cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of bone mineral density in inflammatory bowel disease: current safety focus

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis constitute a group of disorders collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease. Men and women are equally affected, and no socioeconomic classes are spared. The age of disease onset is relatively young, frequently in the second and third decade of life. The constellation of nonspecific symptoms that constitute the prototypic symptoms of patients afflicted with inflammatory bowel disease are often overlooked and not attributed to their correct origin. These multisystem disorders commonly involve the musculoskeletal system. The skeletal system can be involved by the disease itself or by the medications used in the treatment of the disease. The finding of abnormal bone mineral density in patients with either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease is a relatively commonplace finding. This review discusses the pathophysiology involved in the formation of abnormal bone mineral density and the treatment of this condition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Phase-controlled metal-organic chemical vapor deposition epitaxial growth of GaN on GaAs(100) using NH3

Abstract Cubic and hexagonal GaN epitaxial films were grown on GaAs(100) substrates by low pressure metallorganic chemical vapor deposition using NH 3 as a nitrogen source. Analysis of X-ray diffraction spectra and transmission electron microscopy measurements show a transformation from (0002) hexagonal or (111) cubic phase to (200) cubic phase GaN as the growth temperature is raised from 530 to 600 °C. The hexagonal phase is found to dominate as the temperature is further increased above 650 °C while the cubic phase dominated in the range of 570–650 °C. Selected-area electron diffraction and electron micro-diffraction tests confirm the results. The full width at half-maximum of the (200) diffraction peak from cubic GaN grown at 600 °C was about 1°, independent of V/III ratio (3000–7500) and for thickness up to 1 μm.
Structure from Random Snapshots

Advanced manifold-based techniques can be used to determine the structure and dynamics of an evolving object from a collection of ultra-low-signal, two-dimensional snapshots emanating from unknown orientations and conformations.
Patterns of growth, mortality and biomass change in a coastal Picea sitchensis-Tsuga heterophylla forest.

Ten years (1979-1989) of growth and mortality were determined in a 130-yr old stand on the Oregon coast based on periodic remeasurements in 44 1000 m 2 plots. West- ern hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) constituted 90 % of the individuals and 57 % of the biomass. Wind is a major form of disturbance in this area, creating both small discrete and large diffuse disturbance patches; wind therefore has a direct effect on the location and extent of regeneration. Rates of tree mortality were high for this coastal stand (2.8 %/yr), especially compared to similar-aged stands in the western and eastern Cascade Ranges. Though low in absolute density, Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) persisted in competition with the more tolerant western hemlock. Net production of bole biomass (4.9 Mg ha -1 yr -1 ) did not equal mortality (8.7 Mg ha -1 yr -1 ), and total biomass declined over the 10-yr measurement period from 499 to 460 Mg/ha; this trend may have begun as early as the mid-1950's at a peak biomass of about 600 Mg/ha. The decline may have been due to a positive feedback in which new gaps and enlarging gap perimeters exposed more and more trees to potential wind damage.
Chemistry on a metallathiaborane cluster Part 4: reactions of 11- vertex rhodathiaboranes with bidentate phosphines and their subsequent rearrangements

The phosphine ligands on [8,8-(PPh3)2-nido -8,7-RhSB9H10 ]( I) may be replaced by the bidentate phosphines, (CH2)n (PPh2)2 ,t o form species of the type [8,8-{h 2 -(CH2)n (PPh2)2}-8-{h 1 -(CH2)n (PPh2)2}-nido -8,7-RhSB9H10 ]( II), in the case of dppm (n � /1) and of the type [8,8-{h 2 -(CH2)n (PPh2)2}-nido -8,7-RhSB9H10 ]( III), in the case of dppe (n� /2) and dppp (n � /3). It was originally thought that the chemistry followed by dppm differed substantially but predictably from that of dppe and dppp. In fact the reactions are more complex and mixed-ligand systems are accessible which provide insight into these reactions and rearrangement mechanisms. Reactions involving the transfer of a metal bonded bidentate phosphine to the cage are observed for dppe and dppp but only for dppm can a species of the type [1-PPh3-{1,3-(m-dppm)}-closo -1,2-RhSB9H8 ]( IV), which may be the key to the identification of the intermediate in these reactions, be observed. We also observed the ultimate product in this series of reactions which appears to be a mixture of isomers, [3-(h 1 -dppm)-1,1-(h 2 -dppm)-closo -1,2-RhSB9H8 ]( V) and [1-(h 1 -dppm)-1,3-(m-dppm)-closo -1,2-RhSB9H8 ]( VI). Additional ligand exchange reactions can be effected so that such species as [3-(h 1 -dppm)-1,1-(h 2 -dppe)-closo -1,2-RhSB9H8 ]( VII) may be isolated from IV. From these results, suggestions for possible reaction pathways are presented. # 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
The Water Content Dependence of Electro-Osmotic Drag in Proton-Conducting Polymer Electrolytes

Abstract The water transport numbers for protons in a variety of available poly (perfluorosulfonic acid) membranes are presented as a function of water content. The data indicate that, for membranes equilibrated with water vapor over a wide range of activities, a water drag coefficient of unity is observed. Several implications of these results, both fundamental and for fuel cell applications, are discussed.
Climate Change, Perceptions, and Social Heterogeneity in Pharak, Mount Everest Region of Nepal

Based on 15 months of research conducted between 2010 and 2012, this paper examines how climate change is unfolding for Sherpas in Pharak, the southern part of Nepal's Everest region. Sherpas are noticing environmental changes, undergoing socioeconomic transformation, being introduced to climate change, and becoming exposed to multiple forms of environmental knowledge from various sources. Thus, climate change in this research emerges as an issue not contained within a single geographic territory or an academic discipline but as the product of multiple knowledge systems in addition to observable effects on the natural environment. This research reveals the narrowly defined institutional climate change narratives that focus on melting of glaciers and glacial lake outburst floods. I argue that a sustained emphasis on such institutional narratives will obscure the wider range of both short- and long-term climate change effects and thereby limit our understanding of their impacts on the residents of this regi...
Looking at LncRNAs with the Ribozyme Toolkit

A diverse population of large RNA molecules controls every aspect of cellular function, and yet we know very little about their molecular structures. However, robust technologies developed for visualizing ribozymes and riboswitches, together with new approaches for mapping RNA inside cells, provide the foundation for visualizing the structures of long noncoding RNAs, mRNAs, and viral RNAs, thereby facilitating new mechanistic insights.
Audio-Doppler guidance using a small-caliber Doppler probe for internal jugular venous puncture for central venous catheterization in infants and children.

Summary Background : We evaluated an audio-Doppler with a small-caliber probe as a guide for central venous cannulation (CVC) via the internal jugular vein (IJV) in infants and children. Methods : The right IJV was located with a small-caliber (2.0 mm in diameter) audio-Doppler probe using 10 MHz ultrasound. The probe was placed on the neck about the level of sixth cervical vertebra and was moved until the crisp pulsatile sound of the carotid artery was identified. Then the probe was moved laterally to identify the low-pitched venous hum of the right IJV. After marking the puncture site on the skin, a sterile cannulation procedure was performed. Ultimate success rate, cannulation time <10 min, successful cannulation within three punctures, and complications were recorded. Results : Ultimate success rate was 65.6% (42/64) in infants (<12 m), and 94.7% (72/76) in children (12 m or older). Cannulation time <10 min was 48.4% in infants, and 85.5% in children. Successful cannulation within three punctures was 45.3% in infants and 82.8% in children. Three carotid arterial punctures occurred. Conclusions : We were not able to demonstrate absolute superiority of the results utilizing this device over the reported results of traditional landmark techniques for CVC via the right IJV. However, this device may contribute to reducing complications and be of value in teaching residents where to insert a needle for an internal jugular puncture.
Soluble repulsive guidance molecule c/hemojuvelin is a broad spectrum bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist and inhibits both BMP2- and BMP6-mediated signaling and gene expression.

Inactivating mutations in hemojuvelin/repulsive guidance molecule c (HJV/RGMc) cause juvenile hemochromatosis (JH), a rapidly progressive iron overload disorder in which expression of hepcidin, a key liver-derived iron-regulatory hormone, is severely diminished. Several growth factors in the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family, including BMP2 and BMP6, can stimulate production of hepcidin, a biological effect that may be modified by RGMc. Here we demonstrate that soluble RGMc proteins are potent BMP inhibitors. We find that 50- and 40-kDa RGMc isoforms, when added to cells as highly purified IgG Fc fusion proteins, are able to block the acute effects of both BMP2 and BMP6 at the levels of Smad induction and gene activation, and thus represent a potentially unique class of broad-spectrum BMP antagonists. Whole transcript microarray analysis revealed that BMP2 and BMP6 each stimulated expression of a nearly identical cohort of ∼40 mRNAs in Hep3B cells and demonstrated that 40-kDa RGMc was an effective inhibitor of both growth factors, although its potency was less than that of the known BMP2-selective antagonist, Noggin. We additionally show that JH-linked RGMc mutant proteins that retain the ability to bind BMPs are also able to function as BMP inhibitors, and like the wild type soluble RGMc species, can block BMP-activated hepcidin gene expression. The latter results raise the question of whether disease severity in JH will vary depending on the ability of a given mutant RGMc protein to interact with BMPs.
Sustaining availability of Web services under distributed denial of service attacks

The recent tide of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks against high-profile web sites demonstrate how devastating DDoS attacks are and how defenseless the Internet is under such attacks. We design a practical DDoS defense system that can protect the availability of web services during severe DDoS attacks. The basic idea behind our system is to isolate and protect legitimate traffic from a huge volume of DDoS traffic when an attack occurs. Traffic that needs to be protected can be recognized and protected using efficient cryptographic techniques. Therefore, by provisioning adequate resource (e.g., bandwidth) to legitimate traffic separated by this process, we are able to provide adequate service to a large percentage of clients during DDoS attacks. The worst-case performance (effectiveness) of the system is evaluated based on a novel game theoretical framework, which characterizes the natural adversarial relationship between a DDoS adversary and the proposed system. We also conduct a simulation study to verify a key assumption used in the game-theoretical analysis and to demonstrate the system dynamics during an attack.
Metallographic observations of armor steel specimens from plates perforated by shaped charge jets

Summary In each of four experiments, a plate of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) was perforated by a copper jet from a shaped charge warhead. Optical and scanning electron microscopy were performed on RHA specimens prepared from a remaining perforated target plate and from various recovered fragments. In the remaining plate, white-etched (in 2 pct nital) adiabatic shear bands were found to emanate from the hole wall and enter the interior. These blended into dark-etched bands of concentrated shear. Some cracks were found to enter from the hole wall and run along a shear band. Tips of these cracks were planar, suggesting brittle cleavage. A crack not associated with a shear band was formed by the coalescence of ductile voids. Recovered fragments were bounded by white-etched adiabatic shear bands. Shear bands also entered interiors of fragments, where they sometimes meandered and bifurcated. One fragment exhibited a dendritic pattern, possibly indicative of melting. Microhardness measurements were obtained in the dendritic region, a nearby white-etched band, and the martensitic matrix. A mechanism coupling local reductions in spall strength to the presence of adiabatic shear banding is proposed.
Organizational citizenship behavior and objective productivity as determinants of managerial evaluations of salespersons' performance

Abstract This study investigates the effects of “organizational citizenship behaviors” ( Organ, 1988a , Organ, 1988b ) and objective sales productivity on managers' evaluations of salespersons' performance. Three objective measures of weekly productivity (number of policies, total commissions, and the percentage of quota reached) were obtained for a primary sample of 259 multiline insurance agents, as well as a cross-validation sample of 113 agents. Also obtained for these agents was an evaluation of four dimensions of organizational citizenship behaviors (altruism, civic virtue, courtesy, and sportsmanship), and a managerial assessment of their performance. Covariance structure analysis indicated that managers' subjective evaluations of salespersons' performance are determined as much by the salespersons' altruism and civic virtue as by objective productivity levels in the primary sample. Similar results were also obtained in the validation sample. Moreover, these findings were robust to the effects of common method biases. The implications of these findings for our understanding of the determinants of managerial evaluations of performance are then discussed.
Evidence of saltatory growth in infancy.

Auxological measurements were taken weekly (n = 10), semi-weekly (n = 20), and daily (n = 3) during the first 21 months of life on a sample of normal infants (21 females and 12 males). The serial length measurements are reported. All subjects grew in length during episodic growth saltuses of short duration, with amplitudes of 0.5-2.0 cm during measurements intervals (1 day to 1 week), separated by periods of no measurable growth (2 days to 2 months). The periods of stasis between growth episodes are not positively associated with illness (P = 0.000). These data support the hypothesis that normal human growth during the first 2 years proceeds by pulsatile growth saltuses of substantial amplitude and rapid duration punctuating static intervals. Individual variability in the amplitude and frequency of growth saltuses may account for variation in attained length and growth velocity. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of Caffeine on Metabolism and Mitochondria Biogenesis in Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells Compared with 2,4-Dinitrophenol

Purpose: This work investigated if treatment with caffeine or 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) induce expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1a) and increase both mitochondrial biosynthesis and metabolism in skeletal muscle. Methods: Human rhabdomyosarcoma cells were treated with either ethanol control (0.1% final concentration) caffeine, or DNP at 250 or 500 µM for 16 or 24 hours. PGC-1a RNA levels were determined using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). PGC-1a protein and mitochondrial content was determined using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Metabolism was determined by quantification of extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption rate. Results: Treatment with either caffeine or DNP induced PGC-1a RNA and protein as well as mitochondrial content compared with control. Treatment with caffeine and DNP also significantly increased oxidative metabolism and total metabolic rate compared with control. Caffeine similarly increased metabolism and mitochondrial content compared with DNP. Conclusion: This work identified that both caffeine and DNP significantly induce PGC-1a, and increase both metabolism and mitochondrial content in skeletal muscle.
Composition and Structure of Riparian Forest Dominated by Tsuga canadensis: Contrasts Between Old-Growth and Second-Growth Stands in Northwestern Pennsylvania

Abstract Riparian forests of northwestern Pennsylvania's Allegheny High Plateau are often dominated by eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis, a tree species under threat from the introduced hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). It is vital to document the structure and composition of these forests before adelgid invasion to understand how they may respond to this disturbance and to provide information useful for future restoration and management efforts. To meet these goals, we compared the composition and structure of old-growth and second-growth stands in a T. canadensis-dominated riparian forest along Henry Run, Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania. Tsuga canadensis strongly dominated the large tree stratum of the old-growth stand, followed by Betula lenta and Fagus grandifolia. Tsuga canadensis and Pinus strobus were codominant in the second-growth stand with B. lenta, Fraxinus americana, and Acer rubrum as secondary species. Seedlings and saplings of dominant tree species in both old-growth and second...
Geochemistry of Preserved Permian Aragonitic Cements in the Tepees of the Guadalupe Mountains, West Texas and New Mexico, U.S.A.

Abstract Tepees are common depositional structures within the shelfal Capitanian Stage Yates and Tansill carbonate strata of the Permian Reef Complex of the Guadalupe Mountains. As part of the tepees, botryoids of radiating aragonite crystals formed essentially contemporaneously with the host pisolitic strata. Although most of the cement in the tepees is composed of diagenetic low-magnesium calcite, X-ray diffraction analyses indicate that aragonite constitutes as much as 27% within centimeter-size patches. Back-scatter electron microprobe analyses demonstrate a highly irregular pattern of alteration of partly preserved aragonite crystals. These patches with the preserved aragonitic fibers have undetectable cathodoluminescence, Sr concentrations that range up to 3,900 ppm, and 87Sr/86Sr ratios from 0.70689 to 0.70695, which are in agreement with worldwide marine values for the Capitanian Stage. Mass-balance calculations show that in some samples the diagenetic low-Mg calcite associated with the preserved aragonite has over 2,300 ppm Sr; thus, the diagenesis to calcite occurred under very low water-to-rock ratios. The least altered of the aragonitic cements have δ13C values as high as 7.8‰ V-PDB (equivalent to ~ 6‰ V-PDB for calcite) and δ18O values as low as −5.5‰ V-PDB (equivalent to −6.2‰ V-PDB for calcite). The high δ13C values are consistent with worldwide marine values whereas the very low δ18O values probably represent precipitation in hot, equatorial, shallow marine to tidal-flat environments. Contrary to most diagenetic pathways displayed by marine carbonates, increasing alteration has generally resulted in higher δ18O values in these relict Permian aragonites. These analyses demonstrate conclusively that Paleozoic aragonitic cements are still preserved in some strata.
Cvt19 Is a Receptor for the Cytoplasm-to-Vacuole Targeting Pathway

Cvt19 is specifically required for the transport of resident vacuolar hydrolases that utilize the cytoplasm-to-vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway. Autophagy (Apg) and pexophagy, processes that use the majority of the same protein components as the Cvt pathway, do not require Cvt19. Cvt19GFP is localized to punctate structures on or near the vacuole surface. Cvt19 is a peripheral membrane protein that binds to the precursor form of the Cvt cargo protein aminopeptidase I (prAPI) and travels to the vacuole with prAPI. These results suggest that Cvt19 is a receptor protein for prAPI that allows for the selective transport of this protein by both the Cvt and Apg pathways.
Microstructure studies on hexagonal layered Ni-S nanocrystals

Abstract Layered nickel-sulfides (Ni-S) nanocrystals had been successfully prepared by low-temperature hydrothermal approach. Rietveld X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that these layered Ni-S materials have two different hexagonal structure phases, NiS1.03 and NiS, both phases are NiAs-type with space group of P63/mmc. X-ray energy dispersive spectra (XEDS) analysis and TEM observations also confirmed these two nanocrystals of NiS1.03 and NiS. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM) lattice images indicated Moire fringes with rotational or translational patterns were observed in these layered Ni-S nanophases materials. In particular, it was found that all the simulated HREM images were in good agreement with the observed HREM lattice images. Especially, the simulated selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns obtained from the hexagonal Ni-S crystallographic model showed that the experimental SAED patterns taken along [11.0], [00.1] and [10.0] zone axes presented reflections produced by double diffraction effect.
R2 Target-Primed Reverse Transcription: Ordered Cleavage and Polymerization Steps by Protein Subunits Asymmetrically Bound to the Target DNA

R2 elements are non-long terminal repeat retrotransposons that specifically insert into 28S rRNA genes of many animal groups. These elements encode a single protein with reverse transcriptase and endonuclease activities as well as specific DNA and RNA binding properties. In this report, gel shift experiments were conducted to investigate the stoichiometry of the DNA, RNA, and protein components of the integration reaction. The enzymatic functions associated with each of the protein complexes were also determined, and DNase I digests were used to footprint the protein onto the target DNA. Additionally, a short polypeptide containing the N-terminal putative DNA-binding motifs was footprinted on the DNA target site. These combined findings revealed that one protein subunit binds the R2 RNA template and the DNA 10 to 40 bp upstream of the insertion site. This subunit cleaves the first DNA strand and uses that cleavage to prime reverse transcription of the R2 RNA transcript. Another protein subunit(s) uses the N-terminal DNA binding motifs to bind to the 18 bp of target DNA downstream of the insertion site and is responsible for cleavage of the second DNA strand. A complete model for the R2 integration reaction is presented, which with minor modifications is adaptable to other non-LTR retrotransposons.
Composition of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States and Implications for Carbon Sequestration and Methane Yield

Eleven statewide waste characterization studies were compared to assess variation in the quantity and composition of waste after separation of recyclable and compostable materials, i.e., discarded waste. These data were also used to assess the impact of varying composition on sequestered carbon and methane yield. Inconsistencies in the designation of waste component categories and definitions were the primary differences between study methodologies; however, sampling methodologies were consistent with recommended protocols. The average municipal solid waste (MSW) discard rate based on the statewide studies was 1.90 kg MSW person−1 day−1 , which was within the range of two national estimates: 2.35 and 1.46 kg MSW person−1 day−1 . Dominant components in MSW discards were similar between studies. Organics (food waste, yard trimmings), paper, and plastic components averaged 23.6±4.9% , 28.5±6.5% , and 10.6±3.0% of discarded MSW, respectively. Construction and demolition (C&D) waste was 20.2±9.7% of tota...
Does sac size matter? Findings based on surgical exploration of excluded abdominal aortic aneurysms

The authors examined outcomes of excluded abdominal aortic aneurysms in 15 patients whose abdomina: aortic aneurysms (AAA) continued to expand after exlusion, but without evidence of endoleak. The aneurysm sacs were evaluated with computed tomography and diagnostic ultrasonography. Endoleak was demonstrated in 8 patients, who underwent coil embolization. Those patients without demonstrabie endoleak (n = 7) underwent surgical exploration and sac endoaneurys morrhaphy. Examination of the sac revealed yellow, fibrinous material with clear serous fluid, or liquified thrombus with serosanguinous fluid. The authors concluded that causes other than missed endoleak can account for continued expansion of excluded AAA sacs and question the need for surgical exploration of patients with expanding AMA sacs when there is no evidence of high sac pressure or endoleak.
Colocalization of P450c17 and Cytochrome b5 in Androgen-Synthesizing Tissues of the Human

Androgens are an integral part of human physiology. The de novo production of androgens is generally limited to the adrenal cortex and the gonads. Androgen synthesis by these steroidogenic tissues requires the bifunctional enzyme cytochrome P450c17, which catalyzes both 17 hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activities. 17,20-lyase activity is relevant to the regulation of androgen production, and is allosterically modulated through the action of an accessory protein, cytochrome b5 (CytB5). Our objective was to determine the cellular localization of P450c17 and CytB5 in androgen-synthesizing tissues of the human. Immunohistochemical analyses of P450c17 and CytB5 were performed on fetal and adult human adrenals, ovaries, and testes. In the fetal adrenal, CytB5 and P450c17 were both found in the cells of the fetal zone, but not in the neocortex. In the adult adrenal, the zona fasciculata was immunoreactive for P450c17 only, whereas the zona reticularis was immunopositive for both P450c17 and CytB5. In the adult gonads, P450c17 and CytB5 were colocalized in the Leydig cells of the testis, theca interna cells of the follicle, theca lutein cells, and isolated cell clusters in the ovarian stroma. Whereas P450c17 and CytB5 were colocalized in the Leydig cells of the fetal testes, there was no immunostaining for either in the midgestational fetal ovary. Our findings of colocalization of CytB5 and P450c17 are strongly supportive of the view that CytB5 plays an important role in the regulation of the androgen biosynthetic pathway in the fetal and adult human.
Characterization and applications of a bright, tunable, MeV class Compton scattering γ-ray source

We report detailed spectral and spatial characterization of a 0.1-MeV–0.8 MeV tunable ultra-bright laser-based Compton scattering source. Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence experiments with the source are also presented.
When will we be ready for academic integrity

The academic dental community has been taken aback by recent events involving student cheating. Several of these events have served as the catalyst for a number of recent journal articles on the subject, providing an invaluable overview of the problems. There have also been several articles over the last few years that have considered student behavior and how institutions can address professionalism. Unfortunately, administrations can only do so much with their policies and curricula, which is why this article is directed toward the individuals that have the most influence on how policies are administered, curricula are implemented, and students are directed: that is, the faculty. This article discusses various ways faculty members can become more intimately involved in the development of professionalism at their institutions and encourages the creation of a four-year program that establishes a culture of professionalism.
Using LiDAR and remote microclimate loggers to downscale near-surface air temperatures for site-level studies

A spatial mismatch exists between regional climate models and conditions experienced by individual organisms. We demonstrate an approach to downscaling air temperatures for site-level studies using airborne LiDAR data and remote microclimate loggers. In 2012–2013, we established a temperature logger network in the forested region of central Missouri, USA, and obtained sub-hourly meteorological measurements from a centrally located weather station. We then used linear mixed models within an information theoretic approach to evaluate hourly and seasonal effects of insolation, vegetation structure, elevation, and meteorological measurements on near-surface air temperatures. The best-supported models predicted fine-scale temperatures with high accuracy during both the winter and growing seasons. We recommend that researchers consider the scales relevant to specific applications when using our approach to develop site-specific spatio-temporal models.
Multichip free-space global optical interconnection demonstration with integrated arrays of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers and photodetectors

The experimental optical interconnection module of the Free-Space Accelerator for Switching Terabit Networks (FAST-Net) project is described and characterized. Four two-dimensional (2-D) arrays of monolithically integrated vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL’s) and photodetectors (PD’s) were designed, fabricated, and incorporated into a folded optical system that links a 10 cm × 10 cm multichip smart pixel plane to itself in a global point-to-point pattern. The optical system effects a fully connected network in which each chip is connected to all others with a multichannel bidirectional data path. VCSEL’s and detectors are arranged in clusters on the chips with an interelement spacing of 140 µm. Calculations based on measurements of resolution and registration tolerances showed that the square 50-µm detector in a typical interchip link captures approximately 85% of incident light from its associated VCSEL. The measured optical transmission efficiency was 38%, with the losses primarily due to reflections at the surfaces of the multielement lenses, which were not antireflection coated for the VCSEL wavelength. The overall efficiency for this demonstration is therefore 32%. With the measured optical confinement, an optical system that is optimized for transmission at the VCSEL wavelength will achieve an overall efficiency of greater than 80%. These results suggest that, as high-density VCSEL-based smart pixel technology matures, the FAST-Net optical interconnection concept will provide a low-loss, compact, global interconnection approach for high bisection-bandwidth multiprocessor applications in switching, signal processing, and image processing.
The Found World of American Political Theory

Abstract A generation ago American theory was characterized as second-rate. The dearth of critical secondary work at that time is contrasted with the present-day abundance of materials and the creative uses to which they may be put. The secondary literature which proliferated, especially during the last decade, supplements the textbook—anthology approach, suggesting frameworks by which instructors may develop the American theory course. These include: the founding of America, civil religion, the Lincoln literature, and the neoconservative phenomenon. This paper resulted from the author's participation in the APSA/NEH sponsored Ethical Issues Seminar, “Citizenship: Ancient and Modem,” directed by Harvey C. Mansfield, Jr. and Robert Scigliarw. The author would like to thank Douglas Muzzio, of the Baruch College Department of Political Science, for a number of valuable suggestions.
The Minimalist Approach for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in High-Risk Patients⁎

The Rouen Group needs to be congratulated for an impressive series of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) cases performed with the “minimalist approach”: no general anesthesia (GA), no transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance. Almost exactly 1 decade ago, in April 2002,
Lessons from the Team

AbstractThe authors of this article have collaborated in the planning and implementation of two courses for the early childhood education majors they had in common: Language Arts and Computers in Education. This article tells the story of their collaboration, including: rationale, components of student involvement, obstacles, outcomes, and where to go from here.
Gateway to deLiver: How malaria sporozoites cross the sinusoidal barrier

![Figure][1] Insight from David Sacks After their inoculation by mosquitos and entry into the bloodstream, malaria sporozoites must cross the liver sinusoidal barrier to gain access to hepatocytes, where they can multiply as erythrocyte-infecting forms. In this issue, [Cha et al.][2]
Evidence of a Sex Pheromone in the Omnivorous Leaf Roller, Platynota stultana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): Laboratory and Field Testing of Male Attraction to Virgin Females

Laboratory and field tests conducted with virgin females of the omnivorous leaf roller moth, Platynota stultana Walsingham, demonstrated the presence of a female sex attractant in this insect. Males attracted by virgin females showed typical sexual behavioral responses including raising antennae, vibrating the wings, and walking rapidly toward females. The tests showed a significant difference between the attractiveness of 1 and 5 females. However, in the laboratory, there was little difference between the attractiveness of 5, 10, and 20 females. Two-day-old females were most attractive, followed by 3-, 1-, and 4-day-old females. Six-day and older females were almost nonattractive. In the field conditions, 98% of the males attracted were trapped between 6 and 10 PM. The response of males to virgin females started about ½ hour before sunset and continued until 1½ hours after sunset with a peak at 45 minutes after sunset.
Tritiated Digoxin XVIII

Tritiated digoxin turnover studies were performed in nine children aged 4 days to 7 years. Mean serum turnover time was 32.5 (range 18-48) hours, and the 3-day urine and stool excretion was 55% of the total dose administered. These findings are quite similar to those observed in adults and indicate that the larger doses of digoxin required for digitalization in infants are not accompanied by increased metabolism or excretion but by increased blood levels and presumably increased tissue concentrations of the glycoside.
The German Presidental Election of 1932

The second regular presidential election held in Germany since the adoption of the present constitution was completed on April 10, following the failure of each of the five candidates to poll a majority of the popular votes at the first election on March 13. As a result of the election, President Paul von Hindenburg was reflected for another term of seven years beginning May 5. This election was important, first, because the Weimar constitutional system was threatened, and secondly, because the threatening force, Hitlerism, if victorious, not only presaged a profound change in the existing form of government in Germany, but might have been the prelude to internal strife, affecting the financial stake of the world in Germany, and possibly endangering international peace.
300 TRANSACTIVATION AND REGULATION OF ESTROGEN RESPONSE ELEMENT BY FUNGAL-DERIVED COMPOUNDS IN TRANSFECTED HUMAN EMBRYONIC KIDNEY 293 CELLS.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are synthetic or natural compounds that possess the ability to mimic or inhibit endogenous hormonal activity. A number of EDCs have been shown to possess estrogenic activity in mammalian systems. The objective of this study was to determine potential estrogenicity of several chemicals derived from fungi (alternariol, AOH; emodin; and hispidin) and the slime mold Dictyostelium (differentiation inducing factor 1 [DIF-1]) with structural similarity to known estrogen-like compounds. Human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells were cotransfected with plasmids containing estrogen response element (ERE)-driven luciferase gene or human estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). Cells were treated with test chemical, 17β-estradiol (E2), and/or estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780. Luciferase activity was determined as a marker for ERE transcriptional activation. The results demonstrated that increasing concentrations of DIF-1 inhibited ERE activity by almost 90% compared with vehicle control. AOH and emodin increased luciferase activity in a dose-dependent manner (up to 20-fold and 11-fold, respectively), and hispidin displayed weaker activation of the ERE (5-fold). ICI abolished the observed up-regulation of luciferase by AOH, emodin, and hispidin. E2 stimulation of AOH- and emodin-treated cells led to a concentration-dependent decrease in luciferase activity of up to 50%, whereas stimulation with E2 caused only a slight decrease in luciferase activity in hispidin-treated cells. The results provide evidence that DIF-1 antagonizes ERα-mediated transcriptional activity. The data further suggest that AOH and emodin, and to a lesser extent hispidin, act as ERα agonists, whereas AOH and emodin may also possess antiestrogenic properties. The findings of these studies implicate that fungi and other microfauna can be important contributors of estrogenic EDCs found in the environment.
Executive function and negative eating behaviors in severely obese African Americans.

Objective : African Americans are disparately impacted by severe obesity. Low socioeconomic status and psychosocial risk factors help to explain this disparity; however, few studies have examined the role of negative eating behaviors or the influence of executive function on negative eating behaviors in this population. The objective was to examine the association between executive function (ie, inhibition and set shifting) and negative eating behaviors in severely obese African Americans. Participants : Forty-seven African Americans who met criteria for severe obesity participated. Design and Setting : Data were analyzed from a cross-sectional study entitled Stress and Psychoneuroimmunological Factors in Renal Health and Disease. The mean age of participants was 45.7 years (SD=10.8) and the mean educational attainment was 13 years (SD=2.1). Main Outcome Measures : Participants completed the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task, the Stroop Color-Word Test, and the Eating Behavior Patterns Questionnaire. Results : Correlation results suggested poorer inhibition was associated with greater self-reported emotional eating and snacking on sweets. Subsequent hierarchical regression analyses confirmed the inverse relations between inhibition, emotional eating, and snacking on sweets, after controlling for age, sex, years of education, and depression. Conclusions : Reduced inhibition may be an important risk factor for negative eating behaviors and subsequent obesity in this population. Interventions aimed at increasing inhibition and self-regulation in this at-risk group are warranted. ( Ethn Dis . 2014;24[3]: 328–334)
The gaming model of tax collection and management

The present paper,describing the basic situation of the gaming model of tax collection and management through three gaming models,arrives at the following conclusions:1.The heavier punishment to the unlawful tax payers can produce positive effects,but it will make the tax collecters slack in their thoughts;2 lncreasing tax inspection probability is an effective measure to keep from avoidance of tax.Due to the tax checking cost,it is impossible for the tax authorities to increase limitless tax inspection probability;3.To lay stress only on inspection probability is not enough for fighting against tax avoidance.To solve the problem thoroughly,we have to establish a systematic engineering against it.
Carbon Dioxide Urethral Pressure Profile

AbstractIn an evaluation of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms, particularly incontinence, the role played by the urethra is crucial. One of the most important methods of evaluation of urethral dysfunction is the urethral pressure profile. From among the many simple and more sophisticated methods of urethral pressure profile measurements we have chosen to describe a simple office procedure and a reliable method of urethral pressure profile evaluation, using the carbon dioxide cystometer. Slow withdrawal of the special catheter connected to the carbon dioxide cystometer allows the determination of the resistance of the urethral wall at sequential centimeter levels along the entire length of the urethra. Carbon dioxide urethral pressure profile is a safe office procedure that is easy to perform for immediate recording and interpretation of results. The cystometer is easy to calibrate. We have had no complications in 450 consecutive urethral pressure profile determinations. The shortcoming of the pro...
Beyond First Elections: The Importance of Consistency in the Timing of Recurrent Elections

Is the regularity of elections a requisite for political stability? Scholars have empirically examined a number of features regarding elections in new democracies, including frequency, alternation, and orderliness, but little work has considered the potential impacts of consistency in the intervals in which they occur. Notwithstanding, predominant conceptualizations of democracy require that governments hold elections at regular intervals. This study examines the extent to which the regularity of the intervals in which elections occur affects political stability. Using newly released data from the Varieties of Democracy project, we estimate a model predicting internal armed conflict based on the pattern of previous elections. We argue that consistent election intervals send a valuable signal of actors’ commitment to regularly hold elections, in part by providing a focal point for coordinated actions in the future. By better specifying the multiple ways in which elections are time-dependent, the analysis contributes to a more robust consideration of the means by which elections promote power-sharing under tenuous circumstances.
Electron Spin Lattice Relaxation VIA Nuclear Tunneling Modes for Trapped Radicals in Glassy Matrices

A new electron spin lattice relaxation mechanism for molecular radicals in glassy matrices has been developed based on modulation of the electron nuclear dipolar interaction between a trapped radical and nearby tunneling nuclei. Saturation recovery measurements of radicals in aqueous and organic glasses can be interpreted by this mechanism.
Imaging Neurodegeneration: What Can Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Contribute?

With increased prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases with age and an aging society, neuroimaging for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy monitoring in these diseases has become more important than ever. There is particularly a great need for robust biomarkers and surrogate markers of cerebral pathology that can facilitate development of effective treatments in these conditions. Many radionuclide and MRI modalities are currently used in clinical research, with some already accepted among diagnostic criteria for neurodegenerative diseases. Others are being evaluated for their potential to monitor the pathogenic events during neurodegeneration at multiple levels from the global network level down to the subcellular and molecular levels. This chapter places magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) within the context of other imaging modalities for evaluating neurodegeneration and summarizes its unique role in simultaneously assessing multiple relevant pathophysiological events, including neuronal loss/dysfunction, gliosis, demyelination, impaired energetics, increased membrane turnover, demyelination, synaptic dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Finally, the steps that still need to be taken to facilitate wider utility of advanced MRS methodology are outlined.
Structural fragility of T-joint connections in large-scale piping systems using equivalent elastic time-history simulations

Abstract The main focus of the paper is to evaluate seismic fragility of nonlinear connections in large piping systems. Piping systems in general exhibit damage due to excessive inelastic deformation at discrete locations such as T-joints, elbows, valves, etc., and low ductility corresponding to failure. Since the supporting structure remains primarily elastic, this study evaluates the effectiveness of using linearization techniques to describe the localized nonlinearities with equivalent elastic properties. A concept called “Equivalent Elastic Limit State” is introduced. A large number of representative nonstructural systems which are essentially linear but characterized by localized fragile nonlinearities are studied to propose a model for computing seismic fragility curves using only elastic time-history simulations. It is shown that the seismic fragility evaluated using elastic analyses is close to the actual fragility. Fragility estimated using this approach can be used as a very reliable prior estimate within Bayesian fragility models so that the posterior estimate of fragility curve can be obtained using a very few number of nonlinear time-history analyses. The efficacy of the model is illustrated for seismic fragility analysis of a full-scale piping system in a hospital with fragile 2″ T-joint connections.
Modernity between Wagner and Nietzsche

This work, by York University Professor Emeritus of humanities and social and political thought Brayton Polka, is a title in the Lexington Books series Graven Images, which aspires to feature top s...
Mechanobiology of the Ligament to Bone Insertion

The interface between materials with mismatched elastic moduli is failure-prone due to singular stress concentrations that could develop at the interface. Yet most ligaments tear at mid-substance and not at the ligament-bone interface. Current physiological understanding of these interfaces centers around the graded material properties of the ligament as it nears the bone, with increasing mineralization of the ligament. Open questions remain on which features of the gradation, or more generally of the ligament-bone interface, significantly improve the robustness and eliminate the stress singularity. To address these questions, we develop a 2D elasticity model of the interface and analyze it using a combination of numerical simulations and asymptotics. Increasing size of the gradation zone yields diminishing returns once the zone gets longer than the width of the ligament. Moreover, we apply a previous result in elasticity and show that the frequently-observed fanned geometry of ligaments near the interface can also eliminate the singularity. Previously, the functional advantage of the fanned geometry was thought simply to increase the cross-sectional area. However, our analysis reveals a different and more significant functional benefit to this geometry. The contribution of this work is to identify scaling laws for the region with graded material properties and a fanned geometry. Based on the observation that neonatal ligament tears often occur at the ligament-bone interface, while injuries in adults primarily occur mid-substance, we propose that the graded interface develops in response to the stress state experienced at dissimilar material interfaces.
Inequalities in L

I begin this chapter with a general result. Later I specialize to obtain an extension of a theorem of Wirsing.