cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ostracism and the law of defamation

Abstract This article compares the classical political institution of ostracism with the modern law of the United States concerning defamation. The classical institution of ostracism was a political tool of very limited scope. In modern society the term “ostracize” generally means to exclude a person from all or some of the benefits of a group. The law of defamation is a rather limited means of protecting an individual's reputation, consequently protecting individuals from being ostracized. The article concludes that United States law concerning defamation is generally inadequate as a means of protection from certain social consequences that resemble ostracism, such as job and educational discrimination. In addition, the article concludes that “the law seems to foster an unarticulated public policy that drifts in accordance with the preferences of individuals who have a great deal of personal or institutional power.”
Intrinsic hardness and mictomagnetism in selected RMn5c (R = rare earth)

Abstract Bulk magnetic properties of selected compounds in the series RMn 5−5c (R = rare earth) are studied. Mictomagnetic properties are pronounced for nonmagnetic or weakly magnetic rare earth analogs, but typical ferromagnetic behavior is seen for Sm analogs. Intrinsic magnetic hardness fields in the latter are quite large relative to their corresponding anisotropy fields, as compared to other typical CaCu 5 analogs. Thus, the strong Mn exchange fluctuations enhance domain wall pinning.
The Master's Degree in HRM: Midwife to a New Profession?

Human resource master's programs lack a consistent identity. No course is required in more than 59.2% of programs, and the two most commonly offered courses are not the courses that managers favor. Part of the variability is from competition among four paradigms. Both HR scholars and HR managers favor greater emphasis on business and change management competencies, with less on technical competencies. But program directors do not anticipate change in program design.
Managing information sharing within an organizational setting: A social network perspective

Information sharing is critical to an organization's competitiveness and requires a free flow of information among members if the organization is to remain competitive. A review of the literature on organizational structure and information sharing was conducted to examine the research in this area. A case example illustrates how a social network approach was used to explore the process of measuring the social structure of an organization and the implementation of change interventions to increase connectivity and manage information sharing. The process of conducting social network analysis is described using the case example. Interventions for increasing information flow are discussed. The authors provide an information-sharing model that demonstrates the various domains of connectivity within an organization at any given state. The benefits of using social network analysis for information sharing and the implications for further research and practice are discussed.
Comments on scheduling parallel iterative methods on multiprocessor systems II

Abstract We present a new parallel implementation of the Gauss-Seidel iteration for solving systems of linear equations, improving the results presented in two recent papers.
Optimization of model observer performance for signal known exactly but variable tasks leads to optimized performance in signal known statistically tasks

Previous work has shown that model observers can be used for automated optimization of human performance in clinically relevant detection tasks where the signal does not vary and is known to the observers (signal known exactly, SKE). In the present study, we investigate whether model observers can be used for automated optimization of a more clinically realistic task in which the signal varies in shape and size from trial to trial and is not known to the observer (signal known statistically, SKS). We specifically test the hypothesis of whether optimizing model observer in a computationally more tractable task in which the signal varies from trial to trial but is known to the observer (Signal known exactly but variable task, SKEV) leads to improved model and human performance in the SKS task. We optimized the JPEG 2000 encoder options to maximize performance of a particular model observer (non-prewhitening with an eye filter; NPWE) for a SKEV task using hybrid test images combining simulated signals and patient x-ray coronary angiograms. We then show that NPWE SKEV optimized JPEG 2000 encoder settings lead to an improved NPWE performance in the clinically more realistic SKS task. A follow up psychophysical study showed that human performance in the SKEV and SKS tasks improved by 18-24 % with the encoder options resulting from NPWE SKEV performance optimization. These findings suggest that model observer performance in the computationally more tractable SKEV task can be used to optimize human performance in the more clinically realistic SKS task using real anatomic backgrounds.
Proton chemical shift tensors in neutral and ionic OH⋯O hydrogen bonds

Abstract Proton nuclear magnetic shielding tensors are calculated for some OH⋯O hydrogen bonds: (H 3 O 2 ) − , (H 2 O) 2 , and (H 5 O 2 ) + . The effects of charge, geometry, and basis set are studied. Agreement with single crystal pulsed NMR experiments is obtained. A linear dependence between the proton chemical shift and the O⋯O separation is observed, correcting a previous misinterpretation of the data.
New strategy for the analysis of phenotypic marker antigens in brain tumor-derived neurospheres in mice and humans.

Object Brain tumor stem cells (TSCs) hypothetically drive the malignant phenotype of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and evidence suggests that a better understanding of these TSCs will have profound implications for treating gliomas. When grown in vitro, putative TSCs grow as a solid sphere, making their subsequent characterization, particularly the cells within the center of the sphere, difficult. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a new method to better understand the proteomic profile of the entire population of cells within a sphere. Methods Tumor specimens from patients with confirmed GBM and glioma models in mice were mechanically and enzymatically dissociated and grown in traditional stem cell medium to generate neurospheres. The neurospheres were then embedded in freezing medium, cryosectioned, and analyzed with immunofluorescence. Results By sectioning neurospheres as thinly as 5 μm, the authors overcame many of the problems associated with immunolabeling whole neurospheres, such...
Evapotranspiration of a Florida, U.S.A., freshwater wetland

Abstract A method for measuring the daily evapotranspiration rate in a central Florida freshwater marsh is described. The method utilized continuous records of water-table elevation in the marsh soil, and related a drop in the water table to evapotranspirative loss. The highest measured daily rate was 1.00 cm day−1, recorded during September 1977. A simple model of evapotranspiration in the marsh was developed and calibrated using concurrent data for evapotranspiration, saturation deficit and aboveground biomass over a 1-yr. period. This model was then used to develop monthly estimates of marsh evapotranspiration for that year. Monthly estimates ranged from 0.12 cm day−1 in February 1978 to 0.56 cm day−1 in May 1978, with a 1-yr. total loss of 131.67 cm. These values were compared with potential evapotranspiration estimates using the Thornthwaite and Linacre methods, and with pan evaporation data for the region.
Signal-averaged electrocardiographic late potentials in resuscitated survivors of out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation

The results of signal-averaged electrocardiography and programmed electrical stimulation were evaluated in 25 patients with recurrent sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) and 46 patients with a history of out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation (VF) to characterize the electrophysiologic substrate responsible for these different clinical arrhythmia presentations. Patients with VT had a higher incidence of late potentials (VT 83%, VF 50%, p = 0.005). Significant differences between these groups were also noted in response to programmed electrical stimulation. A sustained ventricular arrhythmia was induced in 24 of 25 (96%) patients with a history of VT but in only 27 of 46 (59%) of VF patients (p = 0.005). In addition, VF was induced in 11 (24%) patients in the VF group but in none of the patients in the VT group (p = 0.005). When the 2 groups were compared on the basis of select clinical characteristics, no significant difference in age, sex, presence of coronary artery disease or ejection fraction was noted. The frequency of prior myocardial infarction was significantly higher in the VT group (VT 20 of 25, 80%; VF 24 of 46, 52%; p = 0.03). Finally, no significant relation between the presence of late potentials and induced arrhythmias was noted in either group. The inability of signal-averaged electrocardiography to predict inducibility in VF patients may represent a significant limitation of this technique in identifying patients at risk for sudden cardiac death.
Inoculation of hybrid poplar with the endophytic bacterium Enterobacter sp. 638 increases biomass but does not impact leaf level physiology

Endophytic bacteria have been shown to provide several advantages to their host, including enhanced growth. Inoculating biofuel species with endophytic bacteria is therefore an attractive option to increase the productivity of biofuel feedstocks. Here, we investigated the effect of inoculating hard wood cuttings of Populus deltoides Bartr. x Populus. nigra L. clone OP367 with Enterobacter sp. 638. After 17 weeks, plants inoculated with Enterobacter sp. 638 had 55% greater total biomass than un-inoculated control plants. Study of gas exchange and fluorescence in developing and mature leaves over a diurnal cycle and over a 5 week measurement campaign revealed no effects of inoculation on photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic water use efficiency or the maximum and operating efficiency of photosystem II. However, plants inoculated with Enterobacter sp. 638 had a canopy that was 39% larger than control plants indicating that the enhanced growth was fueled by increased leaf area, not by improved physiology. Leaf nitrogen content was determined at two stages over the 5 week measurement period. No effect of Enterobacter sp. 638 on leaf nitrogen content was found indicating that the larger plants were acquiring sufficient nitrogen. Enterobacter sp. 638 lacks the genes for N{sub 2} fixation, therefore the increased availability more » of nitrogen likely resulted from enhanced nitrogen acquisition by the 84% larger root system. These data show that Enterobacter sp. 638 has the potential to dramatically increase productivity in poplar. If fully realized in the production environment, these results indicate that an increase in the environmental and economic viability of poplar as a biofuel feedstock is possible when inoculated with endophytic bacteria like Enterobacter sp. 638. « less
Chapter 5 : Literacy at the Crossroads: Movement, Connection, and Communication With in the Research Literature on Literacy and Cultural Diversity:

Historically and into the present, dominant political interests within discussions of literacy policy have had a narrowing impact on what constitutes legitimate literacy practice. Dominant political interests that affirm prevailing relations of power promote what Royer (1994) refers to as "strong text" literacy characteristics. "Strong text" literacy conceives of literacy as a structurally singular, exclusively written language practice. When mentioned at all, cultural and linguistic diversity are taken up as threats to conceptual coherence. In other words, in the realm of mainstream literacy politics and policy, cultural diversity is seen as marginal, and even detrimental, to effective literacy conception and practice. While conceptions of literacy in mainstream literacy policy discussions rarely acknowledge cultural diversity, concerns involving cultural diversity often underlie the periodic emergence of mainstream efforts to codify literacy instruction and literary study (Buell, 1995; Clifford, 1988; Eagleton, 1983; Gates, 1985; Morrison, 1992; Resnick, 1991; Shannon, 1996; Visnawathan, cited in Buell, 1995; West, 1993; Willinsky, 1990). Scholars have documented historical patterns in both the United States and Britain wherein efforts to codify and implement strong text conceptions of literacy in schools predictably occur at moments when culture, class, and gender diversity are perceived as gaining in social influence. During these historical moments, advocates of "strong text" conceptions of literacy predictably deploy a language of "crisis" (West, 1993) that equates cultural diversity with chaos and a threat to the social order. This "crisis" is politically mitigated by efforts to control the meaning of literacy, particularly through educational policy and school curricula that employ narrowly constructed definitions of literacy and literary interpretation (Resnick, 1991; Shannon, 1989b; West, 1993; Willinsky, 1990). This pattern appears at the very emergence of the discipline of English literature. Visnawathan (1989, cited in Buell, 1995) suggests that English literary study began not, as one might expect, in Britain but in India during much concern over undesired influences of Indian culture upon
Optimizing hybrid photovoltaics through annealing and ligand choice

Photovoltaic devices made from blended cadmium selenide nanocrystals with various capping ligands and poly-3-hexylthiophene were prepared. The effects of capping ligands and annealing conditions were investigated. We find that capping ligands determine morphology/phase separation. Our findings suggest that annealing at temperatures between 105 and 122 °C yield optimized devices. We also report CdSe/P3HT blended devices with an efficiency of 1.8% under illumination by AM1.5D.
Coupling impact of single ended signals to LVDS interface

The speed of general purpose input output (GPIO) continues to increase as more consumer applications utilize “smart” devices. The low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) is often times the highest speed that GPIO interface needs to support in the mixture of different single ended signaling pins. Although LVDS is differential and somewhat immune to direct signal coupling from other signals, it is still subject to coupling through a shared power supply noise. A thorough SSN analysis between single ended to differential signals is presented in this paper. To help designing GPIO systems, we have considered different single ended signaling types such as SSTL, LVTTL, etc.
A Comparison of High-Energy Events in the Quiet Sun with Solar Flares

Observations of high-speed coronal clouds (OSO-7), flare ejecta (Skylab) and high-energy jets (HRTS) are compared. It is possible that the same physical mechanism — an expanding loop — which is responsible for the high speed jets (400 km sec−1, 2.5 x 1026 ergs) can also account for the high-speed coronal clouds (1300 km sec−1, 4 x 1030 ergs), which were correlated with a flare-connected spray. Field strength of 15 gauss and 2500 gauss are required for the jets and the sprays, respectively.
Reproductive and maternal health in the post-2015 era: cervical cancer must be a priority.

Ruby Singhrao and colleagues propose four arguments for why cervical cancer screening and treatment should be prioritized. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary
Continuum Modeling of Granular Media

Author(s): Goddard, JD | Abstract: This is a survey of the interesting phenomenology and the prominent regimes of granular flow, followed by a unified mathematical synthesis of continuum modeling. The unification is achieved by means of "parametric" viscoelasticity and hypoplasticity based on elastic and inelastic potentials. Fully nonlinear, anisotropic viscoelastoplastic models are achieved by expressing potentials as functions of the joint isotropic invariants of kinematic and structural tensors. These take on the role of evolutionary parameters or "internal variables," whose evolution equations are derived from the internal balance of generalized forces. The resulting continuum models encompass most of the mechanical constitutive equations currently employed for granular media. Moreover, these models are readily modified to include Cosserat and other multipolar effects. Several outstanding questions are identified as to the contribution of parameter evolution to dissipation; the distinction between quasielastic and inelastic models of material instability; and the role of multipolar effects in material instability, dense rapid flow, and particle migration phenomena. Copyright © 2014 by ASME.
Effects of an odonate predator and habitat complexity on survival of the flagfishJordanella floridae

Hydrologic variability affects the development of predator populations in freshwater marsh systems, with predatory fishes typically predominating in permanently inundated marshes and predatory insects predominating in ephemeral marshes. The ability of larger predatory fishes to control the abundance of small fishes is fairly well understood, whereas control of fish populations by predatory insects has not been well studied. To address this gap in our understanding of marsh food web dynamics, we exposed groups of flagfishJordanella floridae to larvae of the widely distributed dragonflyAnax junius. We also examined how habitat complexity affected the foraging efficiency ofA. junius larvae. Dragonfly larvae reduced survival of flagfish by 40% during a ten-day experiment. Survival rates did not differ between simple and complex habitats. These results suggest that predatory insects could play an important role in regulating populations of small fishes in marsh systems that lack larger predatory fishes. Further, unlike many predatory fishes, there does not seem to be a significant decrease in the foraging efficiency ofA. junius in complex habitats.
Dewey and Video Games: From Education through Occupations to Education through Simulations

Critics like Leonard Waks argue that video games are, at best, a dubious substitute for the rich classroom experiences that John Dewey wished to create and that, at worst, they are profoundly miseducative. Using the example of Fate of the World, a climate change simulation game, David Waddington addresses these concerns through a careful demonstration of how video games can recapture some of the lost potential of Dewey's original program of education through occupations. Not only do simulation games realize most of the original goals of education through occupations, but they also solve some of the serious practical problems that Dewey's curriculum generated. Waddington concludes the essay with an analysis of Waks's critiques and some cautionary notes about why it is important to be temperate in our endorsement of educational video gaming.
Examining sexual orientation disparities in alcohol misuse among women veterans

Background Alcohol misuse is a significant health concern among women veterans, especially among lesbian and bisexual veterans. Mediators that might explain alcohol disparities between heterosexual and sexual minority veterans have not yet been identified. Purpose To examine the role of civilian and military traumas and mental health symptoms (i.e., depression, post-traumatic stress disorder) in explaining sexual orientation disparities in alcohol misuse between sexual minority and heterosexual women veterans across the U.S. Methods Women veterans were recruited using Internet methods to participate in an online, anonymous, national survey (N=699, 37% lesbian or bisexual) from February to May 2013. Path analysis was used to examine a model wherein sexual orientation both directly and indirectly predicted alcohol misuse through trauma exposures and mental health symptoms. Data were analyzed in November 2013. Results Findings indicated significant disparities in alcohol misuse among women veterans by sexual orientation, with indirect effects via childhood trauma, physical victimization in adulthood both during the military and as a civilian, and depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Conclusions Lesbian and bisexual women veterans reported higher rates of some trauma exposures and mental health symptoms than their heterosexual counterparts, partly accounting for their higher rates of alcohol misuse. Interventions that attend to both victimization and drinking among this population are needed, as well as future research that addresses other factors influencing alcohol misuse.
Convenient synthesis of nucleoside 5'-triphosphates for RNA transcription.

By generating a selective phosphitylating reagent in situ, nucleoside 5′-triphosphates can be conveniently synthesized in one pot. This novel strategy without nucleoside protection has been developed to largely simplify synthesis of the nucleoside triphosphates. This demonstrated principle can be applied to the 5′-triphosphate synthesis of both native and modified nucleosides.
Rhodium Phosphite Clusters as Hydrosilylation Catalysts

The activity of rhodium phosphite complexes as catalyst precursors for hydrosilylation reactions has been investigated. These are found to be active for a wide variety of organic substrates. Both hydride clusters, [RhH[P(OR3)}2]n and chloride dimers, [RhCl{P(OR)3}2]2 (R = methyl or o-tolyl) were evaluated. The hydrosilylation of 1-hexyne by triethylsilane was investigated as a function of phosphite:rhodium ratio and also with various phosphites as ligand.
Novel therapeutic targets for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious public health problem. It is now estimated to affect 30% of adults and about 10% of children in the U.S. Hispanics are disproportionably affected with not only higher rates of NAFLD but also more severe disease. Treatment options are currently limited. Areas covered: In this review, we will focus on a series of novel findings related to the pathobiology of liver damage in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that are attractive targets for development of novel therapeutic strategies for human NASH. In particular, we will discuss four different areas due to their novelty and growing importance including microparticles, the inflammasomes, gut-liver axis and dietary lipids. Expert opinion: There is an urgent need to develop novel safe and effective therapies for the growing NAFLD epidemic. The data discussed in this article provide strong rational to think out of the box when considering novel therapeutic targets for patients with NAFLD.
Prolactin stimulation of prolactin receptors in rat liver.

Abstract Hypophysectomy of the female rat results in a loss of prolactin receptors from the liver. Seventy percent of specific prolactin binding is lost within 24 hours; by 48 hours receptor levels are less than 5% of those found in livers from intact rats. A single dose of ovine prolactin to hypophysectomized rats causes a partial restoration of prolactin receptors between 12 and 18 hours after injection. As little as 0.5 mg prolactin significantly increases receptors, while doses above the 2 mg optimum are apparently less effective. These restored receptor sites are unaltered in their affinity for prolactin. Estradiol (E2), progesterone, hydrocortisone, triiodothyronine (T3) or E2 plus T3 could not mimic the prolactin effect. Neither combinations of prolactin with E2 or T3 nor repeated daily injections of prolactin alone increase receptors more than does a single prolactin injection. It appears that prolactin modulates the level of its own receptor in rat liver.
Virginal Facades: Sexual Freedom and Guilt among Young Turkish Women

Charged with personal, societal and legal significance, the hymen, as a fold of flesh, has the power to rule the sexual identities of unmarried women in Turkey. This article examines the forms and associated meanings of contemporary challenges to virginity rules among educationally advantaged, upwardly mobile young women. The article demonstrates that in the process of negotiating often contradictory expectations of their sexual behavior, young women cultivate purposefully ambiguous identities related to their state of virginhood. The author calls these identities ` virginal facades' and explores their complex and contradictory implications. The author highlights an important normative shift from a focus on the physical reality of virginity to a focus on the moral expression of virginity, and emphasizes the intricate connection between social class and women's sexuality experienced by some young women as sexual guilt.
Pregnancy among American Indian adolescents: reactions and prenatal care.

Abstract Purpose: Adolescent childbearing is twice as common among Native Americans as among all US races combined. Despite this, little is written about the psychosocial context or prenatal care of pregnant Native American adolescents. The objective of this study was to explore the reactions and prenatal care of Navajo and Apache adolescents delivering infants at Shiprock Indian Hospital, New Mexico, between January and March 1991, and Whiteriver Indian Hospital, Arizona, between May and June 1991. Methods: Of the 25 eligible adolescents aged 19 years and younger, 15 Navajo and 5 Apache participants were interviewed within 24 hours of delivery. The interview consisted of 121 questions divided into 5 areas: sociode-mographics, personal and family reactions to the pregnancy, knowledge and attitudes toward prenatal care, barriers to care, and ways to improve access to care. Results: The mean age was 17.4 ± 1.1, 6 were married, and 13 were primiparous. According to the Maternal Health Services Index, 5 adolescents received adequate, 13 intermediate, and 2 inadequate prenatal care. During the pregnancy, 3 adolescents used tobacco, 3 used alcohol, and none admitted to other drugs. Although only 1 adolescent planned the pregnancy, 15 were not using contraception when they became pregnant. In exploring reactions to the pregnancy, 13 adolescents were afraid to tell their families and 4 concealed the pregnancy until confronted. During the pregnancy, 7 adolescents described loneliness and 6 expressed suicidal ideation. Although over half reported no barriers to obtaining prenatal care, barriers that were noted by the remainder included transportation, family problems, and missing school. Conclusion: We conclude that pregnancy among many American Indian adolescents is unplanned and characterized by uncertainty and fear of disclosure, resembling the reactions to pregnancy of other adolescent populations. Furthermore, despite universal access to health services, many American Indian adolescents continue to experience barriers to care and receive intermediate or inadequate prenatal care. These preliminary findings suggest further research may help clarify how adolescent reactions to pregnancy and knowledge of prenatal care affect health care utilization.
Bone Sodium and Na22 Exchange Relation to Water Content.

Summary1) A study of marrow-free bone in a number of mammals reveals that sodium content is inversely related to water content. This relationship holds for a number of skeletal sites, and for dental structures. 2) Studies of 2 species with aberrant serum sodium values suggests that bone sodium content also varies, in direct fashion, with serum sodium content. 3) Radiosodium exchangeability of bone is also a function of bone water content.
Heterologous isolates challenge of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, immune to Edwardsiella ictaluri

Abstract It is generally believed that channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus , immunized with one isolate of Edwardsiella ictaluri would be protected against different isolates of E. ictaluri . In this study six different isolates of E. ictaluri cultured from channel catfish having enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) and one isolate from the walking catfish, Clarius batrachus , were evaluated for cross protection. Channel catfish immunized by live exposure with isolate EILO were significantly protected against ESC following challenge with E. ictaluri isolates EILO, ATCC-33202, S-94-1017, S-94-629 and AL-93-75, but not against isolate AL-93-58. Immunization with isolates AL-93-75, EILO, AL-93-58, S-94-1017 and S-94-629 induced protection against AL-93-75. Immunization with isolates ATCC-33202 and S-94-1051 did not induce protection against AL-93-75. Channel catfish immunized with two isolates EILO and AL-93-58 (together) were protected upon challenge with the isolates AL-93-75, EILO, AL-93-58 and S-94-1017. Challenge of EILO and AL-93-58 immunized fish with ATCC-33202 resulted in partial protection. These results show that differences exist between E. ictaluri isolates in their ability to induce protective immunity against ESC. Catfish immunized at 26 °C and held at 18 °C remain protected against heterologous challenge for four months. These findings are important to the development of efficacious ESC vaccines.
Effect of Preslaughter Events on Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in Market-Weight Turkeys

The effects of events which occur prior to slaughter, such as loading, transport, and holding at an abattoir, on the prevalence of Campylobacter species, including Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, were examined. Cloacal swabs from market-weight turkeys in each of five flocks were obtained on a farm prior to loading (time 1; 120 swabs per flock) and after transport and holding at the abattoir (time 2; 120 swabs per flock). A statistically significant increase in the overall prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was observed for cloacal swabs obtained from farm 3 following transport (P < 0.01). At time 2, an increase in the prevalence of C. coli was also noted for cloacal swabs from farms 3, 4, and 5 (P < 0.01). Neither the minimum time off of feed nor the distance transported from the farm to the abattoir was correlated with the increase in C. coli prevalence. Similarly, responses to an on-farm management questionnaire failed to detect any factors contributing to the observed changes in Campylobacter sp. prevalence. A SmaI macrorestriction analysis of Campylobacter sp. isolates recovered from flock 5 indicated that C. coli was more diverse than C. jejuni at both time 1 and time 2 (P < 0.01), based on a comparison of the Shannon indices of diversity and evenness.
Decentralized predictive thermal control for buildings

Abstract This paper studies the problem of decentralized control design for thermal control in buildings, to achieve a satisfactory trade-off between underlying performance and robustness objectives. An output-feedback, model predictive framework is used for decentralized control which is based on a reduced order system representation. It entails the use of decentralized extended state observers to address the issue of unavailability of all states and disturbances. The decision on control architecture selection is based on an agglomerative clustering methodology developed previously [22] . The potential use of the proposed control design methodology is demonstrated in simulation on a multi-zone building, which quantifies the tradeoffs in performance and robustness with respect to the degree of decentralization.
High resolution transmission electron microscopic observation of β-Sn thin films

Abstract Thin films of β-Sn were studied by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Diffraction patterns and experimental images agreed with those calculated on the basis of the known crystal structure of β-Sn. By matching the observed images to those calculated, the thicknesses of the films were estimated. Defects were observed as illustrated by a high resolution image of a [100] tilt grain boundary (Σ = 13, θ = 27°). The 20 nm thick films were found to be covered by a carbonaceous deposit. The presence of small clusters of β-Sn in the amorphous contamination layers covering the films was also revealed by HRTEM and by their conversion into SnO2 particles in the electron beam.
Health Care Disparities in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Treatment of colorectal carcinoma remains challenging, especially in patients with recurrent or metastatic disease. Despite advances in screening and treatment of this cancer, health care disparities remain one of the major yet amendable factors that can lead to differences in outcomes. As clinicians, we need to be aware of such disparities to better tailor our screening and treatment interventions for our patients. Knowing that socioeconomic status, educational status, and personal beliefs contribute to racial disparities in this disease, as clinicians we should strive to know our patients and their beliefs to help minimize this discrepancy. Additionally, we need to maintain and advance our knowledge by keeping up with all clinical and translational research in the field and create strategies to increase enrollment of racial minorities in clinical trials. While conventional chemotherapies continue to play a vital role, it is becoming more and more evident that treatment strategies need to be personalized. Understanding the molecular biology of cancer has changed the landscape of new therapies. Future research needs to be directed towards understanding genetic, biological, and pharmacogenetic and genomic contributors to the development of disease and treatment responses.
Overall similarity and the identification of separable-dimension stimuli: a choice model analysis.

Two subjects identified a set of perceptually confusable stimuli varying along two continuous, separable dimensions. The data were analyzed using various restricted versions of the similarity choice model (Luce, 1963; Shepard, 1957). In the main version, the multidimensional scaling approach to modeling similarity was applied and yielded excellent quantitative accounts of the identification data. A surprising result was that the Euclidean metric provided a far better description of psychological distance relationships than the city-block metric, a finding that contrasts with virtually all previous conclusions regarding the appropriate Minkowski r-metric for separabledimension stimuli. Possible reasons for the discrepancy between the present findings and previous conclusions are considered in the General Discussion section, with Shepard’s (1964) seminal study examined in depth. In an initial theoretical section, it is also shown that, for factorial stimulus sets, a choice model in which subjects identify values along each component dimension independently is a special case of the full choice model in which overall similarity relationships among stimulus wholes determine identification performance.
Assessment of Aortic Coarctation and Collateral Circulation By Biplane Transesophageal Echocardiography

Our experience in using biplane transesophageal echocardiography in the assessment of coarctation of the aorta is described.
ICP emission spectra III: The spectra of the group IIIA elements and spectral interferences due to group IIA and IIIA elements

The spectra of the group IIIA elements observed in an ICP have been tabulated in the wavelength range from 1995 to 6005 A. These spectra have been compared to a list of those analytical lines most commonly used for the 71 elements analyzed for by an ICP. The results of these comparisons have been used to develop spectral interference tables which predict those spectral interferences due to the group IIIA elements in ICP spectroscopy. In addition, the spectral interferences due to the alkaline earth elements have been included.
Seedling Development and Deposition of Starch and Storage Proteins in Alfalfa Roots

The physiological basis for defoliation tolerance in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is associated with taproot organic reserves, including soluble sugars, starch, and vegetative storage protein (VSP). It is not known when organic reserve accumulation begins in developing seedlings or the factors that influence their deposition. The objectives of three greenhouse experiments were to determine (i) the onset of starch and VSP accumulation in roots of alfalfa seedlings, (ii) if N fertilization of seedlings stimulated root VSP deposition, and (iii) if seedling defoliation tolerance is associated with the presence of root organic reserves. In Exp. 1, roots and shoots of 'Vernal', 'Resistar', and 'WL 605' were sampled periodically beginning 19 d after planting (DAP) to determine the developmental pattern of starch and VSP deposition in roots. In Exp. 2, normal and ineffective nodulating 'Saranac' was grown with or without 10 mM N to determine if applied N stimulates early VSP deposition. In Exp. 3, alfalfa seedlings were completely defoliated (including cotyledons) 14, 28, 42, and 56 DAP, and shoot regrowth and seedling survival were used to measure defoliation tolerance. In all experiments, starch, soluble sugars, protein, and VSP concentrations in roots were determined. Root starch and VSP concentrations were low up to 30 DAP. Starch and VSP accumulation began by 39 DAP and coincided with declining root protein and soluble sugar concentrations. Addition of N increased herbage growth but did not stimulate early VSP deposition. In Exp. 3, =80% of seedlings survived complete defoliation 14, 42, and 56 DAP, while only 52% survived defoliation 28 DAP. Roots contained low starch and VSP concentrations 14 and 28 DAP. Although seedling survival 42 and 56 DAP was associated with presence of starch and VSP in seedling roots, defoliation tolerance of alfalfa seedlings 14 DAP appears to be influenced by factors other than root starch and VSP concentrations.
Assessing the functional status of hospitalized children

As child death continues to decline with advancements in biomedical science and medical technology, nonfatal outcomes such as morbidity, functional status, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) gain greater significance. In this issue of Pediatrics Electronic Pages , Pollack et al1 describe the development and validation of the functional status scale (FSS) to assess functional status among hospitalized children. The FSS was created by a multidisciplinary group of professionals using data from hospitalized children under 18 years, other than preterm infants, with a high risk for functional disabilities. These children included survivors of intensive care, technology-dependent children, and non–intensive care patients with conditions regarded as at high risk for functional disability, such as seizure disorder. Functional status is a child's ability to perform daily activities that are essential to meet basic needs, fulfill roles, and maintain health and well-being.2 Child health services researchers investigate complex phenomena (hypothetical constructs) by measuring observable indicators of such phenomena with the aid of specific tools.3 … Address correspondence to Fola Odetola, MD, University of Michigan, Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, F6884 Mott/0243, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. E-mail: fodetola{at}med.umich.edu
The Reliability of a Profile

The problem of the unreliability of a single scale, test, or inventory has an extensive literature, while discussion regarding the reliability of a profile or battery of measurements cannot be found. A profile exists when an individual has been scored or rated on two or more measures. Unreliable profiles impose the difficulty that ordinal and interval relations among the individual's scores become uncertain or unstable. A profile reliability coefficient r,,(K) is derived to estimate the relative expected extent of this ordinal and interval "inversion" for any profile of K measures.
Electrodynamics in a Rotating System of Reference

Abstract The usual definition of electric and magnetic field intensities (E and H) in a non-inertial coordinate system is not unique. A system of reference is here newly defined as a continuous, three dimensional distribution of observers, with each of which a frame of reference (orthonormal tetrad) is associated. The fields E and H in such a reference system will always be given by the same physical measurements as determine these quantities in an inertial system, once the effect of inertial (“fictitious”) forces has been subtracted out. A rotating reference system is strictly defined, and it is shown that E and H in this system are related to the corresponding quantities in an inertial system by a special Lorentz transformation with velocity ν = ω × r, where ω is the angular velocity of the rotating system as observed from an inertial system. The field equations in the rotating reference system are given. The angular velocity measured by local experiments by an observer in the rotating system is found to be Ω = ω (1 − r 2 ω 2 /c 2 ) −1 .
Observation of Cosmic Acceleration and Determining the Fate of the Universe

Current observations of type-Ia supernovae provide evidence for cosmic acceleration out to a redshift of $z\ensuremath{\lesssim}1$, leading to the possibility that the universe is entering an inflationary epoch. However, inflation can take place only if vacuum energy (or other sufficiently slowly redshifting source of energy density) dominates the energy density of a region of physical radius $1/H$. We argue that, for the best-fit values of ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0.8$ and ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{m}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0.2$ inferred from the supernovae data, one must confirm cosmic acceleration out to at least $z\ensuremath{\simeq}1.8$ to infer that our portion of the universe is inflating. If ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}l0.736$ then no present-day measurement can confirm or falsify that inference.
Adding two school age children: Does it change quality in family child care?

Abstract One hundred randomly selected family child care homes were observed prior to their intention to enroll two additional school age children. The average environmental rating score (FDCERS) was 3.81, indicating minimal quality. Custodial rather than developmentally appropriate activities were predominant. Six months after the first visit, only 28 providers had enrolled additional school age children; 10 more providers had enrolled additional children sporadically over the previous 6 months but did not have the additional children currently enrolled. The 28 providers with enrolled children were revisited. Providers were similar in environmental quality scores before and after adding the two additional school age children but were rated as less sensitive on the post-enrollment visit than on the pre-enrollment visit. Provider and children's activities were similar on the two visits.
An examination of failure strength in [0/±60] laminates under biaxial stress

Abstract Reliable criteria for predicting failure of fibre composite laminates are necessary for rational analysis and design. The lack of experimental data, particularly under multiaxial stress conditions, has hampered the selection of these criteria. A study of failure in tubular specimens composed of AS4/3501-6 carbon/epoxy laminates was carried out, using loadings of internal pressure and axial force to vary the states of stress. The results showed that laminate failure could be based on predicted fibre failure in a critical ply. The maximum fibre direction strain was found to correlate the failure stresses within the variability of the data. This finding is consistent with previous results on other laminates.
Structural requirements for ochratoxin intoxication

Abstract The toxicity of several ochratoxin derivatives and the apparent dissociation constant of the phenolic hydroxyl group in these derivatives have been studied. Ochratoxin C failed to induce toxic effect after the phenolic hydroxyl group was chemically modified. A direct correlation between the dissociation constant for the phenolic hydroxyl group and the acute toxicity was found. It is suggested that the phenolic group in the dissociated form is necessary for orchatoxin intoxication.
Stimulation of photosynthesis by carbonyl compounds and chelators.

Abstract A number of carbonyl compounds including bicarbonate, ethylene carbonate, dimethylcarbonate, propylene carbonate, bis-pentamethylene urea, and glycidol, and several chelators were tested for their effect on photosynthetic reactions in isolated spinach chloroplasts. It was found that carbonyl compounds inhibited the DCMU-insensitive silicomolybdate reduction by photosystem II but stimulated the O 2 evolution associated with ferricyanide reduction in presence of DBMIB and the H 2 O→methylviologen reaction. Many chelators behaved in the same manner except 1,10-phenanthroline which shows the opposite effect. The carbonyl compounds did not uncouple because they stimulated the proton gradients associated with noncyclic photophosphorylation, whereas some chelators, such as bathocuproine or bathophenanthroline inhibited the proton gradients 100%. Electron transport in presence of ADP and inorganic phosphate showed a stimulation of rates beyond that obtained in presence of an uncoupler. The data are discussed in terms of inhibition of cyclic electron flow around PS II which leads to increased electron transport rates toward PS I.
Folding of a Tryptophan Zipper Peptide Investigated on the Basis of the Nuclear Overhauser Effect and Thermal Denaturation

Short, secondary-structure-containing peptides are suitable models for the study of protein folding due to their relative simplicity. Here, we investigate thermal denaturation of the tryptophan zipper peptide, trpzip4, a peptide that forms a β-hairpin in solution. In order to monitor the thermal denaturation of peptides or small proteins, chemical shift values of H(α) or H(N) may be used. However, various factors other than secondary structure can influence chemical shift values, such as side-chain orientation of nearby aromatic residues. Nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) intensity from backbone interproton cross peaks is an alternative way to study thermal denaturation, as long as various factors that give rise to a change in NOE intensity upon changing the temperature are considered. As a relative indicator for denaturation, we define a cutoff temperature, where half of the initial NOE intensity is lost for each backbone interproton cross peak. For trpzip4, this cutoff temperature is highest for residues in the central part of the structure and lowest for residues near the termini. These observations support the notion that the structure of the trpzip4 peptide is stabilized by a hydrophobic cluster formed by tryptophan residues located in the central region of the β-hairpin.
1-(2,3-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (2,3-MDA): A preliminary investigation

Abstract 1. Rats trained to discriminate saline from either (+)-amphetamine, (±)-DOM, or (±)-3,4-MDA in a two-lever drug discrimination paradigm were administered doses of a novel positional isomer of 3,4-MDA, i.e. 2,3-MDA. 2. The novel isomer produced neither amphetamine-appropriate nor DOM-appropriate responding: the 3,4-MDA stimulus did, however, generalize to 2,3-MDA.
Local Resident Perceptions of Border Security Dynamics: Are Citizens Safe or Intimidated?

The purpose of this paper was to explore perceptions of border security amongst residents of Grand Island, New York, living on the Canada-United States U.S. border N194. The author found that perceptions of border security issues have softened a bit since the 2006 survey. In 2006, there were generally heightened feelings that the border between Canada and the U.S. along the Niagara River was a dangerous place. The author's 2012 survey reveals that fewer people feel as strongly about the subject as they did in 2006. In 2012, many men shifted from the strongest feelings that the border was not very dangerous 5 to a more muted not dangerous 4. Many men shifted to their perception of this border region as slightly more dangerous than in 2006. Women, many of whom felt that the border was dangerous, shifted to a more muted neutral or softer position. Women were found to have changed their personal safety habits more frequently than men.