cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential proteomic responses to water stress induced by PEG in two creeping bentgrass cultivars differing in stress tolerance

Protein metabolism and expression play important role in plant adaptation to water stress. The objectives of this study were to examine proteomic responses to water stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) leaves and to identify proteins associated with stress tolerance. Plants of two cultivars ('Penncross' and 'Penn-A4') differing in water stress tolerance were grown in sand irrigated daily with water (control) or PEG solution (osmotic potential of -0.66MPa) to induce water stress, for 28d in growth chambers. Shoot extension rate, relative water content and cell membrane stability were measured to compare drought tolerance between the two cultivars. All parameters maintained at a significantly higher level in 'Penn-A4' than in 'Penncross' under PEG treatment. After 28d of water stress, proteins were extracted from leaves and separated by difference gel electrophoresis. Among 56 stress-responsive protein spots, 46 were identified using mass spectrometry. Some proteins involved in primary nitrogen and carbon metabolism were down-regulated by PEG-induced water stress in both cultivars. The abundance of antioxidant enzyme proteins (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase) increased under water stress, particularly ascorbate peroxidase in 'Penn-A4'. The abundance levels of actins, UDP-sulfoquinovose synthase and glucan exohydrolase were greater in 'Penn-A4' than in 'Penncross' under PEG treatment. Our results suggest that proteins involved in membrane synthesis, cell wall loosening, cell turgor maintenance, and antioxidant defense may play roles in perennial grass adaptation to PEG-induced water stress.
A comparison of fluorine tin oxide and indium tin oxide as the transparent electrode for P3OT/TiO2 solar cells

Abstract Open circuit voltage ( V oc ) and other photovoltaic parameters from fluorine tin oxide (FTO) P3OT/TiO 2 composite solar cells have been investigated in comparison with those from the indium tin oxide (ITO) devices with the same device structure and fabrication process. From the experimental results, the performance of FTO-based devices is better than that of ITO devices in terms of V oc , short circuit current density ( J sc ), and power conversion efficiency. The origin of V oc and the higher V oc of FTO can be explained and estimated by metal–insulator–metal model with a non-ohmic cathode contact.
Mapping subgrain sizes resulting from severe simple shear deformation

Grain refinement under interactive effects of severe shear strains, strain rates and temperatures often follows complex trajectories. Encapsulating the process–structure linkages under these conditions is central to controlling product outcomes from processes involving severe plastic deformation. This paper uses in situ characterization of deformation in large-strain machining using high-speed digital image correlation and IR thermography to examine the microstructural consequences across a swathe of directly quantified thermomechanical conditions. Using electron microscopy, it is shown that the average subgrain sizes resulting from this deformation correlate with the strain and the theoretical limit of the subgrain-size that is achievable. From this, a suitably parameterized map-space is proposed for capturing average subgrain sizes resulting from severe shear deformation. The parameterization is characterized by the y axis as the strain and the x axis as a parameter R, which is a function of the strain-rate, temperature and material constants. Noting that the surfaces from machining processes are essentially derived from severe thermomechanical conditions akin to those explored here, the implications of subgrain size-maps for controlling surface microstructures on components manufactured by machining processes are discussed.
Precipitation and Temperature Estimation Error at Alpine Treeline Ecotones Using the Mountain Climate Simulator Model (MT-CLIM)

In order to improve modeling of alpine treeline responses to climate change, estimations of snowfall at treeline sites are needed. The MT-CLIM climate model was evaluated for this purpose by extrapolating precipitation and temperature from standard weather stations at lower elevations to 30 alpine SNOTEL study sites across the western United States. Quantification of the topography between the base stations and the SNOTEL sites was used in inverse distance weighting and compared to straight-line weighting. The predicted temperature and precipitation under different weighting methods were compared to observed data over three months during the winter of 2006-2007. The errors were mapped and their spatial pattern analyzed. Error patterns indicate strong gradients, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, that are suggestive of areas where additional characteristics of atmosphere-land interactions and boundary layer climatology need to be considered in modeling applications.
Primary effusion lymphoma in an HIV-negative man

A 55-year-old Caucasian male with cryptogenic cirrhosis of the liver and refractory ascites was referred for consideration of a liver transplant. There was no previous history of opportunistic infections and serological screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C was negative. Immunoglobulin levels were normal and autoantibodies and tumour markers were not detected. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed hepatomegaly with irregular hepatic architecture, established varices and marked portal enteropathy with splenomegaly and ascites but no nodal enlargement. Ascitic fluid cytology showed abundant atypical cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and many apoptotic cells (top left), macrophages and mesothelial cells. Immunophenotyping was undertaken on ascitic and pleural fluid and cells typed as mature T cells with no excess of blasts or clonally-restricted B cells. These cells expressed CD45, HLA-DR, CD38 and CD7 but no other B, T or myeloid markers. Immunohistochemistry of these cells failed because of background staining and poor preservation of cellular architecture. DNA was extracted from the ascitic fluid and gene rearrangement studies by multiplex polymerase chain reaction confirmed a monoclonal IGH@ rearrangement with a polyclonal T-cell receptor pattern. Peritoneal biopsy proved inconclusive but immunohistochemical analysis of a subsequent ascitic fluid sample showed pleomorphic lymphoid cells with plasmacytoid features, positive for CD38 (top right), CD30, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and MUM1/IRF4. There was strong nuclear expression of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) latent protein (LANA; bottom left) and Epstein–Barr virus-encoded RNA (EBER; bottom right) by in situ hybridization. A diagnosis of primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) was made. PEL is a rare large B-cell neoplasm and, in the absence of immune suppression, is particularly unusual. Confirmation of B-cell clonality by immunophenotyping may be difficult as PEL usually lacks cytoplasmic and surface immunoglobulin. CD45, HLA-DR, CD30, CD38, Vs38c, CD138 and EMA are often demonstrable. Pan-B markers may not be expressed and there may be aberrant expression of T-cell markers, making it difficult to assign lineage. Immunoglobulin genes are usually clonally rearranged, as in this case. The nuclei of the neoplastic cells are universally positive for HHV8 LANA and this is useful in establishing a diagnosis. If the cytological features are poorly preserved, histochemical staining may fail. The patient was treated with dose-attenuated cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (CHOP) chemotherapy, but had a poor response and died within 6 months of presentation. Clinical outcomes remain poor for this disease although there are occasional reports of a response to immunomodulatory agents with chemotherapy.
Option Investing from a Risk-Return Perspective

Here the author derives the binomial option model via the CAPM. The derivation makes it clear that the expected returns from options should be consistent with their risks. Thus, call options, with very positive betas, should have very high expected returns, and put options, with very negative betas, should have expected returns significantly lower than the risk-free interest rate. Using both the CAPM and standard binomial pricing frameworks, the author illustrates the evolution of expected returns for various option-related investment strategies, and provides an analysis of expected and most likely returns for call and put options.
A radiology hypertext system for education and clinical decision making.

Hypertext is a computer-based means of organizing information that allows one to explore the connections among related subjects. FACT/FILE is a hypertext computer system that provides access to a wide variety of information of interest to radiologists and radiology residents. Information is presented as notecards, or frames, which can contain textual information about relevant anatomy, physiology and pathology, as well as differential diagnosis “gamut” listings. More than 800 frames are available. Users can choose frames from an alphabetical index produced automatically from key words in each frame's title, or from a hierarchically organized subject index. Links between frames allow users to explore related frames and then return to the original frame. Physicians can add new frames to the system, so that specialized knowledge can be shared. This system has been implemented as a module of the radiology information system at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
How Preferences Have Corrupted Higher Education.

"The first law of unintended consequences is that you can never know what they will be or how far they will reach." Professor Ellis examines the injuries American higher education has sustained through the unintended consequences of diversity. (Contains 4 footnotes.) Language: en
Occurrence of generic Escherichia coli, E. coli O157 and Salmonella spp. in water and sediment from leafy green produce farms and streams on the Central California coast.

Abstract Irrigation with water of poor microbiological quality can elevate levels of bacteria on produce. This study aimed to identify climate and management variables associated with generic Escherichia coli in irrigation water on leafy green produce farms and to measure the prevalence of E. coli O157 and Salmonella spp. in irrigation and non-irrigation water sources on these farms. Water and sediment samples collected from various points along irrigation systems, as well as from streams and ponds on farms on the Central California coast between May 27th, 2008 and October 26th, 2010 were cultured for generic E. coli (MPN/100 mL or cfu 100 g) (n = 436), E. coli O157 (n = 437), and (n = 163) Salmonella. Variables were based on grower's management practices, landscape features in proximity to samples (e.g., distance to roads and ranches/livestock), and climate data accessed from an online database. Negative binomial regression models were constructed to test associations between generic E. coli (MPN/100 mL) in water from farms and variables. Arithmetic mean concentration of E. coli for water, not including those from Moore swabs, and sediment samples, was 7.1 × 102 MPN/100 mL and 1.0 × 104 cfu/100 g, respectively. Matched by collection day, E. coli concentration in sediment (cfu/100 g) was typically 10- to 1000-fold higher than the overlying water (MPN/100 mL) for these irrigation systems. Generic E. coli concentration (MPN/100 mL) increased by 60.1% for each 1 m/s increase in wind speed and decreased by 3% for each 10 m increase in the distance between the sample location and rangeland. Moore swabs detected a higher proportion of E. coli O157 (13.8%) positive water samples compared to grab samples (1.8%); 1.7% of sediment samples had detectable levels of this pathogen. Interestingly, season was not significantly associated with E. coli O157 presence in water or sediments from produce farms or water sources with public access. Salmonella was detected in 6% (6/96) water and 4.3% (3/67) sediment samples. Generic E. coli concentration was not significantly associated with the presence of either E. coli O157 or Salmonella in water or sediment samples, suggesting that, for this 2.5-year period and geographical location, generic E. coli would likely be an unreliable indicator bacteria for predicting the presence of these food- and waterborne pathogens in a key produce production environment.
Isolation of microbodies from plant tissues

Specialized microbodies have previously been isolated and characterized from fatty seedling tissues (glyoxysomes) and leaves (leaf peroxisomes). We have now examined 11 other plant tissues, including tubers, fruits, roots, shoots, and petals, and find that all contain particulate catalase, a distinctive common enzyme component of microbodies. On linear sucrose gradients the catalase activity peaks sharply at a higher equilibrium density (1.20 to 1.25 gram per cm(3) in the various tissues) than the mitochondria (1.17 to 1.20). Only small amounts of protein are recovered in the fractions containing catalase, although a definite band is visible in preparations from some tissues, e.g., potato. As in the preparations from castor bean endosperm and spinach leaves for which comparable data are provided, the distribution of glycolate oxidase and uricase follows closely that of catalase on the gradients. The preparations from potato lack glyoxylate reductase and the transaminases, typical enzymes of leaf peroxisomes, and the distinctive enzymes of glyoxysomes are missing. Nonspecialized microbodies with limited enzyme composition can thus be isolated from a variety of plant tissues.
Anterior glossectomy: Reconstruction with a posterior tongue rotation flap

With traditional techniques, reconstruction of the anterior tongue is often less than satisfactory. The difficulty lies mainly in providing the tongue with the appropriate amount of bulk essential for normal movement and function. We present an alternative method that involves raising a flap from the ipsilateral middle third of the tongue and rotating it into position for suturing to the anterior defect border. We have found this simple procedure to yield adequate tongue bulk for normal speech and deglutition.
Weighted-Sequence problem: ASP vs CASP and declarative vs problem-oriented solving

Search problems with large variable domains pose a challenge to current answer-set programming (ASP) systems as large variable domains make grounding take a long time, and lead to large ground theories that may make solving infeasible. To circumvent the "grounding bottleneck" researchers proposed to integrate constraint solving techniques with ASP in an approach called constraint ASP (CASP). In the paper, we evaluate an ASP system clingo and a CASP system clingcon on a handcrafted problem involving large integer domains that is patterned after the database task of determining the optimal join order. We find that search methods used by clingo are superior to those used by clingcon, yet the latter system, not hampered by grounding, scales up better. The paper provides evidence that gains in solver technology can be obtained by further research on integrating ASP and CSP technologies.
Disclosure of medical errors: ethical considerations for the development of a facility policy and organizational culture change.

The Institute of Medicine report, To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System, has spurred public concern over hospitals’ ability to deliver safe care. The health care industry continues to str...
Mosquito Repellents Based on a Natural Chromene Analogue with Longer Duration of Action than N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET)

Mosquito repellents play a major role in reducing bites and therefore mitigating transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. There is concern by some about the reported neurotoxic effects of the popular repellent DEET. Also, a product with longer effective activity after application is needed. This paper describes the synthesis and repellent activity of (2,2 dimethyl-2H-chromen-5-yl)methanol, a derivative of chromene amide that is a compound from the plant Amyris texana. This compound is more potent and provides longer duration of protection than DEET against Aedes aegypti (L.), the primary vector that transmits pathogens causing yellow and dengue fevers in humans.
Sarcoidal tissue reaction in Sézary syndrome

Sezary syndrome (SS) is an erythrodermic and leukemic variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Occasionally, the histology of CTCL exhibits evidence of a granulomatous infiltrate in the skin. A case of SS that showed epithelioid granulomas resembling sarcoidosis in the skin and lymph nodes is presented. The clinical course of this patient has been relatively indolent.
Matrix GLA protein and BMP-2 regulate osteoinduction in calcifying vascular cells.

Expression of matrix GLA protein (MGP), an alleged calcification inhibitor, is increased in calcified arteries. We used calcifying vascular cells (CVC) that form calcified nodules in vitro to clarify the importance of MGP in vascular cell calcification and differentiation. Unexpectedly, MGP dose-dependently increased calcification in CVC. It also increased expression of the osteogenic marker Cbfal, while decreasing expression of the smooth muscle marker alpha-actin as assessed by immunoblotting. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), a known osteoinductive factor also increased calcification and osteogenic differentiation in CVC. We hypothesized that the effect of MGP was linked to that of BMP-2 since previous studies show that MGP modulates BMP-2 activity. Therefore, we compared the effect of MGP at different levels of exogenous BMP-2. Results showed that high BMP-2 levels significantly increased the stimulatory effect of low levels of MGP. A relative inhibition of calcification was observed at intermediate levels of MGP and a trend towards renewed stimulation at high levels of MGP. Thus, addition of MGP either promoted or inhibited calcification, depending on the relative amounts of BMP-2 and MGP. This was confirmed in human CVC with different relative expression of BMP-2 and MGP. Calcification in CVC with high relative expression of BMP-2 was inhibited by MGP, while calcification in CVC with low relative expression of BMP-2 was stimulated by MGP. MGP and BMP-2 both accelerated nodule formation, but had opposite effects on nodule size; MGP decreased while BMP-2 increased nodule size. The effect of BMP-2 may partly be explained by a BMP-2 induced decrease in MGP expression. Together, our results suggest that the effect of MGP on calcification and osteogenic differentiation is determined by availability of BMP-2.
Using Innovative Strategies to Enhance Health Promotion Critical Literacy

New and improved teaching strategies are required to engage students in meaningful coursework to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Advanced practice nurses are responsible for producing creative and realistic health promotion and disease prevention proposals, which have the potential for implementation as part of a course requirement. Unfortunately, these proposals often lack the sophistication and critical literacy necessary to effectively communicate the student's knowledge and understanding of their ideas. Infusing critical thinking and critical literacy into all curricula is one of the stated goals of the university-wide "Enhancing Critical Literacy Project." This learning-centered program serves as the platform for this article and the early adoption of selected student assessment techniques. Concepts presented as part of a critical literacy enhancement seminar provides the theoretical underpinning of this approach and is designed to encourage student innovation through creative writing. A detailed description of the various strategies and their implementation are discussed.
Improving peak detection in high-resolution LC/MS metabolomics data using preexisting knowledge and machine learning approach

Motivation: Peak detection is a key step in the preprocessing of untargeted metabolomics data generated from high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The common practice is to use filters with predetermined parameters to select peaks in the LC/MS profile. This rigid approach can cause suboptimal performance when the choice of peak model and parameters do not suit the data characteristics. Results: Here we present a method that learns directly from various data features of the extracted ion chromatograms (EICs) to differentiate between true peak regions from noise regions in the LC/MS profile. It utilizes the knowledge of known metabolites, as well as robust machine learning approaches. Unlike currently available methods, this new approach does not assume a parametric peak shape model and allows maximum flexibility. We demonstrate the superiority of the new approach using real data. Because matching to known metabolites entails uncertainties and cannot be considered a gold standard, we also developed a probabilistic receiver-operating characteristic (pROC) approach that can incorporate uncertainties. Availability and implementation: The new peak detection approach is implemented as part of the apLCMS package available at http://web1.sph.emory.edu/apLCMS/ Contact: ude.yrome@8uyt Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Local measurements of turbulent angular momentum transport in circular Couette flow

We report on velocity fluctuations and the fluctuation-driven radial transport of angular momentum in turbulent circular Couette flow. Our apparatus is short (cylinder height to gap width ratio Γ ~ 2) and of relatively high wall curvature (ratio of cylinder radii η ~ 0.35). Fluctuation levels and the mean specific angular momentum are found to be roughly constant over radius, in accordance with previous studies featuring narrower gaps. Synchronized dual beam Laser Doppler Velocimetry (2D LDV) is used to directly measure the r − θ Reynolds stress component as a function of Reynolds number (Re), revealing approximate scalings in the non-dimensional angular momentum transport that confirm previous measurements of torque in similar flows. 2D LDV further allows for a decomposition of the turbulent transport to assess the relative roles of fluctuation intensity and r − θ cross-correlation. We find that the increasing angular momentum transport with Re is due to intensifying absolute fluctuation levels accompanied by a slightly weakening cross-correlation.
Alexander the Great and Jaddus the High Priest According to Josephus

Perhaps the most famous section of the second half of Josephus's Jewish Antiquities is the story of Alexander the Great and the Jews (AJ 11.302–47). It consists of three strands: a story about Manasses, Sanballat, and Alexander; a story about Jaddus and Alexander; and historical data about Philip II, Darius III, and Alexander the Great. In the first strand Manasses, a brother of the high priest Jaddus, marries the daughter of Sanballat, satrap of Samaria, and as a result is ejected from Jerusalem and flees to his father-in-law. Sanballat promises to build a new temple for him and his Jewish followers and intends to ask Darius to authorize the project. When Alexander is victorious, Sanballat transfers his allegiance to the Macedonian conqueror and receives permission from him to build a temple in Samaria. In the second strand, Alexander demands the submission of the Jews but Jaddus, the high priest, remains loyal to Darius.Furious at this rebuff, Alexander marches on Jerusalem. Encouraged by a dream, the high priest and the Jews greet Alexander outside the city. The conqueror of the world bows down before Jaddus and declares that it was Jaddus who had appeared to him in a dream three years earlier and had encouraged him to launch his expedition against Persia. Amidst general rejoicing, Alexander enters the temple, sacrifices to the God of Israel, and bestows gifts upon the Jews.
International Experience An Opportunity for Professional Development in Higher Education

This qualitative study examines the role of international experience in the transformative learning of female educators as it relates to professional development in a higher education context. It also investigates how the learning productions of these experiences were transferred to the participants' home country. Nine American female faculty and administrators who worked at universities in Arab countries in the Gulf region participated in this study. The results suggest that the transformative learning of the female educators was reflected in three themes: changes in personal and professional attitudes, experiencing a new classroom environment that included different students' learning style and unfamiliar classroom behavior, and broadening of participants' global perspectives. Conclusions are provided, implications are discussed, and recommendations for future research are suggested.
Histiocytosis X: Treatment with topical nitrogen mustard

The case histories of two elderly patients with cutaneous histiocytosis X treated topically with nitrogen mustard are presented. The cutaneous lesions cleared within 2 to 3 weeks, and remission was maintained with daily topical administration of nitrogen mustard. The clinical impression of improvement was substantiated by light and electron microscopic studies prior to and after therapy.
Surface modification of biomaterials through noble metal ion implantation.

Studies are described involving effects of noble-metal ion implantation on corrosion inhibition and charge-injection capabilities of surgical Ti-6Al-4V alloy. A major factor linked to excellent long-term biological performance is resistance to metal-ion release to tissues. The elements most resistant to corrosion in aqueous solutions are the noble metals. Disadvantages include expense and general inadequacy of mechanical properties. However, if small quantities can be used to surface-modify a surgical device in the last stage of manufacture, that device could possess an optimum combination of environmental integrity, biological response, mechanical properties, and charge-injection capability at miniumum expense. Results for ion-implanted Ir are presented. Iridium has been described as the most corrosion-resistant element known, and its activated oxide as having the highest charge-injection capability of any material known. Ti-6Al-4V samples, ion implanted with 2.5 and 5.0 atomic % peak-maximum concentrations of Ir, were subjected to corrosion treatments to enrich the surface with Ir. Corrosion potential and cyclic voltammetry measurements indicated enrichment in H2SO4, and continued enrichment in isotonic saline, with corrosion potentials approaching that of pure Ir, and charge densities in isotonic saline exceeding that of pure Ir for the 5.0% peak-max Ir implanted material. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the high levels of Ir surface enrichment.
gNOSIS: A Board-Level Debugging and Verification Tool

It is notoriously hard to verify and debug the final, board-level implementation of FPGA designs. The task involves manual intervention and creativity, unpredictable time costs, and it is further complicated by side-effects of the monitoring circuits inserted into the Design Under Test (DUT). In this paper, we introduce gNOSIS, an automated tool for board-level debugging and verification of FPGA designs. gNOSIS uses the Capture/Read back features of the FPGA to checkpoint the entire state of the circuit with little or no modification to the DUT. The tool then correlates the design registers provided in the net list with their state in the FPGA configuration memory, and with the expected state. If the states match, execution proceeds by restoring the state of the FPGA and continuing execution for a set number of cycles. When an error is encountered, the time and location of the error is reported and the last good checkpoint is used for further debugging. gNOSIS eliminates the manual labor and long wait times required by currently available tools (e.g. Chip scope), and provides greater visibility at a lower cost. More importantly, it provides the required infrastructure for more intelligent debugging techniques, such as those based on assertions or formal methods.
The color of absorbing scattering substrates. I. The color of fabrics

A treatment of the color of textile materials is proposed which is an extension of G. G. Stokes' “pile of plates” problem. Unlike the conventional treatment of this subject, e.g., that by Kubelka and Munk, this approach permits independent determination of all variables: coefficient of absorption of the dye, refractive indexes of the fibers, the effect on color of the geometry of the fabric and yarn, and the distribution of the dye within the fiber. Here, cylindrical, optically homogeneous fibers in a parallel array are assumed. Experimental data show that this treatment predicts far more satisfactorily the color of fabrics at high dye concentrations and low reflectance values than does the Kubelka-Munk approach.
Destruction of PCB 44 in Spiked Subsurface Soils Using Activated Persulfate Oxidation

The effectiveness of persulfate oxidation for the destruction of tetrachlorobiphenyl a representative polychlorobiphenyl (PCB), in spiked subsurface soils was evaluated in this study. Kaolin and glacial till soils were selected as representative low permeability soils; both soils were spiked with 50 mg PCB per dry kilogram of soil. Activation of persulfate oxidation was necessary to achieve effective destruction of PCBs in soils. As persulfate oxidation activators, temperature and high pH were used in order to maximize PCB destruction. In addition, the effect of oxidant dose and reaction time was investigated. The optimal dose for persulfate was found to be 30% for maximum oxidation. The persulfate activation with temperature of 45°C was superior to persulfate activation with high pH (pH 12), where higher PCB destructions were observed for kaolin and glacial till soils. PCB destruction increased with reaction time, where maximum degradation was achieved after 7 days. The highest PCB destruction was achieved with temperature activation at 45°C using a dosage of 30% persulfate at pH 12 for kaolin and glacial till soils after 7 days.
Learning Organizations Managerial Control Systems

Learning organizations have been described in reverential terms like employees’ paradises, good management practices, socialistic models and workplace democracies etc. These organizations provide working environments where the employees and management together reflect on all decisions, resolve all differences, if any, through mutual dialogue, and open communication systems resulting in high levels of trust, co-operation and commitment on the part of the employees which enables generation of learning. To develop such an atmosphere, these organizations adopt flat and flexible structures, use dialogue as a mode of open communication, a personnel oriented managerial style and appraisal systems, which encourage flexibility and creativity. This article will argue that the very essence of learning organizations i.e., its constituting elements or characteristics can be interpreted as a subtle form of a hegemonic control system which could impede the whole process of learning itself.
Acoustic model adaptation using first order prediction for reverberant speech

The paper describes a hands-free speech recognition technique based on acoustic model adaptation to reverberant speech. In hands-free speech recognition, the recognition accuracy is degraded by reverberation, since each segment of speech is affected by the reflection energy of the preceding segment. To compensate for the reflection signal, we introduce a frame-by-frame adaptation method, adding the reflection signal to the means of the acoustic model. The reflection signal is approximated by a first-order linear prediction from the preceding frame, and the linear prediction coefficient is estimated by a maximum likelihood method by using the EM algorithm, which maximizes the likelihood of the adaptation data. Its effectiveness is confirmed by word recognition experiments on reverberant speech.
Slotted-resonator gyrotron experiments

Gyrotron experiments in which a waveguide cavity with ten slots cut through the cavity wall is used have been conducted. The gyrotron used a magnetron injection gun operating at 65-75 kV and up to 10 A in 1- mu s pulsed operation. Both open configurations, where the radiation can partially leak out of the resonator through the slots, and a configuration where the radiation is trapped by a foil sheath wrapped around the outside of the resonator were used. The observed power levels, in the 10-kW range, are lower than the power generated with an unslotted cavity. The foil sheath configuration produced a result with nearly continuous frequency tuning observed in the frequency range of 186.3-200.6 GHz (7.47-8.04 T). The frequency pulling due to changes in the magnetic field at the cathode or at the resonator was significantly larger than has been typically observed in an unslotted cavity. Frequency tuning due to changes in the parallel electron beam velocity was observed. This device has potential applications in the development of an electronically tunable gyrotron source. >
Mapping the Domains of Crime: The Contributions of Literary Works to Criminology

This article attempts to discover what benefits criminologists might derive from a study of literature. In its accounts and depictions of every day life, literary art has had a profound effect on our ways of thinking and feeling about crime and criminals. Why? What is it about the literary form, its structure, and its themes, that makes it appealing, and expands our horizons of knowledge? Tentative suggestions are offered in this article.
Dynamic Influence Maximization Under Increasing Returns to Scale

Influence maximization is a problem of maximizing the aggregate adoption of products, technologies, or even beliefs. Most past algorithms leveraged an assumption of submodularity that captures diminishing returns to scale. While submodularity is natural in many domains, early stages of innovation adoption are often better characterized by convexity, which is evident for renewable technologies, such as rooftop solar. We formulate a dynamic influence maximization problem under increasing returns to scale over a finite time horizon, in which the decision maker faces a budget constraint. We propose a simple algorithm in this model which chooses the best time period to use up the entire budget (called Best-Stage), and prove that this policy is optimal in a very general setting. We also propose a heuristic algorithm for this problem of which Best-Stage decision is a special case. Additionally, we experimentally verify that the proposed "best-time" algorithm remains quite effective even as we relax the assumptions under which optimality can be proved. However, we find that when we add a "learning-by-doing" effect, in which the adoption costs decrease not as a function of time, but as a function of aggregate adoption, the "best-time" policy becomes suboptimal, and is significantly outperformed by our more general heuristic.
Theory of p- Type Inversion Layers in Magnetic Fields

Due to the bulk valence band degeneracy, Landau levels in the quasi-two dimensional hole systems have nonlinear magnetic field dependence and multiple cyclotron frequencies, features not existent in the conduction electron systems. It is shown how the Landau levels can be sorted out into subbands, classified according to the approximate nature of the spin up or down heavy or light holes. Calculations are used to interpret the observed cyclotron resonances. The warping effect is shown to play an important role.
Debt IPO Waves

We examine aggregate volume of straight debt IPOs issued by nonfinancial firms over an extended period of 1970 to 2010. We find that aggregate debt IPO activities display wave patterns. Similar to equity IPOs, both the number and total proceeds of debt IPOs vary substantially over time. We explore possible explanations for the debt IPO waves with four groups of variables - capital market conditions, investor sentiment, information asymmetry, and interest rates. Our results indicate that debt IPO volume is significantly associated with term spread, stock return volatility and interest rates, suggesting that bond market conditions and information asymmetry play significant roles in explaining time variations in debt IPO volume. However, we do not find a significant role for investor sentiment. We also document that debt IPOs and equity IPOs are mutually Granger caused, suggesting that debt IPOs and equity IPOs tend to move together.
Controlled and Tunable Biomimetic Apatite Mineralization of Synthetic Hydrogels

There has been much work examining bioinspired mineralization of polymeric hydrogels with calcium phosphates, yet a systematic method for the predictable and tunable synthesis of biomimetic apatites is yet to be developed. Here, a method for the selective mineralization of substituted apatite composite hydrogels where the incorporated mineral phase is formed as a result of a chemical reaction within the hydrogel matrix is presented. Mineralized hydrogels are prepared by precipitating the apatite precursor phase dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solution, which is then crosslinked into a composite hydrogel by cyclic freeze/thawing. The encapsulated DCPD is hydrolyzed to apatite by immersion in buffers at 37 °C. Tuning the pH (7.4, 9) and ionic composition (CO3 2−, F−) of the buffer influence the morphology and chemical composition of the apatite product. The incorporated calcium phosphate polymorph is monitored by X-ray diffraction, attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray. The apatite–PVA hydrogels promote cellular adhesion and viability. The method developed here demonstrates diffusion-mediated transformation of a calcium phosphate precursor phase within a hydrogel matrix to various substituted apatites in a selective and predictable manner.
Intra-perirhinal cortex administration of estradiol, but not an ERβ agonist, modulates object-recognition memory in ovariectomized rats

Abstract Intra-rhinal cortical infusion of 17-β estradiol (E2, 244.8 pg/μl) enhances performance on the Novel-Object Preference (NOP) test and impairs accuracy on the delayed nonmatching-to-sample (DNMS) task in the same set of ovariectomized rats (Gervais, Jacob, Brake, & Mumby, 2013). These results appear paradoxical, as normal performance on both tests require intact object-recognition memory (ORM) ability. While demonstrating a preference for the novel object requires recognizing the sample object, rodents can recognize the sample object and still fail to demonstrate a preference. Therefore, enhanced NOP test performance is consistent with both improved ORM and increased novel-object exploration independent of memory processes. There is some evidence suggesting that estrogen receptor (ER) β agonists enhance NOP test performance (Jacome et al., 2010), but no study to date has examined the role of this receptor in DNMS task performance in rodents. The aim of the present study was to determine whether intra-PRh infusion of an ER β agonist, diarylpropionitrile (DPN, 2 μg/μl), has divergent effects on novel-object preference (i.e. novelty preference) and accuracy on the DNMS task. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats ( n = 7) received chronic low E2 (∼22 pg/ml serum) replacement, then intra-PRh infusion of DPN (2 μg/μl), E2 (244.8 pg/μl), or vehicle before each mixed-delay session (0.5–5 min) of the DNMS task. A different set of OVX rats ( n = 10) received the same infusions before each NOP test trial, and were tested either 4 or 72 h later. Consistent with Gervais et al. (2013), intra-PRh E2 reduced accuracy on the DNMS task following a 5-min retention delay and enhanced novelty preference on both tests. Intra-PRh DPN was associated with accuracy that was similar to the vehicle-infusion condition, despite enhancing novelty preference on both tests. The accuracy results suggest that while intra-PRh E2 impairs ORM, ERβ does not play a role. However, ERβ in the PRh appears to be important for the expression of novelty preference, in a manner that is unaffected by retention delay. These findings suggest that the modulation of novelty preference by intra-PRh E2/ERβ may be due to factors unrelated to ORM.
Waste Management v. Mexico

This case raises two specific questions concerning the proper relationship between national courts and Chapter 11 arbitration. First, as a precondition to bringing a claim before a Chapter 11 tribunal, is an investor required to waive its right to alternative legal proceedings only with respect to its NAFTA claims or also with respect to claims for damages under domestic law? Second, who should monitor the claimant's postwaiver conduct: the Chapter 11 tribunal or national courts?
79. Vector Dose Delineates Between Chronic, Non-Functional CD8+ T Cell Response and Tolerance to the Transgene Product Upon Liver Gene Transfer

The liver is characterized by a microenvironment that promotes immune tolerance, which can be exploited by gene therapy. In the case of hepatitis viral infections such as HBV or HCV however, ineffective or non-functional responses can result in chronic disease. To understand the parameters and mechanisms that govern the CD8+ T cell response to a virally encoded antigen expressed in the liver, we administered an adeno-associated virus expressing ovalbumin (AAV8-EF1α-ovalbumin) to immune competent C57BL/6J mice at various doses (low: 1×108 vg, medium: 1×109 vg, and high: 1×1010 vg). Interestingly, all doses resulted in sustained vector-dose dependent systemic ova expression, albeit with distinct immune profiles. At the low dose and the high doses, no response to ova was observed. At the medium dose, circulating ova-specific CD8+ T cells were detected in 40-50% of mice at high frequency (5-35%) by tetramer stain. These emerged within 1 month and, while declining in frequency over time, can persist for up to one year. Despite their inefficiency in eliminating vector-derived ova expression, functional assays demonstrated that induced CD8+ T cells retained cytolytic activity to SIINFEKL (the dominant ovalbumin MHC class I epitope in C57BL/6J mice) peptide-loaded target cells in vivo or in vitro, and that they produced Th1 type cytokines such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in response to ex vivo stimulation with SIINFEKL epitope. Further phenotypic characterization revealed that most of these cells expressed PD-1 and 2B4. Other markers of exhaustion such as CD160, LAG3 and TIM3 were expressed to a lesser extent. Cells acquired memory phenotype over time as judged by CD44, CD62L, and CCR7 markers. Since higher vector doses failed to induce the CD8+ T cell response entirely, a potent antigen-dependent “off switch” has to exist in the liver. Previously, we and others identified FoxP3+ Treg, activation induced apoptotic cell death, and expression of the immune suppressive cytokine IL-10 as contributors to immune tolerance induction by hepatic gene transfer. Therefore, we used Foxp3-DTR mice (for transient depletion of Treg), FasL−/−, and IL-10−/− mice to determine if these pathways were required in preventing ova-specific CD8+ T cell activation in the high-dose group. Transient depletion of Foxp3+ Treg in Foxp3-DTR mice led to a low but detectable CD8+ T cell response in all animals. In contrast, only 1/5 (20%) of FasL−/− or IL-10−/− mice developed a response. Therefore, it is likely that multiple (and perhaps redundant) mechanisms work in concert to achieve high-dose tolerance to proteins expressed in the liver. These results have implications for viral infections of the liver and for gene and cell therapies, illustrating the potential for chronic albeit only partially functional T cell responses at low doses, which can be entirely prevented at sufficient antigen doses.
Current status of CCR1 antagonists in clinical trials

The chemokine receptor, CCR1, is believed to play a crucial role in the migration of leukocytes to sites of inflammation. It has been shown to be expressed on monocytes, T cells, dendritic cells, and in some cases, neutrophils [1, 2, 3, 4]) and interacts with at least 7 different ligands including CCL3 (MIP-1α, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α), CCL5 (RANTES, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), CCL7 (MCP-3, monocyte chemotactic protein-3), CCL14 (HCC-1, hemofiltrate C-C chemokine-1), CCL8 (MCP-2, monocyte chemotactic protein-2), CCL15 (leukotactin-1), and CCL23 (MPIF, myeloid progenitor inhibitory factor-1) [5, 6]. These ligands have been shown to have potent chemotactic activity in vitro [4] and, in some cases in vivo where intradermal injection of CCL3 or CCL5 induced a robust cellular infiltration [3, 7]. Further, these chemokines can be produced by the very cells they attract to inflammatory sites. For example, peripheral blood monocytes can secrete CCL3 following activation, potentially setting up an amplification loop whereby monocytes migrate into tissue in response to CCR1, then become activated and secrete CCR1 ligands such as CCL3, thereby recruiting more cells and setting up a state of chronic inflammation. These properties suggest that CCR1 may play an important role in perpetuating inflammatory responses.
Hope and Persistence: The Legacy of Ferguson Introduction to the Special Issue of Critical Education

This special issue of Critical Education, entitled “The Legacy of Ferguson: A Referendum on Citizenship Denied,” presents papers about Ferguson, several of which were presented as part of a panel on Ferguson held at the College and University Faculty Assembly (CUFA) conference of the National Council for the Social Studies in 2015. We have added articles were to address issues in Baltimore and to reflect back on Ferguson two years later. Alex Cuenca and I worked as co-editors on this project. As we arranged these pieces, we felt struck with an overwhelming sense of purpose. We have to keep this conversation real and alive. So with hope in our hearts and hands ready to toil with patience and persistence, we invite you to join the struggle, because Black Lives Matter.
Residual Subsidence Over Abandoned Coal Mines

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses residual subsidence over abandoned coal mines. Subsidence is a time-dependent deformation of the ground surface, resulting from readjustment of the overburden above a mine opening. Subsidence can cause conditions that threaten life and create significant property damage. The psychological effects can be substantial for people who live in subsidence-prone areas where a homeowner must live with the knowledge that subsidence can strike at any time. Residual subsidence is a major concern over abandoned mine lands. The duration of residual subsidence is of particular importance from the standpoint of damage to surface structures built after the mine is abandoned. Generally, there are two types of surface subsidence associated with underground mining: (1) troughing, which is a gentle, large-area depression of the terrain, and (2) chimney or sinkhole subsidence, which is manifested by conical depressions. Residual subsidence can result from roof failure, pillar failure, squeezes and/or punching, or compaction and consolidation of collapsed zones. Abandoned mine openings can remain stable as long as the stresses upon them do not exceed the strength of the rock in the roof, floor, pillar, or rubblized zones.
Abstract 14900: Association of Endothelial Microparticles and Mediators of Systemic Inflammation With Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution

Introduction: A growing body of evidence indicates that exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) contributes to the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but the mechanis...