cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What the 2008 Stock Market Crash Means for Retirement Security

The 2008 stock market crash raises concerns about retirement security, especially since the increased prevalence of 401(k) and similar retirement saving plans means that more Americans are now stakeholders in the equity market than in the past. Using a dynamic microsimulation model, this paper explores the ability of alternate future stock market scenarios to restore retirement assets. The authors find that those near retirement could fare the worst because they have no time to recoup their losses. Mid-career workers could fare better because they have more time to rebuild their wealth. They may even gain income if they buy stocks at low prices and get above-average rates of return. High-income groups will be the most affected because they are most likely to have financial assets and to be invested in the stock market.
Metformin increases the ovulatory rate and pregnancy rate from clomiphene citrate in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who are resistant to clomiphene citrate alone

Abstract Objective: To determine whether metformin treatment increases the ovulation and pregnancy rates in response to clomiphene citrate (CC) in women who are resistant to CC alone. Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Multicenter environment. Patient(s): Anovulatory women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who were resistant to CC. Intervention(s): Participants received placebo or metformin, 500 mg three times daily, for 7 weeks. Information on reproductive steroids, gonadotropins, and oral glucose tolerance testing was obtained at baseline and after treatment. Metformin or placebo was continued and CC treatment was begun at 50 mg daily for 5 days. Serum P level ≥ 4 ng/mL was considered to indicate ovulation. With ovulation, the daily CC dose was not changed, but with anovulation it was increased by 50 mg for the next cycle. Patients completed the study when they had had six ovulatory cycles, became pregnant, or experienced anovulation while receiving 150 mg of CC. Main Outcome Measure(s): Ovulation and pregnancy rates. Result(s): In the metformin and placebo groups, 9 of 12 participants (75%) and 4 of 15 participants (27%) ovulated, and 6 of 11 participants (55%) and 1 of 14 participants (7%) conceived, respectively. Comparisons between the groups were significant. Conclusion(s): In anovulatory women with PCOS who are resistant to CC, metformin use significantly increased the ovulation rate and pregnancy rate from CC treatment.
Stability of fuzzy linguistic control systems

A new approach to the stability analysis of fuzzy linguistic control (FLC) systems is presented. Specifically, it is shown that the direct method of Lyapunov can be used to determine sufficient conditions for global stability of a broad class of fuzzy control schemes. Moreover, a measure of robustness is proposed that can be used to evaluate and possibly redesign a given fuzzy control system so as to enhance the range of its stable operation. Finally, the application of the proposed methodology is shown and its implications in terms of control design are demonstrated by means of numeric examples. >
Mobile Public Memory: The (Digital/ Physical) (Artifacts/Souvenirs) of the (Archiver/Tourist)

This article will look at the impact that mobile technologies have had on the ability of people to document their everyday lives. What is important to note about this documentation is that it has become a public display of events and experiences via mediated content. This documentation becomes more interesting to observe when it is put in context of how people can now record their travels. This “public memory” of private travel is assisted via mobile technologies with applications designed to record locations through Global Positioning System data and mediated content. After the documentation, the consumption of this content is conducted through social media services and other public outlets as opposed to the traditional means of showing where people have traveled via postcards, slides, and souvenirs. Through a mixed-method study, this process of documentation is analyzed via the thematic dichotomies that emerged throughout the course of surveys and interviews. This article will explore this contrast between the digital and physical through an analysis of the “traditional tourist” versus the “archiver of experiences.” Finally, the impact of this documentation will be framed in the context of mobile communication.
Prejudice, Progress, and Promise in Rocky Mountain Oil Exploration: ABSTRACT

The evolution of an exploration philosophy in the Rocky Mountain area can be reviewed in terms of the new areas involved in each successive wave of exploratory vigor. Such an analysis indicates an exploration history which comprises five episodes, each dominated by a set of guiding principles, controlled by the available data and tolls, and governed by the economics of the times: (1) discoveries related to seeps and other near-surface indications; (2) the location of major surface structures and the establishment of production in the majority of Rocky Mountain provinces; (3) detailed surface mapping, leading to the discovery of further anticlinal accumulations; (4) widespread application of geophysical tools, coupled with deeper drilling on known features; (5) geophysical and subsurface geology applied to the refinement of deeply buried structures and structural-stratigraphic traps. Signs of the emergence of a new era can be seen. During each of these episodes certain areas and certain parts of the stratigraphic section were condemned without trial; some for economic reasons which no longer pertain, others on the basis of a variety of geologic concepts developed to satisfy a local situation and then applied broadly as sweeping generalizations. Examination of the complex tectonic and depositional history of the Rocky Mountain area suggests that at least six successive and different patterns have been impressed upon the structural and stratigraphic record. In terms of oil accumulation each pattern may be shown to have its own internal constitution, governed by tectonics, environment, and sediment-source, and an independent set of potential truncation and permeability traps related to post-depositional events. No ondemning generalization arrived at through experience with one of these varying patterns may safely be applied to the others and no area may be considered non-productive until the inherent possibilities of each pattern represented are tested. End_Page 529------------------------------ It may be shown that every major oil accumulation in the area is related to a combination of structural and stratigraphic conditions with increasing evidence to indicate that stratigraphic controls are dominant. Many of the stratigraphic factors can be analyzed through study of the rocks themselves and by interpretation of their geophysical responses. With the abundant outcrops of the Rocky Mountain area, the increasing availability of subsurface data, and the developing know-how whereby these data may be related to oil occurrence, there remains a broad and encouraging field for an expanding exploration program. End_of_Article - Last_Page 530------------
Parallel and pipeline architectures for 2-D block processing

The authors are concerned with the development and design of parallel and pipeline architectures for 2-D recursive and nonrecursive block digital filters. In this regard, several high-speed structures using single-instruction multiple-data stream (SIMD) machines have been developed. The design of these structures is based on the specific nature of the block convolution processor, block recursive processor, and block state-space processor at both the block and scalar levels. >
Successful Chemotherapy in Experimental Leishmaniasis Is Influenced by the Polarity of the T Cell Response Before Treatment

Little is known about the influence of host factors on successful chemotherapy in leishmaniasis. Although successfully treated patients will convert from a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH)­ negative to a DTH-positive state, the importance of the immune status of the host before treatment remains largely unexplored. In experimental murine cutaneous leishmaniasis, it was found that increased polarization towards a Th2 cytokine profile before the onset of drug therapy leads to an increased frequency of relapse after treatment. Whereas > 50% of mice with established Leishmania major infections were cured when treated with the antileishmanial drug sodium stibogluconate, <10% of mice were cured when the animals had been pretreated with anti-interferon-l' antibody to polarize the response toward a Th2 cytokine pattern before therapy. With successful drug therapy, cytokine profiles were found to switch from a Th2 to Th1 pattern, and resistance to reinfection was observed. Leishmaniasis, like leprosy, is a spectral disease, in which patients exhibit a wide range ofclinical manifestations, presum­ ably because of differences in their immunologic responses to the causative agent. Symptoms of leishmaniasis range from the presence of uncomplicated cutaneous lesions that spontane­ ously heal to diffuse cutaneous disease (DCL) and potentially fatal visceral leishmaniasis (VL) [1, 2]. Similarly, tuberculoid leprosy, in which the immune response controls the infection, is relatively mild, while marked bacterial proliferation and im­ munologic nonresponsiveness are hallmarks of lepromatous leprosy [3]. Patients manifesting the more severe, uncontrolled forms of disease such as DCL, VL, and lepromatous leprosy have high titers of pathogen-specific antibody and demonstrate negative delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses, and their pe­ ripheral blood cells fail to proliferate in vitro in response to parasite antigens. With successful drug therapy after which patients do not relapse, cell-mediated immunity is restored, antibody levels decline, and T cell proliferative responses are observed [4-8]. The importance of a positive DTH response in human leishmaniasis is illustrated by the fact that apparent clinical cure in the absence of a positive DTH response is often predictive of a relapsing infection [2]. It has been well documented in experimental murine leish­ maniasis that the course of disease and development of resis
Chilling sensitivity of stored purple fountain grass propagules

The chilling sensitivity of purple fountain grass (Pennisetum × advena (Wipff and Veldkamp) (formerly known as Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ (Forsk.) Chiov.)) was determined by storing propagules in plug trays at 0, 5, 10 or 15 ◦ C in controlled environment chambers for 0, 2, 4 or 6 weeks in year 1 and at 7.5, 10, 12.5 or 15 ◦ C for 0, 2, 4, 6 or 12 weeks in year 2 of the study. Chlorophyll fluorescence was measured as the ratio of variable to maximal chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) during storage of the propagules. Following storage, propagules were transplanted and subsequent greenhouse performance was assessed based on survival percentage, visual ratings and tiller production. No propagules survived storage at 0 and 5 ◦ C and only 40% propagules survived 2-week storage at 7.5 ◦ C. All propagules survived 2-week storage at 10 ◦ C, while 90, 70 and 60% survived 4-, 6- and 12-week storage at 10 ◦ C, respectively. Although the visual appearance of plants stored for 2 weeks at 10 ◦ C was initially impaired, the plants recovered based on visual ratings taken 4 weeks later. Additionally, tiller production of plants stored at 10 ◦ C for 2 weeks in year 2 was lower than non-stored controls but was comparable after 6 weeks. All plants survived storage at ≥12.5 ◦ C for up to 12 weeks and final visual ratings indicated that these plants were not adversely affected. Additionally, tiller production of plants stored at ≥12.5 ◦ C was comparable to non-stored controls after 4 weeks in the greenhouse. Chlorophyll fluorescence declined when plugs were stored at ≤10 ◦ C, and was associated with loss in plant quality and increase in mortality. However, the decline in Fv/Fm did not precede symptom expression, and hence its value as a tool for predicting chilling injury in stored purple fountain plugs appears to be limited. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Oxidation of the meso-Methylmesoheme Regioisomers by Heme Oxygenase ELECTRONIC CONTROL OF THE REACTION REGIOSPECIFICITY

The oxidation of heme by heme oxygenase (HO-1) results in highly regiospecific extrusion of the α-meso-carbon as CO and the formation of biliverdin IXα. The first step in the accepted mechanism for this process is α-meso-hydroxylation of the heme. To define further the reaction mechanism, the oxidations of the four isomers of meso-methylmesoheme by human truncated HO-1 supported by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, H2O2, or ascorbate have been examined. Surprisingly, the results establish that (a) HO-1 can oxidize an α-meso-methyl-substituted heme to biliverdin IXα without proceeding via the α-meso-hydroxy intermediate; (b) the normal HO-1 α-regiospecificity is inverted in favor of the substituted γ-position by introduction of a γ-meso methyl group; and (c) the β- and δ-meso-methylmesohemes are oxidized less regiospecifically to mixtures of methyl-substituted and -unsubstituted mesobiliverdins. The results indicate that electronic rather than steric effects primarily control the regiospecificity of heme cleavage by HO-1.
ConsDiff: identification of conserved differences between sets of amino acid sequences

Proteins have been classified into families based on metrics of similarity such as sequence or structural similarity. However, there are significant differences in function even within families. For example, only a subset of the family of matrix metalloproteinases is capable of cleaving collagen. Typically, a scientist scans multiple sequence alignment by eye to find amino acids that might be responsible for differences in functionality. This is based on a set of parametric rules using log-odds scores from amino acid substitution matrices and a multiple sequence alignment. ConsDiff is a Web server-based implementation of this approach that uses ClustalW to generate a multiple sequence alignment and then highlights conserved differences between two sets of sequences. ConsDiff offers flexibility in thresholds of detection and the choice of several PAM/BLOSUM matrices, or a user specified matrix or alignment. This allows the automated discovery of candidate residues that may be responsible for critical differences in function, which may then be experimentally verified.
Mechanisms of female urinary continence under stress: frequency spectrum analysis

Intravesical and urethral pressure signals during cough and Valsalva maneuvers for 15 continent women were analyzed with frequency spectrum analysis. Clear modulation of the urethral pressure changes by the intravesical pressure rise during stress maneuvers was demonstrated in the frequency bands of 14 and 7 Hz for cough and Valsalva, respectively. The linearity between the urethral and intravesical pressure signals was strong for cough, but relatively weaker for Valsalva. The observed linearity lead to the formulation of a modified continence equation to mathematically quantify stress leak point pressure (sLPP): sLPP=MUCP/(1-alpha1)+RBP. This algebraic equation demonstrated that sLPP depends on pressure transmission, resting bladder pressure, and maximum urethral closure pressure. The equation was validated with excellent theoretical predictions for the 15 continent subjects (R(2)=0.98 and 0.97 for cough and Valsalva leak point pressure, respectively) and good but somewhat weaker predictions for 46 stress incontinent women (R(2)=0.79 and 0.48, respectively). It has been shown that pressure transmission plays the most important role in female continence function, while it may be attributable to passive structural origin as evidenced by the minimal time delay between the two pressure signals, in the order of a few milliseconds. It can be concluded that coughing seems to have a more mechanical, rather than neuromuscular basis for its signal dynamics. This study suggests that a complete assessment of female stress continence function requires comprehensive urodynamic information in terms of pressure transmission, maximum urethral closure pressure, and resting bladder pressure.
Clinical Summary of Conference

A summary of this conference is quite a challenge. Clinicians look at basic microbiological data differently than microbiologists because we are obviously confronted with different problems. I learned a great deal in preparing my comments. I’ve taken the liberty to separate the presentations according to how I viewed the various topics. I think the best place to start is at the patient’s bedside with the clinician.
Large scale identification of Legionella pneumophila Dot/Icm substrates that modulate host cell vesicle trafficking pathways

Summary The bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila replicates in a specialized vacuole within host cells. Establishment of the replication vacuole depends on the Dot/Icm translocation system that delivers a large number of protein substrates into the host cell. The functions of most substrates are unknown. Here, we analysed a defined set of 127 confirmed or candidate Dot/Icm substrates for their effect on host cell processes using yeast as a model system. Expression of 79 candidates caused significant yeast growth defects, indicating that these proteins impact essential host cell pathways. Notably, a group of 21 candidates interfered with the trafficking of secretory proteins to the yeast vacuole. Three candidates that caused yeast secretory defects (SetA, Ceg19 and Ceg9) were investigated further. These proteins impinged upon vesicle trafficking at distinct stages and had signals that allowed translocation into host cells by the Dot/Icm system. Ectopically produced SetA, Ceg19 and Ceg9 localized to secretory organelles in mammalian cells, consistent with a role for these proteins in modulating host cell vesicle trafficking. Interestingly, the ability of SetA to cause yeast phenotypes was dependent upon a functional glycosyltransferase domain. We hypothesize that SetA may glycosylate a component of the host cell vesicle trafficking machinery during L. pneumophila infection.
Iterative algorithms for formal verification of embedded real-time systems

Most embedded real-time systems consist of many concurrent components operating at significantly different speeds. Thus, an algorithm for formal verification of such systems must efficiently deal with a large number of states and large ratios of timing constants. We present such an algorithm based on timed automata, a model where a finite state system is augmented with time measuring devices called timers. We also present a semi-decision procedure for an extended model where timers can be decremented. This extension allows describing behaviors that are not expressible by timed automata, for example interrupts in a real-time operating system.
Risk Factors Associated With Lung Retransplantation: Evaluation of a Nationwide Registry Over a Quarter Century

Background The relative paucity of donors heightens the debate and scrutiny surrounding retransplantation. To date, risk factors associated with retransplantation are poorly characterized in the literature. We sought to identify those risk factors that may independently serve to predict lung retransplantation. Methods We performed a retrospective evaluation of the United Network for Organ Sharing data over 25 years from 1987 to 2012. Competing risk analysis was used to evaluate the cohort for cumulative incidence of retransplantation. Recipient-related, donor-related, and transplant-related characteristics were assessed using Cox regression to identify risk factors associated with lung retransplantation. Results We identified 23,180 adult lung transplant recipients, of which 791 (3.4%) had also undergone retransplantation. Factors associated with lung retransplantation at 1 year included recipient age (hazard ratio [HR], 0.97; p = 0.005), admission to the intensive care unit (HR, 2.89; p = 0.002), donor age (HR, 1.02; p = 0.004), and bilateral lung transplantation (HR, 0.41; p p p = 0.005), and bilateral lung transplant (HR, 0.46; p 2 (HR, 1.29; p = 0.04) and a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR, 0.68; p = 0.008). Conclusions We identified factors associated with retransplantation that may afford a better prediction of graft failure and need for retransplantation. These may further serve to better guide donor selection and assist in the development and validation of a risk-scoring model to further guide preoperative counseling.
Variation of Surface Air Temperature in Complex Terrain

Data from three micronetworks with eddy correlation data and three additional micronetworks without eddy correlation data are analyzed to study the spatial variability of surface air temperature in complex terrain. A simple similarity relationship is constructed to relate the spatial variation of air temperature along the slope to the thermal forcing and mixing. Mixing is not included in present empirical formulations of the surface air temperature distribution in complex terrain. The development of surface temperature gradients along the slope, resulting from surface heating or cooling, is bounded by a maximum (or saturated) value, where a further increase of temperature gradients is restricted by redistribution of heat by thermally driven slope circulations. Although much of the spatial variation of the surface air temperature is governed by complex three-dimensionality and surface vegetation, a relatively simple relationship is able to account for much of the diurnal and day-to-day variation of the spatial distribution of air temperature. This relationship requires information on the surface heat flux and friction velocity over a reference surface. Required generalizations of the relationship are outlined before it can be applied to an arbitrary site.
A Stocks, Bonds, Consumers Leading Indicator

Real, total consumption growth deviations from normal stock market wealth effects lead economic growth in advanced economies in the Americas, in Europe and in AustralAsia, as shown by Breeden (2013). Consumers’ expenditures reflect their information about employment opportunities and future real wage growth, as well as information about the volatility of future investment returns. Previous research has shown that stock prices and the slope of the term structure of interest rates reflect forecasted economic growth and profits. In this applied article, we put together the readings of stock market investors, bond market investors and issuers, and consumers (each rated by their Z-scores measuring standardized movements) in a simple, economically intuitive and powerful leading index of economic growth. It is shown that consumption deviations improve upon the signals given by the term structure and stock returns, and the combined readings of the “Stocks, Bonds and Consumers Leading Index” (SBCLI) developed here are quite competitive with more complex widely used indexes of leading economic indicators published by the Conference Board and the OECD.
Excimer-Laser Crystallization of Patterned Si Films At High Temperatures Via Artificially Controlled Super-Lateral Growth

Polycrystalline-Si-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) on quartz substrates have been and continue to be utilized in the production of active-matrix liquid-crystal displays (AMLCDs). Based on the artificially controlled super-lateral growth approach, the authors have developed a novel excimer-laser-based high-substrate-temperature method for producing single-crystal Si islands on SiO{sub 2}. By irradiating a photolithographically preconfigured sample, complete melting of an Si film is induced only at precisely predesignated locations within patterned and physically isolated islands. An intentionally incompletely melted section within each island initiates lateral growth of crystalline grains. A bottleneck portion of the island permits only one of the laterally growing grains to propagate into the main portion of the island. The low nucleation-to-growth-rate ratios that are attainable with high substrate temperatures (1,000--1,200 C) can lead to nearly unlimited lateral growth distances; with a proper combination of the substrate temperature and the island dimension, the main area of an island--up to 50x50 {micro}m{sup 2} in area--is readily converted into a large single-crystal region.
25 Years of Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

The intent of the collection of articles in this issue of Interface is to introduce a brief review of several scanning electrochemical microscopy methods to the broader electrochemical community in hopes that present and future scientists and engineers can expand the use of these outstanding analytical tools, and contribute to the continued growth of scanning probe microscopy as a key methodology for advancing fundamental electrochemical knowledge over the next 25 years. This includes work using SECM to study nanoparticle electrocatalysts via multifunctional probes by Sanchez-Sanchez and co-workers, the development of scanning ion conductance microscopy by Baker and co-workers, advancements in the use of improved electrochemical atomic force microscopy by Kalinin and co-workers, and finally the use of scanning tips at the junction of electrochemistry and electron microscopy
The ammonia freeze explosion (AFEX) process: a practical lignocellulose pretreatment

The Ammonia Freeze Explosion (AFEX) process treats lignocellulose with high-pressure liquid ammonia, and then explosively releases the pressure. The combined chemical effect (cellulose decrystallization) and physical effect (increased accessible surface area) dramatically increase lignocellulose susceptibility to enzymatic attack. There are many adjustable parameters in the AFEX process: ammonia loading, water loading, temperature, time, blowdown pressure, and number of treatments. The effect of these parameters on enzymatic susceptibility was explored for three materials: Coastal bermudagrass, bagasse, and newspaper. Nearly quantitative sugar yields were demonstrated for Coastal bermudagrass and bagasse, using a very low enzyme loading (5 IU/g). Newspaper proved to be much more resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis.
Abstract 4269: Heterogeneity of glioblastoma stem and non-stem cells in the expression of caspase-8 and response to TRAIL-induced apoptosis

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that tumor stem cells (TSCs) possess self-renewal property and thus are responsible to tumor growth and resistance to treatments. In this study, we examined how glioblastoma TSCs and non-stem cells respond to the treatment of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). METHODS AND RESULTS: TSCs-enriched neurospheres (NSCs) were generated from the earlier passages of primary cultures of glioblastomas surgically removed from patients. The NSCs were grown in serum-free medium containing epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2). Immunoflorescent staining of neurospheres revealed the presence of TSCs, as identified by nestin and CD133 positive cells. CD133+ cells were sorted from the NSC with CD133 antibody labeled magnetic microbeads and flow cytometry using fluorochrome-labeled CD133 antibody revealed approximately 7% and 73% CD133+ cells in the NSCs and sorted CD133+ cell preparation. The NSC and CD133+ cell population were characterized for the following TSC properties: the self-renewing capacity was established by neurosphere formation assay; the tumorigenic capacity was demonstrated by xenograft formation in NOD-SCID mouse brain; and the multipotent property was shown in differentiation assay in the generation of neurons as identified by neuronal marker Tuj1 and astrocytes as marked by glial fibrilary acid protein (GFAP). Of 8 sets of NSCs and CD133+ cells examined thus far, one set was sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, as evident by a bromide-based colorimetric cell viability assay and Caspase-Glo®-8 and −3/7 activity assay. Of the remaining 7 sets of TRAIL resistant NSC and CD133+ cell population, one set showed the lack of expression of caspase-8, as demonstrated by western blot. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) further revealed the loss of chromosome locus 2q33-34 of caspase-8 gene. In addition, multiple clones were generated from the TRAIL-resistant primary culture in serum culture condition and showed heterogeneity in the expression of caspase-8, as revealed by western blot, and the response to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, as shown by cleavage of caspases. G-banding karyotying analysis of chromosomes revealed heterogeneity of chromosomal alterations among TSC-enriched NSC and CD133+ population and non-stem serum-grown clones. CONCLUSION: This study establishes the heterogeneity of glioblastoma TSC enriched NSC and CD133+ cell population and non-stem serum-grown clones in the genomic status of caspase-8 locus and response to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Genomic loss of caspase-8 in the stem and non-stem cells results in their resistance to TRAIL treatment. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4269.
Chloride transport across the basolateral membrane of rabbit proximal convoluted tubules

To examine the basolateral Cl transport mechanisms of proximal convoluted tubules (PCT), intracellular Cl activity (AiCl) was measured with double-barreled Cl-selective microelectrodes. When rabbit PCT were perfused in vitro with high Cl, low HCO3, and bathed with ultrafiltrate-like solutions, AiCl was 29.9 +/- 0.4 mM and basolateral membrane voltage (Vbl) was -47.7 +/- 0.4 mV (n = 247). Possible basolateral Cl transport mechanisms that we examined were as follows: Cl conductance, KCl cotransport, and Na-dependent Cl-HCO3 exchange. Cl conductance was negligible, since the voltage clamp of Vbl to 30 mV above and below the spontaneous Vbl did not change AiCl even in the absence of luminal Cl. KCl cotransport was suggested by 1) increasing bath K, increased AiCl, and 2) decreasing bath K decreased AiCl. KCl cotransport was Na independent and 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS), barium, and furosemide insensitive. Na-dependent Cl-HCO3 exchange was suggested by 1) bath HCO3 reductio...
A fishery-independent survey of juvenile shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and blue (Prionace glauca) sharks in the Southern California Bight, 1994–2013

Abstract A fishery-independent abundance survey was initiated by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) in 1994 to track the relative abundance and size of juvenile shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and blue (Prionace glauca) sharks in the Southern California Bight (SCB). The survey was designed based on data from an experimental commercial shark longline fishery that operated in the SCB during 1988–1991. Survey sets were conducted annually during the summer months within seven 10 × 10 min spatial blocks in the SCB close to the California Channel Islands. Between 1994 and 2013, survey effort totaled 460 sets. The standardized catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) of shortfin mako showed a generally declining trend from 1994 through 2010 with increases during the final years to a level similar to those of the mid-1990s. For blue sharks, the standardized CPUE showed a generally declining trend throughout the time series with the lowest values in 2012 and 2013, and an anomalously high CPUE in 2000. Catch rates varied across the survey area with fewer, larger sharks caught in the more northern blocks of the survey. Sharks of age classes 0–2 represented the majority of those caught in the survey (approximately 81% of blue sharks and 58% of makos), yet there was variability in the sizes of blue and mako sharks caught by year. The sex ratio of age-0 sharks caught was not different from 1:1 for shortfin makos, but skewed toward females for blue sharks. Although the survey area is relatively small and results show interannual and spatial variability in CPUE that is not fully understood, these data represent the first and only fishery-independent survey that has targeted these shark species in the SCB. The results of the survey and associated data provide useful information regarding regional relative abundance, size- and sex-compositions, and spatial distributions of shortfin mako and blue sharks, all of which are essential for stock assessments and fisheries management.
Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography

This section provides a comprehensive procedural report for percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography procedure with up-to-date explanatory notes, synopsis of the indications and contraindications, and potential complications in an organized and practical format.
Self-administered nicotine differentially impacts body weight gain in obesity-prone and obesity-resistant rats

Obesity and tobacco smoking represent the largest challenges to public health, but the causal relationship between nicotine and obesity is poorly understood. Nicotine suppresses body weight gain, a factor impacting smoking initiation and the failure to quit, particularly among obese smokers. The impact of nicotine on body weight regulation in obesity-prone and obesity-resistant populations consuming densely caloric diets is unknown. In the current experiment, body weight gain of adult male rats maintained on a high energy diet (31.8% kcal from fat) distributed into obesity-prone (OP), obesity-resistant (OR) and an intermediate group, which was placed on standard rodent chow (Chow). These rats were surgically implanted with intravenous catheters and allowed to self-administer nicotine (0 or 60 μg/kg/infusion, a standard self-administration dose) in 1-h sessions for 20 consecutive days. Self-administered nicotine significantly suppressed body weight gain but not food intake in OP and Chow rats. Self-administered nicotine had no effect on body weight gain in OR rats. These data suggest that: 1) OR rats are also resistant to nicotine-induced suppression of body weight gain; and 2) nicotine may reduce levels of obesity in a subset of smokers prone to obesity.
Optimizing search results for human learning goals

While past research has shown that learning outcomes can be influenced by the amount of effort students invest during the learning process, there has been little research into this question for scenarios where people use search engines to learn. In fact, learning-related tasks represent a significant fraction of the time users spend using Web search, so methods for evaluating and optimizing search engines to maximize learning are likely to have broad impact. Thus, we introduce and evaluate a retrieval algorithm designed to maximize educational utility for a vocabulary learning task, in which users learn a set of important keywords for a given topic by reading representative documents on diverse aspects of the topic. Using a crowdsourced pilot study, we compare the learning outcomes of users across four conditions corresponding to rankings that optimize for different levels of keyword density. We find that adding keyword density to the retrieval objective gave significant learning gains on some topics, with higher levels of keyword density generally corresponding to more time spent reading per word, and stronger learning gains per word read. We conclude that our approach to optimizing search ranking for educational utility leads to retrieved document sets that ultimately may result in more efficient learning of important concepts.
Reading and Reflecting: Elementary Preservice Teachers' Conceptions about Teaching Mathematics for Equity

Teaching mathematics for equity is critical because it provides opportunities for all students, especially those who have been traditionally marginalized, to learn mathematics that is rigorous and relevant to their lives. This article reports on our work, as mathematics teacher educators, on exposing and engaging 60 elementary preservice teachers (PSTs) in readings and reflection on various perspectives on teaching mathematics for equity. We drew on Brookfield’s (1995) four critical lenses for reflection framework to select readings and create questions that required PSTs to critically reflect upon teaching mathematics for equity. An analysis of the reflections revealed a variety of responses as the PSTs critically reflected on equity, culture, and race in the context of mathematics teaching and learning. While some PSTs expressed teachers should be cognizant of equity when teaching mathematics, others were uncomfortable discussing equity related topics in the classroom. After critically reflecting on the readings and class discussions, the PSTs wanted to learn more and research different cultures so they would have a better understanding on how to integrate equity in their mathematics lessons.
Kiséry, András, Zsolt Komáromy and Zsuzsanna Varga, eds. 2016. Worlds of Hungarian Writing - National Literature as Intercultural Exchange. Madison, NJ: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press and Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield. 272 pp.

Kisery, Andras, Zsolt Komaromy and Zsuzsanna Varga, eds. 2016. Worlds of Hungarian Writing - National Literature as Intercultural Exchange . Madison, NJ: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press and Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield. 272 pp.
The effects of Airbnb's price positioning on hotel performance.

Abstract This study examined the relationship between the price positioning of Airbnb listings, measured in price difference between a hotel property and the nearby Airbnb listings as well as price dispersion among these Airbnb listings, and the performance of nearby hotels. An exploratory analysis using field data points collected from the Airbnb listings and their hotel counterparts in the metropolitan area of Austin, Texas between Quarter 3, 2008 (debut of Airbnb in Austin) and Quarter 2, 2011 reveals intriguing findings. The entry of Airbnb listings was penetrative to local hotels. However, the price positioning of Airbnb, manifested in higher average price as compared to nearby hotels, as well as larger price dispersion among individual listings, significantly mitigated such penetration. Important theoretical contributions and practical implications for hotels are discussed.
Quantitation of Tolyporphins, Diverse Tetrapyrrole Secondary Metabolites with Chlorophyll-Like Absorption, from a Filamentous Cyanobacterium-Microbial Community.

Introduction Tolyporphins are unusual tetrapyrrole macrocycles produced by a non-axenic filamentous cyanobacterium (HT-58-2). Tolyporphins A–J, L, and M share a common dioxobacteriochlorin core, differ in peripheral substituents, and exhibit absorption spectra that overlap that of the dominant cyanobacterial pigment, chlorophyll a. Identification and accurate quantitation of the various tolyporphins in these chlorophyll-rich samples presents challenges. Objective To develop methods for the quantitative determination of tolyporphins produced under various growth conditions relative to that of chlorophyll a. Methodology Chromatographic fractionation of large-scale (440 L) cultures afforded isolated individual tolyporphins. Lipophilic extraction of small-scale (25 mL) cultures, HPLC separation with an internal standard, and absorption detection enabled quantitation of tolyporphin A and chlorophyll a, and by inference the amounts of tolyporphins A–M. Absorption spectroscopy with multicomponent analysis of lipophilic extracts (2 mL cultures) afforded the ratio of all tolyporphins to chlorophyll a. The reported absorption spectral data for the various tolyporphins required re-evaluation for quantitative purposes. Results and Discussion The amount of tolyporphin A after 50 days of illumination ranged from 0.13 nmol/mg dry cells (media containing nitrate) to 1.12 nmol/mg (without nitrate), with maximum 0.23 times that of chlorophyll a. Under soluble-nitrogen deprivation after 35–50 days, tolyporphin A represents 1/3–1/2 of the total tolyporphins, and the total amount of tolyporphins is up to 1.8-fold that of chlorophyll a. Conclusions The quantitative methods developed herein should facilitate investigation of the biosynthesis of tolyporphins (and other tetrapyrroles) as well as examination of other strains for production of tolyporphins. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the Use of Automated Feedback on Student Motivation.

Objective: Autonomy-support and quality feedback have been shown to significantly impact student learning. Unfortunately, quality feedback is often very time consuming. The goal of this study was to examine the autonomy-supportive potential from feedback provided via technology, specifically the ExamSoft Strength and Opportunities report. Methods: Students were divided into two groups: one received enhanced performance feedback via the ExamSoft Strength and Opportunities report, the other received traditional grade-only feedback in the form of grades and course averages, via ExamSoft. The Learning Self-Regulation Survey (SRQ-L) was administered to 139 third-year doctor of pharmacy students. The survey contained 14 statements asking students to rate their reasons (relative autonomy) for reviewing ExamSoft feedback, three items related to use of the ExamSoft technology, and five demographic items. Results: A statistical difference, t(52) = -2.07, p =0.043; d = .577, was reported between the two groups indicating enhanced feedback via ExamSoft had a moderate impact on students’ autonomy. Conclusions: Students who received enhanced ExamSoft feedback reported significantly higher relative autonomy index (RAI) for feedback review than students who did not receive the feedback. This suggests that the enhanced ExamSoft feedback was autonomy-supportive. Conflict of Interest: None Treatment of Human Subjects: IRB review/approval required and obtained Type: Original Research
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF THE THALASSEMIAS: THE ALBION WALTER HEWLETT AWARD PRESENTATION

The Albion Walter Hewlett Award (named for Professor of Medicine and Chair of the Stanford Department of Medicine 1916-1925) recognizes a role model, accomplished in discovery of the biological sciences and at the same time a consummate and compassionate physician. In introductory remarks, Dr. Stanley L. Schrier, Professor of Medicine (Hematology), the tenth recipient of the Award, indicated that the person so identified is no longer a viable model in academic medicine. The loss of this sort of person is serious because this appropriately trained physician-investigator was uniquely positioned to study pathophysiology, defined as the processes by which disordered biology produces disease. He used his own studies on the clinical manifestations of the thalassemias to clarify what he meant by pathophysiology. Thus he and his colleagues first defined membrane material properties of alpha and beta thalassemic RBC membranes and the states of hydration of alpha and beta thalassemic RBC and found them to be strikingly divergent. The biochemical counterparts of these alterations proved to be the accumulation of the excess unmatched partially oxidized globin chains on the membrane skeleton. In vitro studies with chemical oxidants selectively oxidized alpha and beta globin chains which then attached to the RBC membrane skeleton and reproduced the membrane material properties characteristic of beta and alpha thalassemia respectively. Many of these alterations had occurred prior to the reticulocyte stage so that pursuit of pathophysiology shifted to studies of marrow erythroid precursors, and it was shown that in beta thalassemia major there was accelerated programmed cell death as well as defective assembly of the membrane skeleton.
Nuclear Physics: An Historic Overview

The scope of nuclear many-body problems of current interest is staggering. It covers the range in A from 1 to (say) 300 and infinity (nuclear matter); isotopic compositions N and Z near and far from the stable valley, and the equation of state of nuclear matter as a function of T and p. A speculative phase diagram (reproduced from Nagamiya and Gyulassyl) is shown in Figure. 1. Exotic states of nuclear matter are of interest in studying the physics of relativistic heavy ion collisions, neutron stars, super novae, early universe, etc. In order to limit the scope of the present discussion, I will restrict my talk to cold nuclei.
Description Logic and Faceted Knowledge Representation.

The term ”facet” was introduced into the field of library classification systems by Ranganathan in the 1930’s [Ranganathan, 1962]. A facet is a viewpoint or aspect. In contrast to traditional classification systems, faceted systems are modular in that a domain is analyzed in terms of baseline facets which are then synthesized. In this paper, the term ”facet” is used in a broader meaning. Facets can describe different aspects on the same level of abstraction or the same aspect on different levels of abstraction. The notion of facets is related to database views, multicontexts and conceptual scaling in formal concept analysis [Ganter and Wille, 1999], polymorphism in object-oriented design, aspect-oriented programming, views and contexts in description logic and semantic networks. This paper presents a definition of facets in terms of faceted knowledge representation that incorporates the traditional narrower notion of facets and potentially facilitates translation between different knowledge representation formalisms. A goal of this approach is a modular, machine-aided knowledge base design mechanism. A possible application is faceted thesaurus construction for information retrieval and data mining. Reasoning complexity depends on the size of the modules (facets). A more general analysis of complexity will be left for future research.
Metaphor for learning: an evolutionary algorithm

The organizational algorithm is examined as a computational approach to representing interpersonal learning. The structure of the algorithm is introduced and described in context to the simple genetic algorithm. A comparison is made of the performance of both algorithms with respect to three different test functions: a simple single-peaked function, the standard Matlab "peaks" function (Mathworks 1998), and a multiple occurrence of a single-optimum Gaussian function. Algorithm performance is discussed relative to traditional optimization figures of merit as well as with respect to a learning analogy.
Time Correlation Functions and Hydrodynamic Modes for Lattice Gas Cellular Automata

The explicit construction of lattice gas cellular automata with fluid symmetry at the Navier-Stokes level has stimulated a great deal of research on this and related discrete dynamical systems. 1 The primary objective has been the description of complex hydrodynamic flows by simulation as a potentially more efficient method than numerical solution to the continuum mechanics equations. In this context the automaton is merely a tool for constructing the macroscopic dynamics of interest (Navier-Stokes equations), and attention to its microscopic properties is motivated only by the need to determine the parameters of the macroscopic equations (e.g., transport coefficients). The successful simulation of complex flows by this method and current limitations are reviewed by Boon in this volume.2
Aggregation Operators and Observable Properties of Human Reasoning

In this paper we investigate properties of aggregation operators that are necessary to create mathematical models that are consistent with observable properties of human reasoning. Such models are required in many applications where mathematical modeling is used to suggest a justifiable decision and a subsequent course of action. No decision can be acceptable unless it is fully compatible with intuitive reasoning, common sense, and expert knowledge. In this paper we focus on necessary properties of aggregators and aggregation structures that are used in the weighted compensative logic and applied in evaluation decision models, and investigate interactions between formal logic properties and semantic properties of aggregation models.