cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in the first year of life affects brain function, structure, and metabolism at age nine years.

The present study sought to determine whether supplementation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) during the first year of life influenced brain function, structure, and metabolism at 9 years of age. Newborns were randomly assigned to consume formula containing either no LCPUFA (control) or formula with 0.64% of total fatty acids as arachidonic acid (ARA; 20:4n6) and variable amounts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n3) (0.32%, 0.64%, or 0.96% of total fatty acids) from birth to 12 months. At age 9 years (±0.6), 42 children enrolled in a follow-up multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study including functional (fMRI, Flanker task), resting state (rsMRI), anatomic, and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1 H MRS). fMRI analysis using the Flanker task found that trials requiring greater inhibition elicited greater brain activation in LCPUFA-supplemented children in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and parietal regions. rsMRI analysis showed that children in the 0.64% group exhibited greater connectivity between prefrontal and parietal regions compared to all other groups. In addition, voxel-based analysis (VBM) revealed that the 0.32% and 0.64% groups had greater white matter volume in ACC and parietal regions compared to controls and the 0.96% group. Finally, 1 H MRS data analysis identified that N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and myo-inositol (mI) were higher in LCPUFA groups compared to the control group. LCPUFA supplementation during infancy has lasting effects on brain structure, function, and neurochemical concentrations in regions associated with attention (parietal) and inhibition (ACC), as well as neurochemicals associated with neuronal integrity (NAA) and brain cell signaling (mI).
My, Your or Our Employees? Co-Management of Human Resources in Outsourced Call Center Operations

While the externalization of work has grown considerably, human resource scholars typically focus on subjects whose job is defined by and performed at the same organization they are contractually r...
Bone mineralization in tissue culture. The calcium-phosphate product and ratio.

Using a tissue culture system, the mineralization of both whole and longitudinally split chick embryo tibiae was shown to be directly related to the Ca/PO4 ratio of the medium when the Ca × PO4 product was constant. However, with increasing Ca levels in the medium, mineralization of the split bones was more extensive than that of the intact bones. Lactate production by the split tibiae was independent of the Ca/PO4 ratio of the medium and was less than the Ca/PO4 ratio-dependent production by the intact bones. All of the cultured bones showed an increase in total nitrogen that was independent of either splitting or Ca/PO4 ratios in the medium. The results of this study support the recent concept of a metabolically active bone membrane.
Perceived knowledge of palliative care among immigrants to the United States: A secondary data analysis from the Health Information National Trends Survey

Background: Immigrants to North America receive more interventions at end of life potentially due to knowledge gaps. The primary objective of this study was to measure and describe levels of perceived knowledge about palliative care among immigrants to the United States (US) compared to those born in the US. Our secondary objective was to identify trusted sources for seeking information about palliative care among immigrants and compare these trusted sources with those born in the US. We hypothesized that immigrants would have less knowledge of palliative care than those born in US and would trust different sources for information about palliative care. Methods: We analyzed data from the nationally representative 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, cycle 2). Questionnaires were administered via mail between January and May 2018 to a population-based sample of adults. The primary outcome of interest was assessed using the item “ How would you describe your level of knowledge about palliative care ?” The secondary outcome of interest was determined using the item “ Imagine you had a strong need to get information about palliative care, which of the following would you most trust as a source of information about palliative care ?” Descriptive statistics were calculated, and bivariate analyses run between the outcomes of interest and sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, nativity, fluency with English). Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to assess the role of nativity, controlling for relevant sociodemographic variables. Jackknife weighting was used to generate population-level estimates. Results: About 70% of those born in the US and 77% of immigrants (weighted) responded that they had “never heard of palliative care.” Trusted sources of palliative care were very similar between the groups (all P>0.05). Both groups’ preferred trusted source of palliative care knowledge was “health care provider,” with over 80% of respondents in each group selecting this option. Printed materials and social media were the least popular trusted sources among both groups. After adjusting for relevant sociodemographic characteristics, we found no association between poor knowledge of palliative care and nativity (P=0.22). Female respondents had 2.5-fold increased odds of reporting low levels of perceived knowledge of palliative care (OR =2.58, 95% CI, 1.76–3.78; P Conclusions: Perceived knowledge of palliative care is poor generally, regardless of birthplace. Trusted sources for palliative care are similar between immigrants and those born in the US. Education is important and is a strong predictor of perceived knowledge of palliative care. Women perceive they have lower levels of knowledge of palliative care (PC) than men. Differences in end of life care between immigrants and non-immigrants cannot be explained by knowledge differences.
Not Just Mind Over Matter: Reviewing With Patients How Mindfulness Relieves Chronic Low Back Pain

The current opioid crisis has spurred the need for nonpharmacological therapies for chronic low back pain. In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, we reported that in 282 older adults with chronic low back pain, an 8-week mind-body group program modeled on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) decreased long-term pain and increased short-term function. Barriers to uptake remain such as patient resistance to accepting the benefits of nonpharmacological treatments for chronic low back pain. They may fear the clinician does not believe their pain complaint because they are not being offered a pain pill. By not appreciating the value of the therapy in helping their chronic low back pain, the patient may not be compliant with recommendations. Resistance likely derives from lack of understanding how a mind-body approach like MBSR can help relieve the sensation of pain as well as help increase function. Clinicians can help break through this barrier by educating their patients about the different ways in which MBSR works to reduce pain and improve function. In this commentary, we will discuss how our findings can inform the discussion clinicians have with their patients regarding the ways MBSR can relieve back pain. Pain processing is complex and top-down regulation is not fully engaged when pain is treated with pharmacotherapy alone. We share that our study showed a clinically meaningful reduction in pain and improvement in function and discuss some of the possible underlying mechanisms of MBSR's effect.
SITING AND RELATED PROBLEMS

This chapter discusses the relationships and the manner in which siting analyses are useful in aiding decision making with regard to the following problems: (1) licensability of energy facilities, (2) design of energy facilities, (3) selection of an energy source, (4) capacity of an energy facility, (5) timing the introduction of a new energy facility, (6) sequencing of energy facilities, and (7) setting standards for energy facilities. The siting of a major energy facility is a very complex problem. It might simply be said that the complexity is because of multiples. There are multiple objectives to be considered, multiple time periods, and multiple groups impacted by any particular site. There are multiple interest groups, each with its own issues and concerns, who wish to impact the choice of a site. And there are multiple disciplines whose professional knowledge is relevant to the selection of a site. This complexity, along with the importance of the siting problem, renders it worthwhile and appropriate to conduct an analysis of sites to help identify a best site. The chapter describes the decision analysis approach that provides a framework to address this complexity and to lend insights helpful in the decision-making process. The analysis is prescriptive, that is, it indicates which site should be chosen to be consistent with the information available, and the values of the client and impacted and interested parties.
Visible-Light-Controlled Ruthenium-Catalyzed Olefin Metathesis

Olefin metathesis is now one of the most efficient ways to create new carbon–carbon bonds. While most efforts focused on the development of ever-more efficient catalysts, a particular attention has recently been devoted to developing latent metathesis catalysts, inactive species that need an external stimulus to become active. This furnishes an increased control over the reaction which is crucial for applications in materials science. Here, we report our work on the development of a new system to achieve visible-light-controlled metathesis by merging olefin metathesis and photoredox catalysis. The combination of a ruthenium metathesis catalyst bearing two N-heterocyclic carbenes with an oxidizing pyrylium photocatalyst affords excellent temporal and spatial resolution using only visible light as stimulus. Applications of this system in synthesis, as well as in polymer patterning and photolithography with spatially resolved ring-opening metathesis polymerization, are described.
Media Review: Students with Emotional and Behavior Disorders: An Introduction for Teachers and Other Health Professionals

MEDIA REVIEW * The term emotional disturbance (ED) has spawned controversy and created confusion among parents, teachers, political organizations, advocacy groups, educational institutions, and legal systems throughout the country. In many school districts, it appears that the label is applied liberally, while in others, students with ED appear to be seriously underrepresented. The challenge lies in understanding the vague, and possibly inadequate, federal definition and being able to apply the inclusionary as well as exclusionary clauses appropriately and effectively. Unfortunately, there are as many interpretations of what constitutes ED as there are students identified with the disorder. Cullinan points out that many students with ED have a diagnosable mental disorder, while not all students with mental disorders quality as students with ED. According to the federal guidelines, an emotional or behavioral disorder must adversely impact the student's educational performance, and that impact on educational performance must not be better explained by social, cultural, medical, or learning problems, nor can it be the result of social maladjustment. It is important that students with ED be identified appropriately and that they be served in a manner that will help them overcome the stigmatization, as well as the possible social barriers, associated with lower graduation rates, incarceration, and unemployment. Cullinan's book provides teachers and other helping professionals with an introduction and broad exposure to emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD), the special education process, legal issues, current and best practice, and developmental theories and treatment issues. The text is divided into 12 chapters in three basic groupings. In the first section, the author devotes 5 chapters to defining E/BD, presenting a historical framework and justification, and outlining the assessment and classification system. Chapter 1 outlines the issues involved with E/BD, including existing definitions, prevalence data, and reasons for serving students identified with this disability. Regardless of whether the definition is authoritative or administrative, the common ground appears to be that "children and adolescents with EB Personal Disturbance (i.e., anxiety and depression); and No Umbrella Term (i.e., relationship problems, learning disabilities). Cullinan relates these patterns to the previously identified classification systems, the measurement of pattern existence, the prevalence of the patterns among students with E/BD, and the manifestation of these patterns in actual behaviors. …
Acousto-Optic Gyroscope with Improved Sensitivity and 100 second Stability in a Small Form Factor

This paper reports significant improvements made to enhance the sensitivity (9x), signal to noise ratio (13x) and stability (over 100 sec) of the Acousto-Optic Gyroscope (AOG) while simultaneously reducing device form factor by 2x. Performance enhancements were achieved by materials and device design of both acoustic and optical components. Acoustic quality factor of 4300 was measured with 24 kHz frequency mismatch between drive and sense ensuring matched mode operation while low waveguide insertion loss of 0.54dB/cm was achieved.
"Leave a Message of Hope or Tribute": Digital Memorializing as Public Deliberation

The National September 11 Memorial and Museum is at once a physical site in Lower Manhattan and a digital space for public deliberation and memorializing. I examine the construction of public memor...
Regulatory T Cells in Respiratory Health and Diseases

Respiratory diseases compromise the health of millions of people all over the world and are strongly linked to the immune dysfunction. CD4+FOXP3+ T regulatory cells, also known as Tregs, have a central role maintaining tissue homeostasis during immune responses. Their activity and clinical impact have been widely studied in different clinical conditions including autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and cancer, amongst others. Tregs express transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), which allows regulation of the immune response through anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 or transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and direct cell-to-cell interaction. Maintenance of immune tolerance is achieved via modulation of effector CD4+ T helper 1, 2 or 17 (Th1, Th2, Th17) cells by Tregs. This review highlights the recent progress in the understanding of Tregs in different disorders of the respiratory system.
Simultaneous ice and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation decrease anterior knee pain during running but do not affect running kinematics or associated muscle inhibition.

Abstract Background Runners often experience anterior knee pain and this pain is associated with altered running neuromechanics. The purpose of this study was to examine potential therapeutic benefits (reduced pain and restored running neuromechanics) of simultaneously applied ice and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on experimentally-induced anterior knee pain. Methods Nineteen healthy subjects completed a sham and treatment data collection session. For both sessions, hypertonic saline was infused into the infrapatellar fat pad for approximately 80 min to induce experimental anterior knee pain. Perceived pain levels were measured every two minutes and running neuromechanics were recorded at four time points: pre-pain, pain before treatment, pain immediately post-treatment, and pain 20 min post-treatment. Findings The saline infusion significantly increased perceived knee pain from 0 to 2.8 cm. The ice/transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment significantly reduced perceived knee pain by 35%, six minutes after the treatment initiation. Perceived knee pain remained reduced until eight minutes after the treatment termination. The knee pain significantly decreased peak gluteus medius, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis activation during running, each by an average of 17% plus/minus 6%; however, none of these decreases were resolved via the therapeutic treatment. Neither the knee pain nor the therapeutic treatment significantly affected peak gluteus maximus activation or peak hip adduction angle. Interpretation The experimental pain model effectively produced anterior knee pain and decreased muscle activation during running. The simultaneous ice/transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment effectively decreased anterior knee pain, but did not restore running neuromechanics that were altered due to the pain.
Chiafalo: Constitutionalizing Historical Gloss in Law & Democratic Politics

This Essay examines Justice Kagan’s electoral college decision in Chiafalo v. Washington, which uses historical gloss—post Founding historical practices—to give meaning to the Constitution and to do so in a manner that is arguably inconsistent with the text and structure of the Constitution. We argue that Justice Kagan, the democracy Justice, uses historical gloss instrumentally to constitutionalize a particular and modern view of political participation—which is best reflected by American political practices—and to reject an alternative and anachronistic view—which is best reflected by the text and structure of the Constitution. Chiafalo is an attempt to update and modernize our understanding of representation and political participation. We explore some issues that are raised for the historical gloss literature and for the practice of law and democracy when gloss is used in this way to interpret the Constitution.
Unsuspected COVID-19 pneumonia suggests need for higher level of personal protective equipment usage during routine radiologic examinations: Two case reports

Two case reports demonstrating the need for enhanced usage of personal protective equipment of face shield, respirator, gloves, and gown during routine radiologic evaluation who may screen negative for COVID-19 and or atypical COVID-19 symptoms. First case is of a 42-year-old woman undergoing preoperative evaluation for endometrial cancer in the outpatient setting. The second case is of a 49-year-old woman presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting for abdominal CT imaging from the emergency department. Both cases demonstrate typical lung imaging finding of COVID-19. These cases highlight the need for additional precautions in the outpatient and emergency setting even for patients in whom COVID-19 infection is not suspected.
Increased complement activation is a distinctive feature of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection

Complement activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, it remains to be determined whether increased complement activation is a broad indicator of critical illness (and thus, no different in COVID-19). It is also unclear which pathways are contributing to complement activation in COVID-19, and if complement activation is associated with certain features of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as endothelial injury and hypercoagulability. To address these questions, we investigated complement activation in the plasma from patients with COVID-19 prospectively enrolled at two tertiary care centers: Washington University School of Medicine (n=134) and Yale School of Medicine (n=49). We compared our patients to two non-COVID cohorts: (a) patients hospitalized with influenza (n=54), and (b) patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV, n=22). We demonstrate that circulating markers of complement activation are elevated in patients with COVID-19 compared to those with influenza and to patients with non-COVID-19 respiratory failure. Further, the results facilitate distinguishing those who are at higher risk of worse outcomes such as requiring ICU admission, or IMV. Moreover, the results indicate enhanced activation of the alternative complement pathway is most prevalent in patients with severe COVID-19 and is associated with markers of endothelial injury (i.e., angiopoietin-2) as well as hypercoagulability (i.e., thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor). Our findings identify complement activation to be a distinctive feature of COVID-19, and provide specific targets that may be utilized for risk prognostication, drug discovery and personalized clinical trials.
Regional Association Rule Mining and Scoping from Spatial Data

Spatial datasets intrinsically exhibit geographical regional patterns while traditional global statistics seldom provide useful local insights. In this work, we are interested in regional association rule mining and scoping. We investigate the duality between regional association rules and regions where the associations are valid: interesting regions are identified to seek novel regional patterns, and a regional pattern has a scope of a set of regions in which the pattern is valid. We design and implement a reward-based region discovery framework that employs a divisive grid-based supervised clustering for region discovery. We evaluate our approach in a real-world case study to identify spatial risk patterns from arsenic in the Texas water supply. Our experimental results confirm and validate research results in the study of arsenic contamination.
Out-of-Field Teaching

(1990). Out-of-Field Teaching. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 63, No. 6, pp. 282-285.
Sequence analysis of the translational elongation factor 3 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The gene YEF-3 encoding the elongation factor for protein synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an essential gene as shown by one-step gene disruption and is located on chromosome XII as determined by orthogonal field alternation gel electrophoresis. The nucleotide sequence of the gene was determined from a sequential series of subclones generated from the YEF-3 gene cloned into bacteriophage M13. The HOMOL1 sequence and the RPG box, which are considered to be enhancer elements involved in coordinate regulation of transcription of the genes coding for yeast ribosomal proteins and protein synthesis factors, are found in the 5'-flanking region of the gene. A dyad symmetry that enables hairpin loop formation in the DNA molecule is found in the 3'-terminal at the termination site of transcription. An open reading frame of 3132 nucleotides codes for a deduced protein of 115,860 Da. A striking feature of the elongation factor 3 deduced polypeptide is the internal repeat of a region with approximately 200 amino acids which includes an ATP-binding site and shares similarity with some transport and drug-resistant proteins. Another characteristic is the presence of a highly charged C-terminal region composed of three basic polylysine blocks, suggesting interaction with RNA. The sequence supports the hypothesis that YEF-3 encodes a protein synthesis factor and suggests that its main role may be to transduce nucleoside triphosphate energy into mechanical energy for translocation during translation.
An integrated model of soil, hydrology, and vegetation for carbon dynamics in wetland ecosystems

[1] Wetland ecosystems are an important component in global carbon (C) cycles and may exert a large influence on global climate change. Predictions of C dynamics require us to consider interactions among many critical factors of soil, hydrology, and vegetation. However, few such integrated C models exist for wetland ecosystems. In this paper, we report a simulation model, Wetland-DNDC, for C dynamics and methane (CH4) emissions in wetland ecosystems. The general structure of Wetland-DNDC was adopted from PnET-N-DNDC, a process-oriented biogeochemical model that simulates C and N dynamics in upland forest ecosystems. Several new functions and algorithms were developed for Wetland-DNDC to capture the unique features of wetland ecosystems, such as water table dynamics, growth of mosses and herbaceous plants, and soil biogeochemical processes under anaerobic conditions. The model has been validated against various observations from three wetland sites in Northern America. The validation results are in agreement with the measurements of water table dynamics, soil temperature, CH4 fluxes, net ecosystem productivity (NEP), and annual C budgets. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the most critical input factors for C dynamics in the wetland ecosystems are air temperature, water outflow parameters, initial soil C content, and plant photosynthesis capacity. NEP and CH4 emissions are sensitive to many of the tested input variables. By integrating the primary drivers of climate, hydrology, soil and vegetation, the Wetland-DNDC model is capable of predicting C biogeochemical cycles in wetland ecosystems.
An evaluation of UV protection imparted by cotton fabrics dyed with natural colorants.

Background The ultraviolet properties of textiles dyed with synthetic dyes have been widely reported in literature. However, no study has investigated the ultraviolet properties of natural fabrics dyed with natural colorants. This study reports the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of cotton fabrics dyed with colorants of plant and insect origins.
Automated partial communication deadlock analysis after changes to Ada code

When writing concurrent Ada programs, deadlock is always a possibility. Existing algorithms to analyze for deadlock are either very limited or relatively expensive. While the best are still quite feasible for inclusion in an Ada developer's toolbox, costs start becoming high when changes to code force repeated full re-analysis. This paper uses control-and-communication flow analysis as a basis to derive an efficient algorithm for automated partial re-analysis of Ada programs with respect to communication deadlock. Re-analysis needs are determined based on types of code changes. The paper also presents an analytic evaluation of the efficiency of the re-analysis technique. >
A comparison of the locomotor stimulant properties of amantadine and l- and d-amphetamine in mice.

Abstract Amantadine, administered intraperitoneally at doses of 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg kg , increased locomotor activity in mice with peak stimulation at 1 hr; maximal stimulation produced by this drug was only one-tenth of that caused by l - or d -amphetamine. A 4 hr diet containing 0.4% dl -α-methyltyrosine, an inhibitor of catecholamine synthesis, did not alter amantadine-stimulated motor activity but completely blocked the stimulant effects of l - and d -amphetamine. Pretreatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (pheniprazine) did not alter amantadine-stimulated motor activity, and amantadine pretreatment did not influence d -amphetamine-stimulated locomotor activity. Thus, amantadine, in contrast to the amphetamines, produces a very weak stimulation of locomotor activity which is not dependent upon brain catecholamine synthesis.
Particulate sol–gel synthesis and electrochemical characterization of LiMO2 (M=Ni, Ni0.75Co0.25) powders

Abstract A particulate sol–gel (PSG) process has been developed for synthesizing LiNiO 2 and LiNi 0.75 Co 0.25 O 2 powders. The process is a modified derivative of the colloidal sol–gel technique and yields a precursor that transforms to the oxide by heat treatment at a maximum temperature of 800°C in only 2 h. The synthesized oxides also display good electrochemical activity (135 mA h/g for LiNiO 2 and 182 mA h/g for LiNi 0.75 Co 0.25 O 2 ) for application in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Detailed structural characterization of the as-prepared xerogels have been conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while studying their phase evolution behavior during heat treatment using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results of these studies have been described in this work.
Double‐membrane gap junction internalization requires the clathrin‐mediated endocytic machinery

Direct cell–cell communication mediated by plasma membrane-spanning gap junction (GJ) channels is vital to all aspects of cellular life. Obviously, GJ intercellular communication (GJIC) requires precise regulation, and it is known that controlled biosynthesis and degradation, and channel opening and closing (gating) are exploited. We discovered that cells internalize GJs in response to various stimuli. Here, we report that GJ internalization is a clathrin-mediated endocytic process that utilizes the vesicle-coat protein clathrin, the adaptor proteins adaptor protein complex 2 and disabled 2, and the GTPase dynamin. To our knowledge, we are first to report that the endocytic clathrin machinery can internalize double-membrane vesicles into cells.
FairCloud: sharing the network in cloud computing

The network, similar to CPU and memory, is a critical and shared resource in the cloud. However, unlike other resources, it is neither shared proportionally to payment, nor do cloud providers offer minimum guarantees on network bandwidth. The reason networks are more difficult to share is because the network allocation of a virtual machine (VM) X depends not only on the VMs running on the same machine with X, but also on the other VMs that X communicates with and the cross-traffic on each link used by X. In this paper, we start from the above requirements--payment proportionality and minimum guarantees--and show that the network-specific challenges lead to fundamental tradeoffs when sharing cloud networks. We then propose a set of properties to explicitly express these tradeoffs. Finally, we present three allocation policies that allow us to navigate the tradeoff space. We evaluate their characteristics through simulation and testbed experiments to show that they can provide minimum guarantees and achieve better proportionality than existing solutions.
Production and availability policies through the Markov Decision Process and myopic methods for contractual and selective orders

Abstract In this paper, we consider a supply chain with one manufacturer, one retailer, and some online customers. In addition to supplying the retailer, manufacturers may selectively take orders from individuals online. Through the Markov Decision Process, we explore the optimal production and availability policy for a manufacturer to determine whether to produce one more unit of products and whether to indicate “in stock” or “out of stock” on website. We measure the benefits and influences of adding online customers with and without the retailer’s inventory information sharing. We also simulate the production and availability policy via a myopic method, which can be implemented easily in the real world. Prediction of simple switching functions for the production and availability is proposed. We find the information sharing, production capacity and unit profit from online orders are the primary factors influencing manufacturer profits and optimal policy. The manufacturer might reserve 50% production capacity for contractual orders from the retailer and devote the remaining capacity to selective orders from spontaneous online customers.
A Tripartite Model of the Pharmacist's Commitment

The tripartite view of a pharmacist's commitment allows a comprehensive analysis of the concept and simultaneously delineates it into distinct categories: self-oriented, task-oriented, and interaction-oriented commitment. The suggested framework brings pharmaceutical commitment into sharper focus and opens a new direction for future research.
Allelopathic effects on germination and seedling growth of clovers by endophyte-free and -infected tall fescue

Reports of allelopathy by tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) on Trifolium species are inconsistent. Many tall fescue plants are infected with a fungal endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones & Gams), which may account for some of the inconsistencies. My objective was to investigate the allelopathic effect of extracts of endophyte-free (TF-E) and -infected (TF+E) tall fescue seeds on the seed germination and seedling growth (shoot, root, and root-hair length and root-hair density) of five Trifolium species (ball clover, T. nigrescens Viv.; crimson clover, T. incarnatum L.; red clover, T. pratense L.; subterranean clover, T. subterraneum L.; and white clover, T. repens L.). Extracts were prepared by passing 50 g of seed through a pulverizing mill, soaking the milled seed in 500 mL of deionized water, filtering, and sterilizing the solution. Differences among allelopathic effects for seed germination were attributed to legume species. Although the presenee of fungal endophyte had no effect on seed germination, germination of ball, crimson, and red clover seed was significantly reduced in extracts of tall fescue seed. Differences among allelopathic effects for shoot and root lengths were attributed to legume species. Seedling shoot length was significantly increased and root length was significantly decreased for clover seedlings grown in tall fescue extracts. Differences among allelopathic effects for root-hair length and density were attributed to species and substrate (TF - E vs. TF + E) differences. There was a 34% reduction in root-hair length and a 45% reduction in root-hair density for clover seedlings grown in seed extracts compared with seedlings grown in water. Seed germination and seedling shoot and root lengths inadequately expressed the subtle allelopathic effects of the fungal endophyte. Micromorphological characters, such as root hairs, may be more sensitive in detecting allelonathic effects.
Deterioration Prediction Modeling of Virginia's Interstate Highway System

The development of deterioration models for Virginia's Interstate pavements with 7 years of distress data is described. Roadway sections were categorized by pavement type and geographic location, and stepwise regression was used to select the significant predictors of deterioration. Different model forms were examined in an attempt to identify the most appropriate one for fitting the data. The models were evaluated by checking their goodness-of-fit statistics and conducting a series of sensitivity analyses. To further assess the models' accuracy, their predictions were compared against field-observed values. An analysis-of-variance (ANOVA) test was also conducted to compare the accuracies of two model forms and two model adjustment procedures. In general, the developed models provided an adequate fit and generated predictions that conform with accepted engineering judgment. Comparisons with field observations showed their accuracies to be quite reasonable, even for long-range predictions. Finally, the ANOVA results indicated that no significant differences existed between the two model forms tested or between the two adjustment procedures. Although the focus of the research was on developing models for Virginia, the concepts of the study are applicable to any deterioration model development effort.
Throughput regulation in multicore processors via IPA

This paper presents an online controller for regulating the throughput of instruction-sequences in multicore processors using dynamic voltage-frequency scaling. The proposed control law comprises an integral controller whose gain is adjusted online based on the derivative of the frequency-throughput relationship. This relationship is modeled as a stochastic DEDS having no analytic functional form, and hence its derivative is estimated by Infinitesimal Perturbation Analysis (IPA). However, the DEDS is multi-class and hence the IPA derivative is biased. Biasedness of IPA is a common problem in multi-class DEDS which has hindered the development of IPA as a general tool for practical applications. However, recently it has been suggested that as long as the relative bias has certain upper bounds, optimization algorithms and control laws can still converge to optimal or near-optimal parameters. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate this point for the aforementioned problem of throughput regulation, thereby suggesting the potential emergence of a new class of effective control laws in computer architectures.
Iron acquisition in the pathogenic Neisseria

Pathogenic Neisseria species need to obtain iron from the host to grow in vivo. Several iron-transport systems are known, and regulation of Neisseria iron-transport genes occurs via the transcriptional regulator Fur. There is evidence that the ability to transport iron is crucial to the survival of these organisms in vivo.
America and the quest for equal educational opportunity a prolegomenon and overview

(1973). America and the quest for equal educational opportunity a prolegomenon and overview. British Journal of Educational Studies: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 50-63.
A Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Transition from Virgin to Nonvirgin Status

Abstract Purpose To identify demographic and psychosocial predictors for early sexual initiation (ESI) among middle school midwestern suburban and rural youth. Methods A total of 884 middle school students completed a pretest and a 1-year follow-up questionnaire. At Time 1, 52 students reported already having initiated sexual behavior; the remaining 832 students were included in our analyses. The sample was 58.5% female and 92.8% white, with a mean age of 12.84 years. At Time 2, 105 students (12.6%) had changed their coital status from virgin to nonvirgin. A stepwise logistic regression was conducted to explore the relationship between the demographic and psychosocial variables measured at Time 1 (including grade, academic performance, mother's education, family structure, religiosity, self-esteem [school, home, and peer], perceived sexual norms, abstinence self-efficacy, peer pressure, etc.) and reported sexual behavior at Time 2. The analyses were conducted separately by gender. Results For both genders, academic achievement was positively related and peer self-esteem was negatively related to ESI. In addition, self-efficacy and frequency of prayer were negatively related to ESI for boys, and peer pressure, age, and traditional family structure were negatively related to ESI for girls. Conclusions Risk and protective factors for ESI should be examined separately by gender. Use of a facet-specific measure of self-esteem revealed very different relationships among the peer, home, and school aspects of self-esteem and transition to nonvirgin status; therefore, researchers are encouraged to use area-specific rather than global measures of self-esteem.
A Communitarian Consideration of Human Enhancement

Abstract Communitarians have expressed deep suspicion over the burgeoning project of human biological enhancement. This is hardly surprising because the best defenses of enhancement have largely treaded on libertarian-consequentialist grounds; they have ignored sentiments that communitarians prize most: features like love, care, belongingness, and solidarity. But defenses of enhancement need not necessarily rely on the liberal image of moral agents; it is possible to defend even evasive biological alterations in ways congenial to communitarian sympathies. The sentiments are elusive things, and they invariably motivate human action in often surprising and unobvious ways. Looking to the history of political thought, a close read of Adam Smith reveals that he defended technological artifice as a means to protect the human propensities toward love and belongingness.
Simple RVOT Doppler Measurements in Addition to Hemodynamic Variables Can Help Identify Need for RVAD at Time of LVAD Placement

Abstract Submission Current Date/Time: 11/8/2014 5:09:04 PM Simple RVOT Doppler measurements in addition to hemodynamic variables can help identify need for RVAD at time of LVAD placement Author Block: Farhan Raza , E. Oliveros, A. Mirza, P. Forfia, D. Schwartz, D. Dries, E. Tsai, L. Punnoose, A. Shiose, Y. Toyoda, R. Alvarez, A. Bove, E. Hamad. Cardiovascular disease, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, Abstract: Purpose: Right Ventricular assist device (RVAD) placement post LVAD carries a high mortality. RV hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters can help identify high-risk patients requiring RVAD support ahead of time. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 30 patients who received mechanical ventricular support; 23 with LVAD (heart mate II or HVAD) and 7 patients with RVAD (Centrimag) in addition to LVAD (BiVAD) support. Baseline characteristics, echocardiographic and hemodynamic data were compared between two groups (BiVAD vs LVAD). Results: Baseline characteristics of overall cohort were: Age (years) 56.6±16.8, 67% males and 53% African Americans. Among two groups (Bi-VAD vs LVAD), BMI was 30.7±7.3 vs 28.6± 5.7 (p=0.22). Echocardiographic data: LVEF 10±4 vs 14±6 (p=0.04), TAPSE 13±4 vs 16±3 (p=0.04), Tei index 0.66±0.1 vs 0.64±0.1 (p=0.36), RVOT VTI 8±3 vs 12±4 (p=0.04) and RVOT acceleration time 77±11 vs 91±14 (0.06). Hemodynamics: CVP/Wedge ratio 0.8±0.4 vs 0.6±0.2 (p=0.22), mPAP 41±6 vs 36±8 (p=0.05). On ROC analysis, AUC for RVOT VTI was 0.82 (optimal cut-off 7 cm) and RVOT acceleration time was 0.79 (optimal cut-off 75 m.sec) for predicting RVAD placement. When applied to our data-set, both RVOT VTI <7 cm and RVOT acceleration time <75 m.sec was associated with RVAD placement with an odds ratio of 18 (95% CI 1 - 299). Also, AUC for TAPSE for predicting RVAD placement was 0.71 (optimal cut-off 12.5mm) and TAPSE <12.5mm was associated with odds ratio of 12 (95% CI 1.7 - 84.5).
FLUTTER OF GEOMETRICALLY-IMPERFECT SHEAR-DEFORMABLE LAMINATED FLAT PANELS USING NON-LINEAR AERODYNAMICS

Abstract The dynamic instability resulting from a high-supersonic flow over a simply supported laminated flat panel subjected to uniform in-plane edge compression is studied. The structural model incorporates geometrical non-linearities, transverse shear deformation, and transverse normal stress effects, and satisfies the traction-free condition on both faces of the panel. In-plane edge restraints and small initial geometric imperfections are also considered. Aerodynamic loads based on the third-order piston theory are used and the panel flutter equations are derived via Galerkin's method. The arclength continuation method is used to determine the static equilibrium state whose dynamic stability behavior is subsequently examined. The effects of transverse shear flexibility, aerodynamic non-linearities, initial imperfections and in-plane plate theory generally overpredicts the critical flow speed and compressive load, and a shear deformation theory is required when considering panels that are flexible in transverse shear. When aerodynamic non-linearities are included, multiple flutter speeds may exist. The nature of the flutter boundary for perfect panels is determined by the method of?!multiple scales, and it is seen that the presence of aerodynamic non-linearities could result in the hard flutter phenomenon. Results indicate that non-linear aerodynamics is important for panels that are not sufficiently thin (i.e., panels characterized by a high flutter Mach number).
Stopping powers and ranges for muons, charged pions, protons, and heavy ions

Abstract A computer program for calculating stopping powers and ranges for muons, charged pions, protons, and heavy ions in any non-gaseous medium at energies from zero to several hundred GeV is discussed.
One Sub-wavelength Mode Volumes in Silicon Optical Nanocavities

We demonstrate a reduction of effective mode volume to the order of 0.01 (?/2n)3 using dielectric discontinuities that enhance the local electric field in Silicon optical nanocavities.
The clinical efficiency of four oral breath pressure measures.

Abstract Four types of oral manometric measures (positive, negative, manometer difference score, tongue-tip-outside-mouth) were determined for 75 cleft lip and palate speakers. Judgments of resonance balance for each of three groups (normal, mild imbalance, moderate-severe imbalance) were related to each of the manometer measures. Results of this study indicated that negative, manometer difference and tongue-tip-outside-mouth measures best differentiate patients with normal resonance balance from those with mild resonance imbalance.
Social influences on children's development of relational thinking during small-group discussions

Abstract This microgenetic study strived to understand instantaneous peer influences on the moment-by-moment and session-by-session development of relational thinking within and across dialogic small-group discussions using an approach called Collaborative Reasoning. An analysis encompassing 32,511 turns for speaking during 176 discussions indicated that peer support and refutation influenced the development of relational thinking within (micro-level) and across (macro-level) discussions, and was mediated by friendship and peer status. Support was mainly mediated by friends and children with high status. Observing reciprocated friends' supportive talk encouraged students to generate confirmational relational thinking in the next turn for speaking. Refutation was mainly mediated by children with high status. Quiet students generated less refutation. The study documents the proximal effects of peer status and friendship on the social and cognitive dynamics of collaborative discussions.
WHETHER (MODERN, AMERICAN) SOLDIERS, TOO, CAN BE SAVED? CHRISTIAN LOYALTY AND SERVICE IN THE AMERICAN ARMED FORCES

Little has been written in recent Christian ethics regarding the moral basis of the voluntary military service of Christian individuals. This article identifies some sources of that lack of discussion. Furthermore, it explores the moral basis of voluntary military service, especially in the modern United States' military. This is critical because service in the US military is not, in many respects, simply equivalent to generic military service. This is due to the unique and historically unprecedented military superiority of the United States in the world—its ‘sole remaining superpower’ status. This status places unique political responsibility and obligations on the military forces of the United States in the twenty-first century global community. The article attempts to articulate a moral argument in support of the voluntary military service of thoughtful Christian individuals in the US military in this geopolitical environment.
Sensor fault detection via multiscale analysis and nonparametric statistical inference

Sensor validation is a topic of widespread importance. A new approach to sensor validation in real time is described that is based on (1) representation of the sensor signal by wavelets, (2) decomposition of the signal into different frequency ranges, (3) calculation of useful features of the signal at different frequencies, and (4) diagnosis of faulty operation via nonparametric statistical tests. The proposed strategy is able to isolate the effect of noise and process changes from the effects of physical changes in the sensor itself. To clarify the circumstances under which the above strategy could be used, a noisy signal from a simulated thermocouple in a dynamic continuous nonlinear unsteady state stirred tank reactor (CSTR) was analyzed. Faults were introduced into the thermocouple, and the diagnosis was carried out. The results of the diagnosis indicated that the proposed strategy had low type I (false alarm) and type II (failure to detect faults) errors and was distinctly better than a standard tes...