cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Edge-Sharing TiO5 Polyhedra in Ti-Substituted Pollucite, CsTixAl1-xSi2O6+x/2

The compositional series CsTixAl1-xSi2O6+x/2, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, was investigated using X-ray absorption and Raman spectroscopy. The data indicate the formation of TiO5 edge-sharing polyhedra at relatively low Ti concentrations (x = 0.3). The presence of TiO5 polyhedra in the compositional series is evident from the intensity and energy value of characteristic preedge features in the near-edge structure of the X-ray absorption spectra (XANES). The edge-sharing geometry of the TiO5 polyhedra is determined by the analysis of the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) that indicates short (3.0 A) Ti−Ti interatomic distances. The appearance of features in the Raman spectra at 645 and 717 cm-1 also support the existence of edge-sharing Ti polyhedra at low levels of Ti substitution. The EXAFS and Raman results suggest a nonrandom pairing of TiO5 polyhedra on symmetrically equivalent sites and the formation of edge-sharing relationship between adjacent TiO5 polyhedra.
Mimic: Fast Recovery from Data Corruption Errors in Stencil Computations

The largest computing systems routinely run into silent data corruption (SDC) as part of its normal operation. The number of SDCs will increase drastically as computing systems approach the exascale mark, forcing a need to reconsider the resilience approach taken to counteract the effects of unmitigated data corruption errors. Yet any resilience method must be sensitive to both resource and energy requirements. In this paper we explore the propagation of data corruption errors caused in stencil computation, an iterative kernel with structured communication pattern that is found in a wide variety of scientific and engineering problems. We present a computational model, refered to as mimic replication, that provides resilience against SDC errors through dynamic reexecution of processes that are vulnerable to having their data tainted due to a detected latent error. We then provide an analytical model that allows tradeoff between resource and energy consumption and resilience.
Complexities of Clinical Genetics Consultation: An Interprofessional Clinical Skills Workshop

Introduction Advances in genomic medicine contribute to increased demand for clinical genetics services and require physicians to understand the interprofessional practice of this field. Medical st...
Comparing views on civil commitment for drug misuse and for mental illness among persons with opioid use disorder

Abstract Despite the growing use of civil commitment for drug use disorders, little is known about attitudes among individuals who might be subject to civil commitment. This study examined attitudes of persons with opioid use disorder toward civil commitment for drug misuse and for psychiatric illness. Consecutive persons entering a brief, inpatient opioid detoxification (n = 254) were surveyed regarding their attitudes about civil commitment for mental illness and for drug use, and responses were compared by commitment type and by individual history of being civilly committed for opioid misuse. Participants endorsed high support for civil commitment (both psychiatric and drug misuse-related) when used to address risk of harm to self, to others, and of criminal activity. Respondents were more likely to support civil commitment for psychiatric disorders than for drug misuse, expressing higher support for civil commitment in general, higher agreement with the criteria used to justify civil commitment, and greater perceived efficacy of commitment. Individuals previously committed for opioid misuse were less likely to support drug misuse-related commitment on the basis of its perceived efficacy. These results suggest individuals with opioid use disorder hold more favorable views toward civil commitment for mental health disorders than for drug misuse, and reinforce the need for more research on the procedures and outcomes related to civil commitment for drug misuse.
Analysis of health literacy of residents in urban district of Huaian in 2013, Jiangsu Province

Objective To understand the residents health literacy and its 3 dimensions of literacy level distribution between the age of 15 and 69 years in Huaian city and explore its influential factors to provide evidence for health education strategies and measures through the investigation on health literacy in 2013, Methods Residents aged 15-69 years were surveyed in Qinghe, Qingpu, Huaian, Huaiyin counties by using a cross-sectional survey method and stratified multi-stage cluster random sampling from October to December, 2013. This research included demographic data, such as age, gender, occupation and 3 dimensions of health literacy namely (basic knowledge and concepts, health lifestyle and behavior, and basic skills). The influencing factors of health literacy level were analyzed with chi-square test and logistic regression. Results Of the 2 316 15 to 69 years old residents, 401 people had health literacy, their health literacy level was 17.3%. Basic knowledge and ideas, healthy lifestyle and behavior, basic skills literacy levels were 28.4%, 11.6% and 19.4%. The single factor analysis showed that the health literacy of residents in urban areas and the level of 3 dimensions of the degree of education increased with the degree of education And were higher in those with family per capita income (yuan) > 10 000 than in those with less than or equal to 10 000, groups of different age, different occupational groups had significant difference (P< 0.05). Moreover, the level of basic skills of the male was higher than the female (P< 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, effects of education on health literacy OR(95% CI) value is 1.473 (1.337-1.623), on the basic knowledge and literacy concept influence OR(95% CI) value was 1.399 (1.289-1.520), to the effect of a healthy lifestyle and behavior literacy OR(95% CI) values were 1.556 (1.386-1.746), on the basic skills of literacy effects OR(95% CI) values are 1.400(1.275-1.538) .With respect to the farmers, the influence of enterprise workers, white-collar workers on health literacy OR (95% CI) values were 1.559 (1.095-2.219) and 2.333 (1.468-3.706), on the basic knowledge and literacy concept influence OR (95% CI) values were 1.390 (1.063-1.819) and 1.778 (1.204-2.625), on the basic skills of literacy effects OR (95% CI) values were 1.721(1.235-2.397) and 2.151(1.375-3.365), with respect to the farmers, the mental workers on the impact of a healthy lifestyle and behavior literacy OR(95% CI) value was 1.876 (1.093-3.220). These are all positively correlated factors of health literacy. Conclusion The health literacy level of residents aged from 15 to 69 years in Huaian was 17.3%, and the level is low. The health literacy intervention and monitoring should be strengthened, effective policies and measures should be formulated to promote the health literacy level of counties. Key words: Health literacy; Cross-sectional studies; Huaian
Differences in Student Offshoring Attitudes: Challenges in Teaching Offshoring

While offshoring represents a polarizing topic, limited pedagogical research helps us understand how to address diverse student offshoring views in the classroom. The present study fills this gap w...
Deltamethrin Exposure Inhibits Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Causes Deficits in Learning and Memory in Mice.

Deficits in learning and memory are often associated with disruption of hippocampal neurogenesis, which is regulated by numerous processes, including precursor cell proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation to mature neurons. Recent studies demonstrate that adult born neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) in the hippocampus can functionally integrate into the existing neuronal circuitry and contribute to hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. Here, we demonstrate that relatively short-term deltamethrin exposure (3 mg/kg every 3 days for 1 month) inhibits adult hippocampal neurogenesis and causes deficits in learning and memory in mice. Hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions were evaluated using 2 independent hippocampal-dependent behavioral tests, the novel object recognition task and Morris water maze. We found that deltamethrin-treated mice exhibited profound deficits in novel object recognition and learning and memory in water maze. Deltamethrin exposure significantly decreased bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells (39%) and Ki67+ cells (47%) in the DG of the hippocampus, indicating decreased cellular proliferation. In addition, deltamethrin-treated mice exhibited a 44% decrease in nestin-expressing neural progenitor cells and a 38% reduction in the expression of doublecortin (DCX), an early neuronal differentiation marker. Furthermore, deltamethrin-exposed mice exhibited a 25% reduction in total number of granule cells in the DG. These findings indicate that relatively short-term exposure to deltamethrin causes significant deficits in hippocampal neurogenesis that is associated with impaired learning and memory.
Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit: Perspectives of Rural Health Executives

Purpose In 2016, Georgia implemented a rural hospital tax credit program through a legislative mandate that allows individuals and corporations to donate to qualifying rural hospitals in exchange for state income tax credit. The study examines the importance, success, and challenges of the program, and opportunities for improvement, from the perspective of Georgia rural hospital executives. Methods The study was a qualitative study using data from key informant telephone interviews with 21 hospital executives and administrators of eligible rural hospitals. Findings Hospital executives described the program as a valuable lifeline for struggling rural hospitals and an instrument for community engagement. They provided recommendations for legislative and programmatic modifications to ensure stability, transparency, and accountability. Conclusion Results highlight the popularity of the program among rural hospital leaders, but they also identify potential areas for improvement. The findings of the study can inform policy-making efforts targeted at improving the nation's rural health infrastructure.
NEOWISE: Observations of the Irregular Satellites of Jupiter and Saturn

We present thermal model fits for 11 Jovian and 3 Saturnian irregular satellites based on measurements from the WISE/NEOWISE data set. Our fits confirm spacecraft-measured diameters for the objects with in situ observations (Himalia and Phoebe) and provide diameters and albedo for 12 previously unmeasured objects, 10 Jovian and 2 Saturnian irregular satellites. The best-fit thermal model beaming parameters are comparable to what is observed for other small bodies in the outer solar system, while the visible, W1, and W2 albedos trace the taxonomic classifications previously established in the literature. Reflectance properties for the irregular satellites measured are similar to the Jovian Trojan and Hilda Populations, implying common origins.
A causal analysis of several economic time series

Econometric modelling has become an increasing popular method of economic analysis. This process has traditionally involved the theoretical specification of a model, followed by the empirical estimation of the parameters of the model. In order to obtain unbiased and consistent parameter estimates a number of assumptions must be satisfied. Often an assumption about the exogeneity of a variable in the model must be made. If this assumption about exogeneity is incorrect, then a number of potential problems can occur in the parameter estimation process. Several econometric testing procedures have been developed in response to the problem of theoretically assuming exogeneity. These tests are referred to as exogeneity tests or causality tests. Sims' regression procedure, Sargent's regression procedure, and the Haugh cross-correlation method are the basic tests available. All of these tests claim as their basis the Granger definition of causality;The objectives of this study are: (1) to statistically test and analyze the causal relationships among six economic time series, (2) to compare the three basic causality tests to see if they produce consistent and conclusive results;The data set used in the analysis consisted of 523 observations from September 18, 1968 to September 20, 1978. The observations are nonseasonally adjusted weekly averages of daily observations. The data were obtained from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System;The Sims' and Sargent's procedures were applied to the time series in this data sample. The cross-correlation procedure was not used because an earlier study applied this procedure to a similar but observationally smaller data set. The application of the three procedures to the same time series allowed for a comparison of the three different causality tests;The regression tests produced results which contained some inconsistencies. The causal results were generally consistent with the following three causal hypotheses: (1) Unidirectional causality from the federal funds rate to the 3-month Treasury bill rate. (2) Unidirectional causality from the interest rates to time deposits. (3) Unidirectional causality from the money supply to reserves. The application of the cross-correlation procedure in an earlier study to the same time series generated considerably different results. This difference and the inconsistencies among the results of the regression tests suggest that bivariate causality testing should be done with careful consideration.
Efficient evaluation of center-level emergency surgery performance using a high-yield procedure set: A step towards an EGS registry.

Abstract Background Emergency general surgery (EGS) lacks mechanisms to compare performance between institutions. Focusing on higher-risk procedures may efficiently identify outliers. Methods EGS patients were identified from the 2016 State Inpatient Databases of Florida, New York, and Kentucky. Risk-adjusted mortality was calculated as an O:E ratio, generating expected mortality from a model including demographic and procedural factors. Outliers were centers whose 90% confidence intervals excluded 1. This was repeated in several subsets, to determine if these yielded outliers similar to the overall dataset. Results We identified 45,430 EGS patients. Overall, 3 high performing centers and 5 low performing centers were identified. Exclusion of appendectomies and cholecystectomies resulted in a remaining data set of 13,569 patients (29.9% of the overall data set), with 2 high performers and 5 low performers. One low performer in the limited data set was not identified in the overall set. Conclusion Evaluation of 5 procedures, making up less than a third of EGS, identifies most outliers. A streamlined monitoring procedure may facilitate maintenance of an EGS registry.
Treatment of Heritable Diseases Using CRISPR: Hopes, Fears, and Reality

CRISPR gene editing is poised to transform the therapeutic landscape for diseases of genetic origin. The ease and agility by which CRISPR can make specific changes to DNA holds great promise not only for the treatment of heritable diseases, but also their prevention through germline editing. CRISPR-based therapeutic strategies are currently under development for numerous monogenic diseases. These strategies range from proof of concept studies demonstrating pre-fertilization gamete editing to recently initiated clinical trials for postnatal ex vivo therapies. The promise of CRISPR's human genome editing potential has captivated the public's attention. It is of paramount importance that medical professionals who work with patients who may have or carry a monogenic heritable disease understand CRISPR technology in order to have informed and compassionate discussions with their patients. Understanding CRISPR means understanding its evolving therapeutic applications' nuances, limitations, and barriers to access as well as the regulatory landscape they inhabit. In this piece we provide a review of the promises and pitfalls of CRISPR germline gene editing and their implications for patient decision-making throughout various stages of the reproductive process.
Many-server asymptotics for Join-the-Shortest Queue in the Super-Halfin-Whitt Scaling Window

The Join-the-Shortest Queue (JSQ) policy is a classical benchmark for the performance of many-server queueing systems due to its strong optimality properties. While the exact analysis of the JSQ policy is an open question to date, even under Markovian assumption on the service requirements, recently, there has been a significant progress in understanding its many-server asymptotic behavior since the work of Eschenfeldt and Gamarnik (Math.~Oper.~Res.~43 (2018) 867--886). In this paper, we analyze the many-server limits of the JSQ policy in the \emph{super-Halfin-Whitt} scaling window when load per server $\lambda_N$ scales with the system size $N$ as $\lim_{N\rightarrow\infty}N^{\alpha}(1-\lambda_N)=\beta$ for $\alpha\in (1/2, 1)$ and $\beta>0$. We establish that the centered and scaled total queue length process converges to a certain Bessel process with negative drift and the associated centered and scaled steady-state total queue length, indexed by $N$, converges to a $\mathrm{Gamma}(2,\beta)$ distribution. Both the transient and steady-state limit laws are universal in the sense that they do not depend on the value of the scaling parameter $\alpha$, and exhibit fundamentally different qualitative behavior from both the Halfin-Whitt regime ($\alpha = 1/2$) and the Non-degenerate Slowdown (NDS) regime ($\alpha=1$).
Following Bostock, How Employers Can Lead the Way to Embrace Transgender Employees in the Workplace

2020 was quite a year! Yes, society endured the pandemic,1 but that was not the only news. After a split in the circuits as well as inconsistency between states’ laws, the Supreme Court of the United States finally held that workplace discrimination against individuals who are transgender is unlawful. In addition, the United States elected openly transgender people to government offices and numerous celebrities shared their transitions. The EEOC has identified LGBTQ employees’ rights as an enforcement priority. These are signals to U.S. companies that they must take steps to not only comply with the law, but also develop policies and training to embrace transgender people in the workplace.
COVID Compatibility and Risk Negotiation in Online Dating during the COVID-19 Pandemic

We interviewed 31 individuals about their online dating life and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. We use literature on risk and health behaviors to generate four frames for dealing with risk...
Production of polyene macrolide antibiotics.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the production of polyene macrolide antibiotics. The polyene macrolides form a subdivision of the macrolide antibiotics containing hydroxylated macrocyclic lactone rings and usually one or more sugars. Biogenetically the macrolides are a homogeneous group, being synthesized from acetate and propionate via the polyketide pathway. The macrolide antibiotics are divided in two subgroups: polyene antifingal antibiotics and nonpolyene antibacterial antibiotics. The polyene subgroup has a system of conjugated double bonds, or chromophore, in the macrolactone ring. This results in an amphipathic molecule containing both a rigid planar lipophilic portion and a flexible hydrophilic polyhydroxylated region. A new class of nonpolyene antifungal macrolides, the axenomycins, with large 34-member lactone rings has been reported. This group appears to be closely related in structure and biological activity to the polyene macrolides in spite of their nonpolyene character. Although purification of polyene macrolide antibiotics is difficult because of their low solubility and instability to heat and light, considerable progress has been achieved in recent years in the determination of the complex chemical structure of these compounds by utilizing sensitive analytical methods, such as electron impact and field desorption mass spectrometry, proton magnetic resonance, and X-ray structure analysis of single crystals for absolute configuration determination.
Formation of leap orders in pairs of male domestic chickens

There is disagreement concerning the role or importance of social leaping, compared with pecks and threats, in the dominance relations of fowl. As an approach to this issue, the current paper reports two experiments that used aggression-inducing isolation-rearing conditions of either 8 days or 8 weeks. In 5-min tests in pairs after isolation it was found that leaping was the key aggressive response in conflicts between 14- to 15-week-old roosters. Leaps were more frequent overall and occurred earlier than did pecks. Although both dominant and subordinate birds leaped at one another to some degree, only the dominant birds had both “leap rights” and “peck rights.” The data indicated that leaping is a behavior that has an important, central role in the social organization of male domestic chickens. These laboratory results were comparable to certain archival data from classic field research.
Analysis of RNA splicing defects in PITX2 mutants supports a gene dosage model of Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome

Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS) is associated with mutations in the PITX2 gene that encodes a homeobox transcription factor. Several intronic PITX2 mutations have been reported in Axenfeld-Rieger patients but their effects on gene expression have not been tested. We present two new families with recurrent PITX2 intronic mutations and use PITX2c minigenes and transfected cells to address the hypothesis that intronic mutations effect RNA splicing. Three PITX2 mutations have been analyzed: a G>T mutation within the AG 3' splice site (ss) junction associated with exon 4 (IVS4-1G>T), a G>C mutation at position +5 of the 5' (ss) of exon 4 (IVS4+5G>C), and a previously reported A>G substitution at position -11 of 3'ss of exon 5 (IVS5-11A>G). Mutation IVS4+5G>C showed 71% retention of the intron between exons 4 and 5, and poorly expressed protein. Wild-type protein levels were proportionally expressed from correctly spliced mRNA. The G>T mutation within the exon 4 AG 3'ss junction shifted splicing exclusively to a new AG and resulted in a severely truncated, poorly expressed protein. Finally, the A>G substitution at position -11 of the 3'ss of exon 5 shifted splicing exclusively to a newly created upstream AG and resulted in generation of a protein with a truncated homeodomain. This is the first direct evidence to support aberrant RNA splicing as the mechanism underlying the disorder in some patients and suggests that the magnitude of the splicing defect may contribute to the variability of ARS phenotypes, in support of a gene dosage model of Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome.
Investigation of the component reactions of oxidative sterol demethylation. Oxidation of a 4 alpha-methyl sterol to a 4 alpha-carboxylic acid during cholesterol biosynthesis.

Abstract Microsomal enzymes of rat liver catalyze the oxidative demethylation of 4,4-dimethyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol. Demethylation requires oxygen and both reduced and oxidized pyridine nucleotides. Aerobic incubation of 30,31-14C-4,4-dimethyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol with a microsomal preparation depleted of NAD+ and containing an NADPH-generating system yields oxidative attack of substrate but no release of 14CO2. Following incubation, sterols are extracted from the microsomal protein with acetone. Only one oxygenated sterol is formed in high yield. Homogeneity and purity of the new sterol have been established by thin layer chromatography on plates of silica gel. Nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry have been used to identify the new sterol as 3β-hydroxy-4β-methyl-5α-cholest-7-ene-4α-carboxylic acid. Isolation and identification of the 4α-carboxylic acid demonstrates that the 4α-methyl group of the 4,4-dimethyl sterol may be attacked initially. Furthermore, the rates of 4α-carboxylic acid formation and decarboxylation (NAD+-dependent) are sufficient to account for the over-all rate of demethylation. Demethylation of 4,4-dimethyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol and 4α-methyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol is inhibited similarly by additions of cyanide, cytochrome c, glycolithocholate, and dithiothreitol; prior treatment of the enzyme system with trypsin and heat affected the rates similarly: dietary cholestyramine enhanced the amount of demethylation of each sterol to the same extent. It is clear now that the 4α-methyl group of both sterol substrates is oxidatively attacked; oxidation of each substrate requires the same cofactors; thus, the similar behavior of the enzyme system under the above treatments is consistent with the conclusion that the same enzymic system may catalyze the removal of the 4α-methyl group from both the 4,4-dimethyl and 4α-monomethyl sterol substrates.
Paleomagnetism and 40Ar/39Ar Chronology of Lavas from Meseta del Lago Buenos Aires, Patagonia

[1] As part of a larger project investigating paleosecular variation in South America, 36 paleomagnetic and geochronology sites were sampled on Meseta del Lago Buenos Aires (47°S, 289°E), 200 km east of the active plate boundary in southern Patagonia. Basaltic lavas sampled range from late Miocene to late Pleistocene yet most of the individual lavas are younger than 3.3 Ma. Thirty-eight isochron ages determined via 40Ar/39Ar incremental-heating experiments frame a detailed stratigraphy. The isochron ages range from 66.9 ± 4.1 ka for scoria cones and a youthful lava flow in the Rio Pinturas valley to 10.12 ± 1.35 Ma for thick plateau-forming lavas exposed along the SE edge of the Meseta. The last 3.3 myr is characterized by seven episodes of volcanism at ca. 3.2–3.0 Ma, 2.4 Ma, 1.7 Ma, 1.35 Ma, 1.0 Ma, 750 ka, 430–330 ka, and <110 ka. The bulk of lavas forming the surface of the Meseta erupted in the last 1.7 my. All sites have stable magnetization, and after step demagnetization using either thermal or alternating field techniques, yield characteristic directions held by magnetite and/or titanomagnetite. Ten sites have distinct transitional directions (defined by pole latitudes <55°), and associated ages indicate possible connections to known reversals within the Matuyama Chron, including the onset of the Jaramillo subchron (1.016 ± 0.01 Ma), the Cobb Mountain subchron (1.25 ± 0.03 Ma), the Ontong-Java 1 event (1.37 ± 0.03 Ma), and the termination of the Olduvai subchron (1.72 ± 0.02 Ma). Remaining sites are divided into normal (14 sites) and reversed polarity (12 sites). At 95% confidence mean normal and reversed directions overlap. The mean direction for 26 sites is I = −63.0°, D = 3.4°, α95 = 5.4°, which is indistinguishable from the expected geocentric axial dipole. Paleosecular variation, measured by the dispersion of virtual geomagnetic poles about the rotation axis, is higher than expected at 20.0°. Model G, using data for the past 5 Myr, predicts a dispersion of 17°. This discrepancy may be due to true dispersion of the field in southern South America or it may be an artifact of inadequate sampling.
Technology-Mediated Communication with Siblings during the Transition to College: Associations with Relationship Positivity and Self-Disclosure

Sibling relationships are among individuals' longest lasting relationships and are important for well-being across the life span (Cicirelli, 1995). Siblings are frequent companions during childhood (McHale & Crouter, 1996) and adolescence (Updegraff, McHale, Whiteman, Thayer, & Delgado, 2005), and they remain central to the lives of many adults (Gold, 1989; Spitze & Trent, 2006). Despite decreasing contact and proximity during adulthood (Carstensen, 1992; White, 2001), for many people siblings continue to play a particularly important role during major life events and transitions such as marriage, the birth of children, divorce, and the death of family members (Connidis, 1992). However, some sibling relationships are considerably apathetic and disconnected by the time adulthood arrives (Gold, 1989). Although this may stem from a continuation of relationships that were distant during childhood (McGuire, McHale, & Updegraff, 1996), there is some evidence that siblings may become less close during adulthood as a result of new sibling rivalries related to parental differential treatment (e.g., Suitor, Gilligan, & Pillemer, 2013). However, only in rare cases do siblings actually react negatively to parental differential treatment (Kowal, Krull, & Kramer, 2006). Thus, other important processes may contribute to siblings' abilities to maintain positive and involved relationships with one another through later stages of life.An investigation of sibling relationships during the initial transition out of the family home may be a particularly fruitful avenue by which to better understand why some siblings eventually driftapart while others remain close through old age. According to Erikson's (1968) theory of psychosocial development, a major task for late adolescents is the development of an integrated identity based on both prior familial relationships and individual exploration. This requires a recentering of close relationships, whereby peer and romantic relationships gain prominence as ties with parents (Tanner, 2006) and siblings (CongerL however, many different technologies are available to help siblings maintain communication, and college students who move away from the family home may be one group that relies heavily on these methods (Conger & Little, 2010). As Hertlein (2012) proposed in her multitheoretical model addressing the intersections between technology and family life, technology introduces additional avenues for family interaction, which may have important consequences for our interpretation of family relationship qualities as well as our methods of relationship maintenance. Sociotechnological theory (Lanigan, 2009) suggests that information and communication technologies (ICTs) may influence these aspects of family relationships to varying degrees based on ICT characteristics, individual traits, and family-wide factors. Specifically, ICTs allow for two possible types of communication (Hertlein, 2012; Rabby & Walther, 2003): synchronous and asynchronous. …
A STEREOCHEMICAL PROBE OF THE FATE OF CARBON RADICALS OXIDIZED BY METALS

observation of radicals 2b such asjin the esr and the isolation of carbonyl products. There has appeared as yet no direct evidence for an alkoxy radical and in particular no report of a most typical alkoxy radical reaction, yhydrogen abstraction. Photolysis of an acetonitrile solution of 2-cyclohexylethanol &) in the presence of anhydrous ferric perchlorate with a Hanovia 450-watt lamp through a Pyrex filter led to complete reduction of iron(II1) to iron(I1) after 4 hr (quantum yield ~0.1). Concentration of the reaction mixture and analysis of the products after distillation afforded cyclohexyl acetaldehyde (&) and c& and trans-perhydrobenzofuran (J, anda (Table I, Scheme II). The first-order interpretation of these results is that an alkoxy radical (2, initially formed upon photodissociation of an iron(III)-2-cyclohexyl ethanol complex [J_ + Fe(III)J, undergoes intramolecular y-hydrogen abstraction in a manner analogous to the family of Barton-type reactions. 5
Neoliberal Visions and Revisions in Global Communications Policy From NWICO to WSIS

The author proposes that any account seeking to contextualize crucial policy debates connected to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) must engage with two necessary projects. First, it must historicize WSIS in relation to an earlier international forum similarly focused on global communications policy, the New World Information and Communication Order (NWICO). Second, it must theorize WSIS in terms related to neoliberalism, the dominant political economic system defining global relations today. This analysis brings into focus both continuities and changes in global communications policy during the formative period of the past three decades.
Finite element methods for nonlinear flows in porous media

Abstract A model problem is presented for fluid flow in porous media which has numerical difficulties common with many other areas of nonlinear mechanics. Special finite element techniques are described which have proved useful in alleviating many of these difficulties. A modified method of characteristics, mixed finite element methods for fluid velocities, singularity removal, and self-adaptive local grid refinement techniques are presented. Both theoretical and computational results are described, together with an indication of the present and future uses of finite element methods in large-scale reservoir simulation.
Consumer willingness to pay for organic and locally grown produce on Dominica: insights into the potential for an “Organic Island”

With the intent of improving agricultural revenues and solidifying her place as an ecotourism destination, it has been proposed that the island nation of The Commonwealth of Dominica convert all agriculture to organic production. This study explores Dominica’s current and potential domestic demand for organic and/or “locally grown” produce. Surveys were conducted with Dominican consumers to assess their opinions and willingness to pay for these products, and evaluated using a maximum likelihood estimation procedure. On average, Dominican consumers are willing to pay 17.5 % more for organic, and 12 % more for locally grown, produce. These results were varied significantly across demographic segments of the sampled population, respondent tastes and preferences, the health status of their family, and the extent to which they were early adopters of new products. Despite several expected challenges of a successful transition to organic, implementation of this policy may offer a net positive welfare increase for Dominica’s permanent residents. Results from this analysis suggest that, from the perspective of domestic consumers, Dominica should continue to pursue the possibility of becoming an “Organic Island.”
NPR Under Fire: On the Kategoria-Based Apologia of Juan Williams

In the wake of its decision to fire veteran political commentator Juan Williams, NPR came under fire from all quarters for its seemingly incongruous decision. Dubbed by conservatives as an unveiled attempt to remove Williams because of his professional role as commentator on the right-wing FOX news network, NPR was unprepared for the vitriolic outpouring of outrage from its listeners and critics. Finding itself under attack, NPR had little choice but to defend its decision and issue forth its own attack on William's work and character as a NPR political commentator. This monograph analyzes the apologetic exchange that ensued in the public arena, an exchange that created its own unique public relations challenges.
Thermal Conductivity of Ordered Mesoporous Silicon Thin Films Made From Magnesium Reduction of Polymer Templated Silica

This paper reports the cross-plane thermal conductivity of ordered polycrystalline mesoporous silicon thin films between 30 and 320 K. The films were produced by a combination of evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) of mesoporous silica followed by magnesium reduction. The periodic ordering of pores in mesoporous silicon was characterized by a combination of 1D X-ray diffraction, 2D small angle X-ray scattering, and direct SEM imaging. The average crystallite size, porosity, and film thickness were about 13–18 nm, 25–35%, and 140–260 nm, respectively. The pores were arranged in a face-centered cubic lattice. Finally, the cross-plane thermal conductivity of the meso-porous silicon thin films was measured using the 3ω method. The measured thermal conductivity was about 3 to 5 orders of magnitude smaller than that of the bulk dense crystalline silicon for the temperature range considered. The effects of temperature and film thickness on the thermal conductivity were investigated.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Novel genotype-phenotype associations in human cancers enabled by advanced molecular platforms and computational analysis of whole slide images

Technological advances in computing, imaging, and genomics have created new opportunities for exploring relationships between histology, molecular events, and clinical outcomes using quantitative methods. Slide scanning devices are now capable of rapidly producing massive digital image archives that capture histological details in high resolution. Commensurate advances in computing and image analysis algorithms enable mining of archives to extract descriptions of histology, ranging from basic human annotations to automatic and precisely quantitative morphometric characterization of hundreds of millions of cells. These imaging capabilities represent a new dimension in tissue-based studies, and when combined with genomic and clinical endpoints, can be used to explore biologic characteristics of the tumor microenvironment and to discover new morphologic biomarkers of genetic alterations and patient outcomes. In this paper, we review developments in quantitative imaging technology and illustrate how image features can be integrated with clinical and genomic data to investigate fundamental problems in cancer. Using motivating examples from the study of glioblastomas (GBMs), we demonstrate how public data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) can serve as an open platform to conduct in silico tissue-based studies that integrate existing data resources. We show how these approaches can be used to explore the relation of the tumor microenvironment to genomic alterations and gene expression patterns and to define nuclear morphometric features that are predictive of genetic alterations and clinical outcomes. Challenges, limitations, and emerging opportunities in the area of quantitative imaging and integrative analyses are also discussed.
Amniotic fluid concentrations of prostaglandin F2 alpha, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) and 11-deoxy-13,14-dihydro-15-keto-11, 16-cyclo-prostaglandin E2 (PGEM-LL) in preterm labor.

Although prostaglandins (PGs) are considered the key mediators of human parturition at term, there is a paucity of data regarding their participation in the mechanisms responsible for preterm labor. The purpose of this study was to establish if preterm labor is associated with changes in the amniotic fluid concentrations of prostaglandins. PGF2α, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α (PGFM) and 11-deoxy-13,14-dihydro-15-keto-11,16-cyclo-prostaglandin E2 (PGEM-II) were measured by using specific and sensitive radioimmunoassays. Amniotic fluid was retrieved by transabdominal amniocentesis from 55 women with preterm labor and intact membranes. Patients were divided into three groups according to the response to tocolysis and the presence or absence of an intra-amniotic infection. Amniotic fluid concentrations of PGFM and PGEM-II were significantly greater in women with preterm labor and intra-amniotic infection than in women without infection. In addition, patients unresponsive to tocolysis without intra-amniotic infection also had a significantly greater concentration of PGFM and PGEM-II in amniotic fluid than those responsive to tocolysis. Amniotic fluid concentrations of PGF2α were greater in women with intra-amniotic infection than in women without intra-amniotic infection. In the absence of intra-amniotic infection, no difference in amniotic fluid PGF2α concentrations could be found between women who responded to tocolytic treatment and those who did not.
Neurotoxic Fragrance Produces Ceroid and Myelin Disease

Acetyl ethyl tetramethyl tetralin (AETT), a component of soaps, deodorants, and cosmetics, produces hyperirritability and limb weakness in rats repeatedly exposed to the compound. Brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves are discolored blue, show progressive neuronal ceroid degeneration, and develop spectacular myelin bubbling. These neurotoxic properties of AETT provide the basis for industry's decision to withdraw the compound from consumer products. In addition, AETT offers the experimentalist a new probe to explore the etiology and pathogeneses of human ceroid and myelin diseases.
Wave Propagation in a DC Superconducting Cable Part I: Analysis

We consider a dc superconducting cable design consisting of four concentric metallic cylinders, of which two carry the load current and two comprise the cryogenic enclosure. When a transient voltage is impressed across such a cable, the major dielectric may not be fully stressed to its design value, and unwanted voltage stresses may develop across other parts of the cable. This paper analyzes the surge-voltage propagation characteristics of a four-conductor dc superconducting cable for a step-function input voltage. This analysis, although mainly directed to superconducting cables, is also applicable to other-multiconductor tranmission lines. A companion paper discusses the parametric effects of the cable system in optimizing the voltage distribution.
Comments on the MHD stability of coronal plasmas with line-tying

Reasonable boundary conditions and test functions for photospheric line-tying are discussed, and their effects on the ideal MHD stability of coronal loops are considered. It is concluded that the plasma at the footpoints of a loop may safely be assumed to be stationary. When a simple perturbed test function is used for the energy principle, the function should be helical in form. Constraints on the test function should be discarded because they overestimate stability.
Metabolism of parasitized Manduca sexta examined by nuclear magnetic resonance

Metabolism of fifth instar Manduca sexta larvae was significantly altered during parasitization by Cotesia congregata. The in vivo 13C natural abndance spectrum and histological examination of the fat body demonstrated significantly reduced fat levels and increased deposition of glycogen in parasitized insects. 1H NMR analysis demonstrated that the free amino acid level was reduced in the hemolymph of parasitized larvae, but control and parasitized insects had similar levels of trehalose. [13C]2-pyruvate injected into the dorsal vessel was incorporated into numerous metabolites including amino acids, Krebs cycle intermediates, trehalose, and fat. In control larvae pyruvate was incorporated primarily into fat following oxidation to CoASAc. Pyruvate was metabolized slower in parasitized larvae and following decarboxylation to oxaloacetate was metabolized by Krebs cycle and incorporated into amino acids. Only small amounts of trehalose were synthesized from pyruvate in control and parasitized larvae and glycogen synthesis was not observed. Analysis of hemolymph indicated no net synthesis of glucose by gluconeogenesis. Control and parasitized larvae incorporated [13C]1-glucose primarily into trehalose. Control larvae also synthesized fat from gulcose. In contrast, fat synthesis was not observed in parasitized insects which incorporated glucose into glycogen. Differences in glucose metabolism, therefore, appeared to explain the difference in storage metabolite levels between control and parasitized larvae.
Two cases of intra-thoracic kidney.

Two cases of diaphragmatic hernia with thoracic kidney are reported. The necessity of surgical repair is discussed briefly.
In vitro models of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in fibrin gel

In vitro models of endothelial assembly into microvessels are useful for the study of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. In addition, such models may be used to provide the microvasculature required to sustain engineered tissues. A large range of in vitro models of both angiogenesis and vasculogenesis have utilized fibrin gel as a scaffold. Although fibrin gel is conducive to endothelial assembly, its ultrastructure varies substantially based on the gel formulation and gelation conditions, making it challenging to compare between models. This work reviews existing models of endothelial assembly in fibrin gel and posits that differerences between models are partially caused by microstructural differences in fibrin gel.
Autoradiographic measurement of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in rat brain using enhanced chemiluminescence: a general method for combined quantitative and cytochemical detection

Abstract Autoradiographic measurements of peroxidase labelled tyrosine immunoreactivity in brain sections from rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions were obtained using enhanced chemiluminescence. The autoradiograms required only 5–60 s exposure and displayed a good sinnal-to-noise ratio. The autoradiograms were quantitated using densitometry and by comparison with a standard curve. Following acquisition of the autoradiograms the sections were stained with the chromogen diaminobenzidine (DAB). Distribution of the DAB closely followed the grain densities observed in the autoradiograms on both the lesioned and unlesioned side of the brain. This method represents a simple, rapid and inexpensive technique for performing both quantitative autoradiography and cytochemical studies in individual tissue sections of any perosidase labllled immunoreactivity.
The use of primates as models for assisted reproduction

Evidence from donated human oocytes and embryos demonstrates that the spermatozoon contributes the 'centrosome', which is critical to fertilization, and that some cases of infertility in couples are related to defects in the pathways that reconstitute the zygotic centrosome. A greater understanding of these microtubule-mediated motility events that ensure normal sperm-oocyte interactions has been made easier by the use of non-human primate gametes. Our studies using rhesus monkey gametes have shown that the cytoskeletal events during fertilization by IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are very similar to those of human fertilization, and that manipulations of non-human primate gametes may help to test the safety and improve current strategies for reproduction, as well as develop new techniques. ICSI results in abnormal nuclear remodelling, in part due to the persistence of VAMP (vesicle-associated membrane protein), the acrosome and the perinuclear theca on the sperm head, all of which are normally removed at, or close to, the oocyte cortex during natural and in-vitro fertilization. Progression through the first cell cycle in ICSI oocytes cannot be completed until these structures have been removed from the forming male pronucleus, demonstrating unique differences between ICSI and IVF. While ICSI is of enormous therapeutic value for the treatment of male infertility, fundamental research using clinically relevant animal models is only now unravelling the cellular and molecular events that permit fertilization by sperm microinjection.
Transformation of plasmid DNA into Streptomyces at high frequency

OVER 60% of known antibiotics1 are produced by Streptomyces species, including many substances with valuable clinical and other applications; they therefore have considerable medical, biological and commercial importance. Although the process of gene exchange mediated by conjugation within these actinomycetes is apparently widespread2, the transfer of genetic material between individuals by such sexual means is, by definition, predominantly restricted to members of the same species. Transfer of genes as free DNA (transformation) or by viral mediation (transduction) has been well documented in some microorganisms3–5, but the efficiency of these processes also falls dramatically with increasing divergence of the species involved, as the homology of their DNA sequences decreases. In any case, the occurrence of these processes in streptomycetes remains to be established. This situation has hitherto precluded the generation of new combinations of DNA sequences from diverse actinomycete species which could have profoundly beneficial effects on both the range of chemical structure and the quantity of antibiotics produced6. We report here the development of a plasmid transformation system for Streptomyces which should allow the cloning of any DNA sequence into these organisms and which, potentially, provides a means of directly manipulating the pathways of antibiotic production. The system involves the uptake of covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA by protoplasts in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the visual detection of transformants, at high resolution, after regeneration of the protoplasts.