cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of eIF2α Kinases: Adapting Translational Control to Diverse Stresses

An important mechanism regulating protein synthesis involves phosphorylation of the α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF2α). In response to a range of environmental and physiological stresses, phosphorylation of eIF2α prevents this initiation factor from appropriately delivering initiator methionyl tRNA to the translation machinery. As a consequence there is lowered translation, which helps cells conserve energy and resources and better adapt to the underlying stress. During evolution, new eIF2α kinases arose by adjoining new combinations of stress-sensing regions to the kinase catalytic domain, culminating in their activation in response to different sets of stress conditions. The physiological traits of the organism and the nature of the environmental stress, along with the activating properties of each eIF2α kinase, help determine the nature and number of eIF2α kinases expressed in a given organism. This review will highlight current perspectives on the phylogenetic relationships between eIF2α kinases, the central structural and functional roles of their regulatory domains in the mechanisms regulating translational control, and how these eIF2α kinase family members evolved for optimal organism adaptation to stress.
Accurate estimation of digital communication system metrics - SNR, EVM and /spl rho/ in a nonlinear amplifier environment

A nonlinear spectral analysis technique that enables digital communication system metrics; SNR, EVM and the waveform quality factor (/spl rho/) to be related to in-band distortion spectrum is presented. System metrics are estimated from the measured output power and in-band distortion power. The estimated metrics are verified by direct measurements of each metric using a vector signal analyzer (VSA) performed on a forward-link IS-95 signal. Estimated system metrics are in excellent agreement with measured values.
From DRAM to SRAM with a novel sige-based negative differential resistance (NDR) device

This paper presents a novel CMOS-compatible negative differential resistance (NDR) device based on SiGe gated diodes. Experimental results on various prototypes show that this device has very high peak currents and the highest reported peak-to-valley current ratios in SiGe systems to date. This NDR element can be easily integrated into a normal 1T1C DRAM cell to enable an SRAM-like operation with a much more compact cell size
Design and fabrication of a multispectral infrared metamaterial detector

Infrared imaging systems require new technologies at the pixel level to provide enhanced spectral sensitivity with similar function to cones and rods in the human retina. A multicolor imaging system can be accomplished with the aid of metamaterials to spectrally select and enhance a specific color from incoming radiation. In this work, we demonstrate the use of a metamaterial absorber design to enhance the quantum efficiency of an infrared interband cascade detector from 6.1% to 18.6% at a peak operating wavelength of 6.14μm and 4.1% to 14.7% at a peak operating wavelength of 7.13μm
Understanding Response Rates to Surveys About Family Members' Psychological Symptoms After Patients' Critical Illness

Abstract Context Achieving adequate response rates from family members of critically ill patients can be challenging, especially when assessing psychological symptoms. Objectives To identify factors associated with completion of surveys about psychological symptoms among family members of critically ill patients. Methods Using data from a randomized trial of an intervention to improve communication between clinicians and families of critically ill patients, we examined patient-level and family-level predictors of the return of usable surveys at baseline, three months, and six months ( n = 181, 171, and 155, respectively). Family-level predictors included baseline symptoms of psychological distress, decisional independence preference, and attachment style. We hypothesized that family with fewer symptoms of psychological distress, a preference for less decisional independence, and secure attachment style would be more likely to return questionnaires. Results We identified several predictors of the return of usable questionnaires. Better self-assessed family member health status was associated with a higher likelihood and stronger agreement with a support-seeking attachment style with a lower likelihood, of obtaining usable baseline surveys. At three months, family-level predictors of return of usable surveys included having usable baseline surveys, status as the patient's legal next of kin, and stronger agreement with a secure attachment style. The only predictor of receipt of surveys at six months was the presence of usable surveys at three months. Conclusion We identified several predictors of the receipt of surveys assessing psychological symptoms in family of critically ill patients, including family member health status and attachment style. Using these characteristics to inform follow-up mailings and reminders may enhance response rates.
“Absurdity of Life”: An Interview with Michael Hui

Although beloved comedian Michael Hui is a legend of Hong Kong cinema, his cerebral nature is sometimes obscured by the broad physical comedy and colloquial humor that characterized his chart-topping films of the 1970s and 1980s. In this 2013 interview, Hui was asked about inspirations and influences underlying his early career. After more than four decades in the public eye, Hui’s comments illuminate the strong role that sociology and university education play in the star’s comedy. His statements provide a unique glimpse into an artist’s reflections upon his work and its contribution to the world.
Brutalist medicine: a reflection on the architecture of healthcare

Will the fashion for evidence based medicine and technological solutions come to be viewed the same way as brutalist architecture, asks Benjamin Mazer
Postsecondary Transition Programs for Underprepared Writers

There is a large population of students who enter postsecondary institutions underprepared in the area of writing, which can negatively affect their academic success in various disciplines. Lack of alignment between secondary and postsecondary education writing curricula is a common cause of why students are underprepared in writing. Identifying gaps in writing when transitioning from secondary to postsecondary institutions is critical in creating appropriate writing support programs which better prepare students for academic success. Moreover, in order to facilitate successful postsecondary writing outcomes, proactive writing interventions (transition programs) between secondary and postsecondary institutions can be implemented to generate a positive impact on students’ ability to write, thereby leading to greater academic success.
Of Coerced Waiver, Government Leverage, and Corporate Loyalty: The Holder-Thompson-McNulty Memos and Their Critics

Since 1999, the US Department of Justice has had a policy that the government may consider a corporation’s willingness to waive its attorney-client privilege in evaluating whether to prosecute the corporation. This policy has been widely criticized on the ground that it induces "coercive" waivers. This criticism is unconvincing. First, the mere threat of prosecution is not unduly coercive; otherwise, plea bargains would be unenforceable. Second, there are many possible reasons for any increase in waivers independent of the government policy. Third, the policy will not have a significant impact on cooperation by corporate employees in government investigations because the corporate privilege does not protect employees and has numerous limitations. Corporations have often waived their privilege to assist in prosecuting employees. Their reluctance to waive in cases, such as recent corporate scandals, involving wrongdoing by upper management is not a sufficient reason to abandon the policy.
The classroom microbiome and asthma morbidity in children attending 3 inner-city schools.

The classroom microbiome is different from the home microbiome. Higher classroom microbial diversity is associated with increased asthma symptoms. In this pilot study, a school-level integrated pest management intervention changed the classroom microbiome.
A Film Boiling Study of Ethanol Pyrolysis

This paper reports a study of ethanol pyrolysis (C2H5OH, EtOH) by film boiling at temperatures ranging from 600 to 1500 K. The reactor space is created in a self-assembled manner by first bringing EtOH to a boil on the surface of a horizontal tube submerged in a pool of EtOH and then increasing the power to the tube in steps to force transitioning the boiling regimes through nucleate boiling, the critical heat flux state, and finally film boiling. EtOH pyrolysis is found to yield hydrogen in the highest concentration followed by ethylene (C2H4), methane (CH4), and carbon monoxide (CO) in approximately equal proportions. Ethane (C2H6) and carbon dioxide (CO) concentrations were several orders of magnitude lower. The abundance of hydrogen was conjectured to be due to the absence of chemical inhibitors in the system. Reactions to explain formation of the product gases are suggested based on the chain nature of EtOH decomposition. Liquid sampling showed the presence of refluxed water along with acetaldehyde (...
Musicking Marginalization: Periphractic Practices in Music Education

Employing a critical race theoretical framework, this chapter argues that classroom practices in US music education often relegate participants with non-Eurocentric musical experiences to periphractic space or the margins of school music. This chapter explores validating specific Western musical practices—still physical comportment in listening and performing music, the use of Western standard notation and musical constructs, and the limited use of aurality—as periphractic practices in music education. After exploring practices that often circumscribe students of color to periphractic space, I suggest possible ways music educators can interrupt the Eurocentric ensemble paradigm to recognize students’ own musical enculturation. I draw examples from a multiple case study of four elementary music teachers in Toronto committed to challenging dominant paradigms of music education.
WU-BOTS: a robot simulator for students

We introduce the Java WU-Bots Robotic Simulator as an alternative to using robots like Scribbler™ and Finch™ in the classroom. Students can easily design a maze of walls using the environment editor, then program the robots using ordinary Java code in a simple text editor. Up to 10 robots can be programmed to run simultaneously. Projects and environments can be saved and loaded easily. We also present a set of projects to challenge students of all levels, including an autonomous robot that explores a maze and generates a graph representation which it can then use to navigate the graph using a shortest path algorithm.
Modeling Weather and Illuminations in Driving Views Based on Big-Video Mining

Autonomous vehicle safety driving requires many vision tasks, such as road segmentation, lane mark detection, and vehicle recognition by frontal cameras. However, all these tasks can suffer due to drastic changes of weather and illumination. To make vision a more robust function in driving, as it is for human drivers, this study models a spectrum of weather and illuminations visible in road environments. We implement big-data mining on naturalistic driving videos through four seasons to understand the influence of weather and illumination. Weather sensitive regions are sampled as image features to describe the illumination models qualitatively and quantitatively. To understand how many distinct weather and illumination types exist for vision tasks, clustering is performed by unsupervised learning on all video samples. Typical views of a spectrum of weather and illumination conditions are generated using K-means clustering of feature distributions; we also find a stable number of clusters. The learned data are used to classify a driving view into one illumination type for guiding the road perception modules in autonomous driving. We further explore the sparse coding of vehicle views under various weather and illuminations.
Geometric optimization of dry friction ring dampers

Abstract In operation, blisks are subject to dynamic loading, which result in large response amplitudes near resonance. To reduce the response level and prevent damages caused by high cycle fatigue, friction damping sources are introduced to dissipate vibrational energy. The effectiveness of friction dampers depends not only on the mode shape of the vibrational mode being excited, but also on the damper material and geometrical properties. To create a robust design, it is necessary to parametrize the damper geometry, and to study the effect of geometric parameters on energy dissipation. The effectiveness of the damper is determined by evaluating the reduction in forced responses due to friction damping. To compute the nonlinear forced responses of a blisk–damper system, a reduced-order model is constructed with the method of coherent ring dampers (CoRiD). The equations of the reduced-order model are efficiently solved by the harmonic balance method (HBM). A parametric study on the effectiveness of a V-shaped friction ring damper is presented, focusing on the sensitivity of the damper effectiveness to variations of the dimensions of the damper geometry.
The role of self-disclosure by peer mentors: Using personal narratives in depression care.

Abstract Objective Self-disclosure is recognized as an important aspect of peer support, but little is known about its use by peers. This study aimed to qualitatively understand peer self-disclosure in the context of depression care delivery to older adults. Methods 69 audio-recordings of peer-client meetings were coded for self-disclosure using the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). Peer self-disclosure was defined as a statement describing personal life experience with physical and/or emotional relevance for the client. A total of 3421 discrete statements were organized into 770 disclosure episodes. The episodes were qualitatively analyzed to identify themes related to the content and function of self-disclosure within the peer-counseling context. Results Peer self-disclosure was used to 1) counsel through reframing perspectives, modeling positive behaviors, offering coping skills, and sharing mental health resources and health information; 2) establish rapport by emphasizing similarities unrelated to depression; and 3) show empathy and understanding of personal struggles. In addition, self-disclosure rarely only focused on the peer experience without relevance for the client. Conclusions & practice implications Peer self-disclosure can be purposively used in depression care delivery with older adults. Training and supervision in appropriate self-disclosure should be provided to peers to ensure purposive use.
Valuation of Shares and Equity Financing in an Economy with Frictions but No Leverage: The Value of Retained Earnings

We develop a pricing method and derive an optimal equity financing strategy for a unlevered firm with constant production cost, constant production rate, stochastic output price and an option to expand in a non-competitive economy. The effects of taxes, transaction costs and non-liquidity on the share values and the optimal equity financing policy is studied. Shares of common stock in the firm are treated as contingent claims on two underlying instruments: the firm's retained earnings and the stochastic output price. The paper presents a numerical procedure for computing both the share value and the marginal rate of substitution of retained earnings (MRSRI). It is shown that in the absence of taxes and transaction costs, the MRSRI for a perfectly liquid firm is reduced to the constant 1 — this is a restatement of the classical Modigliani-Miller proposition in the context of dynamic programming. The study of the MRSRI in an economy with frictions may be viewed as an extension of the Modigliani-Miller proposition.
Mastering the Solo Juggling Act: A Library Manager's Reflections on Access Services, Tenure, and Liaising for Academic Disciplines.

Solo tenure-track librarians in academia must discover the key to mastering the fine art of multitasking to execute concepts of seamless user experiences. This article covers notable practices and ...
Design Considerations to Facilitate Clinical Radiological Evaluation of Implantable Biomedical Structures.

Clinical effectiveness of implantable medical devices would be improved with in situ monitoring to ensure device positioning, determine subsequent damage, measure biodegradation, and follow healing...
Minimum Battery Energy Storage System Sizing Integrated with a Photovoltaic Plant Considering Practical Limitations

The integration of energy storage with intermittent renewable energy sources is seen as a critical step in the transition to a reliable and low carbon electrical energy supply. In particular, the utilization of battery energy storage systems (BESS) provides tremendous operational flexibility benefits. However, practical limitations of battery systems also need to be considered. This paper summarizes a study performed to determine the minimum battery size to support a photovoltaic (PV) system in various use cases when considering battery degradation and the practical limitations of a commercially available lithium ion battery. The results from the power model and detailed degradation estimate show that for a baseline 10-year useful life, the minimum size of a BESS is highly dependent on the DC:AC ratio of a PV system and the type of BESS services offered. The results from this paper are geared towards supporting planning studies into combined PV and BESS power systems.
Choosing Viewpoints and Features

This chapter is devoted to the problem of choosing sensor control parameters to maximize the performance of the information fusion process for a given task. As described in Chapter 3, we consider the problem of choosing sensor control parameters in terms of the theory of experimental design [Fedorov, 1972; Mendenhall, 1968]. Experimental design is concerned with the problem of maximizing the information gained from an experiment under cost constraints by choosing the most cost-effective experimental parameters. By analogy, our experimental apparatus is the sensing system and associated processing software, our costs are time, sensor use, and information processing resources, and we seek a sensing plan with maximal net payoff to the system.
Optimum Nose Shapes for Missiles in the Superaerodynamic Region

SUMMARY The mechanics of the kinetic theory of gases is employed to describe the drag force on the nose of a missile moving in the superaerodynamic region of the atmosphere. Three separate cases are considered—ideal specular reflection, specular-type reflection from a slightly rough surface, and surface absorption followed by random emission of the striking molecules. The calculus of varia­ tions is employed to obtain the differential equation of the nose shape which minimizes the drag force for each of the three cases. The resulting differential equations are then solved by a numerical procedure. The drag coefficients for the optimum nose shapes are likewise determined and these are compared with the drag co­ efficients given by other nose shapes. It is further shown that the drag coefficients arising when specular-t3^pe reflections occur are significantly dependent on the nose shape. When surface absorption followed by random emission occurs, the drag co­ efficient is not strongly dependent on either the missile nose shape or the fineness ratio of the nose.
Trim21 regulates Nmi-IFI35 complex-mediated inhibition of innate antiviral response

In this study, using an immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry approach, we have identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase Trim21 as an interacting partner of IFI35 and Nmi. We found that this interaction leads to K63-linked ubiquitination on K22 residue of Nmi, but not IFI35. Using domain deletion analysis, we found that the interaction is mediated via the coiled-coil domain of Nmi and the carboxyl-terminal SPRY domain of Trim21. Furthermore, we show that depletion of Trim21 leads to significantly reduced interaction of Nmi with IFI35, which results in the abrogation of the negative regulatory function of the Nmi-IFI35 complex on innate antiviral signaling. Thus, Trim21 appears to be a critical regulator of the functions of the Nmi-IFI35 complex. Overall, the results presented here uncover a new mechanism of regulation of the Nmi-IFI35 complex by Trim21, which may have implications for various autoimmune diseases associated uncontrolled antiviral signaling.
Visual Revelations: Plotting Evidence to Affect Social Policy: Guns, Murders, Life, Death, and Ignorance in Contemporary America

10.1080/09332480.2013.794615-F0001 Editor's Note: This work is collaborative in every respect and the order of authorship is alphabetical. In the mid-19th century, Joseph Fletcher (1813—1852), a yo...
Cyclic Structural Analyses of Air-Cooled Gas Turbine Blades and Vanes

The creep fatigue behavior of a fully impingement cooled blade for four cyclic cases was analyzed by using the Elas 55, finite element, nonlinear structural computer program. Expected cyclic lives were calculated by using the method of strainrange partitioning for reversed inelastic strains and time fractions for ratcheted tensile creep strains. Strainrange partitioning was also applied to previous results from a one dimensional cyclic analysis of a film impingement cooled vane. The analyses indicated that strainrange partitioning is more applicable to a constrained airfoil such as the film impingement cooled vane than to the relatively unconstrained fully impingement cooled airfoil.
The Current Experimental Situation In Heavy-Ion Reactions

Let us begin on a grandiose note by comparing heavy-ion collisions, which occur on the shortest scales of time and space in the Universe (l0−23 sec and 10−13 cm), with the collisions of galaxies (then both exponents are positive!). Figure 1.1 shows the spectacular NGC 5194 spiral nebula in Canes Venatici,1 with the satellite nebula NGC 5195. The analysis of this type of cosmological event uses a simple potential model with gravitational forces folded over the mass density distributions.2,3 The collision of two equal mass Open image in new window Figure 1.1 Fig. 1.1 Open image in new window Figure 1.2 Fig. 1.2 galaxies, where one has some initial symmetric distribution counter to the parabolic orbit of the incident galaxy, is shown in Fig. 1.2. As time passes, we see the build-up of a tidal wave which eventually spews out mass in the “target fragmentation region,” leaving behind some hot, residual system which seeks a stable mode. Now compare the collision of 20Ne on 238U at incident relativistic energies of 250 MeV/nucleon and 2.1 GeV/nucleon in Fig. 1.3; these pictures were generated by solving the hydrodynamic equations,4 and show nuclear rather than galactic matter streaming out, as the wounded Open image in new window Figure 1.3 Fig. 1.3 nuclei try to recover. (The hydrodynamic equations have also been solved for star-star collisions.5,6)
Mind the Gap: How Curriculum Mapping Plays a Role in the Outcome Measures Regime

This very short piece introduces law faculties to curriculum mapping and its importance in aligning learning outcomes to law schools' curricula. It offers resources to learn more about how to engage in curriculum mapping at your school.
Chapter 9: Mezzanine Debt and Preferred Equity in Real Estate

In the last 10 years, the commercial real estate market has witnessed drastic changes in the types and volume of nontraditional financing methods. Before the recession that began in late 2007, unprecedented growth took place in two types of non- traditional financing: mezzanine debt and preferred equity. During that time, real estate borrowers had easy access to capital with loan-to-value ratios that sometimes exceeded the value of the property, and lenders could earn high interest rates and fees from these riskier financings. In the years following the 2008 recession recession, however, traditional mortgage lenders imposed tighter underwriting standards, and real estate owners and developers competed for the limited sources of available capital. As a result, the need for alternative funding sources increased. This provided an opportunity for a new group of lenders to enter the market to provide liquidity and additional capital. These nonbank financial institutions and hedge funds (many with billions of dollars under management) looked for opportunities to provide real estate financing during the volatile time period immediately following Lehman’s collapse and the ensuing financial meltdown and continue to do so now.With mezzanine debt and preferred equity investments, real estate owners could obtain much needed capital, and nonbank financial institutions and hedge funds could enter the finance markets and earn high interest rates and fees from these riskier and nontraditional financings. Real estate investors and scholars view these nontraditional financings (i.e., preferred equity and mezzanine debt) as a major way to fill the “financing gap” between the senior mortgage debt and the owner ’s equity. This chapter discusses the risks and opportunities of these two types of nontraditional real estate financings. It also examines how investors effectively manage the inherent risks of, and create opportunities with, mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments.This chapter is organized as follows. The first part focuses on mezzanine loans and describes the legal and economic structure of mezzanine financings, along with the investment opportunities, and the business risks, of mezzanine loans. The second part focuses on preferred equity investments and also examines the legal and economic structure of these equity investments, along with the investment opportunities and risks of preferred equity.
Packaging and board assembly technology trend and impact on the supply chain

The development and implementation of packaging and assembly technologies to enable continued miniaturization, functional densification and integration, as well as environmental friendliness, have specific and direct impact on the supply chain, including packaging, board assembly materials, processes and equipment. Fast time-to-market requirement, in combination with low cost and high reliability needs for different product categories, demands ever increasing cooperation throughout the supply chain, with early visibility.
Integrable Boundary Conditions for the O(N) Nonlinear Sigma Model

We discuss the new integrable boundary conditions for the O(N) nonlinear σ model and related solutions of the boundary Yang-Baxter equation, which were presented in our previous paper hep-th/0108039.
The Orientgate Data Platform

The ORIENTGATE project fosters concerted and coordinated climate adaptation actions across the SEE region by exploring climate risks faced by coastal, rural and urban communities; contributing to a better understanding of the impact of climate variability and change on water regimes, forests and agro-ecosystems; and analysing specific adaptation needs in the hydroelectricity, agro-alimentary and tourism sectors. The principal project results include six pilot studies of specific climate adaptation exercises, a data platform connected to the EU Clearinghouse on Climate Adaptation, capacity enhancing seminars and workshops, working partnership among the hydro-meteorological offices of the SEE countries. In particular, this document provide an overview on the activities carried out on the ORIENTGATE data platform, designed to store and manage data produced by the project partners.
Procedural intervention for arthrofibrosis after ACL reconstruction: trends over two decades.

Arthrofibrosis is a rare complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to (1) report a population-based incidence of arthrofibrosis (as defined by manipulation under anaesthesia or surgical lysis of adhesions) following ACL injury and reconstruction, (2) identify risk factors associated with development of arthrofibrosis, and (3) report outcomes of intervention for arthrofibrosis. This was a historical cohort study performed in Olmsted County, Minnesota. The Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) was used to identify a population-based cohort of individuals with new-onset, isolated ACL tears between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2010. The REP database provides access to all medical records for each resident of Olmsted County, regardless of the facility where the care was delivered. A total of 1841 individuals were identified with new-onset, isolated ACL tears and were confirmed with chart review. The intervention incidence for arthrofibrosis was then calculated, and various predictive factors including age, sex, calendar year, and meniscal injury were investigated. During follow-up, 5 patients (1.0 %) in the non-operative cohort and 23 patients (1.7 %) in the ACL reconstruction cohort received intervention for arthrofibrosis, corresponding to an incidence of 0.7 per 1000 person-years in the non-operative cohort and 1.9 per 1000 person-years in the ACL reconstruction cohort. Female patients were 2.5 times more likely to have arthrofibrosis than males. The mean preoperative range of motion was −8° to 83° and improved to a mean of −2° to 127° post-operatively. Arthrofibrosis remains a rare but potentially devastating complication after ACL reconstruction, and roughly 2 % of patients had post-operative stiffness that required intervention. Female patients are at higher risk of arthrofibrosis. However, when patients develop severe motion complications after ACL injury, interventions are generally effective in preventing permanent arthrofibrosis.
A prospective study of opioid rotation in pain due to advanced cancer

ABSTRACTBackground: Opioids are the main drug treatment for moderate to severe cancer pain. Dose limiting side effects may appear during dose titration requiring opioid rotation (OR). The frequency of OR is not well described. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and indications for OR in cancer pain.Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled consecutive new patients seen by a Palliative Medicine service over a ten-week period. Demographic data, primary cancer sites, extent of disease, performance status, current opioid and route, reasons for rotation, the opioid chosen for rotation and route of administration were recorded on a standardized data collection form. Patients were followed until death or for six months.Results: Of 238 patients studied, 78% (186) had cancer and 62% (116/186) of those with cancer had pain. Moderate to severe pain was experienced by 67% (77/116) of them. Forty-two percent (49/116) underwent one or more OR either after initial evaluation or durin...
Production of decay-resistant sapwood in response to injury.

Mechanical injury to the sapwood of Quercus alba, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Maclura pomifera resulted in the formation of discolored tissue which was more resistant to decay fungi than the adjacent uninjured sapwood but usually less resistant than the heartwood. Considerable tree-to-tree variation in response to injury, as measured by subsequent variations in decay resistance, was noted. The exact cause for this induced decay resistance is unknown, but it appears to be due to fungistatic substances produced in situ by the dying parenchymous cells in the xylem.
The Gendered Nature of Disasters Women Survivors in Post-Tsunami Tamil Nadu

The impacts of disasters rarely reveal themselves equally across an affected population. Rather, the extent of impact is determined by social constructs, such as religion, caste, socioeconomic status and most notably, gender, which cuts across all of these spheres. This article focuses on the variable of gender and the role it played in post-tsunami Tamil Nadu, India. In particular, gender will be discussed in relation to: mortality; access to aid and rehabilitation resources; conditions at temporary shelters; violence against women; and impacts on health. This article argues that women confront human rights gaps during ‘normal’ times and that such pre-existing inequalities are simply reified and magnified in times of disaster. These contentions are upheld by providing a theoretical review of gender and disaster, a survey of actual accounts of gender and disaster across space, and by buttressing the literature with examples from post-tsunami Tamil Nadu. The aim of this article is to analyse salient gender...
Evaluation of two methods for prediction of bioaccumulation factors.

Two methods for deriving bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in development of water quality criteria were evaluated using polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) data from the Hudson River and Green Bay ecosystems. One method predicts BAF(L)fd values (BAFs based upon concentrations of freely dissolved chemical in ambient water and in the lipid fraction of tissue) using field-measured biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs): greater than 90% of the predicted BAF(L)fd values were within a factor of 5 of their measured values for both ecosystems. The second method predicts BAF(L)fd values as the chemical's 1-octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow) times a food chain multiplier: greater than 90% of the predicted BAF(L)fd values were within a factor of 5 of their measured values for the Green Bay ecosystem and for three of the six sampling locations on the Hudson River. Poorer predictive ability with the Kow method for the other three sampling locations was believed to be due to the existence of environmental conditions not representative of the longer term ecosystem conditions assumed for the method. BAF(L)fd and BAF(T)t values (BAFs based upon concentrations of total chemical in ambient water and in wet tissue) were compared. The within ecosystem and across ecosystems comparisons demonstrated a 2-5-fold decrease in variability (expressed as ratios of coefficients of variation, percentile ranges, and confidence ranges) for predicted BAF(L)fd values in comparison to BAF(T)t values.
A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 4 Binding Proteins in the Fibrous Sheath of the Sperm Flagellum

The fibrous sheath is a unique cytoskeletal structure located in the principal piece of the sperm flagellum and is constructed of two longitudinal columns connected by closely spaced circumferential ribs. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases are secured within specific cytoplasmic domains by A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs), and the most abundant protein in the fibrous sheath is AKAP4. Several other fibrous sheath proteins have been identified, but how the fibrous sheath assembles is not understood. Yeast two-hybrid assays and deletion mutagenesis were used to identify AKAP4-binding proteins and to map the binding regions on AKAP4 and on the proteins identified. We found that AKAP4 binds AKAP3 and two novel spermatogenic cell-specific proteins, Fibrous Sheath Interacting Proteins 1 and 2 (FSIP1, FSIP2). Transcription of Akap4, Akap3, and Fsip1 begins in early spermatid development, whereas transcription of Fsip2 begins in late spermatocyte development. AKAP3 is synthesized in round spermatids and incorporated into the fibrous sheath concurrently with formation of the rib precursors. However, AKAP4 is synthesized and incorporated into the nascent fibrous sheath late in spermatid development. The AKAP4 precursor is processed in the flagellum and only the mature form of AKAP4 appears to bind AKAP3. These results suggest that AKAP3 is involved in organizing the basic structure of the fibrous sheath, whereas AKAP4 has a major role in completing fibrous sheath assembly.
Gallbladder mucosal protein secretion during development of experimental cholecystitis.

The development of experimental cholecystitis produced by lysophosphatidylcholine is associated with reversal of the normal absorptive characteristics of gallbladder mucosa, resulting in the intraluminal accumulation of water, glycoprotein, and protein. The purpose of the present study was to attempt to ascertain if the protein leaks into the lumen because of the cytolytic properties of lysophosphatidylcholine or if it is due to an active secretory process and to characterize the protein produced. Experiments were performed on anesthetized cats undergoing gallbladder perfusion with and without lysophosphatidylcholine. The amount of protein in the perfusate was measured and albumin clearance from blood to gallbladder lumen was calculated with and without the administration of vesicular transport inhibitors. In separate experiments, control and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) produced gallbladder perfusates were collected and the protein subjected to SDS-PAGE to ascertain the nature of the protein secreted. Inhibitors of both microtubular and microfilament activity decreased the protein accumulation and clearance produced by lysophosphatidylcholine. Gallbladder white blood cell accumulation and inflammation as evaluated byβ-glucuronidase and prostaglandin E levels were not significantly altered by cytochalasin or colchicine administration. Lysophosphatidylcholine also produced significant increases in perfusate LDH levels. The protein produced was primarily a 66-kDa protein. Transfer of the protein to a nitrocellulose membrane and immunoblotting with anti-albumin antibody demonstrated that the protein was albumin. The results suggest that during the development of cholecystitis, lysophosphatidylcholine produces albumin accumulation in the gallbladder primarily by inducing an active secretory process resulting in gallbladder distension.
A Wide Band Locking Range Quarter-PhaseGenerator PLL Using 0.13um BiCMOS Technology

This paper presents a quarter-phase 32GHz PLL using 0.13um SiGe BiCMOS technology for a high speed microprocessor. The PLL characterizes a 3-state phase frequency detector (PFD), a charge pump loop filter, a VCO, a frequency doubler and a feedback 1/32 frequency divider. The VCO used in this PLL is a four -- stage ring oscillator that has a wide tuning range with a feed-forward interpolation topology for coarse frequency tuning and varactor diodes load capacitance variation for fine frequency tuning. The PLL has a wide locking range from 24.4 GHz to 39 GHz with a phase noise of-102dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset.
Thermal sensitivities and d/sub eff/'s for second harmonic generation (SHG) In LaCa/sub 4/O(BO/sub 3/)/sub 3/ (LaCOB) and GdCa/sub 4/O(BO/sub 3/)/sub 3/ (GdCOB) compared to LiB/sub 3/O/sub 5/ (LBO)

Summary form only given. The physical robustness of the GdCOB family of nonlinear crystals has attracted interest in these materials in applications involving high-average power. Large crystal growth of these materials is relatively easy, they readily and quickly accept a high quality optical polish, and are non-hygroscopic. High average power conditions encountered in intracavity frequency conversion makes desirable an intracavity converter crystal that has low angular and temperature sensitivities. We report values of the thermal sensitivity, /spl beta//sub T/=(/spl delta//spl Delta/k//spl delta/T), and angular sensitivity, /spl beta//sub /spl theta//=(/spl delta//spl Delta/k//spl delta//spl theta/), for LBO, GdCOB, and LaCOB as determined from experiment.
The 53rd New England Association of Chemistry Teachers Summer Conference. A model for our division

An outline of the 53rd New England Association of Chemistry Teachers Summer Conference is given along with a detailed listing of the conference participants and the lectures presented. Then it is proposed that the Division of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology of the American Chemical Society host similar conferences around the country to influence high school teachers in their teaching of nuclear science.
Early development of emergency medicine in Chennai (Madras), India

India is the second most populous country in the world, with a population approaching 1 billion people. The development of emergency medicine is still in its earliest stages because the Medical Council of India (MCI) does not yet recogonize the specialty. Recent developments may cause the MCI to reconsider specialty status for emergency medicine as an academic discipline.
Morphological measurement of surface roughness

Morphological granulometric moments have proven useful for quantification and classification of image texture. This paper considers their use as measures of surface roughness. The analysis is based on simulations in the framework of a modified Boolean random function model for surfaces. Four granulometric features are considered: the pattern-spectrum mean and pattern-spectrum variance for both opening and closing granulometries generated by flat structuring elements. The expectations of these granulometric moments are compared with the expectations of the classical average and root-mean-square roughness across a range of Boolean models.
Genotype-Environment Interactions in Egg Production Stocks of Chickens: I. The Importance of Stock by Location and Stock by Year Interactions

Abstract IN THE last 15 years poultry breeding has rapidly changed from a large number of local breeders serving small areas to several dozen very large breeders operating on a national or international basis. The large breeders generally produce for commercial use only one or two egg production lines or stocks which are sold over a wide range of environments. Strains that generally perform satisfactorily over a wide range of environments may not be superior in specific environments such as in different areas of the country or under various types of management conditions or levels of disease exposure. As the industry becomes more specialized, the stocks with general adaptability may become less useful. The current study is one of a series of studies conducted by participants in the Southern Regional Poultry Breeding Project (S-57) to determine the importance of genotype-environment interactions in egg production stocks. In determining whether stock by location . . .
Policing the Factory: Theft, Private Policing and the Law in Modern England

Policing the Factory is a wonderfully insightful book based upon much detailed work in the local sources of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire worsted industry, and informed by the theories and...
Functional activity of the suprachiasmatic nuclei in the fetal primate

The [14C]labeled deoxyglucose method was used to monitor the daily pattern of glucose utilization in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the squirrel monkey during late fetal development. The findings suggest that a circadian clock is functioning prenatally in the primate suprachiasmatic nuclei and that the maternal circadian system coordinates the timing of the fetal clock to ambient lighting.
Differential expression of arrestins is a predictor of breast cancer progression and survival

Emerging evidence has implicated G protein-coupled receptors, such as CXCR4 and PAR2, in breast cancer progression and the development of metastatic breast cancer. However, the role of proteins that regulate the function of these receptors, such as arrestins, in breast cancer has yet to be determined. Examination of the expression of the two nonvisual arrestins, arrestin2 and 3, in various breast cancer cell lines revealed comparable expression of arrestin3 in basal and luminal lines while arrestin2 expression was much higher in the luminal lines compared to the more aggressive basal lines. Analysis of normal human breast tissue revealed that arrestin2 and 3 were expressed in both luminal and myoepithelial cells of mammary epithelia with arrestin2 highest in myoepithelial cells and arrestin3 comparable in both cell types. Quantitative immunofluorescence-based examination of primary breast tumors revealed that arrestin2 expression significantly decreased with cancer progression from ductal carcinoma in situ to invasive carcinoma and further to lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001). Moreover, decreased arrestin2 expression was associated with decreased survival (P = 0.0007) as well as positive lymph node status and increased tumor size and nuclear grade. In contrast, arrestin3 expression significantly increased during breast cancer progression (P < 0.001) and increased expression was associated with decreased survival (P = 0.014). Arrestin3 was also an independent prognostic marker of breast cancer with a hazard ratio of 1.65. Overall, these studies demonstrate that arrestin2 levels decrease while arrestin3 levels increase during breast cancer progression and these changes correlate with a poor clinical outcome.
Neonatal Intensive Care Design: A Practical Approach 1066

The design or redesign of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit requires a unified approach which necessitates dedication to understanding newborn physiology and maturation, as well as an effort to provide a physical environment conductive to the patient, the family and the neonatal health care team. This must be accomplished with both space and cost a major consideration. We have just completed the planning, design, and implementation of a new forty bed NICU. Unless there is a well defined approach to the project, hospital politics and unresolved departmental issues are a prelude to failure. The following scheme outlines our approach to designing a modern NICU which will be ”user friendly: and satisfy the needs of all involved groups.
Maximal Coronary Flow Reserve and Metabolic Coronary Vasodilation in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

Background Structural and functional abnormalities of the coronary microcirculation have been reported in experimental diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate coronary microvascular function in human diabetes. Methods and Results Twenty-four diabetic and 31 nondiabetic patients were studied during cardiac catheterization. A Doppler catheter or guidewire was used to measure changes in coronary blood flow velocity in a nonstenotic artery. Maximal coronary blood flow reserve was determined by using intracoronary adenosine or papaverine. Coronary dilation in response to an increase in myocardial metabolic demand was assessed by using rapid atrial pacing. Maximal vasodilator responses to papaverine and adenosine were compared in 12 diabetic patients. Maximal pharmacologic coronary flow reserve was depressed in diabetic (2.8±0.2, n=19) compared with nondiabetic (3.7±0.2, n=21, P<.001) patients. During atrial pacing, the decrease in coronary vascular resistance was attenuated in the diabetic...
Hard disk media: future problems and possible solutions

Abstract While spin valve transducer technology may be extendible beyond the 100 Gbit/in2 regime, isotropic longitudinal media will show large data retention problems at about 1 3 of this value. We have recently developed a simple model which indicates that while thermal instability issues may appear at different areal densities, they are non-discriminatory as to the magnetic recording modality: longitudinal, perpendicular, magnetooptic, near field, etc. The model indicates that strong orientation of the media tends to abate the onset of the thermal limit. For the past few years we have taken an approach of controlled growth of the magnetic microstructure of thin-film media. This knowledge has lead us to believe that epitaxial growth of multiple thin-film layers on single crystalline Si may provide a pathway to nearly perfect crystallites of various, highly oriented, thin-film textures. Here we provide an overview of the recording system media challenges, which are guiding our media design philosophy, and discuss materials issues and processing techniques for multi-layered thin film material structures which may be used to achieve very high degrees of Co-alloy film orientation.