cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advancement through Interactive Radio

This paper describes the rationale, design and implementation of a system for increasing the status and involvement of women in developing communities. AIR (Advancement through Interactive Radio) adds interactivity to community radio, giving community radio listeners, especially women, a voice with which to respond to programming, and to participate in the creation of programming content. We first describe the cost of excluding women from Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for development, and explore how community radio represents a potential antidote to this exclusion. We draw upon ethnographic data collected through feasibility studies and site visits in Southeast Kenya to support the introduction of a mechanism that enables women to ldquotalk backrdquo to the community radio station, in order to better facilitate participation. Using the principles of Participatory Action Research (PAR), we argue that women will be more likely to benefit from technology-mediated opportunities for development if they themselves produce information that contributes to their advancement, rather than simply consuming information created for their use. Finally, we describe the design and implementation of simple communications device that supports this model. This hand-held device enables women to record voice feedback and news for community radio at the touch of a button. This feedback is then routed asynchronously back to the radio station through a probabilistic, delay-tolerant network, where the feedback can inform subsequent broadcasts and facilitate additional discussion. We conclude with a technical summary of the AIR prototype, which will be deployed in Kenya in Fall 2007.
Adapted demodulation for spread-spectrum receivers which employ transform-domain interference excision

It has been shown previously that the performance of a direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DS/SS) receiver which incorporates transform-domain excision of narrowband interference is improved by the use of time-weighting when the interference-to-signal power ratio (ISR) is relatively large, but is degraded by its use otherwise. The demodulator employed in this receiver is a filter which is matched to the chip sequence. While the matched filter gives minimum probability of error for additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) in the absence of time-weighting and excision processing, the matched filter is suboptimal in their presence. Alternative demodulation rules which are adapted to time-weighting and excision processing are developed in the present paper. It is shown that, for the weighting functions considered, the matched filter requires as much as 3 dB more signal power than an adapted demodulator, to obtain a given probability of error. Furthermore, the performance with an adapted demodulator is generally superior to that for a receiver which does not use time-weighting when the ISR is at least moderately large, and is comparable otherwise. The potential benefit that may be derived from the use of an adapted demodulator in a CDMA network overlay is discussed. >
School Change through Gifted Education: Effects on Elementary Students' Attitudes toward Learning

The Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM), a comprehensive system intended to nurture behavioral giftedness without total reliance on a priori gifted program identification procedures, has been propose...
A Paradigm Shift for the Heart’s Pacemaker

About 50 years ago, quantitative Hodgkin-Huxley formalism of membrane excitation was assimilated into classical cardiac pacemaker cell dogma as its main tenet: Voltage- and time-dependent gating properties of an ensemble of mutually interacting surface membrane ion channels (Fig. 1 blue) governs the rate and rhythm of spontaneous action potential (AP) firing of the heart’s pacemaker cells by controlling the spontaneous membrane depolarization between APs. Because this ensemble of electrogenic membrane proteins can, in silico, generate rhythmic APs, it can be envisioned as a surface membrane “clock” (M clock) (c.f. for review1). In the context of the APs that it produces, the M clock regulates cell Ca2+ balance in a given steady state via Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels and Ca2+ efflux through the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) (Fig. 1). (In order to assist comprehension of the complex system involving coupling between surface membrane molecules and intracellular Ca2+ cycling molecules, it is suggested that the reader refer to the figures as these are discussed in the text.) Fig. 1 Schematic illustration of the basal and reserve cardiac pacemaker regulation by cAMP-mediated, PKA-dependent Ca2+ signaling. Step-by-step, detailed explanation of the events depicted within the scheme progressively unfolds within the text. The electrogenic and regulatory molecules on the surface membrane of sinoatrial nodal cells (SANC) are strongly modulated by Ca2+ and phosphorylation (Fig. 1, red arrows). More recently2 it has been discovered that phosphorylation-dependent intracellular Ca2+ cycling (Fig. 1, within gray area) is also an integral player in controlling pacemaker cell automaticity. Spontaneous, localized and critically timed Local subsarcolemmal Ca2+ Releases (LCR’s) generated by sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via ryanodine receptors (RyR) (Fig. 1) occur during the late diastolic depolarization (DD). The SR has been referred to as an intracellular “Ca2+ clock” because the submembrane Ca2+ oscillations that it generates are periodic, occur when surface membrane function is experimentally eliminated 3, and also exist in silico 4. But, in nature, neither the M clock, nor the Ca2+ clock, exists in isolation of each other: Ca2+ and phosphorylation-dependent coupling of the functions of molecules comprising the subsystem M and Ca2+ clocks creates a complex, robust, coupled PACEMAKER CLOCK SYSTEM (Fig. 1) that ensures stable rhythmic firing of cardiac pacemaker cells. Autonomic receptor stimulation confers flexibility to the rate at which the pacemaker ticks 2,4–7.
Low-Frequency Shielding of a Circular Loop Electromagnetic Field Source

The problem of low-frequency shielding of a loop axially perpendicular to a plane shield of infinite extent is analyzed by 1) the thin shield work of S. Levy, 2) solution of the vector wave equation, and 3) application of the transmission theory of shielding of Schelkunoff. Experimental data are obtained and compared with results of parts 1) and 3) in the frequency range 100 Hz to 50 kHz. The first analytical technique is not general, and the limits of applicability of the results are discussed. In the second solution, which is general, expressions are derived for the total electric and magnetic fields on both sides of and within the shield. The resulting expression for shielding effectiveness is not solved because of its complexity. The results of the third theory are adapted to the problem. The shielding effectiveness expression S = R + A + B is computer evaluated for the six shields considered (1/16-inch and 1/8-inch thick aluminum, copper, and steel). Although some approximations are made, this analytical method is the most useful in predicting the insertion loss of the shield, since the theory includes those parameters neglected in the first analytical technique.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of epilepsia partialis continua

Abstract Objective Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a technique for noninvasive focal brain stimulation by which small intracranial electrical currents are generated by a fluctuating extracranial magnetic field. In clinical epilepsy, rTMS has been applied most often interictally to reduce seizure frequency. Less often, rTMS has been used to terminate ongoing seizures, as in instances of epilepsia partialis continua (EPC). Whether ictal rTMS is effective and safe in the treatment of EPC has not been extensively studied. Here, we describe our recent experience with rTMS in the treatment of EPC, as an early step toward evaluating the safety and efficacy of rTMS in the treatment of intractable ongoing focal seizures. Methods Seven patients with EPC of mixed etiologies were treated with rTMS applied over the seizure. rTMS was delivered in high-frequency (20–100 Hz) bursts or as prolonged low-frequency (1 Hz) trains. The EEG was recorded for three of the seven patients. Results rTMS resulted in a brief (20–30 min) pause in seizures in three of seven patients and a lasting (⩾1 day) pause in two of seven. A literature search identified six additional reports of EPC treated with rTMS where seizures were suppressed in three of six. Seizures were not exacerbated by rTMS in any patient. Generally mild side effects included transient head and limb pain, and limb stiffening during high-frequency rTMS trains. Conclusions Our clinical observations in a small number of patients suggest that rTMS may be safe and effective in suppressing ongoing seizures associated with EPC. However, a controlled trial is needed to assess the safety and anticonvulsive efficacy of rTMS in the treatment of EPC.
A Mechanistic Assessment of Enzyme-Induced Degradation of Albumin-Crosslinked Hydrogels:

Pepsin-induced degradation of albumin-crosslinked hydrogels was studied as a function of the degree of albumin incorporation in the network and the concentration of pepsin. The degree of albumin in...
Performance-constrained pipelining of software loops onto reconfigurable hardware

Retiming and slowdown are algorithms that can be used to pipeline synchronous circuits. Iterative modulo scheduling is an algorithm for software pipelining in the presence of resource constraints. Integrating the best features of both yields a pipelining algorithm, retimed modulo scheduling, that can more effectively exploit the idiosyncrasies of reconfigurable hardware. It also fits naturally into a design space exploration process to trade-off speed for power, energy or area.
Lay Attributions about Distress after a Natural Disaster

This research explores how people's beliefs about problems can serve as barriers to help seeking for emotional distress. Of particular interest is the extent to which attributions about the problem (e.g., its severity and origins) are mediated by the context in which the request for help is made. Subjects read descriptions of a disaster victim. Subject perceptions as a function of the amount of property damage sustained (major vs. minor) and the victim's coping strategy (formal vs. informal vs. no help sought) were assessed. Analyses indicate that distressed victims who suffered minor damage in a flash flood were described negatively on a variety of interpersonal dimensions. Further observers attributed the victims' distress to internal causes rather than the flood. An interaction was found between coping style and damage: It is considered improper for victims who suffer minor damage to seek professional help. These findings shed light on why victims suffering from survivor guilt or distress due to intang...
Implications of Research Viewpoint of a Resource Teacher

A learning resource teacher reviews some of the current articles (especially concerning aspects of reading) in the learning disabilities journals as they relate to research from other sources and the utilization of this information in the resource classroom setting. Such information is often fragmented and confusing. Yet informal testing of research is continual in the classroom, and the teacher is dependent on this information for growth. Concern is expressed regarding cuts in funding for research.
Monte Carlo study of hot electron and ballistic transport in diamond: I. Low electric field region

A Monte Carlo simulation of electron transport in the conduction band of diamond as a function of field and film thickness has been performed. It predicts that the energy distribution of field emitted electrons "heats up" to several eV when the internal electric field is of the order of 1 V//spl mu/m. The energy distribution becomes broader as the width of the sample increases. With increasing field (/spl ges/10 V//spl mu/m) there is a transition to ballistic behavior in diamond with the peak energy scaling roughly with the field. It is suggested that if a realistic and viable electron injection mechanism into the conduction band of a diamond-metal or diamond-semiconductor interface could be found for those crystal faces of diamond exhibiting NEA, then a copious cold cathode electron emitter is feasible.
Gravity Study of a Hypersthene Syenite in the Laramie Anorthosite Complex, Wyoming

On the northwest border of the Laramie anorthosite complex, 236 gravity stations were located approximately 1 per square km over a hypersthene syenite body and country rock. The hypersthene syenite has a maximum width of about 6 km, extends about 18 km, and is bordered principally by anorthosite, hornblende syenite, and granite gneiss. Three 15 to 18-mgal anomalies with maximum gradients of about 4 mgal/km are centered over the hypersthene syenite. Bouguer anomaly values range from a mean of about —150 mgal in the anorthosite to a high of —128 mgal over the hypersthene syenite to Bouguer mean values of —150 mgal over granite gneisses to the west. Strikingly, isoanomaly lines locally crosscut geologic contacts. Computed minimum density contrasts of about δσ = .23 indicate that a subsurface mafic mass, possibly norite, is the principal disturbing mass and not the hypersthene syenite. Models indicate that this mafic mass is within .5 km of the surface in places and extends to a depth of about 5 km. The geometry of the hypersthene syenite is difficult to ascertain.
Xenon isotope anomalies and extinct superheavy elements in carbonaceous chondrites.

And in this also (pursues Eleutherius) methinks both you and the chymists may easily agree, that the surest way is to learn by particular experiments, what differing parts particular bodies do consist of, and by what wayes (either actual or potential fire) they may best and most conveniently be separated, as without relying too much upon the fire alone, for the resolving of bodies, so without fruitlessly contending to force them into more elements than nature made them up of, or strip the severed principles so naked, as by making them exquisitely elementary to make them almost useless. ROBERT BOYLE (1661) The Sceptical Chymist Carbonaceous chondrites contain approximately 10-11cc per gram of excess fission xenon, most of which is released from the meteorites at temperatures 1, 200 to 1, 400°C. It appears to be the xenon from the decay of 244Pu, but its concentration is at least several times the amount calculated from the uranium content of the meteorites. The so-called Renazzo-type fission xenon, which is released at temperatures 600 to 1, 000°C, can be shown to be non-fissiogenic. While the Renazzo-type fission xenon can be enriched by treating the meteorites with acids, the 244Pu fission xenon component becomes depleted in the residual mineral fractions.
An information-theoretical framework for modeling component-based systems

Software systems tend to be large scale and complex with the inevitable increase in their functionalities. The increasing costs related to system development and maintenance in correlation to the software size requires new assessment tools for the newly evolving development methodologies. Taking advantage of existing tools and methodologies in a mature field is beneficial to relatively young, related disciplines. Therefore, this paper brings modeling techniques from a well-developed and mature discipline, information theory, into component-based software (CBS) engineering. Information-theoretic representation and analysis techniques in general, noiseless information channel concepts in particular, are good candidates to be adopted to model the dynamic behavior of software components and quantify the interaction between them. This modeling approach is realized by first modeling the component integration units of CBS with cubic control flowgraphs. The arcs in these models can be labeled as functions of parameters of their "hidden" components in the originating nodes or arcs, or both. Each of these labeled graphs defines a Shannon language. Then, a set of metrics, labeled as pervasive Shannon metrics is defined. Four case studies are demonstrated to show the applicability of the proposed metrics for assessment of CBS.
Identifying Barriers to Initiating Minimal Enteral Feedings in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants: A Mixed Methods Approach.

Objective This study aims to elicit physician and nursing perceptions about initiation of minimal enteral feedings (MEF) in very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. Study Design A three-phase, mixed methods study including a quantitative chart review of 37 VLBW infants, followed by 26 qualitative observations of morning rounds, 26 interviews of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) medical team members, tailored interventions based on the identified barriers to MEF, and finally a postintervention chart audit of 50 VLBW infants. Results The main barriers to initiation of MEF were failure to appreciate the differences between the goals of MEF versus nutritive feedings, inconsistent definition of “sick” infant, indomethacin for intraventricular hemorrhage prophylaxis, awaiting mother's own milk, complicated feeding protocols/algorithms for feeding intolerance, and lack of buy-in from nurses/nurse practitioners. The compliance with early initiation of MEF per the feeding guidelines rose from 25 to 92% after our interventions. Conclusion Understanding the complex interplay of provider, system and patient-based factors that interfere with initiation of MEF may enable NICUs to develop consensus guidelines and targeted interventions and to achieve timely initiation of nonnutritive feedings.
Combined Electrohydrodynamic Conduction Pumping and Dielectrophoresis for Enhancement of Liquid Film Flow Boiling

The research in this paper extends previous liquid film flow boiling studies by including the effect of an additional electrohydrodynamic (EHD) force, namely the dielectrophoretic (DEP) force. Rather than using only EHD conduction pumping of the liquid film to electro-wet the heater surface, a localized non-uniform electric field above the heater surface is also used to generate a dielectrophoretic force for improved vapor bubble extraction during the nucleate boiling regime. The effect of liquid film height and applied potential are studied as a function of heater superheat and heat flux. The study considers the sole and combined effect of DEP with EHD conduction pumping. A brief analytical study is also used to estimate the expected dielectrophoretic force magnitude and explain the results. All of the above studies are also used to quantify the enhancement in heat transfer that can be achieved when heat transport systems are driven or augmented by these electrohydrodynamic phenomena. The results show remarkable enhancement of up to 1217% in heat flux and boiling heat transfer coefficient for a given superheat when both mechanisms are used simultaneously. The experimental data are important for applications in thermal management in terrestrial and micro-gravity conditions.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
ALLOZYME VARIATION IN A SNAIL (LITTORINA SAXATILIS)-DECONFOUNDING THE EFFECTS OF MICROHABITAT AND GENE FLOW.

It is commonly observed that a restricted gene flow among populations of a species generates genetic differentiation in, for example, allozyme markers. However, recent studies suggest that microhabitat-specific variation may contribute to the total differentiation. To appreciate the relative contributions of geographic variation and habitat- specific variation, we sampled 42 subpopulations of the intertidal snail Littorina saxatilis from three different micro- habitats (boulders, low and high rocky intertidal) on five small islands within a distance of 15 km. We used a modified orthogonal version of Nei's gene diversity analysis with a modified analysis of variance (ANOVA) that estimated the significance of habitat and geographic separation and the interaction between them. Between subpopulation differ- entiation (GST) was usually in the range of 5% to 10% but was exceptionally high in one locus (Aat; 53%). Genetic differentiation attributable to different habitats accounted for 10% to 81% (mean 35%) of the between subpopulation variation and was significant (P < 0.05) in six loci. Differentiation due to geographic separation accounted for 11% to 61% (mean 36%) and was significant (P < 0.05) in seven loci. Furthermore, three loci showed interactions between habitat and island, suggesting varying effects of habitat in different islands. Microhabitat-specific variation, probably through spatially varying fitness, seems particularly likely in Aat and Pgm-2. Moderate levels of habitat associated variation added to the observed differentiation due to gene flow in Pgi, Pnp, and Pgm-1, whereas in the remaining three loci either the habitat effect was confused by strong habitat-island interaction (Ark) or was virtually absent (Pep and Mpi).
Sialylation of the prion protein glycans controls prion replication rate and glycoform ratio.

Prion or PrPSc is a proteinaceous infectious agent that consists of a misfolded and aggregated form of a sialoglycoprotein called prion protein or PrPC. PrPC has two sialylated N-linked carbohydrates. In PrPSc, the glycans are directed outward, with the terminal sialic acid residues creating a negative charge on the surface of prion particles. The current study proposes a new hypothesis that electrostatic repulsion between sialic residues creates structural constraints that control prion replication and PrPSc glycoform ratio. In support of this hypothesis, here we show that diglycosylated PrPC molecules that have more sialic groups per molecule than monoglycosylated PrPC were preferentially excluded from conversion. However, when partially desialylated PrPC was used as a substrate, recruitment of three glycoforms into PrPSc was found to be proportional to their respective populations in the substrate. In addition, hypersialylated molecules were also excluded from conversion in the strains with the strongest structural constraints, a strategy that helped reduce electrostatic repulsion. Moreover, as predicted by the hypothesis, partial desialylation of PrPC significantly increased the replication rate. This study illustrates that sialylation of N-linked glycans creates a prion replication barrier that controls replication rate and glycoform ratios and has broad implications.
Underwater lidar for the detection of oil seeps

The feasibility of a new underwater remote sensing system that uses a laser-excited system directly to detect the presence of oil in water has been evaluated. The system takes advantage of oil's well-defined spectral signature by using the light output from a laser to make oil fluoresce. This fluorescence signal is then detected by an optical receiver which determines the relative amount of oil present, while a navigation system pinpoints the location of the oil in the water.
Live volumetric (4D) visualization and guidance of in vivo human ophthalmic surgery with intraoperative optical coherence tomography

Minimally-invasive microsurgery has resulted in improved outcomes for patients. However, operating through a microscope limits depth perception and fixes the visual perspective, which result in a steep learning curve to achieve microsurgical proficiency. We introduce a surgical imaging system employing four-dimensional (live volumetric imaging through time) microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (4D MIOCT) capable of imaging at up to 10 volumes per second to visualize human microsurgery. A custom stereoscopic heads-up display provides real-time interactive volumetric feedback to the surgeon. We report that 4D MIOCT enhanced suturing accuracy and control of instrument positioning in mock surgical trials involving 17 ophthalmic surgeons. Additionally, 4D MIOCT imaging was performed in 48 human eye surgeries and was demonstrated to successfully visualize the pathology of interest in concordance with preoperative diagnosis in 93% of retinal surgeries and the surgical site of interest in 100% of anterior segment surgeries. In vivo 4D MIOCT imaging revealed sub-surface pathologic structures and instrument-induced lesions that were invisible through the operating microscope during standard surgical maneuvers. In select cases, 4D MIOCT guidance was necessary to resolve such lesions and prevent post-operative complications. Our novel surgical visualization platform achieves surgeon-interactive 4D visualization of live surgery which could expand the surgeon’s capabilities.
Emerging Brominated Flame Retardants in Sediments and Soils: a Review

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are an important class of commercial chemicals used in a wide variety of products. Several established BFRs are being phased out and replaced with new compounds that are often also brominated. These compounds are so-called emerging BFRs. Very little is known about these emerging BFRs. The analysis of these emerging compounds in environmental samples can provide valuable insight into their environmental behavior. This review summarizes the studies reporting the analysis of emerging BFRs in sediment and soil samples from 2012 to 2015. A list of the different emerging BFRs detected in sediment and soil samples along with their structure is shown. In addition, the different extraction methods used for sediments and soil samples, the various clean-up methods of the sample extracts, and the instrumental analytical techniques are presented.
Extinction rates of the Meade Basin rodents: application to current biodiversity losses

Extinction rates for terrestrial rodent species from palaeontological sites in the Meade Basin of southwestern Kansas and an archaeological site in New Mexico are compared with extinction rates for modern rodents from locations affected by anthropogenic activities. Background extinction rates are defined as global extinctions occurring over proscribed intervals in the absence of significant environmental perturbations. Background rates for the Meade Basin are estimated at 0–~1.0 E/MSY (extinctions per million species years). Elevated rates from 1.4 to 6.25 E/MSY are associated with volcanic events and Late Pleistocene environmental change. These rates are considerably less than those for rodent extinction rates promoted by human activities during the Holocene, the latter ranging from 42.3 to 50,000 E/MSY.
Abstract KP02: Functional genomics, cancer biology and targets

Recent advances in genomics now make it possible to consider enumerating all of the genetic lesions in specific cancers. These approaches will yield critical information regarding the identification, number, and types of alterations found in human tumors and are increasingly being applied prospectively to patient samples in the clinic. At the same time, complementary approach to decipher the molecular basis of malignant transformation depends upon the application of genome scale tools to annotate the function of genes involved in cancer initiation and progression. Over the past several years, we have developed genome scale loss-of-function libraries and open reading frame expression libraries that permit a systematic evaluation of genes involved in cancer initiation and maintenance. Using these libraries, we have now performed screens in a panel of human ovarian cancer cell lines to systematically identify cancer vulnerabilities. By combining these functional approaches with information derived from mapping the structural abnormalities present in cancer genomes, we have identified several new oncogenes that contribute to cancer development. The ability to systematically manipulate gene expression at genome scale now provides opportunities to investigate the function of genes involved in cancer initiation and maintenance, which will provide a framework for therapeutic strategies. Citation Format: William C. Hahn. Functional genomics, cancer biology and targets [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 10th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 8-9, 2014; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(16 Suppl):Abstract nr KP02.
Increasing dietary nitrate has no effect on cancellous bone loss or fecal microbiome in ovariectomized rats.

cope Studies suggest diets rich in fruit and vegetables reduce bone loss, although the specific compounds responsible are unknown. Substrates for endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production, including organic nitrates and dietary nitrate, may support NO production in age-related conditions, including osteoporosis. We investigated the capability of dietary nitrate to improve NO bioavailability, reduce bone turnover and loss. Methods and results Six-month-old Sprague Dawley rats [30 ovariectomized (OVX) and 10 sham-operated (sham)] were randomized into three groups: (i) vehicle (water) control, (ii) low-dose nitrate (LDN, 0.1 mmol nitrate/kg bw/day), or (iii) high-dose nitrate (HDN, 1.0 mmol nitrate/kg bw/day) for three weeks. The sham received vehicle. Serum bone turnover markers; bone mass, mineral density, and quality; histomorphometric parameters; and fecal microbiome were examined. Three weeks of LDN or HDN improved NO bioavailability in a dose-dependent manner. OVX resulted in cancellous bone loss, increased bone turnover, and fecal microbiome changes. OVX increased relative abundances of Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroideceae and Alcaligenaceae. Nitrate did not affect the skeleton or fecal microbiome. Conclusion These data indicate that OVX affects the fecal microbiome and that the gut microbiome is associated with bone mass. Three weeks of nitrate supplementation does not slow bone loss or alter the fecal microbiome in OVX.
Groundwater residence times and flow paths in fractured rock determined using environmental tracers in the Mission Tunnel; Santa Barbara County, California, USA

Multiple geochemical tracers [ion chemistry, stable isotopes of water, chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), tritium] and a 25-year-long record of discharge were used to understand residence times and flow paths of groundwater seeps in the fractured rock aquifer surrounding the Mission Tunnel, Santa Barbara, California. Tritium data from individual seeps indicate that seep waters are a mixture of >45-year-old (recharged prior to the nuclear bomb tests) and young groundwater. CFC data support this interpretation, however, a two-end member mixing model cannot completely explain the age tracer data. Microbial degradation and partial re-equilibration complicate the CFC signal. Spectral analysis of precipitation and groundwater seepage records shows that seepage lags precipitation by 3 months. This delay is related to the advancement of the wetting front and increasing the number of active flow paths. Additionally, the amount of seepage produced by precipitation is less during extended periods of drought than during normal or wet periods, suggesting antecedent conditions strongly affect flow through this fractured rock aquifer.
Cloning and characterization of two chlorophyll synthesis genes expressed during tomato fruit development

iv GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 Dissertation Oiganization 3 PART I. CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A cDNA THAT ENCODES GLUTAMATE l-SEMIALDEHYDE-2,l-AMINOMUTASE IN TOMATO (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM MILL.) FRUIT TISSUE 4 INTRODUCTION 5 MATERIALS AND METHODS 7 Plant Materials 7 Construction of a Homologous GSAAM Probe 7 cDNA Library Screening 8 Southern Analysis 9 Northern Analysis 9 Immunoblot Analysis 10 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 11 PART n. CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A cDNA THAT ENCODES 5-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID DEHYDRATASE IN TOMATO {LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM MILL.) FRUIT TISSUE 22 INTRODUCTION 23 MATERL\LS AND METHODS 24 Plant Materials 24 cDNA Library Screening 24 Southern Analysis 25
How Primary Care Providers Talk to Patients about Genome Sequencing Results: Risk, Rationale, and Recommendation

Genomics will play an increasingly prominent role in clinical medicine. To describe how primary care physicians (PCPs) discuss and make clinical recommendations about genome sequencing results. Qualitative analysis. PCPs and their generally healthy patients undergoing genome sequencing. Patients received clinical genome reports that included four categories of results: monogenic disease risk variants (if present), carrier status, five pharmacogenetics results, and polygenic risk estimates for eight cardiometabolic traits. Patients’ office visits with their PCPs were audio-recorded, and summative content analysis was used to describe how PCPs discussed genomic results. For each genomic result discussed in 48 PCP–patient visits, we identified a “take-home” message (recommendation), categorized as continuing current management, further treatment, further evaluation, behavior change, remembering for future care, or sharing with family members. We analyzed how PCPs came to each recommendation by identifying 1) how they described the risk or importance of the given result and 2) the rationale they gave for translating that risk into a specific recommendation. Quantitative analysis showed that continuing current management was the most commonly coded recommendation across results overall (492/749, 66%) and for each individual result type except monogenic disease risk results. Pharmacogenetics was the most common result type to prompt a recommendation to remember for future care (94/119, 79%); carrier status was the most common type prompting a recommendation to share with family members (45/54, 83%); and polygenic results were the most common type prompting a behavior change recommendation (55/58, 95%). One-fifth of recommendation codes associated with monogenic results were for further evaluation (6/24, 25%). Rationales for these recommendations included patient context, family context, and scientific/clinical limitations of sequencing. PCPs distinguish substantive differences among categories of genome sequencing results and use clinical judgment to justify continuing current management in generally healthy patients with genomic results.
Francis E. Clark: Founder of Christian Endeavor:

Francis E. Clark (September 12, 1851–May 26, 1927) is considered by many to be the founder of modern youth ministry. Concerned with the disconnection of young adults from his congregation, he creat...
Apocalypse as Perpetual Advent: The Apocalyptic Sermons of Rudolf Bultmann:

The apocalyptic interpretation of the New Testament was developed in the mid-twentieth century in explicit opposition to the work of Rudolf Bultmann, and this conflict has persisted despite the cha...
A Robot-Based Cognitive Assessment Model Based on Visual Working Memory and Attention Level

Vocational assessment is the process of identifying and assessing an individual’s level of functioning in relation to vocational preparation. In this research, we have designed a framework to evaluate and train the visual working memory and attention level of users by using a humanoid robot and a brain headband sensor. The humanoid robot generates a sequence of colors and the user performs the task by arranging the colored blocks in the same order. In addition, a task-switching paradigm is used to switch between the tasks and colors to give a new instruction to the user by the robot. The humanoid robot displays guidance error detection information, observes the performance of users during the assessment and gives instructive feedback to them. This research describes the profile of cognitive and behavioral characteristics associated with visual working memory skills, selective attention and ways of supporting the learning needs of workers affected by this problem. Finally, the research concludes the relationships between visual working memory and attentional level during different level of the assessment.
Toward Abandoning Organized Professionalism

The perceived decline in lawyer “professionalism” generates anguished cries. “Has our profession abandoned principle for profit, professionalism for commercialism?,” the American Bar Association (“ABA”) Commission on Professionalism asked in 1986. While the “answer cannot be a simple yes or no,” readers were told, “the practices of some lawyers cry out for correction.” Lawyer Peter Megargee Brown has been less restrained, decrying a profession of “rascals” engaged in “widespread greed, hype, and selfdealing,” while lawyer Sol Linowitz writes bitterly of his “betrayed profession.” Even Yale Law School Dean Anthony Kronman has joined the chorus, describing law as a profession that “now stands in danger of losing its soul.” One must respect the chagrin and sadness that underlies these accounts of professional decline, although as Deborah Rhode wryly notes, “[l]awyers [seem to] belong to a profession permanently in
A ratiometric Raman probe for live-cell imaging of hydrogen sulfide in mitochondria by stimulated Raman scattering

Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) coupled with alkyne tags has been an emerging imaging technique to visualize small-molecule species with high sensitivity and specificity. Here we describe the development of a ratiometric Raman probe for visualizing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) species in living cells as the first alkyne-based sensor for SRS microscopy. This probe uses an azide unit as a selective reactive site, and it targets mitochondria with high specificity. The SRS ratiometric images show a strong response to H2S level changes in living cells.
Group A Rotavirus VP1 Polymerase and VP2 Core Shell Proteins: Intergenotypic Sequence Variation and In Vitro Functional Compatibility.

ABSTRACT Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are classified according to a nucleotide sequence-based system that assigns a genotype to each of the 11 double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome segments. For the segment encoding the VP1 polymerase, 22 genotypes (R1 to R22) are defined with an 83% nucleotide identity cutoff value. For the segment encoding the VP2 core shell protein, which is a functional VP1-binding partner, 20 genotypes (C1 to C20) are defined with an 84% nucleotide identity cutoff value. However, the extent to which the VP1 and VP2 proteins encoded by these genotypes differ in their sequences or interactions has not been described. Here, we sought to (i) delineate the relationships and sites of variation for VP1 and VP2 proteins belonging to the known RVA genotypes and (ii) correlate intergenotypic sequence diversity with functional VP1-VP2 interaction(s) during dsRNA synthesis. Using bioinformatic approaches, we revealed which VP1 and VP2 genotypes encode divergent proteins and identified the positional locations of amino acid changes in the context of known structural domains/subdomains. We then employed an in vitro dsRNA synthesis assay to test whether genotype R1, R2, R4, and R7 VP1 polymerases could be enzymatically activated by genotype C1, C2, C4, C5, and C7 VP2 core shell proteins. Genotype combinations that were incompatible informed the rational design and in vitro testing of chimeric mutant VP1 and VP2 proteins. The results of this study connect VP1 and VP2 nucleotide-level diversity to protein-level diversity for the first time, and they provide new insights into regions/residues critical for VP1-VP2 interaction(s) during viral genome replication. IMPORTANCE Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are widespread in nature, infecting numerous mammalian and avian hosts and causing severe gastroenteritis in human children. RVAs are classified using a system that assigns a genotype to each viral gene according to its nucleotide sequence. To date, 22 genotypes have been described for the gene encoding the viral polymerase (VP1), and 20 genotypes have been described for the gene encoding the core shell protein (VP2). Here, we analyzed if/how the VP1 and VP2 proteins encoded by the known RVA genotypes differ from each other in their sequences. We also used a biochemical approach to test whether the intergenotypic sequence differences influenced how VP1 and VP2 functionally engage each other to mediate RNA synthesis in a test tube. This work is important because it increases our understanding of RVA protein-level diversity and raises new ideas about the VP1-VP2 binding interface(s) that is important for viral replication.
Multi-Material Three-Dimensional Food Printing with Simultaneous Infrared Cooking

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) food printing, or food layered manufacture (FLM), is a novel application of additive manufacturing (AM) that creates a customizable meal at maximal convenience. Whil...
Socioeconomic Status and Parenting Style From Childhood: Long-Term Effects on Cognitive Function in Middle and Later Adulthood

Objectives This study assesses whether childhood socioeconomic status (SES) is related to cognitive function and cognitive change at mid and later life and explores the buffering effects of parenting style and adulthood SES. Method Data were derived from the 3 waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, a national survey including 7,108 participants aged from 24 to 75 years at baseline. We used multiple regression and multilevel models to investigate the associations between childhood SES, adulthood SES, and cognitive performance and change at midlife and the role of parents' affection and discipline. Results Low childhood SES was associated with lower cognitive function and more cognitive decline at mid and later life. Adulthood SES moderated the effect of childhood SES on cognitive function. Interactions showed that paternal discipline was positively related to cognitive function among participants with low childhood SES, and negatively related to cognitive function among participants with high childhood SES. High paternal affection was associated with less cognitive decline at mid and later life. Discussion The findings advance the understanding of the long-term consequences of SES and psychosocial factors in early life that can lead to optimal cognitive function in middle and old age.
Positive and Normative Aspects of Modelling Large-Scale Social Systems

My fundamental interest in planning and policy-making is well-known. This interest stems, in the first instance, from a career in city planning, transportation planning and regional science, but I have a strong and longer-standing concern with the economic, social, and political development of disadvantaged populations, especially in the Third World. In this paper, I shall argue that these interests in policy-making and planning extend by their very nature to an interest in design, and I shall try to disentangle some of the issues which surround questions of modelling, optimization and decision-making as a complex of activities which unite theory and practice in the field of social policy.
Local All-Age Bicycle Helmet Ordinances in the United States: A Review and Analysis

Bicycle helmets protect against head injury. Mandatory helmet laws likely increase their use. Although 21 states and Washington, DC have mandatory helmet laws for youth (variously defined) bicyclists, no U.S. state has a mandatory helmet law that applies to all ages; however, some localities have all-age helmet laws for bicyclists. This study abstracted local helmet laws applicable to all-ages to examine their elements.
A probabilistic power flow calculation method considering the uncertainty of the static frequency characteristic

Abstract In a power system, power generation and load have frequency response characteristics, which randomly fluctuate with changes in operating status. This study investigates a probabilistic power flow method that considers the unit and load uncertainty of the static frequency characteristic. Firstly, a calculation model is established on the basis of the characteristics of the frequency modulation performance of the unit and load. Then a calculation method is developed using the concept of dynamic power flow in order to determine the probability distribution of the active power flow of each line under the occurrence of a fault in the system. In the method, Monte Carlo sampling with the semi-invariant method is applied for analysis and calculation. The IEEE-30-buses system is taken as an example to analyze the impact of different responses of units on the power flow distribution of various branches. The method discussed herein is compared with the Monte Carlo simulation method to verify its effectiveness.
A randomized pilot study of concurrent docetaxel plus vaccine versus vaccine alone in metastatic androgen independent prostate cancer

2531 Background: Docetaxel has activity against androgen insensitive prostate cancer (AIPC) and preclinical studies have demonstrated that taxane-based chemotherapy can enhance antitumor response o...
Microbiome in toxicity and its modulation

Abstract Many toxic compounds are ingested, and with this route of exposure, the trillions of microorganisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract must be considered as crucial targets as well as potential modulators of toxicity. For some compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and cadmium, gut bacteria play a detoxifying role, ameliorating harmful effects on their host. For others, such as alcohol and artificial sweeteners, biotransformation by the bacteria may increase their toxicity. In addition to altering these toxic compounds, the gut microbial community (microbiota) is also often shaped by them, potentially leading to profound effects on the metabolism of their host. Taken as a whole, it seems that the intestinal microbiome, encompassing the microbiota and its associated genetic complement, is a critical aspect of the discussion of the toxicity and efficacy of ingested xenobiotics.
Score Reliability and Validity Evidence for the State-Interpersonal Reactivity Index: A Multidimensional Assessment of In-Session Counselor Empathy

Empathy for mental health professionals is often inferred from dispositional assessments that misrepresent the temporal, contextual, and multidimensional nature of empathy. This article presents th...
CHAPTER IV – Blackbody Radiation

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of blackbody radiation. All objects that have a temperature at any value other than absolute zero continuously emit and absorb radiation. The radiation characteristics of certain surfaces are completely specified if the temperature is known. These surfaces radiate continuously through the optical spectrum and are known as ideal thermal radiators or blackbodies. Blackbody radiation is described by Planck's equation. Slide rules are available that provide rapid calculation of blackbody quantities with good accuracy. The Planck radiation formula shows that the spectrum of the radiation shifts toward shorter wavelengths as the temperature of the radiator is increased. The derivative of the Planck equation with respect to wavelength yields the Wien displacement law that gives the wavelength for which maximum radiation occurs for a given temperature. The total power radiated per unit area of a blackbody is obtained by integrating the Planck's radiation law over all wavelengths. Two well-known approximations to Planck's law are readily obtained: Rayleigh-Jeans' law and Wien's radiation law. The chapter also highlights emissivity, Kirchhoff's law, and Lambert's cosine law. Emissivity of a surface is a function of wavelength, temperature, and direction. Lambert's cosine law signifies that the amount of energy in a given solid angle varies in proportion to the cosine of the angle between the direction in question and the normal to the surface.
Spinal Cord Injuries

Approximately 12,000 patients per year sustain a spinal cord injury in the United States. Morbidity, mortality, and medical costs are high in patients with spinal cord injuries due to complications of the injury. Prehospital management of potential spinal cord injuries consists of airway stabilization and spinal precautions. When patients with suspected spinal cord injuries present to the emergency department, the airway, breathing, and circulation must first be addressed. If a spinal cord injury is found, a complete neurologic exam must be obtained. Keys to management of spinal cord injuries include early intubation if necessary, management of neurogenic shock, and evaluation for concomitant injuries. Patients who are found to have spinal cord injuries must be transferred rapidly to a center with spine surgery capabilities for potential operative management.