cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Climate gentrification: from theory to empiricism in Miami-Dade County, Florida

This article provides a conceptual model for the pathways by which climate change could operate to impact geographies and property markets whose inferior or superior qualities for supporting the built environment are subject to a descriptive theory known as 'Climate Gentrification.' The article utilizes Miami-Dade County, Florida (MDC) as a case study to explore the market mechanisms that speak to the operations and processes inherent in the theory. This article tests the hypothesis that the rate of price appreciation of single-family properties in MDC is positively related to and correlated with incremental measures of higher elevation (the 'Elevation Hypothesis'). As a reflection of an increase in observed nuisance flooding and relative SLR, the second hypothesis is that the rates of price appreciation in lowest the elevation cohorts have not kept up with the rates of appreciation of higher elevation cohorts since approximately 2000 (the 'Nuisance Hypothesis'). The findings support a validation of both hypotheses and suggest the potential existence of consumer preferences that are based, in part, on perceptions of flood risk and/or observations of flooding. These preferences and perceptions are anticipated to be amplified by climate change in a manner that reinforces the proposition that climate change impacts will affect the marketability and valuation of property with varying degrees of environmental exposure and resilience functionality. Uncovering these empirical relationships is a critical first step for understanding the occurrence and parameters of Climate Gentrification.
Modeling and path tracking control of a tracked mobile robot

This paper presents the modeling of 3DOF tracked mobile robot. It includes tracked speed, dynamics and kinematics of skid-steering mechanism. All the mathematical equations was derived and the modeling is developed in MATLAB Simulink software. Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller is used to control the tracked mobile robot speed. The tracked mobile robot is set to turn in 10m radius with constant speed of 3.0 m/s. The simulation results show that the model is able to predict tracked mobile robot responses in terms of speed of track, thrust of track, slip of track and trajectory.
Finding Your Passion, Feeding Your Soul

I’d like to begin this letter with some brutal honesty. Public Education in the United States has come upon very difficult and trying times. Teachers have become scapegoats for a slew of societal ills, from the failing economy to our nation’s political and societal fall from grace in the international arena.
Critical Demography: The Paradigm of the Future?

This special issue of Sociological Forum has a very unique genesis. Nearly two years ago, I began to ponder the fact that the term racism had been all but ignored in the field of demography-even within the context of studies on racial and ethnic demography. I found this to be quite interesting because the concept is a potentially powerful one for demographic analysis. Consequently, I wrote a paper entitled "Toward A Critical Demography of Race and Ethnicity: Introduction of the 'R' Word." This paper was eventually presented at the 1998 annual meeting of the American Sociological Association. However, even prior to that presentation, the paper had caused quite a stir among some of my fellow demographers. At that point, a moment of clarity descended upon me. I realized that the problem was not solely that of the unpalatability of the term racism. Instead, the problem lies within a broad range of ideas that just did not seem to "fit" mainstream demography in its present form. Moreover, it was clear that there was a need for a new paradigm that would facilitate the development of theories, concepts, and methods that mainstream demography fails to accommodate. I have named this new paradigm critical demography.
The role of the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of central neurones in oscillation and resonance

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of central neurons in oscillation and resonance. In vitro experiments using brainstem slices have demonstrated that inferior olive neurons have a set of ionic conductances that are activated in such a way as to give these cells intrinsic oscillatory properties. The firing of inferior olive cells is characterized by an initial fast-rising action potential, which is prolonged to 10–15 ms by an after-depolarization. The abrupt, long-lasting after-hyperpolarization the plateau after-depolarization totally silences the spike generating activity. This hyperpolarization is typically terminated by a sharp, active rebound response, which arises when the membrane potential is negative to the resting level. When this rebound reaches threshold for an action potential, the cell is again activated. In this way, the cell will fire at a frequency determined largely by the characteristics of the after-hyperpolarization.
Follicular Non-Steroidal Regulators

Chemical messengers synthesized both within and without the ovary control follicular and oocyte maturation and ovulation. The extraovarian messengers, whose roles are better defined, are the pituitary gonadotropins-luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Other hormones-insulin, cortisol, thyroxin, and prolactin have poorly defined “permissive” functions. Intraovarian chemical messengers include ovarian steroids (estrogen, progesterone, and androgens) and polypeptide regulators such as oocyte maturation inhibitor (OMI), luteinization inhibitor (LI) ovarian inhibin (folliculostatin), luteinizing hormone binding inhibitor (LHRBI), and a possible follicular fluid luteinizing promoting substance.
Tumor grade and sex should influence the utilization of portal lymphadenectomy for early stage intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract Background Portal lymphadenectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is encouraged for staging purposes, though it is under-utilized for clinically early-stage tumors. We sought to determine if any factor knowable prior to resection influences rates of portal lymph node metastases. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program (1973–2014) database was queried to identify patients with T1/T2 ICC undergoing resection. Patients were stratified by lymph node (LN) status. Patients deemed LN negative required examination of six or more LNs (AJCC guidelines). Results One-hundred and fifty-two patients were included in the analysis (LN negative: 38, LN positive: 114). Patients with LN negative cancers experienced prolonged overall survival as compared to patients with positive LNs (median 77 months vs 19 months, respectively p Conclusion Intermediate/High grade and male sex are associated with high rates of lymph node metastasis for patients with early-stage ICC, which portends abbreviated overall survival.
A Comprehensive and Practical Approach to Policy Guidance: The Office for Civil Rights’ Role in Education During the Obama Administration:

As the federal entity in charge of enforcing civil rights law, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) plays a critical role in addressing the vast inequities that exist in...
Total Synthesis of Ageladine A, an Angiogenesis Inhibitor from the Marine Sponge Agelas nakamurai

A 12-step total synthesis of the tricyclic heteroaromatic marine metabolite ageladine A has been achieved using a 6π-azaelectrocyclization and a Suzuki−Miyaura coupling of N-Boc-pyrrole-2-boronic acid with a chloropyridine as key steps.
Static pressures, intra-access blood flow and dynamic Kt/V profiles in the prediction of dialysis access function.

Static pressures, intra-access blood flow and dynamic Kt/V profiles in the prediction of dialysis access function
The Developing Concept of Tonotopic Organization of the Inner Ear

This study aims to document the historical conceptualization of the inner ear as the anatomical location for the appreciation of sound at a continuum of frequencies and to examine the evolution of concepts of tonotopic organization to our current understanding. Primary sources used are from the sixth century BCE through the twentieth century CE. Each work/reference was analyzed from two points of view: to understand the conception of hearing and the role of the inner ear and to define the main evidential method. The dependence on theory alone in the ancient world led to inaccurate conceptualization of the mechanism of hearing. In the sixteenth century, Galileo described the physical and mathematical basis of resonance. The first theory of tonotopic organization, advanced in the seventeenth century, was that high-frequency sound is mediated at the apex of the cochlea and low-frequency at the base of the cochlea. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, more accurate anatomical information was developed which led to what we now know is the accurate view of tonotopic organization: the high-frequency sound is mediated at the base and low-frequency sound at the apex. The electrical responses of the ear discovered in 1930 allowed for physiological studies that were consistent with the concept of a high to low tone sensitivity continuum from base to apex. In the mid-twentieth century, physical observations of models and anatomical specimens confirmed the findings of greater sensitivity to high tones at the base and low tones at the apex and, further, demonstrated that for high-intensity sound, there was a spread of effect through the entire cochlea, more so for low-frequency tones than for high tones. Animal and human behavioral studies provided empirical proof that sound is mediated at a continuum of frequencies from high tones at the base through low tones at the apex of the cochlea. Current understanding of the tonotopic organization of the inner ear with regard to pure tones is the result of the acquisition over time of knowledge of acoustics and the anatomy, physical properties, and physiology of the inner ear, with the ultimate verification being behavioral studies. Examination of this complex evolution leads to understanding of the way each approach and evidential method through time draws upon previously developed knowledge, with behavioral studies providing empirical verification.
Potential Neurodevelopmental Effects of Pediatric Intensive Care Sedation and Analgesia: Repetitive Benzodiazepine and Opioid Exposure Alters Expression of Glial and Synaptic Proteins in Juvenile Rats

Sedatives are suspected contributors to neurologic dysfunction in PICU patients, to whom they are administered during sensitive neurodevelopment. Relevant preclinical modeling has largely used comparatively brief anesthesia in infant age-approximate animals, with insufficient study of repetitive combined drug administration during childhood. We hypothesized that childhood neurodevelopment is selectively vulnerable to repeated treatment with benzodiazepine and opioid. We report a preclinical model of combined midazolam and morphine in early childhood age-approximate rats. Design Animal model. Setting Basic science laboratory. Subjects Male and female Long-Evans rats. Interventions Injections of morphine + midazolam were administered twice daily from postnatal days 18-22, tapering on postnatal days 23 and 24. Control groups included saline, morphine, or midazolam. To screen for acute neurodevelopmental effects, brain homogenates were analyzed by western blot for synaptophysin, drebrin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, S100 calcium-binding protein B, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, and myelin basic proteins. Data analysis used Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn posttest, with a p value of less than 0.05 significance. Measurements and Main Results Morphine + midazolam and morphine animals gained less weight than saline or midazolam (p ≤ 0.01). Compared with saline, morphine + midazolam expressed significantly higher drebrin levels (p = 0.01), with numerically but not statistically decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein. Similarly, morphine animals exhibited less glial fibrillary acidic protein and more S100 calcium-binding protein B and synaptophysin. Midazolam animals expressed significantly more S100 calcium-binding protein B (p < 0.001) and 17-18.5 kDa myelin basic protein splicing isoform (p = 0.01), with numerically increased synaptophysin, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, and 21.5 kDa myelin basic protein, and decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein. Conclusions Analysis of brain tissue in this novel rodent model of repetitive morphine and midazolam administration showed effects on synaptic, astrocytic, microglial, and myelin proteins. These findings warrant further investigation because they may have implications for critically ill children requiring sedation and analgesia.
A Meta-Analysis of Police Response Models for Handling People With Mental Illnesses: Cross-Country Evidence on the Effectiveness:

Recent global statistics on mental health showed that the number of people with mental illnesses has dramatically increased in many countries. A gatekeeper to the criminal justice system, police ha...
Linguistic Evidentials and the Law of Hearsay

This essay, using insights derived from linguistics and the philosophy of language, explores the relationship between how natural language expresses degrees of certainty in the truth of an assertion on the one hand, and how the law handles this issue on the other. The hearsay rule bars certain kinds of speech acts from serving as legal evidence, in particular assertions that report what another person earlier said, and which are offered to express the truth about the events at issue in a case. Some languages actually require that a speaker specify the source of information conveyed. At a trial, the witness will use one expression if he saw the defendant at the relevant time, another expression if he knows this information from having been told, and perhaps a third if he figured it out from the circumstances. Just as English speakers include tense as part of their linguistic expressions, other languages, including Cuzco Quechua (a Peruvian language) and Turkish include information about how the speaker came to know the assertions that he makes. These linguistic elements are called evidentials. In essence, these languages have a built-in identifier of hearsay. They require that the speaker tip off the hearer when a statement is made based on hearsay evidence. In some ways, the use of evidentials mirrors the hearsay rule in law. But in other respects, the two systems differ. This essay introduces the legal community to evidentials, and explores similarities and differences between legal and linguistic rules.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses treatments that are not considered to be a part of typical conventional medical practice. While the evidence for these therapies is generally lacking, patient demand has driven many of them into ubiquity. Practitioners must be aware of the limitations and potential side effects of these therapies and counsel patients regarding the appropriateness of their integration into the overall treatment plan.
Concerted Multiproton-Multielectron Transfer for the Reduction of O2 to H2O with a Polyoxovanadate Cluster.

The concerted transfer of protons and electrons enables the activation of small-molecule substrates by bypassing energetically costly intermediates. Here, we present the synthesis and characterization of several hydrogenated forms of an organofunctionalized vanadium oxide assembly, [V6O13(TRIOLNO2)2]2-, and their ability to facilitate the concerted transfer of protons and electrons to O2. Electrochemical analysis reveals that the fully reduced cluster is capable of mediating 2e-/2H+ transfer reactions from surface hydroxide ligands, with an average bond dissociation free energy (BDFE) of 61.6 kcal/mol. Complementary stoichiometric experiments with hydrogen-atom-accepting reagents of established bond strengths confirm that the electrochemically established BDFE predicts the 2H+/2e- transfer reactivity of the assembly. Finally, the reactivity of the reduced polyoxovanadate toward O2 reduction is summarized; our results indicate a stepwise reduction of the substrate, proceeding through H2O2 en route to the formation of H2O. Kinetic isotope effect experiments confirm the participation of hydrogen transfer in the rate-determining step of both the reduction of O2 and H2O2. This work constitutes the first example of hydrogen atom transfer for small-molecule activation with reduced polyoxometalates, where both electron and proton originate from the cluster.
The Beginnings of Mesoamerican Civilization: Inter-Regional Interaction and the Olmec

Part I. An Early Formative Mesoamerican Problem: 1. Introduction 2. Knowledge in an archipelago of complexity 3. Mesoamerica's first style horizons and the 'Olmec problem' Part II. Archaeological Data: 4. Settlement patterns and architecture 5. Diet, food processing and feasting 6. Representations and aesthetics 7. Inter-regional exchange patterns Part III. Deriving Meaning from the Archaeological Record: 8. Data and expectations 9. Conclusions.
The concept of a cause of the universe

I shall argue in this paper that extant definitions of causality are incorrect since they do not cohere in the proper way with the concept of a cause of the universe. This lack of coherence is twofold. (i) For some extant definitions of a cause, there are possible instances of the concept of a cause of the universe that do not satisfy the definitions. (ii) For these or other extant definitions, there are entities or occurrences (in some possible world) that are not instances of the concept of a cause of the universe but that count as causes of the universe according to the definitions. This failure of coherence between extant definitions of causality and the concept of a cause of the universe entails either that there is some other (as yet unformulated) definition of a cause that is correct or that causality is indefinable. I shall suggest in the conclusion of this paper that it is more plausible to believe that causality is indefinable.
IDL Scripts (Batch Jobs)

This chapter covers the basics of creating script files (batch jobs) with a text editor or by using the journal command. Script files are a quick and convenient way to save a sequence of Interactive Data Language (IDL) statements for repeated execution. However, scripts have some important limitations: (1) each line in a script is executed one line at a time. It is not possible to execute blocks of statements in a script. (2) Scripts don't accept arguments, so it can't easily change what a script does (for example, the value of n in the log plot script) without changing the script itself. (3) Developing IDL procedures and functions is easy, and procedures and functions have a number of advantages over scripts. In fact, it is usually very easy to convert a script to a procedure. Scripts are good for developing and testing short sequences of IDL statements, and repeatedly executing short sequences of IDL statements that do not change often. Scripts are not good for: (1) sequences of more than about 10 to 20 IDL statements, (2) anything that requires using blocks of IDL statements, (3) complex projects that require multiple or nested scripts, and (4) anything that can be done more easily with a procedure or function.
Patents and Licensing, Ethics, Ownership of Animal, and Plant Genes

Introduction Patent Law and Morality Animal Patents Animal Welfare Animal Rights Reductionism Hubris and Risks Patenting, Farmers, and “Bioserfdom” Seed Saving and Licensing Restrictions Technology Protection System: “Terminator” Seeds “Bioserfdom,” Western Farmers, and LDCs Patenting and Biodiversity Patenting, Biopiracy, Trips, and National Self-Determination Keywords: patents and licensing
From gene action to reactive genomes

Poised at a critical turning point in the history of genetics, recent work (e.g. in genomics, epigenetics, genomic plasticity) obliges us to critically reexamine many of our most basic concepts. For example, I argue that genomic research supports a radical transformation in our understanding of the genome – a shift from an earlier conception of that entity as an effectively static collection of active genes to that of a dynamic and reactive system dedicated to the context specific regulation of protein-coding sequences.
Commuting the death sentence: how oocytes strive to survive.

Programmed cell death claims up to 99.9% of the cells in the mammalian female germ line, which eventually drives irreversible infertility and ovarian failure — the menopause in humans. New insights into the mechanisms that underlie germ-cell apoptosis have been provided by the study of oocyte death in lower organisms and in genetically manipulated mice that lack apoptosis-regulatory proteins. With new therapeutic tools to control fertility, oocyte quality and ovarian lifespan on the horizon, understanding how and why the female body creates, only to delete, so many germ cells is imperative.
Functional Impact of Sydenham's Chorea: A Case Report.

Background: Sydenham's chorea (SC) is the most common type of acquired chorea in childhood. In some cases, symptoms (most commonly described in terms of neurological signs) last up to 2 years, and many cases relapse. This report describes the clinical course in terms of functional abilities following diagnosis of SC. Case report: Standardized assessments across the domains of activity and participation were administered following diagnosis, prior to and following treatment with haloperidol to measure treatment response and identify occupational therapy intervention needs. SC was observed to significantly reduce the child's participation and independence in activities of daily living. In this case, the standardized assessments administered highlighted difficulties with both motor and process skills. At 1 week after commencing haloperidol, both motor and process skills had improved. Clinically significant changes in self-care and mobility were noted with less improvement with handwriting. At 9 weeks, most symptoms and functional difficulties had resolved. Discussion: Given the process difficulties detected in this case, and the possibility of enduring symptoms, the use of functional assessments is advocated in the routine management of SC. These findings illustrate the potential for motor and non-motor sequelae in acute childhood movement disorders and related functional disabling consequences.
Periodic changes in phosphorylation of the Xenopus cdc25 phosphatase regulate its activity.

Abstract The cdc25 tyrosine phosphatase is known to activate cdc2 kinase in the G2/M transition by dephosphorylation of tyrosine 15. To determine how entry into M-phase in eukaryotic cells is controlled, we have investigated the regulation of the cdc25 protein in Xenopus eggs and oocytes. Two closely related Xenopus cdc25 genes have been cloned and sequenced and specific antibodies generated. The cdc25 phosphatase activity oscillates in both meiotic and mitotic cell cycles, being low in interphase and high in M-phase. Increased activity of cdc25 at M-phase is accompanied by increased phosphorylation that retards electrophoretic mobility in gels from 76 to 92 kDa. Treatment of cdc25 with either phosphatase 1 or phosphatase 2A removes phosphate from cdc25, reverses the mobility shift, and decreases its ability to activate cdc2 kinase. Furthermore, the addition of okadaic acid to egg extracts arrested in S-phase by aphidicolin causes phosphorylation and activation of the cdc25 protein before cyclin B/cdc2 kinase activation. These results demonstrate that the activity of the cdc25 phosphatase at the G2/M transition is directly regulated through changes in its phosphorylation state.
Finite-span rotating wings: three-dimensional vortex formation and variations with aspect ratio

We investigate experimentally the effect of aspect ratio ( ) on the time-varying, three-dimensional flow structure of flat-plate wings rotating from rest at 45° angle of attack. Plates of = 2 and 4 are tested in a 50 % by mass glycerin–water mixture, with a total rotation of ϕ = 120° and a matched tip Reynolds number of 5,000. The time-varying, three-component volumetric velocity field is reconstructed using phase-locked, phase-averaged stereoscopic digital particle image velocimetry in multiple, closely-spaced chordwise planes. The vortex structure is analyzed using the $$\mathcal{Q}$$ -criterion, helicity density, and spanwise quantities. For both s, the flow initially consists of a connected and coherent leading-edge vortex (LEV), tip vortex (TV), and trailing-edge vortex (TEV) loop; the LEV increases in size with span and tilts aft. Smaller, discrete vortices are present in the separated shear layers at the trailing and tip edges, which wrap around the primary TEV and TV. After about ϕ = 20°, the outboard-span LEV lifts off the plate and becomes arch-like. A second, smaller LEV and the formation of corner vortex structures follow. For = 4, the outboard LEV moves farther aft, multiple LEVs form ahead of it, and after about ϕ = 50° a breakdown of the lifted-off LEV and the TV occurs. However, for = 2, the outboard LEV lift-off is not progressive, and the overall LEV-TV flow remains more coherent and closer to the plate, with evidence of breakdown late in the motion. Inboard of about 50 % span, the = 4 LEV is stable for the motion duration. Up to approximately 60 % span, the = 2 LEV is distinct from the TV and is similarly stable. The = 2 LEV exhibits substantially higher spanwise vorticity and velocity. The latter possesses a “four-lobed” distribution at the periphery of the LEV core having adjacent positive (outboard) and negative (inboard) components, corresponding to a helical streamline structure. Both s show substantial root-to-tip velocity aft of the stable LEV, which drives outboard spanwise vorticity flux; flux toward the root is also present in the front portion of the LEV. For = 2, there is a strong flux of spanwise vorticity from the outboard LEV to the tip, which may mitigate LEV lift-off and is not found for = 4. The TV circulation for each is similar in magnitude and growth when plotted versus the chord lengths travelled by the tip, prior to breakdown. Streamwise vorticity due to the TV induces high spanwise velocity, and for = 2, the tilted LEV creates further streamwise vorticity which corresponds well to spanwise-elongated regions of spanwise velocity. For = 2, the TV influences a relatively greater portion of the span and is more coherent at later times, which coupled with the tilted LEV strongly contributes to the higher overall spanwise velocity and vorticity flux.
Linkage analysis of HSP70 genes and historecognition locus in Botryllus schlosseri

The protochordate allorecognition system has long invited comparison with the vertebrate major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In the colonial species Botryllus schlosseri, a rapid fusion or rejection response resembling graft acceptance or rejection in vertebrates is controlled by a single highly polymorphic genetic region. Because linkage between heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes and the MHC appears to be conserved within the vertebrate lineage, linkage relationships between two HSP70 genes (HSP70.1 and HSP70.2) and the historecognition locus (FuHC) have been analyzed in B. schlosseri. Segregation patterns of restriction fragment length polymorphisms located in the 3′ flanking regions of HSP70.1 and HSP70.2 were determined for progeny of defined crosses. These progeny were also analyzed for fusibility type by an in vivo cut colony assay. No close linkage was detected between any of the three loci. These results do not support the hypothesis that the allorecognition response in B. schlosseri is determined by an MHC homologue. However, it remains a possibility that orthologues of other MHC-linked genes will be linked to the B. schlosseri FuHC.
Partially resolved transition array model for atomic spectra

Abstract The unresolved transition array (UTA) model of atomic spectra describes the lines in a configuration-to-configuration transition array with a single feature that conserves the total strength as well as the energy first and second strength-weighted moments. A new model is proposed that uses a relatively small detailed line-by-line calculation together with the extant variance formula to generate a series of Gaussians to describe the transition array. This partially resolved transition array (PRTA) model conserves the known array properties, yields improved higher moments, and systematically accounts for initial level populations. Numerical examples show that the PRTA model provides excellent fidelity to line-by-line methods using only a small fraction of the computational effort for the full calculations.
Reducing the potential environmental impact of tank aquaculture effluents through intensification and recirculation

Abstract Aquaculture effluents may contain a variety of constituents that could cause negative impacts when released into the environment. The constituents include dissolved or particulate organics, nutrients, and specific organic or inorganic compounds. Their impact on the environment depends on the total amount or concentration released and the assimilative capacity of the environment for the particular constituent. In this paper, the different types of constituents will be reviewed as they relate to a current trend in the aquaculture industry: intensification of production and recirculation systems. Although most water treatment methods used in intensive or recirculating aquaculture systems result in a relocation of nutrients and organic matter and not in an overall reduction in discharges, this relocation makes it possible to reduce potential environmental impacts by facilitating effluent treatment. For example, solids removal operations produce a stream with high concentration of solids (the sludge removed from the flow) that is also rich in nutrients and organic matter, while reducing the concentrations of these parameters in the culture water. The stream with a high concentration of solids could be treated prior to disposal using techniques appropriate for high strength wastes and sludge. The fate of constituents will be examined for a variety of water treatment operations. The impacts of a number of treatment methods on these constituents will be discussed from the standpoint of overall mass discharges and concentration of the constituents in the discharge flow.
Thermal Motions of the E. coli Glucose-Galactose Binding Protein Studied Using Well-Sampled Semi-Atomistic Simulations

The E. coli glucose-galactose chemosensory receptor is a 309 residue, 32 kDa protein consisting of two distinct structural domains. We used two computational methods to examine the protein's thermal fluctuations, including both the large-scale interdomain movements that contribute to the receptor's mechanism of action, as well as smaller-scale motions. We primarily employ extremely fast, "semi-atomistic" Library-Based Monte Carlo (LBMC) simulations, which include all backbone atoms but "implicit" side chains. Our results were compared with previous experiments and all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Both LBMC and MD simulations were performed using both the apo and glucose-bound form of the protein, with LBMC exhibiting significantly larger fluctuations. The LBMC simulations are in general agreement with the disulfide trapping experiments of Careaga & Falke (J. Mol. Biol., 1992, Vol. 226, 1219-35), which indicate that distant residues in the crystal structure (i.e. beta carbons separated by 10 to 20 angstroms) form spontaneous transient contacts in solution. Our simulations illustrate several possible "mechanisms" (configurational pathways) for these fluctuations. We also observe several discrepancies between our calculations and experimental rate constants. Nevertheless, we believe that our semi-atomistic approach could be used to study fluctuations in other proteins, perhaps for ensemble docking or other analyses of protein flexibility in virtual screening studies.
Selected molecular surface structures determined by modern low-energy electron diffraction

Abstract This article surveys a series of structural results obtained for the adsorption of small molecules (from CO to benzene) on the closest-packed metal surfaces by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). Most of these results were obtained by detailed fitting of many structural parameters, primarily with automated tensor LEED. We discuss mainly qualitative aspects: adsorption sites, adsorbate orientation, molecular distortions and adsorbate-induced relaxations. Cases of special interest include: CO and NO monolayers adsorbed on metal surfaces, which require a revision of adsorption site assignments based on vibrational frequencies; various coadsorption structures exhibiting site changes due to the electron donor vs. acceptor character of the coadsorbates; intact di- σ ethylene adsorbed in a disordered and asymmetrical manner on Pt(111); intact acetylene on MgO(100), the first molecular and also first physisorbed adsorption structure determined in detail on an oxide surface; and the surface of an ultra-thin ice film, exhibiting unusually large vibration amplitudes of the outermost molecules.
Some approaches to statistical analysis of a weather modification experiment

Data from a weather modification experiment are examined and a number of statistical analyses reported. The validity of earlier inferences is studied as are the utilities of various statistical methods. The experiment is described. The original analysis of North American Weather Consultants, who conducted the experiment, is reviewed. Data summarization is reported. A major approach to analysis is through the use of cloud-physics covari-ates in regression analyses. Finally, a multivariate analysis is discussed. It appears that the covariates may have been affected by treatment (cloud seeding) and that their use is invalid, not only reducing error variances but removing treatment effect. Some recommendations for improved design of similar future experiments are given in a concluding section, including preliminary trial use of blocking by storms.
Characterization of UVC-induced DNA damage in bloodstains: forensic implications

The ability to detect DNA polymorphisms using molecular genetic techniques has revolutionized the forensic analysis of biological evidence. DNA typing now plays a critical role within the criminal justice system, but one of the limiting factors with the technology is that DNA isolated from biological stains recovered from the crime scene is sometimes so damaged as to be intractable to analysis. Potential remedies for damaged DNA are likely to be dependent upon the precise nature of the DNA damage present in any particular sample but, unfortunately, current knowledge of the biochemical nature, and the extent, of such DNA damage in dried biological stains is rudimentary. As a model for DNA damage assessment in biological stains recovered from crime scenes, we have subjected human bloodstains and naked DNA in the hydrated and dehydrated states to varying doses of UVC radiation. It was possible to damage the DNA sufficiently in a bloodstain to cause a standard autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) profile to be lost. However, a detailed analysis of the process, based upon assays developed to detect bipyrimidine photoproducts (BPPPs), single- and double-strand breaks, and DNA–DNA crosslinks, produced some unexpected findings. Contrary to the situation with living tissues or cells in culture, the predominant UVC-induced damage to DNA in bloodstains appears not to be pyrimidine dimers. Although some evidence for the presence of BPPPs and DNA crosslinks was obtained, the major form of UVC damage causing genetic profile loss appeared to be single-strand breaks. It was not possible, however, to preclude the possibility that a combination of damage types was responsible for the profile loss observed. We demonstrate here that a significant measure of protection against UVC-mediated genetic profile loss in dried biological stain material is afforded by the dehydrated state of the DNA and, to a lesser extent, the DNA cellular milieu.
Special feature: theory and treatment development and evaluation: reflections on Benjamin's "models for treatment".

To make the final point of this commentary clear at the outset, I could not agree with Dr. L. S. Benjamin's comments more, on the one hand, and could not disagree more, on the other hand. I will first review the points that I not only agree with but also think are extremely important. I will then beg to differ with some of her conclusions (at least as I interpret them), and with her analysis of the outcomes of the one cognitive-behavioral treatment of a personality disorder she reviewed in some detail.
Infections Associated with Biliary Drainage Procedures in Patients with Cancer

A total of 170 therapeutic biliary drainage procedures were carried out in 90 patients with cancer over a 1-year period (January-December 1988). There were 129 percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage procedures done in 61 patients and 41 endoprostheses were placed in 29 patients. The overall infection rate related to these procedures was 60.6%, the rate being similar for the two procedures. Infectious complications were experienced by 50% of patients undergoing a biliary drainage procedure. The most common manifestation was cholangitis followed by bacteremia. Other infections included liver abscess, gallbladder abscess, and subphrenic abscess. The most common isolates were enteric gram-negative bacilli, followed by Enterococcus species, Candida species, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The use of prophylactic antibiotics in 76% of infected patients failed to prevent biliary catheter-related infections. Two patients died of complications related to biliary sepsis. All other infected patients responded to antimicrobial therapy, which included various regimens of beta-lactam agents (third-generation cephalosporin, extended-spectrum penicillin, imipenem-cilastatin, and aztreonam) that were used in combination with an aminoglycoside in 15 patients.
Measurement of aerosol optical extinction at with pulsed cavity ring down spectroscopy

Accurate measurement of optical properties of aerosols is crucial for quantifying the influence of aerosols on climate. This article describes laboratory testing of a cavity ring down (CRD) system for measurement of the optical extinction of aerosol. The system is tested with well-characterized laboratory generated aerosols, and the measured extinctions agree within 5% of predictions by Mie theory. Extension of the lab prototype to field measurements of atmospheric aerosol is discussed. It is shown that the precision of measurements of the optical extinction of aerosol in the field will be determined by statistical fluctuations in the number of particles in the sample volume. Averaging times on the order of minutes are required to reduce statistical fluctuations to less than 5%. Improvements to the CRD system to reduce the averaging times are proposed.
Infrared Spectra of the Group 2 Metal Dihydroxide Molecules

Group 2 metal atoms (Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba) react on ultraviolet photoexcitation with O2, H2 mixtures in solid argon at 10 K to produce new absorptions in the O−H and O−M−O stretching regions. The effect of detailed isotopic substitution on these two absorptions identifies the M(OH)2 molecules. The stepwise decrease in the O−H stretching modes in this chemical family demonstrates an increase in ionic character, which parallels the increase in base strength for the analogous solid compounds.
Developing multimedia case studies for engineering curriculum

Students, especially nonelectrical engineering majors, have difficulty understanding the Principles of Electrical Engineering course. Moreover, instructors have difficulties motivating students and helping them to understand what is happening inside electric circuits/systems. The reasons for these difficulties are four-fold. First, nonEE majors do not consider this course to be related to their curriculum, since it is from another department. Second, it is difficult for them to visualize how the electric circuits/systems behave. Third, most of the books do not cover real-world case studies. Finally, instructors do not relate the electrical systems to other mechanical and/or hydraulic systems. To overcome these difficulties, the authors have developed computer-based instruction (CBI) with real-world case studies. Every module in the curriculum has a few case studies that are based on the concepts covered in the same module as well as previous modules. Animation, which helps students visualize the dynamic behavior of the circuit, is used extensively in the curriculum.
The Poisson Function of Finite Elasticity

The Poisson function is introduced to study in a simple tension test the lateral contractive response of compressible and incompressible, isotropic elastic materials in finite strain. The relation of the Poisson function to the classical Poisson’s ratio and its behavior for certain constrained materials are discussed. Some experimental results for several elastomers, including two natural rubber compounds of the same kind studied in earlier basic experiments by Rivlin and Saunders, are compared with the derived relations. A special class of compressible materials is also considered. It is proved that the only class of compressible hyperelastic materials whose response functions depend on only the third principal invariant of the deformation tensor is the class first introduced in experiments by Blatz and Ko. Poisson functions for the Blatz-Ko polyurethane elastomers are derived; and our experimental data are reviewed in relation to a volume constraint equation used in their experiments.
Towards a Proximal resource-based architecture to support augmented reality applications

We are developing a new enhanced cloud-based computing architecture, called the Proximal Workspace architecture to allow access and interaction between lightweight devices, e.g., video glasses, earphones, wrist displays, body sensors, etc., and applications that represent a new generation of computationand-data-intensive programs in areas such as augmented reality. While lightweight devices offer an easy way for these applications to collect user data and offer feedback, the applications cannot be run natively and completely on these devices because of high resource demands. Making these applications available via a cloud, while promoting ubiquitous access and providing the necessary resources to execute the applications, induces large delays due to network latency. To solve these problems, we are developing a new system architecture based on supporting workspaces which provide nearby computing power to the users devices and thus mediate between them and the clouds computing resources. Specifically, a workspace provides a set of middleware utilities designed to exploit local resources, and provide specific functions such as rendering of graphics, pre-fetching of data, and combining data from different servers. More generally, the workspace is designed to run any subset of activities that cannot be run on a user's device due to computation speed or storage size, and cannot be run on a cloud server due to network latency. Ultimately, the goal is to produce a set of middleware utilities that when run in the workspace with highly-interactive, computation/data intensive applications will result in better user-perceived performance. We are exploring this system architecture constructively, by adapting applications that benefit from this architecture and discovering how best to suit their needs. We have already adapted VNC (Virtual Network Computing, which allows local interaction with remote computations) to run under a similar architecture, and as a result increased video performance in high network latency conditions by an order of magnitude. We are currently working on adapting Google Earth to run under this system architecture, with the goal of the user being able to intuitively navigate through renderings of Ancient Rome in video glasses, without being hampered by any bulky equipment.
Urban School Reform Enabled by Transformative Professional Development: Impact on Teacher Change and Student Learning of Science

This longitudinal study of middle school science teachers explored if a teacher participation in the TPD program resulted in change in instructional practice as well as a significant increase in student learning. Four participating schools were matched and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Teacher and student outcomes were compared. Eight teachers from Bryce and Zion Middle Schools participated in the 2-week summer institute, followed by monthly release day professional development sessions focused on implementing instruction outlined in the National Science Education Standards. Student achievement was assessed using the pre- or postinstruments. Students of teachers at treatment schools experienced significantly larger gains than students at the control schools.TPD intervention teachers experienced increase in teaching effectiveness. Findings in this study revealed the positive impact that whole-school, sustained, collaborative, professional development programs have on improving teach...
Effect of Blockade of TNF‐α and Interleukin‐1 Action on Bone Resorption in Early Postmenopausal Women

After acute estrogen withdrawal in postmenopausal women, administration of anakinra or etanercept, specific blockers of IL-1 and TNF-α, respectively, reduced the rise in bone resorption markers to about one half of that in controls. This is consistent with an important role for these immune cytokines in mediating the effect of estrogen deficiency on bone. Introduction: Studies in rodents have implicated increased production of interleukin (IL)-1β and TNF-α as mediators of bone loss after ovariectomy, but their roles are unclear in humans whose immune system differs markedly from that of rodents. Materials and Methods: We administered transdermal estradiol, 0.1 mg/d, for 60 days to 42 early postmenopausal women. Estrogen treatment was discontinued, and subjects were randomly assigned to intervention groups receiving 3 wk of injections with 0.9% saline, anakinra 100 mg/d, or etanercept 25 mg/twice weekly. Bone turnover was assessed by measuring serum carboxyl-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) and amino-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (NTX), markers for bone resorption, and serum amino-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (P1NP), a marker for bone formation. Results were expressed as percent change in markers from baseline (last 2 days of estrogen treatment and days 20 and 21 of intervention). Results: The percent changes from baseline during intervention for serum CTX, urine NTX, and serum PINP, respectively, were 43.3 ± 8.0%, 12.0 ± 7.1%, and −41.0 ± 2.5% for the control group; 25.9 ± 6.3%, 9.5 ± 4.0%, and −37.8 ± 3.0% for the anakinra group; and 21.7 ± 5.0%, 0.32 ± 3.82%, and −34.5 ± 3.9% for the etanercept group. Compared with the control group, the blunting of the increase in serum CTX fell just below the level of significance (p = 0.10) after anakinra treatment, whereas the blunting of the increase in serum CTX (p = 0.034) and in urine NTX (p = 0.048) were significant after etanercept treatment. Other changes were not significant. Conclusions: The data are consistent with a role for TNF-α, and possibly for IL-1β, in mediating increased bone resorption during estrogen deficiency in women. Although either cytokine blocker reduced serum CTX by about one half, the effect of combined blockade could not be tested because of concerns about toxicity. The data do not exclude direct or indirect contributory roles for RANKL or for other cytokines.