cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Host-compiled multicore RTOS simulator for embedded real-time software development

With increasing demand for higher performance under limited power budgets, multicore processors are rapidly becoming the norm in today's embedded systems. Embedded software constitutes a large portion of today's systems and realtime software design on multicore platforms opens new design challenges. In this paper, we introduce a high-level, host-compiled multicore software simulator that incorporates an abstract real-time operating system (RTOS) model to enable early, fast and accurate software exploration in a symmetric multi-processing (SMP) context. Our proposed model helps designers to explore different scheduling parameters within a framework of a general SMP execution environment. A designer can easily adjust application and OS parameters to evaluate their effect on real-time system performance. We demonstrate the efficiency of our models on a suite of industrial-strength and artificial task sets. Results show that models simulate at up to 1000 MIPS with 1–3% timing error across a variety of different OS configurations.
Explaining Dimensions of State-Level Punitiveness in the United States The Roles of Social, Economic, and Cultural Factors

The United States currently imprisons more citizens than any other Western nation. Over the last few decades, the trend across the United States has been to increase penalties for many offenses. Th...
Object recognition in visually complex environments: an architecture for locating address blocks on mail pieces

A method of recognizing an object of interest in a complex visual environment is described. Motivated by the problem of finding the destination address block on a piece of mail, a general framework for coordinating a collection of specialized image analysis tools is described. The resulting system can deal with a wide range of environments: from those having a high degree of global spatial structure (e.g. mail envelopes which conform to specifications) to those with no structure (e.g. magazines with randomly pasted address labels). The problem-solving architecture accounts for uncertainty in the imaging environment by using the blackboard model. The system consists of several specialized tools and a control structure so that the tools are opportunistically invoked and coordinated. Its performance on an image database of difficult cases is described. >
The interactive relationship of competitive climate and trait competitiveness with workplace attitudes, stress, and performance

There has been a considerable debate about the individual and organizational benefits of competition. Adopting a person–environment fit perspective, this research examined the influence of competition as an interaction between trait competitiveness and competitive climate. Using a sample of information technology workers, competitive climate was considered as both an individual level variable and a workgroup variable. Results show that the effect of competitive climate depended on trait competitiveness and the level at which climate was assessed for four of the outcomes assessed: job satisfaction, organizational commitment, job dedication, and supervisor-rated task performance. In general, the effect of competitive climate was more negative for individuals lower in trait competitiveness. Competitive psychological climate was associated with greater stress regardless of the level of trait competitiveness but was not directly related to self-rated task performance. Findings suggest that managers should be cautious in encouraging competitive climate. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultracentrifugal and immunological comparisons of succinylated human thyroglobulin and 27 S iodoprotein.

Human thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid 27 S iodoprotein were dissociated with succinic anhydride (SA), to examine similarities in subunit organization and in immunological reactivity of these subunits. In the analytical ultracentrifuge, S-9, S-11, and 5–16 components arose from 19 S Tg dissociation. Four species, including S-7, S-12, S-15, and S-19 subunits, were formed upon dissociation of 27 S protein. More than 80% of the Tg was transformed into the S-9 component at higher SA concentrations. At similar SA levels, all four of the 27 S protein subunits remained. Immunological reactivity of the intact and succinylated iodoproteins was tested with rabbit anti-Tg sera and human autoimmune thyroiditis sera. Products of both Tg and 27 S protein dissociation behaved similarly in immunodiffusion (ID) and in inhibition of tanned cell hemagglutination (TCHI). All succinylated products, even after purification, were active as inhibitors in TCHI against both types of sera. Also, every dissociated sample precipitated ...
Native American Landholding in the Colonial Hudson Valley

Native American patterns of landownership among the Munsee- and Mahican-speaking peoples of the colonial Hudson Valley represented a set of practices that ranged from the communal landholding of larger political groups down to land held by individual families. At times these Indian groups treated their lands as cohesive homelands, and at other times they acted as if lands belonged to particular families. This article suggests that these practices sprang from a flexible political system where power was widely dispersed. Which pattern of landholding predominated at any given time depended on circumstances particular to each historical moment.
Crystal structure of Rb 4 C 60 under pressure: X-ray diffraction experiments

We show that ${\mathrm{Rb}}_{4}{\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ transforms from its orientationally disordered tetragonal structure at ambient pressure to an orthorhombic phase in the neighborhood of $0.4\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$. Lattice parameters, interfullerene distances, and closest Rb-C distances evolve continuously up to $2.2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$. Rietveld refinements establish that the high pressure phase is isostructural to ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{4}{\mathrm{C}}_{60}$. The previously observed conducting phase at $0.8\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$ is therefore structurally distinct from the ambient pressure insulator.
Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) and Their Parasites in Agricultural Areas of Southern Arizona

Lygus spp. and their parasites were surveyed on alfalfa, cotton, grain sorghum, guayule, and a number of weed hosts in southern Arizona. Lygus hesperus Knight, L. elisus Van Duzee, and L. desertinus Knight were found at Yuma, while these species and L. lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvais) were found in other areas. L. hesperus was the predominant species found, although others predominated on individual plant species. The mymarid Anaphes ovijentatus (Crosby & Leonard), a parasite of eggs, was the most common parasite found, with monthly averages of up to 100% parasitization. Leiophron uniformis (Gahan), a braconid parasite of the nymphs, was found in all areas surveyed, but was much less abundant than A. ovijentatus. The tachinid Alophorella sp. emerged in small numbers from adults collected at Tucson and Benson.
Seizure-Associated Brain Injury in Perinatal Asphyxia

Brain injury in term infants with neonatal asphyxia and seizures was evaluated by MRI and MRS at the University of California, San Francisco.
Anionic N-Heterocyclic Dicarbene−Borane Binuclear Complexes

The first anionic N-heterocyclic dicarbene−borane binuclear complexes, Li+·[H3B:C{[N(2,6-Pri2C6H3)]2CHC:BH3}]− (V) and Li+(THF)3·[H3B:C{[N(2,6-Pri2C6H3)]2CHC:BEt3}]− (VI), were synthesized by combining BH3·THF with [:C{[N(2,6-Pri2C6H3)]2CHCLi}]n (III) and (THF)2Li:C{[N(2,6-Pri2C6H3)]2CHC(BEt3)} (IV), respectively. X-ray crystal structures of a (V·THF)n polymer, a V·(DME)2 monomer, a (V·DME)2 dimer, and a VI monomer were obtained. The nature of the bonding of V and VI was probed further by computations.
Enhancement of phytoplankton chlorophyll by submesoscale frontal dynamics in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre

Subtropical gyres contribute significantly to global ocean productivity. As the climate warms, the strength of these gyres as a biological carbon pump is predicted to diminish due to increased stratification and depleted surface nutrients. We present results suggesting that the impact of submesoscale physics on phytoplankton in the oligotrophic ocean is substantial and may either compensate or exacerbate future changes in carbon cycling. A new statistical tool was developed to quantify surface patchiness from sea surface temperatures. Chlorophyll concentrations in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre were shown to be enhanced by submesoscale frontal dynamics with an average increase of 38% (maximum of 83%) during late winter. The magnitude of this enhancement is comparable to the observed decline in chlorophyll due to a warming of ~1.1°C. These results highlight the need for an improved understanding of fine-scale physical variability in order to predict the response of marine ecosystems to projected climate changes.
An Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Obsidian Artifacts from White Sands Missile Range, Southern New Mexico

www.escholarship.org/uc/item/5j01f57m LETTER REPORT Department of Anthropology 232 Kroeber Hall University of California Berkeley, CA 94720-3710 AN ENERGY-DISPERSIVE X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS OF OBSIDIAN ARTIFACTS FROM WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO 17 March 2010 Peter Cropley R.C. Goodwin Associates, Inc. 1100 New York Avenue Alamogordo, NM 88310 Dear Peter, This report can be seen as an update on the earlier larger study (Shackley 2010). As before most of the 17 artifacts analyzed were produced from Cerro Toledo Rhyolite, of the Tewa Formation of the Jemez Mountains, northern New Mexico (Shackley 2005; Table 1 here). Cerro Toledo Rhyoltie can be found in secondary contexts in the Rio Grande River Quaternary alluvium (Church 2000, Shackley 2005, 2010). One sample was produced from the El Rechuelos source that is also available in the Rio Grande alluvium. One sample (06) was produced from Cow Canyon obsidian, a source in eastern Arizona (Shackley 2005; see Table 1 here). One sample was not obsidian. The samples were analyzed with a ThermoScientific Quant’X EDXRF spectrometer in the Geoarchaeological XRF Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley. Specific instrumental methods can be found at http://www.swxrflab.net/anlysis.htm, and Shackley (2005). Analysis of the USGS RGM-2 standard indicates high machine precision for the elements of interest (Table 1 here). Sincerely, M. Steven Shackley Professor and Director VOICE: (510) 642-2533 INTERNET: shackley@berkeley.edu http://www.swxrflab.net/
Thought and probe on basic research for Chinese materia medica based on intestinal absorption barrier

Peroral administration is the main dosage form of Chinese materia medica(CMM),it must overcome the affect of intestinal absorption barrier,and educe it's contribution of healing.In this paper,the system of techniques in studying intestinal absorption barrier was reviewed and a series investigations on CMM in our laboratory were introduced.It will be benefit of understanding sciencific expound to study absorption of some effective constituents and composition in CMM,and will further promote the modernization of CMM as well.
A Happy Marriage: The Union of Online Instruction and Community-Based Learning.

This article explores the opportunities and challenges that university instructors and students have when completing course assignments that merge community-based learning (CBL) and online learning (OL) in sport management and athletic administration pedagogy. As online instruction continues to increase, instructors and students need to be equipped to handle its challenges while at the same time seeking to maximize the opportunities that result from the flexibility and versatility of online instructional methods. While both OL and CBL are popular pedagogical activities, strategic efforts need to be utilized to make these methods can compatible. This article identifies two sample projects that show how online instruction and community-based learning can be “married” in a joint union that will be beneficial for all involved.
The Soul of the City

Tenderloin U students have reported being transformed. Moved by people they have met and collaborated with on-community projects, they have discussed intellectual, emotional, and spiritual learning experiences. Their time there has been “real,” exposing them to people and issues that they have only read about. They discover a depth of understanding not found in traditional classrooms and have been inspired to do good, meaningful, and purposeful work that benefits the community. The stories of people who fled the aftermath of the war in Vietnam or the horrors of Khmer Rouge Cambodia and found new, satisfying lives in the Tenderloin, and became street teachers for Tenderloin U, are told. The depth of learning by engaging in the inner city is discussed.
HIPAA security compliance challenges: The case for small healthcare providers

More than 60% of physicians in the U.S. practice as small healthcare providers. The realm of small healthcare providers includes dental offices, orthodontists, chiropractors, massage therapists, op...
Identification and characterization of m6A circular RNA epitranscriptomes

This study brings together the expanding fields of RNA modifications and circular (circ) RNAs. We find that cells express thousands of m6A methylated circRNAs, with cell-type specificity observed between human embryonic stem cells and HeLa cells. m6A-circRNAs were identified by RNA sequencing of total RNA following ribosome depletion and m6A immunoprecipitation. The presence of m6A-circRNAs is corroborated by the identification of complexes between circRNAs and YTHDF1 and YTHDF2, proteins that “read” m6A sites in mRNAs. Furthermore, m6A modifications on non-linear RNAs depend on METTL3 and METTL14, the known m6A methyltransferase “writer” complex components, suggesting that circRNAs are methylated by the same complexes responsible for m6A modification of linear RNAs. Despite sharing m6A readers and writers, m6A-circRNAs are frequently derived from exons not methylated in mRNAs. Nevertheless, m6A-mRNAs that are methylated on the same exons as those composing m6A-circRNAs exhibit less stability than other m6A-mRNA, and this circRNA-mRNA cross-talk is regulated by YTHDF2. Thus, our results expand the m6A regulatory code through identification of the first circRNA epitranscriptome.
Controlling Solid–Liquid Conversion Reactions for a Highly Reversible Aqueous Zinc–Iodine Battery

Aqueous rechargeable batteries are desirable for energy storage because of their low cost and high safety. However, low capacity and short cyclic life are significant obstacles to their practical applications. Here, we demonstrate a highly reversible aqueous zinc–iodine battery using encapsulated iodine in microporous carbon as the cathode material by controlling solid–liquid conversion reactions. We identified the factors influencing solid–liquid conversion reactions, e.g., the pore size, surface chemistry of carbon host, and solvent effect. Rational manipulation of the competition between the adsorption in carbon and solvation in electrolytes for iodine species is responsible for the high reversibility and cyclic stability. The zinc–iodine battery delivers a high capacity of 174.4 mAh g–1 at 1C, stable cyclic life over 3000 cycles with ∼90% capacity retention, and negligible self-discharge. We believe that the principles for stabilizing the zinc–iodine system could provide new insight for other conversi...
Barriers and Facilitators of HPV Vaccination in the VFC Program

This study determined facilitators and barriers to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination perceived by providers of healthcare in the federally funded Pennsylvania Vaccines for Children (PA VFC) program. The cross-sectional study gathered descriptive data through a survey research design. Providers of healthcare were recruited through an email containing a link to an 18-question online survey. The survey was divided into four main sections which assessed the perceived facilitators and barriers to HPV vaccination of PA VFC program-eligibles. Survey respondents represented 65 of 66 Pennsylvania counties covered by the PA VFC Program. The study recruited 772 PA VFC participating healthcare facilities for a response rate of 52%. Ninety eight percent of the responding facilities reported that they offered the HPV vaccine. The most common barriers to vaccine administration were the parental belief that HPV vaccination is associated with sexual activity and parent/patient refusal of the HPV vaccination which together accounted for (44%) of responses. The majority of respondents (75.6%) indicated counseling parents and adolescents on the benefits of HPV vaccination was a very important factor in HPV vaccination uptake. Healthcare provider facility based training (32%) and web-based training for healthcare providers (22%) were the most recommended avenues for HPV training. The most common barrier to HPV vaccination was identified as the parental misconception that HPV vaccination is associated with sexual activity. Providers believed that the best way to increase HPV vaccination is through counseling parents and adolescents on the benefits of HPV vaccination and to correct misconceptions and change attitudes. Providers are desirous of receiving HPV web-based or workplace training.
The sound-to-music illusion: Repetition can musicalize nonspeech sounds

The speech-to-song illusion tracks a perceptual transformation across repetitions where a stimulus that originally sounded like speech comes to sound like song. This article examines whether the il...
The Data Calculator: Data Structure Design and Cost Synthesis from First Principles and Learned Cost Models

Data structures are critical in any data-driven scenario, but they are notoriously hard to design due to a massive design space and the dependence of performance on workload and hardware which evolve continuously. We present a design engine, the Data Calculator, which enables interactive and semi-automated design of data structures. It brings two innovations. First, it offers a set of fine-grained design primitives that capture the first principles of data layout design: how data structure nodes lay data out, and how they are positioned relative to each other. This allows for a structured description of the universe of possible data structure designs that can be synthesized as combinations of those primitives. The second innovation is computation of performance using learned cost models. These models are trained on diverse hardware and data profiles and capture the cost properties of fundamental data access primitives (e.g., random access). With these models, we synthesize the performance cost of complex operations on arbitrary data structure designs without having to: 1) implement the data structure, 2) run the workload, or even 3) access the target hardware. We demonstrate that the Data Calculator can assist data structure designers and researchers by accurately answering rich what-if design questions on the order of a few seconds or minutes, i.e., computing how the performance (response time) of a given data structure design is impacted by variations in the: 1) design, 2) hardware, 3) data, and 4) query workloads. This makes it effortless to test numerous designs and ideas before embarking on lengthy implementation, deployment, and hardware acquisition steps. We also demonstrate that the Data Calculator can synthesize entirely new designs, auto-complete partial designs, and detect suboptimal design choices.
Reopening Openness to Experience: A Network Analysis of Four Openness to Experience Inventories

Openness to Experience is a complex trait, the taxonomic structure of which has been widely debated. Previous research has provided greater clarity of its lower order structure by synthesizing face...
The influence of perceived strength of brand origin on willingness to pay more for luxury goods

Drawing on dual processing theory (Loewenstein et al. in Decision 2(2):55–81, 2015), this paper investigates how the perceived strength of brand origin (PSBO) influences brand love and the willingness to pay more (WTPM) for luxury brands. Participants for two studies were recruited through the consumer panel of a professional survey service provider (Qualtrics). Mediation analysis based on Hayes’ (Behav Res Methods 40(3):879–891, 2013) process macro showed that brand love mediates the influence of PSBO on WTPM. This mediating effect through brand love (a highly emotional route) was substantially stronger than the alternative mediating effect through the quality-related aspects of brand luxuriousness (a more cognitive route of processing). Moderation analysis further showed that status consumption has a negative (i.e., attenuating) effect on the relationship between PSBO and brand love. Specifically, the results suggest that whereas consumers low on status consumption use PSBO as an important cue for how much they love the brand, consumers high on status consumption show relatively high levels of brand love, no matter whether PSBO is low or high. The findings make an important contribution to current research on brand origin and brand love, and provide marketing practitioners with options to manage luxury products more effectively.
Adoptive Immunotherapy of Cancer

Cellular adoptive therapy (CAT) of cancer has begun to evolve as a new modality of treatment for metastatic disease. The initial enthusiasm for CAT has now abated in view of the evidence that only about one-third of patients with metastatic melanoma or renal cell carcinoma treated with CAT have achieved objective responses. Nevertheless, studies from animal models of tumour metastasis, and more recent clinical trials in which selected populations of activated lymphocytes instead of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells are being used for therapy, indicate that CAT may be very effective in eliminating established metastases and inducing long term responses in patients unresponsive to conventional therapies. The mechanisms responsible for the antitumour effects of adoptively transferred subpopulations of effector cells are not understood and are under intense investigation at this time. Future prospects for improvements in efficacy of CAT include: (a) transfer of genetically modified effector cells; (b) use of cells armed with tumour antigen—specific monoclonal antibodies; and (c) combination therapy with CAT and adjuvant use of chemotherapeutic agents.
The glucocorticoid receptor and cortisol levels in pediatric septic shock

There is controversy around the prescription of adjunct corticosteroids in patients with fluid-refractory septic shock, and studies provide mixed results, showing benefit, no benefit, and harm. Traditional means for evaluating whether a patient receives corticosteroids relied on anecdotal experience or measurement of serum cortisol production following stimulation. We set out to measure both serum cortisol and the intracellular signaling receptor for cortisol, the glucocorticoid receptor (GCR), in this group of patients. We enrolled pediatric patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with a diagnosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, or septic shock as well as healthy controls. We measured serum cortisol concentration and GCR expression by flow cytometry in peripheral blood leukocytes on the day of admission and day 3. We enrolled 164 patients for analysis. There was no difference between GCR expression comparing SIRS, sepsis, and septic shock. When all patients with septic shock were compared, those patients with a complicated course, defined as two or more organ failures at day 7 or death by day 28, had lower expression of GCR in all peripheral blood leukocytes. Further analysis suggested that patients with the combination of low GCR and high serum cortisol had higher rates of complicated course (75%) compared with the other three possible combinations of GCR and cortisol levels: low GCR and low cortisol (33%), high GCR and high cortisol (33%), and high GCR and low cortisol (13%; P <0.05). We show that decreased expression of the GCR correlated with poor outcome from septic shock, particularly in those patients with high serum cortisol. This is consistent with findings from transcriptional studies showing that downregulation of GCR signaling genes portends worse outcome.
Weight Loss Results in Increased Expression of Anti-Inflammatory Protein CRISPLD2 in Mouse Adipose Tissue.

Objective Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, whereas weight loss is associated with improved health outcomes. It is therefore important to learn how adipose contraction during weight loss contributes to improved health. It was hypothesized that adipose tissue undergoing weight loss would have a unique transcriptomic profile, expressing specific genes that might improve health. Methods This study conducted an RNA-sequencing analysis of the epididymal adipose tissue of mice fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) or a regular rodent chow diet (RD) ad libitum for 10 weeks versus a cohort of mice fed HFD for the first 5 weeks before being swapped to an RD for the remainder of the study (swapped diet [SWAP]). Results The swapped diet resulted in weight loss, with a parallel improvement in insulin sensitivity. RNA sequencing revealed several transcriptomic signatures distinct to adipose tissue in SWAP mice, distinguished from both RD and HFD adipose tissue. The analysis found a unique upregulated mRNA that encodes a secreted lipopolysaccharide-binding glycoprotein (CRISPLD2) in adipose tissue. Whereas cellular CRISPLD2 protein levels were unchanged, plasma CRIPSLD2 levels increased in SWAP mice following weight loss and could correlate with insulin sensitivity. Conclusions Taken together, these data demonstrate that CRISPLD2 is a circulating adipokine that may regulate adipocyte remodeling during weight loss.
Color tuning of face-selective neurons in macaque inferior temporal cortex

How are face-specific color signals encoded by the brain? We addressed this question by measuring color responses of face-selective cells in alert macaque monkey, using fMRI-guided microelectrode recording of the middle and anterior face patches. Many face-selective neurons showed broad color tuning when assessed using images that preserved the luminance contrast relationships of the original face photographs. A Fourier analysis of the color-tuning responses uncovered two components. The first harmonic showed a bias towards the L>M pole of the L-M cardinal axis of cone-opponent color space (appearing reddish), which suggests that face cells encode a prior about the color component of faces that is important for social signaling (blood perfusion). The second harmonic showed a bias for colors that modulate the S-cone cardinal axis, which may relate to the computation of animacy by IT cells. Taken together, these results uncover a putative physiological basis for the role of color in face perception and show that chromatic signatures corresponding to the cardinal chromatic mechanisms are evident not only in subcortical circuits, as previously known, but also far along the visual-processing hierarchy, within inferior temporal cortex. Significance It is not known how the brain processes combined color and face information. The present results fill this gap in knowledge by uncovering the color tuning properties of face-selective neurons. The results further our understanding of the neural mechanisms that make color an informative cue for social communication.
School environments predict Hispanic children's physical education related outcomes through basic psychological need satisfaction

Abstract School physical activity environments including physical environment (e.g., facilities, equipment) and social environment (e.g., teachers and peers support) provide a foundational support for children's physical activities in school. Guided by self-determination theory, this study aimed to test three mediation models between school physical activity environments and PE related outcomes (i.e., effort in PE and physical fitness) through basic psychological need satisfaction (BPNS) among Hispanic children in the U.S. Participants included 215 fourth- and fifth-grade Hispanic children (Mage = 10.66 years), who completed (a) a survey measuring perceived school physical activity environments, BPNS, and effort in PE, and (b) the FITNESSGRAM® test battery assessing their cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and body composition. Structural equation modeling revealed that, controlling for age, school physical activity environments positively predicted effort in PE through partial mediation of BPNS and physical fitness through full mediation of BPNS. These findings highlight the potential roles of school environments in predicting Hispanic children's health and fitness. Accordingly, building adequate physical activity facilities and providing culturally relevant activities is recommended for enhancing Hispanic children's learning in PE.
Threading Together a Successful NSF-Funded Science and Technology Center: The Impact of Dr. Erik Goodman

Funders want people to work together, yet successful collaborations take more than wanting it to work out. Our ongoing organizational evaluation of the Bio/- computational Evolution in Action CONsortium (BEACON – a multi-institutional NSF-funded science and technology center) found that creating a successful multiinstitutional research collaborative takes forethought and ongoing effort in order to thrive and achieve its mission and goals. A strategic and servant leader is necessary for a successful collaboration. The leader needs to be respected in the field; be able to work effectively with and motivate key stakeholders, faculty, and students; work collaboratively and with a coalition; recognize the importance of organizational evaluation; and be respected and trusted for his leadership abilities. This article articulates the key attributes of Dr. Erik Goodman’s leadership of the BEACON Center Life’s natural tendency is to organize. Life organizes into greater levels of complexity to support more diversity and greater sustainability [12, p.3]
Studies of Nanoparticle-Assisted Photoannealing of Polydimethylsiloxane by Time-harmonic Photothermal Microscopy

In nanoparticle-assisted photothermal microscopy, absorption of radiation by a nanoparticle is followed by non-radiative relaxation which leads to changes in the surrounding medium temperature, pre...
Substance use in a sexual context: the association of sex-related substance use motives with substance choice and use behaviors

Substance use before sex is associated with riskier behaviors. Sex-related substance use motives may explain pre-sex substance use. We explored what sex-related motives are associated with alcohol ...
Sedation Considerations for Patients with Congenital and Acquired Heart Disease

Infants and children with congenital heart disease frequently require sedation for imaging or other procedures outside the operating room. Children with heart disease are not only at risk from an airway perspective but also could be at risk for hemodynamic compromise due to cardiac issues. This chapter addresses basic pathophysiology of common congenital and acquired heart diseases and an approach to procedural sedation in this cohort.
The lonely nineties: Visions of community in contemporary US television

Building on the interconnection of prominent media and cultural studies scholars, The Lonely Nineties examines a collage of popular 1990s American television programs by highlighting their historic...
Rop16-mediated activation of stat6 suppresses host cell reactive oxygen species production, facilitating type iii toxoplasma gondii growth and survival

ABSTRACT Polymorphic effector proteins determine the susceptibility of Toxoplasma gondii strains to IFN-γ-mediated clearance mechanisms deployed by murine host cells. However, less is known about the influence of these polymorphic effector proteins on IFN-γ-independent clearance mechanisms. Here, we show that deletion of one such polymorphic effector protein, ROP16, from a type III background leads to a defect in parasite growth and survival in unstimulated human fibroblasts and murine macrophages. Rescue of these defects requires a ROP16 with a functional kinase domain and the ability to activate a specific family of host cell transcription factors (STAT3, 5a, and 6). The growth and survival defects correlate with an accumulation of host cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are prevented by treatment with an ROS inhibitor. Exogenous activation of STAT3 and 6 suppresses host cell ROS production during infection with ROP16-deficient parasites and depletion of STAT6, but not STAT3 or 5a, causes an accumulation of ROS in cells infected with wild-type parasites. Pharmacological inhibition of NOX2 and mitochondrially derived ROS also rescues growth and survival of ROP16-deficient parasites. Collectively, these findings reveal an IFN-γ-independent mechanism of parasite restriction in human cells that is subverted by injection of ROP16 by type III parasites. IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects up to one-third of the world’s population. Control of the parasite is largely accomplished by IFN-γ-dependent mechanisms that stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Parasite suppression of IFN-γ-stimulated responses has been linked to proteins that the parasite secretes into its host cell. These secreted proteins vary by T. gondii strain and determine strain-specific lethality in mice. How these strain-specific polymorphic effector proteins affect IFN-γ-independent parasite control mechanisms in human and murine cells is not well known. This study shows that one such secreted protein, ROP16, enables efficient parasite growth and survival by suppressing IFN-γ-independent production of ROS by human and mouse cells.
Heráclito de Éfeso: sobre o sono, a vigília e a morte

Este artigo propoe um estudo sobre as relacoes do sono, da vigilia e da morte com a alma e o com Logos heraclitico. Conforme a teoria de Heraclito de Efeso sobre o sono e a vigilia, o homem esta em contato com a morte quando dorme, pois o arder de sua alma-fogo se abranda. Assim, quem dorme se assemelha aquele que esta morto, sendo o sono um estado intermediario entre a vida acordada e a morte. Para defender essa leitura dos fragmentos e para que a pesquisa fosse realizada, estabelecemos tres momentos de pesquisa que buscaram elucidar a relacao entre alma, Logos, sono, vigilia e morte. Em um primeiro momento, tentamos compreender o que Heraclito descreveu como sono, vigilia e morte, bem como buscamos entender a relacao entre eles. Em um segundo momento, foi preciso abordar os fragmentos sobre a alma propostos pelo filosofo em questao. Esse passo foi imprescindivel a pesquisa proposta, pois revelou uma possivel conexao do homem com o fogo constituinte de tudo e pudemos defender a ideia de que, para Heraclito, o homem e parte de um todo. A partir da descricao de uma alma-fogo, foi possivel pensar, em um terceiro momento do texto, o que e o Logos, tantas vezes e de tantos modos mencionado pelo filosofo. Esta reflexao foi feita para reforcar, por fim, o pensamento do efesio sobre as relacoes entre sono, vigilia e morte como parte integrante de uma filosofia que une ideias a respeito da vida humana com as suas teorias acerca de tudo que existe.
Parents’ perspective on the social traits observed in school-age children with autism and children with Williams syndrome

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders and those with Williams syndrome often have impairments in social behaviors. These two neurodevelopmental disorders are often reputed to be on the opposit...
Catheter-Related Venous Thrombosis in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients on Intravenous Prostacyclin Therapy

Rationale: Intravenous prostacyclin (PG) therapies are used for managing severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Most PAH patients respond to PG therapies, but some experience complications associated with presence of indwelling catheters. We observed development of venous thromboses in patients and present our experience. Methods: A retrospective chart review of PAH patients on long-term intravenous PG therapy was conducted between 2008 and 2017.Demographic, hemodynamic, six-minute walk distance (6MWD), WHO/NYHA functional class (FC) and outcome data were collected. Results: Six of 63 patients on intravenous PG therapy were identified with venous thromboses. Mean age was 44±15 years (mean ±SD, range 31 to 70 years). All patients were female. Duration of PAH diagnosis 15±7 years; duration of IV PG therapy7.4±3.8 years. One patient had antiphospholipid antibody syndrome; hypercoagulable workup was negative for other five patients. Diagnostic right heart catheterization showed mean pulmonary artery pressure of 53.6±5.4 mmHg and thermodilution cardiac output was 4.94±1.4 l/min. Echocardiogram showed RAP of 8.3±6 mmHg. Development of thrombosis occurred 4±2 years after initiation of therapy. The most common site of thrombosis was subclavian vein followed by femoral vein. All patients were on anticoagulation therapy with warfarin or a novel oral anticoagulation agent prior to development of thrombosis. Because of repeated catheter infections and poor vascular access, two of three patients were successfully transitioned to oral therapies without significant change in FC. Conclusion: A small percentage of patients on intravenous PG therapy for PAH develop thrombosis in areas of venous access. There does not appear to be a difference in occurrence of thrombosis in patients who have idiopathic PAH or associated PAH. Anticoagulation did not prevent initial or subsequent thrombosis. Development of recurrent thrombosis limits vascular access available for infusion of intravenous PG, thereby necessitating transition to alternative therapy. Transitioning off intravenous PG could affect patient's symptoms and FC. Funding Statement: The authors state that no funding was received for this research. Declaration of Interests: The authors state: "The authors have no conflicts to disclose." Ethics Approval Statement: A waiver of consent was granted by the Institutional Review Board.
Causes of Homelessness

A growing body of evidence points to a disturbing fact: A substantial number of people in the United States are without homes. A national study estimated that in 31 medium-sized and large cities, an average of more than 7,000 people are homeless, including 60,000 people in New York City.4 Current nationwide estimates are controversial; figures range from 250,000 to 3 million homeless people,3,5–10 with 2 million the most frequently cited figure. Although these estimates are imprecise, far more people are homeless today than in the 1960s and early 1970s.
A New Protection Model to Provide Availability-Guaranteed Service for Reliable Optical WDM Networks

Reliability is a crucial concern in high-speed optical networks. A service-level agreement (SLA), which mandates high service availability even in face of network failures, must be met in provisioning reliable connection. In this study, we investigate a generalized connection-provisioning and protection model to provide availability-guaranteed services in a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) optical mesh network. A novel link-state model is proposed to represent physical-layer availability and resource status for an optical link. This information can be used by a standard link-state routing protocol to efficiently provide reliable connections. In our proposed link-state-modeling mechanism, current network resource information and the physical components’ failure characteristics are aggregated to form a comprehensive dynamic link-state parameter, called link and resource availability (LRA). Based on such a dynamic link-state parameter, we also propose an algorithm for availability-guaranteed connection provisioning. A new generalized protection model is developed through our dynamic LRA-based provisioning. The dynamic LRA-based connection-provisioning algorithm efficiently provides SLA-guaranteed services while significantly improving connection reliability, better utilizing network resources, and achieving fast failure recovery.
Environmental forecasting and strategic planning practices in country clubs: an exploratory study.

ABSTRACT This study was designed to determine the extent to which private country clubs utilize environmental forecasting in their strategic planning activities. Also identified were key environmental issues that affect the country clubs' ability to plan strategically within the constraints imposed by their boards and general memberships. General managers from four country clubs in North and South Carolina were queried using a combination of personal interviews and survey questionnaires. Three of the four clubs surveyed practiced strategic planning to some extent, utilizing a variety of influences and participants in the process. Human resource issues were a major concern faced by all of the clubs surveyed. Each club also rated economic, technological, and ecological issues as most important to their clubs' success.
Bone Loss Triggered by the Cytokine Network in Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases

Bone remodeling is a lifelong process in vertebrates that relies on the correct balance between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. Bone loss and fracture risk are implicated in inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The network of inflammatory cytokines produced during chronic inflammation induces an uncoupling of bone formation and resorption, resulting in significant bone loss in patients with inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Here, we review and discuss the involvement of the inflammatory cytokine network in the pathophysiological aspects and the therapeutic advances in inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
Rainfall‐Runoff Modeling for Integrated Basin Management

Integrated basin management is concerned with the interactions of physical, ecological, economic, and social systems as they affect the operation, planning, and policy making processes inherent in the management of land and water resources. Systems of integrated hydrological, chemical, biological, ecological, and socioeconomic models are typically used to assess the effects of proposed management alternatives on basin resources, or to manage basin resources in real time. Water is a common thread linking many of the components among these models. The ability to adequately simulate rainfall-runoff processes and their interactions with processes related to other system components significantly affects the integrated system results. Model complexity and compatibility, data availability, and a number of error sources that include data, model parameters, and model structure, are major concerns in the use of integrated modeling systems. The effects of these error sources on the uncertainty in simulation results become even more complex in integrated system application in which output from one model is typically used as input to other models. The number and complexity of available integrated modeling systems represent a wide variety of approaches with different models, operational features, user interfaces, data formats, and analytical tools. For this review, integrated modeling systems have been characterized as using either a (i) dedicated-system approach with a predefined set of models or (ii) modeling-framework approach that typically enables the application of a user-selected set of models. A number of available integrated systems within these two classifications are described and an example of application of a modular-framework approach is presented. Keywords: hydrological models; ecological models; water-quality models; modeling frameworks; water management; resource management; uncertainty
Gene linkage by RNA-DNA hybridization: I. Unique DNA sequences homologous to 4 s RNA, 5 s RNA and ribosomal RNA

A method for measuring sequence homology between high specific activity RNA's and DNA of Xenopus laevis is described. A CsCl centrifugation step fractionates the DNA according to its buoyant density. The DNA in each fraction is denatured, immobilized on a nitrocellulose filter, and then hybridized with [3H]RNA. The technique combines specificity and versatility not afforded by other hybridization methods. Specificity arises from the fact that the DNA's homologous to different classes of RNA band at unique buoyant densities. Essentially all DNA homologous to 28 s and 18 s ribosomal RNA (rDNA) bands as a heavy satellite. The DNA homologous to 5 s RNA bands to the light side of the bulk DNA, and DNA homologous to 4 s RNA is distributed throughout the band of the bulk DNA and to the heavy side. Since the DNA's homologous to each of these RNA classes are separated by CsCl fractionation, competition experiments have increased specificity and have been used to demonstrate that the DNA's do not share common nucleotide sequences. The high-density rDNA comprises about 0.057% of the genome as determined by hybridization with saturating amounts of rRNA; this amounts to about 450 of the 28 s and 18 s genes for each haploid complement of chromosomes. This rDNA is clustered on a single chromosome, since more than 99% of it is lost by a deletion (the nucleolar mutation) which segregates as a simple Mendelian factor. This deletion does not affect the DNA homologous to 4 s and 5 s RNA, supporting the observation that these DNA sequences are not intermingled with the rDNA. Since a linear relationship exists between the amount of DNA immobilized on filters and the extent of hybridization with the three groups of [3H]RNA, the technique can be used to measure the amount of homologous sequences in unknown DNA preparations even when the RNA is used in subsaturating amounts. The relative abundance of nucleotide sequences homologous to rRNA and 5 s RNA in X. laevis liver, erythrocyte, and embryonic DNA has been found to be similar.
Secure RPC authentication (SRA) for TELNET and FTP

TELNET and FTP currently exchange user authentication (passwords) in plain text, which is easily eavesdropped. Several techniques, such as Kerberos and SPX, have been proposed in draft RFCs to implement secure authentication. These techniques, however, have several drawbacks, including technical complexity, poor vendor support, and organizational problems. This paper presents SRA, a very simple and tested technique based on Secure RPC which, while certainly not as strong as RSA, is reasonably strong, fast, and trivial to implement immediately for both inter and intra-domain communication.
The Making of a Reform Jewish Cantor: Musical Authority, Cultural Investment

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Judah M. Cohen Year: 2009 Pages: 320 Details: CD included Publisher: Indiana University Press ISBN: 978-0-253-35365-8 (hard cover). Prices: $39.95 USD(hard cover).
Improving Vehicle Fuel Economy with Hybrid Power Systems

Hybrid vehicles, i.e., those containing two or more sources of power, have the potential of increased fuel economy under certain types of driving conditions. Systems currently being investigated include combinations of heat engines, electric drives, fly-wheels, and accumulators. In order to obtain fuel economy improvements over conventional vehicles, efficient components are required as well as a good system design. Hybrid powerplants appear more promising for heavier vehicles. /SAE/