cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxidative reactions of phenol and chlorobenzene with in situ electrogenerated Fenton's reagent

Oxidative reactions of phenol and chlorobenzene with electrogenerated Fenton's reagent, Fe2+ + H2O2, were investigated. The electrogeneration of H2O2 and the regeneration of Fe2+ were performed at a graphite cathode. Results are compared for conventional vs. electrogenerated Fenton's reagent. It was found that the conversion of chlorobenzene was substantially greater by the electrochemical method than the conventional system. The rates of H2O2 generation were dependent on solution pH; electrogeneration was favored at low pH, while the opposite was the case for the hydroxylation of the organics. The hydroxylation products of phenol with electrogenerated Fenton's reagent included hydroquinone, catechol and resorcinol. For chlorobenzene, a hydroxylated product (p-chlorophenol) and a dehalogenated product (phenol) were obtained. The rates of phenol and chlorobenzene hydroxylation were dependent on pH, and concentrations of F2+ and H2O2. Results indicated that the electrochemical system provided an efficient w...
Fine-scale population estimation: how Landsat ETM+ imagery can improve population distribution mapping

The spectral response based and land use based methods were compared for population estimation with Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) imagery for Marion County, Indiana, USA. With the spectral response based method, impervious surface and vegetation fractions and land surface temperature derived from the Landsat ETM+ thermal band along with spectral bands were tested for estimating population density at the census block group level. With the land use based method, land use and land cover images were first extracted from Landsat ETM+ reflected bands. The population count for the block groups was estimated based on the area of residential land use. Population was then dasymetrically redistributed onto a 30 m grid based on a land cover and land use map of the study area. A comparative analysis shows that the spectral response method produced a larger mean relative error of 237% for population density at the block group, whereas the land use based method yielded a much better estimation, with a mea...
RNA Processing in Evolution: The Logic of Soft-Wired Genomesa

Direct read-out of information from DNA into RNA allows the genome to be faithfully reproduced in RNA. This outcome occurs in what may be called "hard-wired" organisms. On the other hand, in what we refer to as "soft-wired" organisms, RNA is processed extensively, allowing a number of different messages to be produced from the same gene. As a consequence, the nucleotide sequences present in RNA (referred to here as the ribotype) differ from those present in DNA (the genotype). In soft-wired organisms, RNA processing can be thought of as a series of steps, one or more of which have two mutually exclusive outcomes: a "default" outcome and an "alternative" outcome. In the presence of appropriate regulatory signals, the RNA is processed using the alternative pathway, while the default pathway is used in their absence. The setup is functionally equivalent to that found in binary "logic gates." In both cases, "logical operations" are implemented by using regulatory signals to establish a conditional relationship between input and output and can be described using the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT. In the case of RNA processing events, the outcomes can be used either to directly regulate cellular responses or to control other RNA processing events. In the latter case, "networks" are established that make processing of one RNA contingent on another. Such networks allow cells to respond to their surroundings by changing the connectivity between different RNA processing events, using RNA as a substrate to compute an appropriate response. As such logical operations impact phenotype, they are subject to natural selection. Through reverse transcription, successful outcomes can be incorporated into the genome.
Hypocrea lixii, the teleomorph of Trichoderma harzianum

Cultures derived from ascospores of Hypocrea lixii (= H. nigricans, H. lentiformis) produced the morphological species Trichoderma harzianum in pure culture. Trichoderma harzianum, the most commonly found species of the genus, is also one of the most species frequently used in biocontrol of plant pathogens. It has not been connected previously to a teleomorph. The connection was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. Similar to the anamorph, the teleomorph collections have a wide geographic distribution. Described in the 19th century, Hypocrea lixii is epitypified by a collection from Thailand.
Evaluation of Immunotoxicity Induced by Pirimiphos-methyl in Male Balb/c Mice Following Exposure to for 28 Days

Pirimiphos-methyl (O-2-diethylamino-6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl O,O-dimethyl phosphorothioate: POM) is widely used organophosphorous (OP) insecticide as a grain protectant to control insects during storage. This study was carried out to assess the immunologic effects of POM in Balb/c mice after 28-day oral exposure. Three dose levels of POM (10, 60, or 120 mg/kg/day) were administered orally to mice for 4 weeks. At autopsy after 28-day exposure, there were significant decreases in relative spleen weight and splenic cellularity found at 120 mg POM, but body weight, relative thymic weight, thymic cellularity, and splenic and thymic subsets were not affected. T cell proliferation response induced by Con A was significantly decreased at all dosages though no statistical differences were observed in splenic B cell proliferation. Significant increases in the production of cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-gamma, and IL-10) were evident on the whole, but the increase in production of inflammatory cytokines overwhelmed that of the T(H)1 cell suppressive cytokine (IL-10). The relative levels of three types of autoantibodies, anti-dsDNA, anti-histone, and antinuclear antibody (ANA) were dose-dependently decreased in serum. Oral exposure to POM induced a significant decrease in Immunoglobulin M production capability in Balb/c mice. This decrease in antibody production capability may result from disturbances in cytokine balance produced by splenic immune cells. These results show that POM may induce allergic responses by relatively enhancing T(H)2 development and additionally contribute to chronic inflammation by attracting macrophage by IFN-gamma.
Cytoplasmic and nuclear determinants of the maternal-to-embryonic transition

Although improvements in culture systems have greatly enhanced in vitro embryo production, success rates under the best conditions are still far from ideal. The reasons for developmental arrest of the majority of in vitro produced embryos are unclear, but likely attributable, in part, to intrinsic and extrinsic influences on the cytoplasmic and/or nuclear environment of an oocyte and/or early embryo that impede normal progression through the maternal-to-embryonic transition. The maternal-to-embryonic transition is the time period during embryonic development spanning from fertilisation until when control of early embryogenesis changes from regulation by oocyte-derived factors to regulation by products of the embryonic genome. The products of numerous maternal effect genes transcribed and stored during oogenesis mediate this transition. Marked epigenetic changes to chromatin during this window of development significantly modulate embryonic gene expression. Depletion of maternal mRNA pools is also an obligatory event during the maternal-to-embryonic transition critical to subsequent development. An increased knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms and mediators of the maternal-to-embryonic transition is foundational to understanding the regulation of oocyte quality and future breakthroughs relevant to embryo production.
Acute Humoral Xenograft Rejection: Destruction of the Microvascular Capillary Endothelium in Pig-to-Nonhuman Primate Renal Grafts

The major cause of xenograft loss beyond hyperacute rejection is a form of injury, traditionally termed delayed xenograft rejection (DXR), whose pathogenesis is unknown. Here we analyze the immunologic and morphologic features of DXR that develops in pig kidney xenografts transplanted into nonhuman primates. Kidneys from miniature swine were transplanted into cynomolgus monkeys (n = 14) or baboons (n = 11) that received regimens aimed to induce mixed chimerism and tolerance. No kidney was rejected hyperacutely. Morphologic and immunohistochemical studies were performed on serial biopsies, and an effort was made to quantify the pathologic features seen. The early phase of DXR (Days 0-12) was characterized by focal deposition of IgM, IgG, C3, and scanty neutrophil and macrophage infiltrates. The first abnormality recognized was glomerular and peritubular capillary endothelial cell death as defined by in situ DNA nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Damaged endothelial cells underwent apoptosis and, later, frank necrosis. The progressive phase developed around Day 6 and was characterized by progressive deposition of IgM, IgG, C3, and prominent infiltration of cytotoxic T cells and macrophages, with a small number of NK cells. Thrombotic microangiopathy developed in the glomeruli and peritubular capillaries with TUNEL+ endothelial cells, platelet aggregation, and destruction of the capillary network. Only rare damaged arterial endothelial cells and tubular epithelial cells were observed, with rare endothelialitis and tubulitis. In the advanced phase of DXR, interstitial hemorrhage and infarction occurred. During the development of DXR, the number of TUNEL+ cells increased, and this correlated with progressive deposition of antibody. The degree of platelet aggregation correlated with the number of TUNEL+ damaged endothelial cells. We conclude that peritubular and glomerular capillary endothelia are the primary targets of renal DXR rather than tubular epithelial cells or arterial endothelium and that the earliest detectable change is endothelial cell death. DXR was characterized by progressive destruction of the microvasculature (glomeruli and peritubular capillaries) and formation of fibrin-platelet thrombi. Both cytotoxic cells and antibodies potentially mediate the endothelial damage in DXR; however, in this model, DXR is largely humorally mediated and is better termed "acute humoral xenograft rejection."
Intermittent reinforcement and intertrial interval effects on shuttlebox avoidance in the gerbil

Separate groups of gerbils received 100% or 50% reinforcement during discriminative avoidance conditioning at either a 30-sec or 90-sec intertrial interval (ITI), and then each group was extinguished at the same ITI in effect during acquisition. Both 100% and 50% reinforcement animals showed superior acquisition performance at the 90-sec ITI, while in extinction the 30-sec ITI gerbils were more persistent than the 90-sec animals under both reinforcement schedules. These results were interpreted in terms of theories of avoidance in which the role of ITI length in reinforcement of the avoidance response is stressed.
Cortical evoked responses from the perineal nerve.

Purpose:: We characterize and determine normal reference latencies for the cortical evoked response from the perineal nerve.Materials and Methods:: A total of 15 healthy, potent men with a mean age of 31.3 ± 6.8 years underwent genital electrophysiological testing. Square wave stimuli were applied to the perineal nerve at the ventral base of the penis and the perineal floor. Cortical evoked responses were recorded, and onset latencies were measured at baseline and after anesthetization of the dorsal nerve of the penis.Results:: In all 15 subjects a cortical evoked response was elicited after stimulation of the perineal nerve at the ventral base of the penis with a mean latency measured from the first positive deflection (P1) of 48.4 ± 7.8 milliseconds. Penile block of the dorsal nerve of the penis did not change or abolish the cortical evoked response. A similar cortical evoked response was obtained, although less consistently, after stimulation of the perineal nerve through its course in the perineal flo...
An aldehydophosphoglycolipid from Acholeplasma granularum.

Abstract A novel phosphoglycolipid and a triglucosyl diacylglycerol were found among the lipids of Acholeplasma granularum. The tentative structure of the phosphoglycolipid was determined to be a phosphotriester, [ β- d - mglucopyranosyl -(1 → 1)-X- glycerol -3-O- ] [ d - glyceraldehyde -3-O- ][1,2-diacyl-X-glycerol-3-O-kojibiosyl-6-O-]phosphate. The structure assigned to the triglucosyl lipid was β- d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α- d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-→- d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 1)-diacylglycerol.
Signature search method for 3-D pose refinement with range data

In many applications in robotics, the geometry of the task environment is uncertain and so the pose of the target object may be known only approximately. For the object to be grasped successfully its actual pose must be determined using some form of vision sensing. This paper presents a novel method of processing 3-D range data for pose refinement. Given the model of the object and its approximate pose, the algorithm adjusts the pose of the object model for a best fit to the measured 3-D data. The main attributes of this algorithm are that its performance is largely unaffected by background clutter including some tolerance to occlusion and that it imposes no restrictions on the surface shape or representation scheme used for the model. >
Introduction to special section on Aura Validation

[1] Aura, the last of the large EOS observatories, was launched on 15 July 2004 and has now been operating for several years. Aura is designed to make comprehensive stratospheric, mesospheric, and tropospheric constituent measurements from its four instruments HIRDLS, MLS, OMI, and TES. All of the instruments are performing well and observations of stratospheric and tropospheric trace gases and aerosols are revolutionizing our understanding of stratospheric chemistry and transport processes, ozone depletion, air quality, and the hydrological cycle. In this special section, the instrument teams and collaborators report on the validation of the released Aura data products.
Engagement at work: a review of the literature.

Abstract Objectives Engagement at work has emerged as a potentially important employee performance and organizational management topic, however, the definition and measurement of engagement at work, and more specifically, nurse engagement, is poorly understood. The objective of this paper is to examine the current state of knowledge about engagement at work through a review of the literature. This review highlights the four lines of engagement research and focuses on the determinants and consequences of engagement at work. Methodological issues, as identified in the current research, and recommendations for future nurse-based engagement research are provided. Design A systematic review of the business, organizational psychology, and health sciences and health administration literature about engagement at work (1990–2007) was performed. Data sources The electronic databases for Health Sciences and Health Administration (CINAHL, MEDLINE), Business (ABI INFORM), and Psychology (PsycINFO) were systematically searched. Review methods Due to the limited amount of research that has examined engagement among the nursing workforce, published research that included varying employee types were included in this review. The selection criteria for this review include those studies that were: (1) written in English and (2) examined engagement at work in employee populations of any type within any work setting. Results The literature review identified four distinct lines of research that has focused on engagement within the employee work role. Of the 32 engagement-based articles referenced in this paper, a sample of 20 studies report on the examination of antecedents and/or consequences of engagement at work among varying employee types and work settings. Key findings suggest organizational factors versus individual contributors significantly impact engagement at work. A common implication in this body of research was that of the performance-based impact. Conclusions The study of nurses' work engagement and its relationship to nurses' organizational behavior, including work performance and healthcare organizational outcomes can be achieved by first building upon a conceptually consistent definition and measurement of work engagement. Future research is needed to provide nurse leaders with a better understanding of how nurse work engagement impacts organizational outcomes, including quality of care indicators.
M(3): an improved SNP calling algorithm for Illumina BeadArray data.

Summary: Genotype calling from high-throughput platforms such as Illumina and Affymetrix is a critical step in data processing, so that accurate information on genetic variants can be obtained for phenotype–genotype association studies. A number of algorithms have been developed to infer genotypes from data generated through the Illumina BeadStation platform, including GenCall, GenoSNP, Illuminus and CRLMM. Most of these algorithms are built on population-based statistical models to genotype every SNP in turn, such as GenCall with the GenTrain clustering algorithm, and require a large reference population to perform well. These approaches may not work well for rare variants where only a small proportion of the individuals carry the variant. A fundamentally different approach, implemented in GenoSNP, adopts a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based model to infer genotypes of all the SNPs in one individual, making it an appealing alternative to call rare variants. However, compared to the population-based strategies, more SNPs in GenoSNP may fail the Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium test. To take advantage of both strategies, we propose a two-stage SNP calling procedure, named the modified mixture model (M3), to improve call accuracy for both common and rare variants. The effectiveness of our approach is demonstrated through applications to genotype calling on a set of HapMap samples used for quality control purpose in a large case–control study of cocaine dependence. The increase in power with M3 is greater for rare variants than for common variants depending on the model. Availability: M3 algorithm: http://bioinformatics.med.yale.edu/group. Contact: moc.oib@eman; ude.elay@oahz.uygnoh Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Effects of lipids on dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs

Despite the significance of fat-rich food/drug interactions, there is an incomplete understanding of the influence of ingested lipids on orally delivered hydrophobic drug bioavailability. In order to determine the impact of lipid and lipid digestion on drug dissolution and absorption, an updated in vitro lipid digestion model has been designed based on knowledge of gastrointestinal contents. The digestion kinetics sensitivity to key parameters, including pH, calcium concentration, and lipid substrate, has been studied. In vitro lipolysis experiments have been coupled with several techniques, such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), to characterize respectively: size and morphology of colloidal particles, and dynamic drug partitioning between phases.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of a multi-skill program for training younger drivers on higher cognitive skills

Training programs exist that prove effective at teaching novice drivers to anticipate latent hazards (RAPT), mitigate hazards (ACT) and maintain attention (FOCAL). The current study (a) measures the effectiveness of a novel integrated training program (SAFE-T) that takes only a third as long to complete compared to the three individual training programs and (b) determines if integrating the training of all the three higher cognitive skills would yield results comparable to the existing programs. Three groups were evaluated: SAFE-T, RAPT and Placebo. The results show that the drivers in the SAFE-T-trained group were more likely to anticipate hazards, quicker and more effective at responding to hazards, and more likely to maintain glance durations under a critical threshold of 2 s as compared to drivers in the Placebo-trained group who received a control program that does not actively train on any of the three cognitive skills. Moreover, the results show that the drivers in the SAFE-T trained group were just as likely to anticipate hazards as the drivers in the RAPT trained group. Finally, when compared with prior studies, the drivers in the SAFE-T trained group showed similar effects of attention maintenance training.
MicroRNAs and Toll-like Receptor/Interleukin-1 Receptor Signaling

The discovery of miRNAs has revolutionized the way we examine the genome, RNA products, and the regulation of transcription and translation. Their ability to modulate protein expression through mRNA degradation and translation repression resulted in avid scientific interest in miRNAs over the past decade. This research has led to findings that indicate miRNAs can regulate an array of cellular functions such as cellular apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism. Specifically, the capability of miRNAs to finely-tune gene expression naturally lends itself to immune system regulation which requires precise control for proper activity. In fact, abnormal miRNAs expression is often seen with inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erthematosus, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and inflammatory cancers. As a result, research investigating miRNAs modulation of immune cell proliferation, differentiation, and cellular signaling has yielded fruitful results. Specifically, in this review, we will examine the impact of miRNAs on toll-like receptor (TLRs) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signaling, which are integral in the proper functioning of the innate immune system. These signaling pathways share several key downstream signaling adaptors and therefore produce similar downstream effects such as the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and interferons. This review will examine in depth the specific interactions of miRNAs with receptors, adaptor molecules, and regulator molecules within these cellular pathways. In addition, we will discuss the modulation of miRNAs’ expression by TLR and IL-1R signaling through positive and negative feedback loops.
Refining the Degree of Earnings Surprise: A Comparison of Statistical and Analysts' Forecasts

This paper compares the relative predictive ability of several statistical models with analysts' forecasts. It is one of the first attempts to forecast quarterly earnings using an autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (ARCH) model. ARCH and autoregressive integrated moving average models are found to be superior statistical forecasting alternatives. The most accurate forecasts overall are provided by analysts. Analysts have both a contemporaneous and timing advantage over statistical models. When the sample is screened on those firms that have the largest structural change in the earnings process, the forecast accuracy of the best statistical models is similar to analysts' predictions.
Optimal Hypothesis Testing: From Semi to Fully Bayes Factors

We propose and examine statistical test-strategies that are somewhat between the maximum likelihood ratio and Bayes factor methods that are well addressed in the literature. The paper shows an optimality of the proposed tests of hypothesis. We demonstrate that our approach can be easily applied to practical studies, because execution of the tests does not require deriving of asymptotical analytical solutions regarding the type I error. However, when the proposed method is utilized, the classical significance level of tests can be controlled.
Studies of synthesis and cationic photopolymerization of three isomeric monoterpene diepoxides

The monoterpene diepoxides isoascaridole (III), γ-terpinene diepoxide (V), and limonene diepoxide (VIII) were prepared from the corresponding hydrocarbons and their reactivity in photoinitiated cationic polymerization examined. Both V and VIII underwent facile and rapid polymerization to give crosslinked polyethers III, but although highly reactive, did not undergo crosslinking polymerization. With the aid of model compounds it was determined that the rearrangement of one of the epoxy groups of III takes place in the presence of photogenerated acid to give an epoxy ketone (XIII) as the primary product. XIII undergoes very sluggish polymerization. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Diet quality affects an attractive white plumage pattern in dark-eyed juncos ( Junco hyemalis )

Sexually selected traits that act as signals of quality often display some degree of condition dependence. In birds, condition dependence of ornamental plumage is often mediated by production costs related to acquisition or allocation of dietary resources. White plumage ornaments, however, have often been assumed to be inexpensive because their production requires neither pigment nor specialized feather structure. In male dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis), the size of a white patch on the tail contributes to attractiveness and mating success. Using captive males, we examined the effects of diet quality on the size and brightness of the tail-white patch. After removing four tail feathers to induce replacement, we maintained subjects on a subsistence (low-protein) or enriched (high-protein) diet while induced feathers grew. Birds that received an enriched diet grew their feathers more quickly and grew larger, brighter white patches. Feather growth rate was positively correlated with the increase in the size of the tail-white patch, a relationship that was stronger in the subsistence diet group. However, within diet treatments, faster-grown feathers were slightly duller. Taken together, these results suggest that variation in diet quality may lead to condition-dependent expression of tail white and that condition dependence may be stronger in more stressful environments. We suggest a mechanism by which increased feather growth rate may lead to an increase in the size of the tail-white patch and discuss potential trade-offs between signal size and brightness.
Microsatellite variation in the equine MHC

Genes within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encode proteins involved in innate and adaptive immune responses. Genetic variation in this region can influence the immune response of an individual animal to challenges from a variety of pathogens; however, a complete documentation of genetic variation in the MHC is lacking for most domestic animals, including horses. To provide additional genetic markers for study of the horse MHC, or ELA (equine lymphocyte antigen), we identified 37 polymorphic microsatellite repeats in ELA and used these variations separately and together with published SNPs to investigate linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotype structure in a sample of Thoroughbred horses. ELA SNPs alone detected little LD, but microsatellites, either separately or combined with SNPs, revealed substantially more LD. A subset of markers in very high LD across the breadth of ELA may be predictive of structural polymorphisms or linked epistases that are important drivers of haplotype structure in Thoroughbreds.
A speech presence microphone array beamformer using model based speech presence probability estimation

The purpose of this study is to investigate the performance of speech presence (SP) microphone array beamforming. When the presence uncertainty of the desired speech is considered, noise reduction is greatly achieved while preserving low speech distortion level. Furthermore, we propose a novel model based speech presence probability (SPP) estimator, exploring both the sinusoid structure of speech and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Finally, experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed SP-beamformer, resulting in a better trade-off between speech distortion and noise leakage, and a corresponding higher output segmental SNR, when compared with the classical beamformers.
SPECTRUM OF A HABITABLE WORLD: EARTHSHINE IN THE NEAR-INFRARED

To characterize the spectrum of Earth viewed as an extrasolar planet, we observed the spatially integrated near-infrared (0.7-2.4 μm) reflection spectrum of Earth via the dark side of the Moon (earthshine). After contributions from the Sun, Moon, and local atmosphere were removed, the resulting spectrum was fitted with a simple model of the reflectivity of Earth. The best model fit is dominated by the reflection spectrum of the atmosphere above medium-altitude water clouds, with lesser contributions from high-altitude ice clouds and from the ground. The spectral features seen are H2O (six strong band structures from 0.7 to 2.0 μm), CO2 (six moderate-strength features from 1.4 to 2.1 μm), O2 (two moderate-strength features at 0.76 and 1.26 μm), and several weak CH4 features. Interpreted as a spectrum of an extrasolar planet, we would confidently conclude that this is a habitable planet, based on the presence of strong water bands. Furthermore, the simultaneous presence of oxygen and methane is a strong indicator of biological activity. We might also conclude that the planet is geologically active, based on the presence of CO2, water, and a dynamic atmosphere (inferred from cirrus clouds, cumulus clouds, and clear-air fractions in our model fit). This suggests that it would be valuable for the Terrestrial Planet Finder-Coronagraph (TPF-C) mission to include near-infrared spectroscopy capability. On the basis of the present work, we suggest that future long-term monitoring of the earthshine would allow us to discern how the globally integrated spectrum changes with planet rotation, cloud cover, and seasons.
Characterizing the mechanical properties of tropoelastin protein scaffolds

This paper reports on mechanical characterization of electrospun tissue scaffolds formed from varying blends of collagen and human tropoelastin. The electrospun tropoelastin-based scaffolds have an open, porous structure conducive to cell attachment and have been shown to exhibit strong biocompatibility, but the mechanical character is not well known. Mechanical properties were tested for scaffolds consisting of 100% tropoelastin and 1:1 tropoelastin-collagen blends. The results showed that the materials exhibited a three order of magnitude change in the initial elastic modulus when tested dry vs. hydrated, with moduli of 21 MPa and 0.011 MPa respectively. Noncrosslinked and crosslinked tropoelastin scaffolds exhibited the same initial stiffness from 0 to 50% strain, and the noncrosslinked scaffolds exhibited no stiffness at strains >∼50%. The elastic modulus of a 1:1 tropoelastin-collagen blend was 50% higher than that of a pure tropoelastin scaffold. Finally, the 1:1 tropoelastin-collagen blend was five times stiffer from 0 to 50% strain when strained at five times the ASTM standard rate. By systematically varying protein composition and crosslinking, the results demonstrate how protein scaffolds might be manipulated as customized biomaterials, ensuring mechanical robustness and potentially improving biocompatibility through minimization of compliance mismatch with the surrounding tissue environment. Moreover, the demonstration of strain-rate dependent mechanical behavior has implications for mechanical design of tropoelastin-based tissue scaffolds.
Opportunity and Choice in Socially Structured Labor Markets

Employment outcomes depend on opportunity and choice, both of which are subject to structural influences. This article presents a new approach to studying the factors that determine employment outcomes. It develops a statistical technique, two-sided logit (TSL), directly from a model of the preferences and resources of employers and workers. Opportunity and choice are functions of these preferences and resources. Application of the TSL model to 1972-90 GSS data shows substantial variation in the importance of the worker characteristics of education, race, and age for the opportunity for employment in different occupational categories. The relationships of TSL to other sociological and economic models are also discussed.
Optimizing technology mapping for FPGAs using CAMs

This paper describes an inexact string matching scheme devised to improve upon the LURU technique. The scheme uses a set of text strings called common subcircuit expressions (CSEs) to map a high percentage of the subcircuits in a netlist. The inexact matching scheme leverages the don't-care feature of ternary CAMs. Subcircuits are represented as standard-length strings that include wildcards. These strings are called homogeneous LURU strings (HLSs). LURU improves technology mapping by reducing the area requirements of LUT implementations. It also facilitates the profiling of circuits for the discovery of common subcircuits.
Memories of Arthur von Hippel, 1898–2003

In my Von Hippel Award talk, I emphasized my connection to Arthur von Hippel since our meeting in 1960, when Arthur von Hippel was 62 years of age, but still spanning the last 40 years of his life. He was a Renaissance man with many broad interests. I also spoke about the work that was cited in my award and our overlapping activities. Professor von Hippel was a mentor to me in my early career, and he worked to advance my career behind the scenes. Even after his passing a decade before my selection for the Von Hippel Award, I continue to be influenced by his teachings about science, as well as about his enjoyment of the practice of science and the life of a scientist. Professor von Hippel’s views on the foundations of materials research have strongly influenced the Materials Research Society, and this viewpoint is also emphasized in my article and by my own research career, which has been recognized by the Von Hippel Award.
Reflectivity and Attenuation at Millimeter to Infrared Wavelengths for Advection Fogs at Four Locations

Recent drop size distribution data from four advection fog sites are reanalyzed for the purpose of predicting millimeter-wave and infrared to visible wavelength reflectivity and attenuation coefficients in such fogs. A gamma drop size distribution model is shown to be an adequate fit to measured distributions of typical fog drop diameters. Conclusions are drawn with respect to the relationships between the reflectivity and the attenuation to the liquid water content. A possible method is outlined for using ground-based measurement of liquid water content for the purpose of predicting arbitrary slant-path reflectivity and attenuation at the smaller wavelengths.
Invited Reviews in Castanea—An Explanation and Justification

With this issue, SABS and Castanea initiate the publication of timely review articles in the area of botany by prominent scientists. One of the services that a society can provide to its members, and to the scientific community at large, is to publish articles that review new developments in a field, that synthesize these results, and then point the way to new avenues of productive research. Review articles often stimulate young (and even mature!) scientists to do new, exciting, and innovative research. They can also enhance the prominence of the journal by bringing in additional readership. In the coming months and years, we hope to provide more review articles that span the botanical disciplines. Our first review by Richard Buggs et al. comes from the Soltis’ lab at the University of Florida, and is an excellent analysis of some outstanding issues regarding the evolution of allopolyploidy in plants. An upcoming review, that will appear later this year, will concern the ecophysiological implications of leaf structure in plants. These reviews were specifically solicited for the journal (and peer-reviewed), but we would welcome suggestions for additional potential reviewers and subjects. This is yet another way that SABS and Castanea are trying to serve the needs of its members and the botanical community. We would welcome your comments on this new series. In the meantime, enjoy this first invited review!
Substance over Form: Creditability of the 1997 U.K. Windfall Tax as an Excess Profits Tax Under I.R.C. § 901

This paper analyzes the U.K. Windfall Tax's creditability under § 901 of the Internal Revenue Code and its associated regulation. When this paper was originally written in the fall of 2011, the United States Tax Court had found the U.K. Windfall Tax creditable in two cases. Both were appealed to separate circuits, and while the Entergy case was affirmed, the PPL case was reversed. The Supreme Court has since granted certiorari and will resolve the circuit split this year.This Note shows that the extrinsic evidence is admissable to demonstrate creditability, and that the U.K. Windfall Tax is a creditable tax because it is an "excess profits tax." It uses historical evidence of the 1940s-era Excess Profits Tax to show that the U.K. Windfall Tax fits squarely into the definition of excess profits taxes contemplated by Congress when they passed the Revenue Act of 1918, from which the current § 901 came verbatim.
FASB and IASB diverging perspectives on the new lessee accounting

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the expected effect of diverging accounting requirements and practices on firms in two industries – construction and retailing – which typically undertake different types of leases, namely, equipment and real estate, respectively. The paper also discusses how the new standards will provide expanded disclosures to aid this financial statement analysis. Design/methodology/approach – The research demonstrates how to estimate information comparable to that produced under IFRS from US GAAP financial statements and estimates the significance of the impact on key financial statement ratios. Findings – Key profitability ratios – return on assets and return on equity – generally improve over the time period 2007-2013 while interest coverage drastically deteriorates particularly for retailing firms. This finding contrasts with what some view as the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s reason for its choice of income statement presentation – to avoid the front-...
Kidney damage in the golden hamster following chronic administration of diethylstilbestrol and sesame oil.

SummaryThe kidneys of golden hamsters treated for long periods with diethylstilbestrol and sesame oil tend to undergo marked change, of a destructive character. In the male these changes are primarily in the direction of potentially malignant tumor formation. In the female they are in the direction of glomerulo-nephritis
The Acute Toxicity of Choline Hydrochloride in Mice and Rats.

SummaryThe analyses of the data indicate an L.D. 50 for choline hydrochloride of the order of 320 mg per kg for intraperitoneal injection in albino mice, and of 6.7 g per kg for stomach tube administration in albino rats.Tlic :iuthors acknowledge the assistance of Ray Kcscl.
Posterior interosseous nerve discontinuity due to compression by lipoma: report of 2 cases.

Paralysis of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) secondary to compression is a rare clinical condition. Entrapment neuropathy may occur at fibrous bands at the proximal, middle, or distal edge of the supinator. Tumors are a relatively rare but well-known potential cause. The authors present 2 cases of PIN lesions in which compression by a benign lipoma at the level of the elbow resulted in near transection (discontinuity) of the nerve. They hypothesize a mechanism-a "sandwich effect"-by which compression was produced from below by the mass and from above by a fibrous band in the supinator muscle (i.e., the leading edge of the proximal supinator muscle [arcade of Frohse] in one patient and the distal edge of the supinator muscle in the other). A Grade V Sunderland nerve lesion resulted from the advanced, chronic compression. The authors are unaware of a similar case with such an advanced pathoanatomical finding.
Epidemiology of Atypical Subtrochanteric and Femoral Shaft Fractures

Subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures represent a small subset (10–30 %) of all hip/femur fractures. There may be differences in the clinical characteristics between subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures. Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) are located along the femoral diaphysis from just distal to the lesser trochanter to just proximal to the supracondylar flare and must meet certain criteria (four of five major criteria and minor criteria are not required) to be considered atypical. There may be important clinical differences between the AFF that have minor features present as compared to those that only meet the major features of AFF. AFFs are rare, and the absolute risk of these fractures ranges from 3.2 to 50 cases per 100,000 person-years. Risk factors include prodromal pain (70 %), Asian race, and several comorbid conditions and use of medications. AFFs appear to be more frequent among individuals who are being treated with bisphosphonates, and longer duration of use may further increase risk. However, the risk of AFF is reduced by up to 70 % per year after bisphosphonates are stopped. The benefit of bisphosphonates to prevent osteoporosis-related fractures has been estimated to be 100-fold greater than the risk of AFF.
The Generalised System of Preferences: Evolution from Concept to Fact

One of the most original new initiatives in the field of international trade policy aimed at stimulating economic development is the concept of preferential treatment in favour of the developing countries. In a strict sense the concept is not new, as the industrial centre has historically devoted special attention to the periphery especially under colonial-type arrangements. Grants in AID and concessionary development loans are other examples. However, the new initiative takes a non-traditional approach by granting exports from developing countries preferential access to the markets of the industrial centre, i.e. these preferential arrangements constitute a ‘trade’ policy rather than a more traditional ‘AID’ policy.
From stucco to digital: Topometric documentation of Classic Maya facades at Holmul

Abstract This article addresses the use of a structured light 3d scanner to document ancient Maya architecture. A rationale for the project is outlined along with some practicalities of operating the equipment in remote locations and archaeological tunnels. The two case studies describe the documentation of painted stucco friezes at the archaeological site of Holmul, Guatemala, by the Corpus of Maya Hieroglyphic Inscriptions of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University. Holmul buildings boast some of the most elaborate and well-preserved stucco sculptures in the Maya world. The paper concludes with highlighting the current challenges in creating and using high-resolution 3d replicas for research and conservation purposes.
Neoliberal feminism as political ideology: revitalizing the study of feminist political ideologies

AbstractThe emerging literature on neoliberal feminism appears to signal the revitalization of the study of feminist ideologies, suspended since the mid-1980s. However, it is argued here that scholars tend to conceptualize neoliberal feminism in a way that inhibits ideological analysis, as exemplified in Nancy Fraser’s Fortunes of Feminism. They take classifications of feminist political ideologies from the 1980s as representative of the only true feminisms, and thus view neoliberal feminism as a perversion, rather than an outgrowth, of earlier feminisms. This account of the emergence of neoliberal feminism is both historically inaccurate and politically problematic: it positions feminists as passive in the face of an overpowering neoliberal agency, and limits feminists’ capacity to imagine themselves as agents of political and ideological change. Building on Michael Freeden’s work on political ideologies, an alternative account of neoliberal feminism is offered, one that locates feminist agency in the pr...
Left Atrial Appendage Electrical Isolation for Treatment of Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis.

Abstract Objectives The authors sought to perform a meta-analysis of controlled studies assessing the relationship between left atrial appendage (LAA) electrical isolation (EI) and recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF). Background LAA triggers could play an important role in AF and can be treated with complete EI of the LAA via surgical or percutaneous approaches. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis of all controlled studies published as of November 21, 2016, assessing the relationship between LAA EI (LAAEI) and recurrent AF. The primary endpoint was atrial tachycardia (AT) or AF recurrence after the post-procedure blanking period. The association between LAAEI and AT/AF was estimated using random-effects modeling. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the DerSimonian and Laird method. Results We identified 7 studies including 1,037 patients; LAAEI was performed in 566 patients (55%). LAAEI was associated with a significantly lower rate of AT/AF recurrence in the primary analysis (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.90; p = 0.02). The association between LAAEI and recurrent AT/AF was strongest in a sensitivity analysis restricted to studies of percutaneous LAAEI (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.46; p Conclusions LAAEI is associated with a significant reduction in recurrent AT/AF. Randomized trials are required to confirm the efficacy and long-term safety of LAAEI and to determine the optimal concomitant antithrombotic strategy.
Oxygenates as Gasoline Blending Components

Oxygenate fuel components are currently receiving renewed attention given their importance as a potential solution for the manufacture of fuels that lower automotive emissions. This paper addresses various relevant issues concerning this topic as follows: oxygenates for fuel blending, emission impact of oxygenates and oxygenate manufacture.
Localized Effects of Tornado Damage on Ground Beetle Communities and Vegetation in a Forested Preserve

ABSTRACT: Natural disturbances, such as tornados, can alter local habitat conditions and have the potential to affect animal communities in preserves. When such disturbances occur in natural areas, understanding these effects can help land managers develop responses and restoration actions following a disturbance. The effects of tornado and other strong wind damage on insect communities is poorly known even though insects comprise the majority of macroscopic diversity in terrestrial systems and are important contributors to ecosystem function. We examined ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) communities in spring, summer, and fall following an EF-4 tornado that struck a forested preserve in Illinois. We compared the communities and vegetation structure in plots that were affected or unaffected by the tornado. Sites within the tornado's path had reduced canopy cover but increased ground-level vegetation throughout the growing season. Beetle abundance and species richness were unaffected, but Shannon diver...
Concentration Distribution for Diffusion in A Temperature Gradient

Many refractory materials see service in high-temperature environments in which they may be subject to large temperature gradients. Such temperature gradients serve as a driving force for mass transport in addition to the normal diffusion produced by a gradient in concentration or chemical potential. The cross effect which couples mass flux, J, to a temperature gradient, ∂T/∂z, has been variously called the Soret effect, thermal diffusion, thermotransport or thermomigration.