cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Active-site heterogeneity in Limulus hemocyanin as revealed by reaction with peroxides.

Abstract Previously reported differences in the reactivities toward active-site ligands such as hydrogen peroxide indicate that the active-site geometries of the arthropod and mollusc hemocyanins are significantly different. Results are presented which demonstrate that the purified subunits composing the native hemocyanin of an arthropod show comparable active-site heterogeneity. Neither whole nor stripped samples of Limulus oxyhemocyanin are completely oxidized by reaction with hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, the addition of hydrogen peroxide to deoxy or completely oxidized samples causes partial regeneration to the oxy form. This behavior is most pronounced for one of the five major chromatographic fractions, Zone III, which retains greater than 60% of its copper-oxygen absorbance band when treated with hydrogen peroxide. Zone III is composed of three subunits (IIIA, IIIB, and IIIB′). With excess hydrogen peroxide, the deoxy and oxidized forms of Subunit IIIA can be completely regenerated to a fully functional oxy state, while Subunits IIIB and IIIB′ are less than 30% regenerated. Upon long-term storage, Subunit IIIA slowly loses 340 nm absorbance, an aging process that can be reversed by hydrogen peroxide. These features of Subunit IIIA, that set it apart from other subunits of the 48-member ensemble of intact Limulus hemocyanin, are typically exhibited by mollusc hemocyanins rather than arthropod hemocyanins. These findings clearly illustrate that significantly different active-site geometries can occur within a single type of metalloprotein and suggest that comparisons between the various Limulus subunits and Subunit IIIA may prove valuable in unraveling the structural basis for the disparity in the chemical reactivity exhibited by hemocyanins of different species.
Sensitivity and relative error analyses of soot temperature and volume fraction determined by two-color LII

The sensitivity and relative sensitivity of soot temperature and soot volume fraction inferred from the two-color laser-induced incandescence technique to different variables were systematically investigated to quantitatively understand how the detection wavelengths affect the behavior of the detection system. The effects of signal shot noises on the derived soot temperature and soot volume fraction were also analyzed. The detection wavelengths are in general between about 400 nm for the lower band and near infrared for the upper one. Numerical calculations were conducted for seven detection wavelength selections commonly used in two-color laser-induced incandescence experiments reported in the literature. To achieve a better accuracy for soot temperature and volume fraction measurements, it is desirable to use a shorter lower detection wavelength and a longer upper detection wavelength in the spectral range of about 400 nm to near infrared. The lower detection wavelength has a stronger impact on the detection system performance than the upper one. The sensitivity and shot noise analyses are valuable tools to assess the relative performance of different detection wavelengths and should be used in combination with other considerations to design an optimal detection system in a two-color laser-induced incandescence experiment.
Designing the user interface of a data collection instrument for the consumer price index

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects data for a variety of economic indicators. To make data collection more efficient, BLS has been developing Computer-Assisted Data Collection (CADC) instruments for many of these indicators. We recently deployed a CADC instrument for the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI is the most widely used measure of inflation and a leading economic indicator in the U.S. This paper describes the development process we used and how we overcame the challenges we faced.
Infrared Spectra, Structure, and Bonding of the GeH3—CrH, HGe≡MoH3, and HGe≡WH3 Molecules in Solid Neon and Argon

Laser ablated chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten atoms react with germane during condensation in excess noble gases. The chromium reaction stopped at the germyl metal hydride, molybdenum gave some hydride but mostly germylidyne, and tungsten reacted spontaneously to give only the germylidyne species. These molecules were identified by isotopic shifts, density-functional theory product energy and frequency calculations, and comparison to the analogous methane and silane reaction products. Effective bond orders for the HGe≡MoH3 and HGe≡WH3 molecules are 2.82 and 2.87 using the B3LYP density functional, and are slightly lower than their silicon and carbon analogues. Our calculated Ge≡M triple bond lengths for these simple trihydride complexes are 0.05 to 0.10 A shorter than those measured for larger group 6 organometallic complexes.
Quantitation of MoMuLV Envelope Protein on the Cell Surface

The envelope glycoprotein (Env) of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMuLV) is proteolytically processed and transported to the cell surface where it can be incorporated into budding virions. Cell surface Env is frequently detected using an indirect immunofluorescence assay and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). We found that the detection of Env in this manner requires the expression of the MoMuLV receptor (ATRC-1) on the cell surface, and the level of envelope protein detected correlates with the level of receptors expressed on the cell. In addition, Env detection corresponds to the Env protein's ability to bind to its receptor and can be competed out by the addition of a truncated form of the Env protein. These data suggest that Env detected on the cell surface by the FACS assay is protein that has rebound to its receptor after being secreted or shed, rather than actual surface-expressed protein. In contrast, a combined immunoprecipitation and biotinylation assay detected equal amounts of Env on the surface of both receptor-lacking and receptor-expressing cell lines. The immunoprecipitation-biotinylation assay is therefore a more appropriate method for detecting surface expression of the MoMuLV envelope protein.
Effect of Dy and Co substitutions on the spin-reorientation phenomena in Tm2Fe14B alloys

Abstract Partial substitution of Fe by Co atoms (up to x = 4) in Tm2Fe14−xCoxB alloys results in an increase of spin-reorientation temperature. This is believed to be due to a change in the magnetocrystalline anisotropy from a plane to an easy axis with increasing temperature. In contrast, gradual replacement of Tm by Dy results in a marked decrease in the spin-reorientation temperature. This is attributed to the stronger crystal field interaction in Dy-rich systems. Both Co and Dy substitutions in Tm2Fe14B enhance the magnetic ordering temperature. A magnetic phase diagram is proposed on the basis of results obtained in this study.
A descriptive study of Cambodian refugee infant feeding practices in the United States

Background The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine Cambodian refugee mothers' infant feeding beliefs, practices, and decision making regarding infant feeding in the U.S. and to explore if a culturally-specific breastfeeding program is appropriate for this community.
Temperature effect on an ultrasound-assisted paper de-inking process

Abstract The influence of temperature on an ultrasound-assisted ink removal process has been investigated. White copy paper was evenly soaked in black writing ink. After drying the paper to constant weight at 75 °C, ink removal was attempted under varying conditions. Results were assessed by monitoring the UV–vis absorbance of the aqueous phase and measuring the brightness of the paper. Sonication was observed to improve the brightness of the paper in the temperature range of 15–45 °C with an optimum effect at 35 °C. Monitoring UV–vis spectra of the aqueous phase provided evidence that modification of the chemical structure of the ink desorbed from the paper occured. Further investigation under the same conditions showed that ink, when not absorbed on paper, did not undergo the same chemical change. This supports the hypothesis that only the compound released from the ink absorbed onto the paper is sensitive to sonodegradation. One possible explanation is that the metal binding component of the ink stays absorbed on the paper, releasing the organic part, whose chemical structure can be altered by the effect of sonication. Inductively coupled plasma analysis was used to confirm that during the de-inking process of the paper, the metal binding component stays absorbed on the paper and only the organic part is released in the aqueous phase.
Aging alters opiate inhibition of potassium (K+)-stimulated dopamine release from the corpus striatum of male rats

The effect of Leu-enkephalin (Leu-ENK), Met-enkephalin (Met-ENK), and naloxone on potassium (K+)-evoked endogenous dopamine (DA) release from striatal tissue fragments was examined in young (2-4 month) and old (20-25 month) male rats. The K(+)-evoked DA release was significantly lower in old compared to young animals. Leu-ENK significantly reduced K(+)-evoked DA release in young animals, but neither opiate affected DA release in old animals. Naloxone, which had no effect in young animals, raised the K(+)-evoked DA response in old animals to levels seen in young control preparations. These results suggest that the age-dependent decrease in K(+)-evoked DA release may in part be due to a stronger opiate inhibitory tonus in the CS of older rats.
Preparation of YBaCuO high transition temperature superconductors using BaO2 and BaCO3

Abstract The preparation of superconducting YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−x in static air and flowing He atmosphere from BaCO 3 and BaO 2 mixed with Y 2 O 3 and CuO has been studied. In static air BaO 2 reacted at slightly lower temperature than BaCO 3 and different mechanisms were observed for the formation reactions. Using BaO 2 , the orthorhombic phase is readily formed, while high temperatures or prolonged heating times are needed to obtain the orthorhombic phase with BaCO 3 . In flowing helium atmosphere, both starting materials led to products which contained metallic Cu and binary oxide compounds, with no ternary oxides being detected.
Probing the Function of STAS Domains of the Arabidopsis Sulfate Transporters

Abstract Sulfate transporters in plants and animals are structurally conserved and have an amino-terminal domain that functions in transport and a carboxyl-terminal region that has been designated the STAS domain. The STAS domain in sulfate transporters has significant similarity to bacterial anti-sigma factor antagonists. To determine if the STAS domain has a role in controlling the activity of sulfate transporters, their stability, or their localization to the plasma membrane, we examined the effect of deleting or modifying the STAS domain of dominant sulfate transporters in roots of Arabidopsis thaliana. The A. thaliana Sultr1;2 and Sultr1;1 sulfate transporters rescue the methionine-dependent growth phenotype of the yeast sulfate transporter mutant strain CP154-7B. Constructs of Sultr1;2 in which the STAS domain was deleted (ΔSTAS) resulted in synthesis of a truncated polypeptide that was unable to rescue the CP154-7B phenotype. The inability of these constructs to rescue the mutant phenotype probably reflected both low level cellular accumulation of the transporter and the inability of the truncated protein to localize to the plasma membrane. Fusing the STAS domain from other sulfate transporters to Sultr1;2 ΔSTAS constructs restored elevated accumulation and plasma membrane localization, although the kinetics of sulfate uptake in the transformants were markedly altered with respect to transformants synthesizing wild-type Sultr1;2 protein. These results suggest that the STAS domain is essential, either directly or indirectly, for facilitating localization of the transporters to the plasma membrane, but it also appears to influence the kinetic properties of the catalytic domain of transporters.
Visceral and subcutaneous acariasis caused by hypopi of Hypodectes propus bulbuci in the cattle egret.

Twenty-one of 24 adult male and female cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis ibis) collected in Geneva County, Alabama had numerous white cyst-like structures (1,466 μm × 354 μm) found within the loose connective tissues of the skeletal muscles of the inguinal region, beneath the serosa of the proventriculus and in the heart beneath the epicardium (one adult male bird). These were identified as hypopi of Hypodectes (Hypodectoides) propus bulbuci. Histologic sections were prepared from the subcutis, proventriculus and heart. The histopathologic changes consisted of cross sections of mites surrounded by macrophages often containing basophilic or clear intracytoplasmic vacuoles and by plasma cells. A minimal fibrous encapsulation was rarely seen surrounding the mites.
A three-player dynamic majoritarian bargaining game

This file contains two sets of calculations. First, we report the calculations of demands and continuation values of Proposition 1. Second, the mixing probabilities of Proposition 1 are shown to be well defined.
Dyskeratosis congenita, telomeres and human ageing

As normal humans age, telomeres shorten in tissues that contain dividing cells, and this has been proposed both as a cause of ageing and as a tumor-suppressor mechanism. The surprising finding that cells from individuals with the rare inherited disorder dyskeratosis congenita (DKC) have reduced levels of telomerase and shortened telomeres might provide the first direct genetic test of the function of telomeres in intact humans.
Numerical studies of the sinuous spiral antenna

The geometry of the sinuous spiral antenna has been modeled using a modified version of the FERM (Finite Element Radiation Model) moment method code. The cases run demonstrate that the size of the active region expands as the frequency is decreased, as would be expected for a frequency-independent structure. The current density on the tip regions of the sinuous spiral structure has been found to be significantly lower than that observed on the spiral directed arm segments of the proper sense. A definite sense preference was observed for high-current-density regions on the structure. >
Nonoverlapping Sets of Synapses Drive On Responses and Off Responses in Auditory Cortex

SUMMARY Neurons in visual, somatosensory, and auditory cortex can respond to the termination as well as the onset of a sensory stimulus. In auditory cortex, these off responses may underlie the ability of the auditory system to use sound offsets as cues for perceptual grouping. Off responses have been widely proposed to arise from postinhibitory rebound, but this hypothesis has never been directly tested. We used in vivo whole-cell recordings to measure the synaptic inhibition evoked by sound onset. We find that inhibition is invariably transient, indicating that off responses are not caused by postinhibitory rebound in auditory cortical neurons. Instead, on and off responses appear to be driven by distinct sets of synapses, because they have distinct frequency tuning and different excitatoryinhibitory balance. Furthermore, an on-on sequence causes complete forward suppression, whereas an off-on sequence causes no suppression at all. We conclude that on and off responses are driven by largely nonoverlapping sets of synaptic inputs.
Identification of Mammalian Proteins That Collaborate with Type III Secretion System Function: Involvement of a Chemokine Receptor in Supporting Translocon Activity

ABSTRACT The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a highly conserved protein delivery system found in multiple Gram-negative pathogens, including Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Most studies of Yersinia species type III intoxication of host cells have focused on the bacterial determinants that promote assembly and function of the secretion system. In this study, we performed a pooled RNA interference (RNAi) screen to identify mammalian host proteins required for the cytotoxic effects associated with the Yersinia translocated substrate YopE, a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) that inactivates the small Rho GTPases. Cell populations were positively selected for short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that interfere with YopE activity using a combination of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and flow cytometry, and the degree of enrichment was determined by deep sequencing. Analysis of the candidates identified by the enrichment process revealed that many were important for the initial step of Y. pseudotuberculosis T3SS function, YopB/D pore formation. These candidates included shRNA that depleted downstream effectors of RhoA signaling, coated pit formation, and receptors involved in cell signaling, including the chemokine receptor CCR5 (chemokine [C-C motif] receptor 5). Depletion of CCR5 in 293T cells yielded a defect in YopB/D pore formation and effector translocation, while both phenotypes could be complemented by overexpression of CCR5 protein. Yop effector translocation was also decreased in isolated primary phagocytic cells from a Ccr5 −/− knockout mouse. We postulate that CCR5 acts to promote translocation by modulating cytoskeletal activities necessary for proper assembly of the YopB/D translocation pore. Overall, this study presents a new approach to investigating the contribution of the host cell to T3SS in Y. pseudotuberculosis. IMPORTANCE Many Gram-negative bacteria require type III secretion systems (T3SS) for host survival, making these highly specialized secretion systems good targets for antimicrobial agents. After the bacterium binds to host cells, T3SS deposit proteins into the cytosol of host cells through a needle-like appendage and a protein translocon channel. Translocation of proteins via this system is highly regulated, and the contribution of the host cell in promoting assembly and insertion of the channel into the plasma membrane, folding of the bacterial proteins, and trafficking of these substrates are all poorly characterized events. In this study, we identified host cell proteins important for activity of YopE, a Yersinia pseudotuberculosis T3SS-delivered protein. The results demonstrate that insertion and assembly of the translocon are complex processes, requiring a variety of membrane trafficking and cytoskeletal processes, as well as a surprising role for cell surface signaling molecules in supporting proper function.
A Framework for Knowledge Reuse Based on Ontology in Collaborative Design

With the development of the increasing requirement of the market, enterprise is facing pressures to increase the quality of their products. To have shorter lead times and reduced costs, there needs a method towards globalization resulting in complex supply chains and the needs to manage teams. Collaborative design is a new style to meet the requirement. In collaborative design, knowledge needs to be exchanged and accessed efficiently by teams. Designers wish to reuse design knowledge to adapt past solutions and apply it to current problems. A methodology is present for knowledge management of collaborative design. Firstly, the conception of the collaborative design is introduced. A framework is introduced for the knowledge requirement and reuse. Then the knowledge expression based on ontology is introduced. The knowledge capture is established for knowledge reuse. At last, the integration of knowledge requirement and knowledge reuse is constructed with a component, which includes the knowledge capture, knowledge requirement and knowledge reuse. The knowledge can be reused for collaborative design.
Short-term Immunosuppression Promotes Engraftment of Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are an attractive source for tissue regeneration and repair therapies because they can be differentiated into virtually any cell type in the adult body. However, for this approach to succeed, the transplanted ESCs must survive long enough to generate a therapeutic benefit. A major obstacle facing the engraftment of ESCs is transplant rejection by the immune system. Here we show that blocking leukocyte costimulatory molecules permits ESC engraftment. We demonstrate the success of this immunosuppressive therapy for mouse ESCs, human ESCs, mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), human induced pluripotent stem cells, and more differentiated ESC/(iPSCs) derivatives. Additionally, we provide evidence describing the mechanism by which inhibition of costimulatory molecules suppresses T cell activation. This report describes a short-term immunosuppressive approach capable of inducing engraftment of transplanted ESCs and iPSCs, providing a significant improvement in our mechanistic understanding of the critical role costimulatory molecules play in leukocyte activation.
Mentoring up-cycled: creating a community-based intervention for sexually abused adolescents

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to detail a project that created a community-based mentoring intervention for sexually abused children and adolescents. The project features the use of family and community strengths, trauma sensitivity, current research and ecological theory to develop a curriculum for training mentors. Design/methodology/approach – This study used Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) methods to create a community-based intervention designed for sexually abused children and adolescents. This model supports the building and maintenance of the often fluid and relationship-driven processes that are characteristic of CBPR. The stages included: identification of research questions; assessment of community strengths, assets and challenges; defining priorities; developing research and data collection methodologies; collecting and analysing data; interpretation of findings; dissemination of findings; and applying findings to address action. Findings – The results include a recommen...
Learning Saccadic Eye Movements Using Multiscale Spatial Filters

We describe a framework for learning saccadic eye movements using a photometric representation of target points in natural scenes. The representation takes the form of a high-dimensional vector comprised of the responses of spatial filters at different orientations and scales. We first demonstrate the use of this response vector in the task of locating previously foveated points in a scene and subsequently use this property in a multisaccade strategy to derive an adaptive motor map for delivering accurate saccades.
Meat labels: consumer attitude and meat consumption pattern

This paper addressed consumers’ attitude towards food labels and the influence of different aspects of meat labels on beef, poultry and seafood consumption using data from a national survey in the USA. Approximately 70% of the respondents reported that food labels helped in the purchases of beef and other meat products. While 50% thought that the present level of information on meat labels was about right, about 30% thought that it was insufficient. Similarly, 80, 81, 60, and 80% of the respondents thought that it was very important that meat labels contain information regarding nutrition, ingredients, health claim, and production process respectively. Those respondents who thought that nutrition and ingredient information on food labels were very important also thought that meat labels helped them select beef and other meat products. Consumer preferences for nutrition and ingredient information on food labels were positively related with meat consumption frequency.
Are Lesser Trochanteric Tenotomies More Effective than Labral-Level Releases for the Treatment of Iliopsoas Snapping and Impingement?

Objectives:Currently arthroscopic iliopsoas tenotomies (AIT's) are performed at the level of the labrum to treat both painful snapping and labral injuries to impingement of the tendon. However, two recent studies found that although this labral-level procedure relieved painful labral impingement, recurrent snapping of the tendon occurred in 18 to 60% of the cases (1-2). The objective of this study was to determine if arthroscopic tenotomies done at the lesser trochanter would more effectively treat both central labral impingement and snapping of the tendon.Methods:From a review of the senior author's data base of 1150 hip arthroscopies, 30 patients that had AIT's at the lesser trochanter to treat both painful snapping of the tendon and labral injuries due to impingement of the tendon were identified (Figure 1). The location of the labral injuries was recorded on each patient's “hip sheet” at the time of their hip arthroscopy and the diagnosis of iliopsoas impingement was confirmed from a review of each pa...
Effect of Glass-Frit Size Distribution on the Microstructure of RuO2-Based Thick-Film Resistors

Ru02-based resistor inks were formulated with four glass-frit particle size distributions. Microstructural features, namely the RuO2 ring size distribution, were shown to be related to the frit size distribution in the fired resistors.
Glycomics: revealing the dynamic ecology and evolution of sugar molecules

Sugars are the most functionally and structurally diverse molecules in the biological world. Glycan structures range from tiny single monosaccharide units to giant chains thousands of units long. Some glycans are branched, their monosaccharides linked together in many different combinations and orientations. Some exist as solitary molecules; others are conjugated to proteins and lipids and alter their collective functional properties. In addition to structural and storage roles, glycan molecules participate in and actively regulate physiological and developmental processes. Glycans also mediate cellular interactions within and between individuals. Their roles in ecology and evolution are pivotal, but not well studied because glycan biochemistry requires different methods than standard molecular biology practice. The properties of glycans are in some ways convenient, and in others challenging. Glycans vary on organismal timescales, and in direct response to physiological and ecological conditions. Their mature structures are physical records of both genetic and environmental influences during maturation. We describe the scope of natural glycan variation and discuss how studying glycans will allow researchers to further integrate the fields of ecology and evolution.
Failure of acute saralasin to reverse chronic hypertension in fetal lambs

Upper body arterial hypertension developed in 12 fetal lambs after chronic suprarenal aortic blood flow reduction. Sixty minutes after blood flow reduction, intravenous saralasin infusion was able to reduce upper body mean arterial blood pressure to control levels. Although saralasin infusion was able to decrease upper body arterial blood pressure after 1 day of hypertension, it was not able to return blood pressure to control levels. Three or more days later, saralasin was unable to cause a significant reduction in upper body arterial blood pressure. We conclude that, although the renin-angiotensin system has a role in maintaining the elevated blood pressure after greater than or equal to 1 day of suprarenal aortic blood flow reduction, some other mechanism also participates. We have ruled out a role for changing blood volume, and our results suggest that an elevation of plasma catecholamines is not responsible. Some other pathway for fluid regulation available to the fetus may be responsible.
Protein kinase C βII and TGFβRII in ω-3 fatty acid–mediated inhibition of colon carcinogenesis

Increasing evidence demonstrates that protein kinase C βII (PKCβII) promotes colon carcinogenesis. We previously reported that colonic PKCβII is induced during colon carcinogenesis in rodents and humans, and that elevated expression of PKCβII in the colon of transgenic mice enhances colon carcinogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that PKCβII represses transforming growth factor β receptor type II (TGFβRII) expression and reduces sensitivity to TGF-β–mediated growth inhibition in intestinal epithelial cells. Transgenic PKCβII mice exhibit hyperproliferation, enhanced colon carcinogenesis, and marked repression of TGFβRII expression. Chemopreventive dietary ω-3 fatty acids inhibit colonic PKCβII activity in vivo and block PKCβII-mediated hyperproliferation, enhanced carcinogenesis, and repression of TGFβRII expression in the colonic epithelium of transgenic PKCβII mice. These data indicate that dietary ω-3 fatty acids prevent colon cancer, at least in part, through inhibition of colonic PKCβII signaling and restoration of TGF-β responsiveness.
Formalizing the Informal or Informalizing the Formal? Integrating Remittance Systems for Post-Conflict Development

Remittance flows in fragile post-conflict environments are primarily transferred through informal channels and draw upon existing social institutions and solidarity networks. The informality of post-conflict remittance transfers poses challenges to their integration into rehabilitation and development efforts. Populations in conflict-affected countries are limited in their access to financial services due to the lack of legal frameworks and payment infrastructures. Attempts to capture informal remittances by formalizing their delivery systems have therefore not had much success in this context. This draws attention to the need for a broader approach to post-conflict remittance systems and the possibility of their institutional integration. Contemporary informal remittance systems form increasingly complex global financial networks that are still very poorly understood. The paper examines the modern informal remittance sectors in Somalia, Liberia and Sierra Leone with their social embeddedness and global connections, exploring the contributions and challenges of informal remittances to post-conflict development. The conflict-induced remittance systems in these countries have proven to be highly entrepreneurial in character, encouraging local adaptations that facilitate linkages between multilevel financial institutions. The paper suggests a broader approach to remittance institutions in Africa that accounts for local adaptive potentials and wider institutional connectivities in the era of growing displacement and expanding transnational remittance flows.
Sound Communities and Healthy Schools: The Economic and Social Determinants of Educational Outcomes

This article elaborates a distinction between public school's obligation to provide high quality learning versus its capacity to meet that obligation. A school's capacity can be assessed by two concepts: obstacles to learning and community affluence. Obstacles inhibit academic performance, and include concentrated poverty, racial/ethnic segregation, and high rates of English-language learners. Affluence is the economic vitality of a school's larger environment, reflecting resources such as tax base, property value, and aggregate wealth. Analyses of 659 public schools from suburban New York's Nassau and Suffolk counties (Long Island) confirm that increasing obstacles lowers school-level outcomes, while increasing affluence improves them. We show that obstacles and affluence are inversely related: schools with the highest obstacles have the fewest resources, and schools awash with resources face minimal obstacles. These trends hold in the middle ranges as well. Further, the effect of affluence on academic p...
Effects of aging on laboratory animals: I. Light and scanning electron microscopy of dog gallbladder

This study was begun in order to illustrate the changes that dog gallbladder undergo with age. Young ( 12 years) dogs were anesthetized, perfusion fixed and prepared for light and scanning electron microscopy. Observations with the light microscope suggested that gallbladder mucosa of young dogs was more folded and had few Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses while the aging canine gallbladder mucosa appeared flattened and cystic. In addition, the gall-bladder lamina propria of old dogs exhibited increased numbers of lymphocytes and plasma cells, a less conspicuous vascular network, and lymph nodules. Few differences were noted in the muscular layer, the perimuscular connective tissue layer, and in the serosal layer between the young and old dogs. Scanning electron microscope observations of gallbladder mucosa tended to support the light microscopic data. The puppy gallbladder mucosa showed more folds and raised cell surfaces with the typical hobnail appearance while the aging canine gallbladder mucosa had few folds and considerable cellular flattening. These morphological findings suggest a reduced surface for absorption in the aging gallbladder.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Restriction Site Variation in the Ribosomal DNA Complex of New World Leaf-Nosed Bat Genera

Cleavage site variation of 18 restriction endonucleases in the transcribed portion of the ribosomal DNA gene complex was mapped from 42 genera of New World leaf-nosed bats (family Phyllostomidae). These data were used to test the higher taxonomic relationships of a traditionally recognized phylogeny against a recently revised phylogeny and classification for the family. Major conclusions from this study are that (1) support is provided for the theory that early phyllostomid radiation proceeded by the diversification of three or four lineages; (2) New World leaf-nosed bats, including vampire bats, compose a monophyletic group; and (3) the newly proposed classification and topology are supported
ARM?? Memory Protection Unit (MPU)

Both Cortex??-M3 and Cortex??-M4 MCU support an optional feature called the memory protection unit (MPU). The MPU is an optional component in the ARM?? Cortex??-M4 microcontroller. The main purpose of using this MCU is to protect memory regions by defining different access permissions in privileged and unprivileged access levels for some embedded operating systems (OS). This chapter presents the initialization and configuration of the MPU, and discusses the detailed operational procedure of the setup and configuration of a MPU. A practical example MPU project is provided step by step to illustrate how to use these MPU registers to perform memory regions protection functions. The TivaWareTM Peripheral Driver Library provides nine MPU-related API functions to configure, enable, set, and get required memory regions for the MPU. The MPU is tightly coupled to the Cortex??-M4 processor core and provides a means to establish access permissions on regions of memory.
Coordinate Frames Model

Computer graphics models commonly deal with three-dimensional geometric objects such as locations, vectors, etc., often working with several different coordinate systems. This module contains some basic definitions and notation for manipulating these objects and representing them in arbitrary orthonormal coordinate frames. The mathematics for 3D objects and coordinate systems is well known. This chapter presents a standard, convenient, and consistent form for using Euclidean 3D coordinate objects within a modeling environment. Conceptually, the ideas of geometric objects such as coordinate systems, vectors, locations, and so forth are often conveyed via diagrams. Mathematically, however, one needs a formal definition and algebra. The chapter presents two common approaches to the definition and use of geometric objects. Objects are defined as elements of abstract spaces. When coordinate values are needed, mappings are defined from the abstract spaces to any desired coordinate system. The abstract approach has a simple, compact notation and can extend to arbitrary manifolds in non-Euclidean spaces.
Who governs local hydrocarbon development? Evidence from the Marcellus Shale in the United States

Abstract Given citizen concerns about damages that can accompany unconventional oil and gas development, some municipal governments have enacted zoning ordinances. Through a comparison of all municipalities to those with at least one oil or gas well, we examine factors that affect the adoption of local zoning laws by municipalities in Pennsylvania and find that lower educational levels, higher population densities, and higher incomes increase the likelihood of the municipalities endorsing zoning laws. A second analysis of spatial well data from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection provides insights on factors associated with a higher density of wells and points out that municipalities with county zoning have a higher well density. Through an examination of the numbers of unconventional and conventional well types in municipalities, we find that higher incomes and education are associated with more horizontal drilling.
Shape dependence of laser–particle interaction-induced damage on the protective capping layer of 1ω high reflector mirror coatings

The response of a potential candidate protective capping layer (SiO2 or Al2O3) to laser exposure of 1ω (1053 nm) to high-reflector silica-hafnia multilayer coatings in the presence of variously shaped Ti particles is investigated by combining laser damage testing and numerical modeling. Each sample is exposed to a single oblique angle (45 deg) laser shot (p-polarization, ∼10 J/cm2, 14 ns) in the presence of spherically or irregularly shaped Ti particles on the surface. The two capping layers show markedly different responses. For the spherical particles, the Al2O3 cap layer exhibits severe damage, with the capping layer becoming completely delaminated at the particle locations. The SiO2 capping layer is only mildly modified by a shallow depression, likely due to plasma erosion. The different response of the capping layer is attributed to the large difference in the thermal expansion coefficient of the materials, with that of the Al2O3 about 15 times greater than that of the SiO2 layer. For the irregular particles, the Al2O3 capping layer displays minimal to no damage while the SiO2 capping layer is significantly damaged. The difference is due to the disparity in mechanical strength with Al2O3 possessing approximately 10 times higher fracture toughness.
Physiology and creativity

Physiology is the study of mechanical, physical, and biomechanical functions of the body. It provides a foundational base to understand how the human body adapts to stress, physical activity (performance), and disease. Stress is generally not regarded as a disease or an assault on the body. It is an adaptive process in our bodies that allows mobilization in order to successfully respond to daily life, including a performance career. Basic physiological responses to stress (homeostasis, homeodynamic, allostasis) are directed by the brain, autonomic nervous system, neuroendocrine system, and immune system. They all influence the timing and effectiveness of the other physiological systems. Performing artists exert great physical effort while training, rehearsing, performing, and on tour. The cardiorespiratory systems are directly affected by fitness level and workload demand. Optimal physiological conditioning enhances health, performance, and creativity.
Pathways for Neuroimaging of Neonatal Stroke

Abstract Purpose To provide consensus-based, suggested imaging protocols to facilitate the accurate and timely diagnosis of a neonate with symptoms concerning for stroke. Methods The Writing Group, an international collaboration of pediatric neurologists and neuroradiologists with expertise in perinatal and childhood stroke, participated in a series of pediatric stroke neuroimaging symposia. These discussions, in conjunction with extensive literature review, led to a consensus for imaging protocols to guide practitioners in the diagnosis of neonatal stroke subtypes as defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Common Data Elements. The epidemiology, clinical presentation, and associated risk factors for arterial ischemic stroke, cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, and hemorrhagic stroke are reviewed, with a focused discussion regarding the role of neuroimaging for each subtype. Results In a neonate with suspected stroke, magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred modality, given the lack of X-irradiation, superior anatomic resolution, and sensitivity for acute ischemia. Core recommended sequences include diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient mapping to diagnose acute ischemia, gradient-recalled echo or susceptibility-weighted imaging to detect intracranial blood and its breakdown products, and T1- and T2-weighted imaging to assess for myelination, extra-axial blood, and edema. Magnetic resonance angiography of the brain may be useful to detect vascular abnormalities, with venography if venous sinus thrombosis is suspected. The application of more novel sequences, as well as the utility of follow up-imaging, is also discussed.
Combination of everolimus with R-CHOP (ever R-CHOP) as an initial therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): A phase I and feasibility study (NCCTG N1085 [Alliance]).

8518 Background: Everolimus was demonstrated to have single agent activity in relapsed DLBCL (Leukemia. 2011; 25(2):341-7). However, the safety and efficacy of everolimus in combination with R-CHOP...
Transparent Fault-Tolerance Using Intra-Machine Full-Software-Stack Replication on Commodity Multicore Hardware

As the number of processors and the size of the memory of computing systems keep increasing, the likelihood of CPU core failures, memory errors, and bus failures increases and can threaten system availability. Software components can be hardened against such failures by running several replicas of a component on hardware replicas that fail independently and that are coordinated by a State-Machine Replication protocol. One common solution is to replicate the physical machine to provide redundancy, and to rewrite the software to address coordination. However, a CPU core failure, a memory error, or a bus error is unlikely to always crash an entire machine. Thus, full machine replication may sometimes be an overkill, increasing resource costs. In this paper, we introduce full software stack replication within a single commodity machine. Our approach runs replicas on fault-independent hardware partitions (e.g., NUMA nodes), wherein each partition is software-isolated from the others and has its own CPU cores, memory, and full software stack. A hardware failure in one partition can be recovered by another partition taking over its functionality. We have realized this vision by implementing FT-Linux, a Linux-based operating system that transparently replicates race-free, multithreaded POSIX applications on different hardware partitions of a single machine. Our evaluations of FT-Linux on several popular Linux applications show a worst case slowdown (due to replication) by ≈20%.
Chapter 6 International portfolio choice and asset pricing: An integrative survey

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that if investment and consumption opportunity sets do not differ across countries, the fact that countries use different currencies has no significant implications for portfolio choice and asset pricing. In this special case, the traditional approaches to portfolio choice and asset pricing apply. Whereas these models perform poorly in predicting asset holdings across countries, they have some success in explaining the cross-sectional variation in conditional expected returns across countries. The chapter describes how the predictions of the traditional models are affected if one allows for differences in consumption opportunity sets as well as the empirical relevance of such an extension of traditional models. The differences in investment opportunity sets are also presented in the chapter. The chapter is concluded by focusing on the weaknesses of this concept and suggested directions for future research.
Nicotine and Smoking

What defines the allure of tobacco? Does it symbolize sin and man’s frailty as the ballad suggests? Or, as the psychoanalyst theorizes, does it represent an autoerotic behavior related to breast-feeding?
A spatial analysis of suicide rates in Tennessee

Purpose Suicide rates at the county level may be influenced by various macro-level factors emanating from surrounding communities. The purpose of this paper is to measure the extent of geographic spillover effects from socioeconomic factors on suicide rates. Design/methodology/approach Using county level, panel data over the years 2002-2007, a spatial dependence function is applied to measure how socioeconomic factors within surrounding counties may influence suicide rates in neighboring, adjacent counties in the state of TN. Findings A negative correlation is identified between divorce and suicide rates within each county, which seems to contradict traditional beliefs that these variables move together. Also contrary to expectations, unemployment and suicide are not significantly related within counties. When the analysis measures the spillover effects of surrounding communities, county-level variables such as income, crime, and church density are significant. And although the signs on income and crime are consistent with past findings, church density counters research expectations. Practical implications These results suggest that certain socioeconomic factors influence suicide in surrounding communities, while others do not. Incorporating spatial analysis into future research on suicide and mental health may assist practitioners with suicide prevention. Appropriate prevention policies should be designed and implemented at the local or regional level. Regional differences make broad policies based on national data inappropriate for local areas that differ from national norms. Originality/value Studies on the external links to suicide and suicide rates have made significant contributions to raise the understanding about mental health issues. Very few, however, have directly employed research methods to capture spillover effects when the study encompasses spatial elements.
The Question of Wisdom in the Contemporary Academy

The academy is often described as an institution in which experts in various disciplines pursue one or both of two main tasks: teaching and research. But what is the aim of research and what do professors teach students? The answer commonly given is knowledge. Of course, professors also research and teach other things, such as, methods of acquiring knowledge (as in science laboratory courses) and also, methods of expressing knowledge (as in English Composition). There are also some instructors, especially in the fine arts, who aim to cultivate artistic skill and creativity. Nevertheless, for the bulk of disciplines in both the sciences and humanities, most professors are inclined to say that the aim of academic teaching and research is the transmission and acquisition of knowledge.
Blue and red shifted, partially intermixed InGaAsP quantum well semiconductor laser diodes

InGaAsP quantum well structures are intermixed to varying degrees when rapidly annealed at elevated temperatures while capped with films of SiN x , and SiO y N x of different compositions. Laser diodes are fabricated with both blue and red shifted samples and their performances are reported.
Cooperative transport of a buoyant load: A differential geometric approach

We present a differential geometric approach towards the synthesis of cooperative controllers for a team of autonomous surface vehicles transporting a buoyant load. We are interested in cooperative transport of large objects by teams of autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) operating in marine and littoral environments. We consider the cooperative towing problem where individual ASVs connected to a load via cables must coordinate to transport the load along a desired trajectory. We present a differential geometric approach towards the synthesis of open and closed loop strategies for the team. The main advantage of the proposed strategy is the ability to synthesize agent-level controllers that can simultaneously satisfy all the holonomic and non-holonomic constraints within the system. We validate the approach in both simulations and experiments.
Inverse Optimal Redesign

The main purpose of a Lyapunov function is the establishment of Lyapunov stability. But what else might a Lyapunov function be useful for? We explore this question in the present chapter and in Chapter 5.