on the risks of depression and anxiety. Adolescents’ characteristics and their families’ socioeconomic status were adjusted. Results In the two ACEs subcategories, childhood maltreatment exposures increased the risks only for later anxiety; family dysfunction increased the risks for both later depression and anxiety. In the three contexts, positive childhood experiences at family and school protected at-risk adolescents against both mental health concerns, whereas neighborhood collective efficacy protected adolescents only against depression. Limitations Resilience was examined as an outcome only; it can also be examined as a process. Neither teachers’ nor grandparents’ supports were included. Conclusions ACEs maltreatment and family dysfunction are two different risk dimensions for adolescent depression and anxiety. Positive childhood experiences at family are the strongest protective factors for children exposed to ACEs, followed by these in school and neighborhood. Early interventions building positive relationships may benefit adolescent mental health.
Maxwell, James Clerk 1831–1879

James Clerk Maxwell was born on June 13, 1831, in Edinburgh, Scotland, to a family of comfortable means, and was the only child of his parents. He is considered a pioneer in several fields of science. Maxwell contributed greatly to the field of optics and the study of color vision and helped lay the foundations for practical color photography.
Engineered miniature CRISPR-Cas system for mammalian genome regulation and editing.

Summary Compact and versatile CRISPR-Cas systems will enable genome engineering applications through high-efficiency delivery in a wide variety of contexts. Here, we create an efficient miniature Cas system (CasMINI) engineered from the type V-F Cas12f (Cas14) system by guide RNA and protein engineering, which is less than half the size of currently used CRISPR systems (Cas9 or Cas12a). We demonstrate that CasMINI can drive high levels of gene activation (up to thousands-fold increases), while the natural Cas12f system fails to function in mammalian cells. We show that the CasMINI system has comparable activities to Cas12a for gene activation, is highly specific, and allows robust base editing and gene editing. We expect that CasMINI can be broadly useful for cell engineering and gene therapy applications ex vivo and in vivo.
Analysis of inconel 600 oxidized under loss-of-coolant accident conditions: A multi-modal approach

Abstract Understanding the performance of cladding materials during a loss-of-coolant accident scenario is crucial for developing next-generation accident tolerant nuclear fuel rod claddings. We describe a multi-modal approach combining synchrotron-based diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy with nano-scale electron microscopy techniques for investigating oxidation of Inconel 600 (A600) in steam and air environments at 1200°C for 2 h. We report that A600 exposed to steam develops a Cr2O3-enriched surface layer while a mixed phase oxide layer containing NiFe2O4, Cr2O3, Fe3O4 and Fe(3–x)CrxO4 is formed in air. Mechanism of oxidation for A600 in air and steam environments is discussed.
Predicting the Thermal Boundary Resistance of Isolated and Closely-Spaced Si/Si1−XGeX Interfaces With Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Phonon scattering at an interface between two materials results in a thermal boundary resistance R, given by [1] R = ΔTq, (1) where ΔT and q are the temperature drop and heat flux across the interface. Predicting the thermal boundary resistance of semiconductor/semiconductor interfaces is important in devices where phonon interface scattering is a significant contributor to the overall thermal resistance (e.g., computer chips with high component density). Such predictions will also lead to improvements in the design of nanocomposite materials (e.g., superlattices) with low thermal conductivity, desirable in thermoelectric energy conversion applications [2].Copyright © 2008 by ASME
A Universal Framework for Self-Replication

Self-replication is a fundamental property of many interesting physical, formal and biological systems, such as crystals, waves, automata, and especially forms of natural and artificial life. Despite its importance to many phenomena, self-replication has not been consistently defined or quantified in a rigorous, universal way. In this paper we propose a universal, continuously valued property of the interaction between a system and its environment. This property represents the effect of the presence of such a system upon the future presence of similar systems. We demonstrate both analytical and computational analysis of self-replicability factors for three distinct systems involving both discrete and continuous behaviors.
The evolution and genetics of innate immunity

The immune system provides protection from a wide range of pathogens. One component of immunity, the phylogenetically ancient innate immune response, fights infections from the moment of first contact and is the fundamental defensive weapon of multicellular organisms. The Toll family of receptors has a crucial role in immune defence. Studies in fruitflies and in mammals reveal that the defensive strategies of invertebrates and vertebrates are highly conserved at the molecular level, which raises the exciting prospects of an increased understanding of innate immunity.
Evolution of the MOSIS VLSI educational program

Discusses the evolution of the MOSIS Service and its Educational Program (MEP) from its beginnings to the present. MOSIS was started in 1981 by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Program Agency (DARPA) to provide their research community with access to advanced IC fabrication technologies at a reasonable cost. The cost savings resulted from the use of the multiproject wafer (MPW) concept, enabling users to share the costs of fabrication. In 1985, the prototyping service was extended to U.S. universities. At that time access to MOSIS fabrication was provided to accredited U.S. universities that offered classes in IC design. During the past decade, more than 12,000 student IC designs were fabricated and 53,000 students have participated in the U.S. program.
Reporting bilaterality status in first-degree relatives with breast cancer: a validity study.

The objective of this study was to validate reports on the bilaterality status of breast cancer in first-degree relatives of women with a strong family history of the disease; i.e., women with 1) two first-degree relatives who have, or have had, breast cancer; 2) one first- and one second-degree affected relative; or 3) one firstdegree relative with diagnosis of breast cancer before the age of 50 years and/or bilateral breast cancer. We were able to obtain hospital records for 94 affected relatives of 83 patients who agreed to participate in the study. The accounts of these women were compared to the bilaterality status indicated in the hospital records of the affected relatives. Inconsistencies that might have been attributed to incomplete medical records were resolved through personal interviews with the participants, and when indicated, with other family members or the physician of the affected relative. Overall, 89.4% (84/94) of the reports validated in this manner were correct. Participants who reported unilateral breast cancer in a first-degree relative were correct 94.4% (68/72) of the time. Similarly, 94.0% (47/50) of the accounts concerning affected living relatives were accurate, regardless of whether the participant had indicated unilateral or bilateral disease. However, participants who reported bilateral breast cancer in a deceased relative were accurate only 61.5% (8/ 13) of the time. Incorrect reports were associated with misunderstanding of medical terminology, especially if the participant was young at the time of the diagnosis of her relative. 0 1993 Wiley-Liss. Inc.
Computer-Based Instruction: Methods and Development

I.COMPUTER-BASED INSTRUCTION METHODOLOGIES. 1.Introduction. 2.Tutorials. 3.Drills. 4.Simulations. 5.Instructional Games. 6.Tests. II.DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER-BASED INSTRUCTION. 7.Preparation. 8.Design. 9.Flowcharting. 10.Storyboarding. 11.Programming and Support Materials. 12.Evaluation. III.ADVANCED TOPICS IN COMPUTER-BASED INSTRUCTION. 13.Computer-Managed Instruction. 14.Interactive Video. 15.Artificial Intelligence in Instruction. Appendices.
Some Questions concerning “information need”

The expression “satisfying a requester's information need” is often used, but its meaning is obscure. The literature on “information need” in relation to retrieval suggests three different (though not inconsistent) possible interpretations. However, each of these interpretations is itself fundamentally unclear. The various obscurities involved are indicated by critical questions, which those who write of information need are invited to answer.
Export implications for the Japanese fruit market: fruit‐specific lifestyle segments

Examines the Japanese fruit market, which, as a result of production and distribution factors, represents a viable target for fruit exporters around the world. The study provides guidance for fruit exporters by identifying three fruit‐specific segments based on fruit‐specific lifestyle factors. The process of identifying the lifestyle factors relies on a cross‐culturally validated theoretical framework developed within the context of food consumption. Cluster analysis is used to identify the segments: creative/highly involved; practical/moderately involved, and aesthetic/uninvolved. These three segments of the everyday fruit consumption market are characterized in terms of fruit shopping, fruit consumption, and socioeconomic factors. The creative/highly involved segment, older and more traditional, represents today’s heavy‐consumer of fruit in Japan, followed closely by the practical/moderately involved segment. Although the aesthetic/uninvolved segment is composed of relatively light consumers, its demographics suggest that exporters need to develop this segment in order to succeed in this market.
Pet Ownership May Be a Factor in Improved Health of the Elderly

The familiar adage "pets are good for your health" is an interesting but largely untested theory. A new model was developed, based on pet ownership leads to better self care, to show possible associations between pet ownership with eating, exercise, nutritional status, and specific cardiovascular risk factors. Seniors aged sixty and above were solicited mainly at senior congregate meals program sites in north-central Colorado (n = 127) to participate in this cross-sectional, observational study. Statistical analyses of questionnaire, anthropometric, physiological, and biochemical data were performed. Dog owners walked significantly longer than non-owners (p < 0.05), and pet owners had significantly lower serum triglycerides than non-owners (p < 0.01). Results suggest that pets may be good for your health.
Normal and gamma-rayed resting plumule of barley

Abstract Eight cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) differ very little from one another in plumular morphology, but they all differ appreciably from some descriptions in the literature. Most cultivars had 3 (one had 4) primordial leaves and all had 2 axillary buds in addition to the apical meristem. Seedlings from caryopses given 0, 15 or 30 kR of γ-radiation initiated 35–45 new structures in the first 10 days. After 5 weeks, no trace could be found of the bud in the coleoptilar axil, which had been the largest branch bud in the resting embryo. It was inferred that this bud may act as a reserve in case mishap should occur to the apical bud during early seedling growth.
Single quantum dots in fiber-coupled nanophotonic cavities and waveguides

Experimental and theoretical studies of a self-assembled quantum dot in fiber-coupled cavities and waveguides are presented. Strong coupling, extinction and enhancement of resonant light transmission, and quantum dot saturation and dephasing effects are discussed.
Investigation of dislocation dynamics by nuclear magnetic resonance

Inspired by recent experiments of Sleeswyk, Kanert et al. investigating the effect of plastic deformation on the simultaneously measured nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time ${T}_{1\ensuremath{\rho}}$ in the rotating frame, the influence of moving dislocations on ${T}_{1\ensuremath{\rho}}$ is studied theoretically. As illustrated recently by Wolf, this necessitates the calculation of quadrupolar "lattice" correlation functions associated with the relative motion of dislocations and nuclear spins. Assuming discrete and random dislocation jumps during (i) plastic deformation, (ii) internal friction, and (iii) fatique experiments, these correlation functions are determined. Their general form allows prediction of ${T}_{1\ensuremath{\rho}}$ in both the strong-collision (Rowland-Fradin) and the quadrupolar weak-collision region. It is demonstrated how, from low-field ${T}_{1\ensuremath{\rho}}$ experiments performed during either one of the three types of deformation modes, dislocation parameters such as the mobile and immobile dislocation density, the mean time between successive jumps of a dislocation, and the distribution of loop lengths and jump widths may be extracted. As a declared goal, this article aims at the understanding of the properties of the ${T}_{1\ensuremath{\rho}}$ minimum (i.e., of its position, depth, and width) in terms of the underlying microscopic mechanism of dislocation motion, an information which, in the past, could not be gained from purely mechanical (e.g., internal friction) experiments. Consequently, a variety of new combined NMR-deformation experiments is proposed to investigate the microscopic dynamics of dislocation motion.
Digital form and materiality: propositions for a new approach to interaction design research

Advanced information and interaction technology pervades everyday life, introducing new forms and meanings of computer applications beyond desktop computers---from varying types of digital devices to interactive fashion and architecture. Motivated by the notion of digital technology as a material for interaction design, this research aims to develop a theoretical foundation to create and critique digital artifacts in the context of interaction design and HCI research. Specifically we conceptualize digital form and materiality as two reciprocal aspects of digital artifact based on the perspectives from relevant disciplines including design, arts, craft, material culture and philosophy of technology. The conceptualization emphasizes the process of making, personal meanings, and socio-cultural values of digital artifacts, constructing a new theoretical framework for exploratory and critical research approaches. In the end we discuss a proposal for form-driven interaction design research as a new approach to HCI with its focus on form and materiality aspects of digital artifacts based on the reflection on our theoretical propositions.
Interactions between the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta and the parasitoid Lipolexis scutellaris potentially affect classical biological control of the aphid Toxoptera citricida

Abstract Lipolexis scutellaris (Mackauer), an aphidiid parasitoid of Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), currently is being released in citrus groves throughout Florida in a classical biological control program. L. scutellaris is unusual in that it usually pupates in a mummy on the soil, which could make it vulnerable to predation by the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, which is abundant in citrus groves in Florida. Laboratory studies found the majority (99.2 and 98.5%) of mummies containing L. scutellaris are located on the soil, in low or high aphid density treatments, respectively, which is not different (χ2, P=0.57). In the laboratory, S. invicta was presented with mummies containing L. scutellaris, which S. invicta treated differently from the positive (hot dog) and negative (sand) controls. Under laboratory conditions, S. invicta responded similarly to 1- and 9-d-old mummies. Experiments next were conducted in a citrus grove and S. invicta removed 100% of the hot dog pieces and 97.5% (first experiment) and 92.5% (second experiment) of the mummies containing L. scutellaris within 24 h from containers, indicating the ants perceived the mummies as potential food (Wilcoxon Signed Rank, P>0.1). When S. invicta and other insects were allowed access in a citrus grove to potted citrus trees containing aphids parasitized by L. scutellaris, the number of adults of L. scutellaris that emerged was 6.5-fold less (13 adults from treatment, 84 adults from control) than from control trees where insects from the soil surface were excluded (Wilcoxon Signed Rank, P=0.005); S. invicta and the Asian cockroach Blattella asahinai Mizukubo could have contributed to the reduced emergence of L. scutellaris. Collectively, these data suggest S. invicta (and other predators) could have a detrimental effect on populations of L. scutellaris in citrus groves in Florida.
Sex chromosome evolution: Molecular aspects of Y-chromosome degeneration in Drosophila

Ancient Y-chromosomes of various organisms contain few active genes and an abundance of repetitive DNA. The neo-Y chromosome of Drosophila miranda is in transition from an ordinary autosome to a genetically inert Y-chromosome, while its homolog, the neo-X chromosome, is evolving partial dosage compensation. Here, I compare four large genomic regions located on the neo-sex chromosomes that contain a total of 12 homologous genes. In addition, I investigate the partial coding sequence for 56 more homologous gene pairs from the neo-sex chromosomes. Little modification has occurred on the neo-X chromosome, and genes are highly constrained at the protein level. In contrast, a diverse array of molecular changes is contributing to the observed degeneration of the neo-Y chromosome. In particular, the four large regions surveyed on the neo-Y chromosome harbor several transposable element insertions, large deletions, and a large structural rearrangement. About one-third of all neo-Y-linked genes are nonfunctional, containing either premature stop codons and/or frameshift mutations. Intact genes on the neo-Y are accumulating amino acid and unpreferred codon changes. In addition, both 5'- and 3'-flanking regions of genes and intron sequences are less constrained on the neo-Y relative to the neo-X. Despite heterogeneity in levels of dosage compensation along the neo-X chromosome of D. miranda, the neo-Y chromosome shows surprisingly uniform signs of degeneration.
Long-slit spectroscopy of gas in the cores of X-ray luminous clusters

The results of long-slit spectroscopy obtained for the core regions of 14 clusters of galaxies are reported. The data are presented in detail. It is shown that the presence of optical emission is tied to the properties of the hot gas in the cluster and not to the morphology of the central galaxy or cluster, demonstrating that the optical systems are indeed formed by the cooling of hot gas. Cooling flows occur when the gas density exceeds a critical central value which corresponds to a cooling time scale which, it is argued, weakly favors low values of H(0). The kinematics of the gas flows are discussed. The excitation mechanisms, correlation of optical emission with radio properties, and upper limits on coronal line strengths from the hot gas are discussed.
Enhancement of pheromone response by RGS9 and Gβ5 in yeast

The G-protein gamma-subunit-like (GGL) domain present within a subfamily of RGS proteins binds specifically to Gbeta5. This interaction and resulting biological effect impacts the standard model of heterotrimeric G-protein signaling. It has been hypothesized that the RGS/Gbeta5 may potentially substitute for Gbetagamma in the heterotrimeric complex. Saccharomyces cerevisiae pheromone responsive mating signaling pathway is primarily driven by Gbetagamma. We evaluated GGL containing RGS9 and RGS7 for functional complementation in a RGS (sst2Delta) knockout yeast strain. The potential of Gbeta5 to augment the function of these RGS proteins was also evaluated. While Gbeta5 had no effect on RGS7, coexpression of Gbeta5 with RGS9 enhanced cell cycle arrest, suggesting that under certain conditions, RGS9 and Gbeta5 may possibly function as betagamma dimer. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Gbeta5 can complement a ste4Delta, the yeast beta-subunit, thus providing the first evidence of functional complementation of a mammalian Gbeta.
Excelling with Excel: Advanced Excel Functions for Collection Analysis

Microsoft Excel offers useful features and formulas that potentially allow acquisitions and collection development librarians to work smarter, not harder. Using journal cancellations as a workplace scenario, the presenters will provide attendees with ideas on how to organize data and complete basic calculations with Excel. The presenters provide examples on how to use several advanced Excel functions including PivotTables, VLOOKUP, and select formulas. They describe the steps for importing and exporting data, combing and comparing data from different sources, and formatting data to communicate more effectively.
TH‐C‐L100E‐01: PET CT Workshop — Accreditation and Quality Assurance

The objectives of this workshop are to provide an overview of the different commercially available PET/CT scanners and to gain the necessary knowledge of PET/CT QC/QA procedures as well as the criteria needed for PET scanner accreditation and acceptance testing. The first objective will be met during the first day whereby three presentations will be provided covering the PET/CT scanner offerings from GE Health Care, Siemens Medical Solutions, and Philips Medical Systems respectively. The presentations will focus on PET scanner design, performance, and capabilities and will be given by respective users of the equipment rather than representatives of the manufacturers. The second objective will be met during the second day of the workshop, whereby four speakers will discuss topics on PET/CT QC/QA procedures, PET NEMA acceptance testing,PET ACR accreditation, and PET site shielding calculations and requirements.
Fluctuating Asymmetry and Genetic Variability in a Natural Population of Mus musculus

The relationship between fluctuating asymmetry and genetic variability was examined in a natural population of the house mouse, Mus musculus . Sixty-three presumptive gene loci were examined by starch gel electrophoresis to provide individual heterozygosity values. Estimates of the degree of fluctuating asymmetry were derived from comparisons of right and left kidney weights in both males and females. Additional estimates were obtained, for males, by comparison of testicular lengths and weights. No significant relationship was found between individual heterozygosity and asymmetry. These findings support the poikilotherm-homoiotherm dichotomy noted by Handford (1980).
Congress, the Houses of Ill Repute: Editorial Cartoonists Take on the House and Senate

This article presents a content analysis of more than 600 editorial cartoons covering 40 years designed to explore the themes and strategies editorial cartoonists use to represent Congress and its members. While the cartooning strategies are relatively consistent, the targets and criticisms embedded in cartoons vary along partisanship and positional lines.
DVB-S2 Technology Development for DoD IP SATCOM

Since the formal ratification of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute's Digital Video Broadcast ? Satellite Second Generation standard in March 2005, the Department of Defense has moved to develop and integrate this technology to benefit existing Joint Programs such as GBS and the Joint IP Modem. The Defense Information System Agency has awarded a contract, under The Office of the Secretary of Defense's Defense Acquisition Challenge Program, to demonstrate the bandwidth savings that can be achieved for the Global Broadcast Service by using the DVB-S2 waveform. Under this effort, specialized DVB-S2 transmitter and receiver equipment will be developed to include the capability to operate in the Variable Coding and Modulation mode for one-way broadcast systems. This will conclude with a live demonstration of the technology over Military Satellite and Commercial Satellite Communication assets. The demonstration will show how the DVB-S2 waveform allows for optimization of the broadcast to support simultaneous transmission of information to specific terminal sets with different aperture sizes, including severely disadvantaged terminals. This paper will deliver the results of this demonstration and compare it to the theoretical analysis. Concepts and techniques needed for performing Single Carrier, Multi-Code link analysis will be described. In addition this paper will discuss the advantages of the Advanced Coding and Modulation mode for two-way systems and its implementation challenges into the next generation Joint IP Modem Architecture.
Acromegaly due to an ectopic pituitary adenoma in the clivus: case report and review of literature

Pituitary adenomas rarely originate outside the sella turcica. Ectopic locations include the suprasellar region, sphenoid sinus, cavernous sinus and clivus. We describe a 50-year-old female who presented with clinical signs and biochemical evidence of acromegaly. Pituitary MRI demonstrated a 2 mm hypointense lesion on the right side of the pituitary gland. However upon drilling of the upper clival bone to expose the sella during endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, soft tumor-like tissue was encountered within the clivus. Exploration of the sella, including the area of hypointensity noted on preoperative imaging, did not identify any other abnormality. Immunohistochemical examination of the fully resected tumor demonstrated growth hormone immunoreactivity. Failed preoperative diagnosis of this rare ectopic GH-producing tumor was compounded by the presence of a misleading pituitary abnormality consistent with a microadenoma. The epidemiology and pertinent literature of this uncommon condition is discussed.
Guanylate-binding proteins: niche recruiters for antimicrobial effectors.

There are fundamental questions regarding how IFN-γ activates host cells to eliminate intracellular pathogens. In this issue of Immunity, Yamamoto et al. (2012) demonstrate a critical role for the p65 guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) in this process during infection with Toxoplasma gondii.
Thymidine enhancement of methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil toxicity in cultured human colon carcinoma

Cultures of human colon carcinoma, HCT-8, were treated with millimolar concentrations of thymidine by different schedules designed to cytokinetically and biochemically modulate methotrexate (MTX) and 5-fluorouracil (FUra) toxicity. Thymidine (dThd)-synchronized HCT-8 cells monitored by flow cytofluorometry showed increased sensitivity to MTX and synergistic cytotoxicity to the combination MTX-FUra. FUra toxicity in synchronized cells showed no significant phase specificity overall, but a pattern of relative G2/M resistance was correlated with decreased intracellular FUra accumulation, incorporation into RNA, and formation of FdUMP. In asynchronous cultures dThd reduced MTX toxicity when given within the first 12 h of a 24-h MTX exposure, and also appeared to reduce the MTX-induced synergistic enhancement of FUra toxicity. When dThd was administered with FUra alone in asynchronous cultures, progressive, and synergistic enhancement of FUra toxicity was observed only after 6 h dThd pretreatment. Unlike MTX-FUra synergy, this schedule-dependent synergism between dThd and FUra did not correlate with intracellular FUra accumulation or specific incorporation into total cellular RNA. These results suggest that less well studied mechanisms of dThd modulation, other than enhanced deoxynucleotide formation or total RNA incorporation, may biochemically enhance FUra toxicity in HCT-8 cells.
Chemorheology of thermosetting resins. I. The chemorheology and curing kinetics of unsaturated polyester resin

The rheological properties and curing kinetics of a general-purpose polyester resin have been determined during isothermal cure. Both steady and oscillatory shearing flow properties were determined using a cone-and-plate rheometer, and the curing kinetics were determined using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). It was found that, as cure progresses, the steady shear viscosity increases very rapidly with cure time at all shear rates investigated, and normal forces show negative values at low shear rates and positive values at high shear rates. The observed negative normal forces are believed to result from material shrinkage during cure, and positive normal forces from the deformation of large molecules, formed by crosslinking reactions during cure. Note that, in a cone-and-plate rheometer, the shrinkage force acts in the direction opposite to that of normal forces. It is, therefore, concluded that extreme caution is needed in the interpretation of normal force measurements with thermosetting resins, subjected to steady shearing flow. Dynamic measurements seem to offer some insight on the onset of gel formation. More specifically, we have found that, when the unsaturated polyester resin was cured at a fast rate, the time at which a maximum in the loss modulus G” occurs coincides reasonably well with the time tη∞ at which the steady shear viscosity η approaches infinity. However, at a slow rate of cure, the time at which tan δ equals unity agrees fairly well with tη∞. DSC measurement has permitted us to determine the degree of cure as a function of cure time and the kinetic parameters in an empirical expression for the curing kinetics advanced by Kamal and co-workers. By combining the rheological and DSC measurements, we have constructed plots describing how the viscosity increases with the degree of cure, at various values of isothermal curing temperature.
An autocorrelation function test for output validation

Output validation is a major aspect of simulation validation in general. In continu ous simulation (e.g., System Dynamics), output validation involves demonstrating that the model is able to reproduce the dynamic time patterns that have been observed in the behavior of the real system. But standard sta tistical tests cannot be readily used to make such dynamic time pattern com parisons (i.e. periodicities, amplitudes, trends...) In this paper, we propose an output validity test that addresses the above need. The test consists of comparing the autocorrelation functions of the observed and model-generated outputs. Using simulation experiments, we demonstrate the application of the test to different situations, such as systems with large noise, observation errors, and models with parameter errors. The test is shown to detect significant errors in the fundamental periods of the observed and model-generated outputs. The test can also determine if the observed output has high frequency noise components (such as...
Brain points: a growth mindset incentive structure boosts persistence in an educational game

There is great interest in leveraging video games to improve student engagement and motivation. However, educational games are not uniformly effective, and little is known about how in-game rewards affect children's learning-related behavior. In this work, we argue that educational games can be improved by fundamentally changing their incentive structures to promote the growth mindset, or the belief that intelligence is malleable. We present "brain points," a system that encourages the development of growth mindset behaviors by directly incentivizing effort, use of strategy, and incremental progress. Through a study of 15,000 children, we show that the "brain points" system encourages more low-performing students to persist in the educational game Refraction when compared to a control, and increases overall time played, strategy use, and perseverance after challenge. We believe that this growth mindset incentive structure has great potential in many educational environments.