cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface Ultrastructure of Some Tests of Recent Foraminiferida from the Dry Tortugas, Florida

SYNOPSIS. The surface ultrastructure of 10 species of benthic Foraminiferida from the Dry Tortugas, Florida, has been investigated using an electron microscope. Tests of miliolid Foraminiferida appear to be made up of at least 2 distinct layers. An outermost pavement-like layer, consisting of a single layer of calcite rhombohedrons, and an underlying “randomly oriented layer” comprise most of the wall thickness. It was possible to differentiate each miliolid species on the basis of a statistical analysis of calcite rhombs making up the pavement-like layer. Pseudopores were found on the tests of Miliolinella subrotunda (Montagu) and Archaias angulatus (Fichtel and Moll). None of these pseudopores completely penetrated the wall, and all floored in the “randomly oriented layer.” It is believed that these structures are formed at time of calcification, rather than secondarily at some later time. Calcification in Foraminiferida appears to be a biphasic process similar to that found in most other organisms. Groups of crystals were discernible on surfaces of most porcelaneous and “radiate” calcareous species. This suggests that parallel growth of crystals may be an important process in calcification of many Foraminiferida. A sieve-plate was found in a canal paralleling the test's surface in Cymbaloporetta squammosa (d'Orbigny).
Semiconducting Oxide Glasses: General Principle for Preparation

A general principle for the preparation of semiconducting oxide glasses is presented. Some borates, phosphates, and germanates were prepared. The mechanism of electrical conduction was demonstrated to be electronic rather than ionic by (a) the absence of electrolysis, (b) the absence of electromotive force when the glass was used as an electrolyte, and (c) the magnitude of the activation energies for conduction.
The Contraceptive Needs for STD Protection Among Women in Jail

We assessed the contraceptive needs of women in jails and their sexually transmitted disease (STD) history and risk to determine effective contraceptive methods for this population. A survey of demographics, sexual health, contraceptive use, and preferred method of contraception was completed by participants recruited at jails in a medium-sized metropolitan area. Results from 188 women indicated high rates of STDs, inconsistent contraceptive use, and use of unreliable and user-dependent contraception methods. Intended contraceptive use following release varied depending on women’s ability to bear children. Women planning to use condoms after release were more likely to have had an STD and more sexual partners than were women not planning to use condoms. Racial differences were found for participants’ sexual health and contraception histories. These women were at high risk for STDs and appeared to need education about contraception methods. Therefore, they might benefit from education on safe sex practices...
AESTHETIC FORMS OF DATA REPRESENTATION IN QUALITATIVE FAMILY THERAPY RESEARCH

In this article we provide a rationale for using alternative, aesthetic methods of qualitative representation (e.g., creative writing, art, music, performance, poetry) in qualitative family therapy research. We also provide illustrative examples of methods that bring findings to life, and involve the audience in reflecting on their meaning. One problem with such forms of data representation has been that, until recently, there have not been standards with which to evaluate them. We summarize evolving standards and explain when the forms are appropriate and when they are not. We also address issues of legitimacy and conflicting standards held by others.
“At the Time She Was a Man”: The Temporal Dimension of Identity Construction

This article examines the temporal elements of identity construction, drawing parallels between the construction of ethnographic, legal, and personal identities. The article presents a case of transsexual identity, analyzing how people reference a transsexual in order to illuminate the temporal complexity of gendered identity construction and identity in general. The study consists of a micro-analysis of scientists and lawyers talking about transsexuals in and around a legal trial, and offers a model of identity that allows for disjuncture and incongruence over time. It argues that ethnographic and legal accounts of identity rely on a negotiation between coherence and discontinuity.
When Church Teachings and Policy Commitments Collide: Perspectives on Catholics in the U.S. House of Representatives

This article investigates the influence of religious values on domestic social policy-making, with a particular focus on Catholics. We analyze roll call votes in the 109 th Congress and find that Catholic identification is associated with support for Catholic Social Teaching, but both younger Catholics and Republican Catholics are found less supportive. In followup interviews with a small sample of Catholic Republicans, we find that they justify voting contrary to Church teaching by seeing its application to most domestic social issues as less authoritative than Church moral teachings on issues like abortion.
QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF ANTERIOR SEGMENT PARAMETERS IN THE ERA OF IMAGING

Purpose To review the parameters for quantitative assessment of the anterior segment and iridocorneal angle and to develop a comprehensive schematic for the evaluation of angle anatomy and pathophysiology by high-resolution imaging.
A comparison of assimilation results from the ensemble Kalman Filter and a reduced-rank extended Kalman Filter

Abstract. The goal of this study is to compare the performances of the ensemble Kalman filter and a reduced-rank extended Kalman filter when applied to different dynamic regimes. Data assimilation experiments are performed using an eddy-resolving quasi-geostrophic model of the wind-driven ocean circulation. By changing eddy viscosity, this model exhibits two qualitatively distinct behaviors: strongly chaotic for the low viscosity case and quasi-periodic for the high viscosity case. In the reduced-rank extended Kalman filter algorithm, the model is linearized with respect to the time-mean from a long model run without assimilation, a reduced state space is obtained from a small number (100 for the low viscosity case and 20 for the high viscosity case) of leading empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) derived from the long model run without assimilation. Corrections to the forecasts are only made in the reduced state space at the analysis time, and it is assumed that a steady state filter exists so that a faster filter algorithm is obtained. The ensemble Kalman filter is based on estimating the state-dependent forecast error statistics using Monte Carlo methods. The ensemble Kalman filter is computationally more expensive than the reduced-rank extended Kalman filter.The results show that for strongly nonlinear case, chaotic regime, about 32 ensemble members are sufficient to accurately describe the non-stationary, inhomogeneous, and anisotropic structure of the forecast error covariance and the performance of the reduced-rank extended Kalman filter is very similar to simple optimal interpolation and the ensemble Kalman filter greatly outperforms the reduced-rank extended Kalman filter. For the high viscosity case, both the reduced-rank extended Kalman filter and the ensemble Kalman filter are able to significantly reduce the analysis error and their performances are similar. For the high viscosity case, the model has three preferred regimes, each with distinct energy levels. Therefore, the probability density of the system has a multi-modal distribution and the error of the ensemble mean for the ensemble Kalman filter using larger ensembles can be larger than with smaller ensembles.
Factor Analysis via Components Analysis

When the factor analysis model holds, component loadings are linear combinations of factor loadings, and vice versa. This interrelation permits us to define new optimization criteria and estimation methods for exploratory factor analysis. Although this article is primarily conceptual in nature, an illustrative example and a small simulation show the methodology to be promising.
Stability of stationary barotropic modons by Lyapunov's direct method

A new Liapunov stability condition is formulated for the shallow-water equations, using a gage-variable formalism. This sufficient condition is derived for the class of perturbations that conserve the total mass. It is weaker than existing stability criteria, i.e., it applies to a wider class of flows. Formal stability to infinitesimally small perturbations of arbitrary shape is obtained for two classes of large-scale geophysical flows: pseudo-eastward flow with constant shear, and localized coherent structures of modon type.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass improves hepatic mitochondrial function in obese rats.

Abstract Background Obesity-related fatty liver disease is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) regulates mitochondrial function and is a transcriptor of multiple genes that produce antioxidants. Because Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) improves fatty liver and decreases the oxidative stress in the liver, we hypothesized that RYGB activates Nrf2 and increases cytochrome C oxidase subunit II (COX-II) in the liver of obese rats. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks. The obese rats underwent either RYGB (n = 20) or a sham operation (n = 20). The tissues were harvested 13 weeks postoperatively. The nuclear fraction and mitochondrial extracts were used for protein analysis with immunoblotting. Immunostaining was done on liver sections for COX-II, Nrf2, and the macrophage marker ED2 and F4/80. The gels were quantified using densitometry; P ≤ .05 was considered significant. Results RYGB increased COX-II expression in the liver sections (3330 ± 56 versus 2056 ± 37 for RYGB versus sham, P P P Conclusions Diet-induced fatty liver is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. RYGB increases COX-II, which is involved in mitochondrial respiration, and increases the nuclear translocation of the Nrf2 transcriptional factor, which is involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Taken together, these data suggest that surgically induced weight loss is associated with improved mitochondrial function in obese rats.
Hypersonic Aerothermodynamics Analysis Across Nonequilibrium Regimes Using Continuum and Particle Methods

Hypersonic vehicles experience difierent ∞ow regimes during ∞ight due to changes in atmospheric density. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is not physically accurate in areas of highly non-equilibrium ∞ows. The direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method, while physically accurate for all ∞ow regimes, is relatively computationally expensive. In a continuing efiort to understand the performance of CFD and DSMC in hypersonic ∞ows, the current study investigates the efiect of non-equilibrium on surface aerothermodynamic properties (pressure, shear stress and heat transfer rate) of a cylinder in Mach 10 and Mach 25 ∞ows of nitrogen gas for several difierent ∞ow regimes, from the continuum to a rarefled gas. Vibrational relaxation models used in each solution method are compared. CFD (with slip and temperature jump boundary conditions) and DSMC solutions are obtained at each condition. Non-equilibrium between internal energy modes and the translational mode do not have a large efiect on surface property prediction, as total drag and peak heat transfer rate predictions by CFD remain within about 3% and 8%, respectively, of the DSMC predictions for all regimes considered.
Genotype-driven therapies for non-small cell lung cancer: focus on EGFR, KRAS and ALK gene abnormalities

Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) are heterogeneous cancers. In 2004, the identification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) somatic mutations provided the first glimpse of a clinically relevant NSCLC oncogene. Approximately 70% of NSCLCs with EGFR mutations (exon 19 deletions or the exon 21 L858R) attain responses to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) gefitinib and erlotinib, with improved response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS) and in some reports overall survival (OS) when compared with EGFR wildtype (WT) cases. Three randomized trials of gefitinib versus chemotherapy (IPASS, WJTOG3405, NEJ002) in stage IV NSCLC have consistently demonstrated better RR and PFS (hazard ratios of 0.48 [IPASS], 0.49 [WJTOG3405] and 0.30 [NEJ002]) for EGFR-mutated NSCLCs treated with gefitinib. Novel irreversible EGFR TKIs (afatinib, XL647, PF00299804) show similar activity in EGFR-mutated patients. A translocation involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene with EML4, identified in 2007, is the most recent oncogene found in NSCLC. Crizotinib (PF02341066), an ALK TKI, has shown impressive activity against ALK translocated NSCLC in an expanded cohort of a phase I trial (NCT00585195). Over 80 patients have been treated and the RR is ∼60% with the 6-month PFS rate exceeding 70%. A registration phase III trial of crizotinib versus second-line chemotherapy (pemetrexed/docetaxel) is underway (PROFILE 1007, NCT00932893). KRAS, EGFR mutations and ALK translocations are mutually exclusive and few EGFR WT NSCLCs respond to EGFR TKIs. The promising results of EGFR and ALK TKIs in molecular subgroups of NSCLCs herald a new age of drug and clinical trial development for patients with NSCLC.
Formation of binary ion clusters from polar vapours: effect of the dipole-charge interaction

Abstract. Formation of binary cluster ions from polar vapours is considered. The effect of vapour polarity on the size and composition of the critical clusters is investigated theoretically and a corrected version of classical Kelvin-Thomson theory of binary ion-induced nucleation is derived. The model predictions of the derived theory are compared to the results given by classical binary homogeneous nucleation theory and ion-induced nucleation theory. The calculations are performed in wide range of the ambient conditions for a system composed of sulfuric acid and water vapour. It is shown that dipole-charge interaction significantly decreases the size of the critical clusters, especially under the atmospheric conditions when the size of critical clusters is predicted to be small.
Constructing Indigenous Associations: Protocols of Recognition and NAGPRA Compliance

Imagine a world where one’s right to property (including possession of one’s own body parts) is predicated upon having politically powerful relatives. Those who lack such kin are routinely disinterred and scientifically dismembered after death. When their relatives seek to recover their bodies, they encounter bureaucratic reconstructions of their identities. Who would tolerate such injustices? Now, imagine this scenario within the context of the NAGPRA legislation. NAGPRA procedures were intended to remove indigenous ancestral remains from museum control and facilitate their repatriation. Yet, thousands of deceased individuals remain separated from their relatives, trapped by modern constructions of identity and association.
The carbon dioxide leakage from chambers measured using sulfur hexafluoride

Abstract In plant chamber studies, if CO 2 leaking from a chamber is not quantified, it can lead to an overestimate of assimilation rates and an underestimate of respiration rates; consequently, it is critical that CO 2 leakage be determined. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) was introduced into the chambers as a tracer gas to estimate leakage rates. Chamber leakage constants were determined by measuring the rate of decline in SF 6 concentration in the chambers. The leakage in the chambers occurs via pressure differences within the air handler rather than via diffusion through the Teflon film covering the chamber. Consequently, the leakage constant for CO 2 is the same as for SF 6 , i.e. no adjustment for differences in molecular weight is required. The leakage rate for CO 2 averaged 0.26 μmol m −2 s −1 at ambient CO 2 and averaged ∼2.7 μmol m −2 s −1 at elevated CO 2 . The CO 2 leak rate is essentially constant in the chambers despite a diurnally varying ambient concentration; chamber leakage was not correlated with changes in temperature, wind speed, dew point or atmospheric pressure. The results of this study show that SF 6 can be used to estimate chamber leakage with precision and reproducibility and it can be used to estimate the leakage of CO 2 , H 2 O vapor and other gases of interest. The use of SF 6 has the advantage of using a gas for measuring chamber leakage that is not involved in physiological processes.
Measuring Edge Effects on Nest Predation in Forest Fragments: Do Finch and Quail Eggs Tell Different Stories?

Experiments assessing rates of avian nest predation often find that nests near forest edges are at high risk of predation, suggesting the importance of forest fragmentation in recent population declines of ground-nesting passerines. However, the use of quail (Coturnix spp.) eggs in nest predation experiments may confound conclusions about edge effects because only large-mouthed predators are able to consume these relatively large eggs, but both large and small-mouthed predators consume smaller passerine eggs. We directly compared predation rates on artificial nests baited with quail eggs or with zebra finch (Poephila guttata) eggs; the latter are similar in size to the eggs of many neotropical passerines. In 1998 and 1999 we placed 392 artificial ground nests at edge and interior locations in two east-central Iowa forest fragments. Predation on these nests varied with egg type (quail or finch) and location (edge or interior) and there was a significant interaction between egg type and location: predation on quail eggs was greater at edges than in the interior, whereas finch egg predation was high in both edge and interior locations. Based on tooth imprints in clay eggs, we determined that large-mouthed predators were six times more active at edges, whereas activity of small-mouthed nest predators was evenly distributed between edge and interior locations. We suggest that the use of only quail eggs can exaggerate edge effects and that finch eggs or clay eggs used in conjunction with quail eggs in artificial nests can be used to estimate relative predation rates by large- and small-mouthed predators.
Novel susceptibility loci for Alzheimer's disease

Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), a highly prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive deterioration in cognition, function and behavior terminating in incapacity and death, is a clinically and pathologically heterogeneous disease with a substantial heritable component. During the past 5 years, the technological developments in next-generation high-throughput genome technologies have led to the identification of more than 20 novel susceptibility loci for AD, and have implicated specific pathways in the disease, in particular intracellular trafficking/endocytosis, inflammation and immune response and lipid metabolism. These observations have significantly advanced our understanding of underlying pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. This review article summarizes these recent advances in AD genomics and discusses the value of identified susceptibility loci for diagnosis and prognosis of AD.
Felon Reenfranchisement: Political Implications and Potential for Individual Rehabilitative Benefits

This paper examines the ways in which California's practice of disenfranchising felons may undermine both the political process and individual rehabilitation. The paper focuses on California's current disenfranchisement policy as well as potentially beneficial alternatives. Lastly, specific policy recommendations aimed at empowering political minorities and maximizing felon rehabilitation are proposed.
The maize transposable Ds1 element is alternatively spliced from exon sequences.

Abstract The null wx-ml allele contains a 409-bp Dissociation 1 (Ds1) element in exon 9 of the maize waxy (Wx) gene. In the absence of the autonomous Activator (Ac) element, the Ds1 element cannot transpose, and this allele encodes several Wx transcripts that arise following alternative splicing of Ds1 sequences from Wx pre-mRNA. Splicing involves the utilization of three 5' splice sites and three 3' splice sites. All but one of these splice sites are in Ds1 sequences near the ends of the element. The presence of 5' and 3' splice sites near the Ds1 termini and the element's small size and AT richness are features that distinguish Ds1 elements from all other known Ds elements. It is suggested that these features may enhance the ability of Ds1 to function as a mobile intron.
Southern Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Damage to Harvested Almonds in California

Individual Solenopsis xyloni McCook colonies were identified in California almond orchards; additional colonies were excluded for a radius of 9 m around the central colony. Each plot was uniformly covered with newly harvested almonds. Data showed that damage increased proportionally to both increasing density of colonies and the number of days that nuts remained on the ground. Entrances to the colonies moved within a limited area during a 22-day period following nut placement. S. xyloni were most active in the morning and before sunset. When diazinon 14G was applied to control the ants, simulated sprinkler irrigation immediately following application increased the effectiveness of the treatment.
A New Clitocybe From Texas

Pileus usque ad 15 mm latus, convexus mox depressus, demum plano-depressus, tandem elevatus, fibrillosus, siccus, impolitus, gilvus. Lamellae decurrentes, subdistantes, sublatae, pallido-gilvus vel fulvus. Stipes usque ad 15 mm longus et 1.5 mm crassus, deorsum attenuatus, solidus, albido-pubescens, infra cum pileus concolor. Sporae (8-)8.5-11(-12.5) X (4.5-)5-5.5(-6) im. Caulocystidia cylindrica, 4-6 ,um diam. Holotypus legit E. A. Smith, Cisco, Texas, 17 June 1935 (MICH).
Infectivity of Immature Neurons to Zika Virus: A Link to Congenital Zika Syndrome.

Abstract Background Epidemiological data strongly suggest that microcephaly cases in Brazil are associated with the ongoing epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV). In order to further solidify the possible link, we investigated the infectivity of ZIKV using various neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines. Methods Six undifferentiated, two terminally differentiated and two retinoic acid (RA) –induced, partially differentiated cell lines were exposed to ZIKV strain PRVABC59, which is genetically similar to the French Polynesia strain, with 97–100% genetic homology to the current ZIKV strain found in Brazil. All infections were confirmed by real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence assay (IFA) probing with anti-flavivirus E antibody, and evaluation of cytopathic effects. Findings ZIKV infected all six undifferentiated NB cell lines. In five out of six NB cell lines, between 90 and 70% cells were positive by IFA whereas for one cell line, CCL-127, ~80% of cells were positive for ZIKV as determined by IFA but showed persistent infection. Two differentiated cell lines, JFEN and T-268, were highly resistant to ZIKV with Interpretation These findings strengthen the reported association between high incidences of microcephaly and ZIKV infection in newborns in Brazil. Our results suggest that the undifferentiated neurons are highly permissive to ZIKV infection, as one would expect during the early stages of neurogenesis in fetal brains; whereas differentiated neurons, representative of adult brain neurons, are relatively resistant to the virus, which explains the rare occurrence of neurological complications in adults infected with ZIKV. Our studies confirm the neurotropism of the ZIKV strain closely related to the current epidemic in Latin America.
Introduction to Mental Health and Behavior

In recent years, research into the genetics and neurobiology of behavioral and psychiatric disorders changed many of our previous ideas about etiology, clinical symptomatology and treatment. This introduction is an attempt to translate these new findings into the clinical care of individuals with co-occurring psychiatric disorders and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Riveted Hull Joint Design in RMS Titanic and Other Pre—World War I Ships

Beginning with an overview of riveted joint construction, this paper shows that the efficiency of riveted joints in pre-World War I ships decreased as plate thickness increased. In the case of the RMS Titanic, some of the joints involved in the iceberg impact were only about 27% as strong as the plates they connected. A finite element model is used to show how such a joint would respond to the sort of out-of-plane load that the iceberg would have applied. For one possible load configuration, the joint failure is recreated. Finally, although Titanic and her sisters were not built to class, the design of the riveted joints is examined in the context of relevant Lloyd's Register of Shipping Rules.
A Neodymium permanent magnet fault current limiter for use in the FREEDM project

A novel Neodymium (NdFeB) based fault current limiter for the National Science Foundation's FREEDM Project is presented in the paper. The proposed device incorporates a fast mechanical contact switch in parallel with the NdFeB core. The proposed fault current limiter exploits the nonlinear characteristics of the ferromagnetic core. The hysteretic properties of the ferromagnetic core are modeled by the Preisach method of Hysteresis. Finite Element Analysis is performed on the coils of the proposed device and the results are displayed. A low voltage simulation is done to determine the feasibility of the proposed device and to determine the correct operation. The simulations show the NdFeB fault current limiter can limit the potential fault current by the required 50%. Also, harmonic analysis is performed and is determined the NdFeB fault current limiter does not inject any additional harmonics into the FREEDM system.
Low-Income Ethnically Diverse Children's Engagement as a Predictor of School Readiness Above Preschool Classroom Quality

This study examined whether children's observed individual engagement with teachers, peers, and tasks related to their school readiness after controlling for observed preschool classroom quality and children's baseline skills. The sample included 211 predominately low-income, racially/ethnically diverse 4-year-old children in 49 preschool classrooms in one medium-sized U.S. city. Results indicated that children's positive engagement with (a) teachers related to improved literacy skills; (b) peers related to improved language and self-regulatory skills; and (c) tasks related to closer relationships with teachers. Children's negative engagement was associated with lower language, literacy, and self-regulatory skills, and more conflict and closeness with teachers. Effect sizes were small to medium in magnitude, and some expected relations between positive engagement and school readiness were not found.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy in Femoroacetabular Impingement:

Background:Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has become a more commonly recognized cause of limited hip range of motion and hip pain among young adults and athletes. Hip arthroscopy is recommended...
The Problem of Free Will Revisited

This paper concerns the effect that confused thinking has had on the language in which the free-will problem has been framed and discussed in recent philosophy. The thesis of the paper is that this language, this family of interwoven technical terms, has, as a consequence of this confused thinking, been corrupted – has in fact become hopelessly corrupt.
Sparse, Smart Contours to Represent and Edit Images

We study the problem of reconstructing an image from information stored at contour locations. We show that high-quality reconstructions with high fidelity to the source image can be obtained from sparse input, e.g., comprising less than 6% of image pixels. This is a significant improvement over existing contour-based reconstruction methods that require much denser input to capture subtle texture information and to ensure image quality. Our model, based on generative adversarial networks, synthesizes texture and details in regions where no input information is provided. The semantic knowledge encoded into our model and the sparsity of the input allows to use contours as an intuitive interface for semantically-aware image manipulation: local edits in contour domain translate to long-range and coherent changes in pixel space. We can perform complex structural changes such as changing facial expression by simple edits of contours. Our experiments demonstrate that humans as well as a face recognition system mostly cannot distinguish between our reconstructions and the source images.
Structure–property relation of porous poly (l-lactic acid) scaffolds fabricated using organic solvent mixtures and controlled cooling rates and its bio-compatibility with human adipose stem cells:

Thermally induced phase separation method was used to make porous three-dimensional poly (l-lactic acid) scaffolds. The effect of imposed thermal profile during freezing of the poly (l-lactic acid)...
Videodisc Levels: A Case Study in Hardware Obsession

This article reviews a 10 year history of a programmatic line of research on videodisc programs with handicapped and nonhandicapped students in public schools. The review documents a clear trend fr...
The Secretory Component and the J Chain

There are two unique polypeptide chains that may be found in covalent association with immunoglobulins A and M (IgA and IgM). These polypeptides are called the secretory component (SC) and the J chain. While the SC, a large glycoprotein secreted by the lining epithelium of exocrine glands, is the primary distinguishing feature between serum and secretory IgA, the J chain is a small acidic polypeptide that is secreted by the immunocyte itself. The J chain is a characteristic feature of dimeric IgA or polymeric IgM wherever these Ig’s may appear. Although the exact role of the SC and J chain is still obscure, it appears that these polypeptides may serve in the three-dimensional organization or in the transport and distribution of the resulting Ig complexes. Because of the importance of these biological functions, the chemical nature of the SC and J chain and their cooperative interactions with IgA and IgM have been the subject of a number of research investigations. This chapter summarizes the physicochemical data that have been compiled concerning these two unique polypeptides and discusses current understanding regarding their molecular associations with IgA and IgM.
Short communication: The octant of a sphere as a non-degenerate triangular Bézier patch

We construct a symmetric rational quartic map from the standard triangle onto an octant of a sphere. The surface is non-degenerate: all Bezier points are distinct and their associated weights are positive.
Caregiver functioning following early childhood TBI: do moms and dads respond differently?

Introduction Research suggests that pediatric TBI results in injury-related stress and burden and psychological distress for parents. However, existing studies have focused almost exclusively on mothers, so that we know relatively little about the impact of childhood TBI on fathers. Specific aims The aims were to prospectively examine differences in maternal and paternal response to early childhood TBI over time relative to a comparison cohort of mothers and fathers of children with orthopedic injuries (OI). Methods The concurrent cohort/prospective research design involved repeated assessments of children aged 3-6 years with TBI or OI requiring hospitalization and their families. Shortly after injury and at 6, 12, and 18 months post injury, parents of 48 children with TBI (11 severe and 37 moderate) and 89 with OI completed standardized assessments of injury-related stress and burden, parental distress, and coping strategies. Mixed models analyses and Generalized Estimating Equations examined differences in maternal versus paternal burden, distress, and coping over time. The analyses included interactions of parent sex with group (severe TBI, moderate TBI, OI) and time since injury, to examine the moderating effects of injury severity on parental response to injury over time. Results Fathers were more likely than mothers to use denial to cope following moderate and severe TBI, but not OI. Conversely, mothers were more likely to prefer acceptance and emotion-focused strategies than fathers regardless of the type of injury. The use of active coping strategies varied as a function of injury type, parent sex, and time since injury. Fathers reported greater injury-related stress and distress than mothers over time, with pronounced differences in the severe TBI and OI groups. Conclusions Mothers and fathers appear to respond differently following TBI. The different types of responses may serve to exacerbate emerging family dysfunction.
Rare Genomic Deletions and Duplications and their Role in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Copy number variations (CNVs) are deletions and duplications of DNA sequences that vary in length from a few base pairs to several million. While these structural variations are often benign, they can disrupt vital biological functions and result in disease. CNVs have been identified as causal in a number of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs), including but not limited to, autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. Here, we examine CNV research into these disorders, and discuss relevant methodological considerations. By identifying specific rare deletions and duplications, we may be better able to determine the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders and identify appropriate treatments.
Bitcoin Digital Currency and the Block Chain Technology

The term “Bitcoin” conjures up a variety of associations, such as gamers in dark basements, technology enthusiasts in the San Francisco Bay Area, and deceitful, yet highly persuasive “businessmen” involved in Ponzi schemes. Although there is a sense of skepticism surrounding this novel technology, Bitcoin has overcome many negative stereotypes to revolutionize the monetary system. Big names like the New York Stock Exchange and Goldman Sachs have recognized and praised the technology, and an increasing number of businesses like Tesla and Overstock.com are accepting bitcoin. Influential players internationally are endorsing Bitcoin, which validates the notion that Bitcoin—or at least the technology behind it—is not going away any time soon. Unlike the U.S. dollar and most other forms of legal tender, Bitcoin is a decentralized entity that removes the middleman from the equation. Instead of being a part of a system that is often tarnished by greed and human manipulation, Bitcoin is governed by mathematics and encryption processes. Admittedly, there are several issues with Bitcoin, such as its vulnerability to theft and fraud; however, there are many advantages to this currency. A more modern and possibly securer method of payment, Bitcoin is quicker and more economic than the archaic Visa and MasterCard, which were founded in the 1950s and 1960s, respectively, and haven’t been updated since. While Bitcoin will not supplant the U.S. dollar due to an assortment of challenges, Bitcoin holds promise for the future of finance and consumerism. The Bitcoin technology of a block chain has already mobilized many financial institutions to embrace the emerging technology by piloting Bitcoin projects. It is not unrealistic to assume that there is a high potential for a system similar to Bitcoin to replace traditional fiat currency.
Parenting and Human Brain Development

This chapter traces important changes in brain systems between infancy and adulthood. Resting state magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have traced changes in brain networks that support human behavior throughout the life span, and task-related MRI studies have traced changes in networks related to acquired skills. We concentrate on the brain networks involved in language and self-regulation because both are critical skills developing between infancy and later childhood.
15.5 An 800mW Fully Integrated Galvanic Isolated Power Transfer System Meeting CISPR 22 Class-B Emission Levels with 6dB Margin

Industrial field networks play a key role in industrial automation systems. Employing galvanic isolation in the transceivers of such networks has become an essential requisite to guarantee safety and better reliability in harsh industrial environment. For industrial transceivers, isolated power levels between 100mW and 1W are required. Transciever size and cost are also constrained in many industrial applications. However, delivering 100s of mW is challenging for fully integrated solutions without bulky external transformers, and it is also important to control radiated emissions at such power levels. In [1], [2], different ways of implementing fully integrated isolated power links have been proposed. However, they can only deliver 10s of mW, which limits them to low-power applications, e.g., sensor interfaces. Some of the state-of-the-art commercial devices use on-chip transformers made from thick gold traces to deliver 500mW at 33% efficiency [3], but a 4-layer PCB is required to implement a stitching capacitor across the isolation barrier to meet CISPR 22 Class B Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) standards [4]. ln this work, a fully integrated galvanic isolated power transfer system is proposed. By adopting various circuit techniques, 800mW output capability and 34% efficiency is achieved, and component-level emissions are kept low, eliminating the need for costly EMI-mitigation techniques and simplifying the EMI-certification process.
Taxation in Theory and Practice:Selected Essays of George R Zodrow

The 19 articles in this volume include George Zodrow's most important contributions to the theory and practice of taxation. They are organized into five general areas: (1) Optimal tax reform, or an analysis of the best ways to implement tax reforms taking into account transitional problems; (2) Consumption-based taxes, including the economic effects of replacing the current income tax with a progressive consumption tax; (3) Income tax reform in the United States and in developing countries; (4) State and local tax policy, including especially the effects of the local property tax; and (5) Tax competition, using models that are applicable at both the state/local and international levels.
Metabolomics informs common patterns of molecular dysfunction across histologies of renal cell carcinoma

The last 30 years of research in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has revealed that the vast majority of RCC histologies share a recurrent pattern of mutations to metabolic genes, including VHL, MTOR, ELOC, TSC1/2, FH, SDH, and mitochondrial DNA. This has prompted intense study of the consequences of these mutations on cellular metabolism and physiology in vivo by leveraging high-throughput technologies to measure small-molecule metabolites (i.e., metabolomics). The purpose of this review is to give a broad and integrated view on the discoveries made in RCC with metabolomics, and to give a basic understanding of the experimental design of metabolomic studies. Our discussion is organized around five concepts which synthesize discoveries from genomics and metabolomics into the molecular basis of RCC and transcend the different RCC histologies: (1) metabolic phenotypes unique to certain genotypes, (2) mitochondrial dysfunction, (3) the oxidative stress response, (4) epigenetics, and (5) therapy targeted to metabolism. We conclude by proposing several promising lines of investigation that intersect metabolism with emerging ideas in RCC biology.
Concept Design Using Model Based Systems Engineering

The value of analytical modeling when performing concept design cannot be overstated. Using a concurrent engineering process and interconnected analytical tools to estimate system size, mass, power, performance, resilience, and cost, engineers can rapidly develop concepts to perform feasibility assessments and configuration trade studies. Perhaps less clear is of the value of descriptive modeling offered by Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practice applied to concept design. Currently there are precious few examples of acquisition programs implementing MBSE across all life cycle phases, and fewer examples of programs that use it during concept development. Concept developers use analytical tools to analyze candidate systems during this phase, but they also need to deal with other aspects of system design such as mission objectives, system requirements, concept of operations, system architecture, and function allocation. These attributes may all be captured and interconnected in a descriptive system model, which is at the very core of MBSE practice. It is shown here how system developers can create and use such a descriptive system model in conjunction with their analytical concurrent engineering tools to rapidly develop concept designs.
Analysis of patient perceptions of Mohs surgery on social media platforms

This study assessed social media content to improve understanding of patient experiences with Mohs surgery. An initial search of public Instagram posts and tweets tagged with “#mohssurgery” or “@mohssurgery” identified 1692 Instagram posts and 115 tweets, of which 1390 and 94 were eliminated, respectively, given that they did not directly include a patient’s own experience. The team analyzed the posts/tweets for patient gender, timing of post prior to or after their procedure, and classified themes related to patients’ experience with Mohs. Analysis showed that 91.4% of Instagram posts and 75.0% of tweets were published post-Mohs surgery, with the majority made by women. The most common theme on Twitter was updating followers on treatment progress (30.0%) and on Instagram, the most common theme was spreading awareness of skin cancer/encouraging others to protect their skin (18.9%). Other common themes included concern of appearance during recovery process, scars after treatment, and healing progress. Social media has the ability to provide a platform for patients to impart their personal experiences with Mohs surgery performed on skin cancer lesions.
Aromatic Hydrocarbon Detection Using Self-Assembled Monolayer Coated Cantilevers

The presence of toluene and xylene is sensed via surface stress induced deflection of microcantilevers functionalized with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Monolayers are formed on gold coated cantilevers using alkanethiols, mercaptanols, and aromatic thiols. These coatings create a variety of chemical functionalities at the cantilever surface, which impact the interactions between target molecules and the cantilever. The differential responses of the cantilevers are investigated as a means to selectively detect aromatic vapors at parts per thousands (ppth) levels.
A global community or a global waste of time? Content analysis of the Facebook site “Humans of New York”

This paper explores how stories of everyday experiences in urban settings from around the world foster and sustain a community that seemingly transcends national borders. Given that both urban and ...
Hypoparathyroidism in the Differential Diagnosis of Hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia is a commonly encountered metabolic disturbance. To reach an accurate diagnosis in the patient presenting with hypocalcemia, the clinician must judiciously interpret clinical data and laboratory testing. In acute symptomatic hypocalcemia, treatment should be promptly instituted and monitored to control symptoms safely. In patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), hypocalcemia is common, but it is often asymptomatic. Hypocalcemia may not need extensive evaluation or treatment in ICU patients because it frequently resolves as the patient recovers. The etiology includes multiorgan failure, sepsis, multiple transfusions of citrated blood, poor nutrition, magnesium deficiency, low vitamin D status, and hypoalbuminemia. Rarely is there a primary parathyroid or vitamin D disorder at fault. In chronic hypocalcemia in outpatients, the clinician must carefully assess laboratory and clinical parameters to make an accurate diagnosis. In that setting, vitamin D deficiency, resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH) action, or inadequate PTH secretion are the usual culprits. Family screening may be needed as well as genetic testing. Consultation with a pediatric or adult endocrinologist is often essential for long-term management.
“We can’t return to normal”: committing to tourism equity in the post-pandemic age

Tourism transformation must bring an actionable focus on equity. A new normal openly recognizes the crises and tensions inhabiting tourism well before the COVID-19 pandemic along with the holistic ...
Crude Oil Removal using Calotropis procera

Calotropis procera (CP) fiber is a natural and renewable material with great lumen and hydrophobic-oleophilic characteristics, providing it with a good oil absorption capacity. In order to increase the absorption efficiency of organic oils and solvents, CP fiber was treated with either 0.1 M NaOH (CPNaOH), 1% NaClO2 (CPNaClO2), or hydrothermal conditions (CPHT) in an effort to improve its ability to remove crude oil from leaks or spills. The fibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with field emission (SEM-FEG), and wettability for water and diesel. The fibers CPHT, CPNaOH, and CPNaClO2 showed excellent hydrophobic-oleophilic properties and good crude oil absorption capacity in water 99.2 g/g, 103.9 g/g, and 92.0 g/g. The absorption after 60 min for most fibers in dry systems or with a layer of oil floating on water exceeded 90% of its absorption capacity for the time of 1440 min. The CPNaOH after 6 runs absorbed 445.8 g of crude oil per gram of fiber. Based on the results, the treated fibers can be considered an alternative for the removal of oil from leaks and spills due to the high availability and excellent absorption property for various oils.
Touchdown together: Social TV viewing and social presence in a physical co-viewing context

Social TV viewing has changed the way individuals watch television content. Interestingly, individuals still engage with virtual co-viewers in an online space while watching television with others ...