cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Burst calculations for 252Cf brachytherapy sources.

Due to helium production following alpha decay, it is necessary to demonstrate the structural integrity of new 252 Cf sources at elevated temperatures for special form certification by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Effects of temperature, capsule composition, and capsule dimensions are examined and reduced to a simple mathematical model. This highly conservative model assumes that all gas products leaving the radioactive source wire are retained by the capsule, and upon elevation to a temperature of 800 ° C the capsule exhibits negligible expansion or change in internal volume and no increase in gas-phase components due to vaporization of spontaneous fission products. The calculated maximum loadings for the ORNL-made Applicator Tube and three proposed high dose rate 252 Cf sources encapsulated in Pt/Ir -10% (VariSource, microSelectron classic, and a novel design) were 10.8, 0.508, 0.708, and 2.12 mg 252 Cf , respectively.
Assimilation and Nonassimilation of Asian-Americans and Asian Peruvians

In a recent paper in this journal, Bernard Wong (1978) compares the assimilative experiences of Chinese in New York City and Lima, Peru. He concludes that the Lima Chinese are substantially more assimilated than their New York counterparts and attributes this distinction in part to differences in the attitudes of the larger societies in which the two Chinese communities are embedded. Discriminatory immigration and miscegenation laws and endemic racism in the United States inhibited the assimilation of the New York Chinese, while a substantially lower level of racial prejudice and official discrimination in Peru facilitated the assimilative process there. In the course of his discussion, Wong takes me mildly to task for an earlier paper in which I concluded that the Japanese community in Lima had proved remarkably resistant to assimilation and attributed that resistance largely to the attitudes of the Japanese themselves, rather than to those of the larger Peruvian society (Thompson 1974; for an elaboration of this point with regard to Japanese in Bolivia, see Thompson 1977a). If I understand him correctly, Wong does not contest my argument that the Lima Japanese have maintained a high level of ethnic consciousness, but he disagrees with my claim that this is primarily a self-generated phenomenon. Similarly, I would concede Wong's point that the case of the Chinese in Lima is quite different from that of the Japanese; I have in fact said as much in a rather obscurely published paper (Thompson 1977b) with which Wong is, quite understandably, apparently unfamiliar. Leaving aside for a moment any theoretical differences between Wong and myself, there remains a set of factual propositions on which we seem to agree. These are: (I) that Chinese in Lima are heavily assimilated to
Performance Comparison of Rock Detection Algorithms for Autonomous Planetary Geology

Detecting rocks in images is a valuable capability for autonomous planetary science. Rock detection facilitates selective data collection and return. It also assists with image analysis on Earth. This work reviews seven rock detection algorithms from the autonomous science literature. We evaluate each algorithm with respect to several autonomous geology applications. Tests show the algorithms' performance on Mars Exploration Rover imagery, terrestrial images from analog environments, and synthetic images from a Mars terrain simulator. This provides insight into the detectors' performance under different imaging conditions.
Connecting the dots—Establishing causality between chronic stress, depression, and cardiovascular disease

in this issue, Stanley et al. ([16a][1]) reported sex differences of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) on vascular function. They found that BALBc/J mice subjected to UCMS [reported to induce depression in rodents ([9][2], [10][3])] demonstrate impairment in endothelium-dependent dilation and
The student-computer interface on an intelligent tutoring system for Japanese language instruction

The author describes the human-computer interaction of an intelligent tutoring system designed to mediate some of the difficulties faced by an English-speaking person trying to acquire proficiency in reading technical Japanese material. A brief summary of some of the unique characteristics of the Japanese language is included. >
Genetic effects on quantitative variation in serologically detected H-Y antigen

We have examined effects of an autosomal gene on the expression of serologically detectable H-Y, a male-specific minor histocompatibility antigen for which a role in primary sex determination has been postulated. Quantitative immunoabsorption studies using three different male specific antisera revealed variation in the level of H-Y among inbred mouse strains and mice bearing variants of the T/t complex. Two patterns of expression in inbred strains were observed; high, C57BL/6J (B6) and low, which included A/J (A), C3H/ DiSn and DBA/2J. In F1 hybrids between A (female parent) and B6 (male parent), the F1 expressed H-Y levels indistinguishable from A, the low parent. Among T/t complex variants, mice bearing T or t0 showed high expression whereas those of the t12 haplotype showed low expression. The co-segregation of H-Y expression types with these T/t complex variants provided further evidence for the location of a gene determining the level of H-Y antigen on the proximal portion of chromosome 17.
Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis in the Elderly

Due to age-associated bone losses, all elderly are prone to osteoporosis, which often leads to fractures. Fractures frequently result in dependency and institutionalization, as well as physical deformities that may lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Currently, no drugs exist to promote new bone formation. Thus care of the elderly focuses primarily on lifestyle modification and increased dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D; decreased intake of caffeine, phosphates, and alcohol; smoking cessation; increased exercise; and drugs. Drugs for preventing osteoporosis include supplemental calcium and vitamin D, hormone replacement therapy, and alendronate. Drugs that enhance bone loss or increase the likelihood of falls should be eliminated, if possible, or the dosages adjusted. Making residences safer will also help to minimize the potential for falls. Drugs for treating osteoporosis include hormone replacement therapy, alendronate, and nasal calcitonin. The prevention and treatment plan is individualized for each patient, taking into account personal preferences, risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture, concomitant diseases and drug therapies, efficacy and tolerance of osteoporosis therapy, quality of life, life expectancy, finances, and health insurance coverage.
Map2mod---a server for evaluation of crystallographic models and their agreement with electron density maps

Summary: Here we report on recent developments of the map2mod server. It has been designed for validation of protein models created by X-ray data interpretation. It can also be used during the refinement process since it is able to indicate problem regions in the model. Apart from evaluation of model quality, it has an option to remove atoms of side chains, which are not consistent with the maps as well as improperly placed water molecules. There are two additional options: checking the B-factors of atoms in the provided model and comparison of R and Rfree values obtained as the result of refinement with the averages characteristic for the data resolution shell. Availability: The map2mod server is freely available for all user community (http://jurand.med.virginia.edu/m2m/map2model.html). Contact: olga,wladek@iwonka.med.virginia.edu
A massively parallel systolic array processor system

The design of a massively parallel processor, comprised of 2304-bit-serial processor elements arranged in a 48 by 48 systolic array, is described. The system consists of the processor array, a microstore controller, and a host computer interface. Program development tools are available on the host computer. The processor array uses 32 NCR GAPP (Geometric Arithmetic Parallel Processor) microprocessor chips, while the microstore controller is implemented with a TMS32010 DSP chip and TTL (transistor-transistor logic) circuitry. Utilizing the nearest neighbor communication capabilities of the GAPP, the array receives data from the host at the south end of the array, outputs data to the host at the north edge of the array, and can wrap data between either the east and west or north and south edges. The array can also be configured as a linear array of 2304 processor elements. The microstore controller interfaces with the host and facilitates downloading of GAPP array machine code, provides for the debugging and monitoring of GAPP array execution from the host, and implements user-defined instructions. >
Matched Feedforward/Model Reference Control of a High Precision Robot With Dead-Zone

A matched feedforward/model reference control is proposed in this brief to improve the transient characteristics of systems with uncertain parasitic nonlinearities. In particular, attention is focused on a New England Affiliated Technologies (NEAT) four-axis positioning system which is designed for high-precision applications. Due to the presence of a dead-zone with variable boundaries in this robot, most conventional methods tend to produce unacceptable transients or steady-state errors. The proposed control method is analyzed for its properties and subsequently implemented on the NEAT robot for experimental verifications. It is observed that the matched feedforward/model reference control method is effective while robust to plant and dead-zone boundary uncertainties.
Fault-Tolerant Asynchronous Sequential Machines

A general design technique for achieving single fault-tolerant asynchronous sequential circuits is described. The design procedures apply over a large range of fault conditions and are extremely easy to use. Generally, less than three times the logic required for a single copy is needed to achieve single fault tolerance. In addition to fault tolerance, real time fault detection is easily achieved and it is immediately known when single fault tolerant capability is exceeded.
A coordination and information center for a research-oriented computer communications network

A research-oriented computer communications network is being developed cooperatively within the computer science research community to provide file transfers, mail forwarding, access to remote databases, and other services to researchers in computer science. It is proposed to establish a central site as a coordination and information center to manage the network, to coordinate research activity in distributed systems, to arrange for new services, and to encourage acceptance of the network within the research community by carrying out tutorial activity.
Animal models of orofacial pain.

Abstract Pain is one of the most common reasons for which patients seek dental and medical care. Orofacial pain conditions consist of a wide range of disorders including odontalgia (toothache), temporomandibular disorders, trigeminal neuralgia and others. Most of these conditions are either inflammatory or neuropathic in nature. This chapter provides an overview of the commonly used models to study inflammatory and neuropathic orofacial pain.
Women’s Narratives and Anti-narratives: Re-reading Japanese Traditions

The term joryu bungaku is used both popularly and critically as a single category, meaning “all writing by Japanese women of any historical period.” And yet it is critically empty; that is, it has no definitional characteristics: it does not describe a genre, a social program, a political stance. However, especially since the early 1960s some women writers have been producing fiction that seems to be so different from tilings that came before that it ought to be distinguished by its own separate designation. In my own work I have been using the term danrvu bungaku to refer to the “(largely male) canonical tradition of modern Japanese literature;” I have reserved jorvu bungaku for “(older) types of women’s writing that do not challenge received categories;” and have added a third term, shin-josei bungaku, to refer to the new kind of post-1960s Japanese women’s writing. Here I will bring several contemporary Japanese women writers into dialogue with some classic texts, to show how their work fits onto the classical templates. I compare Ariyoshi Sawako’s The Twilight Years and Yoshimoto Banana’s Kitchen as examples of jorvu bungaku in symmetry with the classical tradition, and Kurahashi Yumiko’s The Adventures of Sumivakist Q as a shin-josei bungaku example of asymmetry. I will suggest thereby some ways women writers have been maintaining and breaking apart the orders, patterns and symmetries that have governed both the practice of and critical discourse on contemporary Japanese fiction.
Analysis of Lipid and Protein Oxidation in Fats, Oils, and Foods

Abstract During nearly 20 years of the low-/no-fat era, lipid oxidation was essentially forgotten as a stability problem. Now, the era of healthy fats focuses on reformulating foods with highly unsaturated (polyunsaturated) fatty acids (PUFAs). PUFAs are essential – they cannot be synthesized by humans and they are required for many physiological processes – but also are extremely sensitive to oxidation and can very rapidly degrade food quality, function, and nutrition by production of off-flavors and odors, loss of essential fatty acids, and co-oxidation of proteins and vitamins. Thus, a need for accurate and sensitive tracking of lipid oxidation has once again moved to the forefront in food analyses and quality control. Old “rules” of how to measure lipid oxidation do not always provide accurate pictures of lipid oxidation. Most critically, they often underestimate total oxidation levels and misrepresent active pathways. This chapter argues for a new paradigm in analysis of lipid oxidation. The main focus is on analyses used or likely to be applied in the food industry. Highly specialized methods such as electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry requiring expensive instrumentation are not included.
The effectiveness of selective removal of breeding coyotes in reducing sheep predation

We evaluated the effect on sheep losses of selectively removing breeding coyotes (Canis latrans) from territories experiencing depredations. Breeding pairs of coyotes were the primary predators of sheep, and they killed sheep only within or on the periphery of their territories. Removal of either or both members of a breeding pair reduced or eliminated predation in that territory during the subsequent 3-month period. Killing of sheep by coyotes d sooner in territories that overlapped lambing pastures than in those that did not. For territories with access to lambs, the average time interval until killing of lambs resumed (43 days) approximated the time for a replacement pair of coyotes to become established. Removals of breeding coyotes during the nonlambing season did not reduce losses during the following lambing season. Although <33% as many coyotes were removed per unit time during selective control as during nonselective control, lambing-season lamb losses were lowest during the selective removal period. During the nonlambing period (when predation on sheep was low) sheep losses were similar under selective, nonselective, and no control. These results suggest that selective targeting of breeding coyotes, which is more socially acceptable than nonselective population reduction, also can be more effective in reducing sheep losses.
Blood Epinephrine Levels and Automatic Reinfusion of Blood During Hemorrhagic Shock in Dogs.

SummaryThe epinephrine content of peripheral blood of 12 dogs was determined during hemorrhagic hypotension with automatic reinfusion of blood at 40 mm/Hg. The epinephrine content increased from a control value of less than one μg/l to a maximum of 12.5 μg/l which occurred during the period of maximum hemorrhage. This epinephrine level decreased during automatic reinfusion of the blood at 40 mm Hg and reached a level of 5.2 μg/l during the later period of the reinfusion before the dogs died. It is possible that this increased concentration of epinephrine in the circulation is at least partially responsible for the intense vasoconstriction, decreased peripheral blood flow in certain tissues, and detrimental tissue ischemia, typical of hemorrhagic shock in dogs.
Application of alternating current impedance technique for chemical cleaning

The concept of alternating current impedance was introduced into chemical pickling technique.Electrochemical electrode and it's behaviors in the process of chemical cleaning were investigated by alternating current impedance technique.An equivalent circuit of electro was postulated and the alternating current impedance diagram of the process was deduced.From the models some chemical information was parsed,that was used to direct the practice.By the way a new idea for the development of chemical cleaning technique was provided.
Analysis of ceramic filter to produce drinking water

To ensure water supply to small units working in field,″the small-scale water purifier″ adopts the ceramic filter to produce drinking water.The filtering mechanism and the character of the ceramic filter in water treatment were discussed.According to the test of the water of Changjiang River in Chongqing as raw water,the quality of the filtered water accords with the standard for drinking water and the yield of water is large.The pollution mechanism of the ceramic filter was probed and the test of machinery cleaning technique done.The conclusion is reached that the ceramic filter can turn the general surface water into qualified drinking water and is easy to be cleaned.
Altered cytokine network in gestational diabetes mellitus affects maternal insulin and placental–fetal development

Pregnancy is characterized by an altered inflammatory profile, compared to the non-pregnant state with an adequate balance between pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines needed for normal development. Cytokines are small secreted proteins expressed mainly in immunocompetent cells in the reproductive system. From early developmental stages onward, the secretory activity of placenta cells clearly contributes to increase local as well as systemic levels of cytokines. The placental production of cytokines may affect mother and fetus independently. In turn because of this unique position at the maternal fetal interface, the placenta is also exposed to the regulatory influence of cytokines from maternal and fetal circulations, and hence, may be affected by changes in any of these. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an overall alteration of the cytokine network. This review discusses the changes that occur in cytokines post GDM and their negative effects on maternal insulin and placental-fetal development.
SU-F-T-352: Development of a Knowledge Based Automatic Lung IMRT Planning Algorithm with Non-Coplanar Beams

Purpose: To improve the robustness of a knowledge based automatic lung IMRT planning method and to further validate the reliability of this algorithm by utilizing for the planning of clinical cases with non-coplanar beams. Methods: A lung IMRT planning method which automatically determines both plan optimization objectives and beam configurations with non-coplanar beams has been reported previously. A beam efficiency index map is constructed to guide beam angle selection in this algorithm. This index takes into account both the dose contributions from individual beams and the combined effect of multiple beams which is represented by a beam separation score. We studied the effect of this beam separation score on plan quality and determined the optimal weight for this score.14 clinical plans were re-planned with the knowledge-based algorithm. Significant dosimetric metrics for the PTV and OARs in the automatic plans are compared with those in the clinical plans by the two-sample t-test. In addition, a composite dosimetric quality index was defined to obtain the relationship between the plan quality and the beam separation score. Results: On average, we observed more than 15% reduction on conformity index and homogeneity index for PTV and V40, V60 for heart while an 8% and 3% increase on V5, V20 for lungs, respectively. The variation curve of the composite index as a function of angle spread score shows that 0.6 is the best value for the weight of the beam separation score. Conclusion: Optimal value for beam angle spread score in automatic lung IMRT planning is obtained. With this value, model can result in statistically the “best” achievable plans. This method can potentially improve the quality and planning efficiency for IMRT plans with no-coplanar angles.
Reconstruction of Genome-Scale Metabolic Networks

Metabolic networks are representations of all biochemical reactions occurring within cells. These often include all reactions that produce and degrade metabolites in a cell, including compounds that are necessary for energy production, growth, and cellular maintenance. Organism-specific genome-scale metabolic network models can be constructed from annotated genomes after an iterative process of curation and validation. This chapter demonstrates how these networks are reconstructed and how they can be used to gain insight into cellular processes after a network is converted into a model. These models can be used for systems-level analysis and simulation of metabolism in areas such as high-throughput data analysis, metabolic engineering, and the discovery of fundamental biological properties. Furthermore, the principles of metabolic network reconstruction and analysis can be extended to include other cellular processes, thereby bringing us closer to the development of whole-cell computational models.
Retinoblastoma-binding protein 2 (RBP2) is frequently expressed in neuroendocrine tumors and promotes the neoplastic phenotype

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), which can have survival rates as low as 4%, currently have limited therapeutic interventions available highlighting the dire need for the identification of novel biological targets for use as new potential drug targets. One such potential target is retinoblastoma-binding protein 2 (RBP2), an H3K4 demethylase whose overexpression has been linked to cancer formation and metastasis in non-endocrine tumor types. We measured RBP2 mRNA and protein levels in enteropancreatic NETs by measuring RBP2 in matched human normal and NET tissue samples. Further, proliferation, migration, invasion and colony formation assays were performed in the physiologically relevant NET cell lines βlox5, H727 and QGP-1 to understand the role of RBP2 and its demethylase activity on end points of tumorigenesis. Our data indicate a strong correlation between RBP2 mRNA and protein expression in NET specimens. RBP2 was overexpressed relative to tissue-matched normal controls in 80% of the human tumors measured. In vitro studies showed RBP2 overexpression significantly increased proliferation, migration, invasion and colony formation, whereas knockdown significantly decreases the same parameters in a demethylase-independent manner. The cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p57 decreased with RBP2 overexpression and increased upon its depletion, suggesting a regulatory role for RBP2 in cellular proliferation. Taken together, our results support the hypothesis that the aberrant overexpression of RBP2 is a frequent contributing factor to tumor formation and metastasis in enteropancreatic NETs.
Evolution of a mass spectrometry-grade protease with PTM-directed specificity.

Mapping posttranslational modifications (PTMs), which diversely modulate biological functions, represents a significant analytical challenge. The centerpiece technology for PTM site identification, mass spectrometry (MS), requires proteolytic cleavage in the vicinity of a PTM to yield peptides for sequencing. This requirement catalyzed our efforts to evolve MS-grade mutant PTM-directed proteases. Citrulline, a PTM implicated in epigenetic and immunological function, made an ideal first target, because citrullination eliminates arginyl tryptic sites. Bead-displayed trypsin mutant genes were translated in droplets, the mutant proteases were challenged to cleave bead-bound fluorogenic probes of citrulline-dependent proteolysis, and the resultant beads (1.3 million) were screened. The most promising mutant efficiently catalyzed citrulline-dependent peptide bond cleavage (kcat/KM = 6.9 × 105 M−1⋅s−1). The resulting C-terminally citrullinated peptides generated characteristic isotopic patterns in MALDI-TOF MS, and both a fragmentation product y1 ion corresponding to citrulline (176.1030 m/z) and diagnostic peak pairs in the extracted ion chromatograms of LC-MS/MS analysis. Using these signatures, we identified citrullination sites in protein arginine deiminase 4 (12 sites) and in fibrinogen (25 sites, two previously unknown). The unique mass spectral features of PTM-dependent proteolytic digest products promise a generalized PTM site-mapping strategy based on a toolbox of such mutant proteases, which are now accessible by laboratory evolution.
Fluorescence lifetime-based contrast enhancement of indocyanine green-labeled tumors

Although the development of tumor-targeted fluorescent probes is a major area of investigation, it will be several years before these probes are realized for clinical use. Here, we report an approach that employs indocyanine-green (ICG), a clinically approved, nontargeted dye, in conjunction with fluorescence lifetime (FLT) detection to provide high accuracy for tumor-tissue identification in mouse models of subcutaneous human breast and brain tmors. The improved performance relies on the distinct FLTs of ICG within tumors versus tissue autofluorescence and is further aided by the well-known enhanced permeability and retention of ICG in tumors and the clearance of ICG from normal tissue several hours after intravenous injection. We demonstrate that FLT detection can provide more than 98% sensitivity and specificity, and a 10-fold reduction in error rates compared to intensity-based detection. Our studies suggest the significant potential of FLT-contrast for accurate tumor-tissue identification using ICG and other targeted probes under development, both for intraoperative imaging and for ex-vivo margin assessment of surgical specimens.
A transcriptome-based assessment of the astrocytic dystrophin-associated complex in the developing human brain

Astrocytes play a critical role in regulating the interface between the cerebral vasculature and the central nervous system. Contributing to this is the astrocytic endfoot domain, a specialized structure that ensheathes the entirety of the vasculature and mediates signaling between endothelial cells, pericytes, and neurons. The astrocytic endfoot has been implicated as a critical element of the glymphatic pathway, and changes in protein expression profiles in this cellular domain are linked to Alzheimer's disease pathology. Despite this, basic physiological properties of this structure remain poorly understood including the developmental timing of its formation, and the protein components that localize there to mediate its functions. Here we use human transcriptome data from male and female subjects across several developmental stages and brain regions to characterize the gene expression profile of the dystrophin-associated complex (DAC), a known structural component of the astrocytic endfoot that supports perivascular localization of the astroglial water channel aquaporin-4. Transcriptomic profiling is also used to define genes exhibiting parallel expression profiles to DAC elements, generating a pool of candidate genes that encode gene products that may contribute to the physiological function of the perivascular astrocytic endfoot domain. We found that several genes encoding transporter proteins are transcriptionally associated with DAC genes.
Perinatal Case of Fatal Simpson-Golabi-Behmel Syndrome With Hyperplasia of Seminiferous Tubules

BACKGROUND Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) is a rare X-linked recessive syndrome characterized by fetal overgrowth. CASE REPORT We present a case of a male infant with SGBS. Abnormal prenatal ultrasound (including congenital diaphragmatic hernia) prompted microarray testing of amniotic fluid cells, which showed deletion on chromosome Xq26.2 affecting the glypican-3 gene consistent with SGBS type I. The infant died six hours after birth and at autopsy showed features of SGBS, including macrosomia, organomegaly, diaphragmatic hernia with consequent pulmonary hypoplasia, cleft palate, large tongue with a midline groove, a supernumerary nipple, Meckel's diverticulum, and abnormal phalanges. Additionally, we observed features that have previously not been described in SGBS, including testes with hyperplastic seminiferous tubules and Mullerian remnants, and placenta with incipient fetal thrombotic vasculopathy. CONCLUSIONS While most patients with SGBS type I survive into childhood or even adulthood, the severe course in our patient was ascribed to pulmonary hypoplasia secondary to the bilateral diaphragmatic hernia.
Using predictive analytics and big data to optimize pharmaceutical outcomes

Purpose The steps involved, the resources needed, and the challenges associated with applying predictive analytics in healthcare are described, with a review of successful applications of predictive analytics in implementing population health management interventions that target medication-related patient outcomes. Summary In healthcare, the term big data typically refers to large quantities of electronic health record, administrative claims, and clinical trial data as well as data collected from smartphone applications, wearable devices, social media, and personal genomics services; predictive analytics refers to innovative methods of analysis developed to overcome challenges associated with big data, including a variety of statistical techniques ranging from predictive modeling to machine learning to data mining. Predictive analytics using big data have been applied successfully in several areas of medication management, such as in the identification of complex patients or those at highest risk for medication noncompliance or adverse effects. Because predictive analytics can be used in predicting different outcomes, they can provide pharmacists with a better understanding of the risks for specific medication-related problems that each patient faces. This information will enable pharmacists to deliver interventions tailored to patients’ needs. In order to take full advantage of these benefits, however, clinicians will have to understand the basics of big data and predictive analytics. Conclusion Predictive analytics that leverage big data will become an indispensable tool for clinicians in mapping interventions and improving patient outcomes.
Academic/Digital Work: ICTs, Knowledge Capital, and the Question of Educational Quality

The ideology of the information society has transformed the performance of academic duties within higher education through the permeation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) into all aspects of the university. These technologies provide a common ground upon which teaching, research, and administration fuse; but how have such arrangements affected the quality of academic work? This ideology functions through values, hierarchies, rewards and punishments, and surveillance that influence routine work. Using a critical orientation, this paper examines the transformation of the quality of the intellectual products and work processes of higher education in a North American context. It examines how the educational technology industry fosters a type of control over academic workers, inhibiting the individual laborer’s pursuit of educational quality. Grounded in Foucault’s concept of “disciplinary power” and in Freire’s notions of critical consciousness, it suggests a community-centered approach toward building knowledge capital in higher education.
Morphology and optoelectronic variations underlying the nature of the electron transport layer in perovskite solar cells

Perovskites based on methylammonium lead halides, CH3NH3PbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I), have emerged as one of the most promising materials in solar cell technology. Although the photovoltaics field has witn...
Challenges of site-specific selenocysteine incorporation into proteins by Escherichia coli

Selenocysteine (Sec), a rare genetically encoded amino acid with unusual chemical properties, is of great interest for protein engineering. Sec is synthesized on its cognate tRNA (tRNASec) by the concerted action of several enzymes. While all other aminoacyl-tRNAs are delivered to the ribosome by the elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Sec-tRNASec requires a dedicated factor, SelB. Incorporation of Sec into protein requires recoding of the stop codon UGA aided by a specific mRNA structure, the SECIS element. This unusual biogenesis restricts the use of Sec in recombinant proteins, limiting our ability to study the properties of selenoproteins. Several methods are currently available for the synthesis selenoproteins. Here we focus on strategies for in vivo Sec insertion at any position(s) within a recombinant protein in a SECIS-independent manner: (i) engineering of tRNASec for use by EF-Tu without the SECIS requirement, and (ii) design of a SECIS-independent SelB route.
A Reliable Valve for Application in High-Pressure Hydrostatic Installations

A design of a high-pressure check valve operating in a liquid or gas at pressures of up to 15 kbar is described.
Can flexible intramedullary nails provide proper fixation of long bone fractures in patients weighing over 100 pounds

Purpose:Length stable diaphyseal femur and tibial shaft fractures in paediatric patients may be fixed with flexible intramedullary nails (FINs) in selected paediatric patients. Previous studies bas...
Best Practices for Detection of Bloodstream Infection

Each year in the US and Europe, an estimated 750000 and 1200000 patients, respectively, develop a bloodstream infection (BSI) with a bacterial or fungal pathogen (1, 2). Given the high mortality associated with sepsis, detection of BSIs is one of the most important functions of the clinical microbiology laboratory. A delay in therapy for a BSI is independently associated with worse outcomes (1, 2). In the setting of BSI, it is essential to establish the etiology of infection and the antimicrobial resistance profile of the infecting agent to optimize antimicrobial therapy. Given the clinical …
Complexation of lanthanides and other metal ions by the polypyridyl ligand quaterpyridine: Relation between metal ion size, chelate ring size, and complex stability

Abstract Metal ion complexing properties of the ligand QPY (2,2′:6′,2′':6′',2′''-quaterpyridine) are reported in relation to its possible use as a functional group for reagents in the extraction and separation of Ln(III) (lanthanide) ions. QPY is almost totally insoluble in water, but variation of the intense π-π* transitions in the UV spectrum of 1 × 10–5 M QPY solutions in 50% CH3OH/H2O (v/v) as a function of pH or metal ion concentration allowed for the determination of the protonation constant (pK) and log K1 values with metal ions. The pKa values of QPY are 4.54 ± 0.02 and 3.47 ± 0.02 in 50% CH3OH/H2O. The log K1 values determined by UV–visible spectroscopy for the Ln(III) ions by titration of 1:1 solutions of 1.0 × 10­5 M Ln(III) ion and QPY between pH 2 and 6 were: La(III), 3.79; Pr(III), 4.34; Nd(III) 4.57; Sm(III), 4.78; Gd(III) 4.69; Dy(III), 4.76, Ho(III), 4.94; Er(III), 5.36, Tm(III), 5.84, and Lu(III) 5.54, all at 25 °C and ionic strength zero. The log K1 values for the Ln(III) ions show quite strong increases from La(III) to Lu(III), with a local maximum at Sm(III), and a local minimum at Gd(III). The local maxium at Sm(III) is attributed to this ion being the best-fit size for coordinating with polypyridyl ligands. The effect of preorganization of polypyridyls such as QPY with bridging benzo groups in the ligand backbone to yield DPP (2,9-dipyrid-2-yl-1,10-phenanthroline) is to produce significant increases in log K1 for large metal ions such as Ln(III) ions, but for small metal ions such as Zn(II), there is a large decrease in log K1 in passing from QPY to DPP: this shows how rigidification of the ligand can enhance the selectivity against small metal ions of polypyridyls forming five-membered chelate rings. DFT calculations are used to analyze the variation in log K1 in passing from the La(III) complexes of QPY to DPP compared to those for the smaller Lu(III) ion.
Functionalization of Intact Trimetaphosphate: A Triphosphorylating Reagent for C, N, and O Nucleophiles

Trimetaphosphate (TriMP, [P3O9]3-) reacts with PyAOP ([(H8C4N)3PON4C5H3][PF6]) to yield an activated TriMP, [P3O9P(NC4H8)3]- (1), incorporating a phosphonium moiety. Anion 1 is isolated as its bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium (PPN) salt in 70% yield and phosphorylates nucleophiles with elimination of phosphoramide OP(NC4H8)3. Treatment of 1 with amines HNR1R2 generates [P3O8NR1R2]2- (2a: R1 = R2 = Et; 2b: R1 = H, R2 = tBu) in greater than 70% yield as mixed PPN and alkyl ammonium salts. Treatment of 1 with primary alcohols in the presence of a tertiary amine base results in salts of intact TriMP alkyl esters [P3O9R]2- (3a: R = Me; 3b: R = Et) in greater than 60% isolated yield. Reaction of 1 with [PPN][H2PO4] provides orthophosphoryl TriMP (4, [P4O12H2]2-) in 40% yield as the PPN salt. Treatment of 1 with Wittig reagent H2CPPh3 (4 equiv) provides phosphorus ylide [P3O8CHPPh3]2- (5) in 61% yield as a mixed salt. Ylide 5 reacts with water to provide [P3O8Me]2- (6) and with aldehydes to give olefins [P3O8CHCHR]2- (7a: R = H; 7b: R = 4-C6H4Br), products in which one TriMP oxygen is replaced by a phosphonate P-C linkage. Treatment of intact TriMP derivatives 2a, 2b, 3a, and 7a with aqueous tetrabutylammonium hydroxide results in ring opening to linear triphosphate derivatives. X-ray crystal structures are provided for salts of 1, 2a, 3a, and 4.
Synthetic Ground Truth Generation for Evaluating Generative Policy Models.

Generative Policy-based Models aim to enable a coalition of systems, be they devices or services to adapt according to contextual changes such as environmental factors, user preferences and different tasks whilst adhering to various constraints and regulations as directed by a managing party or the collective vision of the coalition. Recent developments have proposed new architectures to realize the potential of GPMs but as the complexity of systems and their associated requirements increases, there is an emerging requirement to have scenarios and associated datasets to realistically evaluate GPMs with respect to the properties of the operating environment, be it the future battlespace or an autonomous organization. In order to address this requirement, in this paper, we present a method of applying an agile knowledge representation framework to model requirements, both individualistic and collective that enables synthetic generation of ground truth data such that advanced GPMs can be evaluated robustly in complex environments. We also release conceptual models, annotated datasets, as well as means to extend the data generation approach so that similar datasets can be developed for varying complexities and different situations.
Searching for the role of emotions in e-learning

Abstract This special issue of Learning and Instruction examines the role of emotions in academic learning, with a special focus on emotions in computer-supported academic learning (or e-learning). Three central research challenges concerning emotion in e-learning are: identification (e.g., what are the key emotions in e-learning?), measurement (e.g., how can we tell how strongly a learner is experiencing each key emotion during e-learning?), and explanation (e.g., what are the causes and consequences of the learner's emotional state during learning?). A useful goal of research on emotions in e-learning is to test an affective-cognitive model of e-learning with links among an e-learning episode, the learner's emotional reaction during learning, the learner's cognitive processing during learning, and the learning outcome.
Copyright Online Mini-Series: A Flipped Learning Approach to Disseminating Copyright Knowledge to Subject Liaison Librarians

In the digital age copyright literacy is in high demand. The Association of College and Research Libraries included copyright literacy as a core component of information literacy for higher education in its Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, which explicitly describes an “information has value” component, including copyright knowledge. However, even at an institution fortunate enough to have a copyright librarian, that one person cannot attend every single information-literacy session on campus that is presented in affiliation with the library. Thus the copyright librarian must form bridges to the rest of campus, and one of the best ways to do so is through collaboration with subject liaison librarians. So far this article has not revealed any groundbreaking revelations—librarians collaborate frequently to make the best use of the talents and resources available to them. What is more novel is the suggestion made herein for copyright librarians to adopt the flipped learning model; in particular, to facilitate liaison sessions.
Effect of a Sedation Weaning Protocol on Safety and Medication Use among Hospitalized Children Post Critical Illness

Abstract Background Best practice guidelines for the safe and compassionate care of critically ill children necessitates the use of sedation to ensure adequate ventilation, patient safety and comfort. Prolonged use of sedation can result in tolerance, physical dependence and iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome if medications are weaned too quickly. Problem In the context of medication errors related to parent administration of outpatient sedation weans, we set out to improve the safety of children weaning from sedatives. Methods A retrospective analysis was completed. Quality improvement was guided by using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Interventions An evidence-based post PICU sedation weaning guideline was created and implemented over time with ongoing education, and review of progress with staff members with pre-post evaluation. Results Post intervention, there were significant differences in the numbers of patients discharged on home weaning from both opioids and benzodiazepines (11%, n = 24/219 pre; 3%, n = 7/233 post; p Conclusions Implementation of an evidence-based post PICU weaning guideline significantly reduced the number of patients discharged on potentially dangerous medications with modest increases in mild-moderate symptoms of withdrawal and no significant change in length of stay or the incidence of severe symptoms of withdrawal.
Character morality, enjoyment, and appreciation: a replication of Eden, Daalmans, and Johnson (2017)

Affective disposition theory explains that the perceived morality of characters plays a critical role in the experience of enjoyment, but is challenged by the apparent appeal of morally ambiguous c...
A sediment-mixing process model of till genesis, using texture and clay mineralogy data from Saginaw lobe (Michigan, USA) tills

We present a sediment-mixing process model of till genesis based on data from surface tills of the Saginaw lobe terrain in lower Michigan. Our research uses a spatial approach to understanding glacial landsystems and till genesis. We sampled calcareous till at 336 upland sites and at 17 sites in lacustrine sediment of the Saginaw Lake plain. The loamy tills have bimodal grain-size curves, with a fine-texture mode near the silt–clay boundary and a sand mode. Spatial grouping analysis suggests that tills can be divided into six groups, each with different textures and clay mineral compositions that vary systematically down-ice. The similarity among groups with respect to the silt–clay mode and clay mineralogy argues for a common origin for the fines—illite-rich lacustrine sediment of the Saginaw Lake plain. Fine-textured sediments were probably entrained, transported, and deposited down-ice as till, which also becomes sandier and enriched in kaolinite, reflecting increasing mixing with shallow sandstone bedrock with distance from the lacustrine clay source. Clayey tills on the flanks of the Saginaw terrain may reflect proglacial ponding against nearby uplands. A process model of progressive down-ice mixing of preexisting fine lake sediments with crushed/abraded sandstone bedrock helps to better explain till textures compared with a purely crushing/abrasion process model.
The circadian clock protects against acute radiation-induced dermatitis.

Abstract Radiation-induced dermatitis is a common occurrence in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) and is caused when ionizing radiation (IR) induces DNA strand breaks in skin cells. The wide use of RT in cancer treatments makes it important to minimize RT-induced toxicities including radiodermatitis. This study sought to determine if the circadian clock plays a protective role in minimizing radiodermatitis. We treated mice in control (Day Shift), environmentally-disrupted (Rotating Shift) and genetically-disrupted (Per 1/2−/−) circadian conditions with 6 Gy of IR to the whole body. There was a significantly increased number of radiodermatitis spots on mice with circadian clock disruption compared to control mice. Additionally, circadian clock disrupted mice exhibited reduced protein levels of Bmal1, a phenomenon that sensitized circadian synchronized keratinocytes to IR-induced DNA damage. Furthermore, the skin phenotype results corresponded with significantly reduced body weights and increased genomic DNA damage in blood cells of mice with clock disruption compared to control mice. These findings suggest that the circadian clock plays a protective role in IR-induced DNA damage and skin toxicity, possibly through BMAL1-dependent mechanisms, and potentially impacts RT-associated radiodermatitis in cancer patients.
Improving perinatal regionalization: 10 years of experience with an Arkansas initiative.

To examine the impact of Antenatal and Neonatal Guidelines, Education and Learning Systems (ANGELS) on neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) preterm delivery rates. In this longitudinal observational study, linked vital records and Medicaid claims records for 29,124 preterm births (April 2001–December 2012) to Medicaid covered women were used to examine factors predicting whether deliveries occurred at hospitals with neonatology-staffed NICUs. The factors associated with delivery are estimated and compared for baseline and three post-implementation periods. Rates for NICU preterm deliveries increased from 28 to 37% over the time period. Compared to baseline, adjusted NICU delivery rates in the middle and late implementation periods were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Negative impacts of long travel times were reduced, while impacts of obstetrician prenatal care changed from negative to positive association. Findings validate the ANGELS initiative premise: academic specialists, working with community-based care providers, can improve perinatal regionalization.