cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why did she do that? Issues of moral conflict in battered women's decision making

This qualitative research study was undertaken, in part, in an effort to develop an understanding of decisions experienced as moral conflicts by women who have experienced abuse by an intimate partner. Eighteen rural women who had been or were currently in an abusive relationship with a male partner participated in the study. An adaptation of the Real-Life Moral Conflict and Choice Interview (L. M. Brown, 1988) was used to gather and interpret the data. This method required each participant to describe a real life dilemma and her response to that dilemma. In this article the author discusses the types of decisions described by the women. The decisions are organized into 3 categories that emerged from the interview narratives: the decision to leave the abusive relationship, decisions that threaten sense of self, and decisions of resistance. The findings of this study make explicit some of the dimensions of moral conflict inherent in decisions battered women make. Explication of these moral conflict issues and the ways in which women seek to resolve them provide another avenue through which to understand a battered woman's life, a perspective not found in other studies.
Wüstite nanocrystals: Synthesis, structure and superlattice formation

Monodisperse ligand-capped cubic wustite FexO nanocrystals were prepared by a novel thermal decomposition method of iron (II) acetate in the presence of oleic acid as the surfactant. Controlled size distributions of cubic nanoparticles possessing the rock salt crystal structure were isolated in the range 10–18 nm. The influence of molar ratio of surfactant to precursor was investigated to understand size control and monodispersity. Using inexpensive, nontoxic metal salts as reactants, we were able to synthesize gram-scale quantities of relatively monodisperse nanocrystals in a single reaction, without further size selection, characterized by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The procedure enables the collection of samples of uniform size as a function of time, thus permitting a preliminary solid-state kinetic analysis of the reaction as a function of increasing particle size. Following controlled evaporation from nonpolar solvents, self-assembly into two-dimensional arrays, three-dimensional single-component superlattices, and binary superlattices with gold nanoparticles were observed and characterized.
Control of G2 delay by the rad9 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Summary In response to DNA damage, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells arrest the cell cycle in the G 2 phase. Arrest is defective in rad9 mutants; rad9 cells divide and die without repairing the damage. Several cell cycle mutants that are defective in DNA replication arrest in G 2 at the restrictive temperature; this arrest is due to the RAD9 control function. Thus RAD9 is responsible for the fact that mitosis is normally dependent upon DNA replication, a function we term a ‘checkpoint’. Four additional genes have been identified that are also components of the RAD9 checkpoint.
Differentiation of South American crack and domestic (US) crack cocaine via headspace‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

South American 'crack' cocaine, produced directly from coca leaf, can be distinguished from US domestically produced crack on the basis of occluded solvent profiles. In addition, analysis of domestically produced crack indicates the solvents that were used for cocaine hydrochloride (HCl) processing in South America. Samples of cocaine base (N=3) from South America and cocaine from the USA (N=157 base, N=88 HCl) were analyzed by headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) to determine their solvent profiles. Each cocaine HCl sample was then converted to crack cocaine using the traditional crack production method and re-examined by HS-GC-MS. The resulting occluded solvent profiles were then compared to their original HCl solvent profiles. Analysis of the corresponding crack samples confirmed the same primary processing solvents found in the original HCl samples, but at reduced levels. Domestically seized crack samples also contained reduced levels of base-to-HCl conversion solvents. In contrast, analysis of South American crack samples confirmed the presence of low to high boiling hydrocarbons and no base-to-HCl conversion solvents. The presented study showed analysis of crack cocaine samples provides data on which processing solvents were originally utilized in the production of cocaine HCl in South America, prior to conversion to crack cocaine. Determination of processing solvents provides valuable information to the counter-drug intelligence community and assists the law enforcement community in determining cocaine distribution and trafficking routes throughout the world.
Blurring Art and Science: Synthetical Moments on the Borders

AbstractThis article rejects the assumption that art and science are dichotomous in favor of a holistic and interdisciplinary understanding of the intimate relationship between the arts and sciences. The authors advance the notion that artistic modes of thought and aesthetic experiences are essential to the cognitive and expressive development of students and to the quality of the instructional milieu orchestrated by teachers. The authors respond affirmatively to Eisner and Powell’s rhetorical question as to whether or not we can think about education as a process aimed at preparing the artist, and they discuss several projects designed to advance the arts in education by integrating aesthetics into the philosophical understandings of teaching and learning. The authors diverge from Eisner and Powell on one significant issue: the nature of the aesthetic experience. Instead, they propose a Deleuzean reading of synthetical moments and experiences of profound insight that merge time, space, and self in a seam...
Energy dependence of the trapping of uranium atoms by aluminum oxide surfaces

Abstract We have measured the energy dependence of the trapping probability for sputtered 235U atoms striking an oxidized aluminum collector surface at energies between 1 eV and 184 eV. At the lowest energies approximately 10% of the uranium atoms are not trapped, while above 10 eV essentially all of them stick. In addition, we present trapping probabilities averaged over the sputtered energy distribution for uranium incident on gold and mica.
Fiber Optic Factory of the Future

A rationale is developed for using fiber optics in the factory of the future. A look behind, and ahead, will determine where the factory has been, and is going. The advantages of fiber optics will be presented. A composite (illustrating both chemical and mechanical manufacturing) factory will focus discussions on fiber optic communications and fiber optic sensors.
Deep Impact Mission Design

The Deep Impact mission is designed to provide the first opportunity to probe below the surface of a comet nucleus by a high-speed impact. This requires finding a suitable comet with launch and encounter conditions that allow a meaningful scientific experiment. The overall design requires the consideration of many factors ranging from environmental characteristics of the comet (nucleus size, dust levels, etc.), to launch dates fitting within the NASA Discovery program opportunities, to launch vehicle capability for a large impactor, to the observational conditions for the two approaching spacecraft and for telescopes on Earth.
Kinase Regulation by Hydrophobic Spine Assembly in Cancer

A new model of kinase regulation based on the assembly of hydrophobic spines has been proposed. Changes in their positions can explain the mechanism of kinase activation. Here, we examined mutations in human cancer for clues about the regulation of the hydrophobic spines by focusing initially on mutations to Phe. We identified a selected number of Phe mutations in a small group of kinases that included BRAF, ABL1, and the epidermal growth factor receptor. Testing some of these mutations in BRAF, we found that one of the mutations impaired ATP binding and catalytic activity but promoted noncatalytic allosteric functions. Other Phe mutations functioned to promote constitutive catalytic activity. One of these mutations revealed a previously underappreciated hydrophobic surface that functions to position the dynamic regulatory αC-helix. This supports the key role of the C-helix as a signal integration motif for coordinating multiple elements of the kinase to create an active conformation. The importance of the hydrophobic space around the αC-helix was further tested by studying a V600F mutant, which was constitutively active in the absence of the negative charge that is associated with the common V600E mutation. Many hydrophobic mutations strategically localized along the C-helix can thus drive kinase activation.
Necessity of Meningococcal γ-Glutamyl Aminopeptidase for Neisseria meningitidis Growth in Rat Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and CSF-Like Medium

The growth of a γ-glutamyl aminopeptidase (GGT)-deficient Neisseria meningitidis strain was much slower than that of the parent strain in rat cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in a synthetic CSF-mimicking medium, and the growth failure was suppressed by the addition of cysteine. These results suggested that, in the environment of cysteine shortage, meningococcal GGT provided an advantage for meningococcal multiplication by supplying cysteine from environmental γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl peptides.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Nanoindentation of Silicon Nitride

This is a report of work in progress on 10 million atom Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of nanoindentation of crystalline and amorphous silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ). Nanoindentation is used to determine mechanical properties of extremely thin films such as hardness and elastic moduli. We report load-displacement curves for several Si 3 N 4 configurations using an idealized non-deformable indenter and analyze the local stress distributions in the vicinity of the indenter tip. Preliminary results for surface adhesion using Si 3 N 4 for both tip and substrate are also reported.
Freeze Casting as a Nanoparticle Material‐Forming Method

Nanoparticle material forming is challenging because of loose packing and agglomeration issues intrinsic to nanoparticles. Liquid processing shows great potential to overcome such hurdles. This study is focused on nanoparticle colloidal processing and freeze-casting forming. Al2O3 nanoparticle suspensions are examined, and microstructure evolution of Al2O3 nanoparticle suspension during freeze casting is discussed. The “Fines” effect influences nanoparticle packing on freeze-cast sample surfaces. Trapped air bubbles in the suspension lead to a porous bulk microstructure. Prerest is necessary for dense and homogeneous green microstructure formation. The green strength, fracture mode, and ability to form fine features by freeze casting are also evaluated.
CKD progression: a risky business

established Stage 3–5 CKD in the absence of diabetes [9]. Using serum creatinine measured annually, GFR was estimated (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal disease Formula. Change in eGFR was then assessed by obesity presence defined as a BMI >30 kg/m 2 . A total of 131 patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 were included and BMI in this group ranged from 30.0 to 52.4 kg/m 2 . Among the 368 patients with BMI <30 kg/m 2 , BMI ranged from 13.2 to 29.9 kg/m 2 . The mean follow-up period was ∼3 years but this varied substantially with some individuals being followed for <1 year while others were followed as long as 84 months. An average of three eGFR measurements was available for each individual. Overall, the analysis showed no significant difference in annual eGFR decline by obesity status with eGFR in the non-obese declining by 1.77 versus 1.28 mL/min/1.73 m 2 /year in the obese group. The authors suggested that the null findings reflect the indolent course of obesity-associated kidney disease. It is also possible that the null effects were due to methodological issues of the study, which demonstrates the difficulties in quantifying kidney disease progression.
Nuclear Protein—Binding Analysis of a GC-Rich Insulin-Receptor Promoter Regulatory Region

We previously demonstrated that activation of the insulin-receptor promoter occurs between Xho I and Hind lll restriction enzyme sites located 877 and 578 bp upstream, respectively, from the translational initiation site. Deletion mutants 59 of this promoter region were constructed with the reporter gene, CAT, and transiently transfected into HepG2 and MCF-7 cells. This study demonstrated that most of the promoter activity could be localized to a 40-bp region between –618 and –578. When attached to a heterologous SV40 early promoter, this 40-bp insulin-receptor regulatory region, in either orientation, stimulated the SV40 early promoter by approximately two- to threefold after transfection into HepG2 cells. EMSA demonstrated that the purified transcription factor, Sp1, binds to this transcription activator. DNA binding of protein obtained from crude HepG2 nuclear extracts demonstrated electrophoretically retarded bands that competed for the consensus Sp1 element; these bands were not observed in a similar analysis with crude MCF-7 nuclear extracts. However, in both HepG2 and MCF-7 cells, a protein was identified that specifically binds to this important insulin-receptor promoter region, but does not bind to the Sp1 consensus element. We conclude that activation of insulin-receptor gene transcription occurs in a 40 bp region 578 bp upstream from the translational initiation site, and that Sp1 and another nuclear factor other than Sp1 may be important in regulating transcription In HepG2 cells.
“THE INTERCOURSE BETWEEN THE SQUIRE AND HIS SON”: THE FATHER-SON MARRIAGE PLOT AND THE CREATION OF THE ENGLISH GENTLEMAN IN ANTHONY TROLLOPE'S DOCTOR THORNE

“HE IS (NOT) A GENTLEMAN” is a verdict that we frequently encounter in Trollope's novels. The writer's concern with defining the English gentleman is virtually obsessive; however, his effort is fraught with numerous frustrating contradictions, reflecting the Victorians’ struggle to decide what constitutes exemplary masculinity. In some instances, Trollope's gentleman is a product of a certain class, while in others such elusive and intangible criteria as physical appearance and moral conduct come to define him. Despite the perennial identification of the name “Trollope” and Trollope's writing with thoroughly conventional ways of constructing gender, I argue that his gentleman is an expression of his nostalgia for an ideal of manhood that possesses traditionally feminine characteristics.
Toward fast eventual consistency with performance guarantees

Systems have adopted the notion of eventual consistency which means that the targeted redundancy of data in the system is reached asynchronously, i.e., outside of the critical path of user traffic, so that performance of user traffic is impacted minimally. Here, we propose a scheduling framework that makes decisions about when to schedule the asynchronous tasks associated with new or updated data such that they are completed as soon as possible without violating user traffic quality targets. At the heart of the framework lies a learning methodology that extracts the characteristics of idle periods and infers the average amount of work to be filled during periods of idleness so that asynchronous tasks are completed transparently to the user. Extensive trace-driven evaluation shows the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed framework when compared to common practices.
A methodology and distributed tool for debugging dataflow programs

A distributed debugging methodology for data-flow architectures is presented. A graphical debugging simulator for a data-flow machine is being developed to debug compiled high-level data-flow programs. The ideas of the debugging methodology are outlined and the debugging simulator is described. Special emphasis is paid to the multipass feature of the debugging simulator, which solves the nonreproducibility problem of distributed debuggers and allows the user to execute the program more than once with the identical instruction sequence to be sure that a fault has been removed. >
Multi-Band Power and Rate Control for Cognitive Radios with Energy Constraints: A Dynamic Programming Approach

In this paper, the power and rate control schemes for a single cognitive radio (CR) link are considered, which operate over multiple frequency bands in the presence of licensed primary radios (PRs). Specifically, with considerations of delay in spectrum sensing, an optimal algorithm based on dynamic programming (DP) is proposed to maximize the average rate of the CR link over a finite time horizon under the constraints on the total energy budget and the CR-to-PR interference. In the proposed algorithm, the PR occupancy of the channels is modeled as a discrete-time Markov chain (DTMC). Based on such a model, the optimal power and rate control strategy is derived, which is a function of the delayed spectrum sensing output and the instantaneous battery level. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm leads to significant performance improvement over heuristic algorithms.
Implementing the 2005 American Heart Association guidelines, including use of the impedance threshold device, improves hospital discharge rate after in-hospital cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of the 2005 American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines, including use of an impedance threshold device (ITD), on survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest. METHODS: Two community hospitals that tracked outcomes after in-hospital cardiac arrest pooled and compared their hospital discharge rate before and after implementing the 2005 American Heart Association CPR guidelines (including ITD) in standardized protocols. In CPR we used the proper ventilation rate, allowed full chest-wall recoil, conducted continuous CPR following intubation, and used an ITD. We compared historical control data from a 12-month period at St Cloud Hospital, St Cloud, Minnesota, to data from a subsequent 18-month intervention phase. We compared historical control data from a 12-month period at St Dominic Hospital, Jackson, Mississippi to a subsequent 12-month intervention phase. 507 patients received CPR during the study period. Patient age and sex were similar in the control and intervention groups. RESULTS: The combined hospital discharge rate for patients with an in-hospital cardiac arrest was 17.5% in the control group (n 246 patients), which is similar to the national average, versus 28% in the intervention group (n 261 patients) (P .006, odds ratio 1.83, 95% CI 1.17–2.88). The greatest benefit of the intervention was in patients with an initial rhythm of pulseless electrical activity: 14.4% versus 29.7% (P .014, odds ratio 2.50, 95% CI 1.15, 5.58). Neurological function (as measured with the Cerebral Performance Category scale) in survivors at hospital discharge was similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of improved ways to increase circulation during CPR increased the in-hospital discharge rate by 60%, compared to historical controls in 2 community hospitals. These data demonstrate that immediate care with improved means to circulate blood during CPR significantly reduces hospital mortality from in
Experimental Model of Aortic Valve Calcification to Induce Osteoblast Differentiation

Over the past 25 years, the development of an in vivo model to test for calcific aortic valve disease has been challenging. The understanding of the biology, imaging, and duration of exposure to risk factors, have been the cornerstone for defining the different stages of osteoblast differentiation. The first experimental was high cholesterol-diet rabbit model. The studies published demonstrated apoptosis [1], cell proliferation [2], and atherosclerosis [1, 3–6] along the aortic valve surface. These models all include short time diet experiments to define the early atherosclerotic findings in the valve. The next level of experimentation includes testing the diet for 6 months. This duration of diet provides the time necessary for the valve to mineralize and to calcify.
Managerial Incentives and Durable Goods Monopoly

In many cases durable goods monopolists who sell out output do not appear to act in the competitive fashion suggested by Coase (1972). This indicates the firm‘s owners mitigate their commitment problem with buyers in some manner. This paper shows that managerial incentives provide a natural mechanism for the owner to mitigate its commitment problem without explicitly contracting with buyers. Owners will optimally shift their managers from the singular goal of profit maximization by penalizing them for sales. Additionally, the paper demonstrates that the degree to which managerial incentives and compensation diverge from pure profit maximization is in large part a function of the durability or quality of the product.
Complete Genome and Methylome Sequences of Two Salmonella enterica spp.

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica is responsible for major foodborne outbreaks worldwide. It can cause gastroenteritis characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Salmonella infections raise public health concerns along with consequential economic impacts. In this report, we announce the first complete genome sequences of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Choleraeuis (S. Choleraeuis) ATCC 10708 and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Pullorum (S. Pullorum) ATCC 9120, isolated from patients with diarrhea.
Brutal Choices in Curricular Design: Reusing Writing Assignments

At some point in their teaching careers, faculty who teach legal research and writing have the opportunity to use writing assignments that they have assigned in previous semesters. Reusing these assignments unfailingly presents several issues that must be considered and resolved. To provide guidance to LRW teachers who are faced with the decision to reuse a writing assignment, this article discusses the issues that may arise when reusing an assignment and suggests strategies for resolving those issues.
Higher Incidence of Aggressive Breast Cancers in African-American Women: A Review

Despite a lower incidence of breast cancers in African Americans than in Caucasians, mortality rates from breast cancer are higher in African Americans. This review summarizes disparate characteristics of breast cancer diagnosed in African Americans as compared with Caucasians, such as more advanced stage at diagnosis and less estrogen-receptor positivity of disease, in an effort to explain differences in their survival outcomes. Multifactorial explanations are offered, including differences in access to care, disparate utilization of mammography screening and often differences in treatment course-as well as biologic factors, such as higher incidence of aggressive breast cancer phenotypes, higher grade of tumor and higher growth index of tumors in African Americans as compared with Caucasians. Multiple population-based studies have been reviewed and screening and treatment interventions proposed in order to heighten awareness of these differences and to improve disease outcomes among this high-risk population.
Measuring the development of inhibitory control: The challenge of heterotypic continuity

Inhibitory control is thought to demonstrate heterotypic continuity, in other words, continuity in its purpose or function but changes in its behavioral manifestation over time. This creates major methodological challenges for studying the development of inhibitory control in childhood including construct validity, developmental appropriateness and sensitivity of measures, and longitudinal factorial invariance. We meta-analyzed 198 studies using measures of inhibitory control, a key aspect of self-regulation, to estimate age ranges of usefulness for each measure. The inhibitory control measures showed limited age ranges of usefulness owing to ceiling/floor effects. Tasks were useful, on average, for a developmental span of less than 3 years. This suggests that measuring inhibitory control over longer spans of development may require use of different measures at different time points, seeking to measure heterotypic continuity. We suggest ways to study the development of inhibitory control, with overlapping measurement in a structural equation modeling framework and tests of longitudinal factorial or measurement invariance. However, as valuable as this would be for the area, we also point out that establishing longitudinal factorial invariance is neither sufficient nor necessary for examining developmental change. Any study of developmental change should be guided by theory and construct validity, aiming toward a better empirical and theoretical approach to the selection and combination of measures.
Bivariate Binomial Options Pricing (With an Application to American Futures Options with Stochastic Interest Rates)

We extend the procedures developed by Nelson and Ramaswamy (RFS, 1990) and Hull and White (JFQA, 1990) to accomodate more generalized diffusions and two possible correlated state variables thus yielding a bivariate vinomial options pricing technique. The advantage this technique offers is the ability to price American style options, thereby accomodating early exercise, despite the existence of two correlated underlying state variables. We illustrate the technique with an application to American futures options where the futures price and the short-rate of interest are stochastic. Our technique is computationally efficient and can be further generalized for multiple state variables, albeit with an accompanying rise in computational expense.
A filterable agent, recovered from Ak leukemic extracts, causing salivary gland carcinomas in C3H mice.

Summary1. Extracts prepared from livers, spleens, and lymphatic tumors of leukemic Ak mice, were centrifugated at 1400 × g (15 minutes), then 7000 × g (5 to 10 minutes), and finally passed through ...
Development of an Interlocked Nail for Segmental Defects in the Rabbit Tibia

Previous animal models have been developed to study intramedullary nailing for challenging segmental defects in the tibia. In large animals, interlocked nail fixation created a stable environment s...
Expression of the neutral amino acids transporter ASCT1 in esophageal carcinomas.

Abstract Cancers cells utilize more glucose and amino acids than their benign counterparts. Overexpression of the facilitative glucose transporter Glut1 in human cancers was found to correlate with aggressive biologic behavior. The aim of this work was to determine whether the neutral amino acid transporter ASCT1 is expressed in human esophageal carcinomas, and to correlate the findings with Glut1 expression. Sections of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue from 42 cases of esophageal carcinomas were entered in the study. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using a rabbit anti-ASCT1 IgG developed in our laboratory, and anti-Glut1 antibody, using standard avidin-streptavidine immunoperoxidase method. Sections of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded HepG2 cells were used as positive controls. The percent of ASCT1-positive cells was scored. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test. ASCT1 immunoreactivity was cytoplasmic, whereas Glut1 was membranous. Significantly more adenocarcinomas expressed ASCT1 than squamous cell carcinomas (p < 0.0001), whereas Glut1 expression was similar in both tumor types. There was no association between the expression of either transporter and lymph node metastasis. Glut1 was expressed more often in the better differentiated than the poorly differentiated squamous carcinomas (p = 0.003). These results suggest that unlike in squamous cell carcinoma, ASCT1 plays a significant role in the recruitment of amino acids in adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, and suggest that the metabolic needs, and uptake of nutrients, are regulated differently in these two tumor types. Additional studies with larger number of patients are needed to determine the biological significance of ASCT1 expression in esophageal carcinomas.
DEPRAVED, DISTRACTED, DISABLED, OR JUST "PACK RATS"? WORKPLACE HOARDING PERSONAS IN PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL REALMS

This article provides some potential directions in exploring the construction of the persona of the “hoarder” and addresses how such a persona can move to the foreground of an individual’s set of workplace-related personas. Hoarding throws into relief some critical concerns about the social standings of individuals in workplaces and the extent to which they have autonomous expression. The article frames hoarding in terms of its capacity to externalize particular social issues (such as environmental problems) and generate public discourse, and examines both physical hoardings (books and papers in academic and office settings, for example) and hoardings of virtual goods (such as digital music, video files, and pornographic images). Virtual hoardings have been constructed as problematic as they create barriers to the free flow of information in the workplace and can challenge organizational interests related to intellectual property concerns. Hoarding as a whole is becoming more tightly circumscribed as a workplace and community condition, in part because the ability to manage physical and virtual items in confined settings is considered central to many forms of competent societal functioning.An assortment of human resource management initiatives to mitigate hoarding concerns has developed, including the consideration of hoarding as a disability. However, hoarding behavior is increasing creating problems for those who are searching for simple definitions or straightforward diagnostic criteria. This article also provides some structures for analysis of the class-related and economic dimensions of workplace hoarding personas, and explores potential implications of lifelogging initiatives and hoarding acceptance approaches.
Oil well productivity of non-linear flow in low-permeability oil reservoirs

In view of the characteristics of the low-permeability oil fields,through theoretical analysis and lab investigation,the characteristics of non-linear flow in low-permeability core,pressure distribution between oil wells and water wells and production formula of oil wells are derived.Compared with Darcy linear flow,oil well indicative curve of non-linear low isn't linear,and consumption of pressure is bigger in the global flow process.In this way, the consumption of pressure of non-linear low in the global flow process is bigger than that of non-Darcy linear flow.
Application of microdialysis technique in monitoring local drug concentration in tissue-targeted

Microdialysis,based on the dialysis principle,is a new probe-based sampling technique in vivo which can continuous monitoring drug concentration of extracellular fluid in local tissues during several hours and days.It satisfies regulatory requirements for pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic(PK-PD) studies,and could provide scientific basis for the development of new drugs and clinical rational drug use.This review presents the monitoring local drug concentration in tissue-targeted by microdialysis technique.
Biologically Inspired Computing in CMOL CrossNets

This extended abstract outlines my invited keynote presentation of the recent work on neuromorphic networks ("CrossNets") based on hybrid CMOS/nanoelectronic ("CMOL") circuits, in the space-saving Q/A format.
A new closed loop heating system for composting of green and food wastes

Excessive amount of foodwaste in global food supply chain is a serious issue, and additional controlling measures are needed to prevent wastages of food. In our approach to tackle this global problem, we developed an improved composting system, which can be used as a small decentralized unit for treating food and green wastes in urban environment. A new closed loop heating system was developed to enhance the temperature of compost piles, and accelerate the inactivation of pathogens during the process. The system involved a heated bath circulator, an air injector, and a system of copper piping used as heat exchangers in bins. The system was tested under aerated, static, and plowed composting conditions. To test the pathogen inactivation in the composting, the concentrations of Salmonella and Escherichia coli in compost were measured. In addition, the changes in C:N ratio, pH, and moisture content were observed to understand the quality of the compost in terms of nutrient concentrations. Results showed that the Salmonella levels reached to non-detectable limit in 34, 5, and 34 days of composting in aerated, static, and plowed composting system, respectively. The E. coli levels were detectable till day 70 indicating longer survival of E. coli cells compared to Salmonella under composting environment. In the current system, feedstock C:N ratio was reduced by 71, 70, and 62% in static, plowed, and aerated composting, respectively. We anticipate that the proposed system will yield a new composting design with less dependency on environmental conditions. The proposed design can be used for developing an in-door composting system to convert food and green wastes into pathogen free soil amendment.
Composite Materials for Nonlinear Optics: Theory and Experiment

The practical development of optical communications and optical networks for industrial and commercial applications has provided the impetus for exploring the applications of nonlinear optical materials. The barrier to a wide variety of useful devices for these and future applications in optical computing and in data image processing has been the availability of appropriate nonlinear optical materials. The quest for new materials has been mainly directed toward engineered semiconductors and more recently, polymeric materials have been explored.
Printing and Instrument Making in the Early Modern Atlantic, 1520–1600: The Origin and Reception of Pedro de Medina’s Navigation Manual

This essay addresses printing and instrument making as crucial features in the accumulation and dissemination of cosmographical knowledge; as a corollary, it also frames the avalanche of data from the New World as a problem of ‘information management’. In this respect, while standard treatments of the topic emphasize the epistemological gathering directed by royal institutions, I maintain that armchair erudition and discovery were still coessential, if not overlapping. My discussion pursues a specific case study – the use of Pedro de Medina’s nautical tract in Seville, Venice and Antwerp – aiming to rewrite some aspects of network theory in terms of translation. Simultaneously, it tracks epistemological changes taking place within the cognitive jurisdictions of the printing house, and examines descriptions of instruments, woodcuts, and diagrams, to visualize how historical actors used to communicate with patrons, mathematicians, and craftsmen.
Nonlinear time-varying fractional order system simulation based on MATLAB

With the development of computer technology, fractional order systems are widely used in fields of signal processing and control processing, fluid mechanics and so on. It has gradually become the focus of control science and engineering. In this paper, authors summarize the related definitions and properties of fractional order systems. And then, it lists and compares several Simulation methods of the nonlinear time-varying fractional systems. What's more, authors make a series of different systems simulating tests to verify the existing stability criterion and put forward relative conjectures based on Simulink. And it builds a set of tools that can be used in system simulations, making full preparations for further studying the fractional order correlation properties.
Shared roles of dorsal and subgenual anterior cingulate cortices in economic decisions

Theories of dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) function generally emphasize its cognitive and regulatory functions while theories of subgenual ACC (sgACC) emphasize its emotional, limbic, and arousal-related roles. But how different are these areas when compared in the same task? We recorded neuronal responses in both regions in macaques in a task with cognitive and limbic aspects, a token gambling task. Using tokens allowed us to compare responses to wins and losses. Both regions phasically encoded several important economic variables in similar ways; these included offered values, remembered values, attended values, and obtained values, and number of current tokens. Signal-to-noise ratio in sgACC was substantially lower than in dACC, and sgACC neurons responded more strongly to losses and in anticipation of large rewards. These results highlight the common economic functions of the anterior cingulum and suggest different functional emphases between regions, rather than a strict cognitive vs. emotional division.
Impact of parental obesity on neonatal markers of inflammation and immune response

Maternal obesity may influence neonatal and childhood morbidities through increased inflammation and/or altered immune response. Less is known about paternal obesity. We hypothesized that excessive parental weight contributes to elevated inflammation and altered immunoglobulin (Ig) profiles in neonates. In the Upstate KIDS Study maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was obtained from vital records and paternal BMI from maternal report. Biomarkers were measured from newborn dried blood spots (DBS) among neonates whose parents provided consent. Inflammatory scores were calculated by assigning one point for each of five pro-inflammatory biomarkers above the median and one point for an anti-inflammatory cytokine below the median. Linear regression models and generalized estimating equations were used to estimate mean differences (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in the inflammatory score and Ig levels by parental overweight/obesity status compared with normal weight. Among 2974 pregnancies, 51% were complicated by excessive maternal weight (BMI>25), 73% by excessive paternal weight and 28% by excessive gestational weight gain. Maternal BMI categories of overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9) and obese class II/III (BMI≥35) were associated with increased neonatal inflammation scores (β=0.12, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.21; P=0.02 and β=0.13, CI: −0.002, 0.26; P=0.05, respectively) but no increase was observed in the obese class I group (BMI 30–34.9). Mothers with class I and class II/III obesity had newborns with increased IgM levels (β=0.11, CI: 0.04, 0.17; P=0.001 and β=0.12, CI: 0.05, 0.19); P<0.001, respectively). Paternal groups of overweight, obese class I and obese class II/III had decreased neonatal IgM levels (β=−0.08, CI: −0.13,−0.03, P=0.001; β=−0.07, CI: −0.13, −0.01, P=0.029 and β=−0.11, CI:−0.19,−0.04, P=0.003, respectively). Excessive maternal weight was generally associated with increased inflammation and IgM supporting previous observations of maternal obesity and immune dysregulation in offspring. The role of paternal obesity requires further study.
Spotted knapweed distribution in stock camps and trails of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness

This article documents spotted knapweed ( Centaurea maculosa Lam.) in 30 campsites and along 5 trails in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and assesses the role of disturbance and environmental factors in controlling infestation. Spotted knapweed was present in only 6 of 30 surveyed campsites and limited portions of all 5 trails that were sampled. All spotted knapweed in camps was below 1700 m elevation, in open canopy, and in areas with an opportunity class disturbance ranking of 3 or 4. Overall disturbance levels measured using U.S. Forest Service Site Impact Worksheets (SIWs) did not help predict occurrence of spotted knapweed, although bare mineral soil, vegetation loss, and development variables of SIWs provide some explanation of spotted knapweed presence or absence. There was no significant difference in knapweed frequency between areas used predominantly by horses and those use by humans within camps. Over 95% of spotted knapweed along trails was found within 0.5 km of the trailhead, occurred within 4.6 m of the trail, and had low reproductive potential. If the Bitterroot portion of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is representative of forested wilderness areas in the Northern Rockies, then the perceived threat of spotted knapweed to wilderness areas may subsequently exceed the actual danger in many instances. Study findings indicated that managers should conduct surveys before initiating costly control measures in wilderness areas, that eradication may be a viable alternative when spotted knapweed numbers are this low, and that regulations promoting minimum-impact camping should reduce spotted knapweed infestation.
How efficient are they really? A simple testing method of small-scale gold miners’ gravity separation systems

Abstract This paper demonstrates a simple, minimally-invasive method of estimating the gold recovery rate of gravitational separation equipment used by artisanal and small-scale miners at alluvial gold sites in the Guianas, South America. A local ASM group mining an alluvial gold deposit agreed to allow the research team to collect eight samples of ore material immediately before it was to be processed by their sluice and eight samples taken immediately upon exit from their sluice. Each sample was sieved into three grain size portions ( 500 μm) and each portion assayed for gold content. The results indicate that the sluice at this site is capturing approximately 91% of the gold that enters the sluicing system, and the grain size distribution of the gold particles suggests that mercury amalgamation methods employed by the miners post sluicing are likely to be very efficient as well. Although this study and sample size is extremely small, and should not be taken as a full replacement of more elaborate geologic sampling and metallurgical analysis, this method could provide a useful tool for practitioners who want to quickly evaluate ASM gold processing methods and consider the effectiveness of introducing alternative processing technologies, especially those that aim to reduce mercury emissions from ASM.
Detailed Vascular Anatomy of the Human Retina by Projection-Resolved Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a noninvasive method of 3D imaging of the retinal and choroidal circulations. However, vascular depth discrimination is limited by superficial vessels projecting flow signal artifact onto deeper layers. The projection-resolved (PR) OCTA algorithm improves depth resolution by removing projection artifact while retaining in-situ flow signal from real blood vessels in deeper layers. This novel technology allowed us to study the normal retinal vasculature in vivo with better depth resolution than previously possible. Our investigation in normal human volunteers revealed the presence of 2 to 4 distinct vascular plexuses in the retina, depending on location relative to the optic disc and fovea. The vascular pattern in these retinal plexuses and interconnecting layers are consistent with previous histologic studies. Based on these data, we propose an improved system of nomenclature and segmentation boundaries for detailed 3-dimensional retinal vascular anatomy by OCTA. This could serve as a basis for future investigation of both normal retinal anatomy, as well as vascular malformations, nonperfusion, and neovascularization.
Reflection: Have You Smelled the Elephant's Foot?

A museum belonging to a school district demonstrates how teachers integrate museum resources into classroom curricula. A former teacher reflects on her experience with the Karshner Memorial Museum in the Puyallup School District (WA), and explains how the museum's exhibitions and artifacts are curriculum resources, specifically tied to grade level focus and standards. Now working with the Education Department at Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA) the author teaches teachers-in-training to use museum resources and has helped to develop a new major, Outreach Education, for students wishing to become educators in formal and informal venues outside the traditional classroom such as museums and other cultural venues.
Functional factors that are important correlates to physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

Purpose: Identify functional factors that are important correlates to physical activity levels among people with multiple sclerosis.Methods: A total of eight functional tests were conducted and phy...
Inflammation: Memory beyond immunity.

Epithelial stem cells maintain the skin's epidermis and promote wound healing in response to injury. Scientists from two fields discuss implications of the discovery that these stem cells harbour a memory of previous injuries, which enables skin to respond rapidly to subsequent assaults. See Article p.475 In the skin, epithelial stem cells form a barrier against environmental damage. Shruti Naik et al. now show that after acute inflammation, epithelial stem cells retain a memory that hastens barrier restoration during subsequent tissue damage. However, the increased sensitivity to further insults may also increase tissue damage and susceptibility to other disorders such as autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Growth performance, carcass quality, fresh belly characteristics, and commercial bacon slicing yields of growing-finishing pigs fed a subtherapeutic dose of an antibiotic, a natural antimicrobial, or not fed an antibiotic or antimicrobial.

Abstract The objective was to compare growth performance, belly characteristics, and bacon slicing yields of growing-finishing pigs fed a subtherapeutic dose of an antibiotic, a natural antimicrobial, or a diet containing no antibiotics or antimicrobials. Barrows and gilts (96 each, initial BW: 27.52 ± 3.98 kg) were housed in 48 pens (8 replications per treatment) in a 2 × 3 factorial randomized complete block design. Pens were assigned 1 of 3 diets: antibiotic free, oregano or tylosin phosphate. Pigs were slaughtered at an average BW of 127.31 ± 10.18 kg. There were no differences among dietary treatments for growth performance ( P ≥ 0.06), carcass cutability ( P ≥ 0.42), loin quality ( P ≥ 0.28), fresh belly dimensional characteristics ( P ≥ 0.11), IV ( P ≥ 0.87) or bacon processing characteristics ( P ≥ 0.07). Given the lack of differences in meat quality from pigs fed diets without antibiotics, the implementation of VFD in the United States should not result in changes in pork quality.
Embedded Library Services: From Cooperation to Collaboration to Enhance Student Learning in Asynchronous Online Course

The online environment presents a unique challenge to higher education. Shifting from the face- to-face format to online not only involves rethinking course design, but requires careful considerati...
Comparative performances of microbial capacitive deionization cell and microbial fuel cell fed with produced water from the Bakken shale.

Abstract This study evaluates and compares the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial capacitive deionization cells (MCDCs) fed with wastewater produced from the Bakken shale. The produced water was characterized by high levels of dissolved solids and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Two-compartment MFCs and three-compartment MCDCs were evaluated under batch-fed mode using mixed microbial consortia in the anode, ferricyanide in the cathode, and produced water as the electrolyte in the anode and capacitive deionization units. COD removal in the MFCs was 88%, while that in the MCDCs was limited to 76%. The lower performance of the MCDCs was due to the large impedance (6600 Ω cm2) compared with the MFCs (870 Ω cm2). However, the MCDCs achieved two-fold higher removal of dissolved solids. Both the MFCs and MCDCs suffered from a higher impedance induced by fouling in the latter stages of the operation.