cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LpqM, a mycobacterial lipoprotein-metalloproteinase, is required for conjugal DNA transfer in Mycobacterium smegmatis

We have previously described a novel conjugal DNA transfer process that occurs in Mycobacterium smegmatis. To identify donor genes required for transfer, we have performed a transposon mutagenesis screen; we report here that LpqM, a putative lipoprotein-metalloproteinase, is essential for efficient DNA transfer. Bioinformatic analyses predict that LpqM contains a signal peptide necessary for the protein's targeting to the cell envelope and a metal ion binding motif, the likely catalytic site for protease activity. Using targeted mutagenesis, we demonstrate that each of these motifs is necessary for DNA transfer and that LpqM is located in the cell envelope. The requirement for transfer is specific to the donor strain; an lpqM knockout mutant in the recipient is still proficient in transfer assays. The activity of LpqM is conserved among mycobacteria; homologues from both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium can complement lpqM donor mutants, suggesting that the homologues recognize and process similar proteins. Lipoproteins constitute a significant proportion of the mycobacterial cell wall, but despite their abundance, very few have been assigned an activity. We discuss the potential role of LpqM in DNA transfer and the implications of the conservation of LpqM activity in M. tuberculosis.
Assessment for the Right Reason The Ethics of Outcomes Assessment

This essay explores and challenges the two primary ethical arguments for assessment, accountability, and professional responsibility, by demonstrating their strengths and exposing their weaknesses, which are rooted in their limited notions of community, contract, and guild respectively. In contrast, I argue for assessment on the basis of an ethic of covenantal obligation which incorporates both accountability and responsibility but grounds them on a broader view of community, a view of the teaching-learning environment as a covenant community replete with mutual obligations and responsibilities, one of which is assessment. While the notion of covenant community has deep roots in American society, its theological underpinnings make the ethic of assessment as covenant obligation most relevant to church-related institutions of higher education, the context in which I teach and learn. I conclude the paper by delineating some principles for ethical assessment practice which follow from a covenantal perspective.
Program Risk Contingency Budget Planning

A pragmatic procedure is suggested to determine the size of a projectpsilas, a programpsilas, or a system's risk contingency budget at any specified level of certainty, e.g., 99% confidence. The size of the budget is a function of the number of risks expected at the specified confidence level. The number of risks used for developing the contingency budget depends on the total number of risks to be considered and the estimated probabilities of occurrence of the risks. The exact number, derived from the binomial distribution, is given in a table or, when the number of risks to be considered is greater than about 20, by a simple formula. The findings suggest that a specific contingency budget amount can be set aside for the small fraction of risks that typically materialize. The specific numbers would depend on the risk tolerance of the organization.
Strength‐Grain Size Relations in Polycrystalline Ceramics

A model is presented to explain the strength-grain size behavior of ceramics exhibiting duplex microstructures and of ceramics with uniform coarse-grained microstructures. Using an energy balance analysis, the model shows that in most ceramics an hitiipl flaw contained within a single large grain will initially propagate and then arrest after entering the region of increased fracture-surface energy. The arrested flaw will subsequently propagate to failure at the value OF the critical stress intensity factor. Using the data in the literature, a strength-(grain size)−1/2 plot for MgAl2O4 was generated.
Electromagnetic scattering by three-dimensional arbitrary complex material/conducting bodies

An efficient numerical procedure for the analysis and computation of electromagnetic scattering by arbitrarily shaped three-dimensional complex material/conducting objects is presented based on integral equations, the equivalence principle, and the method of moments. The surface triangular basis functions are used to represent the equivalent electric current residing on the interface of material boundaries, and a new basis function defined on polygons enclosing the triangle vertices is developed to express and equivalent magnetic current which is approximately spatially orthogonal to the electric current. Four types of integral equations, electric (EFIE), magnetic (MFIE), and combined (CFIE) field integral equations, and the PMCHW formulation are used to compute the field scattered by a dielectric sphere. Numerical results compared with the Mie series solution illustrate the numerical characteristics of the new basis function and the flexibility and efficiency of the CFIE approach. >
How do technology clusters emerge and become sustainable? Social network formation and inter-firm mobility within the San Diego biotechnology cluster

Abstract Regional technology clusters are an important source of economic development, yet in biotechnology few successful clusters exist. Previous research links successful clusters to heightened innovation capacity achieved through the existence of social ties linking individuals across companies. Less understood are the mechanisms by which such networks emerge. The article uses social network analysis to examine the emergence of social networks linking senior managers employed in biotechnology firms in San Diego, California. Labor mobility within the region has forged a large network linking managers and firms, while ties linking managers of an early company, Hybritech, formed a network backbone anchoring growth in the region.
Evaluation of Front Detection Methods for Satellite-Derived SST Data Using In Situ Observations

Sea surface temperature (SST) fronts detected in Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data using automated edge-detection algorithms were compared to fronts found in continuous measurements of SST made aboard a ship of opportunity. Two histograms (a single-image and a multi-image method) and one gradient algorithm were tested for the occurrence of two types of errors: (a) the detection of false fronts and (b) the failure to detect fronts observed in the in situ data. False front error rates were lower for the histogram methods (27%‐28%) than for the gradient method (45%). Considering only AVHRR fronts for which the SST gradient along the ship track was greater than 0.18 Ck m 21, error rates drop to 14% for the histogram methods and 29% for the gradient method. Missed front error rates were lower using the gradient method (16%) than the histogram methods (30%). This error rate drops significantly for the histogram methods (5%‐10%) if fronts associated with small-scale SST features (,10 km) are omitted from the comparison. These results suggest that frontal climatologies developed from the application of automated edge-detection methods to long time series of AVHRR images provide acceptably accurate statistics on front occurrence.
Estimation of coherent field attenuation through dense foliage including multiple scattering

Single-scattering theory is shown to be insufficient for the estimation of effective propagation constant in foliage at high microwave and millimetre-wave frequencies. Clusters of broad leaves and needles are treated as a unit scatterer whose ensemble forward scattering is used in Foldy's approximation to estimate attenuation rate in foliage. It is shown that single-scattering approximation overestimates forward scattering as high as 3-4 dB at 35 GHz.
The role of potassium conductance in the generation of light responses in Müller cells of the turtle retina.

Muller cells are highly permeable to potassium ions and play a major role in maintaining potassium homeostasis in the vertebrate retina during light-evoked neuronal activity. Potassium fluxes across the Muller cell's membrane are believed to underlie the light-evoked responses of these cells. We studied the potassium currents of turtle Muller cells in the retinal slice and in dissociated cell preparations and their role in the genesis of the light-evoked responses of these cells. In either preparation, the I-V curve, measured under voltage-clamp conditions, consisted of inward and outward currents. A mixture of cesium ions, TEA, and 4-AP blocked the inward current but had no effect on the outward current. Extracellular cesium ions alone blocked the inward current but exerted no effect on the photoresponses. Extracellular barium ions blocked both inward and outward currents, induced substantial depolarization, and augmented the light-evoked responses, especially the OFF component. Exposing isolated Muller cells to a high potassium concentration did not cause any current or voltage responses when barium ions were present. In contrast, application of glutamate in the presence of barium ions induced a small inward current that was associated with a substantially augmented depolarizing wave relative to that observed under control conditions. This observation suggests a role for an electrogenic glutamate transporter in generating the OFF component of the turtle Muller cell photoresponse.
Elevated CO2 and elevated temperature have no effect on Douglas‐fir fine‐root dynamics in nitrogen‐poor soil

Summary • Here, we investigate fine-root production, mortality and standing crop of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedlings exposed to elevated atmospheric CO2 and elevated air temperature. We hypothesized that these treatments would increase fine-root production, but that mortality would be greater under elevated temperature, leading to a smaller increase in standing crop. • Seedlings were grown in outdoor, sun-lit controlled-environment chambers containing native soil. They were exposed in a factorial design to two levels of atmospheric CO2 and two levels of air temperature. Minirhizotron methods were used to measure fine-root length production, mortality and standing crop every 4 wk for 36 months. • Neither elevated atmospheric CO2 nor elevated air temperature affected fine-root production, mortality, or standing crop. Fine roots appeared to root deeper in the soil profile under elevated CO2 and elevated temperature. • Low soil nitrogen (N) levels apparently limited root responses to the treatments. This suggests that forests on nutrient-poor soils may exhibit limited fine-root responses to elevated atmospheric CO2 and elevated air temperature.
Robust linear prediction of band-limited signals

The problem of getting a set of robust prediction coefficients which are independent of the underlying signal is considered. Explicit coefficients have been determined for when the sampling frequency is twice or three times the Nyquist sampling rate. It has been recently shown that it is possible to predict a bandlimited signal in terms of the past samples only. The authors show one set of such prediction coefficients which are easy to compute and show that as the number of past samples considered goes to infinity, the prediction coefficients which are easy to compute and show that as the number of past samples considered goes to infinity, the prediction error goes to zero. >
Tamacola --- a meta language kit for the web: a report on creating a self-hosting lisp compiler on the Tamarin VM

Tamacola is a dynamic, self-sustaining meta-language system grounded upon the Tamarin VM. Tamacola compiles a Scheme-like S-expression language into ActionScript bytecodes, and contains meta-linguistic features, such as a PEG parser generator and macro system, which make it useful for defining new languages. In fact, Tamacola is written in itself, using its meta-linguistic features.Since the Tamarin VM can load ActionScript bytecode files to extend and replace running programs, Tamacola can extend itself and define new languages while it is running. Furthermore, since the Tamarin VM is part of the ubiquitous Adobe Flash player, this self-modification can be accomplished while running in a web browser, with no extra installation requirement.Objects in Tamacola are intimately tied to their Action-Script counterparts, providing good interoperability between Tamacola and the Flash Player. To show that the system is ready for practical use, we used Tamacola to implement both an interactive programming environment ("Workspace") and a simple particle language.
Synthesis of 3,7-diiodo-2,6-di(thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]difurans: functional building blocks for the design of new conjugated polymers

3,7-Diiodo-2,6-di(thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]difurans are efficiently prepared by an iodine-promoted double cyclization. This new heterocyclic core is readily modified by the attachment of alkyl chains for improved solubility. The use of these compounds for the synthesis of new conjugated polymers is also reported.
Phase transitions in AgI

The ordering of silver ions in the superionic conductor $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-AgI has been studied using a discrete version of density-functional theory. We obtained a transition to a low-temperature phase different from that found by Madden et al. using computer simulations [Phys. Rev. B 45, 10 206 (1992)]. We suggest that the difference originates from the fact that the I${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ lattice is fixed in our study, while the periodic boundary conditions in the simulation allow certain deformations of the I${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ lattice on the basis of calculated energies for deformed structures. We therefore argue that the structural change of the I${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ lattice and the ordering of Ag${}^{+}$ ions onto particular sublattices are correlated processes, rather than the ordering of Ag${}^{+}$ ions driving the $\ensuremath{\alpha}--\ensuremath{\beta}$ transition, as suggested by Madden et al. The controversial order-disorder transition within the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase is also discussed in terms of a deformation of the I${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ lattice.
Effect of Selective Modification of Turbulence on Two-Equation Models for Particle-Laden Turbulent Flows

The effect of selective modification of turbulence by particles on K-e models for dilute two-phase flows has been evaluated using data from direct numerical simulation of particle-laden isotropic turbulence. Simulation results were obtained using as many as 64 3 grid points and up ta 10 6 particles. The ratio of the particle time constant to large-eddy turbulence time scale varied from 0.14 to 1.50 and particle mass loadings of 0.0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 were used in the simulations. Simulation results demonstrate that the balance between enstrophy production by turbulent vortex stretching and viscous destruction is disrupted by momentum exchange with the particle cloud. Selective modification of the turbulence by lighter particles results in a significant attenuation of enstrophy production by turbulent vortex stretching. The decrease in enstrophy production causes the model constant C e2 to increase for large mass loading. Heavy particles are found to act as a sink of enstrophy for all mass loadings used in the simulations. Preferential concentration of lighter particles by turbulence, however, can generate vorticity fluctuations, especially at higher mass loadings. For these cases conventional modeling of the destruction of dissipation by particles term in the e equation requires that C e3 be negative
Papillary squamous neoplasms of the head and neck

Papillary squamous neoplasms of the upper respiratory tract are rare variants of squamous cell carcinoma and are related temporally to proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. Fifty-two cases of papillary squamous neoplasms were selected from 2366 cases of squamous cell carcinoma. This is the first study to characterize the biological behavior of papillary squamous neoplasms. Papillary squamous neoplasms exhibit two distinct, yet sometimes overlapping, histologic patterns including an exophytic papillary and an inverting verrucous morphologic appearance. A high rate of synchronous or metachronous lesions were found, especially with the inverting-type of papillary squamous neoplasm. Stage T3 and T4 lesions had a high rate of neck metastasis. Early surgical intervention and close long-term follow-up is mandatory.
ITEM: an if-then-else minimizer for logic synthesis

Introduces ITEM, the combinational logic minimization program developed at the University of California, Santa Cruz. ITEM is useful for generating highly testable circuits, because canonical if-then-else DAGs are robustly path-delay-fault testable, and often produce small, fast circuits. Several of the transformations preserve testability, including the Xmap and Amap technology mappers for field-programmable gate arrays. The paper includes the definitions of if-then-else DAGs and canonical forms, introduces a new technology mapper for table-lookup FPGAs, briefly mentions the main transformations available in ITEM, and provides a table of benchmark results for mapping to 5-input tables using various transformations. This paper also introduces a new technology mapper based on a generate-and-test paradigm. >
Facility layout design for multiple production scenarios in a dynamic environment

Facility design approaches often focus on a single production demand scenario and develop a layout that minimises the Material Handling (MH) costs for that scenario. In a volatile and uncertain production environment, facility layouts should be designed while taking into consideration multiple demand scenarios to minimise the effects of uncertainty. In a risk-averse situation, where multiple probable demand scenarios exist, designing the layout for any one scenario could lead to high losses if any other scenario occurs. In such situations, all demand scenarios have to be considered and the facility should be designed to minimise the maximum loss (Minmax approach) due to MH costs in a manufacturing plant by considering all possible scenarios. This paper proposes a new facility layout design model to determine a compromise layout that can minimise the maximum loss in MH cost both for single and multiple periods. The model developed has been further modified to address minimisation of the total expected loss as well. The resulting mathematical models are solved to generate improved layouts using Genetic Algorithm (GA) approach. The proposed models are solved for single-period and multiperiod case studies. Results indicate that the proposed models generate compromise layouts which are efficient in reducing maximum possible loss and as well in minimising the total expected loss.
Formative-Period Subsistence and Forest-Product Extraction at the Yarumela Site, Honduras

Analysis of paleoethnobotanical remains from the Yaramela site in central Honduras has provided insights into subsistence activities, resource-extraction preferences from surrounding ecological zones, and the transfer of plant materials through interregional exchange networks during the Formative and Late Classic periods. Remains of maize ( Zea mays ) and squash ( Cucurbita sp.) were found as well as the wood of a number of tree species, for example, pine ( Pinus sp.), oak ( Quercus sp.), fig ( Ficus sp.), timber sweet ( Licaria sp.), and guanacaste (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) . These woods were obtained from the upland pine-oak savanna, the tropical deciduous forest of the Comayagua Valley, and the circum-riverine community along the Humuya River. In an unusual discovery, the wood of cashew ( Anacardium cf. occidentale ) was found in Middle Formative contexts. This, most likely an introduced domesticate from South America, appears to be the earliest record of Anacardium for Honduras. Paleoethnobotanical data along with root-processing artifacts indicate a diversified subsistence pattern based on domesticates of Mesoamerican and South American origin.
Advanced lithium polymer batteries

This paper presents a depth analysis of advanced Lithium Polymer Batteries, which have applications in electrical vehicles (EV). These batteries will enable the EV to have range more than 200 miles per charge, because of their very high energy density. The chemical reactions, battery characteristics, fast chargeability, capacities, self discharge, effect of temperature, and life cycle are studied. This paper will also discuss electric vehicles where these batteries are installed, batteries availability, and manufacturing companies. Experimental analysis of a 100 A-h lithium polymer battery is presented in this paper.
Preferences for Mechanical Ventilation Among Survivors of Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation and Tracheostomy

• BACKGROUND Among survivors of prolonged mechanical ventilation, preferences for this treatment have rarely been explored. • OBJECTIVES To elicit preferences of survivors of prolonged mechanical ventilation (≥7 days) and factors influencing these preferences. • METHODS A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used. Subjects were recruited from intensive care units in a tertiary care hospital and from long-term care facilities. Each subject (n = 30) was asked to reflect on the decision to use mechanical ventilation; rate current health, pain/discomfort in the intensive care unit and from mechanical ventilation, perceived family financial burden, and emotional/ physical stress related to mechanical ventilation; identify changes that would influence preference for mechanical ventilation; and answer questions about quality of life, functional status, depressive symptoms, and communication. • RESULTS Most subjects (75.9%) would have chosen mechanical ventilation. Median days of mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy were greater for subjects who would have chosen mechanical ventilation (98.5 vs 70), as were median days of tracheostomy (102 vs 64). Patients who would not have chosen mechanical ventilation had more depressive symptoms and were more likely to be insured by Medicare. No other variables differed between groups. Patients who preferred mechanical ventilation would change their preference on the basis of their families’ emotional/physical stress and financial burden. Patients who did not prefer mechanical ventilation would change their preference if the family financial burden and emotional/physical stress were reduced and current health improved. • CONCLUSIONS Most patients would have chosen mechanical ventilation. Survivors’ preferences were influenced by their current health and families’ financial burden and stress. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2005;15:65-77)
Explaining When Arrests End for Serious Juvenile Offenders: Comments on the Sampson and Laub Study

This article comments on the article by Sampson and Laub in this issue. It congratulates them on locating and interviewing at approximately age seventy a large proportion of the survivors of the Glueck and Glueck (1968) study. It also points out problems, some resulting from the impact of privacy regulations. Other problems arose from the age of the subjects at follow-up, resulting in half being already deceased; from askingmento explain their desistance from crime, when they may not understand it themselves; and from the methods of testing childhood predictors of desistance. The study results apply only to serious juvenile delinquents and cannot be assumed to generalize to crime in general, including that which begins later and includes white-collar criminals. Preliminary studies to serve as the basis for such a broad approach are suggested.
Reversing welfare reform? Immigrant restoration efforts and food stamp receipt among Mexican immigrant families

The safety net that immigrants face today differs significantly from the immediate post-Welfare Reform era in terms of eligibility and economic context. To inform debates on immigrant access to the safety net, this paper examines implications of the 2002 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, which restored food stamp eligibility to nearly two-thirds of immigrants who lost eligibility under Welfare Reform. Using data from the 1995-2013 Current Population Survey and a difference-in-difference design, I examine how restoration efforts have influenced food stamp participation and food insecurity rates among low-income Mexican immigrant households with children. I then examine trends in food stamp receipt across policy and economic changes since Welfare Reform. Overall, results suggest that immigrant restoration efforts have reversed some but not all of the negative consequences of Welfare Reform and that immigrant households' use of food stamps has increased, particularly in the wake of the Great Recession.
A Proportional-Reduction-in-Error Interpretation for Kendall's Tau-B

Co ostner has argued that measures of association should be interpretable in terms of "proportional reduction in error" of prediction and described such an interpretation for one measure of ordinal association, Goodman and Kruskal's gaimma, but was unable to do so for Kendall's tan-b.1 In this paper, a proportional-reduction-in-error interpretation for tau is presented, and certain limitations of such interpretations for ordinal variables are indicated.
Experimentation and simulation of moisture diffusion in foam-cored polyurethane sandwich structure

The moisture diffusion behavior of two-part thermoset polyurethane neat resin, woven E-glass fiber-reinforced polyurethane face sheet, closed-cell rigid polyurethane foam core and their correspondi...
Vascular Structures of the Right Colon: Incidence and Variations with Their Clinical Implications:

Background and Aims:There is a demand for a better understanding of the vascular structures around the right colonic area. Although right hemicolectomy with the recent concept of meticulous lymph node dissection is a standardized procedure for malignant diseases among most surgeons, variations in the actual anatomical vascular are not well understood. The aim of the present review was to present a detailed overview of the vascular variation pertinent to the surgery for right colon cancer.Materials and Methods:Medical literature was searched for the articles highlighting the vascular variation relevant to the right colon cancer surgery.Results:Recently, there have been many detailed studies on applied surgical vascular anatomy based on cadaveric dissections, as well as radiological and intraoperative examinations to overcome misconceptions concerning the arterial supply and venous drainage to the right colon. Ileocolic artery and middle colic artery are consistently present in all patients arising from the...
Mutagenic effect of 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-epidioxide on Salmonella typhimurium.

7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-7,12-epidioxide (DMBAO2) generated in situ by light-sensitized oxygenation of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) is strongly mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium . DMBAO2 generated by rat liver microsomes is only moderately mutagenic. Mutagenicity cannot be shown when DMBAO2 is added directly to the medium. Earlier findings indicated that DMBAO2 is a major metabolite of DMBA by liver cytochrome P-450 oxygenase. Light-sensitized oxygenation of DMBA results in the same product in near quantitative yield with no other detectable product. We thus conclude that DMBAO2 is a mutagen that cannot enter a cell or reach the genetic apparatus before destruction. It can exhibit its maximum effect only when DMBA is allowed to enter the cell first before oxygenation to DMBAO2. These results also lead to the identification of a photoactivated product.
Healing, gender, destiny--aspects of vulnerability.

Le philosophe en education, Elizabeth Leonie Simpson se plaignait au debut des annees 1970 de l'absence grandissante de frontieres delimitees entre le bien et le mal. Toutefois cette meme personne en reconnaissait l'aspect positif, a savoir que les limites de la discussion morale et ethique s'etaient elargies. Cette simple description de notre condition morale instable annonce la realite ethique dans laquelle nous nous trouvons 25 ans apres et que le present article reflete. D'un cote, nous sommes maintenant libres d'inclure dans notre discours moral des themes qui etaient ignores auparavant; mais de l'autre cote, nous sommes frustres par le nombre ecrasant de perspectives et de facteurs qui influencent nos conclusions. L'article considere quelques-unes de ces libertes et de ces frustrations.
FOOD HABITS AND TABOOS AND THE POTENTIALS OF TWENTIETH-CENTURY FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

SUMMARY Man is a creature of habits, customs, and deeply ingrained prejudices. These habits and prejudices may be very important in determining his future well-being and, in fact, in determining the path that science and technology can utilize in helping to overcome the world food problem. This paper stresses the importance of habits and prejudices as determinants of the role of food science and points out examples and limitations imposed by the human factor. It recommends integration of food science and nutrition with the behavioral sciences in order to optimize the capabilities of the natural scientists in solving this immense problem.
The Movement of Glucose and Glycine Through the Tissues Of Corymorpha Palma Torrey (Coelenterata, Hydrozoa)

1. The rate of diffusion of 14C-labelled glucose and glycine across isolated mesogloea and across the mesogloea and cell layers of the large solitary hydroid, Corymorpha was measured. 2. Diffusion coefficients of glucose and glycine in mesogloea were found to be about 16 times lower than their values in water and of the same order as their values in dialysis tubing and Millipore filters.
The Emotional Roller Coaster of Caregiving

Caregiving is a journey itself. It is not surprising that some caregivers physically and emotionally deplete themselves in giving care to a patient and become sick or die prematurely. The type of illness and a patient’s personality along with the composition of the family, its ethnicity and culture all interact to create an emotional roller coaster. The most common emotions that illness produces in patients and families are anxiety, depression, fear, and hopelessness. The deepest feelings about caregiving, which are often unspoken, especially among family, are related to finances. The financial burden of caregiving is the most changeable, inflatable, and unplanned aspect of long-term care.
LWIR pupil imaging and longer-term calibration stability

A previous paper described LWIR pupil imaging, and an improved understanding of the behavior of this type of sensor for which the high-sensitivity focal plane array (FPA) operated at higher flux levels includes a reversal in signal integration polarity. We have since considered a candidate methodology for efficient, long-term calibration stability that exploits the following two properties of pupil imaging: (1) a fixed pupil position on the FPA, and (2) signal levels from the scene imposed on significant but fixed LWIR background levels. These two properties serve to keep each pixel operating over a limited dynamic range that corresponds to its location in the pupil and to the signal levels generated at this location by the lower and upper calibration flux levels. Exploiting this property for which each pixel of the Pupil Imager operates over its limited dynamic range, the signal polarity reversal between low and high flux pixels, which occurs for a circular region of pixels near the upper edges of the pupil illumination profile, can be rectified to unipolar integration with a two-level non-uniformity correction (NUC). Images corrected real-time with standard non-uniformity correction (NUC) techniques, are still subject to longer-term drifts in pixel offsets between recalibrations. Long-term calibration stability might then be achieved using either a scene-based non-uniformity correction approach, or with periodic repointing for off-source background estimation and subtraction. Either approach requires dithering of the field of view, by sub-pixel amounts for the first method, or by large off-source motions outside the 0.38 milliradian FOV for the latter method. We report on the results of investigations along both these lines.
Victimization of Emerging Adults with Histories of Child Maltreatment Allegations: A National Study

The National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW II) has followed children from Child Protective Service (CPS) investigation into emerging adulthood. How these emerging adults compare to national peers in measures of well-being and criminal victimization are of major interest in determining whether CPS-investigated youth are more vulnerable than the general population. Methods used included a subsample of 311 young adults aged 18–21 who were surveyed 36 months following a CPS investigation when they were adolescents. This study focuses on adult self-reported past-year robbery and physical assault victimization. The data were presented with descriptive statistics and bivariate comparisons to provide a brief examination of current well-being, along with a logistic regression analysis that examined the odds of past-year victimization by a variety of demographic and environmental characteristics. Findings indicate that more than 1-in-10 emerging adults (12 %) reported being robbed in the previous year, and 8 % reported being physically assaulted. This is 3 and 24 times greater odds than the national average for physical assault and robbery respectively. Odds of past-year robbery and assault were greater if the respondent lacked a high school diploma, was living with a romantic partner or roommate compared to living with parents, or expressed difficulty making ends meet financially. These findings demonstrate that emerging adults with a history of child welfare involvement are reporting high rates of robbery and physical assault victimization. Although previous studies have only focused on youth aging out of foster care, these rates indicate that any youth from a family with a history of child welfare involvement may be at risk for future victimization after they turn 18.
Metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer: Management, challenges, and future directions

HER2 is over-expressed or amplified in 15-20% of breast cancer. Significant progress has been made in the treatment of metastatic HER2+ breast cancer. This is largely due to successful targeting of the HER2 pathway. There are several approved agents in the metastatic setting. However, treatment resistance frequently develops and tumors eventually progress. In recent years, our understanding of mechanisms of resistance has evolved. It is generally accepted now that HER2-positive breast cancer is not one disease. New therapeutic strategies and a tailored approach to management are necessary to maximize patient outcomes and minimize toxicity.
Application of Spatio-Temporal Clustering For Predicting Ground-Level Ozone Pollution

Ground-level ozone is an air pollutant, and as such negatively impacts human health and the environment. The complexity of the physical process of ozone formation makes ambient ozone concentration difficult to predict accurately. In this chapter, clustering techniques and multiple regression analyses are used to construct a simply interpretable forecasting model. Time series of ozone and meteorological variables in the Dallas–Fort Worth area for 12 years at 14 monitoring stations were acquired and processed. First, K-means cluster analysis was performed on ozone time series to specify data-driven ozone seasons at each station. Next, spatial hierarchical clustering was performed to find ozone zones in the area during each ozone season recognized in the previous step. Finally, a multiple linear regression was executed with meteorological variables and ozone in each zone. For ozone forecasting, temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and previous ozone values were used because ozone is temporally autocorrelated. Monitoring stations in each temporal and spatial cluster show consistent behavior, which makes ozone forecasting possible even when a station is off. Results show high accuracy of ozone forecasting coupled with ease of interpreting the link between meteorology and ozone behavior. Also, clustering results are useful to understand the temporal and spatial patterns of the ozone dynamics in the area.
Bacteria, carbon cycling, and biogeochemical processes

The study of bacteria in lakes has begun relatively recently because suitable techniques have only been available during the past decade. The qualitative importance of heterotrophic bacteria in lake ecosystems has been recognized for a long time, but their quantitative importance has seldom been determined. It has been commonly accepted that bacteria play an important role in the detrital food chain of lakes, being responsible for the decomposition of both phytoplankton and higher organisms. In addition, there is mounting evidence that bacteria are able to use photosynthetically-derived products excreted by living phytoplankton. If Zooplankton then consume some of the bacterial carbon so produced, the bacteria would play a significant role in the well-known grazing food chain. In the present work, a number of techniques have been used in an attempt to define the various roles of planktonic bacteria in the aquatic food chains and carbon cycling of Lake Mendota.
A methodology for the accurate measurement of uniaxial compressive creep of refractory ceramics

Abstract The uniaxial compressive creep experiment allows identification of which mechanism controls creep and to predict material lifetime under high temperature and low stress service conditions. Firstly, we detail a measurement apparatus developed in our laboratory to measure compressive creep for metals and ceramics, focusing on some important features to produce reliable measurements. Then we describe a protocol to analyze data in order to limit misinterpretation. Multi-stress and multi-temperature tests, particularly useful to determine stress exponent and activation energy, are described highlighting their advantages compared to single-dwell tests. Results obtained from a zircon-based ceramic refractory are used to discuss experimental uncertainties, accuracy and precision associated with creep rate, and creep parameters. Some consideration to decide testing conditions and parameters for different ceramic and metallic materials are also summarized.
Rotordynamic Performance of Hybrid Air Foil Bearings With Regulated Hydrostatic Injection

Air foil bearing (AFB) technology has made substantial advancement during the past decades and found its applications in various small turbomachinery. However, rotordynamic instability, friction and drag during the start/stop, and thermal management are still challenges for further application of the technology. Hybrid air foil bearing (HAFB), utilizing hydrostatic injection of externally pressurized air into the bearing clearance, is one of the technology advancements to the conventional AFB. Previous studies on HAFBs demonstrate the enhancement in the load capacity at low speeds, reduction or elimination of the friction and wear during starts/stops, and enhanced heat dissipation capability. In this paper, the benefit of the HAFB is further explored to enhance the rotordynamic stability by employing a controlled hydrostatic injection. This paper presents the analytical and experimental evaluation of the rotordynamic performance of a rotor supported by two three-pads HAFBs with the controlled hydrostatic injection, which utilizes the injections at particular locations to control eccentricity and attitude angle. The simulations in both time domain orbit simulations and frequency-domain modal analyses indicate a substantial improvement of the rotor-bearing performance. The simulation results were verified in a highspeed test rig (maximum speed of 70,000 rpm). Experimental results agree with simulations in suppressing the subsynchronous vibrations but with a large discrepancy in the magnitude of the subsynchronous vibrations, which is a result of the limitation of the current modelling approach. However, both simulations and experiments clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the controlled hydrostatic injection on improving the rotordynamic performance of AFB.Copyright © 2017 by ASME
P050 Rapid, high resolution HLA genotyping using nanopore sequencing

Aim Despite the significant advancement of high resolution HLA genotyping by next generation sequencing (NGS), the full promise of NGS has yet to be fully realized. Paired-end Illumina sequencing of HLA amplicons results in lengthy turn around times often approaching 72 h and remains unable to resolve genotyping ambiguities within class II HLA genes. We aim to address both of these issues by performing rapid, single molecule sequencing of full length HLA amplicons on the Oxford Nanopore sequencing platform. Methods HLA amplicons were generated at 11 loci (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DPA1, HLA-DPB1, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRB3, HLA-DRB4 and HLA-DRB5) using the Omixon Holotype kit for five individuals with ambiguous HLA-DPB1 genotyping (as assessed by the analysis of paired-end sequencing data). HLA amplicons were used to generate 2D sequencing libraries that were sequenced on the Oxford Nanopore MinION platform with real-time base calling. A custom bioinformatics pipeline was developed to generate phased, full-length HLA allele consensus sequences and perform high resolution genotyping for each amplified locus. Results Sequencing reads were found to have a high insertion/deletion error rate (particulary around homopolymer stretches) and an observed average basecall error rate of ∼ 4%. However, with an average read depth greater than 200X per locus, our analytical pipeline was able to generate highly accurate (99.99%), full-length consensus sequences and unambiguous HLA genotyping results for each HLA locus analyzed that were 100% consistent with genotyping results obtained from the analysis of paired-end sequencing data. All steps of the process, from DNA extraction to high resolution HLA genotyping for each sample was performed within ∼24 h. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the utility of the Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing platform in combination with our developed bioinformatics pipeline to generate full-length gene consensus sequences and unambiguous high resolution HLA genotyping results. As the platform chemistry and flow-cell continue to be optimized, we hope that turn around time and read accuracy will further improve, facilitating unambiguous, rapid high resolution HLA genotyping within Immunogenetics laboratories addressing currently unmet needs.
Introduction: Globalization and Diasporic Exchange

(2003). Introduction: Globalization and Diasporic Exchange. South Asian Review: Vol. 24, Globalization and Diaspora, pp. 3-17.
Differential Performance of Professional Dancers to the Music Apperception Test and the Thematic Apperception Test

Abstract. This project compared the relative performance of professional dancers and nondancers on the Music Apperception Test (MAT; van den Daele, 2014), then compared dancers’ performance on the MAT with that on the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT; Murray, 1943). The MAT asks respondents to “tell a story to the music” in compositions written to represent basic emotions. Dancers had significantly shorter response latency and were more fluent in storytelling than a comparison group matched for gender and age. Criterion-based evaluation of dancers’ narratives found narrative emotion consistent with music written to portray the emotion, with the majority integrating movement, sensation, and imagery. Approximately half the dancers were significantly more fluent on the MAT than the TAT, while the other half were significantly more fluent on the TAT than the MAT. Dancers who were more fluent on the MAT had a higher proportion of narratives that integrated movement and imagery compared with those more fluent on...
ATP-dependent formation of methane from methylcobalamin by extracts of Methanobacillusomelianskii

Abstract The significant observation by Blaylock and Stadtman (1) that the methyl moiety of methylcobalamin serves as a precursor of methane using extracts of Methanosarcina barkeri has prompted us to extend our previous observations on cell-free methane formation (2). At the present time, it is not known whether methylcobalamin is a natural intermediate in the biological formation of methane or whether it only serves as an active methyl donor. This communication presents evidence that extracts of Methanobacillus omelianskii form methane stoichiometrically from methylcobalamin, that this formation is dependent upon ATP, and that the formation apparently does not require an added source of electrons.
Stratégies anti-hyperalgésiques dans la prévention des douleurs chroniques post-chirurgicales : données précliniques et application clinique

Au regard de sa definition par l’IASP („une experience sensorielle et emotionnelle desagreable, associee a des lesions tissulaires reelles ou potentielles, ou decrite en termes de tels dommages“), la douleur ne peut et ne doit pas etre consideree comme une simple reponse a un stimulus nociceptif, mais est aussi l’expression conjointe de l’histoire de l’individu et de ses relations avec l’environnement [1], associee aux processus de plasticite que le systeme nerveux central met en place et utilise pour repondre de facon adaptee aux stimuli nociceptifs. Il a ainsi ete montre que la plasticite inherente au systeme nerveux central module physiologiquement la transmission de l’information nociceptive [2]. La sensation douloureuse releve alors d’un subtil equilibre entre l’activite de systemes inhibiteurs (antinociceptifs) et de systemes facilitateurs (pronociceptifs) de la nociception [3]. L’activation de ces derniers reposerait plus particulierement sur la mise en jeu de processus de sensibilisation dont on sait aujourd’hui qu’ils sont responsables d’une majoration de la douleur post-operatoire a travers l’expression d’une hyperalgesie.
Mutagens, Carcinogens, and Anti-Carcinogens

Mutagens and carcinogens in the environment represent a potential hazard, and it is important to screen large numbers of compounds and mixtures of compounds to which humans are exposed. However, it is Impractical for both technical and monetary reasons to do the bulk of mutagen screening by using mammals. Carcinogenicity testing in mammals is also extremely expensive and takes years for adequate tests. The Salmonella test we have developed, and the other short-term tests that have been developed for testing chemicals for their ability to interact with DNA, or for mutagenicity, are being widely used and should help in solving some of the problems that cannot be adequately approached by human epidemiology or animal cancer tests alone.