cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring Ways to Retain First-Time Volunteer Blood Donors

Because of their expertise in working with volunteers, social workers may be called on to provide consultation to organizations that are not traditional social service agencies. Unpaid volunteer donors provide the vast majority of this country’s blood supply; however, many donors give only once, and few think of themselves as regular, committed donors. The purpose of this study was to determine if special letters of request or incentives would increase blood donations during a 14-month study period. One thousand first-time donors were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups or the control condition. On average, first-time donors gave 1.89 donations, and there were no statistically significant differences among the groups. The conclusion was drawn that the interventions were too passive.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a Series of Carboxylic Acid Modified Cerium(III) Alkoxides

A series of cerium alkoxides were synthesized from the reaction of Ce(N[Si(CH 3 ) 3 ] 2 } 3 and the appropriate alcohol: neopentyl alcohol [H-OCH 2 C(CH 3 ) 3 = H-ONep], tert-butyl alcohol [H-OC(CH 3 ) 3 = H-OtBu], o-(tert-butyl)phenol (H-OC 6 H 4 [C(CH 3 ) 3 ]-2 = H-oBP}, 2,6-dimethylphenol [H-OC 6 H 3 (CH 3 ) 2 -2,6 = H-DMP], 2,6-diisopropylphenol {H-OC 6 H 3 [CH(CH 3 ) 2 ] 2 -2,6 = H-DIP}, 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol {H-OC 6 H 3 [C(CH 3 ) 3 ] 2 -2,6 = H-DBP), or 2,6-diphenylphenol [H-OC 6 H 3 (C 6 H 5 ) 2 -2,6 = H-DPP] using toluene (tol), tetrahydrofuran (THF) or pyridine (py). The precursors were characterized as [Ce(μ-ONep) 2 (ONep)] 4 (1), Ce 4 (μ 3 -OtBu) 3 (μ-OtBu) 4 (OtBu) 5 (2), Ce 3 (μ 3 -OtBu) 3 (n-OtBu) 3 (OtBu) 3 (H-O(Bu) 2 (2a), Ce(oBP) 3 (THF) 3 (3), [Ce(μ-DMP)(DMP) 2 (solv) 2 ] 2 [solv = THF (4) and py (4a)], Ce(DIP) 3 (THF) 3 (5), Ce(DPP) 3 (THF) 2 (6). Once isolated, several of these species were further reacted with a series of sterically varied carboxylic acid modifiers including isobutyric acid [H-O 2 CCH(CH 3 ) 2 = H-OPc] and trimethylacetic acid [H-O 2 CC(CH 3 ) 3 = H-OBc]. The products were isolated as [Ce(OR)(μ-ORc)(μ c -ORc)(py)] 2 [OR = oBP, OBc: 7; DMP, OPc: 8; DMP, OBc: 9, DIP, OPc: 10]. These compounds were identified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and powder XRD analyses. Several novel structure types are added to the cerium alkoxide family of compounds.
Radial Inertia Effects in Kolsky Bar Testing of Extra-soft Specimens

Impact responses of extra-soft materials, such as ballistic gelatins and biological tissues, are increasingly in demand. The Kolsky bar is a widely used device to characterize high-rate behavior of materials. When a Kolsky bar is used to determine the dynamic compressive response of an extra-soft specimen, a spike-like feature often appears in the initial portion of the measured stress history. It is important to distinguish whether this spike is an experimental artifact or an intrinsic material response. In this research, we examined this phenomenon using experimental, numerical and analytical methods. The results indicate that the spike is the extra stress from specimen radial inertia during the acceleration stage of the axial deformation. Based on this understanding, remedies in both specimen geometry and loading pulse to minimize the artifact are proposed and verified, and thus capture the intrinsic dynamic behavior of the specimen material.
Using native and syntenically mapped cDNA alignments to improve de novo gene finding

Motivation: Computational annotation of protein coding genes in genomic DNA is a widely used and essential tool for analyzing newly sequenced genomes. However, current methods suffer from inaccuracy and do poorly with certain types of genes. Including additional sources of evidence of the existence and structure of genes can improve the quality of gene predictions. For many eukaryotic genomes, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are available as evidence for genes. Related genomes that have been sequenced, annotated, and aligned to the target genome provide evidence of existence and structure of genes. Results: We incorporate several different evidence sources into the gene finder AUGUSTUS. The sources of evidence are gene and transcript annotations from related species syntenically mapped to the target genome using TransMap, evolutionary conservation of DNA, mRNA and ESTs of the target species, and retroposed genes. The predictions include alternative splice variants where evidence supports it. Using only ESTs we were able to correctly predict at least one splice form exactly correct in 57% of human genes. Also using evidence from other species and human mRNAs, this number rises to 77%. Syntenic mapping is well-suited to annotate genomes closely related to genomes that are already annotated or for which extensive transcript evidence is available. Native cDNA evidence is most helpful when the alignments are used as compound information rather than independent positionwise information. Availability: AUGUSTUS is open source and available at http://augustus.gobics.de. The gene predictions for human can be browsed and downloaded at the UCSC Genome Browser (http://genome.ucsc.edu) Contact: mstanke@gwdg.de Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Protein microarrays for multiplex analysis of signal transduction pathways

We have developed a multiplexed reverse phase protein (RPP) microarray platform for simultaneous monitoring of site-specific phosphorylation of numerous signaling proteins using nanogram amounts of lysates derived from stimulated living cells. We first show the application of RPP microarrays to the study of signaling kinetics and pathway delineation in Jurkat T lymphocytes. RPP microarrays were used to profile the phosphorylation state of 62 signaling components in Jurkat T cells stimulated through their membrane CD3 and CD28 receptors, identifying a previously unrecognized link between CD3 crosslinking and dephosphorylation of Raf-1 at Ser259. Finally, the potential of this technology to analyze rare primary cell populations is shown in a study of differential STAT protein phosphorylation in interleukin (IL)-2-stimulated CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells. RPP microarrays, prepared using simple procedures and standard microarray equipment, represent a powerful new tool for the study of signal transduction in both health and disease.
Normal Human Kidney HLA-DR–Expressing Renal Microvascular Endothelial Cells: Characterization, Isolation, and Regulation of MHC Class II Expression

Human, but not murine, renal peritubular and glomerular capillaries constitutively express class II major histocompatibility (MHC) proteins at high levels in normal human kidney. Expression of class II proteins on renal microvascular endothelial cells (RMEC) makes it available to circulating lymphocytes and imparts a surveillance capacity to RMEC for controlling inflammatory responses. In this report, the co-expression of HLA-DR and the endothelial marker CD31 are used to identify RMEC as a distinct population of cells within a standard renal biopsy using flow cytometry. A three-laser, multicolor flow cytometry analysis using Alexa dyes, developed for characterizing the expression of cell surface antigens, identifies RMEC as a population separate from HLA-DR-expressing leukocytes. HLA-DR RMEC co-express HLA-DP and HLA-DQ. RMEC also express the T cell costimulatory factor CD58 but not CD80, CD86, or CD40. On the basis of high HLA-DR expression, RMEC are isolated for culture using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and magnetic beads. Cultured RMEC require normal basal physiologic concentrations of gamma interferon (gammaIFN) to maintain HLA protein expression. This expression is regulated by CIITA, the MHC class II-specific transcription factor. Four tissue-specific promoters have been described for CIITA. In freshly isolated RMEC, RT-PCR and hybridization using specific oligonucleotide probes to CIITA promoter sequences identify only the statin-sensitive gammaIFN-induced promoter IV of CIITA. Therefore, the constitutive expression of HLA-DR on RMEC in normal human kidney is located in a position for immune surveillance, depends on basal physiologic concentrations of gammaIFN, and may be amenable to regulation with statins.
Control relevant long-range plant identification using recurrent neural networks

In adaptive critic control systems design as well as other control systems design schemes, e.g., model-based predictive control, the plant model has to be iterated to predict many time steps ahead into the future. A commonly used implementation is to employ a parallel identification structure. It has been justified for linear estimation that (assume that estimates to the real plant are biased) long-range prediction models are less sensitive to high frequency noise, whether actual noise or caused by model-plant mismatch. We address feasibilities of using recurrent neural networks for long-range plant identification. We examine the existence, training and performance of such recurrent neural network identifiers.
The iodide-transport-defect-causing mutation R124H: a δ-amino group at position 124 is critical for maturation and trafficking of the Na+/I- symporter.

Na+/I− symporter (NIS)-mediated active accumulation of I− in thyrocytes is a key step in the biosynthesis of the iodine-containing thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Several NIS mutants have been identified as a cause of congenital I− transport defect (ITD), and their investigation has yielded valuable mechanistic information on NIS. Here we report novel findings derived from the thorough characterization of the ITD-causing mutation R124H, located in the second intracellular loop (IL-2). R124H NIS is incompletely glycosylated and colocalizes with endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein markers. As a result, R124H NIS is not targeted to the plasma membrane and therefore does not mediate any I− transport in transfected COS-7 cells. Strikingly, however, the mutant is intrinsically active, as revealed by its ability to mediate I− transport in membrane vesicles. Of all the amino acid substitutions we carried out at position 124 (K, D, E, A, W, N and Q), only Gln restored targeting of NIS to the plasma membrane and NIS activity, suggesting a key structural role for the δ-amino group of R124 in the transporter's maturation and cell surface targeting. Using our NIS homology model based on the structure of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus Na+/galactose symporter, we propose an interaction between the δ-amino group of either R or Q124 and the thiol group of C440, located in IL-6. We conclude that the interaction between IL-2 and IL-6 is critical for the local folding required for NIS maturation and plasma membrane trafficking.
Convolutional projection codes

The convolutional projection code is presented. Encoding and decoding processes are reviewed, and hardware complexity and performance data are presented. Estimates of the error rates of the code as obtained by computer simulations are presented. The results showed that the code uses very simple encoding and decoding procedures which are easily implemented. Results also showed that the code outperforms many known codes and is comparable in performance to the block projection code, which is harder to implement and more time consuming in the sense that the decoder would have to wait for the entire block to be received before it can start decoding. >
Premises, premises (poisoning-induced cardiogenic shock and high-dose insulin).

A premise is a statement that an argument claims will induce or justify a conclusion.1 In other words, a premise is an assumption that something is true.Poisoning-induced cardiogenic shock (PICS) i...
Governance and reform in India

This paper reviews the background, rationale and prospects for India's recent reforms in the structures of local government. It begins by commenting on some dimensions of governance, and why it is useful to focus on decentralization, especially in the current Indian context. Then some of the theoretical arguments on federalism as an important mechanism for decentralization, as well as India's overall situation in this dimension, are discussed. India's experience with federalism in general and with local government more particularly, is summarized. The paper focuses particularly on the 1992 constitutional amendments: their history, rationale, and outcomes to date. It also discusses what still needs attention, including complementary institutional reforms in the legal system and judiciary.
Angiography of an Aneurysmal Aorto–Left Ventricular Tunnel

The aortoventricular tunnel is an abnormal congenital extracardiac communication between the ascending aorta and 1 of the ventricles.1 Approximately 130 cases have been reported in the literature, 90% being aorto–left ventricular tunnels (ALVTs).2 Echocardiography is the best diagnostic tool for ALVT, and thus cardiac catheterization is not routinely performed unless more information is needed concerning the coronary arteries. Coronary artery anomalies may be associated with ALVT in 45% of patients.3,4 The ostium of the right coronary artery may lie within the …
EFFECT OF TRIMETAPHAN ON HAEMODYNAMICS AND OXYGEN CONSUMPTION DURING HALOTHANE ANAESTHESIA IN MAN.

Haemodynamic and metabolic observations have been carried out before, during, and after the administration of trimetaphan in six unpremedicated, paralyzed, hyperventilated patients during varicose vein operations and halothane anaesthesia. With trimetaphan, arterial pressure and stroke volume fell, cardiac output changed little, and oxygen uptake fell slightly. In the majority of cases, an increased pulse rate compensated for the reduced stroke volume. Myocardial contractility or distensibility, or both, were apparently altered since right atrial pressure was unchanged. Both calculated (mixed venous) and observed (right atrial) central venous oxygen saturations were fairly normal with little change during the trimetaphan infusion. The theoretical and clinical implications of these and comparable observations during anaesthesia with ether are discussed.
SMN, the spinal muscular atrophy protein, forms a pre-import snRNP complex with snurportin1 and importin β

The survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein is mutated in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMN is part of a multiprotein complex required for biogenesis of the Sm class of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs). Following assembly of the Sm core domain, snRNPs are transported to the nucleus via importin beta. Sm snRNPs contain a nuclear localization signal (NLS) consisting of a 2,2,7-trimethylguanosine (TMG) cap and the Sm core. Snurportin1 (SPN) is the adaptor protein that recognizes both the TMG cap and importin beta. Here, we report that a mutant SPN construct lacking the importin beta binding domain (IBB), but containing an intact TMG cap-binding domain, localizes primarily to the nucleus, whereas full-length SPN localizes to the cytoplasm. The nuclear localization of the mutant SPN was not a result of passive diffusion through the nuclear pores. Importantly, we found that SPN interacts with SMN, Gemin3, Sm snRNPs and importin beta. In the presence of ribonucleases, the interactions with SMN and Sm proteins were abolished, indicating that snRNAs mediate this interplay. Cell fractionation studies showed that SPN binds preferentially to cytoplasmic SMN complexes. Notably, we found that SMN directly interacts with importin beta in a GST-pulldown assay, suggesting that the SMN complex might represent the Sm core NLS receptor predicted by previous studies. Therefore, we conclude that, following Sm protein assembly, the SMN complex persists until the final stages of cytoplasmic snRNP maturation and may provide somatic cell RNPs with an alternative NLS.
Preovulatory changes in cumulus-oocyte complex of the hamster

An orderly series of associations was found between the cumulus and the stages of nuclear development in the hamster oocyte as the oocyte-cumulus complex underwent preovulatory maturation. Ten hours prior to ovulation meiotic resumption was first seen in the oocyte. The onset of cumulus dissociation with corresponding morphological changes in cumulus cells was observed eight hours prior to ovulation. Completion of the first meiotic division in the oocyte and full cumulus dissociation occurred 2 hours prior to ovulation. Cumulus dissociation was found to occur only in vesicular follicles destined to ovulate and not in follicles undergoing atresia. Cells with large vacuolar inclusions with distorted, hyperchromatic nuclei were found in the maturing cumulus.
A configurable VLSI chip for DC motor control for compact, low-current robotic systems

Architecture and design parameters for a customizable VLSI chip to control a 34-axis robotic system are presented. The robot, which will be used in throat surgery, includes three small snake-like mechanisms, which places tough design challenges on the controller because of their requirement for precise sensing and control of low motor currents. The chip, in concert with control algorithms executed on a supervisory microprocessor, will deliver the appropriate control voltages to the motor to guide the end-effectors of the robot, while compensating for changes in resistance to motion as the robot interacts with tissue. The chip provides estimates of position, torque and velocity measurements to the microprocessor through a digital interface. Control signals, both generated on-chip and from the microprocessor, are conditioned and presented to the motor driver. The digital interface allows the chip to be configured for different motor specifications and various environmental conditions. Though designed for this particular robot, the chip can be applied to other robots with small DC brush motors.
Transonic Small Disturbance Potential Equation

An analytical solution is presented to the transonic small disturbance potential equation with the Kutta‐ Joukowsky boundary conditions for an airfoil of zero thickness, generalizing it at the same time to nonzero angle of attack. In particular, an extension of the Possio integral equation is derived that is valid for nonzero angle of attack, as well as a formula for the divergence speed, showing explicitly a transonic dip, depending on the angle of attack.
DO11.10 and OT-II T cells recognize a C-terminal ovalbumin 323-339 epitope

The OVA323-339 epitope recognized by DO11.10 (H-2d) and OT-II (H-2b) T cells was investigated using amino- and carboxy-terminal truncations to locate the approximate ends of the epitopes and single amino acid substitutions of OVA323-339 to identify critical TCR contact residues of the OVA323-339 peptide. DO11.10 and OT-II T cells are both specific for a C-terminal epitope whose core encompasses amino acids 329-337. Amino acid 333 was identified as the primary TCR contact residue for both cells, and amino acid 331 was found to be an important secondary TCR contact residue; however, the importance of other secondary TCR contact residues and peptide flanking residues differ between the cells. Additional OVA323-339-specific clones were generated that recognized epitopes found in the N-terminal end or in the center of the peptide. These findings indicate that OVA323-339 can be presented by I-Ad in at least three binding registers. This study highlights some of the complexities of peptide Ags such as OVA323-339, which contain a nested set of overlapping T cell epitopes and MHC binding registers.
The Assessment of Expertise: Transcending Construction

The requirement that an expert's testimony pertain to "scientific knowledge" establishes a standard of evidentiary reliability. The subject of an expert's testimony must be scientific knowledge, which implies a grounding in scientific methods, and connotes more than subjective belief or unsupported speculation. Proposed testimony must be supported by appropriate validation based on what is know. However, courts employ a dual-level approach to the admissibility of expert testimony. Novel scientific evidence is subjected to special scrutiny, while other expertise is admitted with little examination. Courts assessing nonscientific evidence seldom analyze whether the expert opinion is based on "good grounds," as Daubert requires for scientific expertise. Instead, judges generally only demand that a proffered nonscientific expert have appropriate qualifications: If so, the testimony, if relevant, is allowed. This article explores the basic premises and logic of Daubert, the text of Federal Rule of Evidence 702, the impracticalities of finding a useful boundary between scientific and other expert testimony, the information available to the jurors for evaluating expert testimony, and conclusions form the sociology of the science, and suggest that the dual-level approach should end.
Four Dimensions of Interpersonal Behavior

A review of the major category systems in use in the social-psychological literature suggests that 2 category systems should be used concurrently, one for process and the other for content. The content system is based on Parsons' 4 categories for functional analysis: A-Adaptation, G-Goal attainment, I-Integration, and L-Latent pattern maintenance and tension management. The process system, derived from the work of Bales and Couch, also has four dimensions: I. Dominant vs submissive, II. Positive vs negative, III. Serious vs expressive, and IV. Conforming vs nonconforming.
Aerenchyma Carbon Dioxide Can Be Assimilated in Typha Iatifolia L. Leaves

Leaf structural characteristics and gas-exchange measurements were used to determine whether photosynthetic tissue of Typha Iatifolia L. (cattail) utilized CO2 from the aerenchyma gas spaces, part of an internal pathway for gas transport in this wetland species. The partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in these aerenchyma gas spaces can be more than 10 times atmospheric pCO2. The photosynthetic tissue occurred in structurally similar adaxial and abaxial palisades, which were distinctly separated from each other by the aerenchyma gas spaces. In each palisade there were three to four layers of tightly packed, nonchlorophyllous cells separating the photosynthetic tissue from the aerenchyma gas space. Different lines of evidence indicated that CO2 conductance in the light was significantly greater across the epidermal surface than across the internal surface of both palisades. However, at an epidermal pCO2 of 350 [mu]bars and an internal pCO2 of 820 [mu]bars, the net rates of CO2 uptake (PN) across the epidermal and internal surfaces were about equal. PN across the internal surface was greater than across the epidermal surface at higher internal pCO2. Gas space pCO2 can be greater than 820 [mu]bars in the field, and therefore, PN across the internal surface could be a significant proportion of epidermal surface PN.
Inventory of the Butterflies (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, Hesperiidae) of Plummers Island, Maryland

ABSTRACT A total of 36 species of butterflies was documented from Plummers Island, Maryland, based on four sources: transect survey (2006), diurnal collecting (2005), Malaise trap sampling (2005–2006), and historical records (1904–1997). Each of the four sources contributed species not recorded in the other three, demonstrating the importance of combining methods when compiling inventories. Twenty-five species (69% of the total) were observed during a 10-week transect survey in 2006, with six species not recorded in other sources. Nineteen species (53%) were captured during diurnal collecting in 2005, with five species not recorded in other sources. Eight species (22%) were collected in Malaise traps, with one species not recorded in other sources. Ten species (28%) were represented by historical records in the collection of the National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., with four species not recorded from other sources. The number of species (i.e., 36) is less than what would be expected based...
A Contextual Consideration of Culture and School-Wide Positive Behavior Support.

Students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have historically experienced poor outcomes related to academic achievement, special education, school discipline and climate, and juvenile justice. Differences between home and school cultures likely contribute to these outcomes. Evidence-based practices in schools are promoted to improve the academic and social outcomes for all students, but attention must be paid to cultural factors when implementing practices. School-wide positive behavior supports (SWPBS) is a systems approach to promoting evidence-based practices to affect important social and academic outcomes for all students. The purpose of this article is to consider culture within the implementation context of SWPBS. To achieve this purpose, we adopt and describe a contextual perspective on culture that is based on behavioral theory and principles of behavior analysis, and incorporate findings from a review of the literature related to culture and student behavior.
Laser technology: less excitement for more gain.

In theory, semiconductor nanocrystals are highly suitable laser materials, not least because the colour of their light is tunable over a wide range. In practice, they are difficult — but not impossible — to deal with. Semiconductor nanocrystals have very good light-emitting properties, so have potential as optical amplification media that can be easily processed with solution-based techniques: possible applications include optical interconnects in microelectronics, lab-on-a-chip technologies and quantum information processing. The problem with these structures is that at least two excitons (bound electron–hole pairs) need to be present in a nanocrystal before optical gain can be achieved, and this limits performance. In effect, the excitons annihilate each other before optical amplification can occur. This obstacle has now been overcome using nanocrystals with cores and shells made from different semiconductor materials, constructed in such a way that electrons and holes are separated from each other. This makes optical gain based on single excitons possible, significantly enhancing their promise as a practical optical material for laser applications.
Pathology Produced by Sulfur Mustard in Human Skin Grafts on Athymic Nude Mice. II. Ultrastructural Changes

AbstractThe human skin graft/nude mouse model was used to study sulfur mustard (SM) -induced pathology of skin at the ultrastructural level. The electron microscope confirms and extends the histopathology previously noted under light microscopy. SM caused extensive injury to the basal keratinocytes, the severity of which was dependent on both time and dose. Ultrastructurally visible damage took several hours to develop. The following sequence of morphological changes was observed: (a) Extensive condensation and margination of heterochromatin and loss of euchromatin, (b) blebbing of the nuclear membrane, (c) appearance of perinuclear vacuoles, (d) swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum, (e) progressive dissociation of rosettes of free polyribosomes, (f) formation of cytoplasmic vacuoles, (g) loss of the integrity of the basal cell plasma membrane, (h) leakage of cell contents and debris into the lamina lucida, (i) disruption of the anchoring filaments of hemidesmosomes with separation of the plasma membrane...
Torsade de pointes associated with the administration of intravenous haloperidol:a review of the literature and practical guidelines for use

Haloperidol is the most commonly used medication for the treatment of delirium and psychosis in the critically ill patient. Whilst generally considered to be safe, haloperidol has been associated with a number of important cardiovascular side effects. The major toxicities include hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias and prolongation of the corrected QT (QTc) interval. In particular, torsade de pointes, a polymorphic ventricular tachyarrhythmia, has been associated with both intravenous and oral haloperidol administration. The management of torsade de pointes consists of discontinuation of the possible offending agent(s), correction of electrolyte abnormalities, administration of magnesium sulfate and, if necessary, overdrive pacing. Although clinicians should be aware of this potentially lethal complication of intravenous haloperidol therapy, it should not deter clinicians from using intravenous haloperidol to treat acute agitation in the critically ill patient with a normal QTc.
Family Therapy with Families in Intractable Conflicts About Child Custody and Visitation

Divorce is almost always difficult. Further complications arise when issues concerning child custody and visitation are added. Working with these families can be particularly delicate and difficult because of the myriad circumstances and issues they bring into therapy.
Review of superconducting transition-edge sensors for x-ray and gamma-ray spectroscopy

We present a review of emerging x-ray and gamma-ray spectrometers based on arrays of superconducting transition-edge sensors (TESs). Special attention will be given to recent progress in TES applications and in understanding TES physics.
Isolation and Partial Purification of Acetylcholinesterase from Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from Lygus hesperus Knight was isolated and partially purified by Triton X-100 extraction, ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration, and affinity chromatography. The degree of the purification was about l,400-fold and the yield was about 3.3%. Purification was primarily the result of affinity chromatography, and the low recovery was due to sequential loss of AChE in each step during purification. The solubility of AChE can be greatly enhanced by addition of Triton X-100 but not by high ionic strength, suggesting that L. hesperus contains little or no asymmetric forms of AChE. The procedure is evaluated, and the possibility of increasing the yield is also discussed.
Vera and the Prison Rape Elimination Act

In 2003, Congress unanimously passed the landmark Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The legislation established a zero-tolerance standard for sexual abuse in U.S. correctional facilities. Implicitly, PREA recognized that sending individuals to facilities where sexual abuse is tolerated is equal to the imposition of a greater—and unintended—punishment. PREA also called for the creation of a national commission to study the causes and consequences of sexual abuse in confinement and to issue national standards for preventing, detecting, responding to, and monitoring such abuse. The Commissioners believe that standard compliance will result in achieving PREA9s original goal: the protection of incarcerated individuals from sexual abuse.
Low-temperature Chemical Vapor Deposition of Rhodium and Iridium thin Films

Low-temperature chemical vapor deposition of M(allyl)3 (M = Rh, Ir; allyl = η3 -C3H5) in the presence of H• yields thin, crystalline metal films of greater than 97% metal composition. Depositions using H2 result in the formation of materials which are amorphous and contain a significant amount of residual carbon (14%). The composition of these materials does not differ significantly from that obtained from the vacuum thermal deposition of M(allyl)3.
Neuroimaging of Posterior Fossa Ependymoma in Children

Neuroimaging studies are crucial for the identification and characterization of posterior fossa ependymomas as well as in the presurgical planning and evaluation of treatment results including the outcome of surgery, chemotherapy, and irradiation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) are the imaging methods in current use to evaluate these, as well as other, brain tumors. These methods detect tumors as lesions whose density and signal intensity are different from those of normal brain, with a variable degree of mass effect causing distortion of normal structures. MRI is superior to CT in the characterization of brain tumors and in the follow-up after treatment, thanks to its greater soft tissue contrast and multiplanar imaging capability without the burden of ionizing radiations, an especially relevant issue in infants and children who are more susceptible than adults to radiation-induced complications, including malignancy. Furthermore, advanced MRI modalities such as diffusion, perfusion, and spectroscopy provide additional information regarding functional features of brain tumors, including cellularity, hemodynamics, and metabolism, which may add significant information regarding their biological behavior and prognosis. MRI is also crucial for surveillance after surgery and chemoradiotherapy.
How Many Software Metrics Should be Selected for Defect Prediction

A software practitioner is interested in the solution to “for a given project, what is the minimum number of software metrics that should be considered for building an effective defect prediction model?” During the development life cycle various software metrics are collected for different reasons. In the case of a metricsbased defect prediction model, an intelligent selection of software metrics prior to building defect predictors is likely to improve model performance. This study utilizes the proposed threshold-based feature selection technique to remove irrelevant and redundant software metrics (a.k.a. features or attributes). A comparative investigation is presented for evaluating the size of the selected feature subsets. The case study is based on software measurement data obtained from a real-world project, and the defect predictors are trained using three commonly used classifiers. The empirical case study results demonstrate that an effective defect predictor can be built with only three metrics; and moreover, model performances improved when over 98.5% of the software metrics were eliminated.
Plumbing the Darkness to See the Light: A Book Review Essay:

The author compares the educational theories of Laurent A. Daloz (Mentor) and Parker J. Palmer (The Courage to Teach) and how they fit into Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). He implies as well the...
1. Mixed Automorphic Forms

1.1 Mixed Automorphic Forms of One Variable 1.2 Eisenstein Series and Poincare Series 1.3 Cusp Forms Associated to Mixed Cusp Forms 1.4 Mixed Automorphic Forms and Differential Equations
How the Brain Prevents and Terminates Shifts of Attention

Much is known about the mechanisms by which attention is focused to facilitate perception, but little is known about the suppressive mechanisms that are used to prevent the brain from orienting to salient but irrelevant information or to terminate an episode of attention after perception of the attended object is complete. In this chapter, we review recent advances in understanding these aspects of attentional control by using the Pd component of the event-related potential waveform, a neural index of attentional suppression. These studies suggest that the active suppression mechanism indexed by the Pd component is used to prevent attention from being directed to salient distractors and terminates attention after perception is complete or after attention has been oriented to an inappropriate object.
Leading by Example and Design: The Joseph St Geme Jr Leadership Award, 2016.

* Abbreviation: HO-1 — : heme oxygenase-1 Leadership begins not by being out front or within a team but by first learning how to follow someone else and then trusting them to lead you with your best interests at heart. Indeed, most leaders are following the direction of some other person or group of people; for example, a chief executive officer reports to a Board of Directors, and a university president reports to a Board of Trustees, or at least they follow the advice of other people who might offer them wise counsel. Such nascent leadership thus entails deciding whom to follow, which means being a good judge of people. For some, the ability to judge other people seems to be innate, but it can also be learned by observing leaders making decisions and witnessing the consequences of their choices and actions over time. As an undergraduate at Stanford, I met John D. Goheen, professor of philosophy, who served as chair of the Department of Philosophy in the 1950s. He was a student of Alfred North Whitehead at Harvard, steeped in the teachings of 1 of the most challenging thinkers of the 20th century. Whitehead was a mathematician and philosopher. His “process philosophy,” for which he is best remembered, describes the world as a network of processes of which people are an integral part.1 His thought reflects the importance of process and connectedness (reality is a web of processes) and thus changeable environments, or contexts, for successful decision-making in the world. Applications of his thought exist in many fields, including the physical and life sciences, but also in the social sciences, particularly education. John Goheen, evolving his own thought from Whitehead’s innovative philosophical musings, taught me that logic can prove things, but it cannot invent them. He observed that imagination is as critical to paradigm-shifting philosophy … Address correspondence to David K. Stevenson, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1265 Welch Rd, Room X157, Stanford, CA 94305. E-mail: dstevenson{at}stanford.edu
Status in calculating electronic excited states in transition metal oxides from first principles.

Characterization of excitations in transition metal oxides is a crucial step in the development of these materials for photonic and optoelectronic applications. However, many transition metal oxides are considered to be strongly correlated materials, and their complex electronic structure is challenging to model with many established quantum mechanical techniques. We review state-of-the-art first-principles methods to calculate charged and neutral excited states in extended materials, and discuss their application to transition metal oxides. We briefly discuss developments in density functional theory (DFT) to calculate fundamental band gaps, and introduce time-dependent DFT, which can model neutral excitations. Charged excitations can be described within the framework of many-body perturbation theory based on Green’s functions techniques, which predominantly employs the GW approximation to the self-energy to facilitate a feasible solution to the quasiparticle equations. We review the various implementations of the GW approximation and evaluate each approach in its calculation of fundamental band gaps of many transition metal oxides. We also briefly review the related Bethe–Salpeter equation (BSE), which introduces an electron–hole interaction between GW-derived quasiparticles to describe accurately neutral excitations. Embedded correlated wavefunction theory is another framework used to model localized neutral or charged excitations in extended materials. Here, the electronic structure of a small cluster is modeled within correlated wavefunction theory, while its coupling to its environment is represented by an embedding potential. We review a number of techniques to represent this background potential, including electrostatic representations and electron density-based methods, and evaluate their application to transition metal oxides.
Randomized, Noncomparative, Phase II Trial of Early Switch From Docetaxel to Cabazitaxel or Vice Versa, With Integrated Biomarker Analysis, in Men With Chemotherapy-Naïve, Metastatic, Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

PurposeThe TAXYNERGY trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01718353) evaluated clinical benefit from early taxane switch and circulating tumor cell (CTC) biomarkers to interrogate mechanisms of sensitivity or resistance to taxanes in men with chemotherapy-naive, metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer.Patients and MethodsPatients were randomly assigned 2:1 to docetaxel or cabazitaxel. Men who did not achieve ≥ 30% prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline by cycle 4 (C4) switched taxane. The primary clinical endpoint was confirmed ≥ 50% PSA decline versus historical control (TAX327). The primary biomarker endpoint was analysis of post-treatment CTCs to confirm the hypothesis that clinical response was associated with taxane drug-target engagement, evidenced by decreased percent androgen receptor nuclear localization (%ARNL) and increased microtubule bundling.ResultsSixty-three patients were randomly assigned to docetaxel (n = 41) or cabazitaxel (n = 22); 44.4% received prior potent androgen rece...
Variable invariables: dimensional instability with time and temperature

How stable are structures made of fused silica, Zerodur, ULE, Invar or Superinvar? We review what is known about dimensional changes with time or temperature for these important materials, including some recent findings. What are the variations in commercially available materials? How does one go about obtaining the best Invar and Superinvar?
Meaning and death-thought accessibility

Meaning is a central feature in human life, but death can disrupt a sense of meaning. Two experiments tested the hypothesis that meaning in life and meaning in death are distinct types of meaning when mortality is salient and differentially affect death-thought accessibility (DTA). In Experiment 1, imagining a specific scenario in which meaning is preserved beyond death reduced DTA relative to a standard mortality salience prime; moreover, these effects were not due to changes in self-esteem. In Experiment 2, imagining a meaningful life when mortality is salient elicited greater DTA, whereas imagining meaning in death elicited less DTA. Imbuing death with meaning attenuates DTA, whereas meaning in life increases DTA.
Optical Coating Fabrication

The sol-gel process has proved to be an excellent method for the preparation of many types of optical coatings. Of the many potential coating methods available, only three have the capability of laying down very thin layers of precise thickness. These are spin and dip coating, which are the most widely used, and meniscus coating, which is comparatively new.
Mastoid Epidermoid Tumor and Associated Dural Arteriovenous Fistula with Venous Sinus Occlusion

Background Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is an abnormal vascular connection between arterial and venous channels within dura mater. Although DAVFs have been linked to other types of intracranial tumors, this is the first case reporting the association between DAVF and an epidermoid tumor. Case Description A middle-aged patient with chronic headache presented with Borden type II DAVF draining into the right transverse sigmoid junction and was also found to have an epidermoid tumor over the right mastoid. The patient underwent staged embolization of the fistula through both transvenous and transarterial routes. Continuous intraoperative venous pressure monitoring confirmed marked reduction in intracranial venous pressure, and the patient's symptoms completely resolved. However, the fistula still remained. The residual DAVF was then surgically disconnected, and the epidermoid tumor was resected in the same procedure. Conclusions This case demonstrates a DAVF can be associated with an epidermoid tumor. Tumor can compromise the venous outflow, which can then lead to intracranial venous hypertension and development of the DAVF. Venous pressure monitoring offers an objective method to verify resolution of venous hypertension, which might correlate with resolution of clinical symptoms.
Development of a two step self-triggered adapting wind tunnel control system

In this paper, a systematic approach is presented and a physical experiment substantiated for a SISO wind tunnel adaptive control system. This approach includes a two-step adaptation scheme: The first comprises a triggered system identification process and the second an adapting controller system. To verify this integrated systems engineering approach, a physical wind tunnel was constructed with an axial fan and airspeed sensors. A real-time adapting system model, coupled with an adaptive control system is interfaced with the wind tunnel. The real-time data from the system in operation is analyzed and used to influence how the controller adapts through system identification techniques as well as PID tuning criteria.
Black Adolescents’ Television Usage and Endorsement of Mainstream Gender Roles and the Strong Black Woman Schema:

This study investigated the associations between Black adolescents’ television usage and their endorsement of mainstream gender roles (MGR) and the strong Black woman (SBW) schema, which characteri...
How in vivo EPR measures and images oxygen.

The partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in tissues plays an important role in the pathophysiology of many diseases and influences outcome of cancer therapy, ischemic heart and cerebrovascular disease treatments and wound healing. Over the years a suite of EPR techniques for reliable oxygen measurements has been developed. This is a mini-review of pulse EPR in vivo oxygen imaging methods that utilize soluble spin probes. Recent developments in pulse EPR imaging technology have brought an order of magnitude increase in image acquisition speed, enhancement of sensitivity and considerable improvement in the precision and accuracy of oxygen measurements.
Diagnostic Techniques Widely Used in Arc Physics

It is clear that very little information about the arc can be obtained by visual observation or normal photography. However, such methods are not entirely devoid of interest if properly used with limited goals. Almost all plasmas are relatively transparent to light, so that the light they emit comes from all regions of the plasma and not alone from the surface. It should not be forgotten however that the light emitted by the plasma itself generally corresponds to an exceptional behavior since it is frequently made of the characteristic lines of the gas. It has been pointed out that several tens of absorptions and re-emissions can occur between the initial release of an energy quantum and its eventual finding of a way out. Consequently, microphotometering of the intensity of light emitted by a plasma can only give an idea of its relative density from point to point after long and elaborate studies. The method is thus generally confined to more limited goals such as the observation of dark sheaths for which it offers, of course, a very convenient method of making accurate quantitative measurements, since the limits of such sheaths are quite often very precise.
The economy of cholesterol in man: drug effects.

A partial list of the factors controlling the movement and storage of cholesterol in man must include: intake; absorption; lipoprotein synthesis and transport capacity; tissue equilibria with plasma cholesterol; endogenous synthesis; conversion to bile acids; pool sizes; excretion rates and pathways. All of these can now be defined with directness and exactitude except for measurement of pool sizes and of tissue-plasma equilibria, utilizing sterol balance and isotope kinetic techniques. Although pool sizes can be estimated by isotope kinetics, as yet we have no independent means by which to verify these estimates.
Industrial applications of immobilized biocatalysts

The isomerization of glucose to fructose, the production of amino acids, and the hydrolysis of penicillins to 6-aminopenicillanic acid are some examples of the industrial processes, based on immobilized biocatalysts, that are operative at present. These and other processes utilized in the food and the pharmaceutical industries, as well as a number of potentially useful immobilized biocatalysts, which have been investigated on pilot plant or laboratory scale, are discussed in this review. A general development of the engineering aspects of the methods will precede the description of specific applications of immobilized enzymes and microbial cells.