cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deception in Advertising: A Proposed Complex of Definitions for Researchers, Lawyers, and Regulators

Researchers, lawyers, and regulators need a single, comprehensive, unambiguous, workable guideline for determining whether an advertisement is, or is not, deceptive. To address this need, the autho...
HBED: A potential alternative to deferoxamine for iron-chelating therapy

To examine the potential clinical usefulness of the hexadentate phenolic aminocarboxylate iron chelator N, N-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N-diacetic acid (HBED) for the chronic treatment of transfusional iron overload, we compared the iron excretion induced by subcutaneous (SC) injection of HBED and deferoxamine (DFO), the reference chelator, in rodents and primates. In the non-iron-overloaded, bile-duct-cannulated rat, a single SC injection of HBED, 150 micromol/kg, resulted in a net iron excretion that was more than threefold greater than that after the same dose of DFO. In the iron-loaded Cebus apella monkey, a single SC injection of HBED, 150 micromol/kg, produced a net iron excretion that was more than twice that observed after the same dose of SC DFO. In patients with transfusional iron overload, SC injections of HBED may provide a much needed alternative to the use of prolonged parenteral infusions of DFO.
Success Stories: Adult Learners Co-Constructing a Learning Context and the Implications for Identity Development

Using Foucault's conceptualisation of power and Bahktin's theory of dialogism, the research data presented in this article show how three ‘successful’ learners and their instructor in one computerised GED programme that relied on standardised curriculum materials co-constructed the learning context. The nature of interaction between the instructor and learners and between learners and the curriculum is analysed using survey, interview, observational methods, and curriculum materials review. Although the focus is limited in scope to one context, one educator, and three learners, the description and analyses demonstrate how through the dialogical interaction of the learners with the curriculum materials, the disciplinary power of the materials are perpetuated and the learners' identities are shaped. Learners who successfully participated in the programme took up notions of knowledge, learning, and literacy promoted by the computerised curriculum materials and supported by the educator's pedagogical choices....
The influence of text difficulty level and topic on eye-movement behavior and pupil size during reading

This paper aims to show how some eye-tracking variables during reading are affected by various major factors, including individual differences, the difficulty level of the text, and the topic of the text. For this purpose, we conducted an eye-tracking experiment with 21 subjects who read six passages with different topics. For each subject, changes in three variables were evaluated: the mean fixation duration, the pupil size, and the average speed of reading. The Flesch reading ease score is employed as a measure for the difficulty level of the text. Analysis of variance is used in order to analyze determinant factors associated with text characteristics, including the difficulty level and the topic of the text. The analysis results are summarized as follows: During the reading of passages with similar difficulty levels, the topic of the text has no significant effect on mean fixation duration and mean pupil size, whereas a significant influence on average speed of reading is observed. Furthermore, individual characteristics have a major impact on eye-movement behavior. The results of this study can be applied in various areas such as the assessment of mental workload, information processing, and personalized interfaces.
Socioeconomic Status as a Predictor of Mortality in Patients Admitted with Atrial Fibrillation

Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the association between SES and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is not clear. We examined whether SES predicts all-cause mortality in patients hospitalized with AF. This is a retrospective study of patients aged >18 years, admitted with a primary diagnosis of AF to Montefiore Medical Center between 2000 and 2010. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of survival adjusted for age, gender, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, previous myocardial infraction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and SES. SES was determined using the New York City Department of Health Standardized Score (a log composite score of household income, value of housing units, net rental income, household occupations, and educational level). The cohort was divided into quartiles based on SES score, with Q4 the highest and Q1 the lowest SES score. There were 4,503 patients identified with a mean follow up of 4.5 years in the following SES quartiles: Q1 (n = 1,132), Q2 (n = 1,119), Q3 (n = 1,126), and Q4 (n = 1,126). The unadjusted mortality varied across quartiles (Q1 to Q4), 54%, 58%, 56%, and 59%, respectively (p = 0.004). After controlling for other variables in the multivariable analysis, patients with the lowest SES (Q1) had a significantly higher mortality than patients in the quartile with the highest (Q4) SES (odds ratio 1.3, CI 1.1 to 1.5). In conclusion, patients admitted to the hospital with AF have varying mortality based on their SES. After controlling for co-morbidities, patients with AF and lower SES scores had higher mortality. Further research studies are warranted to study this risk of increased mortality in AF population.
What’s so bad about scientism?

AbstractIn their attempt to defend philosophy from accusations of uselessness made by prominent scientists, such as Stephen Hawking, some philosophers respond with the charge of ‘scientism.’ This charge makes endorsing a scientistic stance, a mistake by definition. For this reason, it begs the question against these critics of philosophy, or anyone who is inclined to endorse a scientistic stance, and turns the scientism debate into a verbal dispute. In this paper, I propose a different definition of scientism, and thus a new way of looking at the scientism debate. Those philosophers who seek to defend philosophy against accusations of uselessness would do philosophy a much better service, I submit, if they were to engage with the definition of scientism put forth in this paper, rather than simply make it analytic that scientism is a mistake.
Flagellar Motility and the Dynein Regulatory Complex

Publisher Summary Eukaryotic cilia and flagella are highly conserved, microtubule-based structures that play fundamental roles in sensory transduction and cell motility. This chapter focuses on the dynein regulatory complex (DRC), about which very little is known so far. It begins with a brief review of the work on the central-pair microtubules and radial spokes, which are required for flagellar motility in Chlamydomonas under physiological conditions. Following this, it deals with the identification and characterization of two groups of extragenic suppressor mutations that can restore motility to paralyzed central pair/radial spoke defective mutants. The first group of suppressor mutations has demonstrated that specific changes in both the outer and inner dynein arms can override defects in the central-pair/radial-spoke complex to restore motility. Characterization of the second group of suppressors, the DRC mutants, has revealed that the DRC serves both as an adaptor for the binding of specific inner-arm dynein isoforms and as part of the nexin link that resists microtubule sliding. It also reviews the recent efforts to identify nexine DRC subunits and localizes them within the substructure of the DRC. Finally, it presents the proposed functions of the DRC and nexin links and discusses possible future directions for research.
Corals as speaking stones

Corals are animals living in shallow seas (where they may form coral reefs) or in the deep sea. Because they fossilize well, these ‘stones’ inform us in detail about the geological past; not only about the history of the Earth as a whole (rotation, tectonics, sea-level changes), but also about past local environmental conditions in the sea. Joint research of marine biology and marine geology can therefore solve many questions about our changing world, and can be used to discover what factors cause deterioration of living coral reefs.
Big data in education and the models that love them

As the modal sources of data in education have shifted over the past few decades, so too have the modeling paradigms applied to these data. In this paper, we overview the principle foci of modeling in the areas of standardized testing, computer tutoring, and online courses from whence these big data have come, and provide a rationale for their adoption in each context. As these data become more behavioral in nature, we argue that a shift to connectionist paradigms of modeling is called for as well as a reaffirming of the ethical responsibilities of big data analysis in education.
Experiences in Physical Education: Exploring the Intersection of Visual Impairment and Maleness.

The purpose of this study was to adopt an explicitly intersectional approach to examine the embodied perspectives of males with visual impairments about physical education. An interpretative phenomenological analysis research approach was used, and six adults (18–33 years) who identified as males with visual impairments acted as participants. The primary sources of data were semistructured, audiotaped, telephone interviews and reflective field notes. Thematic development utilized a four-step interpretative phenomenological analysis-guided analytical process. Based on the data analysis, the following three interrelated themes emerged: (a) “I didn’t feel very integrated”: Noninclusionary experiences based on blindness; (b) “Oh great, where’s my cane now?”: Bullying, blindness, and maleness; and (c) “Okay, just do what you can”: Competitive culture glass ceiling. The themes highlight several issues that have been faced by males with visual impairments, which should be considered by physical education and ada...
Case 7: Values and Services

The CEO of a local community foundation seeks to reconcile her personal views with a new funding initiative in the community. This case asks readers to consider the extent to which personal views should impact professional decisions and how to navigate the difficulties that arise when nonprofit employees must balance the dual roles of advocate and analyst. Do nonprofits have an obligation to support underserved groups in their communities, even if it means ruffling the feathers of other stakeholders? In this case, Handy and Russell encourage readers to contemplate the inherent moral positioning of nonprofits in their communities and the obligations of nonprofit leaders to maintain this position.
Minerals and Trace Elements in Microalgae

Abstract The term microalgae describes 8 of the 11 common divisions of single cell or colonial plants, the remaining three are macroalgae. The inconspicuous microalgae serve as the primary food resource for higher trophic levels in many ecosystems including lakes, salt marshes, oceans, and submersed vascular plants. This chapter discusses the mineral compositions of various algal groups and the effects of mineral deficiencies and mineral accumulation in the microalgal groups. Minerals constitute the inorganic portion of animal diets. Minerals considered essential for animal life are divided into two general categories based upon level of requirement: macronutrients and micronutrients. This chapter discusses the macronutrients and the micronutrients that support the growth of various microalgae. Also discussed are the “algal blooms”—dense accumulations of microalgae above baseline levels resulting in monotypic aggregates, which may be beneficial in some cases and toxic in some others. Other topics discussed are bioaccumulation and bioremediation. Microalgae can effectively remove many heavy metals from freshwater and marine environments via bioaccumulation in living cells and binding to cell particulates after senescence. Bioremediation is the use of microorganisms (intrinsic or extrinsic) to remove pollutants from naturally occurring waters or anthropogenic waste streams.
Tissue Engineering Strategies for Regeneration of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a primary stabilizer of the knee joint that is frequently injured, compromising knee stability and leading to degeneration of other joint structures. Because the ACL has a poor intrinsic healing capacity, surgical reconstruction is required to restore knee function in young active patients. Biological grafts are the gold standard for ACL reconstruction, resulting in formation of scar-like tissue, which remodels but remains structurally and biomechanically inferior to the normal ACL. The ultimate challenge of ACL reconstruction is ACL regeneration: reestablishing the unique structure, function, and mechanical properties of the normal ACL. Despite significant recent advances (1), existing ACL reconstruction techniques do not result in ACL regeneration (2). In fact, regeneration of the musculoskeletal soft tissues, including ligament, tendon, meniscus, disc, and cartilage, remains an elusive goal.
A George Herbert Companion (Routledge Revivals)

First published in 1995, this title provides the reader with a compendium of useful information for any reader of George Herbert to have at hand. It includes key biographical information, situates the poetry in its historical and cultural context, and, where appropriate, explains theological concepts and traditions which have a direct bearing on the verse. The aim throughout is to enhance understanding and appreciation, without being exhaustive. A George Herbert Companion will be of most use to general readers and undergraduate students coming to this poetry for the first time, and will interest students of Anglican Caroline theology and hymnology.
Sinusoidal Signal Generation Through Successive Integration

This paper introduces a sinusoidal signal generation technique using successive integration of a digital square wave. It utilizes operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) and capacitors to realize the required integrators. To provide an example, the technique has been implemented in 130 nm CMOS technology with a supply voltage of 1 V and a power consumption of 325 μW. In this design, the input square wave and the sinusoidal output signals are both at 10 MHz. The output signal THD is −51 dBc, and the SFDR is 51 dB at 200 mV P-P .
Attitudes of a Multiethnic Group of Immigrants towards Online Social Networking and Physical Activity: Results from Focus Group Discussions

Background and Purpose: Sedentary behavior contributes to the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Increasing physical activity is particularly important for new immigrants to the U.S., since the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease increases with acculturation to U.S. society. This study examined facilitators and barriers of using social media to provide information on physical activity, perceptions of the benefits of physical activity, and barriers to physical activity in low English proficiency immigrants in a New England city. Methods: Three focus groups were conducted to collect information from 25 adults in a New England city (Mean= 47.7+13.2 year, 68% female, 64% Asian). Results: Participants reported using social media to connect with family and friends, rather than to make new social connections. Barriers to social media use included access and privacy concerns. While the participants believed physical activity was necessary for health, they identified a number of barriers to exercise, including lack of access to exercise facilities, financial issues, and information on safe and effective ways to exercise. Conclusion: Using social media may be a convenient way to provide information about physical activity to low English proficiency immigrants, but researchers need to address the barriers to utilizing social media and engaging in physical activity.
Emotion Regulation in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Rumination Accounts for the Association Between Emotion Regulation Difficulties and PTSD Severity

OBJECTIVE The current study investigated whether rumination accounts for the relationship between multiple aspects of emotion regulation (ER) difficulties and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. METHOD Participants were 90 community members (43% diagnosed with PTSD; Mage = 26.7, 86% female) who were interviewed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale-5 and completed self-reported measures of ER and rumination. RESULTS The indirect effect of rumination completely accounted for the relationship between overall ER difficulties and PTSD severity. This finding was replicated for three unique aspects of ER (i.e., nonacceptance of negative emotions, impulse control difficulties under emotional distress, and the ability to maintain goal-oriented behavior under emotional distress). Reverse models testing the indirect effect of ER on the link between rumination and PTSD were nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS Rumination is an important cognitive process linking specific aspects of ER difficulties to PTSD. Clinical interventions focused on improving ER abilities among those with PTSD may benefit from targeting rumination.
INTRAVASCULAR HEMOLYSIS AFTER PLACEMENT OF MITRACLIP

Nonsurgical management of severe mitral regurgitation (MR) is now possible with the MitraClip procedure. We present here a rare but serious complication of this procedure. An 87 year old black woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer, and dyspnea on exertion was found to have
Thromboembolism (TE) in patients (pts) with bladder cancer treated with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs).

5042Background: Most pts with bladder cancer will be treated with immunotherapy. There is concern for increased TE risk with CPIs in this already high risk population. We present the first analysis...
Small molecule signals mediate social behaviors in C. elegans

The last few decades have seen the structural and functional elucidation of small-molecule chemical signals called ascarosides in C. elegans. Ascarosides mediate several biological processes in worms, ranging from development, to behavior. These signals are modular in their design architecture, with their building blocks derived from metabolic pathways. Behavioral responses are not only concentration dependent, but also are influenced by the current physiological state of the animal. Cellular and circuit-level analyses suggest that these signals constitute a complex communication system, employing both synergistic molecular elements and sex-specific neuronal circuits governing the response. In this review, we discuss research from multiple laboratories, including our own, that detail how these chemical signals govern several different social behaviors in C. elegans. We propose that the ascaroside repertoire represents a link between diverse metabolic and neurobiological life-history traits and governs the survival of C. elegans in its natural environment.
Comprehensive Bioinformatic Assessments of the Variability of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Vaccine Candidates

ABSTRACT A protective vaccine is the only viable way to stop the spread of gonorrhea in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. However, the notorious phase and antigenic variation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae surface proteins remains one of the challenges in vaccine development. To facilitate vaccine advancement efforts, we carried out comprehensive bioinformatic analyses of sequence variation by comparing 34 gonorrhea antigen candidates among >5,000 clinical N. gonorrhoeae isolates deposited in the Neisseria PubMLST database. Eight protein antigens showed exceptional conservation by having a single allele variant distributed in >80% of isolates. An additional 18 vaccine candidates were represented by ≤3 alleles in >50% of N. gonorrhoeae isolates globally. Phylogenetic analyses highlighted closely related antigen variants and additionally showed that AniA and FetB were the closest between N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis. Up to 44% of N. meningitidis alleles for both antigens have premature stop codons, suggesting differential expression. Mapping polymorphisms to the available three-dimensional structures of 12 antigens revealed low-frequency surface polymorphisms. PorB and TbpB possessed numerous high-prevalence polymorphic sites. While TbpA was also highly variable, conserved loops were nonetheless identified. A high degree of sequence conservation, the distribution of a single antigen variant among N. gonorrhoeae strains globally, or low-frequency sequence polymorphisms in surface loops make ACP, AniA, BamA, BamE, MtrE, NspA, NGO0778, NGO1251, NGO1985, OpcA, PldA, Slam2, and ZnuD promising candidates for a gonorrhea vaccine. Finally, the commonly used N. gonorrhoeae FA1090 strain emerges as a vaccine prototype, as it carries antigen sequence types identical to the most broadly distributed antigen variants. IMPORTANCENeisseria gonorrhoeae, the Gram-negative bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, is categorized as a high-priority pathogen for research and development efforts. N. gonorrhoeae’s “superbug” status, its high morbidity, and the serious health impact associated with gonorrhea highlight the importance of vaccine development. One of the longstanding barriers to developing an effective vaccine against N. gonorrhoeae is the remarkable variability of surface-exposed antigens. In this report, we addressed this roadblock by applying extensive bioinformatic analyses to 34 gonorrhea antigen candidates among >5,000 clinical N. gonorrhoeae isolates. Our studies are important, as they reveal promising, conserved gonorrhea vaccine candidates and aid structural vaccinology. Moreover, these approaches are broadly applicable to other infectious diseases where surface antigen variability impedes successful vaccine design.
A Comprehensive Review of the Global Efforts on COVID-19 Vaccine Development

This report examines various vaccine platforms including inactivated vaccines, protein-based vaccines, viral vector vaccines, and nucleic acid (DNA or mRNA) vaccines, and their ways of producing immunogens in cells.
The Benefits of Mindfulness for University Students

Background: Mindfulness training is increasingly being adopted to address mental health concerns among university students (Kuyken et al., 2017). Previous research has supported mindfulness with empirical evidence as an autonomous, accessible, and cost-effective intervention for stress and anxiety (Flett, Conner, Rordan, Patterson, & Hayne, 2020). Aim: The purpose of this study was (1) to examine the prevalence of student stress and anxiety alongside student mindfulness interest and experience; (2) to examine the benefits of mindfulness training through the perspectives of cognitive neuroscience, population health, and behavioral economics; and (3) to examine the cost-effectiveness of mindfulness training for university students. Methods: To address these aims, an anonymous online survey incorporating both the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered to students at a liberal arts university in New England to quantify the prevalence of student stress and mindfulness. It was hypothesized that scores on the PSS would be inversely correlated with scores on the FFMQ . Results: The results demonstrated a significant negative correlation between FFMQ and PSS scores, r ( 107) = -.507, p < 0.01. Conclusion : The implications of this study are beneficial in establishing mindfulness training as an effective and cost-effective approach to promoting mental health in students. The study concluded with a data-informed recommendation for educational strategy based upon survey and research findings.
Lighting the Patient Room of the Future: Evaluating Different Lighting Conditions From the Patient Perspective.

OBJECTIVE This study explores whether "future" lighting systems that provide greater control and opportunity for circadian synchronization are acceptable to participants in the role of patients. BACKGROUND Tunable, dimmable light emitting diode systems provide multiple potential benefits for healthcare. They can provide significant energy savings, support circadian synchronization by varying the spectrum and intensity of light over the course of the day, address nighttime navigation needs, and provide user-friendly control. There is an emerging understanding of the important visual and nonvisual effects of light; however, important questions remain about the experience and acceptability of this "future" lighting if we are to adopt it broadly. METHODS Volunteer participants (34) performed a series of tasks typical of patients, such as reading or watching a video, in a full-scale simulated inpatient room. Each participant conducted these tasks under 12 lighting conditions in a counterbalanced order that included varying illuminance levels, correlated color temperatures (CCTs), and in a few conditions, saturated colors. The participants rated each lighting condition on comfort, intensity, appropriateness, and naturalness. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The participants found that conditions with CCTs of 5,000 K and higher were significantly less comfortable and less natural than conditions with lower CCTs. Conditions with lighting distributed in multiple zones in the patient room were viewed more favorably than a traditional overbed configuration. The participants in this simulated patient study reacted negatively to colored lighting on the footwall of the room but found a mixture of warmer and cooler luminaire CCTs acceptable.
A Lightweight Multilevel Power Converter for Electric Aircraft Drivetrain

Next generation hybrid electric aircrafts rely on improvements in electric drivetrains. This work explores the advantages of incorporating high-density, high-efficiency dc-dc converters to enable flexible battery configurations, as well as increased dc bus voltages for reduced cable weight. A dc-dc frontend stage with wide operating range also enables a constant (and optimum) inverter input voltage, irrespective of battery state-of-charge, enabling increased inverter efficiency. Practical challenges such as gate drive power delivery, level shifting, commutation loop and converter start-up are addressed in this work to increase overall performance and reduce weight. Finally, this work demonstrates a high-voltage hardware prototype capable of achieving 99.3% peak efficiency and 28.2 kW/kg specific power density.
Does Alcohol and Red Wine Consumption Play a Role in Multiple Sclerosis Disease Course? (P2.213)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between alcohol and red wine consumption and multiple sclerosis (MS) course. BACKGROUND: Studies exploring the association between alcohol consumption and risk of MS have shown conflicting results, but the effect of alcohol on MS course has not been investigated. DESIGN/METHODS: 908 patients (73[percnt] females, mean age 47±11 years, mean disease duration 13±9 years) enrolled in the Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (CLIMB) study who completed a self-administered questionnaire about their past year drinking habits, were included in the analysis. Alcohol and red wine consumption were measured as servings/week. To test the influence of alcohol and red wine intake on clinical outcomes controlling for age, gender, disease duration, time to first treatment and cumulative proportion of time on disease modifying therapies, approriate regression models were fitted for relapse rate (RR) in the past year, concurrent Expanded Disability Status Scale score (EDSS) and concurrent Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) as the outcomes. For a subset of subjects, the associations between alcohol or red wine intake and Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) as well as change in EDSS, MSSS and SDMT over one year were also evaluated using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Higher alcohol intake was significantly associated with lower EDSS (p=0.015) and MSSS (p=0.003). Red wine intake showed a non-significant negative association with both EDSS (p=0.57) and MSSS (p=0.64). There was no significant association between alcohol or red wine intake and (1) RR in the past year, (2) change in EDSS or MSSS over 1 year, (3) current SDMT score, or (4) change in SDMT score over 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that higher alcohol intake is associated with lower EDSS. Longitudinal data is required to better characterize a potential cause-effect relationship, as well as underlying biological mechanisms. Funding:NMSS-RG-4256A4/2(T.C.) Disclosure: Dr. Diaz-Cruz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Malik has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chua has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kaplan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Glanz has received research support from Merck Serono. Dr. Weiner has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Novartis, EMD Serono, and Teva Neuroscience. Dr. Healy has received research support from Merck Serono. Dr. Chitnis has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec and Alexion. Dr. Chitnis has received research support from Merck Serono and Novartis.
On the Detection of Binary be Stars

Possible methods for detecting the presence of a cool companion to a Be star are discussed. Photometric observations are shown to be incapable of detecting companions in all but the most extreme cases. Spectroscopic investigation is also unlikely to yield many new discoveries. It, however, remains the most promising method for the detection of binary Be stars. The four known binary Be stars are also discussed.
Acquisition of Transient Tire Force and Moment Data for Dynamic Vehicle Handling Simulations

This paper describes the issues encountered in using conventionally acquired tire test data for dynamic total vehicle handling simulations and the need for improved methodology. It describes the new test procedure that was used to acquire all three forces and three moments in a transient mode for a matrix of loads, slip and camber angles. A study of the test data supports the premises that the overturning moment, Mx, should not be neglected in dynamic simulations, and that the effects of camber should not be treated as only an independent, linearly additive, camber thrust. Instead of the conventional application of a bi-cubic regression fit to a six region data division, a new algorithm is applied. The data is divided differently into five regions in the alpha-Fz plane, and a variable format regression equation is applied as appropriate. The resulting regression coefficients matrix is readily usable in dynamic simulations, and is shown to have a superior curve fit to the test data.
Digital Radio Systems

Considers free-space propagation and discusses deviations from it due to effects of terrain, atmosphere, and precipitation Describes multipath fading due to ground reflection or atmospheric refraction and characterizes it with fading parameters and statistical models Describes empirical path loss models Explains digital radio performance can be improved by proper choice of antennas, diversity, and adaptive equalization Discusses the effects of frequency allocations on digital radio capacity and system planning Lists the procedures for calculating link performance or determining link design parameters
Effect of tecogalan sodium on angiogenesis in vitro by choroidal endothelial cells.

Purpose. To examine the possible inhibitory effect of tecogalan sodium, derived from bacteria, on three important components of in vitro angiogenesis (endothelial proliferation, migration, and tube formation in a collagen gel) using bovine choroidal endothelial cells (CECs). Methods. The effects of tecogalan sodium (1, 5, 25, 125, and 250 fig/mY) on cultured CECs were examined when basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, 10 ng/ml), vascular endodielial growth factor (VEGF, 50 ng/ml), a combination of bFGF (10 ng/ml) and VEGF (50 ng/ml) (bFGF/VEGF) and 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) were used as angiogenic stimulants. For the proliferation assay, CECs were cultured and the cell numbers counted on days 1, 3, and 5. For migration assay, CECs were seeded in the upper half of a Boyden chamber while an angiogenic growth factor was loaded in the lower half. After 6 hours of incubation, cell migration was evaluated by counting the numbers of migrated cells per microscopic field on die lower side of the filter. For the tube-forming assay, CECs were seeded in a type 1 collagen gel, and the length of the tube-like structures (an indicator of angiogenesis) formed by CECs per microscopic field was quantified by image analysis. The effect of a neutralizing antibody for bFGF also was tested in these three assays. Results. All tested angiogenic stimulants induced CEC proliferation. The stimulatory effect of bFGF and bFGF/VEGF was reduced by tecogalan sodium (IC,0 for bFGF effect, 26.1 fig/ml). However, the effect of VEGF and of 10% FCS was not altered by low doses of tecogalan sodium (<25 Mg/ ml ) • Chemotaxis of CECs was stimulated by bFGF alone and by bFGF/VEGF, and this effect was inhibited by tecogalan sodium (IC50 for bFGF, 3.2 //g/ml). Stimulation of chemotaxis by VEGF alone and by 10% FCS was not affected by tecogalan sodium in low doses but was inhibited by high doses. Tube formation was stimulated by administration of each of the factors. Stimulation of tube formation by bFGF and by bFGF/VEGF was inhibited by tecogalan sodium (ICri0 for bFGF, 18.2 ^ig/ml). High doses of tecogalan sodium (125 and < 250 fig/ml) also inhibited 10% FCS-induced proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Conclusion. bFGF, VEGF, and a combination of bFGF and VEGF stimulated proliferation, v migration, and tube formation by CECs in vitro. These stimulatory effects, but especially those of bFGF, were inhibited by tecogalan sodium. If tecogalan sodium can be shown to have a ' similar effect in vivo, it might have the potential for pharmacologic control of subretinal neovascularization. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1995; 36:1076-1083.
Tracking RDF Graph Provenance using RDF Molecules

The Semantic Web facilitates integrating partial knowledge and finding evidence for hypothesis from web knowledge sources. However, the appropriate level of granularity for tracking provenance of RDF graph remains in debate. RDF document is too coarse since it could contain irrelevant information. RDF triple will fail when two triples share the same blank node. Therefore, this paper investigates lossless decomposition of RDF graph and tracking the provenance of RDF graph using RDF molecule, which is the finest and lossless component of an RDF graph. A sub-graph is {\em lossless} if it can be used to restore the original graph without introducing new triples. A sub-graph is {\em finest} if it cannot be further decomposed into lossless sub-graphs. The lossless decomposition algorithms and RDF molecule have been formalized and implemented by a prototype RDF graph provenance service in Swoogle project.
MLCK regulation of claudin 3 expression contributes to IL1β mediated weakening of colonic epithelial tight junctions (1113.1)

Interleukin 1β (IL1β) is an inflammatory cytokine well recognized for its role in autoinflammatory diseases including multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis, both associated with increased endot...
Theory of Nonlinear Optical Responses in Metal-Dielectric Composites

In random metal—dielectric composites near the percolation threshold, surface plasmons are localized in small nanometer-sized areas, hot spots, where the local field can exceed the applied field by several orders of magnitude. The high local fields result in dramatic enhancement of optical responses, especially, nonlinear ones. The local-field distributions and enhanced optical nonlinearities are described using scale renormalization. A theory predicts that the local fields consist of spatially separated clusters of sharp peaks representing localized surface plasmons. Experimental observations are in good accord with theoretical predictions. The localization of plasmons maps the Anderson localization problem described by the random Hamiltonian with both on-and off-diagonal disorder. The feasibility of nonlinear surface-enhanced spectroscopy of single molecules and nanocrystals on percolation films is shown.
Torture by Cieng: Ethical Theory Meets Social Practice among the Dinka Agaar of South Sudan

ABSTRACT Here I detail violence in South Sudan by first discussing a specific Dinka Agaar practice alongside existing discourses on the social aspects of violence and universal human rights, then I show how these acts had meaning and purpose using data from personal accounts of violence. I posit that the violence described was consistent with Dinka Agaar concepts of justice and basic human rights and that it cannot be judged against any universal human rights standard, devoid of local context or of an overarching metanarrative. These events highlight conflicting subjectivities, ethical norms, and the painful difficulties inherent to advocacy in areas of conflict. Viewed from the perspective of the larger social unit, it is easy to see how violence was required to end violence. However, witnessing punitive violence purposefully enacted on innocent individuals to achieve peace has the potential to create conflicting positions that modern anthropological discourse cannot reconcile.
Effects of intermittent exposures of aflatoxin B1 on hepatic and testicular glutathione S-transferase in rats

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) plays a major role in the detoxification of the potent hepatocarcinogen aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). This study evaluated the effects of intermittent exposures to AFB(1) on hepatic and testicular GST in rats. Male Fischer 344 rats were fed diets containing AFB(1) (0, 0.01, 0.04, 0.4 and 1.6 ppm) intermittently at 4-week intervals up to 20 weeks. The control animals were fed an AFB(1)-free NIH-31 diet. Rats consuming diets with 0.01 ppm AFB(1) did not show the induction of hepatic or testicular GST activity. Intermittent exposures to AFB(1) at concentrations of 0.04-1.6 ppm significantly increased the GST activities. The increase of the enzyme activity was proportional to the dose and length of AFB(1) exposure.
Zarembka's Estimate of Best Functional Form Applied to a Money Demand Equation

Introduction Many recent articles on monetary economics devote considerable effort to empirically testing various current theories of money demand. Their authors search for new and better proxies to give empirical content to ‘demand‐for‐money’, ‘income’, and ‘interest‐rate’ magnitudes, standard components of money demand equations. They consider questions of which interest rate to choose from among the manifold, and whether to use Ml or perhaps some other money supply measure to represent ‘demand‐for‐money’. But these economists do not exert the same effort when giving specific form to general money demand functions. The usual research practice is to rather arbitrarily express estimating equations in either a linear or a log‐log functional form (1).
Changes in womens' roles: Impact on and social policy implications for the mental health of women and children

In recent years, womens' roles have changed dramatically, prompting researchers to examine the impact of these changes on the development of women and children. In this article, we examine three major changes that women have experienced over the past several decades: increased participation in the paid labor force, changes in domestic labor and child-care patterns, and increased numbers of female-headed single-parent families. For each, we first describe the nature of the changes that have occurred over the last 50 years. We then review research concerning the effects of these changes on the development of women and children. Finally, we discuss the implications for social policy that stem from this research. It is broadly concluded that research informed by a developmental–contextual perspective may contribute importantly to the development of social policies focused on promoting the well-being of women and children.
Using System Engineering Approach to Implement Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Tool in Manufacturing Service Environment

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is the one of the techniques used in lean manufacturing; it is a method of visually mapping a product’s production path (including materials and information) from door-to-door. Value Stream Mapping can serve as a starting point to help managers, engineers, suppliers and customers recognize waste and identify its causes. Traditionally VSM tool is used in manufacturing environment. In this study it has been applied for the distribution system. This study is conducted on a distribution company delivering automotive parts to the customers in and around Las Vegas. The primary objective of this system engineering approach is to create the present and future state Value Stream Mapping for a small sampling of three different categories of parts based on average monthly usage from the time they arrive on the receiving dock to the time they are placed into the delivery vehicle. In this work the value added and non-value added activities in the distribution process are identified. The future state map has been suggested with a set of short-term and long-term recommendations.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Katrinanomics: The politics and economics of disaster relief

Hurricane Katrina revealed massive governmental failure at the local, state and federal levels. This commentary brings the modern theory of property rights and public choice reasoning to bear in explaining why officials failed to strengthen New Orleans's levee system despite forewarning of its weaknesses, failed to pre-deploy adequate emergency supplies as the storm approached landfall and failed to respond promptly afterwards. Its main lesson is that no one should have expected government to be any more effective when confronted with natural disaster than it is in more mundane circumstances.
Effects of the selective μ1-opioid receptor antagonist, naloxonazine, on cocaine-induced conditioned place preference and locomotor behavior in rats

Administration of the non-selective opioid receptor antagonists, naloxone and naltrexone, attenuate the rewarding effects of cocaine. The relative contributions of specific opioid receptor subtypes that underlie this effect have not been well characterized. Administration of 20.0 mg/kg cocaine resulted in a conditioned place preference. Pretreatment with 20.0 mg/kg but neither 10.0 nor 1.0 mg/kg of the selective mu(1)-opioid receptor antagonist, naloxonazine, blocked cocaine-induced conditioned place preference. On the days in which rats received cocaine only, locomotor behavior was elevated. Pretreatment with the selective mu(1)-opioid receptor antagonist, naloxonazine, regardless of dose, had no effect on cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion. These findings indicate that the rewarding effects of cocaine can be blocked solely by mu(1)-opioid receptor antagonism and are consistent with the view that the locomotor and rewarding effects of drugs can be dissociated.
Quantitative characterization of spatial arrangement of micropores in cast microstructures

Abstract Spatial arrangement of micropores is an important geometric attribute of cast microstructures. The spatial arrangement of porosity is determined by the solidification processing parameters, and it affects the mechanical properties of cast components. Quantitative information of the spatial arrangement of micropores is useful for modeling cast microstructures. In this contribution, a digital image analysis based experimental technique is presented for unbiased quantitative characterization of the spatial arrangement of microporosity in terms of the statistical descriptors such as the first, the second, and the third nearest neighbor distance distribution of the pores observed in metallographic sections of cast micro-structures.
On the Viability of Developing CAD Data Exchange Standard for Form Features

Form feature data exchange is divided into three types: CAD-to-CAD, CAD-to-Downstream applications and inter-downstream applications. Essential characteristics for CAD-to-CAD and CAD-to-Downstream types of feature data transfer are established flowed by a set of criteria for evaluation of a form feature exchange schema. Contemporary neutral feature data exchange schemas like AP 224, AP 203 and NRep are evaluated. It is concluded that none of them is fully equipped to do the job. AP 203 belongs to the CAD-to-CAD feature data exchange class. It exchanges only the final part geometry and the feature model is lost. AP 224 and NRep belong to the CAD-to-Downstream class. AP 224 attempts to enlist all features that can be manufactured using milling and turning processes. It limits the user to finite set of features. On the other hand, NRep permits the user to define his own features and does not provide a standard set. For a complete feature data transfer between two CAD applications, one needs to model the design intent of each design feature and transfer it with construction history of creation of the part model while for an efficient feature data transfer between CAD and downstream applications, the schema needs to standardize a set of most common features but also provide means for the user to define customized features with desired parameterization and attributes.© 2005 ASME
Is Collective Efficacy Age Graded? The Development and Evaluation of a New Measure of Collective Efficacy for Older Adults

Objectives. Community processes are key determinants of older adults' ability to age in place, but existing scales measuring these constructs may not provide accurate, unbiased measurements among older adults because they were designed with the concerns of child-rearing respondents in mind. This study examines the properties of a new theory-based measure of collective efficacy (CE) that accounts for the perspectives of older residents. Methods. Data come from the population-based Chicago Neighborhood Organization, Aging and Health study (N = 1,151), which surveyed adults aged 65 to 95. Using descriptive statistics, correlations, and factor analysis, we explored the acceptability, reliability, and validity of the new measure. Results. Principal component analysis indicated that the new scale measures a single latent factor. It had good internal consistency reliability, was highly correlated with the original scale, and was similarly associated with neighborhood exchange and disorder, self-rated health, mobility, and loneliness. The new scale also showed less age-differentiated nonresponse compared to the original scale. Discussion. The older adult CE scale has reliability and validity equivalent to that of the existing measure but benefits from a more developed theoretical grounding and reduced likelihood of age-related differential nonresponse.
Activation of cardiac vagal receptors during myocardial ischemia.

La decharge de fibres vagales d'origine cardiaque est augmentee au cours d'une reduction du flux sanguin dans l'artere coronaire de gauche. Toutefois cette excitation n'a lieu que lorsque le coeur est deja defaillant a cause de l'ichemie. La stimulation effective parait etre de nature mecanique.
Rural sourcing in North Carolina: promoting economic sustainability

Offshore outsourcing has become a primary tool to gain a competitive edge in almost every sector of the global environment, including for-profit and not-for-profit enterprises. An alternative to offshore outsourcing known as rural sourcing has begun to gain traction, particularly in the USA. This new model is chronicled in a non-profit, governmental arena, where the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles has successfully transitioned its 100-employee call centre from a metropolitan area to a rural area.